Movie Queue: Silkwood (1983)

Hi Bloggy Friends,

I had a full circle moment when I finished watching Silkwood, the fifth or sixth movie in my slow going Meryl Streep Movie Marathon. Without realizing it until the end, the final scene is one that I sometimes recall from my childhood. I caught a glimpse of it one night when I crawled into the living room past my bedtime to sneak some grown up TV time with my mom. 

The film, which is based on a true story, gets off to a great start. I screamed out loud when the opening credits revealed that Cher was in it, too. Cher and Meryl in the same movie? There had to be a gay behind this one. Anyway...

Karen Silkwood (Mama Meryl) lives with her boyfriend Drew (Kurt Russell) and her lesbian bestie Dolly (Cher). Everyday they squeeze into their jalopy to commute to Kerr-McGee, the Oklahoma plutonium plant where they are employed. At work she flirts and cuts up with her hick colleagues, goes home at night to puff a reefer and the next morning she playfully bitches about what a slob lesbo Dolly is. The genuine and humorous character interaction is one of my favorite parts of the film.

Things start to go sour, though, when people at the plant begin getting ill from the chemicals they're handling. My mood went from amused to disturbed when tainted employees were ushered down the hall like crazy people to be scrubbed until their skin was red as Christmas. At this point a fire is lit under Karen's ass as she becomes passionately involved with a scheme to expose the company's careless ways. She better watch her back, though, because those skeevy higher-ups don't mess around.

I was really into the film until Karen started sneaking around the plant and flying to Washington D.C. to tell her secrets to big time reporters. Of course, this is pertinent to the plot but this is when it seemed to drag on without getting down to the point. Plus, the character interaction was so enjoyable that it was a buzz kill to see things turn so serious. Meryl can't go wrong, though. Her hillbilly accent is right on point (take a hint Sandra Bullock) and she looks fabulous in her reddish-brown mullet that would today seem oh so hip.

Cher is great too. She was actually nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance. Her accent is believable and, come on, she's just fun to watch. My favorite part is when she takes up with a moody girlfriend played by none other than Diana Scarwid. That's right, homos, that's the same actress who played Christina in Mommie Dearest. I tell you, the gays made this movie.

I recommended this film if you are a homosexual (especially lesbian), liked Norma Rae starring Sally Field or Erin Brockovich starring Julia "teeth" Roberts.

I would not recommend it if you have A.D.D. or if you're wigged out by creepy shower scenes. 

Thanks for stopping by to read my first movie review column. If you've seen something recently, new or old, and want to share your thoughts, feel free to email me a brief review of your own. I'll post it on my blog and share it with the world on Facebook and Twitter. I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Have a great night.

Love, Josh

Celebrity Dish: Don't Call It A Comeback

Hi Bloggy Friends,

I love that Betty White has had such a popularity boost lately. Her Super Bowl commercial was a riot and now she has landed a recurring role in TV Land's new show, Hot in Cleveland. This is the first I've heard of the series, but I may have to set my DVR now that the last of our two Golden Girls is in it. Soon, she'll also play host on Saturday Night Live alongside Tina Fey, Molly Shannon and Amy Poehler. You go, Betty!

Have a great night. I've attached a clip of her new show below.

Love, Josh

Celebrity Dish: Telephone

Hi Bloggy Friends,

Today on City Paper's Critical Mass blog writer Carolyn Huckaby turned me on to Lady Gaga and Beyonce's new video for Telephone. Have you seen it yet?  It seems like a mishmash of Michael Jackson's Thriller and Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. It's one of the best I've seen in a long time. Check it out below.

I hope all is well. I'm having a nice time with my friends Michael and Jeremy in North Carolina. I'll chat with you soon.

Love, Josh

P.S. Facebook click HERE.

My Thoughts on Oscar Night

Hi Bloggy Friends,

Did you catch the Oscars last night? I thought it was a decent production but it would have been borderline hellish without the fast forward button. My main gripe is that the meat of the program was full of awards that I don't care about - like film editing and sound and original score. I know they're important categories but, I'm sure you'll agree, most people tune in for the acting, best picture and directing awards. I wouldn't mind seeing the technical awards if they did a better job spreading them evenly throughout the night, but they hand the best supporting actor prize in the beginning and then cram all the other good ones at the end. What a lame attempt to make sure people stay around until it's over. Boo.

The banter went on a little too long as well. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin did a great intro and Doogie... I mean Neil Patrick Harris' song and dance in the beginning was fantastic, but the speeches prior to the announcement of best actor and actress were unnecessary. It's already a tad bit annoying to see enormously wealthy people winning awards, but do we really need to hear another speech about how awesome they are?

My favorite speech moment was Sandra Bullock. I love how she tied in funny tidbits when she started to get weepy. I was also touched when she threw "sexual orientation" into the mishmash of unconventionals who still deserve to be loved. My least favorite speech was Jeff Bridges. It was just dull.

Now let's talk fashion. In my opinion, the most striking beauty was Meryl Streep, who set records with her 16th Academy Award nomination. I know her dress was simple compared to many others, but I think she looked absolutely radiant in her draped white gown designed by Project Runway alum Chris March. Remember him?

