Public Art

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Mural of Ole Dirty Bastard in Bedford-Stuyvesant

Art + Graffiti in Crown Heights

What's wong with my Engrish?

This ad haunted me throughout my travels in NYC.

St. Judas in the Big Apple

Judas riding on the train from Brooklyn to Manhattan

Judas in front of a correctional facility in Downtown

Judas at Washington Square

Judas on top of garbage on a Manhattan street

Judas befriending a hamster at K-Train's pre-school

Serendipity

DYY and Kim Chee Farmer in NYC at the same time...
total coincidence and lucky karma.

We're resting at a trendy tea shop on 5th Avenue and 14th, after a looooong walk through Lower Manhattan.

There was a DJ spinning techno at the tea shop.

Judas was into the 1s & 2s.

St. Judas in the house

Judas with his indigenous mule.

Literally. We brought Judas home from the local Good Will store in Ben-Stuy. Our favorite apostle blessed our offerings to the Lord.

Ritu's chicken curry

DYY & Duncan Hines' low-fat devil's food cake made with apple sauce

K-Train's black steam engine

my new BFF

That's right, bitches. I made a new Best Friend Forever. Meet K-Train.

DYY and K-Train checking out the Thomas & Friends exclusive website.

K-Train giving DYY a big morning kiss.
(and yes, I'm wearing a muu muu)

Boogie down in Brooklyn

Miss Ritu Singha (producer of upcoming movie, TRON -- watch for it) and I went to the Caddyshack in Brooklyn on Friday night. With this description from the Village Voice, we couldn't resist:

Sadly, there are no strip clubs for dykes in the city. If lady lovers wanted to see the gravity-defying acrobatics of pole-dancing, they had to visit a gentlemen's club. That is, until Cattyshack began featuring women working the pole, which is positioned on the bar with a red light for extra effect. Friday night's Cirrah party features the best of the lot. Hostess Aja announces each of the dancers, who saunter their way to the bar in occasionally elaborate, always shimmery ensembles from bikini tops to pasties. These ladies have a way of making you feel like every split and spin is just for you. They climb the metal with an ease that's almost unsettling and with just as much skill as any hair-swinger at the local strip bars for dudes. Just don't forget your singles.

We had a lovely time. Here are some highlights and observations:

(1) No matter what kind of club you are in, or sexual preference you may have, pole dancers are hot. No one can deny this.

(2) Race is deep, man. There is racial segregation in our cities, in our schools, in our workplaces... so why not at the local lesbian bar? The upstairs of the Caddyshack was occupied by all white women while the downstairs had all the women of color. The upstairs played 80s music while the downstairs played hip hop and dance music. Coincidence? I doubt it.

(3) Any bar that has a Ms. Pac Man machine is an excellent venue.

(4) We received major attitude from some of the women (particularly the ones from upstairs, maybe because we crossed racial lines?) for absolutely no reason. For reals, no reason. Hello, Ladies, what happen to sister solidarity? I love you bitches, you don't even know. Haters need to bring back happy in the gay...

(5) Why is it that every time I hang out with Miss Ritu, management tells us to shut up?

And why is it that we never listen and end up mocking them instead?? Ah, good times.

Day after Thanksgiving

Now that's HOT.

My Jet Blue Experience

As the week led up to my Thanksgiving trip to NYC, I was super excited for my first-ever experience on Jet Blue Airlines... admittedly, even more excited than my actual trip to NYC! I was looking forward to the leather seats, the extra leg room, and the individual tv on every seat!

The ride was definately a step up from the Southworst accomodations that I am accustomed to, but it really wasn't that much more spacious or comfortable. It's not like business class, though I'm not sure why I had expected it to be like business class. Also, I felt ambivalent about the TV, as it distracted me from my reading (Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer, a recommendation by both Josh and Jane).

Despite my ambivalence, I gladly watched Malibu's Most Wanted, starring Jaime Kennedy -- a movie which I would have NEVER EVER watched if not for the fact that I was stuck on a plane for five hours.

It's comedy about a rich white boy (Kennedy) who grew up in Malibu, but honestly thinks he's black inside. So the staff of his father's gubernatorial team considers Kennedy a threat to the campaign, and hires two "white" black actors to act "black", kidnap "black" Kennedy, and take him to "the ghetto" (South Central) to be scared "white". Of course, it doesn't quite work out that way because, as we know, racial politics just ain't that simple... so I'm sure you could imagine all the hijicks that followed.

Not only was it sooo stupid that it was funny, I was actually impressed with the movie's direction on issues of race, class and identity. I mean, the underlying message "to be yourself" is far from deep. In fact, I would testify that this movie does not add any value to the world whatsoever. But I do think the movie successfully tackled many sensitive and provocative racial topics and stereotypes with grace, humor and honesty. In other words, Kennedy and his crew pulled it off quite well. Believe me, I would have never expected it (especially with a movie poster like the one above). It was, indeed, a sweet surprise.

Damn, graphic artists are fast

The Women of Biodiesel

Women continue to rock.

