Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Christmas Post Mortem

Well, Christmas is officially over. I had a great time. Since high school, I have always held jobs requiring me to work the day before and after holidays. It was great to have a few days, especially since my entire family was congregating in Winters, TX (Home of the Blizzards, I kid you not)
My mother, her brother and sister were together for the first time in over 10 years, and it showed. They were happy and laughing most of the time. Being the only grandson and first born, I was basking in the glow of my grandmother's praise. So I was all good.
One thing about my family is how passive aggressive we all are. Every story, every accomplishment is always met with something better, all said with a smile. It is the weirdest situation, everyone is smiling, but you can almost tase the jealousy in the air.
Also, spouses never quite measure up. My grandmother is a hybrid of Doris Roberts a la Everybody Loves Raymond (with myself as Ray) and Shirley MacLaine in Postcards from the Edge. It makes for interesting times. When I wasn't playing with my niece and nephew, I was huddled with my sister, poking fun at everyone else and trying not to laugh during meals.
My grandmother means more to any of us than she will ever know, but she's way too sensetive to be teased, so we wait until she goes to bed and then it's a free for all with the Grandmother Impersonations. It doesn't translate to print, nor would anyone get the key phrases, so I will spare you. Needless to say it is a riot.

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Happy Holidays

Before The Mitchum Sinclair Show goes on Christmas hiatus, I thought I would share a bit from the office Christmas party.

I love my coworkers, but we have a hard time committing to social events. Back in September we all talked about how great the office Halloween party was going to be and convinced Ryan to thow it at his house. Ryan went out of his way to decorate and supply the food and drink for the party.
The big night came and 5 of us showed up. Some of us were taken up by illness, some by emergency, but it was still upsetting.

This time around, Sylvia decided to throw a party at the very last minute. I mean, we got invited on Monday for a Wednesday night get together. This one went off great. Lots of people, food, and drink. I loved the frozen cosmos. I also cooked my mother's chicken enchilada casserole. Everyone brought something and it was all good.

We gathered around and played games fueled by the above mentioned cosmos, margaritas, wine and for some, tequila shots.

The best part was the White Elephant exchange, as we were told to bring the most horrible promotional item we were handed by a vendor. The winner was a roll of toilet paper covered with a glossy book cover. Really, what does that say about the hopes for your book?

Happy Holidays!

Sunday, December 18, 2005

John Spencer 1946-2005

John Spencer, who portrayed Leo McGarry on 'The West Wing' passed away early Saturday morning of a heart attack.
I could get on my high horse and talk about how great the West Wing is again and how sorely he will be missed, but other people have already done that, more eloquently than I could.
My heart goes out to Mr. Spencer's family and to the cast of the show. According to West Wing lore, they were all very close, even when not filming. I cannot express my condolances enough.

Leo and John were both incredible people who will be missed...

Thursday, December 15, 2005

A Very Gay Day

Just when I thought I couldn't get any gayer...

One of my publishers sent me the nicest Christmas Gift Ever: Hardback copies of all 13 L. Frank Baum Oz books.

A very nice girl in on the Video Team is sending me The Judy Garland Show boxed set, with every episode of the show.

It's The Most Wonderful Time To Be Queer!!!!

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Two posts in one day???!!!

I am sure Hell is freezing over. (Actually it is, it only got to 22 here today)

I have been home sick for the past two days, and I am getting cabin fever. But worse, I cannot get to sleep at a decent hour. I had decided to go back into the office tomorrow, so of course, I am sitting here wide awake at 2 am.

Why do these things happen?

This being sick has really put a damper on my Holiday Spirit.

(Yes, I said HOLIDAY. That is an inclusive word used to celebrate all winter holidays regardless of faith or lack thereof. Get over it Focus on the Family.)

Dysfuctional Family Films

With the Holidays upon us, there are countless movies everyone curls up to see.

My favorite is always The Lion in Winter.

It does take place over a Christmas holiday in 1183, with King Henry II, his estranged and imprisoned wife Eleanor, and their 3 sons, as they scheme and plot over Henry's successor. This is dysfunction at it's finest. It always makes me feel much better about my family.

Katherine Hepburn turns in one of her finest performances, and ties with Barbra for the Oscar. This was filmed right after the death of Spencer Tracy, and you can see it in every scene she is in, which magnifies Eleanor in ways unimaginable.

One of the best scenes in the film is when Eleanor sends Richard to negotiate with Phillip of France (A young and hot Timothy Dalton in his film debut). As the scene unravels, you find out of the love affair between the two. Richard (Anthony Hopkins) is still very much in love with Phillip, and you can see the pain in his face as he discloses this, all while his brothers are hiding behind curtains. Henry barges in and Phillip uses Richard and his love against the King. It is heartbreaking.

This was remade in 2003 for Showtime with Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close But No Cigar. I refuse to watch it.

Incidentally, Katherine Hepburn was descended from Eleanor of Aquitaine on both sides...

Monday, November 28, 2005

Upson Downs

I have been so lax in writing lately, not just here, but my book reviews as well, just as my reviews have been picked up by Amarillo Style. Not to make excuses, but it's a trueism that when you start having to write (or read, or whatever you do for pleasure) for work, it becomes harder to do. I have a stack of books to review, and the stack keeps growing. I stare at them, but make feeble excuses why I can't write today.
So now I have subjected myself to 6 episodes of Sex and the City, made myself a Cosmo and put on my favorite Christmas CD and I am now sitting down to write.
I have challenged myself to knock out three reviews tonight. But first I figured I needed to blog, just to keep everyone updated (and to get my chops back in shape).
Speaking of in shape, I now have the ultimate motivation for getting to the gym. When I interviewed for this job, Tom and I went shopping for a new outfit for my interview. I got a new pair of slacks, and so did Tom. After 6 months at a desk job, I can't wear my slacks on account of the growing bulge around my waist. Last time I went home, Tom could not put his slacks on because HE LOST TOO MUCH WEIGHT.

Bitch.

On a lighter note, my last couple of Publisher Meetings have been incredible. I met with the men who produce and distribute Colt Magazine. WOW. I got lots of goodies, and they were the NICEST guys ever.
I also met with DC Comics. Many of you know how much I adore a certain amazon with incredible accessories. I really fo adore my job, which I have to remind myself sometimes, cause it's very lonely without Tom here.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Time goes by so slowly...

I cannot decide which is worse, not being able to go to sleep, or waking up 2 hours before you need to and not going to sleep.
I woke up at 4am, and have not been able to get back to sleep at all. So I figured this is the best time to write. Hey, if Stevie can write hit songs in the dead of night...

Winter is here in the plains of Amarillo. It was in the 30's all day yesterday. I don't think I am going to be able to handle this cold weather. In Odessa, we had maybe a week of freezing temperatures in February. If it is already this cold in November, I am going to be one unhappy camper over the next few months. That is one thing about the desert southwest, mild temps all year.

Tom had a minor outpatient procedure a couple of weeks ago, and I went home to help care for him. It was not a big deal, but it was unexpected and he did need a few days to recuperate. The really bad part is that it came 2 days before we were to leave for Hawaii. We had to postpone the vacation until after the first of the year. At least we didn't have to cancel.

My first book review was published in the Amarillo Style magazine. It was a full page, all glossy and everything. It made my day.

Madonna's new cd is incredible. I really like it when she gets into dance music.

Friday, October 28, 2005

Office Drama

As I was working this morning, one of my fellow buyers passed along a book to me. Her face was puffy and red as if she had been crying.
'Read This,' she says,'It will only take 10 minutes.'
I looked at the book. It was a small red hardcover titled 'Mostly Bob,' by Tom Corwin.
I did read it, I did cry, I passed it along.

