Tuesday, June 23, 2009
He who must not be paid attention
LOVE THIS PIECE BY Rich Juzwiak!
All that Perez Hilton shit nauseated my Monday. Forget about his turning assault into a plea for attention -- that's to be expected from someone who comes off like a Garbage Pail Kid translation of Madonna (as if there weren't one already). It's the "faggot" thing that bothers me. For all his complaining about being socked in the face, he shot himself in the foot before that even could happen. This fool, who's given a national platform for no particular reason beyond serendipity, goes and hurdles that word at another person as if it's something to be ashamed of. This, coming from someone who turned Carrie Prejean's worth-ignoring ignorance into would-be crusade for gay rights. This, coming after that crusade resulted in a showcase for his inarticulation and inability to win an argument with even a complete idiot who equated not welcoming girls to the Boy Scouts with not allowing gays to marry. That shit drove me crazy because he seemed oblivious to the obvious points (like something as basic as, hey, our values can change as a society as we learn more, particularly about the nature of homosexuality). I didn't write about it, nor have I written much about him in general (despite the very pronounced feeling of bile flooding into my mouth that he regularly produces), because if you say something disparaging about someone who has the same job as you and who's infinitely more successful (numbers-wise, I mean), you end up looking jealous, or at least of dubious motivation.
But I don't care about that at this point, because I couldn't be less jealous of him especially given the current circumstances. I just kind of want to throw up my hands (or in my hands) and call out this character, this persona, this online half-person for what it is: bad for the Internet, bad for gay people, bad for the world. I can't help but feel like everything would be better off without him. I know that's a harsh and extreme point of view and believe me that I paused before typing that to actually consider him and his contribution to society. I'd go as far as to say I racked my brain and I've still come up with absolutely nothing positive or pro-social that he has brought to the world, at least on a public level (and keep in mind that I'm not following his every move, so I could have missed an act of philanthropy or two). But not even the "entertainment" he provides is to be commended, as it ultimately lowers the very low standards of the Internet. Forget the rich and famous, if you are a human being, Perez Hilton makes you look bad, no MS Paint necessary.
And yesterday, that got me down. It's just like, what's it going to take to break this damaging enchantment people have with him? Does he have to hurt someone? Kill them? Actually ejaculate on them? Like, what? But as the day unfolded, it seemed like the overwhelming majority of people who gave a fuck to say anything about this nonsense were calling him on his bullshit. Certainly this was so at Gawker and ONTD (but that's to be expected) but also on Twitter (where Perez's look-at-me's made their debut this time). Kelly Clarkson, that little pop cherub, spoke out against his shit. And then GLADD issued a demand for an apology that summed up his error as succinctly as accurately as possible. It reads, in part: "These are vulgar antigay slurs that feed a climate of hatred and intolerance toward our community. For someone in our own community to use it to attack another person by saying that it is 'The worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear,' is incredibly dangerous. It legitimizes use of a slur that is often linked to violence against our community. And it sends a message that it is OK to attempt to dehumanize people by exploiting antigay attitudes."
All this backlash gives me hope. We're doing the right thing. We're making ourselves look good. Way to go, everyone. Take back the Paint!
June 23, 2009 in Dumbness, Gayness | Permalink
All that Perez Hilton shit nauseated my Monday. Forget about his turning assault into a plea for attention -- that's to be expected from someone who comes off like a Garbage Pail Kid translation of Madonna (as if there weren't one already). It's the "faggot" thing that bothers me. For all his complaining about being socked in the face, he shot himself in the foot before that even could happen. This fool, who's given a national platform for no particular reason beyond serendipity, goes and hurdles that word at another person as if it's something to be ashamed of. This, coming from someone who turned Carrie Prejean's worth-ignoring ignorance into would-be crusade for gay rights. This, coming after that crusade resulted in a showcase for his inarticulation and inability to win an argument with even a complete idiot who equated not welcoming girls to the Boy Scouts with not allowing gays to marry. That shit drove me crazy because he seemed oblivious to the obvious points (like something as basic as, hey, our values can change as a society as we learn more, particularly about the nature of homosexuality). I didn't write about it, nor have I written much about him in general (despite the very pronounced feeling of bile flooding into my mouth that he regularly produces), because if you say something disparaging about someone who has the same job as you and who's infinitely more successful (numbers-wise, I mean), you end up looking jealous, or at least of dubious motivation.
