Today's New York Times article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/realestate/keymagazine/15keyHSbrooklyn-t.html
If Manhattan is the new Brooklyn, I say the East Side of LA is the new East Village. Or at least, West Chelsea.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Brewery
In LA, we live here:
http://www.thebrewery.net/
An artists colony off Main Street, on the Eastern edge of downtown. It's perfect for a transplanted New Yorker (and her Queens-loving fiancee); we can feel URBAN (which I'm told, in Industry-speak means "Black") while still enjoying the perks of Southern California, which means, we sit outside at night, in the makeshift backyard, listening to our neighbor's running water sculpture and watching the moon and stars (and the occassional feral cat).
Speaking of feral cats, we have a colony of THAT too. They roam the Brewery, day and night. We've recently befriended two. Gordon calls them "Meowstein and Boostein, Feral Feline Attorneys". Or LLC. They show up at night, when he's smoking his cheap cigars. During the day, they sleep on the picnic table in back -- or pick fights. As all good feral cats too. We conjecture about adoption. But we're heading back to LIC come May, so... why?
http://www.thebrewery.net/
An artists colony off Main Street, on the Eastern edge of downtown. It's perfect for a transplanted New Yorker (and her Queens-loving fiancee); we can feel URBAN (which I'm told, in Industry-speak means "Black") while still enjoying the perks of Southern California, which means, we sit outside at night, in the makeshift backyard, listening to our neighbor's running water sculpture and watching the moon and stars (and the occassional feral cat).
Speaking of feral cats, we have a colony of THAT too. They roam the Brewery, day and night. We've recently befriended two. Gordon calls them "Meowstein and Boostein, Feral Feline Attorneys". Or LLC. They show up at night, when he's smoking his cheap cigars. During the day, they sleep on the picnic table in back -- or pick fights. As all good feral cats too. We conjecture about adoption. But we're heading back to LIC come May, so... why?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
LACityMom
check out my sweet friend lee rose emery and her mom-centric tips -
http://lacitymom.wordpress.com/
http://lacitymom.wordpress.com/
Friday, November 21, 2008
A Day At Home
Lately, when people ask me, "Do you have a place to live?" ... it's like, what? I think they think they're being cute. I think they think they saw "Hunting and Gathering" and read the Times article, or maybe the Time Out piece, and maybe even they think that my list of apartments represents some kind of pathology. I don't know. But give it up, People. The joke is tired.
Today, I am taking a day off from the world, staying at home, in one of my homes, writing. And right now, as I type this, laptop on lap, back against pillows, in the bed with the striped bottom sheet I only half approve of and the nice pillowcases that I fully do, I think, How did I get here?
Here is Long Island City. Which you can read about in G's favorite blog: http://www.liqcity.com/
and "here" is the home I share with the man I have begun to share my life with. And it's really different than anything I've done before. Wow.
And soon we head West.
Today, I am taking a day off from the world, staying at home, in one of my homes, writing. And right now, as I type this, laptop on lap, back against pillows, in the bed with the striped bottom sheet I only half approve of and the nice pillowcases that I fully do, I think, How did I get here?
Here is Long Island City. Which you can read about in G's favorite blog: http://www.liqcity.com/
and "here" is the home I share with the man I have begun to share my life with. And it's really different than anything I've done before. Wow.
And soon we head West.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
more election firsts
"It's the first time my father and I will vote the same way...Obama."
"...time I've ever felt passionate enough about a candidate to actively campaign ... I went to PA a couple of weeks ago to [make calls as part of a] phone bank and canvas, and have been phone-banking from home ever since."
and i'll add, personally, it's the first time that i've been so aware of wanting to watch the election returns with other people -- in a room full of 'em.
it's the middle of the night, i'm jet-lagged, and can't wait to vote.