Everyone in the office read it, we all cried or teared up. This was one of the most moving love stories I have ever read. I am ready to scream unto the world about this book, but it will not be released until February. Mark you calenders and remember I said this, because it will be the sleeper hit of the Spring. Already the advanced copy has quotes from Morley Safer, Bonnie Raitt, Richard Pryor and his wife, and Joanne Woodward.

It is great to find a book like that, and be able to affect what happens to it. I want to say more, but that would ruin the incredible story for the rest of you.

Be on the lookout, you won't regret it...

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Classic Dames

Which Classic Dame Are You?

I took this quiz, full of confidence that I would be Bette Davis. I am a huse fan and patterned a lot of my young gay life after her.

Imagine my surprise when I turned out to be Barbara Stanwyck. I am not upset at all, but rather intrigued. It always nice to get an outside perspective of youself, from your friends, family or even the occassional internet quiz.

Not that I am planning to get Fred MacMurray to knock of Tom...

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Category Five

We've had a little bit of a casting shuffle at the office these last weeks. We lost one and gained two. In the transition, several duties and responsibilities were reassigned. I am happy to say that I made out like a bandit. I am now involved in the buying of Gay/Lesbian books for the entire chain, as well as the National and Regional Author Events coordinator. Yeah for me.

Yesterday, as Wilma tuned into a hurricane, was my first chaperone for an event. I accompanied two NYT bestselling authors to an event right by my apartment. Both authors were so gracious and fun to be around, they immediately put everyone at ease. Too at ease it seems.
The book manager and I were having a private conversation over the turnout vs. sales. The turnout was incredible. However, because of the number of people who had bought copies of the book already, or were bringing in backlist to get signed, sales were sluggish. The book manager told me she had a bet going with her boss: If she sold x number of copies, he would buy her soft drinks for a year. (I won't even tell you the number, because it was so embarrassingly small) We had a laugh and I thought that was it.

She mentioned the bet to the authors.

That was about the time Wilma was upgraded to a Category Three.

I am all for fun at work, and I am all for friendly competition, but that was just unprofessional. The authors did not take any offense, but I was mortified. At the end of the night, we tallied the sales, and Book Manager was 2 copies away from her 'goal' of free cokes. The authors BOUGHT TWO COPIES OF THEIR OWN BOOK so she could win.

Wilma skipped right past four and went to five.

I was humiliated and no amount of talking could get them to reconsider. They were gracious and didn't think anything of it.

By the time I got to the office this morning, I was furious. I had to give a report to my boss on how things went and when he heard, he went ballistic. So now I had to go back to the store and give a lecture on professional behavior, and move that store down on the list of stores to get signings.

I hate having to be the bad guy, especially when the mistake was unintentional. But if this had been another author of John Grisham popularity, it could jeopardize signings for the whole chain and make my job a living nightmare...

Monday, September 26, 2005

My Milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...

Happy coincidences will bring the coolest shit your way.


I was at my friend Brent's house Saturday night, and he played me a bit of a show he had TiVo'd a week ago, wanting to know what I thought of a specific musical number. All of the show was incredible, and what was killed me is that it aired on Bravo and I had never seen it.

It was The Dan Band: I am Woman. This is a concert by Dan Finnerty and two male backup singers. They sing nothing but songs by strong women, changing none of the pronouns. This guy is so totally straight, it works. It is very funny, as they do crazy choreography and medleys no one would ever think of.

Sunday, I went out and found the live cd.

It opens with 'Free Your Mind/I Am Woman', and you know you are in for a ride. He does not really play for laughs, which makes it funny, but also underlines the fact he is paying tribute to women.

The journey goes into an ABBA medley, a Christina/Britney/TLC medley, and on and on. You find yourself wanting to dance and sing along. He has fun up on the stage, and it translates well to the songs and performance.
Midway through the show, he begins 'Call Tyrone' which is funny, but it segues into 'No More Drama' which gets powerful and serious. If he did it on accident, it was incredible, if he did it on purpose, it was brilliant. The man has a set of pipes on him. It is what makes him more than a novelty act.

I took the cd into the office today to show Brent. By the end of the day, everyone wanted to borrow it and it was all anyone could talk about. That in itself says alot.

Check him out!

The Dan Band

Saturday, September 24, 2005

Blue Writing, Part II

It's no Big secret that I am a fan of Sex and the City, or that Carrie Bradshaw is a role model of mine. I am not vain enough to think that I am like her, but the arcs of some of the stories do parallel some of my life. I am sure I am not the only one. But when you identify so closely with what is going on, it is kind of spooky and reassuring at the same time.
One nice thing is that Carrie can usually pull me out of a writing funk. I can watch an episode and it will send me right to my laptop. I just finished watching Episode 5 of the 5th season where Carrie has the launch party for her book. At the very end, she gets into her limo, and the driver is so excited about Carrie's book that it reminds Carrie that getting a book published is no small feat.
I guess I needed that to remind me of what I have accomplished in the last year. I have a book review column that is published in my hometown newspaper, and I get to travel around and meet up and coming authors, as well as people already respected in the literary field. Everyone has bad days at work, you just have to make sure you use the memory of how good the good days are to reinvigorate yourself.
I love my job, I really do. I think it's just harder because I am alone here and don't get to really share it with Tom, yet. I am so ready for him to be here, and there are days I think it is never gonna happen.
Funny, just the other day I was commenting on how I don't write when I am in a funk, but there was Carrie, ready to drag the words out of me...

Friday, September 23, 2005

Writing the blues

Most great writers and songwriters turn to writing as a source of comfort when they are sad or going through great tragedy. It's how so much of our great art has been created.
I, on the other hand, never feel the urge to write when I am down or upset.
That, my dears, is why you have not seen a post in two weeks.
I am doing well, I just have so much going on, I get stressed and don't want to do anything, least of all write.
Today, I am forcing myself to in the hopes it will bring me some comfort and distraction from everything else.
And with that sentence, I have no where else to go. Everytime I hit a period, I stop and stare at the screen, not knowing what to write next.
I guess I could talk a bit about the Rita, since I am in Texas. Houston is so far away, I might as well be in another state. Not that it doesn't affect me, it does. I just don't see the immediate effects like people in South Texas are right now.
That was quick. Now I am stumped again.
We'll try again later.
(Obviously, the won't be on one of those retrospective clip episodes)

Sunday, September 11, 2005

Things that happen to you in Portland

I must tell you about the author dinner. It was great fun. It was like speed dating for the literary set. Each author would stop by your table for 20 minutes, then a bell would ring and you would get another author. Some of the authors were not that impressive, but we did meet HW Brands, author of Lone Star Nation, and the very handsome and affable Michael Collins. He's Irish, and has the sexiest voice. Got my picture with him and got his email, under the guise of getting him booked for a tour (which of course I would love to do, so I could be his chaperone).
Cody and I went for drinks after the dinner, and found this really cool place, that was comfortable for both of us. Club Aura had a velvet rope and a guy with a clipboard, so I knew this was a place I would love, it also had very pretty women, so Cody was happy also. Very modern and chic. They also make great cosmos. I was soo pretentious, but I was an out of towner, so it's allowed.

I have begun to notice a few things about the Northwest. Once you are here a few days, rules and observations make themselves known:
1. You listen exclusively to Alternative music, and you like it. Portland has a great alternative station we listen to in the car. I have not listened to Stevie or a cast album since I got here. (although I did buy two vinyl Nicks' albums at a record store)
2. You begin to realize how detrimental Metrosexuality is. Everyone in Portland looks gay. If you cruise a guy, his girlfriend is likely to throw daggers your way. Lesbians are another story. Although short hair seems to be the norm, they are way prettier than the cowgirls we have in Texas.
3. They are very fond of the one way street and the buses only, no turns of any kind on any major road. It makes navigation tough. I let Cody do most of the driving for this reason.

