Baz Luhrmann!

I was listening to the soundtrack from Moulin Rouge! earlier today and it once again hit me: Baz Luhrmann is a genius. I believe in my heart that the film business has not seen this kind of vivacious ingenuity and passion since Orson Welles or Alfred Hitchcock. I know many of you will disagree with me. I can only say this: when I walked out of a screening of Moulin Rouge! in 1999, I was stunned into silence. If ever a film touched my soul and stimulated my imagination, that was it.

The more I learn about Luhrmann as I study his first film, the terrific Strictly Ballroom, and that seminal period in Australian film history, I become attuned to the wealth of artistry that he only he has a vision for producing. It has been a gift being able to study his work for my Master's thesis.

If you are a movie lover, treat yourself to Luhrmann's films. They are spectacular.

Disney World for Adults

I just got the most hilarious email from my sister Jules. She spent the weekend in Amsterdam or as she calls it "Disney World for Adults!" Here's my sister on the subject of a recent sightseeing excursion:

"The Heineken museum!!!! It was wonderful. You pay ten euro to go through this disney world esque building...and on various spots throughout the museum you get a free beer. So by the end of the museum visit...needless to say...I was pretty drunk! I sent mom and dad a video e-mail from the museum. Mom said she was proud that I went to museum...even if it was a museum dedicated to beer. In my video message I said, "Hey mom and dad, this is what I call sightseeing."

Today, Jules and a friend of hers are going to happy hour near the Duomo in Florence. Bitch! To contrast her life with mine, I'll be serving happy hour at Bunny's in South Orange, NJ this afternoon. Yee haw.

In other news, I have tonsillitis, probably the result of too much hanky panky and booze. I'm afraid this is gonna have to be a dry week.

Target Acquired!

Naughty...

I have been very naughty... and proud of it! For 25 years I never behaved like this. It feels great. I hope the near future brings more opportunities like the last one. Apparently, I am a natural.

The Day After Groundhog Day

It's just sinking in: the reality of my 27th birthday on 3 Feb. For God's sake, my 5 year Vassar reunion is coming up in June! How can 5 years have passed so quickly? Before I know it, I'll be 35 and married with 4 kids. What's interesting is that, unlike many of my contemporaries, I don't fear it or feel bitter about the confrontation with a very adult future. I believe I am ready for less selfishness and more responsibility. Bring it on.

To make a complete 180, thank God that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are procreating! I mean, it is fantastic that they have adopted two children. But, when the two most physically beautiful people on earth hook up, it is imperative that they sire a child for the benefit of human kind. If Brad Pitt wants YOU to have his child (ahem, Jennifer Aniston), you do it. Period. You have no say in the matter. Yes, I would betray all of my feminist tendencies for Brad Pitt any day. For back-up to my argument, please refer to Troy.

My Brain Child

Yes, I am sick. While in Sydney, I orchestrated the production of a stud calendar featuring the physical endowments of my male friends at Geegal (the university residence where I lived). The product is a quite awesome (if I do say so myself) "Men of Geegal" Calendar. Thank you to Antti and Vern for your photoshop talents. Guess what? My successors have created a "Women of Geegal" calendar and are selling it through the housing office at UTS, my old uni. No, they did not get me to pose, thank God! Please let me know if you would like a copy of either calendar. Above is a picture of my friend Andy similar to the one we included (photoshoped) for the month of June 2006. Arrrrr!

Hollywood and Vile

For me, awards shows like last night's Golden Globes are like porn: vomit-inducing yet alluring. I wrote a commentary piece on Oscar nominations from a couple of years ago. Please click here and scroll half way down to read "Hollywood and Vile," if you're interested.