I've seen people rave about it all day, but my least favorite gown was worn by Zoe Saldana from Avatar. She's an extraordinary beauty, but the purple, froofy dress by Givenchy director Riccardo Tisci just didn't wear well. When she was standing on stage, the slit, which should have been to the side, was jutting right up the middle. It looked like a gaudy pair of bell bottoms Cher would have worn on her variety show with Sonny. I was also slightly offended by Molly Ringwald's look. I think she borrowed her jewelry from Xena Warrior Princess.

The biggest surprise of the evening for me was seeing Kathryn Bigelow take home both the top director and Best Picture trophy for the Hurt Locker. I saw the film a few weeks ago and it didn't do much for me. I can't help being excited for her, though, especially since she is the first woman to walk away with the Best Director award. You go, girl.

What are your thoughts on the evening festivities? I'm always in the mood for some good dish.

Have a great day.

Love, Josh

Enjoying Baltimore, Thai Curry & MJB

Hello Bloggy Friends,

I hope you're having more than a suitable Sunday. We've been busy taking care of our end of the weekend chores that I won't bore you by mentioning for the 800th time. The weather has been fantastic in Philadelphia lately. The temps have been in the 40s and 50s all week long. It would be amazing if it would just stay like that until spring. You know I'm not a fan of the cold.

My first week back to school was excellent. I'm excited about the classes I'm taking and the work I'll be producing. I think it will be a great final semester. I had a few of my pieces published by City Paper this week. If you're interested you can check out my interview with Branden Fraser, the Bye, Bye Big Boobies benefit, my monthly Queer Bait column and our Philly fashion post, Neighborhood Watch. Thank you for your support.

This weekend was pretty amazing. Saturday afternoon we decided to take a road trip to Baltimore. We've passed it on our way to Kentucky, but we've never actually stopped to see what it was all about. What we found was a quaint, historic city that is so full of interesting attractions that we've decided we'll head back for an entire weekend trip soon. We spent the few hours we had on a mapped walking tour through the Mount Vernon district, where we climbed to the top of the original Washington Monument, took a gander at several historic churches and homes and even stopped for a sip in what seemed like the a thriving gay district. Later that evening we met Bloggy Friends Bill and Gary in Fells Point for a charming dinner and chit chat. It was great to see them. Sometimes we forget how close we live to one another. There is so much to see and do within such a short distance of Philadelphia. I want to try to take advantage of those travel opportunities this year. I posted a few videos on YouTube of our trip. Just click HERE and HERE if you want to check them out. Thank you and thank you.

Before I go I want to ask if you saw Mary J. Blige's performance on the Hope for Haiti Now telethon on Friday night? It was amazing. She sang a Civil War era song called "Hard Times Come Again No More." It was written in 1854 by Stephen Foster, the same guy who wrote Kentucky's state song, My Old Kentucky Home. It touched me beyond belief. If you're curious check it out right HERE. Let me know what you think and while we're on the subject of Haiti, do you have any thoughts to share about that? It is undoubtedly an horrific ordeal but do you feel news outlets have taken the coverage a little too far? Has it started to seem fake and sensationalized? If it's so hard to fly airplanes full of relief aid, how is it so easy to send a ton of reporters? What airport are THEY flying into? I'm just curious. What do you think?I can't help but be a bit skeptical sometimes about how news outlets choose to cover certain events. It's all about the ratings, right?

I'm going to run now. Alan is almost finished with our Salmy Sunday dinner. Tonight we're switching things up a bit with a new recipe I found on Epicurious, Roast Salmon with Thai Red Curry & Bok Choy. We scoured Asian groceries in Chinatown today for most of the ingredients. I can't wait to see how it turns out. Curry is one of my favorite things. Have a great night. I'll chat with you soon.

Love, Josh

Soul-Sister Spotlight: Betty Wright

Today I want to share with you the second installment of my Soul-Sister Spotlight series. This time the spotlight is on soul-sister, Betty Wright. I'm sure most of you have heard about her. She has enjoyed a good amount of success since she emerged on the R&B music scene in the late 1960's. She was never as huge as some of the more well-known female soul singers, like Aretha or Diana, but she had a few hits I'm sure most of you are familiar with.

Like most R&B singers of that time period, Wright began singing gospel music at her childhood church in Miami. At the young age of 15 she scored first hit, "Girls Can't Do What Guys Can Do." It wasn't until the following decade, however, that she released her signature tune, "Clean-Up Woman." Reaching the top five on Billboard's pop and R&B charts, "Clean-Up Woman" would be Wright's highest ranking hit. Over the 70's and 80's she released a whole slew of funky, soulful tunes. She enjoyed continued success in the 90's and 2000's after several popular artists, like Mary J. Blige and Beyonce, sampled her music in songs such as a remix to "Real Love," and "Upgrade U."

