Violet Precipitation

"Your lips would make a lolly pop too happy."
LOL

I watched "Purple Rain" for the first time ever last night and loved it. I've been a huge Prince fan for many a year, but never thought his movies were worth my time. "Under the Cherry Moon" was my first foray, and I loved it too. Incredibly campy fun. But I had no idea I was going to enjoy "Purple Rain" quite so thoroughly. Granted there are some hammy scenes and the dialogue is a little bit "soap opera" at times, but overall, the music goes so well with the story. I guess that's my biggest revelation: seeing the music from the soundtrack in it's proper context, 'cause honestly, "Purple Rain" has never been my favourite Prince album.

Special nod to Morris Day.... pimp-tacular gay, don't stand in his way, oh-kaaaay! (snap, snap, snap). He steals almost every scene he's in just by being uber fabulous and slimy. Completely "unbelievable" in the role of a ladies man; but that's what makes watching him so much fun.

And I couldn't help but think that "The Kid's" (Prince's character) whole romantic technique, and distorted view of how romance/relationships should be, was inherent of someone who grew up completely isolated with fucked-up parents and enormous talent. I actually got a little choked-up about how conflicted he was about how his father mistreated his mother, when he couldn't help but admire the man for being a musical genius. Sad, but compelling.

I was also thinking the whole romance with Appolonia could've easily replaced "she" with a "he", in his rough, teasing manner with her. It would've made him seem much-less like an asshole had he been getting a male-romantic interest to strip and jump in a cold lake and taken-off on his purple bat-cycle.

Also... I've never understood how anyone in their right mind could find Prince sexy. Uhhh.... I hate to admit it, but the little half-pint has quite the body in this movie, and his sexual presence is quite provocative. I'd never seen him lookin' quite so good. Wonders never cease.

Baby I'm a Star - Prince

1,2,3,4
Hey, look me over
Tell me do u like what u see?
Hey, I ain't got no money
But honey I'm rich on personality
Hey, check it all out
Baby I know what it's all about
Before the night is through
U will see my point of view
Even if I have 2 scream and shout

Baby I'm a (star)
Might not know it now
Baby but I R,
I'm a (star)
I don't want to stop,
'til I reach the top
Sing it (We are all a star!)

Hey, take a listen
Tell me do u like what u hear?
If it don't turn u on
Just say the word and I'm gone
But honey I know, ain't nothing
Wrong with your ears
Hey, check it all out
Better look now or it just might be 2 late (just might be 2 late)
My lucks gonna change tonight
There's gotta be a better life
Take a picture sweetie
I ain't got time 2 waste

Oh baby I'm a (star)
Might not know it now
Baby but I R,
I'm a (star)
I don't want to stop,
'til I reach the top
Sing it! (We are all a star!)

Everybody say, nothing come 2 easy
But when u got it baby, nothing come 2 hard
You'll see what I'm all about (see what I'm all about)
If I gotta scream and shout (if I gotta scream and shout)
Baby baby (baby) baby (baby) baby (baby)
yeahyeah yeah yeah yeah yeah (star)

Might not know it now
Baby but I R, I'm a (star)
I don't want to stop,
'til I reach the top
Sing it! (star)
Baby baby baby
oh baby I'm a (star)
baby baby baby
somebody (We are all a star)
(Baby I'm a star)
We are all a star
We are all a star

Doctor!
Baby, baby, baby, baby,
baby, baby, baby, baby
We are all a star{Backwards talking in the background}
"Like what the fuck do they know
All their taste is in their mouth
Really.
What the fuck do they know?

7 Random Things

I've been tagged in a Blog Meme by Misster Kitty. And far be it from me to ignore a tag. (it just goes to show you that even when I'm flying under the radar, I'm still keeping tabs on all my friends blogs.)

So, here we go. 7 things you may not have known about me, and maybe could've lived without knowing about me. ;)

1. I'm a compulsive nail-biter. It's disgusting. My hands are a mess, and a hand model I will never be. I've tried to stop, but I think I need to seek professional help. Anyone know a good hypnotist? (...and a cheap one at that.)

2. I was a virgin til age 22. What else is there to say about that? It's random. It's a fact and yeah. In retrospect I could've waited longer.

3. I am a perfect 6 on the Kinsey Scale; I have never, ever had even the slightest desire to be with a woman. Even though my first kiss was with a girl. (That kind of sealed the deal.)

4. I do not remember my final semester of high school in the months that followed my dad's death. It's a complete blank. I remember going to my graduation, but that's about it.