Pseudo Titans

I truly don’t understand the American obsession with football. I enjoy watching a game every once in a while. Yet, I’m always left with the kind of empty feeling that can only come from an empty sport. Football players are pseudo titans, lauded for their ability to demonstrate physical prowess under false pretenses. After all, there is no allegiance in professional sports. A New York Giant today will become a Washington Redskin tomorrow if there’s enough green whispering sweet nothings into his ear. As far as I can tell, team rivalry is a media fabrication geared to coax the basest, primal urges men seem to need to, well, feel manly. It’s interesting that the media utilize the same technical and narrative techniques to rouse testosterone levels that day-time soaps and “chick’s” reality shows use to tug at estrogen strings. Is that what we've become, nothing more than Pavlovian dogs who salivate when the bell’s rung?

Modern day professional sports are just a depressing reminder that human nature knows no ethical value in the face of money, power, and animalistic urge. Sportsmen used to fight for a cause, for their home team, for their mates and families. Teams used to be teams. The current economic system has created a hoard of individuals who want the best for themselves, not their team. Perhaps we are being more true to Darwin today than we ever were. This surely is a new take on survival of the fittest or, in this case, survival of the richest.

I miss you...

The Dating Game

Ok, so I have been asked out by a new friend of mine and I'm not sure what to do. He's very nice and polite and we get along well. However, I am not sure that dating a friend is a good idea given past experiences. Plus, don't know what his aspirations in life are and I am determined to find someone who isn't stunted, lazy and going nowhere. Jamie, any suggestions? Should I give it a go?

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!

Roxie and Dad, 1979

Alexander Patrick DeAngelis
Born on the 13th of January, 1945
Greencastle, Co. Down, N. Ireland
Son of Mary Elizabeth Rodgers and Alessandro Antonio DeAngelis

My father, my mother and my sister are the loves of my life. Happy Birthday to the sweetest, funniest, most sensitive, intelligent and kind Dad I know. Keep going strong!

My Little Curmudgeon

My cat, Leo, a.k.a. Julio, Leonardo DiCatrio, and Larry Leroy, was sent to kitty heaven this week. He was with us for 10 years and his little body simply couldn't digest food anymore. He was a cranky little guy but he was our lovable curmudgeon. I hope he's getting a long awaited 'slob-job' from my sheepdog Wilbur in heaven.

The Crying Game

I have been a crying fool the last couple of days 'cause my sister is leaving for 6 months. In fact, we are about to drive her to the airport for her semester abroad in Italy. I'll miss her terribly.

The Best of the Best

Jamie, Arlette, Simon

These three are the best. Thanks to Jamie I have pictures of my most beloved friends wearing the Vassar stuff I sent them for Christmas. Simon's got the shot glasses from NY and DC I sent, as well. This made me feel very happy yet sad that at the same time. I am sorry I missed you guys this New Year's in Germany and Spain. However, I will see you in Europe and OZ later this year! I love you guys.

Collapsable

I have spent the last three days working my ass off and staying out 'till all hours of the morning. I am honestly surprised I haven't collapsed yet. Plus, I am under emotional duress and I can't seem to liberate myself from it. Now I feel like shit for whining about it on this blog. What's the point? Perhaps it is an outlet but, it's of the 'reality show' mentality. I mean, what's the point of feeling bad if others can't join in, right? Perhaps blogs are tools for the weak.

P.S. Go Skins!!!

Debriefing and Cocktails

While my beloved friends are traipsing all over Europe with more verve than a Japanese tourist, I am back in reality mode-- if you can call being a Master's student reality. I am on a thesis mission: 15 pages a week for 6 weeks. Plus: work at Bunny's, occasional administrative assistance at Aunt Ursula's doctor's office, catching up with old friends and, dare I say it, dating! Wish me luck on that front, there are already a couple promising prospects.

As for what has transpired in West Virginia, I can only offer my hope that families, friends, the community, and officials will comfort each other in the face of this double tragedy.

Roxie and Dad, early 1980s

Hail to the Redskins

Since the Redskins are winning, I thought I'd nod my head in their direction. For my Mom's birthday we went to a game in Fall 2005. That's right: Dad hates professional sports, Mom loves football. Poor Dad had to sit next to a belligerent drunk. Nevertheless, we had a good time. As you can see, I took pictures from the nose-bleed section where we were seated.