The greatest thing happened at the end of the day yesterday. The Lion King opened Friday for a two month engagement. Last night I decided to try and go. I didn't have my heart set on it, so if I couldn't get a good ticket, I would just go to dinner. I drove down to the venue with 15 minutes to spare and ended up dead center 4th row.
It was incredible. I know many theatre snobs tend to dis the presence of Disney on the Great White Way, but the staging was so imaginative. I cried like a little girl during Circle of Life.

This is it from Portland, I have a plane to catch. See you again from the Lone Star State!

Friday, September 09, 2005

Are you hip enough?

Well, we are in the middle of the day here, and I thought I would catch you up on my morning. The show went well. We made contact with many publishers. Most of them were eager to get our business. Everyone was giving away lots of books. I kept filling bag after bag, until it hit me that I would have to get them home somehow. I decided to ship them to myself or buy another suitcase, and kept grabbing the freebies. As we walked the floor, I kept noticing this very handsome, shaggy haired boy, who looked so out of place amongst us bibliophiles. About an hour later, Cody looked at me and asked if I wanted his book, I looked around, and there was Mr. Shaggy, signing books at the author table. Not wanting to run into the cellophane syndrome again, I sent Cody to talk to a publisher while I stood in line.
With his window cleaner blue eyes, he asked a few innocuous questions as he signed my book. I shrewdly gave his publicist my card and explained that I could get him booked on a tour through our Northwest stores. He smiled and I walked away.
Back to grabbing freebies, I met a publisher specializing in books on classic cinema and gay issues. I swear he was Bruce Vilanch's brother. I talked to him a bit and he offered just one of his multiple titles to me, until the conversation got around to the fact that I bought for 152 stores. I now have his entire library of titles. He also asked me to dinner. These are the guys I attract.
Breaking for lunch, Cody and I went to Doug Fir's. If you are ever in the Portland area, go. It is incredibly hip and oh so gay. The style is very retro and the waiters are fabulous.
I have a few hours to rest before the author dinner tonight. More to come...

Mr. Cellophane

Greetings one and all. I write to you today from Portland, OR, where TMSS is on location for the Pacific Northwest Bookseller Association trade show!
I am joined this weekend by my fellow Book Buyer Cody. Cody is a great guy who has been helping me chart the waters of Regional Books. It does help that he is nice looking in addition to his natural ability to put people at ease. He has been married for 2 or 3 years, I think.
Unfortunately, we discovered a downside to traveling together. On the flight from Amarillo to Las Vegas, we had two (That's TWO) pretty hispanic gay flight attendants. They were so busy cruising Cody, I couldn't get the time of day. So, poor Cody gets tagged for a 'mo and I get ignored. It could be a long weekend.
After getting to Portland, we drove around and found our convention center, which was a minor miracle considering the map that was provided to us.
Today is an incredibly busy day for us. We have to hit every University Press we can, and there are many. Cody will be leaving tomorrow morning, so we have to get all the work done today, but that should leave me Saturday to explore the city.
More from Portland later...

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Banned Books

Having been in the book business for longer than I care to admit, I am very passionate about bringing awareness to the plight of the banned book. The last week in September, the American Library Association and the American Bookseller Association both participate in Banned Books Week. Libraries and bookstores are encouraged to set up displays, hold lectures and generally inform the reading public of the threat of censorship. This has become even more important in the wake of the PATRIOT act, as the government can now search library and bookstore records without informing potential suspects and librarians and booksellers are forbidden to divulge that they have been searched.
When I was in the bookstore, I faithfully set up a display every year, and also participated in a discussion group at the county library. The display was a hit. Many books would sell off of it, and it always garnered media attention. When I got to home office, I decided to see if we couldn't go chainwide with the display. We have, and have received nothing but good feedback from the field.
What surprises me is that when I talk to the average person, they have no idea that a) Books are still being banned and b) There is a week dedicated to it. This is frightening when the ALA releases a report that more books have been challenged or banned this year than last year. MORE, not less. In this era of panic and fright, literature, the cornerstone of knowledge and communication, is being removed from schools and libraries across the nation...

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Lost innocence

I got home today to a lot of laundry sitting on the sofa, dishes in the sink, and general unruliness in my apartment. Not having any pressing engagements, I put on Madonna's Drowned World DVD and began to clean.
The background music was very helpful and I got a lot accomplised in a very short time. When I sat down, I remembered the last time I had seen it.
HBO had aired it in it's entirity live. I had decided to make an evening out of it. I called up Keith and David, and Karen and Nicole. We made appitizers and sat around reveling in the majesty and genius of Madonna. I was disappointed that her Evita number was reduced to an instrumental of 'Argentina,' but it was an incredible night: Good Food, Good Friends, Good Entertainment.

It was the last week of August 2001. It seems like a different world, and it was. There were no color coded alerts, no taking your shoes off at the airports, Karen and Nicole were together and there was no sign of the cancer that would claim Nicole.

I am not usually one for such morose thoughts, but as I watch the devestation Katrina has wrought and the general lawlessness that has pervaded the aftermath, I yearn for those simpler days.
Of course those days weren't simple, they just seem that way, clouded by the distance only the past can provide...

Sunday, August 28, 2005

The Greatest Star of All

I am a firm believer in serendipity.

A few weeks ago, it was announced that Glenn Close and Ewan MacGregor will star in the movie version of the musical of the movie Sunset Blvd.

A few days ago, I read a blog about the classic movie.

And tonight it is on tv. I think the spirit of Gloria Swanson is trying to tell me something...

I was a big fan of the movie, the first time I saw it, at the tender age of 18. Thanks to my dear friends Ron and Jim, who introduced me to the required cinema of the cultured gay. Soon after, I was pleased to hear about the musical being produced with my dear Patti LuPone in the title role. I haunted my record store for the cast recording, and memorized every word. It was wonderful.
Then the drama of the Normas. Patti was out, replaced by Glenn Close-But-No-Cigar. I was beside myself as only a show-mo could be. I did get the Close cast recording just in case I was being judgmental, however, her Carol Burnett dialogue delivery and less than stellar vocals reaffirmed my decision not to see it until she left the show.
Enter Betty Buckley. I loved her Norma. Plus, I was 4 rows from the stage, it was a magical.

Watching the movie again, I realized no one could do Norma justice. Gloria Swanson makes Norma larger than life, in ways that no other actress could. Sure you sing along to Patti or Betty, but Gloria owns that role, you firmly believe she is Norma. From her eyes, to the tiniest of hand gestures, she is The Greatest Star Of All...

Saturday, August 27, 2005

A Slice Of Urban Life in a Non Urban World

I love big cites. I love the hustle and bustle, the unending possibilities, the adventure. Everytime I have every taken a trip to San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, or New York, I feel so at home.
But I don't live in a big city, although Amarillo is a step up. So I find little urban things to do in my decidedly non-urban environment.
Like sitting at a Starbucks on a Saturday morning, drinking my vanilla latte, eating my coffee cake and blogging while I people watch.
It's really the people watching that brings me back to rural Texas. No one in a large urban environment would be wearing matching capri pants and flip flops in lime green with a head of hair so tall it makes Elsa Lanchester look like Pipi Longstocking. (Unless you are in New Jersey) Everytime I see the occassional metrosexual (I have issues with them, but that's another post), he is in the company of the hideously uneducated and unrefined girlfriend/wife and kids.
I do get the occasional celebrity sighting, not related to my job. Anyone who has followed the VH1 show 'Strip Search' knows about the guy from Pampa, TX. Pampa is only 30-45 minutes from here. I saw him in a grocery store the other day.
(hmmmmm....Starbucks does wonders for my blogger's block)

Friday, August 26, 2005

Restarting a blog...

