This and that....

Romont Harris - awesome Comedian!

2008-03-10T04:51:17Z

Ya know when you have friends who are entertainers (I have quite a few of them) and then you actually go see one of their performances and are blown away?
Ro has been a friend of mine for a little while now, and I knew he did stand-up comedy. Heck, whenever we hang out, my cheeks hurt from laughing so hard, but I alway blamed it on chemsitry and being on the same wavelength.

Well, I finally had a chance to see him do his stand-up act, and now I'm a full-fledged fan! Took along a bunch of friends, and they completely shared the sentiment - one of them was laughing so hard that she constantly had to wipe tears from her eyes.

Soooooo.....if you are up to being entertained as well as hear a few thought-provoking jokes, go see Romont when you have a chance.
I'll be heavily recruiting people when he has another gig coming up.
Raunchy, politically incorrect, full of energy, infectious, instantly likeable, his act also includes dancing, singing and impersonation. Yes, he may remind you of Carlton in "Fresh Prince of Bel Air", and he is the poster child of "Alcohol and herbs do a body good".

Support the local talent!!!

Typical weekend

2008-02-17T23:38:24Z

After the Sheng Wei Dance disappointment Friday night, I spent Saturday afternoon at the Penn Museum, celebrating African Cultural Day. Beautiful museum, especially the Egyptian area. Ended up being pulled into a little dance lesson by Nigerian Dancers, enjoyed some music with traditional african instruments and the absolute highlight, of course, a performance by the Universal African Drum and Dance Ensemble (UAD), and amazing troupe that does some great work for the community. Pasha the Stilt "Dancer" and all those little dancers and drummers bringing the image of a small african village in celebration to life. This was my second time seeing them, and I'll definitely attend future performances.
Sunday brought me to the Pet Expo at Valley Forge (more of a "Dog Expo", and not worth the $12.00 cover charge - the most interesting thing was all the dogs that the public brought along), and luckily, at the same convention center, the Midwinter Scottish and Irish Festival.
An afternoon of Celtic music, Bagpipes, Fiddles, Scottish Marching Bands and lots of vendors! Absolutely awesome! The cutest thing was a wee l'il bagpiper, who looked no more than 3 years old....all serious taking his place in the Bagpiping circle, blowing his instrument, tapping his little foot, looking all adorable in his kilt. Awww, it made my heart warm up!
Kodak moment of the day!

SHEN WEI DANCE at the Kimmel

2008-02-16T15:22:16Z

Booooring!!!! This guy won tons of awards? My friend described the show as follows: "A bunch of Anorexics rolling around on the floor - it looked like they were getting ready to warm up for an Aerobics class". Cracked me up. I found myself constantly drifting and thinking about my day, while looking halfheartedly at the stage and waiting for it to be over. I couldn't make any connection with the dance or dancers - they looked as disconnected as I felt. The dance failed to tell a story or evoke any type of emotion. Waste of time and money. Oh well, you can't win them all!

CONTINOUS MOVEMENT AT C.E.C. REC CENTER

2008-01-20T16:15:40Z

I slowly have morphed into a dance fan. Started with attending Bellydance performances, expanded to African Dance and now Hip Hop. The idea of a dance performance used to evoke visions of tippy toes and tutu's (and my least favorite: Classical music), but now I am actually a proud subscriber of the Kimmel Centers Dance Subscription series and attend as many performances as I can with great enthusiasm. The ironic part is, that I have no idea of dance, my describtion usually entails little more than "Love it" or "Hated it" (which has little to do with the skills of the dancers and the quality of the performers, and is purely based on my individual perception).
Considering I have 2 left feet and I'm the clumsiest person on earth, and also can't carry a tune to save my life, my passion for the performing arts borders on obsessive. I am broke because I constantly use my credit card to purchase tickets to something. But I figure, the arts do need enthusiastic audience members, and I'm happy to fill that role - many years down the road, I will be that blue-haired lady with a cane and a face full of wrinkles, who happily bobs along to the music with a big happy smile on her face, at ease with the world - and an enourmous credit card balance.

So I was happy to find out that Continous Movement was having a performance at the C.E.C Rec Center, which cost me a mere $10.00 and delivered that smile-inspiring performance. The C.E.C bathroom was an experience in itself. Could not stop laughing at the little notes in there:
"Future Handicapped sink location - eventually" over a pipe sticking out of the ground, and "Papertowels on other side of wall"

There is just something about a Hip Hop performance at a Rec Center floor instead of a stage, surrounded by hooting and supportive family members and friends. Very basic lighting and a couple of smoke effects, it was all about the dance. These kids were amazing.
So here is my verdict: "Loved it". Will go see them again!
If you have a chance to see them, don't miss it!

The first number included one fierce young lady surrounded by boys vying for her attention. Another a "dance-off" between rival gangs (seperated by the color of sweat-pants they wore). One kid's solo reminiscent of Michael Jackson in the 80's who brilliantly used his Heelix sneaks to glide across the floor in a surprise move at one point. And of course lots of time for each individual to show off his or her moves as a solo in the middle of the group, whereas other numbers were beautifully choreographed for several or all company members. I also really enjoyed the music selected.

Like I said....I'm not much of a critic, sorry. But I loved it!