"...time I've ever felt passionate enough about a candidate to actively campaign ... I went to PA a couple of weeks ago to [make calls as part of a] phone bank and canvas, and have been phone-banking from home ever since."
and i'll add, personally, it's the first time that i've been so aware of wanting to watch the election returns with other people -- in a room full of 'em.
it's the middle of the night, i'm jet-lagged, and can't wait to vote.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The first election in which ....
Have you noticed?
Change has already taken hold. I don't know about you, but I see it everywhere. My friends and colleagues - from New York City to Ypsilanti, Michigan, to LA - are more engaged, activated. They're are hosting fundraising parties, volunteering at phone banks on the weekends, flying themselves to Florida (thank you, Sarah Silverman) to drive older voters to the early voting sites (SIDEBAR: Ida Lucas in Farmington Hills, MI, my stellar 89 year old oft-mentioned grandmother is adamantly driving herself. And offering rides to neighbors in her building). They're going to Ohio. They're volunteering in swing states, driving themselves to Pennsylvania, Nevada... In fact, we are doing just what a participatory democracy asks that we do - take ownership of the process.
I started collecting "election first" testimonials last week. Here are a few of the responses, anonymously posted, along with my intitial shout-out:
> Dear Friends,
>
> This is not be the first election for many of us. But I keep hearing
> about "firsts."
>
> This is the first election in which I donated money to a candidate.
> Friends of mine are, for the first time, helping out at phone banks.
> Others are, again for the first time, registering voters or canvassing
> or working for the local campaign office in states like Michigan and
> Ohio. There is more direct involvement in this election than I have
> seen, maybe ever. It's as if we feel that it's ours.
>
> So I'm curious: in a sentence or two, can you tell me if this election
> represents a first for you in any way?
>
> I'm going to compile, edit, and potentially publish peoples's responses.
>
First Election:
“This is the first election where I put my money where my mouth is and consistently contributed… contributing more than I ever had to any campaign.
Also… the first election where my wife and myself along with a small group of others threw a fundraiser for a candidate (Obama) raising over $75,000 nearly tripling our goal of $35,000. This was in the month of September when Obama raised approximately a record $75,000,000. We were very proud that 1% was raised by our small group (300) of extended friends and family…”
“… the first in which I will have canvassed. The first in which I've bought not one, but two t-shirts with the candidate's name and image. First in which I've bought a bumper sticker. First in which I've felt that the candidate has articulated not only my concerns, but something approximating my sense of history and my sense of why this country matters.”
“This is the first election in which I would be willing to kiss the candidate
I'm voting for.
This is the first election in which this son of an immigrant gets to vote
for the son of an immigrant.
This is the first election in which my candidate looks like he could be on
my speed dial and at my dinner parties. My candidate looks like he's read
some of the same books I've read. Listens to some of the same songs I listen
to. Knows how to spell the word poetry.
This is the first U.S. election that my friends in Mexico City, Havana and
Caracas are following this closely.
This is the first election in which the Democratic Nominee has been called a
socialist. He's not, but I still like hearing the word.
This is the first election in which I can feel my politics growing to
accommodate what is happening in the actual world, instead of trying to
force the real world to match my politics.
This is the first election in which the left has shown they're practical,
and the right has proven their delusional.”
“… this election represents the first time the Chicagoan and the American in me is conflicted.”
“This is the first election in which the thought of the candidate… makes me cry real tears… it's the first election (and this will be my 9th
presidential vote) that I have the deep belief that the results both
signal future change and bespeak deep societal past change. The image
of a black man speaking to thousands and moving me to tears of hope and
determination is seared into my earliest consciousness. That man has
been dead since I was 11, but he's still my personal vision of heroism
and righteousness. Obama is a different man altogether, but his talent
and vision as a candidate has proved profound. To elect him president
would be the first great thing the nation's electorate has done in all
the decades I've been paying attention.