...is tough, after you've been out of commission for a while, especially when you find yourself writing all the time in your job. I can still crank out the book reviews, but when I sit in front of my notebook, I have no idea what to write. As some others have commented, there really is blogger's block, and I think I am suffering from it right now. Not something the everage reader wants to read, but I feel that I must write something, just to get back in the habit.
All is well on the set of TMSC right now. I have been busy buying books and hasseling publishers for free copies of stuff.
I actually have two books worth mentioning:

1. 'The Stewardess if Flying the Plane' will be available in late September, early October. This lavish coffee table book chronicles the cinema of the 70's with lots of photographs and interviews from film notables of the era. I asked for a copy just cause I liked the title and the cover (Karen Black on the radio, like you didn't already know)

And then there's...

2. Tequila...A photographic essay on the time honored tradtion of making the liquor in the town it is named after. Did you know that manly Mexicans strip naked to get in the vats and stomp around? Beautiful pictures...

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Travelin' Man

Wow. Now I have Internet at my apt, so I don't have to hang out in Starbucks all night. Although, it was quite fun, sitting with my mocha frap, listening to Yahoo Launch Radio with all the other laptop posers.
I know I am going to regret this, but I filled out a form to make my laptop work compatible, so I can work from home if I need to. I know I will get taken advantage of, but I like the idea of working with the tv right here, and in my bathrobe. It's also very bad to be in the office 12 hours a day. So there. I will also be able to take it to trade shows with me. I am so excited, I'll be in Portland and Denver next month.

Sunday, August 21, 2005

Season Two

Hello all! TMSS, is back from hiatus!!!
I have been surprised at the emails here and there from loyal readers wondering where I went. Of course, a lot of my time has been taken up with the new job, and the maintaining of a long distance relationship. I know some of you out there know what that is like. But mostly, I have been without internet access except at work. It does create a problem when your forum is web based.
However, fate has smiled upon me yet again and I am sitting here in Starbucks, posting via my new laptop. I feel very Carrie Bradshaw, except there is a table next to me doing a bible study in the most hideous getup this side of a rummage sale. The costume designer for Sex and the City would never permit that. I guess my supporting cast isn't as important. Hopefully, my budget for this season will increase and I can get better ambiant characters.
I am very upset that I am not 'The Gay One' at work. There are 2 other 'mo's in the department, both of whom do drag. Not that there is anything wrong with it. It's just that I was very used to being the 'Gay Guy' at work, without it bothering me. It was my schtick. Now I have to revamp my place in the office heiarchy. On the bright side, I am always Mr. Positive Attitude, so I try to keep everyone's spirits up and have now been dubbed 'The Morale Fairy.'
In the reading dept, I have come across some incredible literature. When it hits the shelves in September, I reccommend John Berendt's new novel, 'City of Fallen Angels.' It's a pretty good follow up to 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' considering it has been 10 years.
See you next episode!

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

Nicole

A little background:

A few years ago, Tom and I were very active in a small community theatre in Odessa: The Center Stage. It was run by a friend of ours. Center Stage put on all kinds of really fun productions. The best part, of course, was all of the cast parties. We had this little gang that spent so much time together. Sue, Jim, Amy, Brad, Jack, Mack, Ray, we were always involved in one production or another. It was one of the highlights of my life.
At one party, we met a young woman named Nicole. She was funny, and so quick! I would match her wit against anyone.
As is always the way of the world, Center Stage closed down and people started drifting away. Nicole only lived 20 miles away, but it seemed our schedules would almost never mesh. When we did get together, it was like no time at all had passed. She was an avid reader and we would swap books to read anly to discuss them in incredible detail later. Nic was one of the first people I introduced to 'Wicked.' She encouraged me to set up a book review club, and even brought a friend along to the two meetings we had.
I would often think of Nicole, but we did not see enough of each other.
Nicole lost her battle with cancer on July 4th. Independence Day.
I could think of no better tribute to her life than to make sure others knew her name, and how special she was, to have touched my life in so short a time...

Sunday, July 03, 2005

Forget Steve McQueen

My new matinee idol crush is Tab Hunter, circa 1950.

I was sent an ARC of his autobiography and it is great. Tab discusses his life with great candor. No stone is left unturned as he recounts his beginnings as the son of a single mother who becomes one of America's favorite leading men.
He delves into his sexuality without giving it a smarmy feeling. We know who and sometimes where, but not the how's.
The most interesting part of the book is the background on Hollywood. He spends a lot of time on the set, reminiscing about the movies he made and the people involved. From Sophia Loren to his stunt double Jack Conner, it's all there.
Plus, there are dozens of pictures throughout, mostly of Tab with a swimsuit on.



In other news,

Before I left on the long holiday weekend, I was asked by our ad department to do a voice over for a TV commercial. It was a 30 second spot, and they had 25 seconds of copy with 4 alternate tag lines at the end. I was wisked to a recording studio and spent the next hour giving every reading imaginable to 20 seconds of video rental information. It was actually quite fun, especially when I pulled out my star attitude with: I am rewriting this line so it will flow better...

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Star F*cker

I admit it: The best part of this job is going to be the authors. Once a week, we meet with the publishers and vendors for our specific catagories. The big pubs: Random House, HarperCollins, ect. meet with all of us at once to save time.
Last week, the Random House rep told us Jackie Collins had returned to their house. He was wondering if we wanted to meet her. He said he'd bring her around for a dinner later in the Summer...

JACKIE COLLINS!!!!!!!

(I hope she doesn't mind that I have never read a book of hers and all my questions will be about Joan)

Sunday, June 19, 2005

You can't get to heaven on a dinosaur

So I saw 'Batman Begins.' It was pretty good and had an incredible twist at the end. Katie Holmes was pretty bad, and she had nothing to do, except utter my runner up post title, 'You could die, can you at least tell me your name?'

No my dear readers, my title came from a van load of Vacation Bible School kids who were next to me in traffic singing this anti-evolution song, 'You can't get to heaven on a dinosaur.' It made me weep.

Monday, June 13, 2005

Buy the Book

Well Happy Campers, I started my new job today. I love it!

The first day was a little hectic as first days usually are. I sat in on several meetings and even had some input right from the get go. The various catagories I buy for are for the most unremarkable: cooking, westerns, ect. However, I am also responsible for co-ordinating Author Events at a regional level. This means I assist stores with specific author signings and mini-book tours. There is someone else who manages national tours, but I am snapping at his heels.

My apartment is nice, with the exception of Tom not being around. These first few days have been hard, but we talk constantly, and I am so busy with training, I don't have time to be sad.

I missed the BEA conference, but one of the buyers was nice enough to bring me back a copy of Gregory Maguire's new book. I am surprised I am writing this, instead of reading it already.


Randy

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

On the road...

For those of you who have been slightly vocal about my lack of posts, here you are.

And what a scoop I have today: I start my new job on Monday.

Yes, that's right. I have accepted the job offer at Home Office. BF and I have been busy these last few weeks getting all of this ironed out. This is the reason I have not written much, and the fact I have a weekly book review. You see, I am moving up first, Tom will be following in a few months. We decided to keep this as low profile as possible for now just to make sure his customers didn't get wind of it too early. Then he would have no work to do, and since he has not decided whether or not to close, or relocate his business, that woud be bad.

I didn't want to blog it because gay aircraft mechanics from Texas seems to be my demographic.

But now, the cat's out of the bag, and I am leaving tomorrow. I won't have a PC for a while, but should be able to blog from work. (We'll see)

I am excited, nervous, scared and every other emotion you can think of. Tom and I will be apart for months, and he gets to keep the dog.
The good news is that I am only 5 hours away. I see a lot of driving in my future...

Randy

Saturday, June 04, 2005

So Crushable!