This week

2007-11-24T18:55:18Z

It is so nice to have a full week of all play and no work. Guy visiting last weekend, and us just hanging out for a couple of days. Spending a few days with my cousin and his family, playing with the twins, watching movies and them taking me to see Chinese Acrobats for my birthday. Great show, by the way.
Thanksgiving - me being the single gal who doesn't cook and gets to mooch off my cousin. Aww, my cousin, who is not only a passionate cook capable of preparing the best Turkey EVAAAH, but who is also an amazing human being with a heart the size of Texas.
We used to be like brother and sister back in Germany - him being my favorite toy whom I got to drag around all over the place at first. His family emigrated to the States when he was 8, but every few years, when they'd come back for a visit, we just connected again.
I remember taking him out when he was 16 and him tricking me into letting him take "just one sip" of my extremely strong berry wine - glass was empty in 2 seconds flat, and his mom cursed me out for getting him drunk.
His career as a surfer boy, lounging on the beach, life being ruled by the waves, and maintaining his lifestyle with a bunch of odd jobs.
Fastforward 15 years, and nowadays, he is the most dedicated father (and a great one at that), a hard worker and still an all-around cool guy, yet maintaining his off-color humor and some of his atrocious table manners. My cousin rules!!!
Anyway, spent Friday in NYC to hook up with TJ. Kenny joined us for lunch at Bubba Gump - great view of Time Square, wonderful food and the perkiest waitors you could imagine.
TJ and I went on to check out the Museum of Natural History and spent quite some time admiring the butterflies at the Conservatory, as well as the Central Asian and African section. Awesome day.
I love the city.
What else? Oh yeah, go see "The Mist". A wonderful Adaptation of Steven King's short story , and after re-reading it again today, I have to say that they truly captured the essence of the story, and though they fleshed it out a bit, this only enhanced the movie. And the ending rocks!!!!!

Found this on Yahoo and laughed my butt off!

2007-11-20T23:40:00Z

Misleading Maggie: Her profile says no kids, athletic and raking in the big bucks. The first date reveals two young kids, an extended waistline and unemployment checks.
Nothing says trust issues for a guy more than lies from the get-go
Nothing says trust issues for a guy more than lies from the get-go.
Insecure Ilene: She reads into every comment a guy makes. She wants to know right away if date #2 can be tomorrow. She asks you to call the minute you get home. This clingy nature screams of a potential needy girlfriend lacking independence.
Third-Degree Donna: The cross-examination begins before the menus arrive. The questions are coming fast and furious, and the guy begins to feel like the defendant on the stand in a criminal trial. If a guy feels stuck under the interrogation lights, he'll run for the hills.
Tardy Tina: She arrives late, she no-shows, she changes plans last-minute, she loses his number, she flat-out just doesn't respect a guy's time. Fashionably late is one thing; keeping a guy waiting 30 minutes or no-showing is unacceptable.
High-Maintenance Hilda: "Thanks for taking me to this nice restaurant, but couldn't you get a table by the window?"
The feeling that nothing is ever good enough makes a guy quit trying to impress
The feeling that nothing is ever good enough makes a guy quit trying to impress. A simple thank you for a nice dinner is a better way to go.
Chatterbox Charlene: The conversation doesn't have to be 50 percent talking and 50 percent listening, but if she does all the talking it feels more like a seminar than a date. Charlene's opposite cousin, Pulling Teeth Patricia, is equally unsettling, making the guy do all the work.
Still-Hurting Sally: First dates are notorious for spilling the beans on what went wrong with prior relationships. Sharing an amusing anecdote is good; making it clear you're not over your ex-boyfriend is a definite no-no.
Game Player Gina: "Maybe I'll kiss you goodnight, maybe I won't."
Good guys like to know where they stand
Good guys like to know where they stand. They leave the game-playing for the sports field. There's nothing wrong with flirting, but just know when it crosses over into deception and confusion.
Conceited Colleen: "Any guy would be lucky to have me." Guess what, the great guy across the table is also a real catch. Stop assuming every guy doesn't deserve you, and then you'll be on your way to actually landing a good one.
Matrimony Maureen: He dips his egg roll in duck sauce when all of a sudden she spills the beans on what they should name their kids. Intense relationships can be exciting for a good guy, but walking down the aisle before you walk each other home for the first time is a turn-off.

Top 10 turnoffs for women
Maybe the answer is to learn the top 10 turnoffs that make great gals wave goodbye. If any of these fictional guys sound like you, it's time to change your approach.
Great Gal Turnoff #1: Showboat Sammy
Maybe he owns a yacht off the coast of France. Maybe he has a timeshare in the Hamptons. Maybe his annual bonus is bigger than most guys' salaries. That's all well and good, but does it really need to be divulged on the first date?
Great Gal Turnoff #2: Messy Melvin
A-list celebrities can pull off the unkempt look. First-daters need to pay attention to shaving, clothing and bad breath. If the guy can't even put in the effort for a first impression, it doesn't bode well down the road.
Great Gal Turnoff #3: Rude Ricky
"Where's our drinks, lady?" If a guy treats the service staff with a lack of respect, a great gal will likely assume he'll do the same to her someday.
The last thing anyone wants is to be talked down to or disrespected.
The last thing anyone wants is to be talked down to or disrespected.
Great Gal Turnoff #4: Cheapie Charlie
There will always be debate about who should pay on a first date. Some guys are traditionalists and want to foot the bill; others expect a 50-50 monetary split. In most cases, offering to pay is the way to go. Let her pick up the tab on a future date.
Great Gal Turnoff #5: Still-Married Michael
Marriage, separation and divorce are pretty cut-and-dry terms. If a guy says he's separated when he really means he's cheating on his wife, it's going to cause trouble. Be honest from the get-go and let the dating chips fall where they may.
Great Gal Turnoff #6: Hands-On Howie
Guys need to read the signals before assuming hand holding, massaging and other touchy-feely activities have the green light.
Jumping too quickly to any form of intimacy can make any guy seem too aggressive.
Jumping too quickly to any form of intimacy can make any guy seem too aggressive.
Great Gal Turnoff #7: Stereotyping Stephen
"Oh, you're one of those types of women." Jumping to conclusions about a date from the way she answers one or two questions is a definite mistake. Let the date unfold before making assumptions about someone you just met.
Great Gal Turnoff #8: Distracted David
His cell phone is ringing constantly, he's popping away from the table every 10 minutes, and he keeps interrupting the conversation flow. First dates require focused attention -- that means putting the phone on vibrate, making eye contact and being present.
Great Gal Turnoff #9: All-Business Barry
Some guys are great salesmen or outstanding negotiators. But there's a time and place for business and a time and place for leisure. Guys who treat first dates like business transactions will never close the deal.
Great Gal Turnoff #10: Nervous Ned
He can't sit still, he's banging his fork on the table, and he won't make eye contact for more than three seconds. Nervous antics are a real turnoff and make a great gal think a guy has something to hide. Work out the nervous kinks before the date starts.