Also, this is the first election in which my son (the 13-year-old one)
guided me to my choice. Guthrie picked Obama first, when I was still
deciding between him and Hilary in the primaries. That a kid who has
grown up cynical (and for good reason) about politics and politicians,
with his own disdain for the wretched Bush-ists, could immediately know
the way toward a more hopeful future is some kind of proof of the impact
of Obama's promise.
It's the second time I've raised money for a candidate, but the first
time I've helped raise thousands (four) and the first time I've done it
by grilling hamburgers and hotdogs from Costco….And… the first election that I vote for someone younger than I am.”
"I have never physically gone out there and knocked on doors before. For anything, really."
“"It means the validity of my marriage, which means this election holds more importance to me than any before this time…."
"I've never given money to a campaign before."
“This is the first time I've actually looked forward to and watched the presidential debates.”
“I'm sober I watched the debates intently I will be participating in the phone banks.”
“Its the first time I've had sex dreams about a presidential candidate.”
"First time I've volunteered for a campaign since I went with my mother to the local McGovern headquarters."
“I have donated and canvassed in previous campaigns, but this is the first time I will essentially be voting FOR someone, and not against someone in order to simply keep us from going in a direction I don't agree with…I am INSPIRED (for the first time!) by the direction [Obama’s] administration will take us… the Obama presidency will be such a tremendous breakthrough for the entire world.”
“It's the first time that I've had a kid (never mind 2!) during an election
-- and the kid that is able to speak is all about 'OBAMA'!
This election has brought along the following firsts for me:
1. I voted in a primary and learned that TX has a caucus, AND i stayed for the caucus although no one knew what was going on ...
2. i donated to a campaign
3. i put a bumper sticker on my car (dangerous to do in Dallas TX which is still staunch bush country)
4. i've talked politics at work”
“…I'd never even watched MSNBC before let alone been obsessed (NPR non-stop too, but that's not a first.) also I've never had the urge to scream from rooftops and graffiti my body FOR someone not just against Bush…”
"I ever really cared about any election- First time I believe change is possible: that the candidate will shake up the Whitehouse --I have total faith."
“The real first will be this election's psychic blow to the legacy of slavery”
"The first time I voted for a Democrat and it's not the lesser of two evils, but the better of two heroes."
“This is the first election in which I feel like the future of at least the country hangs in the balance… Conversely it's the first time I've felt hopeful that an election could symbolize the beginning of a shift in tone and direction for the country.”
“…looking at my candidate of choice has made me cry.”
"This is the most motivated I have felt about an election in my adult life -- I feel such hope! “
“[after researching Obama’s platform, watching the youTube clips]… the first time that I’ve felt directly communicated with by a politician who seemed to be of a different time, and yet the same time… I’ve felt very blessed … to be alive and have the opportunity to vote for a person like this one.”
“This is the first time I've been passionate about a presidential candidate since JFK -- and I was too young to vote then.”
“It is my first time voting ever!!!”
"It's the first time I've believed again."
Change has already taken hold. I don't know about you, but I see it everywhere. My friends and colleagues - from New York City to Ypsilanti, Michigan, to LA - are more engaged, activated. They're are hosting fundraising parties, volunteering at phone banks on the weekends, flying themselves to Florida (thank you, Sarah Silverman) to drive older voters to the early voting sites (SIDEBAR: Ida Lucas in Farmington Hills, MI, my stellar 89 year old oft-mentioned grandmother is adamantly driving herself. And offering rides to neighbors in her building). They're going to Ohio. They're volunteering in swing states, driving themselves to Pennsylvania, Nevada... In fact, we are doing just what a participatory democracy asks that we do - take ownership of the process.
I started collecting "election first" testimonials last week. Here are a few of the responses, anonymously posted, along with my intitial shout-out:
> Dear Friends,
>
> This is not be the first election for many of us. But I keep hearing
> about "firsts."
>
> This is the first election in which I donated money to a candidate.
> Friends of mine are, for the first time, helping out at phone banks.
