…I can’t decide whether this is retarded or genius.

This special spoon-fork combo is specially designed for ramen. It is perfect for twisting up noodles while also ladleing broth. Basically, it’s a glorified spork. It was designed by Masami Takahashi for a Japanese ramen chain restaurant. Here in the states you can buy it from MOMA for $12 a piece, biggest rip off ever! I remeber back in college one of my friends went on a diet that consisted almost exclusively of ramen, mainly because the food there gave everyone IBS. She would have killed for one of these. Beth says she really wants one for christmas, but I have literally never seen her eating ramen.

Speaking of Japanese garbage, I really want a Tamagachi pet. If someone knows where to find one, or if they even make them anymore please leave a comment. I think that it would be the perfect office distraction, especially for places that filter the internet to eliminate all the fun stuff.

You have probably already seen this on every other blog on the planet by now (it has viral video of the year written all over it), but what the hey?! Here it is again:

I really hope that everyone in the world with a pet rodent and too much free time on their hands copies this idea… Hamster Bubble Bobble anyone???

via Cute Overload

1.) The aesthetic and cultural mindset of the early 1990’s is without a doubt returning.

2.) Doc Martens shoes are gaining popularity again, largely due to some new design ideas and Kate Moss adopting the style.

3.) Gladiator style shoes are all the rage right now, and appear to be developing into less of a trend piece and more as a new classic.

4.) Guest designers doing capsule collections for lower end brands (think Target’s Go International line, or the upcoming Comme Des Garcons collection at H&M) is the total shit right now…

So…….

What the fuck is up with the hideous love child created by (otherwise excellent designer) Raf Simons and Doc Martens? These aweful shoes are scheduled to be released for Spring 2009, but with the negative reaction they are getting from just about everyone who has seen this preview, I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole thing got scrapped.

For casual Gaycondettes (that’s what I’m calling all you readers now…), it may be new information that I am a pretty fucking awesome drummer. Not to toot my own horn too loudly, but yeah, it’s true: I’m pretty bad ass… But no, I am not the most bad ass drummer of all time… That title if officially held by Rachel Carns, drummer of one of my favorite metal bands of all time, The Need.

When I was about 17 years old I stole my parents car and went to New York City to see The Need play at Sarah Lawrence College. It was fucking amazing. In my top ten shows of all time for sure… On the way home I got totally lost, and was driving aimlessly on the New Jersey high way system till 5am. I literally became so tired that I began hallucinating and at one point thought I saw Jesus hovering in the road in front of me. No joke.

Of course, I totally got caught by my parents who then grounded me for two months. But was it worth it?

Fuck Yeah.

Watch this amazing video of Rachel playing the song “Dark Sally” from  the Need’s second and last album, aptly titled The Need is Dead,  and prepare to have your brain explode.

Confession: I come from a long history military family. My grandfather deceived military officials about his youthful age so at the age of 15, he would be permitted to fly fighter planes in WWII. My uncle is a high esteemed Navy Captain and my father flew F-18 jets in the Gulf War. Throughout, my dad’s term with the Marine Corp, my family relocated several times throughout my elementary/middle school education. After he retired from the Marine Corp, my dad took a position flying for the commercial airline, United Airlines.

In 2001, I awoke one morning at 6AM. My dad was screaming at the TV. I was in 7th grade. It was the morning of the infamous September 11th. His sister had just called him from the Washington D.C. metro area. A plane had hit the Pentagon. Such news was critical to her and my father’s shared background of military involvement. In fact, between past deployments, my dad had worked in the Pentagon. Because of the commotion, I awoke. I went downstairs and my mother told me what was happening to the security of our nation. Immediately, after her explanation, the three of us watched the second plane drive straight into the World Trade Center’s second tower.

Still, my American life had to go on. An hour later, I drove to my 11th grade year in high school, dumbstruck by what had happened. Still, through the media, I relived the event through NPR, a liberal radio station I habitially listened to while I drove to school. The airline that had been involved in the crash was United Airlines - the company my father flew for after his retirement from the military. The moment I saw my first period teacher I broke down. Luckily, my dad’s day off was the day the travesty occurred. Today, as a retired Marine, my dad tests military oriented planes.

There is no doubt in my mind that George W. Bush (and most importantly, his behind the scenes minute men, Dick Cheny and Donald Rumsfeld) took advantage of this catastrophic event in order to finish long term business with the Middle East. To gain the nation’s support, they devised a plan of terror - one I’m sure most of you are familiar with - in order to gain military support… I remember the following months passing September 11th, not even a year after the war on terror was declared - a military recruitment team spoke in high school classrooms offering the exchange of free college tuition for “short term/non combative” military service. However, these military officials did not foresee the future fact that 1,000’s of American soldiers would end up dead and thousands more would return with shocking mental disabilities, reminiscent of the Vietnam War, plus a multitude of unjust Iraqi lives lost. All of which were excused as a blind trade of terror for demographic oil control projected by the Bush Administration’s misappropriation of the attack on America by Al Quaida. Such a tactic was misguided as an excuse to focus upon unfinished business with Iraqi leader, Saddam Huessein and America’s insatiable quest for oil.

