Royal Understanding

Ethel: 'How long have you been a smoker?'
Margot: '22 years.'
Ethel: 'Well, I think you should quit.'

At first glance it was nothing. I mean, the first time I watched The Royal Tenenbaums. I watched it again last night and it was very different. A second look into things can give you a different perspective.

To begin with, the cast in this film is superb. I also understand now why when I first saw this movie I didn't think much of it: I didn't 'get' it. I didn't understand that type of humor. I didn't understand the underlying theme. A lack of functionality worked for them. It worked, even through pain and what was lost: The possibility of well-rounded success. I didn't enjoy it then because I didn't understand how disillusion could be portrayed with humor. Back then, it just didn't click. The characters are so well defined and unique. It's a brilliant film. I was blown away.

I'm so happy I watched it again.

And like with other first impressions, I have realized that sometimes taking a second look at things is a good time spent. Even if what you discovered is crap. At least you'll know what it really is.

*Currently listening to Don't Be Shy, The Libertines*

Put A Smile On Me.

Random Musings

• R.C. wants for the clock to hit 12:34:56 on 07/08/09. (I think that's when we're supposed to take over the world)
• James thinks i.Saw is possibly the coolest computer accessory you can get. (I have no clue what it is)
• Mauro had his first espresso today. (I can't believe this)
• Jeff thinks the coolest Muppet is Gonzo. (Gosh, I luv Jeff)
• Mayela loves that her Calla Lilly plant is growing so fast! Ah! I'm so happy! (She's so cute)
• Avery quoted O.W. - “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." (Cool beans)

I'm easily entertained...

*Currently listening to You Make Loving Fun, Fleetwood Mac*

How Logical.

I swear, I must have been a hippie in my past life...

The Passage

For the Baha'is, death is regarded as a 'messenger of joy' for the deceased. Baha'i dead must be buried within an hour's travel distance from the place of death. Baha'is do not embalm or cremate their dead. The dead body is washed and wrapped in a shroud. Baha'is are often buried wearing a Baha'i burial ring. The only ceremonial requirement of a funeral is the recitation of the Prayer for the Dead.

In Buddhism, death of the physical body is certain, but only a part of an ongoing process of re-incarnation until one receives enlightenment. Buddhists cremate the bodies of their dead. The first seven days after death are the most important for final and funereal prayer. Prayers are said weekly, during a 49-day funeral period.

Catholics see death as a passage from this life to the new, everlasting life promised by Christ.
The Catholic funeral service is called the Mass of the Resurrection. Eulogies are not allowed during the funeral mass, but may be delivered at a wake or other non-religious ceremony. There is also a final graveside farewell, and additional traditions depending on the region.

Eastern Orthodox Christians believe believe death is a necessary consequence of human life, due to original sin. Death is necessary to achieve everlasting life. The Eastern Orthodox hold a special vigil over the dead called the parastasis or panikhida, as a time of contemplation on death. The funeral service includes hymns, chants, and bible readings.

Hindus believe death is part of the continuing cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth. The soul of the dead transfers to another body after death. Hindus generally cremate their dead. In preparation for cremation, the body is bathed, laid in a coffin, adorned with sandalwood paste and garlands, and wrapped in white cloth. In the cremation ceremony, the body is carried three times counterclockwise around the pyre, then placed upon it. The chief mourner hits the cremation switch. The days of mourning are considered a time of ritual impurity. Mourners cover all religious pictures in the house and do not attend festivals or visit swamis or take part in marriage ceremonies. Mourning period length varies, though Hindu scriptures caution against excessive mourning.

Muslims believe that there is another world after death for which the believer should prepare during their lives on earth. The corpse is bathed, wrapped in a plain cloth (called a kafan). The deceased is buried in the ground after the funeral service. Only burial in the ground is allowed according to Shari' ah (Islamic law). Mourners gather and offer Janazah, prayers for the forgiveness of the deceased. Once the body is buried, Muslim mourners offer one final Janazah prayer.

Jews believe death in this life will eventually lead to resurrection in a world to come. The dead are buried as soon as possible. The body is washed to purify it, dressed in a plain linen shroud. The casket, a plain wooden coffin, remains closed after the body is dressed. The body is watched over from time of death till burial, as a sign of respect. The kaddish, a prayer in honor of the dead, is said. There is an intense seven-day mourning period, called shiva, following the burial. Mourners traditionally rent their garments as a symbol of grief. Today, people often wear a black ribbon.

(BeliefNet)

In America, the deseased is paraded through town, taken to a concert and hundreds and hundreds of people cry swearing they will never forget how wonderful this person was...

Seriously.

Not So Cool...

I hate it when I find an awesome video to share here and 'embedding is disabled by request'. I ♥ Calvin Harris, I love The Girls, all of them *wink*.

Also, on the VERY cool category, my dear Brad aka Cheeks, posted his version of a 'sex tape' on YouTube and it was banned and removed creating fun gossip and controversy.You can view it here. I think it's awesome. Honestly, the best sex video I've EVER seen. Go Cheeks!

Note to Some: If you have anything in my car, anything that you may have left behind, in those 'oh, I'll get it later' moments. Stuff like boots, mini skirts, cds, swim trunks, beach stuff, lighters, the International booklet for love and peace, yes, all that I consider crap since it's not mine, well, please know that I have moved all of it to my trunk and I will be donating it to charity by Friday. Contact me if you want your things back. And yes, I love you, but I'm not a storage unit.

*currently listening to Electro Man, Calvin Harris*

The Things I Have Lost.

I have lost a set of keys. One opens my mail box. The second opens the door to a lobby and the third the door to a house where a bunny awaits to be fed by me. If the keys are not at the very last place I can think of, I will be calling a locksmith. I keep thinking the answer is somewhere in my head. I keep searching. Where did I place them?