5. I have a collection (with Ted) of over 1400 CD's. We have long since run out of places to put them.

6. I've stopped watching television dramas because I can't bare to have them cancelled. I get so attached to the characters that I literally mourn their loss. My favourite soap opera was cancelled in 1996 and I still miss it. ("The City", on ABC -formerly "Loving")

7. I have trouble peeing in a public bathroom. I count in two's and imagine spiders on the wall to try to make myself pee.

And an 8th just for good measure: I hate tomatoes, but routinely enjoy tomato sauce, ketchup, salsa, and sun-dried tomato concocted things.

I'm not tagging anyone, but I would be interested to see what Jerome or Keltie would come up with. Hint Hint.... but no obligation.

Song of the day, is a dirty ol' gem by Prince from the Purple Rain soundtrack. Y'gotta love "Darling Nikki".

I knew a girl named Nikki
I guess u could say she was a sex fiend
I met her in a hotel lobby
Masturbating with a magazine
She said how'd u like 2 waste some time
And I could not resist when I saw little Nikki grind

She took me 2 her castle
And I just couldn't believe my eyes
She had so many devices
Everything that money could buy
She said sign your name on the dotted line
The lights went out
And Nikki started 2 grind

Nikki

The castle started spinning
Or maybe it was my brain
I can't tell u what she did 2 me
But my body will never be the same
Her lovin' will kick your behind
Oh, she'll show u no mercy
But she'll sho'nuff sho'nuff show u how 2 grind

Darlin' nikki

Woke up the next morning
Nikki wasn't there
I looked all over and all I found
Was a phone number on the stairs
It said thank u 4 a funky time
Call me up whenever u want 2 grind

Oh, Nikki, ohhhh

Come back Nikki, come back
Your dirty little Prince
Wanna grind grind grind grind grind grind grind grind grind

Prince Prevails - So Sayeth the Toilet-Seat-Cozy Saboteur

So this weekend we went to a party on Friday night, and then over to Eak's sister's place on Saturday night. Then yesterday we slept the morning away, cleaned all afternoon and Tammy came over for dinner and Amazing Race (plus an unexpected hour of Desperate Housewives).

Friday night was a house-warming party for a friend and co-worker of mine that I seldom ever get to hang out with. Our biggest bonding experience was travelling to Detroit together to see Prince ("Musicology" tour). She's a huge Prince fan, as am I and it's really interesting how a love of music or one artist in particular can provide a bond strong-enough to base an entire friendship upon. That specific road-trip weekend lead to some deep, heart-felt conversations and a really memorable good time. I'm always grateful when I think about that. Anyhoo... her house is gorgeous and her friends are a lot of fun. I've never been to a party with so many folks smoking weed simultaneously. Needless to say; there was a lot of conversation. ha Some of it was riveting I tells ya. At around 1am there was a huge debate by the fireplace: Michael Jackson versus Prince. Given my little introduction, you can well imagine that my friend (Marty) and I were putting up the good fight for Prince, because there were a shit-load of MJ fans there. (I love Michael too - don't get me wrong, but when it all comes down to it... there's just no comparison. Prince wins on every issue that counts.) I find it disheartening when people base their entire opinion of an artist, on a period of their popularity. (Mind you, I feel that way about people forming fast opinions about just about anything or anyone.) For some people it's not enough to say, "well I haven't really ever been a fan" or "I haven't heard anything new from that artist for a long time". They have to grand-stand some curious hatred, in a mockery-laced tangent. Yeah, the debate got heated for some reason, for some people. (Just made me shake my head in wonderment.) And I won't even get into my feelings of astonishment at people saying they didn't like Prince because he was weird, whilst singing the praises of Michael Jackson. Marty and I tried to play fair by not taking any digs at poor Michael. Talk about biting your tongue. My biggest point on the whole issue/comparison was that "Michael Jackson's music is like junk food. It's really good when you're in the mood for light-hearted fun, but you can't survive on a steady diet of it." Whereas, Prince has music for whatever mood you're in, or whatever you're going through - and lots of it. They're both talented showmen. Both musically gifted. And both eccentric... to say the least. But sorry MJ fans... Prince sings better, has consistently better music, has a much better sense of who he is/what he stands for, a seemingly better sense of humour, and above all else: Prince has more soul. Long live both artists though. They're cultural icons and I'm certain there's much to be learned from either of them.

I should also add, that now that Eak's had the chance to get to know Marty a little better, we're very likely to spend more time with her and her bf. They're good people. And what a beautiful home!

And on to Saturday/Saturday night.