Oil. A natural element infused as a power symbol to those who have always known it. This resource can be used to oppress the masses and control their thinking in order to justify their agenda of money, capitalism, greed and control. If you have ever seen the documentary, Who Killed the Electric Car, you will be turned on to the idea of alternative energy transportation and how that the radical, environment equals people conscious idea was squashed by the USA government, oil companies as well as by the skeptical consumer population.

Currently, in the summer of 2008, lower/middle class people of Los Angeles County pay $4.59+ a gallon. Many of these people can afford it and find it an economical inconvenience to their upper middle class lifestyle which require basic commutes to the grocery store and strip malls embedded in their planned communities. However, thousand of others in rural communities or the lower income bracket in urban areas find it hard to make ends meet as they spend a percentage of their income budgeting fuel costs to get to jobs requiring commutes.

People and politicians are starting to panic because of the United State’s dependence on oil. Currently, Iraq is the target. It won’t do any good to transfer the focus to Peru, Alaska or off the coast of Florida. These alt.drilling locations won’t lower the addiction to oil as far as costs go for 5+ years. Such a crisis needs to promote the need for knowledge of the global warming issues and the alternatives for the detrimental risks on the environment and the human population at large. The overall point isn’t to drill into all of the world’s natural supply, instead, the goal should be to curve the United State’s (and the world) dependence on oil.

For this cause, Barack Obama has pronounced committed alternatives in his campaign to transition this nation from a state of oil dependence to a nation embracing alternative energy sources such as wind and solar energy that can create a multitude of new green-energy jobs in the market to create a better world and a comeback in the techno-advanced USA economy.

Watch/listen to Barack’s inspirational words on his journey to America’s new era on the drastic need for renewable energy consciousness….

The Western energy revival is ready to advance in order to prolongate a healthful human existance. With such reasoning, I am confused why automotive industries are not capitalizing on this issue. All in all, their holding onto the strings of “old way” of business is corrupting the American people (aka, consumers) because there is a way to make money off of people by using alt.energy sources and (ie. transferring gas stations into electric/hybrid charging zones). The answer is because of greed. Alternative energy sources for automobiles have existed for over a decade, however, people are still reluctant to embrace it’s choices. It is hard to change decade of the reliance on oil-driven automobiles, a mindset that is detrimental to the alt-auto-energy business; a mindset that will continue to oppress the American people because of oil dependence. While it may be hard to believe - these innovative electric-car resources can be operated for under $0.60 cents per gallon. Still, they are highly questioned by the general mid-class population. In most states of eco-consciousness, both the gas companies and the public have prepared a grave for a vehicle that is willing to work with the old/new system…………

This attitude is fucking everyone over. In Portland, I have been to some mid-range electro vehicle dealers…I’m not in the economical bracket to finance a new car, however, if I was, an electric car would be in my priority and budget for $18,000. Lucky for me, I live in a small city that planned for adequate public transportation and encouraged commuting by bike. However, the nation overall denying these integral changes in American travel (which, in many ways translates to survival in rural/poor/non-public transportation equipt urban areas) will destruct the society America has esteemed highly since the Industrial Revolution. Up until now, people have been playing the game….they have been budgeting absurd gas prices into their pocket books. Soon, the mid-working class people will not have the cards to play the game. They will not have enough cash to throw down to get to work and play the ultimate American poker game, The Economy. The people above them will drop their cards in a 53 card pick up escapade.

Obama seems to understand these things. He seems to feel it is his duty as President of the United States to create alternative energy sources for the mid/working class people to do their duty by working for the industry of this country and to not have the option of failure because of the rising gas costs, a financial burden that detours them from being able to feed and support their families - and most radically - being able to transport themselves to work. He also shares my vision, as the most powerful nation on the planet, it is our responsibility to promote and embrace alt. energy, green economies and recycle/reuse philosophies to prolong satisfactory human health on this planet.

PEACE!!!!

Take a look at one of my new favorite bands, The Dodos. They are a duo (+1 more for tour support) from San Fransisco that combine folk, psychedelic and a “savage” percussion style… Take a look at their live performance filmed at the legendary Ameoba Records. Make sure you make it to the end.

