The Blog of GayGayBrad Zippernut

Rose Colored Glasses

2008-08-20T09:36:00.003-05:00

I've been kind of jaded lately. I guess it all started a couple of months ago when my ex~ became a part of the theatre company I work with. Now, he's a part of the circle and everywhere I turn. Our break~up was the strangest one I ever had and we never even discussed it. I attempted to maintain a friendship with him but it was like pulling teeth. Then, suddenly, there he is ~ everywhere I turn. And no one thought to ask me if this was cool, that is except for one person not within the theatre company. I have chatted about it with a couple of theatre peeps, but it hasn't changed the bitter feeling I now own. And now I seem to be looking around me as if I have been observing everything through rose colored glasses. However, I am currently now looking over the rims and thinking to myself, really?.
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Mary

2008-08-17T11:05:00.003-05:00

She loves you.
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~ Developmentally Disabled ~

2008-08-11T22:59:00.006-05:00

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What freak came up with this new phrase? Personally, I still say retarded. But then, someone got offended and changed it to mentally challenged. I'm sure it wasn't a retarded person because I'm sure they never cared, that is, until someone told them that they should. And now, we've changed again. Soon, none of us will know what were supposed/allowed to say.

Did I ever mention how much I detest fascism, er, I mean, political correctness?

Oh. And yes. I know. I know I offended someone, somewhere with all this honesty.
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Another One

2008-08-08T19:06:00.004-05:00

I just love when the high and mighty who don't believe in Gay Marriage because they want to protect the sanctity of the institution get caught being the hypocrites that they are.
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Tabram, Martha

2008-08-07T19:13:00.004-05:00

On August 6, 1888, a Monday, which was also a Bank Holiday, Martha Tabram met up with a friend nicknamed Pearly Poll. Both women were prostitutes. Many guardsmen were on leave for the holiday and searching for fun. Martha and Polly met up with two of these men and shared some drinks and laughs. At around 11:45pm, they paired off with Martha and her gentleman friend going towards George Yard. The gaslights at George Yard Buildings were extinguished nightly at 11:00pm which left the area in complete darkness, which made it a favorite spot for prostitution.

At approximately 1:40am, Joseph and Elizabeth Mahoney returned home to their lodgings at George Yard. Elizabeth left her husband to purchase some food and returned some 10 minutes later. Neither she nor her husband had heard or seen anything unusual. They retired for the night and slept undisturbed.

Around 3:30am, George Crow returned home to George Yard from work. While climbing the stairs he noticed a body lying on the first floor landing but thought nothing of it. It was quite common to see someone sleeping there. Crow also slept undisturbed.

At 4:45am, John Saunders Reeve left his lodgings at George Yard to look for work. On the first floor landing he discovered a body. Being the light was improving he could see that the body was lying in a pool of blood. He set off to find a police officer.

The body lying on the landing was that of Martha Tabram. The coroner concluded that she had died around 2:30am. During examination it was discovered that she had been stabbed 39 times. There was no evidence of intercourse or that a struggle had taken place. There was also no blood leading to where she was found which meant she had been murdered on the spot.

It has been loosely argued from time to time that Martha was, in fact, Jack's first victim. However, when one looks at the modus operandi of his killings, it does not fit with that of Martha Tabram's murder. The only relation the crimes have is that neither killer was ever caught.

Martha Tabram was not a victim of Jack the Ripper's. However, her death is still an important aspect of the history. A few months before Martha's killing another woman was brutally ravaged and died as a result of her injuries. These two crimes happened so close together that the people living in the area were becoming filled with fear. Martha's death was like a warning bell of things to come.
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The East End ~ Emma Smith

2008-08-05T21:25:00.004-05:00

Whitechapel, located in the East End of London, was a dangerous place in 1888. The poorest of the poor resided there and crime was daily occurrence. Rape, muggings, beatings and the like, did not make many bat an eye in Whitechapel. However, on April 4th, the death of Emma Smith made many residents of the area uneasy. She had been viciously attacked the night before her death. She had been beaten by three young men and raped with a blunt instrument. Emma had managed to return to her lodging house and was then taken to the hospital. Peritonitis eventually set in and by 9am on April 4th she was dead.

