Warning: choir geekery ahead.

So, ever since I sang a Hildegard von Bingen chant as a solo this summer, I've been the go-to girl for plainsong at St. Thomas. Last night, Choirmaster asked me to sing the Exsultet at next year's Easter Vigil mass. What!! This is a 15-minute unaccompanied solo, sung entirely in Latin and by candlelight, for the longest and most beautiful mass of the year. (How an unbaptized agnostic like myself ever got into this position continues to surprise me.) Because St. Thomas has never used a female singer before for the Exsultet, Choirmaster still needs to ask the higher-ups about whether to be sexist about this or not. One of the sopranos remarked, "But she's not a woman; she's a boy." It was a very strange comment, but I took it as a compliment -- boy voices are ever so lovely.

Consider the video below, which has been trending on my FB news feed the past few days. How, you may ask, does a charming video of two choir boys singing a Rossini duet get over 1.5 million views? Because the Internet LOVES cats.



Not satisfied with the simple enjoyment of a single video on this topic, I clicked on the related video below. I like this video because of the loving closeups of their angelic faces, and the extra dose of surrealism that kicks in at about 4:46. Also, they speak French.



By the way, the cute brunette boy grew up to be a sizzlin' baritone. Here is his website.

My newest celebrity crush.

Ivor Novello, a Welsh entertainer of the early 20th century. Isn't he pretty? Yes, I am infatuated with yet another deceased homosexual. Story of my life!

Finally! A moment to breathe.

John's out of town, I'm caught up on chores, and I finished my homework early in preparation for the Great Weekend of Eating. A lot has happened in the last few weeks, but I haven't had time to blog about it... until now!

-Life! My mom got married! I haven't gotten to know him very well, but I'm glad she has a companion. Melissa and I gave her away at the wedding. Life goes on.

-Singing! The choir performed two major works in November: Fauré's Requiem for All Souls' Day, and Howells' Magnificat for Evensong. We've got holiday masses coming up in December too: Gabrieli's Missa Brevis throughout Advent, Schubert's Mass in G for Epiphany, Haydn's Mass for St. Nicholas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, plus holiday sing-alongs and carols leading up to Christmas. I'm so busy with this choir, and I absolutely love it.

-School! I took a computer science class this quarter. The workload was high, but I felt in my element. I also took a linguistics class, where the students are young and cute and totally weird.

-Cute boys! My only weakness. And cute girls too, I guess. And chocolate chip cookies. :)

-Animals! Still awesome!

Coming up:

-8 events in 4 days for Thanksgiving weekend. I think this is a new record for me. I'm going to be so, so sick of eating by Sunday.

-Conference in Chicago after Thanksgiving.

-3 weeks of winter break! Let's hang out!

Apparently, I have a really good memory.

Three** years ago, I went to a friend's birthday party in Pasadena. Also at this party was my friend's apartment manager, an attractive middle-aged chap with really interesting ideas. We talked and flirted all night, and he seemed very interested in me. But I was already dating John by this time, so I decided not to pursue him any further. I remember him and that night very specifically -- what he was wearing, what we talked about, and how much he seemed to like me.

Yesterday, I ran into him at our mutual friend's housewarming party. He didn't remember me at all! Not my name, not my face, not anything about that night three** years ago. What's up with that?

It happens all the time -- I can meet someone swing dancing, for example, then remember them when we dance together again 2 years later. I never forget a face, but I usually also remember their name, where we danced the first time, and a few small facts about them. But when I say, "Hi Ken! Yeah, we've danced together before -- you're from Simi Valley and you go to Cal State Northridge," they respond with a wide-eyed, frightened look. It also happens at Rufus Wainwright concerts, when I get "overly" friendly with fellow fans who have forgotten that we camped out together for tickets a few years back.

So, what is the deal? Am I forgettable? Do I just have a freakishly good memory? Or are people just not paying attention?

*Edited to add:

**Edited for fact correction.

Via Sexy Losers, which, like so many awesome things, is NSFW.