Talk to me

2007-11-19T18:16:51Z

Just finished watching "Talk to me" on DVD. What a great movie!!!
Ended up crying a couple of times during the movie, even though I never felt like I was being manipulated to tears, like in so many other instances when a movie makes you cry. Don Cheadle is amazing in it, and having just seen "Reign over me", I literally would not have known that it is the same actor. For those of you who haven't heard of the movie, it is the true story of radio DJ Petey Greene, ex-con who managed to talk his way into a radio station in Washington D.C in the 60's, and "told it like it is", with the help of straight-laced Program Director Dewey Hughes. It is the friendship between those very different men, that is the heart of the movie. Chewetel Ejiofor also shines in this movie - this Brit is still one of my favorites from "Kinky Boots" and "Serenity" - can't wait to see more of him, just another extremely versatile actor who needs to win an Academy Award some day.
Ok, and don't get me started on that 70's fashion and hair in the movie. OH when, oh when are we bringing back afros and shirts with big collars, unbottoned to the navel and showing flashes of gold necklaces and hairy chests?
Hmmm, maybe that is only MY dream, LOL
Anyway, go see it! Great movie!!!

Yayyy!!! Guy

2007-11-16T04:38:17Z

My bestest friend Guy (best friend other than Jeremy. You hear that, Jeremy?!?!) is coming to town tomorrow to celebrate my b-day with me. Him and me hitting the town, I can't wait!!!!
Guy was the first friend I made after my divorce - back then when I had nobody. I met him volunteering at "Hello Dolly". My second show, his second show...and instant connection. He opened his heart and his home to me, and I think for a year, I spent every weekend on his couch, working on shows with him, whining and complaining about my misery (still remember the one time I literally was in tears rambling on, and his response: "Yeah, ok. How does my dance step look? And did I project?")
We'd walk everywhere hand in hand, and people actually thought we were a couple (HELLO?!? ). Worse than that, we'd skip arm in arm, howling showtunes at the top of our lungs (the jury is still out who is more tone-deaf! Of course, if he reads this, he will be completely flabbergasted at this statement since he does perform in musicals regularly)
When we are together, his husband usually looks at us with a slightly exasperated (disgusted?) expression and pretend he doesn't know either one of us.
But it's all good.
I can't wait!!!!

Bellydance Superstars at Kenswick Theatre in Glenside

2007-11-02T04:06:37Z

They failed to dazzle me.
Except for one fantastic veil number with a lot of spinning and magnificent skirts flying, the other numbers were fairly average and I've seen the likes tons of times. I expected more from "Superstars".
Highlight for me was the fact that we were allowed to bring our cosmopolitans into the theatre....I was feeling quite good rather fast, LOL
Compared to some of the other dance performances I have seen lately, this didn't live up to its pricetag

Pet Bird Expo in York, PA

2007-10-28T22:18:13Z

I found myself at the York Fairgrounds attending a Pet bird expo. Frankly, it wasn't the best I have ever been to, and the selections of vendors was small. But I got some awesome pictures - check some of them out, I posted them.
Had a hard time not to stare when a whole Amish family walked in, a mother, an incredibly tall teenage boy, a small boy, 2 teenage girls and a wee one, holding a lovebird. All girls were dressed the same, and so were the boys, all of them blond and pretty - and somehow I felt that I was either at a costume party, or on a movie set. I don't know....it was just so different.

Anyway, it was weird to realize how much I have forgotten about parrots. I had a hard time remembering that Plumheaded Parakeets were part of the Psittacula family...I used to be able to rattle off those latin names in a heartbeat. Saw some Rosey Bourke babies, flirted with the Macaws, yearning to once again hold one.
And then did the unthinkable....I bought a bird. AAARGH!!! For some reason, the idea of waking up to a pretty canary song each morning seemed unresistable to me. Forgotten were the issues that birds are messy, that the cage isn't pretty (though the bird is), that seed flies everywhere....
I'd say it was a spontaneous purchase, except I probably spent three hours sitting in front of that canary cage, trying to figure out which bird was the one singing. I'm still not sure I got the right one - try picking out ONE specific orange canary amongst 10 others that look just the same.
But he chirped this morning, was already eating and seems to get acclimated just fine.
And cracked me up when I set up the cage, and he decided to land on my hand and just sit there for a little while. HELLO!!! Aren't canaries supposed to be frightened and shy?