Maybe it was because Emma initially survived her attack and was able to tell about it that made the crime so unnerving. Whatever the reason, the people of Whitechapel were talking. There was a new vibe stirring in the streets. People were unsettled. Little did they know that the death of Emma Elizabeth Smith would not even compare to what was to come.
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TS Edouard

2008-08-04T07:55:00.004-05:00

Works for me.

Sorry Texas.
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The Princess and the Frog

2008-08-03T13:19:00.003-05:00

Disney is returning to traditional, hand~drawn animation for their adaptation of the fairy tale The Princess and the Frog. The story also has the first black princess and the setting is New Orleans. I have been mourning the loss of traditinal animation for years now. I flipped when I heard of this film. The word is that Disney is planning to release a hand~drawn film every few years. The company wants to return the genre to the special event vibe it had before. I couldn't be happier about this news. Seriously y'all.
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The Thing About Jack

2008-08-02T06:29:00.004-05:00

He is a subject we all grew up knowing. Who knows how or when we first heard of him? It's like he has always been there, like we are born with a sense of him. The knowledge of fact and fiction differs from person to person as well as what he may symbolize. He is a real figure that once existed and just the same, a fantastic villain from a thousand childhood fairy tales. Whatever anyone may think of him or know of him, one thing is true for everyone, the name of Jack the Ripper triggers a sense of fear and death.

Growing up, Jack the Ripper was the iconic boogie man for me. He was the one following me home at night when I was walking alone. Jack made the bumps in the night when I watched that horror film before going to sleep. He was the one I feared would grab my ankles from under the bed if I attempted to make an escape to my parents' room. He lived in the laundry room that faced the entrance/exit of my room and he waited there for me. Jack was every monster in the world to me. He was fear personified.

I created my own idea of Jack of the Ripper. I knew he once existed, but the facts were never investigated. I knew he was a murderer and given credit as the first serial killer. I had no clue as to when he lived, but I knew he was long since dead so it didn't matter. I was sure that justice had prevailed and Jack got what he deserved.

About 10 years ago I was at home flipping through the channels on the TV. I came across a special about Jack the Ripper. As I watched the program I was more and more astounded at what I was learning about Jack. What I thought was so complicated was turning out to be so simple. The monster I had created in mind was becoming human. And being human, Jack's crimes became all the more disturbing.

Of course he wasn't the first serial killer, but his murders brought forth social change like no others at the time or before. Jack's victims were the poorest of the poor and he truly did rip them. He was killing his victims practically under the noses of the police. He had the city of London in his grip for several months and even garnered the attention of the Queen. Then, at what seemed to be the height of his spree, Jack vanished. He was never caught. No one was even ever charged. He got away with it all. And with that, he became an iconic figure.

That's the thing about Jack. He was a real person that became a fictionalized icon. His gruesome murders demanded attention that became, over time, too fantastic to be real. Jack is now a legend. He will continue to be discussed for another 120 years. His crimes will continue to be investigated and debated. I don't believe this was Jack's goal, but I think he would be smirking to know he's still here today in 2008.
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JTR 2008

2008-07-31T19:13:00.002-05:00

Some of you may know this about me and others may be a little surprised to learn that I am overly fascinated by the case of Jack the Ripper. I consider myself a semi~expert on the case. I have read many books, watched countless hours of TV/DVD specials, and scanned many, many Web sites devoted to the subject of Jack and his crimes. I have my own thoughts and theories on various aspects and can get lost in conversation with anyone willing to listen.

2008 marks the 120th Anniversary of the Whitechapel Murders, in which Jack's are included. Over the years, many people have romanticized these crimes and the figure of Jack. However, the murders were deplorable, even by today's' standards. And worse, no one was ever even charged with the crimes.

Jack the Ripper is a subject that everyone has heard about, but the knowledge differs from person to person: What exactly were his crimes? How many victims did he kill? How did he kill them? Where did the name Jack come from? Has his identity been revealed?

There are so many questions to this subject and so few answers. But yet, we continue to discuss him. Why?