Oh god, I'm gonna die.

World's Most Beautiful Man Also World's Most Beautiful Boy

Double Agent.

Yesterday I participated in the march at L.A. City Hall protesting the gay marriage ban. I was one of 12,000 people marching through downtown, waving signs, chanting, and saying "woo" a lot. It was really fun! I was so happy to be a part of this movement. I was also happy that it was a peaceful demonstration of solidarity, and not one of these aggressive, negative protests and boycotts which have been popping up lately. Where's the love, people?

When I was ready to take a break at a nearby park, I shared some tree-shade with two young lesbians, one of whom offered to make a t-shirt for me. I gladly accepted, and this is what she drew:

"FANTASTIC BOOBS ROCK MY WORLD"

Yaaaay! You rock, artistic lesbian girl!

A few hours later, I shifted from a grand celebration of queerness to probably the most heterosexual thing a woman can do -- a male revue. Hollywood Men, at the Highlands club on Hollywood and Highland, in my opinion, has an edge over the Vegas revues because HW Men has cute, shirtless, flirtatious waiters! And $20 lap dances! Then, you get free admission to the dance club (which, before 11am, consists entirely of women who attended the show)!

Okay. Fun's over -- it's time to buckle down and finish my first quarter of grad school. See y'all after finals!

First week!

I survived my first week of grad school! It was actually a pretty laid-back week -- short lectures and even a day off. :) Looks like I can expect a quarter of reading, presenting, programming, and immersing myself in the new-to-me world of health care. Because I'm not sitting in front of a computer all day anymore, it's harder to find time for blogging, but I promise I won't leave you in the dust! :)

I've been making a serious attempt at commuting by bike and bus. I hope I can keep it up! Bus unreliability and infrequency are problematic; with the bike, hills are an issue. Together, I make it work. I know it's not a ringing endorsement for public transportation, but it's part of my brilliant plan to save the world. Also, it's great to leave the car parked for days at a time! :)

I saw two new movies this week. First one was Nights in Rodanthe, a romantic tear-jerker starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere. Chick flick all the way, but it's got a solid screenplay, a beautiful setting, and highly competent performances by two actors who are pretty much masters of the genre. Great for a girl-date! :) Second movie was Blindness, a post-apocalypse movie that's so well-made you don't mind that it makes you lose your faith in humanity. The cast is great too -- Julianne Moore, Meli's boyfriend-while-in-Europe Gael Garcia Bernal, and her nice-guy-friend-she-has-a-crush-on, Mark Ruffalo.

In older releases, I saw 28 Days Later, which stars my hot-friend-getting-his-modeling-career-going-so-I-photograph-him-on-the-weekends, Cillian Murphy. And some zombies.

I miss dancing!

After a yearlong hiatus, I have returned to the dance floor! One night of swing at my old standard, then salsa two days later. I really miss it! At Lindy Groove, there was this great mix of new blood and old familiars, men being flirtatious and interested, but knowing how -not- to cross the line into desperate and creepy. There's a different kind of energy there now; maybe they can feel my wedding diamond scratching their hand and they know I'm not there for pickups.

During one rotation of the salsa lesson, I was matched with this beautiful young man: lithe and muscular like a classically-trained dancer and flirtatious like an experienced player. We met again later on the dance floor, and as he skillfully led me through a variety of really impressive dance moves, these are some of the awesome lines he used:

Listen. Swing is energetic and fun, but salsa is sexy. Don't forget to keep it sexy.

I respect your marriage, but now we're dancing salsa. Let me show you what sexy is.

Next time, put on a pair of high heels and a circle skirt, and you'll look so good your husband won't let you out of the house.

I got hit on by a salsa-dancing Smoove B! I'm so flattered! Never before has anyone said "I respect your marriage" so sexily. As you can see, social dance is the kind of hobby which, as a married woman, is better done in moderation. But damn, it sure is fun.

Feeling happy and weird.