But I don't care about that at this point, because I couldn't be less jealous of him especially given the current circumstances. I just kind of want to throw up my hands (or in my hands) and call out this character, this persona, this online half-person for what it is: bad for the Internet, bad for gay people, bad for the world. I can't help but feel like everything would be better off without him. I know that's a harsh and extreme point of view and believe me that I paused before typing that to actually consider him and his contribution to society. I'd go as far as to say I racked my brain and I've still come up with absolutely nothing positive or pro-social that he has brought to the world, at least on a public level (and keep in mind that I'm not following his every move, so I could have missed an act of philanthropy or two). But not even the "entertainment" he provides is to be commended, as it ultimately lowers the very low standards of the Internet. Forget the rich and famous, if you are a human being, Perez Hilton makes you look bad, no MS Paint necessary.
And yesterday, that got me down. It's just like, what's it going to take to break this damaging enchantment people have with him? Does he have to hurt someone? Kill them? Actually ejaculate on them? Like, what? But as the day unfolded, it seemed like the overwhelming majority of people who gave a fuck to say anything about this nonsense were calling him on his bullshit. Certainly this was so at Gawker and ONTD (but that's to be expected) but also on Twitter (where Perez's look-at-me's made their debut this time). Kelly Clarkson, that little pop cherub, spoke out against his shit. And then GLADD issued a demand for an apology that summed up his error as succinctly as accurately as possible. It reads, in part: "These are vulgar antigay slurs that feed a climate of hatred and intolerance toward our community. For someone in our own community to use it to attack another person by saying that it is 'The worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear,' is incredibly dangerous. It legitimizes use of a slur that is often linked to violence against our community. And it sends a message that it is OK to attempt to dehumanize people by exploiting antigay attitudes."
All this backlash gives me hope. We're doing the right thing. We're making ourselves look good. Way to go, everyone. Take back the Paint!
June 23, 2009 in Dumbness, Gayness | Permalink
Typing Yourself
Typing Yourself
By Peter Elliott (03-10-2004)
Having been a replacement board member for SAG and becoming more active on many committees, I have had the opportunity to meet some well know working actors. Many of them are current or recent series regulars on television. One of the most interesting observations that I have made is also one of the most important steps to marketing yourself as an actor:
These actors are very similar to the characters they are known for!
I’m not taking away from their talent by any stretch of the imagination. But I am trying to make a point that is critical to making it in Hollywood. It is imperative that you are very realistic about your "type", since it will be the main determining factor in what you are called in to audition for until you become a recognizable name.
When I cast, I can tell you that the first hurdle an actor jumps through is when they walk through the door. If they don’t appear to be right for the role, they will have to really blow me away with the reading to make me call them back.
What is Type?
For many actors, the problem is knowing what your type really is. Many of us perceive our own looks and mannerisms differently than the people who meet us. But having a realistic take on how others see us, especially those who cast actors, is critical. It can be a harsh reality for many, but until you tackle it, you won’t be able to effectively market yourself.
When you walk into a room full of strangers, there are certain judgement calls you unconsciously make. Some have to do with the way people dress, but most of it has to do with the way people look, how they move and what type of signals they give off. This is the true essence of typing. It has nothing to do with your ability to play a role. It stems from the caster’s viewpoint of whether you look the part.
I’ve played roles on stage ranging from a 70-year-old man to a young British punk rocker. I even walked around town in the make-up as both characters (yes, I probably do need to get a life) and fooled people in one-on-one conversations. But there is no way I would be cast to play either one on TV or in films.
Finding Your Type
To find your type, you must be willing to let go of your current ideas and be open to accept how others view you based solely on your looks and mannerisms. A good friend can’t really help you there because they know you too well. You need to opinions of strangers and acquaintances.
There are many ways to go about doing this. First, you need to see how much you can decide about people from looking at them. Go to a restaurant, mall, airport or anywhere people hang out and look around. See what impressions you get of people based upon their type. How would you cast them? What judgement calls would you make if you had two minutes to decide?
Now that you know it’s possible, the next step is to make a questionnaire for others. You want to have a broad spectrum of questions that will help others type you. Generally, a majority of multiple choice questions are better than open-ended ones. Do they think you are attractive, gorgeous, plain or a character? Are you blue collar or white collar worker? What occupations do they see you in? Are you warm or aloof, happy or sad, funny or serious, powerful or weak, confident or insecure? The more broad your questionnaire, the better off you will be.