So now I have 4 pets.
2 cats, 2 birds.
Sigh!
He better sing!!!

BEING ALIVE - a Sondheim evening at the Suzanne Roberts theatre

2007-10-27T12:51:07Z

I found out last minute that the brandnew Suzanne Roberts theatre in Center City had previews for "Being alive" - a musical celebration of Sondheim, but "blackened up". Here is the description:
"Being Alive is a unique musical fusion which blends four decades of Stephen Sondheim's inventive music and lyrics with the passion and style of jazz, blues, soul, R&B, hip-hop and gospel. Using Shakespeare's 'Seven Ages of Man' from As You Like It for dramatic structure, director-conceiver Billy Porter brings it all to vibrant life in this joyous celebration…"

I was soooo excited! Got half price tickets through Funsaver, and then was tasked with finding a last minute companion to attend. After several "No"s from everybody, my friend Lucille finally said yes with only a few hours to go before curtain. Of course, it poured. Every time I go into Philly with Lucille, the sky opens up and showers us with all it has.
Anyway, as excited as I was, I have to say upfront that I didn't love it.
I should have, Sondheim scores and especially his ironic and thoughtful lyrics are right up my alley. The cast was wonderful, awesome voices and true acting skills. The show was set up as the "Seven ages of men", with some Shakespeare lyrics (Did I mention I hate Shakespeare?), going through childhood to old age and death. Just through their body language, you knew exactly that the cast was now a child, now an adult and later an old person.
So voices and acting was not the issue.
But somehow, for me, it lacked heart. There were some great touching moments, like when Vanita Harbour was sitting in a rocker, rubbing her belly and humming "Send in the clowns" in obvious pain (My interpretation was that she lost a baby), concluding in a swelling rendition of 3 lines of the lyrics: "Send in the clowns. There ought to be clowns. Well, maybe next year".
Broke my heart.
This was followed by Rema Webb (my personal favorite in the show. Awesome voice!!!), singing "Move on".
One of my favorite lyrics in a song EVER are in this piece:
"THE CHOICE MAY HAVE BEEN MISTAKEN. THE CHOOSING WAS NOT!"
This has turned into a bit of my personal mantra.
Other heartwrenching moments was the section dealing with war, and one of the soldiers (Bryan Terrel Clark) singing another one of my personal favorite songs "Losing my Mind". Though originally a painful ballad about lost love, here it took on a new meaning, as he gazed at the stylized caskets of dead companions.
The first time I heard this song from Follies, it was performed by an old, blind former chorine at a Karaoke Piano Bar. She took over the piano, frail, barely finding the stage with the use of her cane...sat down at the Piano and CHANGED before our eyes. I have rarely been that touched by a piece of music as when she put all her feelings and emotions into the pain of lost love, pining and memory. I since purchased several versions of that song, but nobody ever evoked the same reaction in me as that old woman. And frankly, I HATE Barbara Cook doing it!
Anyway, I digress. Back to the show:
Another highlight for me was the interchange/argument between Leslie Odom and Rema Webb as former lovers at a friends' wedding with songs from "Passion".
"I wish I could forget you", answered by an accusing "Is this what you call love?", which blew me away.
But what really bothered me about the show where the harmonies. I did not like them. It may have been the location of our seats (way to the side), but I found them somewhat unpleasant and distracting. I think I would have prefered much of the arrangements to feature the singer on stage by him- or herself. Plus, the choreography was cheesy to the extreme.
Again, it was only previews. I may go see it again, maybe in a different location to see if the sound was the issue. It is running through December 2.
And to be fair, I was a bit distracted by the snippets of songs that I loved, which were then just used as an intro to another song (for example "Getting married today", one of my alltime faves as well, where only the "Bless this ..." intro was used.). I think I was a little too hung up on my familiarity with the songs, while Lucille, who had never heard of Sondheim, absolutely loved the show.
And I only have to remember how much I hated "Marie Christine" when I saw it on stage at the Lincoln. Despite being a fan of Audra McDonald and being very excited about seeing the show, I was bored, distracted and hated the music. Only to buy the cast album because the song "Beautiful" stuck in my mind. And lo and behold, Marie Christine is still, to this day, one of my absolute favorite scores of all times - and I wish I could see that performance again with fresh eyes, after being familiar with the music (It took a few times listening before I could decypher how awesome the score was- which brings up a funny point. If I hated it so much, how come I listend to the CD several times to begin with?)
So first impressions are not always the final word in my case, and with that in mind, I would recommend to see the show.
And if it's just to support Billy Porter, the director, who conceived this idea.
Check out WWW.BILLYPORTER.COM

Confession of a serial dater....

2007-10-23T23:44:28Z

I admit it. I turned into a serial dater. And I'm having a blast.
Definitely learning a lot about society, myself and men. And no, I'm not one of those gals using dating as a means to a free meal, or think that "all men are....". I just truly enjoy meeting guys from all sorts of life, getting a peek into their world and wondering if there will be great conversation, chemistry or a connection.
I've had absolute wonderful dates with instant infatuation that led to nothing, I had horrible dates which turned into good friends down the road. And everything in between. In the last year, I've been on dates with guys ranging in age from 25 to 54. Japanese, Korean, African American, Domenican, Indian, Caucasion. Models, SW Engineers, Electricians, Choir teachers, unemployed, Cubicle dwellers and manual laborers. Some had awesome stories and life experiences, some were little more than a blob on a chair. I had guys monologuing the whole time, while others didn't utter a single word other than Hello and good-bye.

