greenly chalked

French Musicals

2009-11-12T00:04:00.002-07:00

I had a few more questions & comments from my previous post, and although I answered a couple via comments, I thought I would re-answer them in an official post:

How can you stand their singing [in French Musicals]? Most French musical stars can't carry a tune in a bucket.

I'm no expert in singing -- and I, perhaps, can't carry a tune in a bucket -- but I quite enjoy most of my French musicals (some songs not so much).

Have you seen "8 Femmes"?

I have. In fact, I used to own it several years ago, but then I hit my, "I have to be super righteous so God will make me straight; I better throw away all R-rated movies I own" phase, and out it went.

What French musicals are in your collection?

Ali Baba (Highlights CD & DVD)
Cindy (Integral CD & DVD)
Cléopâtre La Dernière Reine D'Egypte (Highlights CD)
Les Dix Commandements (Highlights CD & DVD)
Don Juan (Integral CD & DVD)
Dracula: Entre l'amour et la mort (DVD)
Émilie Jolie (Integral CD & DVD)
Gladiateur (DVD)
Mozart: L'Opéra Rock (Highlights CD)
Notre Dame de Paris (Integral CD & DVD)
Le Petit Prince (Integral CD & DVD)
Le Roi Soleil (Integral CD & DVD)
Roméo & Juliette (Highlights CD & DVD)
Tristan & Yseult (Highlights CD)

(...I think I remembered them all...)

Wish List:
Kirikou et Karaba DVD
Cléopâtre La Dernière Reine D'Egypte DVD -- coming out December 11
Le Soldat Rose DVD -- I could probably live without this one, though.
Mozart: L'Opéra Rock Integral CD

I have Romeo et Juliette, which I quite like; Les Parapluies de Cherbourg, which is one of my favorite movies; and Notre Dame de Paris (I like some of the songs, but the staging of it was just weird).

Roméo et Juliette is probably my second favorite (Don Juan being my first). I've never seen Les Parapluies de Cherbourg; I'll have to check it out.

I have to agree, the staging in Notre Dame de Paris is rather weird; I would definitely go a different way in most things, but I totally stole what I call the open jazz square from "La Fête des Foux" ; it appears every once in a while in my choreography -- in fact, I just taught it to my 8-11 year-old tap class.

The Answers

2009-11-06T00:25:00.003-07:00

Thanks, Ned, for asking me questions... I would have felt like a real loser if nobody did... (okay, not really).

Anyway, here are the answers:

1) Long ago I asked you something and you asked me to guess, and I didn't guess right and so you withheld the answer. Will you please tell me now?

Ammon -- if I remember your question correctly.

2. What is the origin of the term Greenly Chalked? What does it mean? Am I the only one to ask this?

It's just random nonsense that I thought sounded kind of poetic, and others have asked.

3. Tell us about your most memorable dreams. Who and what do they involve, what do you feel and what do you think they mean?

I'm actually going to answer this one in the next post (coming probably Sunday... but I make no promises) as it touches rather significantly on my recent experiences.

I'll Be a Lemming

2009-11-03T18:40:00.002-07:00

Well, the whole "Ask me whatever you want, and I'll answer it" is making it's way around the blogs again, and since I'm feeling rather uninspired for any blog posts lately, I may as well follow the crowd.

So: Ask me whatever you want, and I'll answer it.

Granted, please keep in mind that I do teach youngsters who (and whose parents) can google my name and find this blog, so I do try to keep things PG (maybe PG-13 if I really feel inclined) rated.

I guess the rules also include the "feel free to ask anonymously or privately (my email's on my profile page)" invitation.

Should I ...

2009-11-03T15:51:00.003-07:00

My oldest sister started a Facebook thread with my siblings living in Utah to suggest we get together this month for football, chili, and conversation.

I suggested we find a day that my unmarried sister's boyfriend can make it (we've yet to meet him), and my oldest sister said, "Everybody bring dates..."

Now, I'm not going to bring a date -- despite the fact that I don't have anyone I could ask, I don't want to cause waves.