…it’s full of dumb crap like this.

fridgewatcher.com is a website where people from all over the world take pictures of the inside of their refrigerators. It’s very voyeuristic, what’s in your fridge really does say a lot about you and where you’re from. Some are sparse and others full of crap. Just from looking in the fridge of this guy in Vancouver, I can tell that he’s definately single and totally eats out way too much, probably fast food. And seriously, who keeps whiskey in the fridge???

Others are probably a little too obsessive about eating right. Another observation is that people in most other countries have smaller fridges, with much less shit in them. I don’t think you can tell if a person is gay by their fridge, though. Here’s what the gaycondo fridge looks like:

Blur - Boys and Girls…

If any readers have music videos they love and would like to see on the blog, feel free to offer up suggestions via email at gaycondo@yahoo.com

I couldn’t find any real information (in english) about French photographer Denis Darzacq that would necessarily shed much light on his 2007 series ”Hyper”, but the images speak so strongly when viewed that an artist’s statement or bio isn’t really needed to be moved by them. ”Hyper” explores the interesting and unexpecting meeting point of two very different surreal realities: that of the dream world and that of the modern shopping experience. The series seems to comment on the emotional (dare I say spiritual) connection between humans and mass marketed consumption. However, these startling images can easily be read as positive or  negative commentary.

The real question is: Are these people floating confidently and securely? Or are they falling, moments away from a pulpy (and therefore de-individualizing) death.

 via Nervous Acid

Click above for larger versions.

The majority of us here at gaycondo think Yoko Ono was the best thing that ever happened to John Lennon. With her inspiration he pushed his own artistic and political boundaries. Many Beatles fans have often cursed her for his behavior after the original fab 4 lineup broke.

Last night at an intimate outdoor video projection I watch a bit of the Rolling Stones Rock N Roll Circus 1968 DVD. After witnessing some of my favorite psych-garage sausage fest plus one heavily sedated lady folk singer, John Lennon took the stage with Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton to play a few tunes. I saw Yoko wandering around in the footage and really hoped she would come on. I vocalized this to my friends, some agreed that Yoko Ono was a revolutionary for her time, others had seen the footage before.

Right before the band’s second jam rolled out Yoko Ono stepped out on stage, hair awry and I get excited! For those who hadn’t understood Yoko’s brilliance they would soon be enlightened. However, instead of some of the catchy mantras of her later solo work, Yoko Ono basically screams, yelps and cries wordless nonsense into the microphone. Those around me who hadn’t been informed on her later works didn’t seem too thrilled.

Apparently, the only video from this scene on YouTube was put up by someone who was also unimpressed by Yoko’s performance and felt the need to put distasteful, border line racist captions on top of the video:

Though the song was beginning to split even my Yoko-worshipping ears, I still feel the performance was bold and revolutionary. This is 1968 people. Songs of love and anti war ballads. Plus the whole scene is full of dudes, being idolized as emaciated rock n roll stars. Yoko’s bold performance in wailing a load of nonsense was certainly revolutionary for a woman - especially the female companion of the world’s most popular rock star - at that time.

I’m not quite sure of her motives but here is how I interpreted it: The guys are playing this typical, white-guy blues wank over and over. Instead of doing the classic vocal lines to accompany this straight forward jam she decides to just scream endlessly over it. Or perhaps, her performance was artistic commentary on how a woman shout be able to act as crazy, provocative and animalistic as the men in the scene. Whatever her intention, it surely riled people up.

I am in love with YouTube. I think it’s great that you can virtually watch anything you want! However, I was always a bit disappointed that you couldn’t download and keep the videos that you watch over and over….

Well, those days are over. Now, with a freeware program called DVD Video Soft you can easily download and keep all of your favs in minutes! All you have to do is download the software and plug in each video’s main URL. You can also convert them into various video formats to fit your digital video player! WOO!

(pssss….. for those of you in Portland, near Portland, or needing an excuse to come to Portland : Using this program, Gaycondo will be doing a video screening August 31st at East End. It will be our 9 month celebration and also Swallows 5 year anniversary party! More info to come…)

…don’t watch this at work.

sorry I haven’t been posting anything substantive. I just started an office job and I’m still adjusting to a grown-up schedule. Enjoy this super gay video, faggots!

I was just perusing one of my favorite websites, Men.Style.Com, and was floored when I saw the Spring ‘09 shoe collection from Givenchy. Their clothes are a little too out there for me most of the time, especially as head-to-toe looks, but as individual pieces a lot of them can easily be turned into wearable points of focus in an otherwise toned down outfit.

These shoes are a perfect example. I love the way that they daringly integrate trends popular in women’s fashion (gladiators, victorian utilitarianism), while still remaining wearable in the context of menswear. Mens fashion rarely takes risks that can actually translate from the runway to the real world, and it is revitalizing to see Givenchy take on the task and succeed.