And of course I feel the need to share some of my experiences. So here they are:

Things you never want to hear on a date (but I did anyway)
- I've been happily married for 14 years
- No, I've been to PRISON, not to jail. There is a DIFFERENCE (go ahead, educate me)
- Will there be kissing on the next date? If there is not, then we are not compatible (This came AFTER we already made plans for a second date)

Things guys brought along to our first date:
- Their 65 year old landlady
- A Vibrator
- Three other guys they were related to.

Things to be aware of:
- if they are a model/actor/artist/musician and they have a lot of free time on their hands, chances are good that they are unemployed. On the other hand, it's also a good excuse to be too busy. Women love artists (and consequently are very understanding at "supporting" them), and will excuse just about everything in the name of "talent". Guys are aware of this fact.
- Rude to the waitress/bus boy or valet? Leave!
- If they joke about having a small dick, they usually tell the truth

Some of the nicknames I have given my dates
Jabba the Hut (atrocious eating habits, food particles flying everywhere, had to duck to avoid getting hit by chicken bones)
The Poser (enough said)
Funky Boy (shower optional)
The Ex-Con (not so much a nickname, really)

Ok, this concludes my "Carrie" moment.

Don't hate the player, hate the game!

WOFABE - african dance and drum festival in NJ

2007-10-21T16:46:31Z

Went to Newark with my friend Liz to attend the Drum and Dance concert WOFABE - Everybody come, at the Highschool for the Arts. What can I say? For $15.00, you got a show that rivaled any top production you could hope for. There was so much color, movement, rhythm, beat and story....it was too much at once for the human brain to take it all in. Some traditonal african dance, some hip hop inspired moves, a dance off between 2 groups of girls, stilt walkers, colorful costumes...and dancers who seemed to defy gravity at times, all the while just spreading joy. Harambee Dance company, Zawadi School of African Dance and Drum, Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble and Kule Mele were the companies who entertained for a full 2 hours. While all companies were top notch, the audience personal favorite was definitely Universal Dance and Drum Ensemble, who incorporated kids as both dancers and drummers (and don't be mistaken....these kids had mad skills!!! Cuteness was not a factor, these kids knew their stuff and their moves were awe-inspiring). Pasha, the Stilt walker rounded out an amazing performance - technically he was a stilt DANCER, there was nothing resembling walking. My absolute favorite was the acrobatic section of the Universal performance. I think my mouth was gaping wide all through the performance. LOOOOVED IT!!!! Interestingly enough, Kule Mele was in my opinion the weakest performer on that stage - noteworthy, because I only found out about this festival due to their website, and I have been catching quite a lot of their appearances.
Liz and I left uplifted and vowed to be back next year. And I hope this festival is going to grow from year to year.

Ya ever noticed....

2007-10-17T04:37:06Z

..that when we really care about someone, we have the urge to feed them? Yes, even me. Lady without food. Queen of Lean Cuisine. Empty refrigerator syndrome sufferer. Can't cook to save my life!
I have once set my stove on fire! No joke! Flames were shooting out of the oven part.
I am a hopeless case. Yet, even I feel the urge of the mating call. MUST FEED OBJECT OF AFFECTION!!!!
What the hell!!!????

Ok, that was the random thought of the day.

Racing Ostriches and jousting dwarfs....

2007-10-17T03:36:55Z

Another day spent in Philly, walking from 23rd and Arch via Center City to Old Town, with a pitstop at the African American museum (A disappointment....they could have done so much more in there!) and at the Painted Bride Arts Center (must visit performances there), through Society Hill, over to South Street and back to 23rd and Arch, where I had parked. Took pictures along the way, stopped for ice cream and to smell the roses. Ok, I admit it, no roses, but some interesting interactions with people.
Hung out at Love Park for a little while, listening to some guy singing his heart out and watching one of the homeless ladies dance along. She noticed me watching her, and bummed a buck off me as an appreciative audience, and then proceeded to tell me about the food at Chili's, the Mayor, the nice security guard at the Love Park, her heritage which was 1/4 black, 1/2 puerto-rican and some indian and irish quarter - and 100% hot temper. The conversation was a bit spotty, but at one point, she mentioned that she had access to over a million bucks twice in her life, through her sugar daddies. At my amused response "Sugar Daddy? I need one of those", she thoroughly looked me up and down and replied dead-pan "With a chest like yours, and an ass like that, you shouldn't have any problems finding a sugar daddy".
Boy, I should have given her another buck!
Onward I went, where the next interesting encounter was a hippie boy sitting on the ground on South Street, smoking a joint (at least it looked like that in my limited experience), with a sleeping dog next to him, and his buddy perched on top of sleeping bags, sporting several piercings. Hippie boy offered me the opportunity to take his photo (for a buck, of course) and then proceeded to tell me his revolutionary ideas of starting an ostrich race track. Faster than horses, much more entertaining, especially with the midgets riding them. I told him that I thought jousting midgets on ostriches would be way more entertaining, and before I knew it, we were discussing the merits of a moat, in which ostriches get to toss their midget riders, and how to recruit the midgets. Midget open auditions?
Before I started to be completely politically incorrect, I mosied on...but chuckling for the next 2 miles.
Stopped several times to take pictures, including an artist peddling his paintings, a lady smoking who completely blended in with the shrubbery, a dreadlocked art student with his trusty apple computer. Which, by the way, what is it with my fascination with Dreads? I get whiplash every time I spot something even remotely looking like Locks. It's starting to become a bit of a fetish....Another remnant from my Renaissance Faire times and my fascination with the look of tribal Bellydance troupes? (Thanks, Domba!)
You can check out the pics on my Myspace page under Wormievader

