Wednesday, March 17, 2004

"GOOD NEWS, CITIZENS OF OZ!! WICKED IS DEAD!"

Last night, it snowed heavily in the region, created a lot of wet, slushy shit around the city. But did it stop me from going to see the Broadway play called "Wicked"? No.

The musical play, "Wicked" is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire. The play is directed by Joe Mantello.

When I entered the Gershwin Theatre, I was impressed with the build-up approach to the theatre, everywhere I see is green. Lights, walls -- you can feel the hype about Green. The novel talked about the most misunderstood character of all, the Wicked Witch of the West in the Wizard of Oz. It is certainly good place to VEE VEE and VEE.

Before the play started, Joe Santini and I went to the bar to get a cup of wine to pep ourselves up for the play. When we entered the theatre, I is the VEE at the stage -- it must cost nearly a million dollar to do the works.

As you know, I am dramatic person when I want (or have to). I will cause a scene if things do not look good. They provide interpreters in front of the stage, but I sit at J25, that is pretty far away from the interpreter's position. And what's even worse was that the first 3 or 4 rows was reserved for hearing ASL students, then 4th or 5th row to 15th row are for Deaf people!

My group was pissed off about this seating arrangement. My friend, Kate objected. Then the lady came over with an interpreter, Christina Turnzo-Mosleh. I told the lady in charge that it is not right that deaf people sits behind hearing people and having a difficult time seeing the interpreter (I used the term, "STRAIN OUR EYES FAR DOWN THERE!"). The lady said, "I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do at this time."

Her fatal mistake, my dear friends. As many of my close friends already knew the Truth, that line sets me off. I chortled, "That line is so insensitive." I stared at the interpreter, she stared at me whether if she should say that, I told her, "Say it to her, do it." She interpreted. She stared at me with a gasp.

Then I cracked a line, "I guess if I have a hard time seeing the interpreter from here, I will make sure that I stand up during the performance for a better view, regardless if there are people behind me who feels I was blocking their view because I paid the ticket to see and understand the play."

Christina Trunzo-Mosleh stared at me then interpreted. Joe could not believe what I said. I was tough, wicked bitch. I stared at the lady. The lady could not believe that I made such a threat, "No, no, come with me." She scrambled to transfer me and Joe down to third row and we had a great view of interpreters and the close-up of the stage.

So ... it works, my children. With a direct threat, people caved in. However, you know that I'm picky with plays. The opening minutes must, in my view, win the audience or it flops, case closed. Just an A or F, no betweens.

"Wicked" is termed as the "Best Musical of the Year" by many local papers in New York -- sure enough, the opening minutes of the play were absolutely stunning and explosive as the citizens of Oz ran around and sung, "GOOD NEWS! WICKED IS DEAD! WICKED IS LIAR! THE UGLY WITCH IS DEAD! NO ONE MOURNS THE WICKED!"

I was the VEE, VEE and VEE!!! I was sitting three rows away from three interpreters -- one cute guy named Alan Champion, he signed the song with a passion and inadvertently pointed at me as the wicked when he said, "THERE WICKED IS DEAD, THERE WICKED LIAR, THERE WICKED IS UGLY GREEN!" -- I turned to Joe and said, "Yeah, I am Wicked."

Idina Menzel performed as Elphaba, or the WICKED. She was absolutely GREAT. So did Laura Bell Bundy as Galinda or later known as Glinda. I need to molest Norbert Leo Butz. He is so hot.

I was mesmerized with the play. The conclusion of the play also ended with a bang. Overall, Wicked is exhilarating, feel-good and cool. It guarantees to make you smile when you emerged from the theatre.

In fact, I told Alan Champion that I was wounded that he called me the Wicked. He said he noticed later in the play that he kept on pointing at me and realized it. And grinned, profusely apologizing. Told him that I like being called that, though. I can relate to Elphaba! As Web later said, "Why must he apologize? You are wicked!"

When we came out of the theatre, we saw an amusing billboard right before exiting the building, it reads: "You Are Now Leaving Oz. Here You Enter Reality. Please Drive (Or Fly!) Carefully."

What can you do but to smile?

Let's be wicked today! After all, she is green and today is St. Patrick's Day! Let's be WICKED!