Then ask your friends to come over and help "type" you by using the questionnaire. Make any necessary changes to your questionnaire, then put their papers aside and then head out to a mall with someone and have them ask people to look at you and give their impressions. Don’t speak at all. Most people don’t mind helping if you are polite. Believe me, they will be able to answer these questions without even hearing your voice. After all, you did earlier in the restaurant, mall or airport.
Once you have a collection of questionnaires, it’s now time to tally them up and find out what others think of you. Remember that this isn’t personal. It’s just based upon their first impressions. Relax and be open to what you will learn.
Using Your Type
Now that you have a better idea about your type, look at your marketing materials and see if they reflect it. Do your headshots say the same thing as the people who typed you? Are you marketing to casting directors who cast shows that cast your type? Have you been submitting on roles that are your type? This re-evaluation of your marketing will allow you to target roles and casting people who are more likely to use your type and therefore, more likely to call you in. And after all, isn’t that the point?
By Peter Elliott (03-10-2004)
Having been a replacement board member for SAG and becoming more active on many committees, I have had the opportunity to meet some well know working actors. Many of them are current or recent series regulars on television. One of the most interesting observations that I have made is also one of the most important steps to marketing yourself as an actor:
These actors are very similar to the characters they are known for!
I’m not taking away from their talent by any stretch of the imagination. But I am trying to make a point that is critical to making it in Hollywood. It is imperative that you are very realistic about your "type", since it will be the main determining factor in what you are called in to audition for until you become a recognizable name.
When I cast, I can tell you that the first hurdle an actor jumps through is when they walk through the door. If they don’t appear to be right for the role, they will have to really blow me away with the reading to make me call them back.
What is Type?
For many actors, the problem is knowing what your type really is. Many of us perceive our own looks and mannerisms differently than the people who meet us. But having a realistic take on how others see us, especially those who cast actors, is critical. It can be a harsh reality for many, but until you tackle it, you won’t be able to effectively market yourself.
When you walk into a room full of strangers, there are certain judgement calls you unconsciously make. Some have to do with the way people dress, but most of it has to do with the way people look, how they move and what type of signals they give off. This is the true essence of typing. It has nothing to do with your ability to play a role. It stems from the caster’s viewpoint of whether you look the part.
I’ve played roles on stage ranging from a 70-year-old man to a young British punk rocker. I even walked around town in the make-up as both characters (yes, I probably do need to get a life) and fooled people in one-on-one conversations. But there is no way I would be cast to play either one on TV or in films.
Finding Your Type
To find your type, you must be willing to let go of your current ideas and be open to accept how others view you based solely on your looks and mannerisms. A good friend can’t really help you there because they know you too well. You need to opinions of strangers and acquaintances.
There are many ways to go about doing this. First, you need to see how much you can decide about people from looking at them. Go to a restaurant, mall, airport or anywhere people hang out and look around. See what impressions you get of people based upon their type. How would you cast them? What judgement calls would you make if you had two minutes to decide?
Now that you know it’s possible, the next step is to make a questionnaire for others. You want to have a broad spectrum of questions that will help others type you. Generally, a majority of multiple choice questions are better than open-ended ones. Do they think you are attractive, gorgeous, plain or a character? Are you blue collar or white collar worker? What occupations do they see you in? Are you warm or aloof, happy or sad, funny or serious, powerful or weak, confident or insecure? The more broad your questionnaire, the better off you will be.
Then ask your friends to come over and help "type" you by using the questionnaire. Make any necessary changes to your questionnaire, then put their papers aside and then head out to a mall with someone and have them ask people to look at you and give their impressions. Don’t speak at all. Most people don’t mind helping if you are polite. Believe me, they will be able to answer these questions without even hearing your voice. After all, you did earlier in the restaurant, mall or airport.
Once you have a collection of questionnaires, it’s now time to tally them up and find out what others think of you. Remember that this isn’t personal. It’s just based upon their first impressions. Relax and be open to what you will learn.