My day in Philly

2007-10-16T14:23:09Z

Spent some of the day just wandering about Philly yesterday to clear my head. Watched kids getting on a school bus, which made me smile. Watched a female cop feed the pigeons and starlings in the Love Park, which was another serene moment. Got hit on by just about every vagrant or aimless man hanging around the vicinity. I guess that's "Construction Man Syndrome", that automatically kicks in whenever a female walks by.
I actually kinda enjoy it - who am I to knock a compliment?
And I got suckered into giving my phone number to one of them. AAAARGH!!!!
Not sure how that happened, but the dude walked by, saw me, stopped, his friend tried to lure a few quarters out of me, whereas a discussion began. I cracked up "You are hitting on me, while your friend is begging for money. Hmmm, interesting concept" Answer:" He's not begging for money, he just doesn't have enough for the subway"
"Then why don't you give him the money for the subway?"
"Because then I wouldn't have enough". Hmmm, intersting logic.
Friend wandered off at this time (knowing I didn't have any quarters), while discussion with the other dude went on.
He commented how caucasion women never acknowledge black men in Philly, and will not make eye contact. That he is from NY and just spent his first week in Philly and how shocked he is about how different it is here. How he gets the impresson that caucasion women in Philly are afraid to be robbed by any black men they encounter, and how I was the first woman to actually stop when he said something to me, and talk to him.
And then he asked for me phone number. I was gonna give him a fake one at first, and as I was trying to pull a fake number out of my head, I realized that he was looking at the phone, which I had in my hand!!!
Panicked moment, I figured that if I gave him a fake, he may call my phone with it right away and once it doesn't ring, the jig is up.
So I gave him the real one. Yikes!!!
Must not do this on a regular basis!!!! Must learn my lesson soon!

Didn't I just stop getting phone calls from Malik, the rapper in NY whom I met at Times Square? Boy called literally every hour. While he was nice enough to chat with, the concept of him casually mentioning how he lived in the projects, has no car, but was ready and able to take the bus to come see me...and at the same time didn't actually truly remember what I looked like....that concept worried me a bit, LOL

Everybody who knows me, also knows that I don't discriminate and truly don't care what you do for a living....as long as you do something for a living.
I will talk to anybody, and a good heart is more important to me than a thick wallet.
But at the same time, there is a world that I am not familiar with, and probably am unequipped (and too naive) to deal with.

Philly definitely is different from what I am used to.
Toto, we are not in Kansas anymore!

Scottish Irish festival at Green Lane Park

2007-09-09T21:24:37Z

What a fun event! Sitting on the grass, enjoying scottish marching bands, the sound of Bagpipes carrying all across the lake, random men in both traditional and working kilts.....what could be better? Oh, did I mention that it is a FREE event? Thousands of people wandering around, checking out the vendors, watching irish dance performances, taking pictures with Leprachauns, and lots of lots of dogs. Spent quite some time admiring Irish Wolfhounds that are used as Therapy dogs, as well as the random l'il yippers (even a mexican hairless) that came along with "their" people.
Traditional food like meatpies, shephard pies, and fish and chips. Strongmen competition with men in kits hurling tree trunks into the distance. Nessie floating on the Lake. A camp of confederates as well as a camp of medical knights from the SCA, and as a highlight a performance by BaleyJuice, celtic rock with fiddle, backpipe and men in kilts at their best.
OH, did I mention the recurring theme of men in kilts?
LOVED IT!!!

Boston Pops and diversity

2007-08-25T16:55:27Z

I went to see the Boston Pops at the Kimmel Center on Tuesday. It was fabulous, especially Marin Mazzie and her Husband performing a few numbers (I'm a big fan of Marin's), and the "Philly sing-a-long". The program featured the lyrics of classics like "Somewhere over the rainbow" "Raindrops keep falling on your head" "Memories", and the whole Kimmel center was singing along.... thousand people all in chorus in a great acoustic hall - it sounded fabulous!! And it really sounded like everybody in Philly has a great voice. Amazing.

We were seated behind several members of the "Red Hat society", lovely elderly ladies with their chapeaus and purple outfits. They were so cute, and I want to grow up to be just like them!

What struck me as unusual, though, was looking around in the audience and not seeing a single person of color. Ok, not seeing many young people either, but the lack of diversity just struck me, considering that Philly has a large african american population, and the Kimmel is right in center city.
Just a few days earlier, my friend and I went to the (very rained out) Caribean Festival at Penn's Landing, and the opposite was true there....it seems like we were the only caucasian people there.
It amazes me that different forms of entertainment still draw such non-diverse audiences.
I really thought that in a town like Philly there would be a more mixed crowd at any event.