Have you ever had a crush on someone, ut didn't realize you did until later? I have just realized I have had a crush on Steve McQueen for most of my life.
Last night on Turner Classic Movies was the doc 'Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool.' It was incredible. I didn't know a lot about his life, but as they showed clips from his films, I realized I had seen most of them; Papillon, The Great Escape, The Sand Pebbles, The Thomas Crown Affair, Nevada Smith. After the doc was The Maginificent Seven, which I had never seen. So I started to really think about it, and the litmus test that proved it was that I hate Westerns and War movies, but I'll watch them if McQueen is in them.
Steve McQueen is not what you would call 'Pretty.' But he's rugged and manly and just damned sexy. If you watch most of these movies, there is always a shirtless scene.
Classic movie buffs of my stripe usually talk about Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis or Joan Crawford. I just wanted to take a moment to recognize an incredible actor and a damned sexy man.

Who knew?

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Wicked

(PJS is forbidden from commenting on this post.)

Wicked:The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
by Gregory Maguire
ISBN 0060987103
Having been in the book selling business for more years than I care to admit, I see a lot of books come across my desk. Most are adequate, someare dreadful, and then there are the select few that are astonishing. 'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' is one of those few books you can read over and over again.
Gregory Maguire has taken the Oz that we know and turned it on its ear. We do not follow the adventures of Dorothy of Kansas, lost and trying to get home. Instead, we follow the life of Elphaba, the daughter of a munchkin minister, destined to be known as The Wicked Witch of the West. Elphaba has grown up here, so her Oz is not the tourist Oz. It is a fun house mirror of our own world. There are two classes of animals in Oz, animals, who are beasts of burden, and Animals, gifted with the power of speech, and citizenship, until a not-so-wonderful wizard starts denying some of his citizens rights. It is a reflection of the Civil Rights struggles ofthe 1960's.
Elphaba is concerned with the politics of her world and strives to do something about it. It is this critique of her leaders, coupled with her unnatural green skin which enable Oz spin doctors to denounce her as evil.
With this different perspective on Oz, you begin to wonder how much point of view plays a part in history. I never thought of the Wicked Witch ofthe West as a sympathetic character, but Elphaba is. Trapped by her convictions and by circumstances she cannot control, she wonders if she has become this evil being without even realizing it.Many familiar characters decorate the landscape of this book, but in a slightly skewed fashion. Glinda the Good is Elphaba's former college roommate, who is more a society dame than a 'Good Witch.' The wizard is a maniacal despot with armed guards reminiscent of Hitler's SS. The book also touches on many social conflicts, if you know how and where to look.
Long before there was a musical, the novel 'Wicked' opened my eyes to what a good writer and a good story can do.

Friday, May 27, 2005

It's a Spice, Spice, Spice, Spice World

I cannot believe it. The Spice Girls are reuniting!

I know, I know, it's poppy, throwaway music. I can't help it. It's one of my guilty pleasures. I love to put one of the albums in, pick one of the Spice Girls, and sing her part all the way through. (Ginger's my fav Spice, but Baby and Scary are the most fun to sing.)
I even own the dvd of their movie. I bought it because of the scene where Ginger (Geri) dressed in a Wonder Woman costume, but the whole thing is just cheesy fun; Velveeta on Screen.
Geri's solo album was great as was her cover of 'It's Raining Men.' I danced to that at many a gay club.
In any case, it looks like this will be a Summer to remember. Now, if they will only put out a Greatest Hits...(If Flock of Seagulls can have one...)

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Book Reviews

I have been asked by some of my readers who don't get my local paper where they can read my book reviews. So, I will be posting them here on Thursday or Friday before they see print in the Sunday edition. Enjoy!

The Icon
by Neil Olson
ISBN 0060748389

Any time you have a major pop culture phenomenon, there will invariably be copycats. Take Harry Potter, for example. Many publishers have capitalized on the success of J.K. Rowling's books. Some are very good ('Eragon') some are not ('Midnight for Charlie Bones').'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown is no exception. Many, many authors have tried to duplicate its success. 'The Icon' by Neil Olson is one such example. I am afraid to say that it pales miseably in comparison to its inspiration.

Olson's plot revolves around an icon hidden in a Greek church. During World War II, it is captured and begins an odyssey which ultimately brings it to New York City. The novel opens with a flashback, which is incredibly confusing, along with introducing so many characters in 10 pages, you are unable to discern who to care about. It does not help that the characters are so poorly written they illicit very little sympathy anyway.

The reader leaves the intruduction in utter confusion then BAM! right into present day and a new batch of 'Who's Important To The Plot Now?'characters. The pace of the plot does not pick up anytime soon and by the time you get to an action sequence, you are beyond caring who wins. Inserted into all this mediocrity is a romance subplot with less chemistry than Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley.

Just because your novel draws comparison does not automatically mean it is a bad book. 'Rule of Four' was compared to 'The Da Vinci Code' when it was published, and it did well. However, a good idea and a great writing style will win the day over a rehashed plot and a less-than-steller turn of phrase.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

He's Back!

As many, if not all of you know, my favorite book in the entire universe is 'Wicked' by Gregory Maguire. You may also know that as a rule, I hate all of his other books. I still read every new novel, in the hope that he will redeem himself one of these days. I have a hardcover edition of 'Wicked' that someday I hope to have him sign.

It seems Mr. Maguire is going back to the story that made him famous. In October, HarperCollins is releasing 'Son of a Witch,' the 'long awaited sequel to 'Wicked.'

Long Awaited? I don't think it needed any follow-up. I liked the story just as it is. This could be an utter disaster, or this could be the book that redeems Maguire in my eyes. But don't bet on it.

Monday, May 23, 2005

Well! I nerver!!!

1. I have never driven a motorcycle.

2. I have never paid for sex.

3. I have never charged for sex.

4. I have never been to Canada.

5. I have never worked on an oil rig.

6. I have never read 'War and Peace.'

7. I have never seen 'Citizen Kane.'

8. I have never met Lynda Carter.

9. I have never piloted an airplane.

10. I never hide my sexuality

Friday, May 20, 2005

The Sith is Back!

For 2 hours and 23 minutes yesterday, I morphed into a 5 year old boy (Stay back Michael Jackson!)

The reason for this transformation was my viewing of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. I have been waiting for this movie since I saw the first one in 1977. Like some other people I know out there in blogger-ville, I was a die-hard Vader freak. I dressed up as Vader for more Haloweens than I care to admit, forcing my sister to wear a white beadsheet and put her hair in cinnamon buns to accompany me as Princess Leia. I was always fascinated by the idea of his Fall From Grace.
When the novelization if Episode III came out, I tore through it like there was no tomorrow. For those who have seen the movie, I reccommend reading it, as it fills in some holes from the movie, and actually gives Natalie Portman's character (Once-Queen, now Senator Padme Amidala) a lot more to do than sit in her bedroom and proclaim her love for Hayden Christiansen. (Although, given a choice, I would love to be in my bedroom, proclaiming my love for Hayden)
This was certainly the best of the Star Wars prequels. The Empire Strikes Back will still hold the first place for the entire series.
I can't wait for the dvd, as there are already at least 5 deleted scenes to be presented, including the first appearance of Mon Monthma (seen in Star Wars Episode VI:Return of the Jedi) organizing a rebellion.

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Media Blitz

Randy on the air...

(Big thanks to POTUSOL for the hosting and the help...smooch!)

Friday, May 06, 2005

Celebrity is as celebrity does...

Well, my Harry Potter plans are in full swing now. For our Midnight Release party, I am decorating the entire store like Hogwarts. Since everyone will be working that night, I have been assigning 'characters' for them to play. I have to say, I am an excellent casting director. This is the book equivalent of Star Wars Episode III. It is great to see kids getting this excited about reading.
However, somewhere in the shuffle, I forgot to assign myself a character. The obvious choice would be Prof. Dumbledore, as I will be the MC that evening. I am not that tall, nor that old, so that's a no-go.
This morning I was interviewed by a local radio station about an upcoming author signing, and right now I am supposed to be finishing my feature for the paper on local writers...and it hit me...Gilderoy Lockhart!!!! I am just that vain, and well known enough around here to pull it off. (I like to think that I am a little more talented in the writing department, but I actually can't say that I have read a Lockhart book.)

