Last Friends

As I stated before I am a shameless addict of soaps. No, no, before you start quoting the Days of Our Lives opening, I am referring to Asian soaps. You see, Asian soaps, unlike their American counterparts, will run a story through a single season, instead of multiple seasons. To me it's like reading a trilogy as opposed to a stand alone...so much more material (w/o it getting old or lame) and so much more satisfying!

I've recently begun watching Japanese soaps. The reason why I haven't before is because...well, they just weren't accessible. I, sadly, don't understand Japanese and to be honest don't even know how I would get my hands on any of these series even if I could. Fortunately these days we have something known as Internet streaming and fansubs. Within hours of something airing in Japan, I in my lazy American way, can enjoy the fruits of someone else's labor in my own home with so much as flicking a few keys on my keyboard ^_^

The current fav is Last Friends. I happened upon this series b/c of its mention in a AfterEllen Best Lesbian Week Ever column. I was first hesitant to check it out, as their last Gaysian media suggestion lead me to Spider Lilies...and I had trouble getting through the first 20 minutes of that film. I was worried it would be this pretentious, artsy fartsy soap. An oxymoron I know, but the Japanese are...well...crazy. I am happy to say I forced myself to watch it, b/c man am I hooked! Well I am a little saddened the main storyline is not entirely gay (it's actually about a transman) I still heart the characters and am hoping and cheering for their happy ending.

As I watched this soap, which by the by has lead me to other J-dramas, I realized a number of things...the most amusing to me is that Japanese anime is VERY much a realistic portrayal of Japanese mannerisms, attitudes and customs...in any event an awesome show that has left me gasping at the end of every episode! And it's queer! A must watch!

I am a bad women's studies major...

Yes yes...like every happy homo gal before me, I was a women's studies major (though to be fair, I also double majored in biology...thats the practical asian in me acting up). Not only was I a women's studies major with a pretty good GPA but I was also very much a part of the activist community on campus. So the reason why I'm a bad women's studies student? I'd never seen the Vagina Monologues...until tonight. Horrible isn't it?

Well here are my reasons. The tender age of 14 was when I first encountered this non-fiction book turned play. At the time it was empowering and groundbreaking for me, after all I was only 14, with my first intro to women's studies course still 5 years away! The frequent use of vagina was to be honest, also just damn thrilling to me. Well after a few courses, a foray in the radical women of color activism world and a fear of Eve Ensler, the desire to see this much applauded play just never manifested in me. I found the work to be important, true, but similar to the liberalistic "band aides" that are utilized to just cover up societal problems and not solve them. Though it is great to hear a woman be proud of her bits there are many more aspects to sexism that the show fails to cover and indeed by doing so is implicit in perpetuating them. Also I thought it was rather annoying to see one of the actresses in the show actually state that she "wasn't a feminist or anything....just saying.." in her bio.

So yeah...i'm no longer impressed by the Vagina Monologues and Eve Ensler still scares the crap out of me (the woman has a weird snaggle grin!) and if that makes me a bad women's studies student, then so be it!

TV!

Since arriving here in Grenada I've experienced something in my life that I've never had to deal with before...the acute pain and awareness of having TV absent from my life. It's difficult. And somewhere in the back of my mind I feel the absence of my beloved glowing friend/parent/comforter as a hollow void in my daily life all the time. That being said this has strengthened my resolve to catch up on shows I've missed during my absence from the states as well as some shows, that really, I should have checked out years ago.

1. The Bionic Woman- Why you may ask would I dreg up a TV show which is older than I am and probably when viewed through my contemporary adult mind would be horrible cheesy? Because, upon retrospect my five year old self had a wicked crush on the original Bionic Woman, Lyndsey Wagner. She could run super fast, was super strong and had an awesome dog! What five year old lesbian heart could resist?



2. The Facts of Life- If you want to do the gay test on somebody and they're over the age of 21 one of the most telling questions to ask is "Who was your favorite on the facts of life?" If they answer Jo (and in some really really kinky circles, Ms. Garrett) then you have your answer. Since I was so young when this show was on air, I would really like to see if my Jo really was as gay as everyone thought she was.



3. Veronica Mars- This is the single most elusive show I've ever attempted to watch. Nowhere online could I find it being streamed, I could not download it, legally or otherwise (Itunes only has the 3rd season for some reason) and neither blockbuster nor the small independent video store in my area carries it for rent. Refusing to buy an entire TV series, despite claims of the shows cleverness or Kirsten Bell's hotness had not been enough for me to shell out the big bucks, but now four years later (and her awesome role in the remake of Reefer Madness) I'm ready to make the leap.



4. Bad Girls- This is one of the most popular lesbian shows out there, with well written story lines and great acting. A prison full of English lezzie inclined ladies? It is a crime that I haven't seen this show yet...

5. Arrested Development- I have seen all of season 1...and that is it. I absolutely love this show, with its sarcastic humour and great ensemble cast. Plus its got Portia De'Rossi...