But I am wondering if I should say something like, "For the sake of it being an enjoyable and non-confrontational get together, I'll refrain from bringing a date ;)."

However, I don't know if I should even mention anything at all. On one hand, it could open up the conversation to see how comfortable my siblings are with the idea of me dating guys or even acknowledging that I'm a homo; on the other hand, just saying something could cause waves... and I really just want peace right now.

I honestly have no idea how they would react... so, should I risk confrontation and say something or play it safe and just leave it be?

Ah, Monkey Hats

2009-10-20T01:12:00.002-06:00

There is a smell in my kitchen that I can't get rid of.

Its origins are elusive.

The sink smells lemon-y fresh.

The trash smells of creamy vanilla.

The fridge doesn't seem to hold any peculiar smell.

I don't know what to do... I guess I'll have to go Ammonia Pine on the place.

Bah. I need a maid.

Bucket List II

2009-10-13T01:36:00.001-06:00

12. Compete in ballroom again.
13. Find a composer for an idea I have for a ballet.
14. Get a grant for a nice commission for said composer.
15. Get a teaching degree.
16. Visit Europe.
17. Learn how to sew (and make patterns).
18. See a show on Broadway.
19. Rekindle my love for performing on stage.
20. Learn how to change the oil in my car.

What Have I Become?

2009-10-12T01:33:00.002-06:00

I went to the store thinking, "I have some extra cash, and, by golly, I deserve a new toy, maybe a new video game; I haven't gotten one of those in a while."

...

I bought laundry detergent, jet dry, and febreeze.

...

What's happening to me?

Shame

2009-10-10T23:23:00.002-06:00

There are two songs that I enjoy that I'm kind of ashamed of liking.

And since I'm all about sharing my shame here on this blog, here they are:

'I Gotta Feeling,' Black Eyed Peas

'Lying is the Most Fun,' Panic! At the Disco

More Dancing

2009-10-10T00:10:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking (for quite a while, actually) of getting together a bunch of people to start a just-for-fun dance group.

Now that I have the facilities, it's really only a matter of finding people who would want to (and would want to drive all the way out to Tooele about once a week for it).

Any takers?

(No dance experience required, but a strong desire to dance and learn how to dance a must.)

Dancing With Tyra

2009-10-07T14:39:00.003-06:00

Last night I dreamed I was on Dancing With the Stars, partnered with Tyra Banks.

We dance the International Cha Cha Cha.

My extremely innovative choreography stunned the audience and judges with its awesomeness... or they were overly amazed that, somehow, I was tall enough to dance with Tyra.

Walls Without Borders

2009-10-06T01:16:00.003-06:00

I want to live in a world where white chocolate is treated equally to dark, milk, and semi-sweet chocolate -- even though I'm not a fan of white chocolate.

It's how I roll.

I'll Show You My Theme

2009-10-02T23:30:00.002-06:00

Abe has yet again mandated a theme for another month ... fearing the reapercussions [sic], I thought it should be my first October blog post.

Granted, I think I've been rather telling in my blogging where I am now. Nonetheless, let me recap:

I didn't used to drink milk when I ate chocolate cake or brownies. Now I almost always have to dri... wait... what's the theme again?

Oh yeah... where I am in my journey.

To keep things brief*: I'm now working on finally dealing with my depression in a healthy, reasonable way.

I don't know if I'm happy that I'm where I am... I would rather not have to deal with depression... and in my severe depression, I kind of want to be done with everything and anything... but I am happy that I'm finally dealing with things with a reasonable, my health and sanity are first attitude.

As far as any advice I would give to someone in my same situation: see my masturbation post as far as how to know who you are... as far as dealing with depression: seek professional help... don't try to handle things on your own... I mean, can you really trust a crazy person to help you through being crazy??

To any parents/siblings/etc.: Obedience without actually looking and knowing for yourself is how innocent people are massacred... not just die/killed... massacred. Be your own eyes, and if what you're seeing isn't what 'they' are saying... think about it. I mean, really, look at what's ACTUALLY happening and think about it.