Using Your Type
Now that you have a better idea about your type, look at your marketing materials and see if they reflect it. Do your headshots say the same thing as the people who typed you? Are you marketing to casting directors who cast shows that cast your type? Have you been submitting on roles that are your type? This re-evaluation of your marketing will allow you to target roles and casting people who are more likely to use your type and therefore, more likely to call you in. And after all, isn’t that the point?
World stocks fall amid fears of more economic woes
I went to look at my 401K this morning and everything was down. Frustrated, I googled this report from the AP:
Asian stocks tumble after World Bank projects more economic gloom; Europe shares down
* By Jeremiah Marquez, AP Business Writer
* On Tuesday June 23, 2009, 5:16 am EDT
HONG KONG (AP) -- Asian stock markets tumbled Tuesday, knocked by heavy losses on Wall Street after the World Bank warned of a sharper contraction in the world economy. European markets were lower in early trade.
Benchmarks in Tokyo, Hong Kong and elsewhere in Asia sank around 3 percent in a broad-based rout as the bank's gloomy forecast undermined hopes of a quicker end to the worst recession in decades. Crude oil prices and the dollar also declined.
Global markets have risen massively since March, with some like Hong Kong up nearly 60 percent, on signs the recession is leveling out and expectations of a return to growth in the U.S. in the second half of this year.
But the World Bank issued new and much more pessimistic forecasts. It expects the world economy to shrink by 2.9 percent and warned that a drop in investment in developing countries will increase poverty. The bank's previous forecast was for a 1.7 percent contraction.
The news added to growing unease in the market over a spring rally that many investors believe has pushed prices too high, too fast and overestimated the scope of any economic recovery. Wall Street's overnight drop also provided a catalyst.
"The markets have been overbought, and now the correction is beginning," said Peter Lai, investment manager at DBS Vickers in Hong Kong. "Investors are facing the reality again. People fear the liquidity and funds will start flowing out of the markets, so we're seeing profit taking."
Early in Europe, Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.3 percent, Germany's DAX shed 0.1 percent and France's CAC 40 lost 0.5 percent. Stock futures pointed to modest gains Tuesday on Wall Street. Dow futures rose 13 points, or 0.2 percent, to 8,296 and S&P futures gained 0.6, or 0.1 percent, to 889.20.
In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 stock average lost 276.66, or 2.8 percent, to 9,549.61 while Hong Kong's Hang Seng shed 521.19, or 2.9 percent, to 17,538.36.
South Korea's Kospi lost 2.8 percent, Australia's index was off 3.1 percent and Taiwan's benchmark dropped 2.3 percent. Shanghai's main stock measure traded lower by 0.1 percent. India's Sensex lost 1.2 percent.
As expectations of higher economic growth wilted, so did shares of resource companies, which have bloomed in recent weeks. BHP Billiton Ltd., the world's largest mining company, slid 4.1 percent in Australia, and heavyweight oil company PetroChina shed 4.5 percent in Hong Kong.
Whether the markets suffer more declines in the coming days could well hinge on figures due this week on U.S. housing, incomes, gross domestic product and other indicators.
Investors will also pay close attention to the U.S. Federal Reserve's comments on the state of world's largest economy when it concludes a two-day policy meeting on Wednesday. The central bank is expected to leave its key interest rate unchanged at close to zero.
Any selling, though, could be offset by institutional investors with large cash holdings looking to get into the market at a lower prices. Such liquidity has helped drive the recent surge in global markets.
About $508 million of fresh money flowed into equity investment funds in the week ending June 17, according to a survey by EPFR Global, a Boston-based firm that tracks global fund flow data.
So-called emerging market funds accumulated the most money, with Asian funds outside Japan reaping some $693 million, helping make up for outflows in the U.S., Japan and Europe. It marked the 15th straight week that emerging market funds took in new money, EPFR said.
Overnight U.S. traders, also unnerved by the World Bank report, dragged stocks to their largest declines in two months.
The Dow fell 200.72, or 2.4 percent, to 8,339.01, its lowest finish since May 27.
The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 28.19, or 3.1 percent, to 893.04, also leaving the index with its biggest slide since April 20 and erasing its advance for the year.
Oil prices fell on expectations demand will remain weak. Benchmark crude for August delivery was down 64 cents at $66.87 in late Asian trade.
In currencies, the dollar weakened to 95.06 yen from 95.48 yen. The euro was higher at $1.3879 from $1.3844.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
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