GOOD NEWS, CITIZENS OF OZ! THE WICKED IS DEAD! HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

*chuckling*

R-

Friday, March 12, 2004

911 Days

You probably heard about the commuter train explosions yesterday in Madrid, Spain. Many people were alarmed that it happened *exactly* 2 1/2 years after the 9/11 Horrors. Not only that, it also occured on 3/11. Not only that, between these dates (9/11/01 and 3/11/04), it rings up 911 days.

Oh, lord. In 300 years, someone would say that it's prophetic.

You know, after reading Larry Gonick's books, one thing that hasn't changed since the beginning of everything ... violence. And maybe prostitution. But actually, the world is always based on conquest after conquest after conquest after conquest ...

Back then, we were able to fight face-to-face with some interesting innovations that shock the people from time to time. Today, like Web said, the violence itself became impersonal. We just can fire a rocket for miles and kill 300 people. We can just toss a grenade and blow the city bus. We can just make bombs and leave it in bags or suitcases and let it explode and kill some in the process.

Come to think of this, we are going through a phase of impersonality. We do not know real enemy until it explodes in our faces. Back then, we could chase Genghis Khan or Hitler down to its core. But with Osama bin Laden, everything becomes murky and difficult to do so.

You see, I use the transit system in New York. One of the world's biggest transit system. It will *not* surprise me that a disaster like Madrid could happen here anyday. In fact, I expect it. If it does happen, shit happens. It's OK with me. I'll just die or maim somehow then move on.

To make you smile for what is worth about the history of violence, I just learned something interesting. In Constantinople before the Turks overwhelmed and changed it to Istanbul during the Dark Ages (the period where the Bubonic Plague decimated 3/4 of Europeans), the Mongols struggled to conquer Constantinople and during the wars, they lack the manpower to bury the dead bodies. To throw the Plague in, more dead bodies lying around. The Mongols decided to flung the dead bodies over the heavy & tall wall that divided the Mongols and Constantinople by using the machine that throws the rocks over -- they replaced the rocks with infected dead bodies. In Constantinople, people had to look up in the sky to see if people are flying down on them!

Even with the horrors, you have to admit that you got to snicker a little about that. I do.

*snicker*

R-

Thursday, March 11, 2004

Todd Bertuzzi Is A Dickhead

In JSA #51, Mordru growled and jumped at Dr. Fate right after Dr. Fate called him a coward. Mordru grabbed Dr. Fate's neck and shouted, "Coward?! I fear nothing, and you are nothing!!" Sure enough, Mordru tried to strangle and absorb Dr. Fate. Nevertheless, Mordru failed to do so, according to the story but if it was up to me, I'd allow Mordru to crush Dr. Fate and conquer everything that the United States fought for.

I'd love to see Mordru kicking Todd Bertuzzi!

who is he? He is a professional hockey player from Vancouver Cancucks who pulled a sucker punch from behind on an opposing player. And tackled him to the ground -- broke his neck and bashed his face.

The next day, Todd brought his wife to the press conference and were reportedly to choke three times as he apologized for hurting Steve Moore. "I did not mean to do it," Todd sobbed. I was like, "Wait a sec, you pulled a sucker punch and tackle on this guy on a purpose to *hurt* him and you did not mean this?"

That was a major turn-off. He is only sorry because he lost his pay for the remainder of the season. It was clever of him to bring his wife to the press conference to "paint" himself as an average person. Oh, god.

somebody please kick that GW Bush in the ass? GW Bush complained that President Clinton was using White House for his "friends" to sleep over. Republicans reacted incessantly for weeks. Now Bush did it 270 times with different people and where are the Republicans? Hiding and acting like it's OK for the Republicans to have that but not the Democrats. GW Bush is one stupid fella. There is no way in Heavens or Hell that I will call him as the President of my country.

Beth is coming to Gotham City tomorrow evening -- then we will drag her throughout the island and by time she is done with the city, her vision of what the world should be will be shattered.

Web helped me out by highlighted my hairdo -- in few days, I will make sure to cut the hairdo to look like Dan Dickau, a hottie from Portland Trailblazers BUT too bad, he's a Christian. Not a good sign.

Ahh, The Simpsons is coming on -- I gotta watch it! It is a great "family values" that many Christians should emulate from. They are articulate, smart and funny. Now, the question is: What state is Springfield located in?!