... but seriously, why did it take me so long to realize the fabulous-ness of milk and brownies?!

*Sorry O-Mo, that doesn't mean there'll be pictures of me in my briefs...

Heart to Heart

2009-09-30T23:59:00.000-06:00

I had forgotten how much I 'heart' Genesis.

In fact, I had forgotten that the very first dance I ever choreographed was to 'No Son of Mine.' It was for one of my G.I. Joe action figures (I was ~10).

... and if I had seen that music video back then, I probably would have "really wanted to be friends" with the kid.

She Does (Piano Version)

2009-09-29T02:09:00.002-06:00

I went to the store with the intent to buy a bunch of junk food and gorge on sugar and chocolate.

...

I bought bread, milk, & berries.

...

When did I become this person?

Staring Down (Acoustic Version)

2009-09-27T21:00:00.002-06:00

Earlier this month, Abe proposed that the September Blog Topic be "Masturbation."

My philosophy is the same for this topic as it is for all issues:

Be wary of anyone who would tell you what God expects of you. The only person who can truly know what God expects of you is you.

Be a person of integrity and sincerity, and you'll be able to trust yourself to be guided by your own conscience.

Those who tell you that you cannot fully trust yourself are those who don't fully trust you, themselves. I would hope that you would, therefore, wonder if this is the kind of support you should be seeking.

If I held their attitude as a dance instructor, none of my students would ever be able to dance freely, would be bound by the routines I derive for them. Truly, the only reason why I would ever want to do this would be for selfish (i.e. retaining students, making money, remaining in a higher standing than my students) or vain (i.e. I am privy to special knowledge that the students will be unable to discern without my explicit guidance, their personal style will never be as great as my style, they need my protection and guidance) reasons.

My goal as a teacher is to train students who can dance independent of my instruction, develop their own styles... to be guided by their own artistic conscience.

It is my philosophy that integrity trumps obedience. Indeed, seek out integrity and you will find the divine.

Hymn For My Father

2009-09-26T01:11:00.002-06:00

My pa and I don't always see eye to eye.

He's an "obedience first" kind of guy.

I'm a "logic first" kind of guy.

However, all things considered, he is an exemplary guy, and I really would be fortunate to end up half the man he is.

Love

2009-09-25T00:22:00.002-06:00

While I love dance, while I love programming, while I love French, while I love acting, while I love baking, while I love Math, and while I love a myriad of many other things, I think I would say my greatest passion is teaching.

And teaching my other passions ... it's been great thus-far.

I hope it sticks.

I do have a tendency to get tired of something after a few months, when things get to be more and more routine.

A few differences that hopefully will make *the* difference:

I am my own boss;
I have a fantastic business partner & team;
I work during the evening hours;
My schedule isn't the same each day;
There is absolutely *no* work for the sake of work; and
There's always something new to do/teach/learn.

Lighten Up

2009-09-20T02:14:00.002-06:00

I had another anxiety-driven dream last night.

I think I really just need to get out and do something completely pointless, entertaining, and maybe a little crazy.

--
Bonus points to those who know what my next post title's going to be.

She Does

2009-09-18T21:29:00.003-06:00

Someone told my friend that I'm not gay. She says I'm just confused because I'm a good dancer and artistic.

Thank goodness for third parties who have a solid understanding of who I am via a mere 10 minute conversation! She must be a genius.

I don't have to worry about all this angst & anxiety about my family anymore... phew!

Now that that's all cleared up, I can finally find me a wife!

Staring Down

2009-09-17T14:09:00.002-06:00

I was walking, arm-in-arm, with my mother. We were going to church. I had a feeling like I shouldn't be going, but my mom wanted me to go, so I went with her.

As I sat down in the pew, I had to put my keys (I had a couple key-rings full) in my pocket. They jangled a little bit, and one of my older brothers shushed me.

me: Sorry, I had to put my keys in my pocket.

brother: I have keys, too, and they don't make any noise when I put them away.

me: Excuse me your majest... your holy majesty. I can' t put my keys away as quietly as you!