PA Ren Faire

2007-08-13T03:06:58Z

Had a blast at the PA Renaissance Faire. Spent a majority of the day with a coworker and his girlfriend at the bar, drinking Mead. Oh, how I miss Mead. Watching lots of people in costumes walk by, drooling over their outfits. Saw a great acrobatic/idiotic show, enjoyed the "Sultry Sirens of Sin and Rakish Rogues", did some shopping and bought a hat - Yeah, like I really needed another hat. But this one came with feathers!!! Hmmmm, I like feathers!
Human Chess game and Joust. Ok, after a few years, it just really seems like more of the same, but still fun. And I always enjoy seeing "Cpt Boom" perform....I still remember him as a "Man of Action" up at the Maine Renaissance Faire, doing the Goblin dance in the rain, and best of all, slicing "The Boy"'s throat during the final fight following the crowd's chant "Kill the boy, kill the boy" - much to the shock of the attending audience, because this was not in the script. Ok, no actual boys got hurt in the making of that particular final fight, but it definitely had an effect on participants and audience.
Best Final Fight I ever saw!
Also hung out at the local Quintain for a while, reminiscing about working at the Quintain of King Richard's Faire. How I miss those times!!! The Gaming Glen at PA Ren Faire is dead silent. No hawking, no innuendo, no flirting, no battle cries!
I'll never forget the ultimate compliment this woman once paid Al and me after we had talked her husband onto our ride: " OH my GAAWD!!! You are the DIRTIEST ride on this Faire". Oh, we were sooooo proud!!!!
And Jeremy on the bottom of the Quintain, making me miss catching the horse into the latch on purpose. Or having me pull the stupid thing halfway up, because he didn't push it far enough. I even hurt my back one day, trying to get the horse up, while he was cracking up. He even slammed it into the tree so hard one time, that one of the legs fell off.
Took me a whole season to figure out he did it on purpose!!! BRAT!

Anyway, I had a great time, and already bought a return ticket. Gotta hit Maryland Faire next, though. And maybe maybe maybe maybe I'll actually make it back to King Dick's this season for a change.

If only the season was longer. And Massachussetts wasn't so far. Sigh!

Chemistry - how does it work?

2007-08-04T02:44:53Z

I think if somebody could bottle up "chemistry" between a man and a woman, and sell it at Target, they'd make a fortune.
But how to define it? What makes up the ingredients of the big "Zoom"?
Why can you be madly attracted to one person, while their almost identical sibling leaves you cold?
What makes your head whip around at lightspeed at the sight of somebody passing you by in the streets? Yet,spending 2 hours getting to know the handsome stranger somebody set you up with makes you yawn, because you realized in the first 5 seconds that he was not "your type"?
Why is it that the person who is so perfect on paper and fulfills all your requirements makes you shudder at first sight?
One person's voice will send shivers of pleasure down your spine, while another's grates endlessly on your nerves.
The same line used by two different people will provoke a "talk to the hand" reaction with one, while having you completely enchanted with the other one. And it has nothing to do with looks. The sight of a great-looking guy with washboard abs will make me admire him the same way I admire a painting in a museum. Pretty, but I don't have to have it on my own wall.

But at the same time, things that could be perceived as physical "flaws" can turn into a positive with the right person.

My friends like to add up all the various tidbits of things I mentioned in the past, about what attracts me to a guy. Then burst into hysterical laughter at the description of the sum of it, because it sounds somewhat like this: "Short, chunky, hairy, gaptoothed or with crooked teeth, pierced and tattooed".
Ok, so this is not actually my ideal man.
But it is true that most of the men I am attracted to, usually do have one of these things as a physical attribute (though never all of it at once - not too many hobbits running around in these parts of the world, LOL).
And I realize that a lot of these preferences date back to somebody in my past, whom I cared about. Not even necessarily a boyfriend, but sometimes just somebody I really liked...no sexual connotation whatsoever.
But it's not just the physical. I am a sucker for green eyes. A big smile. A husky voice. A certain dialect. Or you should see me when I catch a whiff of Polo on a certain skin type in the mall....you think those Axe commercials are fake? Watch me!!!
So why would I choose Starsky over the more traditionally handsome Hutch? Rico Tubbs over Sonny Crockett? Matt Damon over Ben Affleck? Darth Vader over Luke Skywalker?
Who knows?
The taste of Jack Daniels on somebody's lips, the slight faint trace of Marlboro on somebody's clothes (and I hate smokey bars!), a certain cologne, an almost forgotten song on the radio - a few traces of memories about a forgotten love, that will still evoke a reaction that sometimes catches me by surprise.

A radiant smile will make an average face look stunning, while a scowl will spoil the most beautiful features. And I think that's what it really comes down to. While physical attraction seems to be the initial priority, it really is the underlying personality that we are drawn to. Combined with positive memories from our past, this may be what we call "chemistry".

I am a hugger....

2007-07-19T03:09:49Z

I hug people. It's my standard greeting when I haven't seen somebody in a while. I love giving hugs and receiving them.
I noticed today at work how natural it is to me. We have this russian project manager. Saw him in one of the other cubicles today, talking to a couple of people.
I got up, walked over to him, he saw me coming and stretched out his arms while never stopping his conversation, I walked into his arms, gave him a big hug, turned around and went back to my seat without saying a word.
Then I realized how odd this may have looked to people who do not dole out hugs as freely as my russian coworker and I.
He comes into the office once every couple of months. I don't usually work with him, but he always makes a point to stop by. Sometimes I don't realze he is behind me until I feel a bear hug.
It's great. Nothing sexual about it, either (in case you were wondering).
On a funny note, he and I both have accents. I can't understand people with accents or strong dialects, especially on the phone.
The first time I talked to him on the phone, I was absolutely horrified, because we had a 10 minute conversation, and I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND A WORD OF IT!!!

