I know. I should let the speeches going on at the Republican National Convention piss me off … but they do! To hear them talk, they paint themselves as fiscally responsible angels that want less government in our lives. Ummm … yeah. How many years ago did that in fact stop being a reality? Meanwhile, we Democrats are all gun hating, homo loving, baby killers.

Oh, wait … I do loves me some homos.

Oh, man. Do I feel like a heel for not having seen “Grindhouse” at the movies? Yeah .. I do. “Planet Terror” and “Death Proof” add up to some great exploitation throw-back fun. It’s too bad that you can’t get the original theatrical version of “Grindhouse” on video here in the states. But in Japan, they have a monster 6-disc DVD set that contains the “extended” versions, special features discs (both available in the States) and a disc with the original theatrical cut (including faux trailers) and a special bonus disc. Awesome! My copy should be arriving tomorrow …

While waiting on Franke outside Hannah Flannigan’s last night I people watched and noticed a few things that seem to be “in” over Asheville way.
1. Dreadlocks
2. Tattoos 
3. Knapsacks or Messenger Bags
4. Flip Flops/Sandals  
5. Apparent Lack of Personal Hygiene

Decision time. I am on my last month of Paxil before having to contact my doc to ask for more. I am thinking that I should take this month and step down off the stuff. But I think I might be psychologically addicted. I am a little worried that the anxiety attacks will start again right after stepping down. Ah … decisions, decisions.

“Brand Upon The Brain!” (2006)
Those of you who like to be more adventuresome with you movies might enjoy “Brand Upon The Brain!” Guy Maddin’s semi-autobiographical silent film is steeped in the tradition of films from the 20’s and 30’s. Journey to Black Notch Island and discover its mysteries. Along the way you’ll be treated to a movie that plays like melodrama, comedy and horror with a dash of German expressionism thrown in for good measure. Isabella Rossellini provides excellent narration throughout the film. If you see the new Criterion edition, you get you choice of several celebrity narrators as one of the bonus features. Check it out … if you’re adventuresome that is!

Things here have been busier than a one-armed man at an ass grabbin’ contest. On top of work and “Floyd Collins” rehearsals, I have had a house guest all week (the theater’s intern) and that’s been keeping me busy as well since he doesn’t drive.

Meanwhile, “Floyd Collins” is still not totally cast. Three weeks in and we are still looking for Lee Collins and Ed Bishop. The major trouble is they both have to be able to sing. I know plenty of fellas that would say yes to the roles … that don’t sing. We’ve had some folks on the hook (quite a few in fact) but they have all wriggled off due to the time commitment … or conflicts with performance dates … or work schedules … or just not being interested. I am starting to suspect that I (again) will end somehow end up in my own show and I don’t want that to happen.

Last night I have this very vivid dream that I was directing the show. We had this massive and pretty cool set that was all multi level platforms with a huge raked section in the center. There were a lot of folks in the show (more than the real life show calls for). We were rehearsing a group scene but nobody was listening to me. I was trying to stage a scene where Floyd (played by Adam K. for some reason) is still trapped and members of the cast gather around and sing about his entrapment. I would try and tell them what needed to be done and they would just be talking amongst themselves. When I would yell to get their attention, they would pay attention for a few moments and then go back to talking. I was becoming very frustrated because nobody would pay attention to me.   

Sheesh. We haven’t even really gotten started and I think I need a break already.

Some of us worked a fundraiser for the theater. Roles from “Cabaret” were reprised as we entertained the folks that paid a lot of money to be there. Pictured above (thanks to Christy!) are the fellas (including me) lookin’ all sexy …