I'll give you my reasons, later.
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2008-07-29T21:42:00.004-05:00

I admit it. I have developed a weird, whacked~out crush on Jeff Lewis. For seriously, I can't help it. I know a big part of it is his wicked sense of humor. I laugh out loud several times during every episode. Normally, he's not my type. But, he's got me. Yep, he's got me.
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Home

2008-07-25T16:36:00.001-05:00

Ah! The smell of oil in the air! The sound of Coast Guard copters filling the skies! Just another day living right next to the great ol' Mississippi River in New Orleans. Mmmm.

Knight

2008-07-22T09:37:00.003-05:00

I'm not a superhero person or a comic book geek. And I'm not one of many gay boys who has a Brokeback crush on Mister Ledger. But damn, The Dark Knight is what movies were meant to be about.
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Stormy

2008-07-18T10:27:00.003-05:00

Towards the end of May and definitely starting June 1, I become a regular visitor to the National Hurricane Center Web site. Around this time in the season I become a daily visitor and depending on what I see posted on the site, I may go more than once a day. The above image has changed so rapidly over the past 24 hours that all I can do is keep checking on it. One time, there will be one storm possibility and then, 3, or 2.

Mother Nature can be so annoying.
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Hero Worshit

2008-07-17T11:19:00.003-05:00

I never understood Hero Worship. Just like everyone else, there are people I admire and respect and some that can put me in awe from time to time. But I could never worship anyone. Although every person has their strong points, every person also has their faults. This balances us all out. There is not one person more developed or accomplished than another. It may appear that an individual is more together, but that is always just on the surface. Somewhere there is a fault.

Having faults is nothing negative. We all have them. It's what makes us human. Our strong points and faults are what mold and shape us as individuals and together as a society. Perfection is impossible to obtain. It doesn't exist. And if it did, it would destroy what is real and true.

When I witness Hero Worship I am always so greatly disturbed. It's like watching a bad break up with the one being dumped oblivious to what's going on. I never know how to feel exactly. Who do I feel more sorry for? The one being worshiped, because he feels he deserves it or is oblivious that it is happening? Or the one doing the worshiping, because he doesn't think enough of himself or that he is oblivious that the one he worships is only human? It's just so unnerving to me.

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Huh?

2008-07-15T22:42:00.004-05:00

Did Colombia skirt law in hostage rescue?
Colombian military intelligence used the Red Cross emblem in its July 2 operation in which leftist guerrillas were duped into handing over 15 hostages, according to unpublished photographs and video viewed by CNN. Part of the emblem can be seen in an image, above right, from the official video released by the Colombian military. Such a use of the emblem could violate the Geneva Conventions. {From CNN.com}

{From Gaygaybrad.com} Fuck you and drop it! They saved 15 people! This is the bullshit that makes me want to just start smacking people.
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Flipping Over

2008-07-15T19:26:00.003-05:00

I remember a time when I detested reality television. However, today, there is no escaping it. I still don't go for the reality competition shows. And truthfully, most of what's out there in reality TV annoys the bejesus out of me. However, I do love me some Workout and Flipping Out. Although the past season of Workout let me down at the end, Flipping Out keeps getting better. And yes, the past episodes are playing right now in my living room as I wait for the new episode tonight.

It's quite a difference a few years and Bravo TV can make.
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B~day

2008-07-14T07:50:00.003-05:00

Four years ago today, Fatty McFatster (AKA: Fiyero) was born.
Happy Birthday!
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A Place in the Sun

2008-07-11T08:34:00.001-05:00

A PLACE IN THE SUN
July 11 - August 3
Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm + Sundays at 6pm
Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Avenue

Click here to purchase tickets now!
or call 504 581 5812 to make reservations
Tickets: $26 Friday & Saturday • $21 Sunday
Visit NORunningWithScissors.com for additional information!

Theatre misfits Running With Scissors return to Le Chat Noir with A Place in the Sun, an outrageous parody of the 1951 Oscar-winning film about teenage romance, class struggle, and water sports starring Elizabeth Taylor, Shelly Winters, Montgomery Clift, and Raymond Burr.

