Archive for September, 2007

I was having a discussion the other day with an acquaintance and I was asked, “What do you think is the greatest waste of time?” I replied people that watch the “daily average” of television or gamers are the most tragic examples of time wasters.

So began an enthusiastic debate — one side saying they don’t watch “that” much TV and then proceeded to list a dozen shows they watched. And then you have me who’s of the mindset of, OK, so you are essentially saying that TV junkies and gamers should revel in the fact that their epitaph can be something along the lines of “Mastered the art of sitting on their a$$ and jacking with a joystick?”

Now keep in mind, I actively work to practice non-judgment — it’s a daily challenge. But I just honestly cannot understand why so many people wish to live vicariously through people on a screen. And for what it’s worth to the other side, there is much in my lifestyle that would shock and awe and be deemed dangerous and reckless.

According to Nielsen research, “…the total average time a household watched television during the 2005-2006 television year was 8 hours and 14 minutes per day, a 3-minute increase from the 2004-2005 season and a record high. The average amount of television watched by an individual viewer increased 3 minutes per day to 4 hours and 35 minutes, also a record….”

Why, in God’s name, would anyone want to squander almost THIRTY-ONE HOURS a WEEK watching TV?! And that’s not even including the time wasted on the computer.

And people are surprised that America is becoming fat and lethargic and diseased? With such a sedentary lifestyle, how can a person NOT be?

I find it so mind numbing that here we are living in one of the most wonderful countries in the world and people are just throwing their lives away by being slaves to content on a monitor.

Yesterday, I visited an acquaintance I know from the Corvette club. She’s 63 and proceeded to spend almost 5 minutes listing off everything that was wrong with her physically. On my ride home, I was thinking of Jagger and the boys. (in case you didn’t know, I adore the Rolling Stones).

What a beautiful, wonderful example they are. In their mid-60’s, selling out arenas all over the world and kudos to Sir Mick for dancing for 2 hours every concert at the age of 64. Limber, athletic, and he’s handling almost all major business issues having to do with the band.

When I’m that age, I sincerely pray that I am that well!

So what is it that determines the route one takes as they age?

Personally, I believe in the strength in being pro-active by continually seeking out what is good and right for your life and staying active. I believe in the importance in keeping one’s body and mind well nourished which means only good material goes in. And I believe in balance. I’m not religious but I am very spiritual. I ride motorcycles and drive sports cars but have a natural aversion to any sensible family sedan-like car. I hate to sweat but I do pilates daily. I like good wines but avoid soft drinks. I take absolutely no prescription medications but swear by anti-bacterial’s and homeopathy remedies.

In my career, I work on 3 TV shows in production and have 2 in pre-production….yet I don’t have a TV or computer at my home. (Strange but true, a lot of people in media production don’t watch much, if any, TV). I can easily work 10-14 hour days and the time flies by. When it’s time for home, I commute 6 blocks and live in a loft on a busy street in Deep Ellum. My loft is my refuge from the world so the times that I am there, it’s relaxing and I’m able to recharge. My entertainment at home (aside from the boyfriend) are my books…I am passionate about books. In my free time, I prefer the films that are at the Magnolia or Angelica, I love events of all types, and social networking opportunities. I love variety and involvement with life….and I just can’t find that by sitting in front of a TV with a bag of chips.

A great quote that’s used often in the biking world is:

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, in a pretty and well preserved body….but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up…totally worn out and loudly proclaiming, WOW…What a Ride!”

So if you are ready to get in gear, here are some resources for expanding your horizons:

TITAS brings back one of their audience favorites with the dance imagery troupe Momix. By blending athleticism, circus, physical theatre and comedy, they push modern dance to new heights.

Momix transports the audience into a fantasy world through its trademark use of body sculpture, magical lighting and imagery. Momix has thrilled fans in more than 22 countries and has been featured on stage, screen and television.

Tommy Lee and sidekick DJ Aero are no virgins to ghostbar Dallas\. Helping to celebrate opening festivities last year, the two are returning for their second appearance.

Last year’s event was extreme with an energetic performance until the lights turned on, and this year’s act will sure to top it.

Door is $20 for men / Complimentary for ladies.

It’s on boys and girls…the great State Fair of Texas opens for it’s 3 week run tomorrow.

A lot of people go on weekends or on specially priced days…in our camp, we prefer to go on Day 1.

The park is clean and the grease is fresh so it’s the perfect time for that once-a-year corny dog treat!

There’s a new email list for the Dallas GLBT community at www.GayListDaily.com.

Here is the posting from today’s blast:

Weekend Calendar

Twilight of the Golds
Opens Friday, September 28
If your parents knew everything about you before you were born, would you be here? Uptown Players lend their award-winning talents to this tear-jerker about what might happen if genetic testing can predict the sexual orientation of an unborn child.
KD Studio Theatre, Tickets $22-25
www.uptownplayers.org

Ten Tenors
Saturday, September 29
Ten gorgeous voices singing as one. If the 1-in-10 rule holds true, the man of our dreams may be singing sweetly to us!
Nokia Theatre, Tickets $29-49
www.nokialivedfw.com

Lone Star AIDS Ride
Saturday & Sunday, Sept 29-30
Break out your “Biker short butts drive me nuts” t-shirt and cheer on hundreds of Spandex-clad hotties as they ride off into the sunset, all in support of North Texas AIDS charities.
Check out LoneStarRide.org for details

Southwest Invitation DanceSport Championships
Friday – Sunday, Sept 28-30
Can’t get enough “Dancing with the Stars?” Neither can we. We’re absolutely giddy for the fabulously tacky Britney-on-a-bad-day frocks and grinded-teeth permasmiles…and the skin-tight pants and pelvic gyrations are enough to make us swoon!
Hilton Dallas Lincoln Center, Tickets $10-40
www.southwesterninvitational.com

The Lion King
Begins Sunday, September 28
Calling all queens, the king is here. If you missed gay pride, you can still get tickets to see this pride of lions and other Tony-award winning beasties as they strut their stuff at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Musical Hall at Fair Park, Tickets $29-72
www.dallassummermusicals.org

Bill Cosby @ Bass Hall
Sunday, September 30
Paging Dr. Huxtable, we have a fashion fatality – someone is wearing one of your 80’s Christmas sweaters. Everybody’s favorite sitcom father figure comes to Fort Worth for a one-night gig. Sorry, Jell-O pudding pops not included in ticket price.
Bass Hall in Fort Worth, Tickets $40-60
www.basshall.com

If you haven’t seen Eastern Promises yet, turn off the computer, put down the remote, and check it out. A fantastic film with one of the most vivid fight scenes to ever be captured on film. Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts star.

It’s playing at The Magnolia in West Village and AMC Theatres Northpark 15.

Alliance Francaise du Nord du Texas is pleased to announce they are offering French Courses in the Cafe area of The MAC (McKinney Avenue Contemporary).

These classes are small and registration is now open.