> Others are, again for the first time, registering voters or canvassing
> or working for the local campaign office in states like Michigan and
> Ohio. There is more direct involvement in this election than I have
> seen, maybe ever. It's as if we feel that it's ours.
>
> So I'm curious: in a sentence or two, can you tell me if this election
> represents a first for you in any way?
>
> I'm going to compile, edit, and potentially publish peoples's responses.
>
First Election:
“This is the first election where I put my money where my mouth is and consistently contributed… contributing more than I ever had to any campaign.
Also… the first election where my wife and myself along with a small group of others threw a fundraiser for a candidate (Obama) raising over $75,000 nearly tripling our goal of $35,000. This was in the month of September when Obama raised approximately a record $75,000,000. We were very proud that 1% was raised by our small group (300) of extended friends and family…”
“… the first in which I will have canvassed. The first in which I've bought not one, but two t-shirts with the candidate's name and image. First in which I've bought a bumper sticker. First in which I've felt that the candidate has articulated not only my concerns, but something approximating my sense of history and my sense of why this country matters.”
“This is the first election in which I would be willing to kiss the candidate
I'm voting for.
This is the first election in which this son of an immigrant gets to vote
for the son of an immigrant.
This is the first election in which my candidate looks like he could be on
my speed dial and at my dinner parties. My candidate looks like he's read
some of the same books I've read. Listens to some of the same songs I listen
to. Knows how to spell the word poetry.
This is the first U.S. election that my friends in Mexico City, Havana and
Caracas are following this closely.
This is the first election in which the Democratic Nominee has been called a
socialist. He's not, but I still like hearing the word.
This is the first election in which I can feel my politics growing to
accommodate what is happening in the actual world, instead of trying to
force the real world to match my politics.
This is the first election in which the left has shown they're practical,
and the right has proven their delusional.”
“… this election represents the first time the Chicagoan and the American in me is conflicted.”
“This is the first election in which the thought of the candidate… makes me cry real tears… it's the first election (and this will be my 9th
presidential vote) that I have the deep belief that the results both
signal future change and bespeak deep societal past change. The image
of a black man speaking to thousands and moving me to tears of hope and
determination is seared into my earliest consciousness. That man has
been dead since I was 11, but he's still my personal vision of heroism
and righteousness. Obama is a different man altogether, but his talent
and vision as a candidate has proved profound. To elect him president
would be the first great thing the nation's electorate has done in all
the decades I've been paying attention.
Also, this is the first election in which my son (the 13-year-old one)
guided me to my choice. Guthrie picked Obama first, when I was still
deciding between him and Hilary in the primaries. That a kid who has
grown up cynical (and for good reason) about politics and politicians,
with his own disdain for the wretched Bush-ists, could immediately know
the way toward a more hopeful future is some kind of proof of the impact
of Obama's promise.
It's the second time I've raised money for a candidate, but the first
time I've helped raise thousands (four) and the first time I've done it
by grilling hamburgers and hotdogs from Costco….And… the first election that I vote for someone younger than I am.”
"I have never physically gone out there and knocked on doors before. For anything, really."
“"It means the validity of my marriage, which means this election holds more importance to me than any before this time…."
"I've never given money to a campaign before."
“This is the first time I've actually looked forward to and watched the presidential debates.”
“I'm sober I watched the debates intently I will be participating in the phone banks.”
“Its the first time I've had sex dreams about a presidential candidate.”
"First time I've volunteered for a campaign since I went with my mother to the local McGovern headquarters."
“I have donated and canvassed in previous campaigns, but this is the first time I will essentially be voting FOR someone, and not against someone in order to simply keep us from going in a direction I don't agree with…I am INSPIRED (for the first time!) by the direction [Obama’s] administration will take us… the Obama presidency will be such a tremendous breakthrough for the entire world.”
“It's the first time that I've had a kid (never mind 2!) during an election
-- and the kid that is able to speak is all about 'OBAMA'!