Monday, May 02, 2005

What is The Gods were one of us...

Here is a fun little quiz I came across this weekend.

Which God are you?

We all know which Cletic Goddess I would be, but this refers to Greek Myth. I took both the male and female quiz, just for fun. So if I were divine offspring, my parents would be Hera and Apollo.

What about you, my dear readers?

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Oh, my man...I love him so...

Well, things have been quite hectic here on the set of TMSS. After turning in my first few reviews, I had a lunch with my editor. She was quite impressed, I must say. My first review will run in tomorrow's edition. After that it will appear in the Sunday paper, every Sunday, space permitting. I even get a photo and a little by-line running every time I appear. She was so excited over how well this is going already, that she came up with a feature idea. I will be picking 6 books by local authors, and writing a brief description, review and a short interview with each author. This 'Local Writer Roundup' will run later this month. If it goes well, we will probably do it once or twice a year. She also encouraged me to save all of the clippings because she can put me in touch with magazines and other papers for freelance work after I have a little portfolio to show.

As exciting as that is, wait until you hear this:

Home Office has called and/or emailed once a day since I got back from Dallas. They are not taking 'no' for an answer. To get them to quit, I pulled out my tax return and Tom's from 2004 and told them X is what I have to make for Tom to want to close up shop and move to Amarillo. Surprisingly, the salary they came up with was closer than I thought.

Tom looked at me and said 'This is such a great opportunity for you, we should give it some thought.'

Now Tom is not what you would consider 'Romantic,' in the traditional sense. He's not big on flowers or little trinkets like that. Which is good for me, because I am not either. But just saying that was one of the most romantic things he has ever done.
So, in the next few weeks, we will be going to Amarillo. Tom will be job/house hunting, while I walk through home office and see what's up. It is still very possible that I will turn them down. At the end of the day, the money may not be enough, Tom may not find a job, anything can happen. But I am just excited by the possibility and my man, being so supportive.

Monday, April 25, 2005

The Bookseller of Kabul

I just finished this incredible book last night. What a read! I will be reviewing it for my paper, but I thought I would share some stuff with you that I know I won't have room for.

The most interesting thing I found was close to the end of the book. There are two warlords fighting in the southestern part of Afghanistan, each vying for a piece of a very small but strategic town. The interesting part is that one of the armies consists mainly of homo and bi-sexual soldiers. Apparently, homosexuality is 'widespread and tacitly accepted.' That's something you don't hear on the evening news. 'Many blood feuds have been fought over a young lover who divided his favors between two men. On one occasion two commanders launched a tank battle in the bazaar in a feud over a young lover. The result was several dozen killed.'

Another intresting aside is when Sultan Kahn's oldest son goes on a pilgrimage to the mosque believed to hold the remains of Ali, Muhammed's fouth in command. He sees it as a reason to start his life fresh and recommit himself to Islam. He fights with his father to be able to go, but once there, his religious recommitment only lasts through one prayer at dawn, and when he returns home, he has not changed one bit of his lifestyle.

Randy

Friday, April 22, 2005

Salute to the Men in Blue

I have a new favorite tv show, Rescue Warriors on the National Geographic Channel. It is a limited run series, following the 2004 class of trainees at Lackland Airforce Base as they try to become rescue paratroopers.
Now, I am not big on war movies, and I have never seen an episode of JAG, but My God, those boys are HOT!
These recruits are all between the ages of 18 and 26 at the most and are in top physical form. They deal mainly with 3 types of training: Indoor, Outdoor, and Water. I love the water excercises...they are in these tiny, tiny speedos and clingy grey tshirts. One of the excersizes involves wrestling with each other in the water. Sigh. I swoon.
The drama of the program is also very engaging (when I remember to turn the volume up). Every day at least one recruit is eliminated or quits. If they quit becuase of the strain, they must pick up a huge airhorn, fire it off, and announce in front of the entire class that they are quitting. It's heartbreaking. Out of a class of 60+, only 15 remain tonight.
Aside from the physical aspect, I have grown to have even more respect for our men in uniform...especially if that uniform is worn well.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot: When they get in trouble with the CO, they have to lie down on their backs and do scissor exercises with their oh-so-beautiful legs in the air! Is it wrong that I root for them to screw up?

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Comedy of Errors

I'm back, and soooo excited. It was an incredible trip and I learned some incredible stuff. I made a good friend and a lot enemies. That is how you do the Business Trip.

It started out ok. The Book Manager from Midland and I flew out together. Now, anyone who's been on a business trip know that they like to have everything planned out to the minute, where you stay, what transport you have. So in my man-purse, I had out itinerary, and all the various memos generated in the weeks leading up to this. We got to Dallas Love Field, deplaned and I checked Memo #2: Transportation from the airport. It specifically stated that we were forbidden to take a taxi to the hotel. A shuttle would take us from the airport. As we went down the concourse, I called Tom to let him know I got there ok. We got to the shuttle area, and were told that our hotel only provides service from DFW. Everyone else in the conference was flying into DFW anyway. So there we are, unsure what to do. We said 'Fuck It' and got into a cab. I figured we needed to get to the hotel ASAP, there was a baseball game I was dying to not go to. Unbeknownst to us, someone at the hotel figured out the snafu and sent us a car. The car got there and we were gone. Panic ensued. My boss, his boss and his boss called the airline to see if we had made it. Our names were not on the manifest (a chilling security breach). So they call our homes. Tom is still at work so he misses the call. The other Book Manager's husband freaks out and starts calling the FFA, the Dallas Police, ect.
My traveling companion and I reach the hotel and are told that everyone has already left for the game. We decide to go eat next door. As we are drinking our chocolate martinis. her phone rings, it's her husband. I spend the next hour trying not to listen as she and her husband scream at each other. Our boss enters the Bennigans, feeling very bad that he screwed up, buys us another chocolate martini, hands us tickets to the game. It's all good for me, I don't get too mad too easily.
We get to the game in time for the seventh inning stretch. I am still not sure who won, as I didn't see any touchdowns, or any dribbling.

The conference itself was much better than our arrival. Not only did I learn a lot, but I had a lot to offer. I think it pissed off the more entrenched Book Managers, as they like doing things the old way. But the best part was the President of Book Operations. He searched me out at every break, and offered me a job in the home office on his team. It was so bittersweet. I would love to to it, but Tom can't pack in his business. And I can't go without Tom. But it was nice to know I was wanted...

Monday, April 18, 2005

On Tour

It's finally here. Today I am catching a plane bound for my Book Conference in Dallas. I am pretty damned excited (with the exception of our jaunt to a Texas Rangers baseball game, I mean, Come ON! What booksellers do you know who are avid baseball fans?)
I have spent a week writing copious amounts of notes of stuff I want to discuss. I am afraid I am going to be the Hermione of the group, always raising my hand, and always knowing the answer. It's a good thing Harry Potter is on the agenda. I am going to try to read all of 'Bookseller of Kabul' and write a review while I am there also. I know, pretty ambitious.
Wish me luck. See you when I get back!

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Well, Boys and Girls...

I am now a working writer.

Beginning next week, I am submitting a book review every Friday for the Sunday Book Page, as well as a list of bestselling books from my store. In addition, I am encouraged to interview any authors who may have instore signing events, and phone interviews with local authors who have just published. Now, a book a week is actually ambitious, so I will be recruiting some local authors to review other local authors. This is so I can pad my backlog and have reviews to spare in cases of vacation, sick, ect.

To celebrate, Tom and I had a DINK day yesterday. For the uninitiated, DINK stands for Dual Income No Kids. We helped the economy to our disposable income; new shoes, new dvds, new Xbox game for Tom, new art for the living room, new bedsheets, new blankets. It was great. I knew the day was made when Fleetwood Mac was playing over the PA at Bed, Bath and Beyond (Thrown Down...for the curious).