I have lost all patience. When I hear bullshit I just want to shut it out. I used to be able to go along with it. Indulge you in your delusions. It wasn't hard to do. Now I feel I just can't. I keep hoping to find that quiet place where I can enjoy your voice again.

I have lost a little bit of myself trying to figure things out. I was trying to find myself and I got lost on the way. It hit me, suddenly. And here I sit knowing where to go. Not so lost anymore.

*Currently listening to Hotel Song, Regina Spektor*

That's The Way...

I like it.

3 super cool events in one week. I do have a very fun life.

Lucha VaVoom was a lot of fun. I screamed my lungs out, my favorite wrestlers are 'los gallos', called by the very Anglo commenter: the chickens. Should be the roosters. Oh well. Then there was Cirque Bizerk. I told R.C. we should quit our jobs and join the circus. This was AMAZING. It's like Rocky Horror Picture show meets Cirque du Soliele on acid. It was mesmerizing, cheeky, dark, twisted and extremely entertaining. I caught a glimpse of Dave's face a couple of times, he's mouth was sort of wide open... And last but not least, Quatro de Awesomeness... This was insane! Human firecrackers, live food platters, my lovely R.C. as Wonder Woman and lube wrestling... Music, drinks, art, badass people and me. It was the most awesome of all the awesomes, now I feel like I may need a full day of just sleep... But no, I'm in no way complaining...

Time For An Anouncement - Collaboration Tuesdays (July 7th, 7pm)

Started in the Brewery Arts Complex 2006, the Collaboration Project brings together people looking to exchange thoughts, bounce ideas around, organize projects, and network with others looking to do more than just transmute oxygen. We bring together artists, entrepreneurs, business professionals, scientists, filmmakers, tech types, promoters, musicians, financiers, worker bees, and creative sorts of all variety. From this wide mix of talent, skills, and experience people can let their ideas blossom.

This Tuesday (July 7th) will be a Collab film festival, so for all you film types, this is your night. Because our last film festival night was so packed full of collaborators, we're opening up the third floor lounge to have a special screening. We have a great line-up of shorts and videos to share, discuss, and critique.

We'll have break away periods and a chance for everyone to meet and find collaborators. Adam will be up in the 3rd floor lounge screening some special movies. We might still have room to fit in a short or two in the downstairs theater, so please bring along something you'd like to screen and look for me and David to be put on the schedule.

And then there will be me- knowing nothing about film- collaborating with anyone who also isn't interested in film. So even if film isn't your forte, stop by to talk with me. We can design soap box derby racers and talk about ninjas and plot misdeeds.

- Kevin (Collaboration Project)

So peeps, I'll be there. Collaboration has become one of my favorite L.A. networking movements for the creative mind, even if you're not too creative, like me. If you have any questions, contact Kevin through the link above or just let me know.

Besos and a treat...

Not Kidding Around.

I played with a child the other day. I think it was on Thursday. We sat at her grand piano and she played some tunes for me, I played some for her. We giggled at our mistakes and she tickled me when I was doing very, very well. She wanted to be the best. She is.

I admire the simplicity that children carry with them. At what point do we lose ourselves? I wouldn't want the drama that comes with being a teenager. I like what I know now. But at what price?

I've been told I'm an over-grown child at times. I'm not really over-grown, I'm barely 5 foot 3. Well, children don't have the breasts I do. I guess that's probably what it is. But yeah, I do like to just indulge in the more simpler things. I like to play games and laugh for no reason. I think everything is good enough, could be better, but definitely could be much worst. I'm just very blessed. It is simple.

Americans are children. In many ways. They believe they are protected, that nothing will ever happen to them. Look at 9/11, oh the shock! It is simple. And when things are a bit on the down side, it's a tragedy. 'Oh, the economy', well try living in a town with no drinking water or schools for your children. Americans are spoiled little brats. Children indeed.

Happy 4th to America. I'll leave the politics (and religion) for the truly jaded. Let's think of what made us happy as children and make it a stupendous place for the adults we are today.

Besos.

*Currently listening to Amara snore, it's her nap time*

Yes It Is - Because I Say So.

Buon giorno!

I tend to listen and then act if I feel like it, eventually. Such was the case with Pandora, I was told about it, I was urged to check it out, 'you're going to love it', they said. Eventually I did check it out... So much love from me to P. So much.

They claim it's a 'new kind of radio'. Yes. It really is. The Genome Music Project is an amazing musical algorithm. In fact, it's pure genius. Something about many, many musicians, genes, categorization, analysis...

Now, I'd tell you all about it but I must go. Maybe later? No, here, read it yourself! And - CHECK IT OUT! It's awesomeness at its best!

Besitos!

*Currently listening to my phone go off, it's 7:30, I'm late*

Tough Love.

I heard your voice before I ever spoke to you. I know your eyes and I've never looked into them.

I keep hearing it. That love is supposed to hurt. That love hurts so much. That's not LOVE.

Perhaps you're just a masochist.
Perhaps you're floating on with the rest of the people who were once hurt or stepped all over and automatically assumed 'hey, maybe this is the way it's supposed to be'.

It's not supposed to hurt. It's supposed to feel very, very good. Stop, re-evaluate. Go back to the beginning.

Do you realize?
I'll offer some answers... You do know what you want. You do know what you need. You do know what you lack. It doesn't need to be what you now think it should be. It's okay. Everything will be alright.

And now, a little kiss..



*PS: And yeah, I played 'might tell you tonight' (Scissor Sisters) in my car, over and over again, most of the day today. Until...