This election has brought along the following firsts for me:
1. I voted in a primary and learned that TX has a caucus, AND i stayed for the caucus although no one knew what was going on ...
2. i donated to a campaign
3. i put a bumper sticker on my car (dangerous to do in Dallas TX which is still staunch bush country)
4. i've talked politics at work”
“…I'd never even watched MSNBC before let alone been obsessed (NPR non-stop too, but that's not a first.) also I've never had the urge to scream from rooftops and graffiti my body FOR someone not just against Bush…”
"I ever really cared about any election- First time I believe change is possible: that the candidate will shake up the Whitehouse --I have total faith."
“The real first will be this election's psychic blow to the legacy of slavery”
"The first time I voted for a Democrat and it's not the lesser of two evils, but the better of two heroes."
“This is the first election in which I feel like the future of at least the country hangs in the balance… Conversely it's the first time I've felt hopeful that an election could symbolize the beginning of a shift in tone and direction for the country.”
“…looking at my candidate of choice has made me cry.”
"This is the most motivated I have felt about an election in my adult life -- I feel such hope! “
“[after researching Obama’s platform, watching the youTube clips]… the first time that I’ve felt directly communicated with by a politician who seemed to be of a different time, and yet the same time… I’ve felt very blessed … to be alive and have the opportunity to vote for a person like this one.”
“This is the first time I've been passionate about a presidential candidate since JFK -- and I was too young to vote then.”
“It is my first time voting ever!!!”
"It's the first time I've believed again."
Monday, August 18, 2008
The City of Angels
I've been in LA for a month. And I fucking love it. I do. Unapologetically. I love the mountains, the big pink bouganvilla flowers, Pinkberry culture, the radio stations, the Hollywood farmers market, my morning ritual (jacket) of yoga and Cafe Tropicale; it's all good.
But I have some karma with this town. For one thing, my first full length play, before I even thought of myself as a real playwright, is about a performance artist (based on me in the 90's) and Jesus Christ meeting in LA (he wants to do The River Phoenix story). The play is based on my first trip here. Pre "Industry'. Visiting friends. I came 1992 with The Third Wave, where I registered voters in South Central, 1994 to visit Phil and take in Weho, 1996 on my cross-country road trip with my ex the vegan chef (we stayed in Brentwood at my mom's friends place, near the OJ drama); then not again until 2000 (a reading at ASK, a crush on an actor, a drive up the coast; 2004 to see if Aaron and I would get back together (we didn't), 2005 for work, and then, OFTEN. Regularly. 2005 was the trip where I first started thinking, OH. I could live there.
Four or five major works have come out of my LA/NY travels, most notably the screnplay MAJOR MINOR DETAILS, currently making its way through the world.
I should say here, I love New York. Differently. It is a different love. With history. And I don't see myself living La Vida Bicoastal indefinitely - (SEE: Trajal Harrell's "You live in LANY") - but here we are, and this is what is happening today. And attempts to plan beyond today keep falling apart.
LA August.
NYC September.
LA again October.
NYC again November. And so on.....
And the play, WONDERLAND, about me and JC gets done at Juilliard the first week in Sept. Fourth year acting students. New Play Festival. Directed by the stellar Evan Cabnet.
Here is an excerpt:
MIA, 20-something, addresses a camera. Or an audience. Or both. It is the taping of her show. A sitcom. Multi-camera. The year is 1995. Grunge is everywhere.
MIA
Thanks for joining me. I'm Mia of "My Synchronistic Life", and I'm so glad we'll have this time together. Just to have a laugh or sing a song. Actually, I don't sing. Lets talk instead. Sit-com life is proving challenging. I am starting to think in half-hour episodes and my dreams are taking commercial breaks. I feel trapped in the show. I sit in this loft all the time with my new haircut saying witty things that a group of people my age have written for me to say. Now, this part is pathological I know, but, I can't tell the difference between when we're on the show and when we're in my life. And, I think the Ramons are jumping ship. I think XL promised them a spin-off. He keeps talking about this idea he has called “Reality TV”. So I guess the real question is, now what? I mean, now what?
enter JESUS
JESUS
Why do I keep turning up in your fantasy life? Are you sure you're not calling me?