Randy

Friday, April 15, 2005

PANIC

So I am looking through everything I have on paper, and it all looks like crap. How is it that my writing looks good to me, unless I have to submit it?
The absolute worst thing is that I cannot find the book review I wrote for Wicked some years back. It was published in another paper, and I have always thought that it was a pretty decent review. (I know, it's not like I would actually be critical, but this is not the New York Times Book Review either.)
I have been thinking all night of what kind of a pitch to make. In a city this size, a book page should be used to showcase local talent. It wasn't until I got my present job that I realized how many local authors there are. Just by the law of averages, some have got to be good. And they are. Many have also expressed interest in reviewing other local talent. I mean, what better way to plug your book than to review another one? And you know the author who is on his third book will remember the agony of publishing your first work and be kinder to the author he is reviewing.
Do I sound confusing? I am in full panic mode right now...

Thursday, April 14, 2005

A little help from the audience

Ok, the time for no comment on my blog is past. I have been contacted by my local paper to contribute to a new Sunday Book Page. First I have to submit some writing. I have been asked to submit some reviews I have written, along with a couple other pieces.
I thought I would submit a couple of pieces from this blog as well as my other blog. (It's still up, I just don't post there anymore.)
I would like some input from my readers. What pieces did you like the best? You can pick from this blog or my other one. It doesn't matter.

Oh yeah, I have to have this done by tomorrow afternoon.

(Me, a professional writer! I just might have to change my name to Carrie Bradshaw...)

PS: I changed the settings, anyone can comment now, you don't have to be registered.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

The Snob is back...

50 pages into 'The Icon' and I don't really care. It is a Da Vinci Code knockoff, but with less interest and atrocious writing.
I feel that I must be seen reading a book at my Book Conference next week. My first thought was 'Wicked' but that's soooo predictable. If there is anyone out there that does not know how I feel about this book by now, they don't need to know. So I thought taking an ARC (Advanced Reader's Copy) would be good, but 'The Icon' is so bad. So today, I ran across 'The Bookseller of Kabul.' It is the story of a man who ran a bookshop in Afghanistan during the Soviet and Taliban occupations. He braved all kinds of trouble by bringing restricted materials to the masses.

Guess what I'll be reading.

Randy

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Interview

Ok, Thanks PJS, for the interview questions (My they are good...)


- Who the heck is Mitchum Sinclaire, and why did you name your blog after him?

Mitchum Sinclaire was the first name my mom wanted for me when she was picking out baby names. Dad talked her out of it. I always think of a 50's crooner when I see that name in print. (See my first post). I used that name for the blog for that reason, like 'The Joey Bishop Show.' It just sounded good.


2- Try and explain your fascination with Stevie Nicks to a non-fan. Is it the voice? The songs themselves? The persona? She seems to be fairly important to you.

It's the voice, the clothes, the lyrics, Stevie is not just a singer/songwriter, she's a force of nature. I think it's because: A) She doesn't just write songs, she becomes the characters she writes about. B) The songs are so completely personal, and because many people don't 'Get It' I feel a personal connection because, I do.
Also, My father was a musician, a guitar player. Like PJS, I was dragged around to Country and Western dances where his band played. My mom was very supportive of this. They were both fans of Fleetwood Mac, and I remember Rumours being played in my house as a child. On my parent's 10 Wedding Anniversary, my mom wanted to surprise him by teaching my sister and I to sing 'Leather and Lace' a duet Stevie did with Don Henley off of Bella Donna, her first solo record. In any case, I was very disruptive to rehearsals, as I only wanted to sing Stevie's part.
Dad used to play his guitar at every family function, and invariably, I would end up singing as he played. As a kid, I had an ok voice. It's pretty good now, but Dad's gone, and I wonder what it would have been like to really collaborate on a Stevie song together...

3- To what degree does your sexual orientation influence your political opinions? Given your surroundings and upbringing, how do different do you think your political views might be (if at all) were you heterosexual? (Hope I haven’t just outed you.)

You have not outed me. I think my sexual orientation fuels my politics only to the degree that it fuels the rest of my life. I am Democrat more in reaction to the Religious Right. I mean that in regards to the fact that I am not a religious person at all. One thing Jesse Ventura and I agree on is that organized religion is a crutch IMO. I look at religion from afar. I don't see where religion should play any part in governing a country. Look waht it did to Afghanistan. I agree with many moderate principles, including limited government. But I am a Social Democrat, I feel very strongly about the need of government to help it's citizens.
My family is very GOP, except my middle sister. So we just avoid politics. I don't know about them, but for me it's a sore subject. I can't help but take it personally that most of the people I love would vote in a party that is supported by a Religious Political Machine breeding intolerance.


4- Do you know the secret to a happy relationship? If you do, will you tell us?

There is no secret formula, I am just one lucky guy.

5- What are the best and worst things about living in Odessa, Texas?

Best: My job, my man, the low cost of living. We are able to travel when we want to.
Worst: Red State

If you are interested in being interviewed by me, here are the rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying “interview me.”
2. I will respond by asking you five questions here. They will be different questions than the ones above.
3. You will update YOUR blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

I am blushing

Boi Test

Just scroll down a few pics...

Sunday, April 10, 2005

Reformation Isle

After having read my comic book the other day, I have been anxious to read something else. But what? My snobiness would preclude so many books.
When I went back to work yesterday and began sifting through my inbox which had a week's worth of accumulation, I found 6 Reader's Copies of yet-to-be-published-material. For those who are not in the bookselling biz, getting a sneek peek at new books sounds exciting. However, most of these are from first time authors who's books are not up to snuff. ARC's (Advanced Reading Copies) are sent out to solicit good reviews. It's the law of averages, somebody is going to like it and the pulisher can use that review in marketing the book. See? I can get snobby about books that aren't even published yet.
I usually give these out to my staff, who love to get them and devour them. For some reason, I carefully looked over each and every one, and decided then and there that I would not be so picky, and I would take one home to read. I picked one called 'The Icon', to which I had the knee-jerk reaction that it was a 'Da Vinci Code' ripoff. It probably is, but that doesn't mean it can't be written well. So this week, I will read and update you on how it went.

Friday, April 08, 2005

A Muse-ing

If there is anyone out there reading, you may have noticed my posts have been very short and sweet. I have been very uninspired in the Writing Department lately. I have had no significant events to write about and nothing has really caught my eye. I have seen no movies I care to talk about, no 'Very Special Episodes' on TV, and most frightening of all, I have not had the desire to really read anything (With the exception of the novelization of Star Wars: Episode III, but that was just to get all the spoilers before the movie, I cheat like that). Perhaps I need a Muse; Olivia Newton John on rollerskates or something.
That was until I picked up this 80 page novella.
A Playboy billionaire and sometime adventurer (Think 003 filling in when 007 is on vacation) discovers someone siphoning money out of his company. He doesn't notice until he is almost bankrupt. All his friends think he has bankrupted himself and don't get involved, even after a few mysterious attacks. Our hero's life is torn apart bit by bit, until he is all alone and gets killed at the end by a former associate, the man responsible for his bankruptcy.
It doesn't sound like much when whittled away to the bare bones like that, and the plot is fairly predictable, but the writing was incredible, especially since it was a comic book.

Yes, you read that right, a comic book. Oh, the irony. The Book Nazi going on and on over a comic book. Many of you will scoff, but I tell you it was a delight to read.
In thhe past few years comics have gone from being for kids to being written much more for adults. I admit, the target demographic is usually straight males 18-25, but there are some very intelligent, well written titles out there. You can tell by the amount of established novelists and screenwriters who have taken to writing monthly titles. I challenge all of you to pick up one title and give it a shot, you won't be sorry.

BTW, the title I was talking about is 'Countdown to Infinite Crisis', it's only a buck. Well worth the read...

Randy

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

I can talk!