If you've been wondering what to get that renewable energy fan in your life, look no further. The Women of Biodiesel is an illustrated calendar featuring idiosyncratic photographs of 12 women involved in sustainable biofuel production. Not only will it bring a smile to your face, but it serves as a sweet introduction to a community where people convert waste vegetable oil into fuel for their diesel Volkswagens, acting locally while thinking about the Big Energy picture.

We need a Southern Cali version! You know I would LOVE to model on the hood of my station wagon!

Grrrl Power

This is a great month for women. Britney and Whitney each filed for divorce from their good-for-nothing husbands. Representive Nancy Pelosi was chosen to be the next Speaker of the House. The janitors, particularly female janitors, in Houston prevailed in their month-long struggle for a better wages and health care. My good friend Khanum beat a penis-shaped pinata with a cricket bat at her bachelorette party.

There is still so much to do in pursuit of social and economic justice for women and girls... but for today, I feel so blessed to be a woman.

I feel so safe

Check this out. It's a series of safety posters designed by Department of Homeland Security to protect us from terrorism. As suspected, they aren't very helpful, but extremely hilarious when interpreted creatively. Below are my favorites:

If you spot terrorism, blow your anti-terrorism whistle.
If you are Vin Diesel, yell really loud.

If you've become a radiation mutant with a deformed hand, remember to close the window. No one wants to see that shit.

If your building collapes, give yourself a blowjob while waiting to be rescued.

Teacher, pick me!

When cultural appreciation goes terribly wrong...

Crafts over Cocktails

Last night, Blu-tooth and I attended CRAFTNIGHT hosted by Julianna Parr and held at the Akbar in Silverlake. CraftNight is a weekly Wednesday night community craft and cocktail social hour.

Craftnight's mission: Run by artists for all people, Craftnight strives to bring forth the unrealized artistic talents of the greater public. We perform this mission by incorporating an atmosphere of bohemia and great cordiality.

Yes, expect bohemia and lots of it. But it's true, there was great cordiality, even for two outwardly-appearing non-bohemians like Blu-Tooth and I. We really appreciated the warmth and hospitality, and the complimentary donuts from the craftspeople of the adjoining table.

Also, the theme changes each week. Yesterday, we focused on public spaces and had a choice to either make a warehouse or a convenience store.

I'm sure you can tell by now there is a slight political bent... but that's what makes Craftnight even more special. There's a reason to the madness and creativity. It's not just about construction paper and crayons and glitter, although I wouldn't mind if it was.

So Blu-Tooth chose to make a convenience store that sells children.

I opted for the warehouse, and made a Crack-Whore House.
Two in one, baby!

Dude, can I tell you that coloring brings me back to the good ole' days! Well, it was either that or I was getting high from the flavor-scented markers... or maybe it was the two margaritas I had. I can't be sure. But it was nice.

In our make-believe crafts world, our buildings would be located next door to one another. When "an accident" occurs in the Crack-Whore House, you can sell IT at CHILDREN R US!

We even made new friends!
I think craft-making bonds people instantaneously. Like Helmer's glue.

Blu-Tooth and I intend to return to make snowman puppets (Dec. 6) and holiday snow globes (Dec .13). We can't wait!

Barney's not the only one who loves me

Below is a true story, based on an email sent to me by my sister:

-----Original Message-----
From: Marilyn
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2006 4:32 PM
To: Rebecca
Subject: Cute

Hi, So the boys were watching Barney this am. Barney was talking about things that we love. Then he asked the TV watchers what they loved. So I asked Christopher what he loves and he said - "Auntie Becca" -

----------------------------

There are many morals to this story. ONE: My nephew is a total genius. TWO: It's better to have nephews/nieces rather than your own children because, as you can see above, aunties are considered first when children think of love. THREE: Despite my personal distaste for Barney and most children's programming, DYY can be easily swayed by gifts and/or flattery. Consequently, I now think Barney is... okay.

I love you too, kiddo!

Rest in Peace

Daily Variety - Wednesday, November 15, 2006

VHS, 30, Dies of Loneliness
The home-entertainment format lived a fruitful life
By Diane Garrett

After a long illness, the groundbreaking home-entertainment format VHS has died of natural causes in the United States. The format was 30 years old. No services are planned.

VHS is survived by a child, DVD, and by Tivo, VOD and DirecTV. It was preceded in death by Betamax, Divx, mini-discs and laserdiscs.

Although it had been ailing, the format's death became official in this, the video biz's all-important fourth quarter. Retailers decided to pull the plug, saying there was no longer shelf space.

Born Vertical Helical Scan to parent JVC of Japan, the tape had a difficult childhood as it was forced to compete with Sony's Betamax format. After its youthful Betamax battles, the longer-playing VHS tapes eventually became the format of choice for millions of consumers. VHS enjoyed a lucrative career, transforming the way people watched movies and changing the economics of the film biz.

The format flourished until DVDs launched in 1997. After a fruitful career, VHS tapes started to retire from center stage in 2003 when DVDs became more popular. Since their retirement, VHS tapes have made occasional appearances in children's entertainment and as a format for collectors seeking titles not released on DVD. VHS continued to make as much as $300 million a year until this year, when studios stopped manufacturing the tapes.