6. Ally McBeal- I used to watch this show religiously (after Buffy) when I was in high school and while I may end up hating it now, I am damn curious to see how I'll interpret this show now that I can contextualize it more appropriately. Plus its got Portia De'Rossi as well...



7. 30 Rock- I began watching Ms. Tina Fey and her awesomeness but unfortunately got distracted by some other, gayer show (the L-word). While that may be an unforgivable crime in some circles I'm more than willing to get back on the Tina Fey bandwagon. Plus Alec Baldwin really is awesome in this show.



8. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (season 6 and 7)- Since the release of the show via comic and Buffy's recent...ah...experimenting I've been wanting to catch up in the series just so I know what's going on!



9. Firefly- Just because I love Joss Whedon...oh and the companion is hot!



10. Anything w/ Paula Dean in it- I'm a food network addict and my favorite lady chef is none other than Ms. Paula Dean herself. Anyone who deep fries biscuits and then injects (literally!) with honey and butter can do no wrong in my book.

Lesbian Cunnilingous Montage...who knew?

I saw a clip of the last episode of the l-word yesterday and I must say I never thought that I would ever have a chance to string together the words "Lesbian Cunnilingous Montage", but now I have. I don't really know how to feel about this little clip, I think falls in somewhere between awe and mortification. Oh L-word, how you never cease to amaze!

In more somber news, since there's been no talk of renewal (Showtime has never renewed a series past the 5th season) and it seems as if the media has gotten sick of us lesbians (the recent cancellation of South of Nowhere and last year Sugar Rush) I would not be surprised to see the L-word go next. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Paris Hilton may be L-words last hope! While I was most definitely mortified to see the ever drunken and visually unflattering heiress fondle and manhandle Katerine Moening at some party earlier this year, evidently it has been stated that homegirl will make a guest appearance on the L-word. Since the show had already been filmed in its entirety by the time the news was announced, one can only hope that it means that there will be another reason...though is another season worth it if it's sullied by Paris Hilton?

Oh and just because I seem to have a developed a major love for Ellen Page (and she may be one of the fold!) here are some Ellen the second (after Ms. Degeneres) clips and pics!



"Why can't I just hug other girls w/ my legs and not have it labeled"

Boys underwear! Gay!







It seems she also has a penchant for trendy outerwear (hoodies, jackets!)



And look good in a dress...

Meh.

I wish that I had something significant to blog about, but I gotta say for having made an international move and all that jazz, my life is relatively sedate. Granted there are exciting things (meeting new folks, various adventures that be had on a tropical island, etc. etc.)but most of my day is composed of either studying or thinking about studying. Sad, but true.

Jennifer Beals visits Tokyo!

::Sigh:: Apparently I visited Tokyo a tisch too early and missed the lovely Ms. Beals, who after three days of promoting season 1 of the L-Word in Tokyo (Season 1 on DVD has just been released there) took some of her free time to visit the well known and popular women's gay bar, Kinswomyn, in the district of Nichome. Apparently this was quite a shock for all of the patrons of the small and dimly lit bar, and everyone erupted in glee when the opening theme of the L-word began playing shortly after Ms. Beal's grand arrival.

I'm happy to say that I too made a visit out to Kinswomyn, myself while I was there (it was near impossible to find) and am sad to say that I was NOT there when Ms. Beals made her appearance. Apparently she took the time to meet all the patrons, sign autographs, take photos and be the general doll that she is. ::Sigh::.

Happy New Year!

Wishing all a Happy New Year! Hope everyone rakes in those wonderful and magical little red packets, watches an exuberant dragon dance or two and gets great New Years eats! Here's hoping to a better and more fun filled new year!

The Gaysian has been otherwise occupied...

Hi all, sorry for the long delay in posting, but it's been a crazy few weeks. Firstly for those of you who are not in the know, I've made an international move for school. I'm starting my first term of veterinary medicine in Grenada. Needless to say the preparations, transition and settling have taken up quite a bit of my time. I am happy to report that for the most part all of this has gone by without a hitch. However, some things of note needs to be stated.

Perhaps the most surprising revelation of all is that the very first person I met is actually another gaysian! It would figure that I would have to move (note: that is move not travel, b/c that would just be too easy) to the West Indies (of all places) to encounter another one of our mystical unicorns. Thankfully, in addition to being a fellow gaysian, she is also quite sane and fun to hang with.

Another amazing surprise is that I am actually liking this quiet little island. While at times a feeling of claustrophobia does overcome me, I like the locals and find the area to be very pleasant. Actually since arriving here I've been incredibly stress free (for the most part). I am tempted to credit this sudden state of languid peace to the "island life".

The last bits of adjustment are to class (it's starting to look like a challenge to get used to the new teaching style and the sheer amount of information they throw at you...) and well finding a community. While it is beyond awesome to have found an ally off the bat it's not quite the same as having the support network of an actual community. While I hear rumours that other queerlings do exist out here (and hang out together!) I have yet to find them. Ah well, the search continues.