Well, my voice appearsto have had enough wandering, and so today, I opened my mouth and out came something close to a voice. I guess the two days of bedrest, no talking and dvd's of Wonder Woman, Star Trek Voyager, and the West Wing helped.
I had totally forgotten that Charles Pierce was in an episode of Wonder Woman. It was entitled Death in Disguise and was the campiest of camp. He did his drag so well. My only regret was that the producers dubbed him with a female voice in his drag scenes...

Randy

Monday, April 04, 2005

I feel like Ariel

...I lost my voice. I thought I could go back to work and tough out the last of this damned cold. However, I forgot that I was training a Book Manager from another store, so spent an entire day talking over my huskiness, and well, my voice left me.
I have not spoken a word in two days, and anyone who knows me realizes what a feat this is. When I get sick, I usually go from 'Would-You-Stay-If-She-Promised-You-Heaven' to husky 'Do-Me-Right-Now.' I love how I sound at that point. But ths time it seems my voice just packed up and left. So I have left work for the next few days to recuperate and hope my voice brings me back a trinket of some sort from it's vacation...

Randy

Friday, April 01, 2005

Serendipity

So, I didn't have Auntie Mame to watch yesterday. It was fate. Instead, I watched The King and I, which is by far my favorite Rogers and Hammerstein musical. There is something to be said about unrequited love onscreen. (Offscreen it sucks) I have found that most of my favorite movies deal with this subject. None better than The King and I. Yes, I know Debbie Kerr didn't do her own singing (and that used to bother me until I heard what's-his-name sing the part of the Phantom in the movie. WHY didn't the dub in Michael Crawford?) but the acting is so wonderful, and it is so pretty to watch.
I even find Yul Brenner quite the hottie in this film. Running around barefoot with almost no shirt on, shouting out orders, very masculine.
I always thought The Crown Prince and Louie had something going on, you know. They were the gayest little kids ever.
But that movie is just magic to me. I love every song, every scene. It's got incredible costumes, incredible sets, incredible actors.
I am torn between my favorite scene: either 'Small House of Uncle Thomas' or 'The Parade of Childeren.' The parade gets me because so much is conveyed to the audience with nary a word spoken. It sometimes moves me to tears. And everyone loves the 'Uncle Thomas' part.

Thursday, March 31, 2005

Deathwatch Day II

The worst thing about being sick at home, is when you have watched every movie, read every book, and there is nothing to do but lay down in bed and feel miserable.
One of my good friends just blogged about 'Auntie Mame.' Now I want to watch it, and of course, my copy is loaned out.
When I was but a wee little queen, at the tender age of 18, I went to my first Pride celebration in LA. I was invited there by my friends Ron and Jim. They spent the whole week instructing me in Homo 101. When Jim was around, he wuld take me to various LA locales and explain historical significance to me. We saw Marylin Monroe's grave, as well as Truman Capote's. Jim was rather impressed that I got hit on in a cemetary. I was too stupid to realize what had happened until later.
When Ron had to go to work, he would leave me with movies to watch. The first and most important was 'Auntie Mame.' I saw many Bette Davis movies that week as well, but Rosalind Russell captured my heart.
Since that time, I have always felt a responsibility to carry on the traditions of Homo 101. So anytime I hear of someone who has not seen it, I loan it out. Today makes a case for having two copies, so I always have one on hand for emergencies.

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Deathwatch

I feel like crap. One of those unenviable Summer Colds. The temp outside is great, no wind, no clouds. But inside Chez Hubble, it is dark, cold and unhappy. I called into work, which I should not have done. So here I am, with Kiwi for company, finding out there is nothing on tv.

Monday, March 28, 2005

The Culture Nazi

'Guess Who', a comedy remake of the classic 'Guess Who's Coming To Dinner' starring Ashton and Bernie Mac was number one at the box office this weekend. It's bad enough that this crap got the greenlight, but what does it say about the movie going public that it was NUMBER ONE??!!!
With this kind of response I can see where other classics might get this treatment:

'Windy Tower' Hilary Duff plays a savvy, but spoiled business woman, who's condo project, Tara Towers is in danger of being taken over by the Yankee Corporation, until she sleeps with the CEO (One Rhett Butler, played by Josh Hartnett).

Britney Spears lives alone in her mansion, replaying all her old records while her butler Jason Aleaxander (not from Seinfeld) keeps her sheltered from a world that has forgotten her until one day an unemployed dancer by the name of Kevin Federline parks his car in her garage in the hilarious romp, 'Sunset Blvd 90210'.

And of course, the Olsen twins have a falling out when Ashley is the only one nominated for an Oscar after they remake 'What Ever Happened To Baby Jane.'

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Book Nazi

I have recently come to the conclusion that I am a Book Snob. No, make that a Culture Snob. I never read major authors anymore. You see, I have this theory about the John Grishams and Danielle Steeles of the world: They have actually written only four books. These books are always saved in the word processor of the PC. When it is time to publish a new book, they cut and paste chapters and rename the characters. Voila! A New Legal Thriller/Romantic Susupense novel ready for mass consumption.
It actually makes it hard for me to sell books somedays. This nice little old lady will come in asking for the new Nicholas Sparks, and all I want to do is scream,'He's a HACK! Read something worthwhile. Here is a copy of Christopher Moore's book, 'Lamb.' Read it.' But I don't. I do try to broaden the horizons of my clientele, it works sometimes.
I was under the impression that I reserved this snobbery for books, but I have learned this past week that I also go ballistic when someone comes in to rent, say 'Fat Albert.'

When did I get so snobby?

Friday, March 25, 2005

Electric Youth

I was sitting at home running through channels on my tv at breakneck speed, when I came across Club MTV reruns on VH1 Classic. I swear, looking at it now, I thought it was an SNL sketch. Did we really wear acid-washed jeans?
Debbie Gibson was on singing 'Electric Youth.' Everyone was doing what moves passed for dancing that year. Debbie had the gayest backup dancers this side of Madonna: Slick hair, white button up shirts, with sleeves rolled up just so, the ever present acid washed jeans. Actually, if they were still dressed like that today, they would be mistaken for lesbians...

Randy

Monday, March 21, 2005

Spring Fever

I absolutely believe Spring is the perfect time for a fresh start. Forget all that New Year's Resolution crap. I mean, January is in the middle of Winter. It's cold and depressing. March on the other hand, is warm. You start seeing grass and feel the sun on your skin. Nothing is as rejuventating as that. So, I have begun lots of little projects at work, as well as going through our closet at home. You know, packing away the sweaters, throwing out stuff you don't wear anymore. I am just sorry there isn't a Gay Goodwill. You should see some of the stuff I am getting rid of: black sequin button up shirt, shiny silver shirt, ect. But I refuse to get rid of my silver vinyl Daisy Dukes. I might need them someday.
I am also on the eating healthier track. Lots of salads and flavored water. I just refuse to give up on the coffee. Starbucks would go out of business.
Everyone mark your calenders. Lets see how long this positive attitude and productivity lasts...

Sunday, March 20, 2005

Welcome to the show

Ok, for the few of you who have wondered, I am still alive. I have just moved my blog, for a few reasons I don't want to go into now. For the curious, Mitchum Sinclaire was almost my name. My mom was very fond of it. It reminds me of a 50's crooner. You know, 'Now appearing at the Rainbow Room...Mitchum Sinclaire!' I wonder what my signature song would be?

For some excellent news, Joss Whedon has been signed to write and direct the Wonder Woman movie, with a target release date of Summer 2006. I was doing cartwheels when I found out. I think he will do an excellent job, as long as he does it the way I want.

Work has been going well. My butch-o-meter is slowly creeping up as I have been spotted on ladders and wielding other sundry tools.

I have to take a moment to mention Ron, as he has been reading my blog and I didn't even know it for a while. (You really shoud comment once and a while...)

Back in a few days...

Randy