Then a friend of my little brother started to mimic me, but with a limp wrist. So I got all "So I'm gay, what's it to you!?" in his face... acting kind of like a gay hulk, all angry and bitchy and disrupting the entire service.

I hated how I was acting, so I just left; my mom followed me.

me: I'm sorry, Mom... I just -- I just can't go there anymore. It brings out the worst in me... please, don't expect that of me... please...

Then I was in the halls of a school. One of my old second graders was in the hall.

kid: Hey, I remember you! You're Mr. Pankratz!

me: [Kid]! How've you been?!

All of the sudden, the kid was underneath a lunch table, his lower body like shredded chicken, blood everywhere.

me: Wha ... ?!

some random girl: What happened?

me: I don't know.

As I looked at the girl, I could tell that she wanted to marry me, and I was wondering how I could make it work as I woke up.

Understanding

2009-09-14T22:23:00.002-06:00

While listening to Dr. Laura the other day, I had a thought about the "ideal parenting couple."

Those of you who are familiar with Dr. Laura know that she holds a very strong stance that a boy needs a male father to show the child how to become a man, a girl needs a female mother to show the child how to become a woman, and a child needs both a male father and female mother to show the child how one should interact with the opposite gender.

In other words, role models are essential to a child, and (according to those like Dr. Laura) such role modeling, ideally, should come from a child's parents.

Now, I would agree with the former statement, "role models are essential to a child."

However, if we stick to "role modeling, ideally, should come from a child's parents," we may run into a few problems -- gay children, for example.

If we stick to this 'ideal' that a child's role model should, ideally, be his/her parent, then all gay children should be removed from any straight parents and place in the homes of gay parents (even if we stick to the belief that a gay person should marry heterosexually -- a gay child, therefore, should be raised by a gay parent of the same gender heterosexually married to have the ideal role model).

Children in wheelchairs ideally should be raised by parents in wheelchairs.

Children with cancer ideally should be raised by parents with cancer.

Ah, but, we're talking about the most core characteristic of humanity: our gender... right?

How a young boy deals with cancer stems from said boy's identity as a male... right?

Get a young girl strong in her identity as a female, and she'll be able to handle anything... right?

... or would they still need a role model?

So, let's say that a role model is ideal for any given situation.

The question, therefore, is whether or not being a parent superlatively enhances the effectiveness of being a role model; therefore, making a parent the ideal role model. If so, and if we are, truly, fighting for the ideal situations for children, then should we not be fighting to pair up children with their ideal role models for each child's personal situation?

Or, perhaps, an ideal role model is merely one in the same situation as the child, be she a parent, he a neighbor, or they a community of those in the same situation?

My Days

2009-09-13T14:32:00.002-06:00

I am loving the weather right now.

Overcast and windy... just like some of the most memorable Sundays of my childhood.

My most memorable were rainy and/or filled with lightning storms.

You

2009-09-09T18:46:00.002-06:00

Well, I am finally over [Him].

I am now without a crush; I'm also without a best friend (she got a boyfriend).

... if I weren't such a hermit, I would think that I'm lonely...

Ah, hell, I'm lonely, hermit or not.

Maybe I should get a pet skunk or something.

For tonight, though, America's Next Top Model and Glee! will have to do.

Dig

2009-09-08T00:11:00.002-06:00

I've been thinking about making a "bucket list" -- completely unrelated to my current flair up of depression... but, maybe in relation to my current flair up of depression, I don't know if I can even think of 10 things I'd want to do before I die.

But I'll try to think of at least ten (no particular order):

1. Finish writing a non-short story.
2. Find a team to create one of my ideas for a computer game.
3. Fall in love.
4. Become a dad.
5. Gain at least 15 pounds.
6. Visit Europe.
7. Become fluent in French.
8. Develop & test my idea for learning a new language.
9. Learn how to swim.
10. Go camping.

11. Think of 89 more things that I want to do before I die.