1) I've been inspired by some juicy gossip at the French lunch table at work (if you wanna know, ask. It's hot.)

2) Westwood is awesome. I spent a lot of time there last week for the L.A. Film Festival, and as a bonus, we got to check out the residential areas, restaurants, and theatres. It's really cool there -- can't wait to move there in the fall.

3) We attended 5 screenings and 1 limited release. So many good movies out there! I highly recommend The Choir, a documentary following a South African prison choir as they discover redemption through music, and Encounters at the End of the World, Herzog's latest. It's a documentary about Antarctica -- the interesting stories of people who work there, the scientific research, and wow wow wow the amazing landscapes. It's fun, thoughtful, and entertaining... and not just for people who are fascinated with Antarctica like I am.

4) Travel: July 9 - 17, Hawaii. August 8-10, Las Vegas. August 22-24, San Francisco. Sometime between August 25 and September 23, Europe, babeh!

What I'm watching.

Big Love: HBO series about a polygamist family in Utah. I finished season 1! Although I love the concept of the show, there is just so much conflict in these people's lives! Do they ever just, you know, hang out and relax? Somehow I don't think so.

An American in Paris: Gene Kelly sings and dances to the music of George Gershwin. Story sucked, but the musical elements were -wonderful-.

And finally, my latest obsession:
House, MD! I haven't watched television in a while, but now I'm back on the crack. :( Embittered, self-centered, drug-addicted medical genius makes sarcastic remarks and saves lives! House is played by Hugh Laurie, an established British comedic actor, who sports a dead-on American accent in the show. Hugh Laurie and House are the sexy.

House has a friend, Dr. Wilson. Wilson is played by Robert Sean Leonard, the guy who played Neil in "Dead Poet's Society." Awwwww! You know, he's 39 now? I guess we're all getting on...

Even though House steals Wilson's food, meddles in his affairs, and is a really annoying friend generally, Wilson is loyal always. House lurrrrvves Wilson. And Wilson lurrrrvvvves House. Need I say more?

Ever since discovering House/Wilson, I'm developing a new appreciation for slash. It's amazing, how a female writer can bring fresh eyes and genuine excitement to male/male pairings. I guess when you write about a situation you have never known, and will never know, the universe you can create is limitless. Harry/Draco never did it for me, but House/Wilson is my one true pair. :)

By request, edited to add:
Smells Like Love - House/Wilson/Amber, NC-17. (I'm not a fan of the POV, but it's nice and smutty with good characterization.)
Five Random Glimpses - House/Wilson, R. I'm in love with this writer! Still, I could have settled for 4 random glimpses.

Bonus: Two funny fanvids here and here.

Last night at the Echo.

First of all, there is no sign or marquee indicating that you have arrived at the Echo. Doesn't that make you feel like you've discovered something really underground and special?! (The abundance of free parking doesn't hurt, though.)

Second, The Section Quartet is really, really cool. They're from L.A., they're classically-trained, but they use their powers for evil, like for Radiohead and Led Zeppelin covers.

Third, as I was standing in line, I started a conversation with the guy in front of me, who was attending the concert alone. (He might have thought I was flying solo too.) We made friendly banter about music and concerts. He was pleasant and I enjoyed talking to him. After the show, he came up to me and talked about the concert, offered nice insights about the music, asked me what kind of music I liked, and so on. "Oh, how nice!" I thought. "He's flirting! Well, I like talking to him, but I'd better say something before he asks for my number." So when he asked me if I'd be buying some merchandise, I said, "Yeah, my husband's waiting in line for a CD." To which he immediately replied, "Well, it was nice talking to you!" and scurried away.

WTF, man? I understand that the possibility of scoring is a good motivator for flirtation, but it's also okay for people to engage in conversation for the sake of sharing ideas, being social, and even flirting a little just because it's fun...! *grumble grumble* Oh well, at least I know I still have a presence in the 35+ demographic (he was 39). Sigh!