Cheers,

R-

Sunday, March 07, 2004

Larry Gonick Rocks

It is not often that I complimented a hearing person. But Larry Gonick rocks. His works on "The Cartoon History of the Universe I, II and III" are awesome.

If I was to teach World Civilization at Gallaudet or at a deaf school, this is the book I would require the students to read. It is funny, informative and interesting. How often do you get to learn that a certain persons would behead their heads off in order to rally their soldiers before the battle started? Well, it *did* happen in China. Stuff like that could make students see that religion plays a pivotal role in wars.

Last week at work was so hectic and dramatic. I hope this week will be much better.

I think I'll ring that guy down the street for a quickie or something.

I went out last Friday to a movie with Boris, Joe, Web and Sarah. The French film, that is. You know how French folks are. They eat people, snails and dont shave their armpits or legs. And in this film, you get to see a brother fucking a sister. What else is new with French?

After that, we went to Deaf Professional Happy Hour -- nothing exciting except that I saw a familiar face from college. It was nice time to chat a little then went home. I stayed home on Saturday and Sunday. I was good boy. Really, I was.

Cheers,

R-

Monday, March 01, 2004

Just An Ordinary Weekend

Chlms paged me last week that my actions transcended the meaning of shock value and my actions elevated myself separate from the term. Well, well, well ... truer words were never spoken, my dear!

Last Saturday night, I was IMmed by a straight guy who has a dilemma. His girlfriend pestered him to have a threesome (again), but this time it is 2-guys, 1-gal arrangement. He was scared, nervous and unsure. He wanted to experience to see if he could maintain an erection and enjoy the romp with a guy. And he discovered that I am in the area, it is to save time and bullshit. I was skeptical but he proved it to me nevertheless. He came over. He was such a charming fella with a nice wood. He was worried that he couldn't have an erection. But after 5 minutes of massage, he sported an angry boner that demands the full attention of mine.

It was fun. He said, "No kisses, no romantic stuff, just teach me." I complied but he abolished these rules as he pulled me to make out and grind him out. It was fun. Now he can do the threesome to fulfill his girlfirend's fantasies.

On Sunday night, I was off the track for two hours on the subway because a deranged man caused a series of explosions on the subway rails that paralyzed A, C, E, F, D and G trains (I use F, A, C often). That deranged man was caught as soon as he emerged out of these tunnels but I had to scramble to get another train to Manhattan to meet Mikey and Walter.

We met at SBNY, and had a boring time. So we decided to take advantage of open bar at The Park sponsored by Jon McGovern's infamous "Gay Pimp" stuff. Little did I know that Corey, my dah-lin' DJ at The Hole and The Cock is a friend of Jon. The Park is gorgeous place but I was sitting by a door that doesn't shut properly -- so when someone opens the door, it goes open and I'm freezing my ass off. Mikey and I had to close, close, close and close the fucking door. Then people come in and out and in and out and in and out. We decided to throw limes and ices at them if they did not close. At one point, Mikey threw the whole cup of mixed drink at someone but too bad, his aim is awful. ;-)

Later, I watched the Oscars and Jon was sitting not far from me and I cracked a line that the winners of Oscars should bang their trophies on whatmacallit in front of the audience to see if it's real trophy. Jon broke into laughter. Nice fella.

Boom! The door upstairs opened, Corey had to work. Of course, I get free drinks as always. Gotta love Corey. Guess who was next to me and chatted briefly with me, Mikey and Walter? His name is none other than Boy George.

Oh, lord. Hold yourselves! I also have to say something else ... he is not thin. He is ... what I'd say: BIG guy. He was nice but bit dorky.

Shortly, Mikey, Walter and I had an argument with one guy who made fun of Walter and I wrote him a note to scold him but he did not read the note -- instead he put the note into the candle and it ignited a small fire. Then Mikey, in one of his drunken behaviors, snatched this man's alcoholic drink and poured it on this small fire. It exploded into a huge one on the bar as we left the man to scramble and try to douse the fire.

The moral of the story is ... fuck with us, you pay for your sins.

Cheers,

R-



Wednesday, February 25, 2004

Barnes & Noble Booksellers Cannot Afford ... ?