I didn't get to sleep until about 5:40 am on Saturday, so understandably, I was largely out-of-juice for the day. But that didn't stop us from going shopping with KittyCole. She bought a purple leather jacket from Danier. The girl loves purple... and she's not even Prince-obsessed.
We parted company and headed over to Eak's sister's (Melanie) place with our bread maker in tow. Eak made some decadent banana bread this weekend that started with that loaf. It was so good he made another loaf yesterday afternoon. Mark (Mel's husband) taught us how to play hearts and as always, we learned things about them that we'd rather not know. (Don't ask. Mark's the King of inappropriate outbursts.) I was amused at one of his terms of endearment though. "Whore Pie". Still makes me giggle. I was making up similar names for Eak as a result (and much to his chagrin). Funny how, Eak doesn't think "Sphincter Muffin", or "Scrotum Dumpling" are good pet names. Neither are quite as musical as "Whore Pie"... I'll give ya that.

While we were there, I played "Toilet Seat Cozy Saboteur". God I hate those things. I'm sure it's not very hospitable-guest of me, to keep popping the toilet seat cozy off the toilet seat at someone else's house. But hey - they're family, and Mel quite-obviously kept fixing it. 'Cause every time I went in the bathroom, there it was; all snug and prohibitively in place. Toilet seat cozies were specifically designed by women to agitate men in the most insidious way I've ever seen in action. I understand their aesthetic quality, and why they're the perfect addition to every bathroom where you want to ensure the seat is always down. But DEAR GOD in heaven, how I hate them. I don't ask much of this world, but let me pee in peace, without having to prop up the f*#king toilet seat... mmmkay??? So sayeth the toilet seat cozy saboteur. (I just like the way that sounds.)

In other news my neck is buggered. Has been since last Thursday. I think I just slept on it wrong, but I'm in enough discomfort today to use it as a valid excuse to go home and me thinks I shall. Sometimes I feel sorry for my neck... having to bare the beast of burden that is my ginormous melon of a head.

OH... and I can't forget to document that Eak is going to see Ricky Martin tonight. Courtesy of KittyCole yet again. She's got connections. It's a concert and meet-and-greet. And needless to say I had to agree in no uncertain terms that if opportunity should arise... I am not entitled to any jealous feelings, abandonment issues, or pesky infidelity hang-ups should Mr Martin even look at Eak with a twinkle in his eye for any kind of sexual hi jinx.
I said "go for it." I've got the same kind of dibs on Colin Farrell, so it's only fair. ; )
I told Eak "I want to know what Ricky Martin smells like. So pay attention." I just envision him having a very non-typical fresh/clean scent... like some fragrance you can only find on a mountain in Tibet or something. If he's stinky, or wears something like Joop, or CK1 my already marginal interest in him will diminish completely. I'm weird about the fragrance thing, admittedly.

My absolute favourite Prince song: "17 Days"

Called u
yesterday
U didn't answer your phone
The main drag
is knowing that
U probably weren't alone

So here I sit in my lonely room
Lookin' 4 my sunshine
But all I've got
is two cigarettes
And this broken heart of mine

So let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down

You've been gone
17 days
17 long nights
The main drag
is knowing that
You're holding someone else tight
I wanna to call u
everyday
And beg u 2 be near me
But I know
your head is underwater
I doubt that u could hear me

So let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down

Ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
17 Days
Ha, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
17 Days

Called u yesterday
U didn't answer your phone
If you're the one who's always lonely
Then I'm the one who's always alone

So here I sit in my lonely room
Lookin' 4 my sunshine
All I've got
is 2 cigarettes
And this broken heart of mine

Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down

Why don't you answer your phone?
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down
17 Days
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down
Let the rain come down, down
17 Days

Peanuts n' Carrots n' Concerts n' Stuff

I had no idea that salted peanuts tasted quite so good when eaten with raw baby carrots. Chalk that up to unlikely taste sensations. Very enjoyable. (Part of my lunch today)

O-tay folks... my voice session has been delayed due to the root of all evil: clients. But only for a few days while they agree upon the final draft of the script. Rest-assured that when this is all up n' running I will most assuredly post a link to the website on which my voice is featured. (even if it sucks, I promise.)

We tried and failed to go to the movies on Monday night, and I'm beginning to think that Ted and I subconsciously block our own efforts to get to the theatre. The last movie we saw, was The Hitcher. Which was one of those hilarious horror movies that isn't intentionally funny. That being said, we've failed to see a movie of any calibre of quality in a VERY long time. Unfortunate stuff. But the movie we were supposed to see on Monday was "I Think I Love My Wife" starring Chris Rock. My station had the premiere so it was free. But being a dolt, I didn't think to exchange the voucher for actual tickets in advance, so by the time Ted got downtown the feature was sold-out. D'oh! Can't even get my shit together enough for a free movie.

Ah well.