MIA
I don’t know. Who are you?
JESUS
I’m Jesus Christ.
MIA
Oh, yeah, right. And I’m Madonna.
JESUS
No, really. I am. I came to check out L.A. before the world falls apart. I think I'm going to be famous.
MIA
But you’re already famous.
JESUS
Fame in America in the 90’s is a really different thing.
MIA:
What do you mean"before the world falls apart"?
JESUS:
Well, you know that this much waste can't last, don't you? We're living through a crucial age – these are the days before the whole thing shifts again, before something new is born. Isn't that why you're here?
(She does not answer)
Hang in there.
(And He disappears...)
MIA
Hang in where!?
But I have some karma with this town. For one thing, my first full length play, before I even thought of myself as a real playwright, is about a performance artist (based on me in the 90's) and Jesus Christ meeting in LA (he wants to do The River Phoenix story). The play is based on my first trip here. Pre "Industry'. Visiting friends. I came 1992 with The Third Wave, where I registered voters in South Central, 1994 to visit Phil and take in Weho, 1996 on my cross-country road trip with my ex the vegan chef (we stayed in Brentwood at my mom's friends place, near the OJ drama); then not again until 2000 (a reading at ASK, a crush on an actor, a drive up the coast; 2004 to see if Aaron and I would get back together (we didn't), 2005 for work, and then, OFTEN. Regularly. 2005 was the trip where I first started thinking, OH. I could live there.
Four or five major works have come out of my LA/NY travels, most notably the screnplay MAJOR MINOR DETAILS, currently making its way through the world.
I should say here, I love New York. Differently. It is a different love. With history. And I don't see myself living La Vida Bicoastal indefinitely - (SEE: Trajal Harrell's "You live in LANY") - but here we are, and this is what is happening today. And attempts to plan beyond today keep falling apart.
LA August.
NYC September.
LA again October.
NYC again November. And so on.....
And the play, WONDERLAND, about me and JC gets done at Juilliard the first week in Sept. Fourth year acting students. New Play Festival. Directed by the stellar Evan Cabnet.
Here is an excerpt:
MIA, 20-something, addresses a camera. Or an audience. Or both. It is the taping of her show. A sitcom. Multi-camera. The year is 1995. Grunge is everywhere.
MIA
Thanks for joining me. I'm Mia of "My Synchronistic Life", and I'm so glad we'll have this time together. Just to have a laugh or sing a song. Actually, I don't sing. Lets talk instead. Sit-com life is proving challenging. I am starting to think in half-hour episodes and my dreams are taking commercial breaks. I feel trapped in the show. I sit in this loft all the time with my new haircut saying witty things that a group of people my age have written for me to say. Now, this part is pathological I know, but, I can't tell the difference between when we're on the show and when we're in my life. And, I think the Ramons are jumping ship. I think XL promised them a spin-off. He keeps talking about this idea he has called “Reality TV”. So I guess the real question is, now what? I mean, now what?
enter JESUS
JESUS
Why do I keep turning up in your fantasy life? Are you sure you're not calling me?
MIA
I don’t know. Who are you?
JESUS
I’m Jesus Christ.
MIA
Oh, yeah, right. And I’m Madonna.
JESUS
No, really. I am. I came to check out L.A. before the world falls apart. I think I'm going to be famous.
MIA
But you’re already famous.
JESUS
Fame in America in the 90’s is a really different thing.
MIA:
What do you mean"before the world falls apart"?
JESUS:
Well, you know that this much waste can't last, don't you? We're living through a crucial age – these are the days before the whole thing shifts again, before something new is born. Isn't that why you're here?
(She does not answer)
Hang in there.
(And He disappears...)
MIA
Hang in where!?
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