Gaysians Top Media Loves of 2007

Music:

3)Queens of the Stoneage: Era Vulgaris
A fun, complex album. A great mix of tunes and a well written album. Do check it out.
2) Alicia Keys: As I Am
One of my favorite artists of all time. She brought it back with full force in her latest album.
1)RockBand: The Song List
Okay so not technically an album, but nothing is greater than interactive music that brings back such great hits as Maps by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Creep by Radiohead.

Books:

3)The Crown of Valencia: By Catherine Friend
Awesomely cheesy. Lezzie trashy romance at it's best.
2)Greetings from Jamaica, Wish you were Queer: Mari Santorini
The title itself is description enough
1)Buffy The Vampier Slayer: Season 8
While obviously it's not the same as the TV series, I'm happy that this well written little comic has brought back my love of the buffyverse full force.

Movies:

3)Hotrod: I'm as surprised and mortified as you that I actually like this slapstick, boy-humour oriented comedy. Who knew?
2)Pan's Lybrinth: Dark, scary and an interpretive ending. I loved it.
1)Juno: Written by Diablo Cody, a former stripper. Nuff said.

TV Shows:

3)Dexter: I heart Dex and so does beetchie. Surprisingly the world did not end.
2)The Sarah Silverman Program:
"Dude I'm gay for you." Gay Neighbor 1
"Dude I'm totally gay for you too." Gay Neighbor 2
"Aww what a sweet way to go to hell." Woman in prison.
1) The L-word season 4: Like there would any other tv show to take the top spot in my list? Psh.

Websites:

3) Lifehacker.com: Hack your ipod, increase your productivity! Geeky and smart!
2) Dlisted.com: If you love to hate your fav. celebs.
1) Afterellen.com: What would I do w/o my daily lezzie celeb/media updates?

Biggest disappointments of 2007

5. Any weddings/marriages/pregancies or otherwise signalling of the loss of a drinking partner.
4. TV Shows: Bionic Woman, South of Nowhere season 3, the cancellation of Sugar Rush
3. Moviewise: 30 Days of Night, Sweeney Todd, and Shoot em Up.
2. Books: Any of the new Anita Blake books released this year. Ugh.
1. People: Certain folk that I will not name.

2007 Recap

I find that as I get older the years seem to go by faster, a phenomenon that is not uncommon I've found. Well, moving along this line of perception, 2007 zipped by faster than a fat man at a free buffet. That being said here are some highlights of my year.

In 2007 I decided to focus more on my professional and academic growth. Turning 25 lit the proverbial fire under my butt and I charged head on into pursuing my life long professional dream. That of course didn't occur w/o my shoveling more poop than I cared for, but regardless at the end of the summer I finally got into a veterinary medical school. Hollah ladies, holla.

That being said I didn't spend as much time skanking, drinking and otherwise farting around as I did in 2005/2006 (where levels of drinking and ho'ing about were unrivalved before and since in my life). Yet 2007 was not all work and no play. As a matter of fact I did have a lot of play time. The largest recreational accomplishment of the year for me was my trip to Japan. After many years of planning/schemnig/hoping and praying with a good friend of mine, we finally packed up bags and hit the sky. Japan was a mixture of endless odd fascinations, slightly disappointing anime haven and a foodie heaven. I'm happy I went and even more happy that i left before the typoons and earthquakes, which have been stated before, is no fault of me or my friend.

I got a new tattoo (in Harajuku Japan), went to numerous concerts, meet a celebrity or two, learned how to insert a I.V cathater, made some great friends in the profession, changed jobs, passed biochemistry and on top of it all I was still able to maintain most of my friendships and remain sane.

For 2008 I look forward to starting vet school and making new friends. My only fear is finding fellow queerlings, but hey it's true our people are everywhere.

McDreamy??

While watching previews for a movie I noted one with whats-his-face, Patrick Dempsey in it and turned to my unfortunately straight friend and inquired if she found him attractive. She affirmed that she indeed did and when confronted with my puzzled expression, explained that while he did look like a rather ordinary fellow he "just had something". I was rather confused. Was it his trademark hair (of which I was rather unimpressed with)? A rugged something or other? His perpetual five o'clock shadow (do straight gals really find that attractive??)? I, not sure if this was an issue of my being as queer as a three dollar bill (so I'm generally not gaga over men, period) or if McDreamy possess some unseen quality that is worthy of the hype and my tastes just happen to be part of the minority. Well that debate may be one that will never be settled, but I'm just going to take this opportunity to shower some love for some fabulous haired women in entertainment.

McBritish: Rachael Weiss

Just look at that hair (and not those eyebrows)! Gorgegous!


McOddity: Helena Bonham Carter

Despite being typecast as a kooky madwoman (her most recent role as Ms. Lovitt in Sweeny Todd was fantastic) there's something about this often time gothic and majorly wierd, crazy haired lady.


McFlashy: Jennifer Beals

No big haired beautiful lady post would be complete without her. I really should just rename this blog as the Jennifer Beals Photo Shrine. Heh.


McSnarky: Ellen Page

The scarsticlly lovable star of Juno (she also starred in Hard Candy and surprisngly X-Men as Kitty Pryor). Granted, her hair isn't that big at all...but she's so cute I couldn't resist posting her up here.