Fourth, Rufus is playing at the Wiltern on 2/12. And I've decided not to go! I saw Rufus 4 times last year, and I'm a little Rufus-ed out. I never thought it would happen -- what's happening to me?!

Waaaaahhhhhh!!

Okay, so I just finished watching the movie Strictly Ballroom. It's Baz Luhrmann, which means bright colors, extreme close-ups of disturbing facial expressions, spectacle, and fantasy. Ultimately, a feel-good movie about following your heart. With ballroom dancing! I loved it.

So, I just spent the last 94 minutes drooling over the sexy lead, Paul Mercurio. Seriously, he looks like the love child of Rufus Wainwright and Guy Pearce, if Rufus and Guy decided to get all lithe and muscular and make sexy faces while dancing the rumba.

Paul Mercurio, circa 1990. Age 27. Hot.


From Strictly Ballroom, 1992.


Compulsory body shot.


This is what Paul looks like now. (Warning: not for the faint at heart!) How could he let this happen? And why? WHY???!!!

I'm shocked. What if this happens to our favorite heart-throbs... like Gael? Or Matt? Or Ewan? Or *gasp* ... Rufus?!!??! Ohhhhh... I don't want to imagine it. Think sexy thoughts! Think sexy thoughts!

Beautiful Co-worker, Part 2.

Okay, my stalker friends! Here's some info you may find interesting! But you didn't hear it from me!

Wed. 8/15/07 12pm. Professional farewell lunch @ Hamburger Hamlet.
*Updated* Sat 8/18/07 afternoon. Barbecue and Sunset Junction Street Festival. I'm actually invited to this event, but will probably be busy consuming large quantities of tofu elsewhere. If you want to go to the barbecue I can make arrangements.
Sun. 8/19/07 evening. Farewell party @ Bar Marmont, West Hollywood.

I'll be at the professional event. I don't think I have the liberty to invite more guests, but nothing is stopping you from having a nice brunch/lunch at the restaurant! They have nice mimosas there!

Au revoir, bon voyage, and bon appetit.

Dear Beautiful Co-worker,

You are the sexiest man ever. You or Rufus. I can't decide.

For the last four years, you have given me something to giggle about with my girlfriends. Thank you for that. I always thought you were oblivious to my feelings about you, or perhaps that I was too young, too American. But now I see the truth.

I understand now that the reason you're leaving the project and returning to France isn't to sell high-quality optical components, but to heal from the heartbreak I caused by marrying another.

It all makes sense now, but it is too late. I am discovering new avenues of fulfillment with my husband, and not even your perfect eyes, lips, hair, jawline, or French accent can convince me to run off to Paris with you, no matter how much you ask me to with your secret, smoldering looks in my general direction.

So be strong, Beautiful Co-worker. May your journeys lead you to new dreams and new loves.

Sincerely,
No Longer Obsessed

I am just blog-happy today...

...or maybe I'm just bored?

So, in my previous post about The Prestige, I swoon over Hugh Jackman and claim that he looks like a mix of Neil, Rufus, and Bertrand. Behold!


Neil


Rufus


Bertrand


Hugh

The Prestige.

Last night, I watched The Prestige, which was written and directed by the Nolan brothers (makers of my favorite movie of all time Memento). This movie is about a deep and obsessive rivalry between two magicians in turn-of-the-century London. It uses a non-linear narrative style, which I love, to gradually unravel the mysteries of the two characters and the secrets to their tricks. It... can be quite confusing as you try to figure out what the hell is going on, but it falls together nicely in the end. It's a movie about illusions, and is itself an illusion! Brilliant! Anyway, I liked it.

What I really wanted to note was that this movie is full of really. Hot. Guys.


Christian Bale, a.k.a. Batman! Not too shabby.


Hugh Jackman, a.k.a. Wolverine, a.k.a. VAN HELSING! Hottttt. I think he looks like a mix of Neil Diamond, Rufus Wainwright, and Bertrand.


And finally... David Bowie as Nikola Tesla! What the hell? But I'm not complaining!