My Trout analogy....copied from my MySpace bulletin

2007-07-18T00:26:06Z

I don't actually think that these dudes are "bad apples" , or give men a bad name. I'm just intrigued by what their angle is. It sort of reminds me of somebody who goes fishing by sticking his big toe into a lake and expecting the fish to bite.
Is he really expecting to catch a fish this way?
Or is he just amused by the reaction of the fish staring in utter amazement at his foot dangling into the water?
And why did he not get a fishing rod and some bait to improve his chances of actually catching one.
Do the fish scare him?
Does he actually have one back home on the grill already? Does he want a different flavor on his plate, but is not sure that he wants to throw out the one cooking at home?
Or is he just not hungry yet?
And have I now beaten this analogy to death?!?!

Anyway, I'm swimming on. I see a cool bait over there at the pier, and it doesn't have a toenail....LOL

Signing off, the trout.

Guys...(shaking my head in amazement)

2007-07-16T23:34:59Z

Ok, so I had a few racy pics on MySpace. No nudity, but I really liked the way they came out, and I was kinda proud of them - and loved the compliments I have been getting from my friends. What I didn't expect was getting propositions left and right.
Now whoever knows me, also knows that I am far from being a prude. And that I like compliments, attention, as well as meeting new people.
I have no qualms going on a date with somebody who seems cool, fun, or interesting - no matter what they do for a living, what nationality or what race they are.
But here is what amazes me. These guys are extremely direct in their propositons. They don't want to get to know me. They want sex. They think I'm going to invite them to my house and into my bed.
Now I don't mind a little flirtation, then maybe meeting for a drink and see if there is chemistry in person.
What I don't understand is these guys not caring about any of that. They go just by the pic. I could have the nastiest personality, or my pictures could be outdated, or my breath smells, or my body language is off.
Or I could have a psycho boyfriend coming home and chopping their privates off.
It is beyond me how anybody could not care about any of this, and just go by a picture and decide they want to sleep with me.
Are these guys for real?
Do men really not care about personality at all, and just want to get their rocks off? Or are these dudes the exception?
Or do they just get off on "dirty emailing" (the online equivalent of dirty talk)
Just curious.....

Bastille Day - Let them eat cake!

2007-07-15T03:05:36Z

Headed into Philly for the storming of the Bastille, a.k.a. Eastern State Penitentiary.
Managed to get a spot right in front of the Guillotine, while the crowd got pelted with Twinkies after the famous "Let them eat cake" line.
Though it was fun to see the crowd go nuts jumping for Twinkies and yelling "off with her head" at Marie Antoinette's impending beheading by a real working guillotine, the event was a bit lacking. Malfunctioning mikes, actors with script in hand reading their lines and worst offense of all, the pardoning of the queen (the only victim of this really cool guillotine was a watermelon meeting its doom by the falling blade).
It was still fun seeing the street transformed into revolutionary Paris, with the Moulin Rouge and Eiffel Tower on display, costumed actors, audience in red/white and blue outfits in homage to France, peasant women raising their knitting, executioner raising a few chopped off heads....
Had dinner at Bridgid's restaurant afterwards with friends. Cute little restaurant on 726 North 24st Street with an excellent menu (the gnocci were fantastic) and a very hot waiter!!
Highly recommended ;-)

19 love questions

2007-07-06T22:55:54Z

19 love questions
If you opened it, you have to do it.

1. Three Names You Go By:
A. Bina
B. Wormie
C. Bavarian Creampuff

2. Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
A. Camouflage Pants
B. Jolly Rogers Shirt

Love Survey

[01] Do you still have feelings for your ex?
Feelings of affection and caring, but none of the romantic type of feelings

[02] Have you ever been given roses?
Yes, but nowhere near enough!!! I like yellow roses ;-)

[03] What is your all-time favorite romance movie?
When Harry met Sally

[04] How many times have you honestly been in love?
Not sure if I have ever truly been in love. But been in lust lots of time. And crazy deep infatuation. I think the closest of having been in love was a fairly short romance - but I could not be near him without feeling electricity.

[05] Do you believe that everyone has a soul-mate?
NO.

[06] Whats your current problem?
That I have to work to pay the bills, LOL

[07] Have you ever had your heart broken?
Yes. My heart breaks easily. But it always mends again.

[08] Your thoughts of online or long distance relationships?
I think long distance relationships are too complicated. I have too many long-distance friends to bother with long-distance love on top of it. Online relationships? Great way to meet somebody, but it needs to continue in the real world.

[09] Have you ever seen a friend as more than a friend ?
Well, I ended up marrying my best friend at the time, many years ago, so does that answer it? But marriage and the friendship didn't last in the long run.

[10] Do you believe the statement, "Once a cheater always a cheater"?
No. I think people cheat because they are not happy or fulfilled in their relationship or within themselves. But that doesn't mean that they will always be that way.

[11] How many kids do you want to have?
That ship has sailed.

[12] What is your favorite color(s)?
Bright green and flaming red

[14] Do you believe you truly only love once?
No. I think there are many types of love, though.

[15] Imagine you're 79 & your spouse just died, would you re-marry?
Heck, I won't remarry NOW. It's not for me.

[17] What song do you want to hear at your wedding?
What weddng? Maybe that song from "Company", which compares marriage to her funeral? Just kidding. But it's a brilliant Sondheim Song!

[18] Do you know someone who likes you?
My friends like me. I know that for sure!

[19] Do you like anyone?
Yup. Lots of people. Some of them more than others ;-)

now, post this as "19 love questions"