If I had these shoes, I doubt I would be daring enough to actually wear them with shorts, which mean I would most likely go for the pair on the left. Most of the time they would appear to simply be attractive classic wing-tips, but when you sat down and your pants ride up a little it would be a fashion explosion!

Not that it matters though, unless I win the lottery. These shoes will most likely retail in the range of $600-$700. Let’s hope H&M hops to it and knocks them off ASAP.

On a recent mother/daughter outing, I finally saw the Sex And The City movie…

Overall, it wasn’t as good as the series but was definitely watchable.

However, the ending was TOTALLY effed!!!

***SPOILER ALERT***

I’ve never thought Carrie Bradshaw had any common sense when it came to men, especially Mr. Big. I mean, I know sometimes it’s hard to let go of love - especially love that consistantly lets you down but keeps you hooked because of good sex and lustful dramatics - but COME ON!

After having kept her at at arm’s length for 10 years, Mr. Big had the nerve to suggest that marriage was an option. Inevitably, he walks out on her the day of the wedding as she stands at the enterance of the   pre-wedding reception wearing a designer dress given to her after she was featured in a bridal photoshoot for Vogue.

At the end of the movie, she has the stupidity to forgive him and grant him one last chance. What a let down! The writers should have taken Charlotte’s lead and thought of a really great “get out of my life, for reals!” line….Or better yet - take her $525 designer heel and poke his eyes out! Now that is more hetero woman empowerment than allowing the film crew to shoot her at 40 sans makeup.

The following is in no way digitally altered or reliant on mirrors:

To find out what is going on, head over to one of my favorite blogs, The Outskirts.

…piggybacking on Em’s post, watch this clip!

I totally forgot about how cute British children are. I am totally going to rewatch these now. I think the early ones are better because as you move on the whole process becomes something that the participants are much more cognizant of and I think it affects what they end up doing. I know I didn’t end up following the career path I told people I wanted to at 7 years old (for a little while I wanted to be a preacher, seriously) but many of the people in these films do. I think that the documentaries’ value has diminished over time as people have dropped out and the popularity has increased, but it is still great entertainment.

Another great instant viewing documentary on Netflix: Michael Apsted’s “Up Series”.

In 1964, British filmmaker, Michael Apted, began a project entitled Seven Up. He began to interview seven year old British kids who came from different social backgrounds. Some were apart of the privileged upper class, some were living in foster care, some were in between their parent’s divorce and others were beginning to be placed in intellectual society through intense boarding schools and education systems. Apsted hoped these initial interviews would provide insight on the different parts of British society from each child’s pure perspective rather than relying on media or news sources. In these early interviews he would ask the children various questions about their current state of living, what they hoped and dreamed for and where they see themselves in the future.

The project would revisit each individual every seven years to follow up on their lives, personal reflections and goals for the future. It was very interesting to see how each child has grown and physically changed in each 7 year interval. In fact, every seven years, the cells of the human body completely transform into a new state of being. The documentary was also interesting because it shows how people’s mindsets and views on life change with life experience - and how many ideals and personality traits remain the same.

This astounding, long term project also provides insight on how different social class and changing cultural norms effect each person. As the participants get older (35, 42 and 49) we see how marriage, family, career choices, adultery and the dreams they let go - or developed - effect each individual and the people that are around them.

As a social documentary, Michael Apted’s Up Series has inspired other nations including post-USSR and the USA to begin to create their own version. Inevitably, these two documentaries will be very interesting as it will be hard to avoid discussing the radical political changes in each nation during the filming process. Unfortunately, at this time, I have not been able to find full length versions of these documentaries online.

Imperial Teen - Our Time

*Hi, I’m Beth and I’m the 4th GayCondo housemate who never writes in this blog. Sorry. Now that I’m on summer break from school I’ll be adding to the blog more often.

Laurie Lipton’s ghoulish artwork creeps me out but not enough to keep me away. Her large scale pencil drawings lured me in and left me hoping these images wouldn’t show up in my dreams when I fall asleep tonight. Everyone likes to get a little scared sometimes and her works are the amount of scare everyone likes. However, the images don’t send us over the edge to the point where we shut down. Given only a mild fright I am still able to appreciate the lively expressions of the skeletons or fine details of lace on dresses.  

Enjoy! Here is her official website which resembles a haunted house you visit on Halloween. http://www.boomerang.co.za/sites/laurielipton/default.asp

Sure, the 4th of July may be the most glamorous of July dates, what with the explosions and competitive eating and all. It is the 5th of July however, when we get to narcissistically enjoy all of the fun party shots we took of ourselves…

The four Gaycondo writers doing their best early-mid-nineties-coming-of-age-story-movie-poster pose.