(Thank god I outlived the VHS! Whew!)

Instead of war or global warming...

It's butt-fucking that's destroying our civilization. That's how the Roman Empire fell, you know. Just ask the Orville Redenbacher impersonator below. I'm sure he's filled with knowledge and insight.

This man and his sign can be found in Houston, Texas.
Thanks to Tonk who captured this scene with his camera phone.

I know, I promised no more Halloween postings...

but I couldn't resist this one. It's so good.

Lady Pun found this picture on a celebrity website. It's Tisha Campbell (from the show, MARTIN) dressed up as Tyra Banks for Heidi Klum's halloween party.

Here's a picture of the real Tyra.

Here's Tisha looking like Tyra. Hilarious!

"We are still... the Pet Shop Boys"

That's what Neil Tennant (on the left) said at the conclusion of their concert yesterday at the Wiltern Theater. Chris Lowe (on the right) was silent most of the night, marking his genius at the keyboard while wearing the exact same neon yellow hoodie and shades pictured above.

Not only are they still the Pet Shop Boys, but they are still very cool. The concert was amazing and they are awesome live. I swear, Neil's vocals sound just like they do on their cds! Thankfully, they played many of their old hits and we went crazy. It was really wonderful.

Lady Pun and I decided to go last minute. Thanks to Jane, we were fortunate to get discount tickets ($15 plus surcharges... original price was $65!). With the discount, it was even more worthwhile.

Yes, they are old. They don't look like this anymore, actually:

They can no longer prance around like they did back in the day, nor partake in any theatrics. And the audience was old, which made me think of my own fleeting youth...

But I actually think they are way cooler now... instead of prancing around themselves, they hired gorgeous gay men to prance on stage for them! Now that's hot. The dancers and back-up singers wore a multitude of lavish costumes that ranged from urban couture to head-to-toe white jumpers to sparkly golden cowboy outfits to flashy naval uniforms... there were at least 2 costume changes with each song.

Unfortunately, no one else in the theater (occupied only by gay white men and Asian people) dressed up for the ultimate new wave electro pop concert of the year except for the Pet Shop Boys, their dancers, and us:

Dude, we could pass for the Asian version of the West End Girls, a tribute band for the Pet Shop Boys. Perhaps we should call ourselves the East End Girls?

This young Swedish duo (only 17 years old!) sing only cover songs from Pet Shop Boys albums.

Although Joe introduced me to the West End Girls, the first time time I heard of tribute bands was when I read Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs. Author Chuck Klosterman, who was my hero for a minute (he did not have lasting power over me, unlike Gandhi), toured with Paradise City, a tribute band for Guns N' Roses. It wasn't until I read Chuck's book did I learn that most well-known singers and bands have a following of impersonators who make a pretty decent living singing the songs of the original performers.

Chuck describes these impersonators perfectly: These bands are mired in obsurity and engaged in a bizarrely postmodern zero sum game. If a tribute band were to completely succeed, its members would no longer have personalities. They would have no character whatsoever, beyond the qualities of whomever they tried to emulate. The goal is not to be somebody; the goal is to be somebody else.

Well-written, Chuck. That's why you were my hero for like two minutes. The Pet Shop Boys, on the other hand, have earned my loyalty. I am a fan for life.

Happy 1000th!

While the United States celebrates it's 300 millionth person residing in the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, DYY celebrates its 1000th profile view. (Just like how Blogger tracks profile views, I found a website that tracks the number of people in the US and the World through a Population Clock. Kind of neat, I think.)

The Zeitgeist Guide: DYY Edition is currently at profile view number 1009... which means my blog has been averaging about 100 new views each month since its inception in January 2006. Not too shabby, eh?

At any major milestone, reflection of one's existence is contemplated... and often a drastic change follows. The change could be something minor, such as a new hairstyle or body piercing. Sometimes its more permanent. One may decide to quit a job. Rob a bank. Move to another country. Start a new identity.

I have thought of all these things... and more. Nonetheless, I have no intention to start a new identity, because I like my current identity very much. I have decided, however, to change the name of my blog.

Welcome to ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, DYY

Same bedtime stories. Just a new phat fresh title.

Thank you for your interest and participation thus far. Remember, DYY loves you... everyone else thinks you're a little bitch.

Rumsfeld resigns!

and the Democrats win the House, with the Senate pending. Am I dreaming? If I am, do not wake me up!

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld announced his resignation today as the first casualty of Tuesday's elections, in which voters punished Republicans for the Iraq war and gave Democrats at least 27 seats in the House and a good shot at capturing the Senate.

More from before

As promised, Tonk forwarded a picture from the Tigers and Jaguars exhibit:
Pretty fucken tight, huh? I don't remember the artist's name (a Japanese American who grew up in East LA), but it's a mixture of graffiti art and 3-d animation.

Here's one by another artist:

I'm not sure if you could tell by the picture, but it's a militant bird forced to use a gun, and any other means necessary, in nature's fight against the industrial takeover of the world. That's how I interpret it anyway.