The Scissor Sisters' debut album was one that grew on me over time, one song at a time. First I was?taken in my “Laura“, a poppy diddy that dismissed my fears that the popular band was too 1990s club music for my tastes. Next I totally fell in love with “Tits on the Radio“, another catchy tune that references the pier walkers and Voguers from this week's film:

“Where are the queers on the piers, heard they gave it their best/
Now they got jobs at a local fast food chain/
Flippin' tricks for the burger, since Lady M jacked their fame”

No idea who “Dark Room Danny” is–if any one knows, do tell.

Then I heard the infectious and fun “Take Your Mama Out“, so pretty soon I found myself a total lover of all the songs on this hit album by the?lively and lurid American act (people often think they're British because they received so much more attention and praise there–this was the best-selling album in the UK in 2004). They prefer not to be defined by their sexuality, though members are openly gay and proud, a fact that journalists worried would stall their climb to stardom–perhaps not without merit, considering the lengths others in the music industry will go to distance themselves from the “g” word.

My brother tells me their live act is not to be missed but no tour dates are currently scheduled.

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Posted on June 22, 2008

Naked Civil Servant, the autobiography of the ultimate gay icon Quentin Crisp, is a compelling read about bravery and individuality. In a time where the concept of being gay was totally unaccepted and in fact illegal, Crisp was open about his sexuality, and even braved angry mobs on the streets as he waltzed about in full make-up and extravagant (and clearly not “straight”) fashions.

Sadly, some of his wit is lost on me simply due to the fact that some of the references are a bit dated. The book begins before the first World War and explores Crisp's role as a complete outsider, not only to his peers, but to world events. He drifts through life very much like a gay Scarlett O'Hara, relying on the kindness of others. He openly admits his faults (his inability to hold down a job, his extreme vanity, etc) and his refreshingly honest and very funny voice is so charming and irresistible, it's easy to understand how he became an such a legendary icon just by being himself.

“As soon as I stepped out of my mother's womb onto dry land, I realized that I had made a mistake–that I shouldn't have come, but the trouble with children is that they are not returnable. I felt that the invitation had really been intended for someone else. In this I was wrong. There had been no invitation at all, either for me or for the brother born thirteen months earlier.”

“There are three reasons for becoming a writer. The first is that you need the money; the second, that you have something to say that you think the world should know; and the third is that you can't think what to do with the long winter evenings. I expect the liveliest books are written for a combination of all three reasons.”

Published in 1968, during the sexual revolution, it probably was less controversial then than it would be now a days in these sadly homophobic times. But controversy aside, it's a great story of staying true to one's self. Crisp, who became a cultural phenomenon when the BBC adaptation of Naked Civil Servant (starring John Hurt) was produced in 1981, might be recognizable to younger people from his role in the trippy Orlando adaptation from 1992. He passed away at age 90 in 1999.

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Posted on June 22, 2008

While this recipe for Tsukune turned out nowhere near as delicious as the dish at Aburiya Kinnosuke, it was still a pretty fab chicken meatball recipe, not as bland as most chicken meatballs due to the caramelized sauce.

I served these with an easy Ginger Fried Rice in which I substituted yummy water chestnuts for bean sprouts.

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Posted on June 16, 2008

Wow. Every minute of the six hours that make up State of Play is totally riveting. It begins with the seemingly unrelated murders of a scared kid and a young woman and unfolds into a tale of betrayal, government conspiracies and the kind of tense, exciting journalistic drama that (surprisingly) rarely makes it onto television.

Paul Abbott's script is vibrant, but the casting is absolutely sublime. Relative unknown (in the US) John Simm (Life on Mars, which did play on BBC America) is convincingly earnest as a reporter and David Morrissey (who unwisely chose to make his American debut in Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction) is wonderful as his old friend and the politian at the center of Parliamentary scandal. The always adorable Kelly MacDonald plays another feisty reporter; lovely Polly Walker (HBO's Rome) is the politician's wife; but–and this is where it really gets good–Bill Nighy is at his absolute most charming and fantastic (which is saying very much indeed) as the editor, AND (casting heaven!) James McAvoy is his smart aleck son.

Aired in 2003, State of Play drew comparisons to the Ian Richardson House of Cards series and the classic Edge of Darkness (which next on my list to watch); and while nothing will ever be quite as great as the first installment of Prime Suspect, I'd say another BBC masterpiece in suspense was made.

It's being adapted into a Hollywood movie with a Hollywood cast including Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe, who came on after Brad Pitt bailed out. I'd like to think they'll adhere to the quality of the source material but I'm already deeply unhappy that there will be no Nighy, and I?think you know how I feel about our friend Affleck. Still, if they manage to retain even a portion of the excitement and excellence of this series, it will certainly be better than most Hollywood junk.

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Posted on June 16, 2008

Cooper Hewitt's latest exhibition delves into the world of Rococo. The work ranges from the 1700's, when the style was originated with beauiful silver pieces and drawings and shows the influence of the style through the ages.

The last decade has produced much that nods to the decadent rococo stylings. A lovely 2003 radiator by Joris Laarman is a great example. The art nouveau period is also covered with some exquisite jewelry and posters.

Rococo: The Continuing Curve is interesting and tries to cover a lot of ground but feels a bit skimpy becuase it's spread so thin. For example, only two of the great rock posters from the sixties that use the extravagent rococo style are on display, where the space and the mind beg for more.

Still, it's worth checking out and even more so if you add to it a trip to the nearby Neue Gallery where the equally skimpy Klimt exhibit offers a few of his awe inspiring paintings such as Pale Face and Hope II and many, many nude sketches.

The most interesting part of the exhibit was the information about the Floge Sisters, who designed his robes and the other amazing garments that are pictured in the Wiener Werkstatte jewelry exhibit on the first floor.

And of course, the Sabarsky Cafe is always a must.

See more: Spend a Couple Hours

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Posted on June 16, 2008