10 months ago, I found out that there would be an appearance by Billy Bean to promote his book about his experiences as a professional baseball player and later, came out of the closet after his retirement. As a gay guy who enjoys sports tremendously -- really, I do! Honest! Ask anyone else who knew me!

However, I called Barnes & Noble Booksellers in downtown DC in the same building where Kevin and Larry worked, in order to request about having an interpreter so I can enjoy the reading and lecture by Billy. When I went to the Barnes & Noble Booksellers on that particular day, there was no interpreter. I was offended. I looked around for Billy Bean. I couldn't recognize him. I asked someone else where he is -- he pointed at him. My eyes nearly popped out -- he's shorty and ... EFFEMINATE! It is as if when he finally came out of the closet, he was able to overcompensate for what he missed during his baseball times.

Either way, I decided not to buy his book and solicit his signature because it would defeat the purpose of teaching him and the store a lesson or two about their discrimination. I made it clear by writing an email to Billy Bean via its official website and trashed him on that subject ... ok, I'll get back to this but now I gotta jump off the subject and talk about something else.

Someone asked me about "The Fuck on Chlms' B'day" -- one gal wanted to know who's who. I care about him. He's genuine, smart and sincere. I'll not use his name since he has a boyfriend who permitted me banging his ass when I feel like hooking up with him. Ah, I think I should make a note that ... he is kinda neighbor, about few blocks down the street. Which is convenient, though.

I want to take a vacation to Bora Bora with a guy I love. But I feel it will not happen, for some reasons. Bora Bora is one of these luxury hotels somewhere in the South Pacific. Why them? You have to check it out somewhere on the Internet.

I wrote an erotic story for the first time and submitted to a website. It got published and featured on a certain website. I already got 16 emails telling me that it was hot and they jerked off to it. I'm flattered, dude. And that story is based on a true story. :-)

Few days ago, Mikey and I chatted at Urge in East Village and one so-so guy came to us and said "ILY" in ASL, he interrupted our conversation. And pegged us with most overused sign in the world. I suddenly stood up and tapped on his shoulder while he stared at me as I flipped him my gorgeous middle finger. He was speechless and confused -- but laughed then asked me why? I told him that I did it for shock value to see his reaction. He was pretty cool with it -- even bought us a round of drinks. Gotta love these men in East Village!!

You know, what scared me the most is our liberal use of words to imitate the ASL signs, like "dodo" -- when we say "What you dodo tonight?", it means "What are you going to do tonight?", right? But if you say "what you dodo tonight?" to a hearing guy? The hearing guy would say, "Why did you ask me about shit?"

Now, back to the original subject about Billy Bean, he wrote me an email yesterday. I was surprised to get his email and when I read it, I was not satisfied with his comments. Here is what he wrote:

Subj:
Date: 2/24/2004 2:05:06 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: xxxxx@xxxxxxxx.xxx
To: Ridor1973@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)

Hello Ricky,
Please understand that I made an appearance in 21 cities on that tour. I had no idea the bookstore did not hire a person to sign for you or others. Most bookstores don't have the budget to provide that service. I certainly am considerate of all potential readers with or without disabilities.
I am sorry you had a bad experience.
I wish you well, and hope you will give the book a chance someday....
sincerely,
billy bean

Billy Bean, are you that stupid? Barnes & Noble Booksellers made a lot of profits in selling merchandises, contract with Starbucks and setting up more and more stores around the country, plus its bn.com are gaining grounds against amazon.com -- you think they do not have the money to get an interpreter?

Kiss my ass, Billy. It took you 10 months to think of a small sentence and yet, hoped that I'll give your book a chance? To coin a phrase from Mark's famous words: SYL to your book and SKSK to your face.

R-

Saturday, February 21, 2004

Shock Value

That words, Shock Value, define who I am. That is who I am.

Last Thursday night at The Hole, I am not sure if Web and Little Joe saw but Cyn saw it and she shrieked when I did something drastic. Someone threw a lime into the air and it landed in my cup filled with my favorite drink, Cape Cod. I was offended but certainly not upset. I lost the appetite to drink that cup so I tossed the whole cup in the air and let it land on someone else. Not my problem. Cyn was stunned and said, "YOU DID IT! MY GOD! YOU DID IT!!"

My response was, "Me what?"

Cheers,

R-