Our tale centers on George Eastman (Jack Long), who’s weary of living with his pious parents and moves out West to work in his uncle’s swimwear factory. Before his first day on the job, he falls for wealthy society gal Angela Vickers (Brian Peterson), but, fearing she’s out of his league, he settles for gawky girl-next-door Alice Tripp (Dorian Rush). Complications ensue—including a careless roll in the hay with Alice and subsequent 1950s-style “trouble”. Will George honor his obligation to Alice? Or will he follow his lust all the way to Angela’s doorstep? And what on earth is all that waterskiing about? Tune in this summer and find out!

A Place in the Sun runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 6pm from July 11 – August 3 at Le Chat Noir, 715 St. Charles Avenue. Tickets are $26 for Fridays and Saturdays, $21 for Sundays. (All tickets include a $5 bar credit.) Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 504 581 5812 or by clicking here.

A Place in the Sun stars Brad Caldwell, Wesley Callaway, Bob Edes, Jr., Jack Long, Brian Peterson, and Dorian Rush. The play was adapted from the film and Theodore Dreiser’s novel, An American Tragedy. Costumes by Brian Peterson and Kate Jensen, sets by Brad Caldwell, and props by Liz Zibilich.
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Eck.

2008-07-04T08:54:00.006-05:00

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As I was working on the set for the latest production, I came across this big boy underneath one of the existing pieces. He's about two inches in length! Now, I detest spiders. Actually, I used to detest them. Something about living down here in the South for a few years has gotten me accustomed to over~sized insects. I still don't want them around me, but I don't go running from the room anymore screaming like a mad woman.

Anyway, I have tried to get this guy to move on but he just won't git. Does anyone recognize him? Is he poisonous?

For now, I will just pretend he's my assistant or something.
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Top 15

2008-06-29T10:29:00.007-05:00

2nd Quarter Top 15 Music in Gaygaybrad's player:
15 ~ Never Enough ~ Jump 5
14 ~ Heart Of Stone ~ Dolly Parton
13 ~ What A Drag ~ Sugarbomb
12 ~ Got Me Down ~ Nina Gordon
11 ~ Does It Really Matter ~ Tracy Johnson
10 ~ Skies of L.A. ~ Celine Dion
09 ~ Let It Rain ~ Sarah Brightman
08 ~ Pretty Deep ~ Tanya Donelly
07 ~ Rain On Me ~ Cyndi Lauper
06 ~ No Air ~ Jordan Sparks
05 ~ Bleeding Love ~ Leona Lewis
04 ~ Nth Degree ~ Morningwood
03 ~ Don't Worry ~ Elan
02 ~ Fleurs De Mal ~ Sarah Brightman
01 ~ Grab A Hold ~ Cyndi Lauper
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Horrors

2008-06-26T21:11:00.007-05:00

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Apparently, while I was at work in Jefferson Parish, a freakish, crazy hail storm passed through Orleans Parish and my hood, the Bywater. My garden did not survive. Needless to say, I am devastated, but so glad I held off on buying those new planters.

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Look! Look! Look at my crotch!!!!

2008-06-23T21:38:00.004-05:00

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Last night I popped in my DVD of MST3K Shorts. This one will always be my favorite ~ Home Economics. I was in tears last night laughing. Sorry, it's not the whole video. Do yourself a favor though, go and find it!!!!
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Photo~NO~saic

2008-06-22T18:15:00.004-05:00

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I have stated several times that I have received my creativity and thinking mind from my father. My Dad also likes to solve problems and has been known to complete a puzzle or two. Actually, since I was a child, my family would purchase and assemble a new puzzle every year when we took our vacation down the Jersey shore. I never partook. I never understood the fun.

A couple of years ago my sister gave me the above puzzle as well as another Mickey Mouse photomosaic. Being I am so much like my father I decided to finally attempt the puzzles. I imagined my accomplishment at placing the final piece. I imagined my pride as I looked upon the future framed, finished puzzles. But then I started the first God~damned, aggravating piece of annoyance. Immediately I was cursing at no one. I was wondering who in their right mind would enjoy this kind of self torment? However, I persisted. After all, my sister gave me this as a gift and I am like my father, ~ I can do this puzzle.

Today I packed up the pieces back into the box. The puzzles have been put away. They are not for me. I do not like them. I never want to look at another puzzle again.
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Burgundy and Press Streets

2008-06-21T19:27:00.004-05:00

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This just seems to have appeared over night in my hood, the Bywater. I love it!
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