I made a mental note to start documenting concerts I've seen (there have been quite a few) because of the dialogue that arose from my talking about the Scissor Sisters (at length) last week. I love talking about music, so please, by all means: leave comments about the concerts that you've seen if the spirit so moves you. It's fun to know what music people are into, no matter what the genre.

In no particular order whatsoever... I have seen... U2, Garbage, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Usher, Mariah Carey, Our Lady Peace, The Tea Party, Jill Scott (twice), Erykah Badu (terrible live), Queen Latifah, Faith Evans, Whitney Houston, Prince (twice), Amy Grant, Imogen Heap, Jann Arden (twice), Harry Connick Jr, Lucy Pearl, Melissa Etheridge, Sarah McLachlan, Nelly Furtado, Michael Buble, Bush, Scissor Sisters (of course) and that's all I can think of for now, but I think there's more. If I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be Prince. There's nothing quite like a stadium concert goin' all intimate and interactive, which is exactly what he managed to do both times I saw him. Additionally, Prince is perhaps one of the most underrated guitar players ever. The man is brilliant.

Anyhoo, listing off the concerts that I've seen isn't nearly as interesting as I thought it might be. hah Tell me who you've seen. Share!

Song of the day goes out to my mom, who's birthday was yesterday. (Still haven't spoken but I did send a package/card.) Happy Birthday Squirrelly Shirley. I love you in spite of our differences.

Razor's Edge - Gary Chapman

In this turbulence
That we're flying through,
I just can't fix my eyes on what I love in you.
Yet in the calm of the storm's eye,
I know that there are reasons
why we still must try.

Rummage through memories
piecing together
worn tattered fabrics
of love that remains.

When the voice of love has drowned,
still we'll hear our silent pledge.
Though we find no common ground,
we'll learn to love on a razor's edge.

And our hearts are moved
with the ebb and the flow,
As I try to drop my anchor in this truth we know.
For the depths of love
that I have for you
lie beneath the stormy surface
that we're learning to subdue.

Oh calm the waters,
quiet the tempest,
Bring forth an unfaltering peaceful resolve.

(repeat chorus)

Love seeks a passage
through open wounds,
speaking a language
that comforts and heals.

(repeat chorus)

Happy Pee

September 05

This weekend I did a very gay thing indeed; I watched West Side Story for the very first time. And loved it. The fact that I loved it is undoubtedly more "gay" than just watching it. I'm discovering more and more that older movies (which West Side Story qualifies as) are very entertaining, if not realistic. And lo and behold if there wasn't a distinct Michael Jackson vibe goin' on during many of the movies choreographed scenes. I for one, had no idea how obviously inspired/influenced he was by this movie - I just always thought his music videos of the 80's were a little overblown and strange. Y'know, the gang-posturing, groin-grabbing, "ho" yelling numbers that you figured were bound to erupt into an all-male street orgy at any moment if they didn't dissolve into barbs of "yo mama's so fat" first. Alas, I likely would have been that much more entertained had they been a little more of either, but I do feel like I've come that much closer to understanding one of history's more perplexing artistic beings. Revelation aside that I'm a Michael Jackson "fan", I don't consider myself an admirer or even a really big fan for a lack of any other more appropriate adjective. So here endeth my ramblings about him. West Side Story: good movie.

My course starts today. Wheeee. There was no starting gun, no fanfare, no unleashing of the hounds... which took me a minute to absorb. Y'know; the realization that I never had any of those genesis-factors present in any other educational incarnation I've undertaken. All that being said, I've already got this sinking feeling that I'm procrastinating. An old habit of mine from my school days so maybe that is the unleashing of the hounds. I think this feeling is just poppin' up because I've never done anything via correspondence before and I have no teacher of sorts to interact with, just a damned deadline. So what have I done thus far? I've started a work log to keep track of what I do in a day, this is something I must do from now til December. Ick. Now that in itself is "something" you might think, but "no", it's just filling numbers into a chart. Hardly worthy of being hailed as my triumphant return to academia. I don't know what would be worthy, but I've got a feeling this course is going to leave me feeling even more deflated about my career than I was when I began. That might be a good thing if it makes me take action. Oh action - why don't you just fall in my lap! I'll show you a good time, and you in-turn repay me with opportunity and financial compensation beyond my wildest dreams. It would seem I've spent my adult life learning that you can hustle opportunity without action. That must be what my brain and other appendages are for. ...And all this time I've aspired to be a motionless lump with a built-in ATM that pumps money out my ass at will. No really, I have.

Blah... I hate the fact that much of my mindset boomerang's back to my own shortcomings. I must change that.

And so I not-so-gracefully switch to the topic of house-training a puppy. Porthos is 6 months old and full of piss and vinegar. The vinegar I'm assuming is a metaphor for all his glorious puppy exuberance, and playful curiosity. Vinegar is also good with copious amounts of salt, on chip-wagon fries. The "piss" factor on the other hand has been an issue for quite a while. In his defense, Porthos has come a long way and he's been a very good boy, about pooping. We've had about 2-3 pooping inside incidents, versus many urine related mishaps. As I had reported earlier on, he now sleeps on our big, comfy, (yet shrinking) king-sized bed. No incidents, no issues; he's been a model puppy in that respect. But with much trepidation, I agreed with Eak that it was time to reinstate the area rugs we'd stowed away since bringin' the little one home. The trepidation came in a big, wet, gushing flow of "happy-pee" before the living room carpet had even been pulled from it's safe hiding spot. "Happy pee" is one of the stumpers in house-training. After all, you don't really want to reprimand or punish your pup for being excited about some good fortune that's come their way. Life's an adventure when you're six months old and haven't sniffed or tasted everything yet. So yeah... Sunday's "happy pee"... came from the acquisition of a grasshopper that Cole had enthusiastically laid-waste to on the balcony and left for dead. Porthos never having seen (or tasted) a grasshopper (dead or otherwise) was very happy for this hand-me-down. Happy enough to pee from the balcony door to the edge of the couch (floor only - thankfully) where he unceremoniously deposited the bug carcass. I'm not just talking piddle; full blown bladder evacuation. I think about it now with a bit of fondness, only because I have to ponder what went through his head. Was the grasshopper not-as-dead as I thought it was, causing him to freak out and drop it? Was there a sudden fear that he'd started something he couldn't stop, thus rendering the grasshopper moot-booty in light of being scolded? The Porthos I thought I knew, would've eaten the grasshopper and moved-on to some other form of mischief. I'd like to think he suddenly realized he was doing wrong and scurried off to pen a letter of apology for not living up to our expectations yet again. More likely than anything: the grasshopper just tasted bad and he circled around to the water dish to cleanse his palette and lap-up more ammo for the next unexpected moment of joy that can only be expressed with pee.

Tomorrow: I ponder how a grasshopper got into our tenth-floor apartment. ...Naw.... I won't. Everybody knows it used the elevator.

Today's song selection (avoiding the obvious choice of something Michael Jackson given how this entry began) is a fun lil' ditty that Eak and I enjoyed, loud, dancin' and "wrecked" on Friday night. A ghost-track from "Rave Un2 the Joy Fantastic".... Pretty Man, by Prince. Fucking awesome track.


Don't hate me cuz I'm beautiful
Hey now, what's up?
Aw, U know how 2 come over here starin' at a brother so hard
Huh, say U what?

CHORUS:
If U wanna be my baby, got 2 tell me so
Over competent lady, better act like U know
If U wanna be my baby, come on take my hand
Tell me that U wanna get with
Prettyman

See me up here dancin', dancin' on the flo'
Got 2 think about doin' just a little mo'
The way I wear my knickers around this booty tight
Make a sister wanna call me up every night - hey!

CHORUS

Everywhere I go, people stop and stare
They just wanna see me swing this pretty hair
If there ever comes a time when it just won't grow
I'll keep it like my brother and buy some mo' - hey!

CHORUS

(Tell me)(Looka here)(Do ya know)(Take my hand)(Say it!)
Ooh, uhIf U wanna be my baby, got (Prettyman)Ooh, Prettyman(Prettyman)

Looka here now In the early morning when I'm feeling nice
I walk by the mirror and kiss it twice
When it comes 2 perfume, i-it's on the shelf
I get it down, if ain't nobody around
I, I, I smell myself
Hey, uh, Prettyman,
looka here I ain't through
Say I don't, uh, wait a minute
Come on, band, break down

I don't care about money, I buy gold by the ounce
Y2K, not today, I write a check and the bank bounce
"Superball" used 2 be my nickname if U ask about love
No money back guarantee when I'm above
Pretty man

If U wanna be my baby, got 2 tell me so
Over competent lady, gotta act like U know
If U wanna be my baby, come on take my hand
Tell me that U wanna get with the Prettyman,

huhMaceo, brother, can U blow?
Uh, pretty From Harlem, uh, ay, off 2 Tokyo
Wait, stop, ah, go Maceo can ya, Maceo, can U blow?
Hey, Prettyman
Oh yeah
Can I scream now?
Hey, hey!
Can I scream now?
Hey, ohhh no!
Hey, hey, hey!
(phone rings)
Hello?
Who is it?
Yes, this is a Prettyman
Princey!
He he he