I discovered Betty Wright while living in Chicago. I heard one of her songs in a restaurant one evening, and quickly recognized that hers was the kind of voice that would provide me hours of soulful groovin'! I picked up one of her greatest hits, and have subsequently found other releases of hers over the years. The song I am sharing with you today is called "Shoo-Rah! Shoo-Rah!" It was released in 1975, and it reached #28 on the Billboard R&B charts. It's one of my favorites, because it showcases everything I love about Betty Wright. I love her gritty, tough voice. Her music is funky, playful and upbeat. She speaks strongly for women everywhere, who have had to deal with one of those no-good, snake in the grass kinda men! You should definitely try to pick some of her stuff up, if you haven't already! Thank you Betty Wright for your undeniably important contribution to the soul music. We love you for it!

Have a great afternoon. I'll chat with you guys soon.

Love, Josh

P.S. Most of the facts I used in today's post come from Betty Wright's Wikipedia page.

Thank You For Being A Friend..

Hey, Bloggy Friends.

My heart is a little saddened today with the passing of Estelle Getty. She passed away this morning, at the age of 84, at her home in Los Angeles. Most of us, including me, know her as the saucy, "Sophia," from the tv sitcom the Golden Girls. This is one of my favorite television shows of all time. She undoubtedly brought a great deal of laughter into my life, and that is something I am always thankful for. I remember watching the Golden Girls, with my grandmother, as a child. Sophia was her favorite character because of her brash humor, and knack for outlandish storytelling. I loved her because she farted and admitted it. I'm always up for a good fart joke, ya'll. And forget the cheesecake, I remember wishing I could taste some of those delicious italian entrees she'd whip up in that kitchen. I'm sure there wasn't a thing going on in that oven, but it sure sounded divine!

Estelle Getty spent her life entertaining people, and off-screen she lent her time to the prevention and cure of HIV/AIDS in the gay community. She is a shining star, that the world will surely miss. I honor her life today.

Your Pal & Confidant,

Joshua

Birthday Shout-Out: Janet, Bea and Katlynn Ann!

Hello. Hey, Bloggy Friends!

There are some special birthdays to today, that I know will inspire us all to celebrate!

First off - Congratulations to Casey, who just welcomed the newest addition to his family. Katlynn Ann was born yesterday in East Tennessee. This is Casey's second niece. She helps complete a perfect balance of two nieces and two nephews. He'll take a trip to visit them on Memorial Day. Congratulations, Gurl!


Also celebrating a big birthday today is legendary actress, and gay icon, Bea Arthur. Most of us know Ms. Arthur from her hilarious days on one of my favorite TV series, The Golden Girls. She was born on this day on in 1926. She officially marks the oldest member of my birthday shout-out series, at 85 years old. She's only a few years older than John McCain!



Janet Jackson is also celebrating a birthday today. Ms. Jackson (if you're nasty) was born in Gary, IN in 1966. Her latest album, Discipline, is a smash. It's jam-packed with up tempo dance numbers, like the track "Feedback." Like the Britney and Madonna albums - it's a sure pleaser.







Join me in wishing a happy birthday to each of these lovely ladies. Thank you for the laughs, for the music and for the blessings I know you will bring to this world in the future.

Have a great day, Bloggy Friends. We are leaving tonight for a short roadtrip to Kentucky! It is finally time for us to pick up the newest addition to our family - Galileo. We are so excited. Stay tuned!!

Love you all,

Josh

Oscar De La Booooring!

Hi Bloggy Friends!

Did you guys catch the Oscars last night? What a yawn, huh? I watched the whole thing, but thank goodness for tivo, I was able to fast forward through much of it. I'm not sure what the problem was - perhaps with the writer's strike there wasn't as much time to plan for it as they have had in previous years. Jon Stewart was great, but there were way too many video montages from years past.

My favorite moments of the evening were when Diablo Cody won as a screen writer for "Juno." It was neat to see a person just like you and me hit it "big." I could tell how thrilled and appreciative she was. That's always nice.

I was also thrilled to see Marion Cotillard win for her portrayal of Edith Piaf in "La Vie En Rose". I was shocked to see how young and pretty she was outside of the movie. They really did a job of making her up for the role. If you haven't seen this movie, Bloggy Friends, make it a must-see on your Netflix queues!

My own personaly style award goes to Heidi Klum. I thought she looked radiant in her red dress, though I'm not sure what she was there? She doesn't have anything to do with the movies, and neither does Seal?

I have been watching the Oscars since I was a young child. I used to get all dressed up and set up a whole viewing area for my brother and I when they used to come on. We would clap for the winners and cry during emotional acceptance speeches. I wasn't too thrilled by them this year, but I guess I will cut them some slack because of the whole strike thing. It just seemed a little hurriedly put together.

I thought the Grammys were MUCH better.

Have a great night, Bloggy Friends!

Love, Josh

In honor of Black History Month I would like to dedicate this blog to the fabulous Ms. Hattie McDaniel. Ms. McDaniel was the first African-American to win an Oscar for her portrayal of "Mammy," in "Gone With The Wind". Hattie McDaniel took a lot of heat for constantly portraying "stereotypical" black characters, but I believe she deserves mad props. She is one of my favorite big screen personalities ever! Check out the footage below of her big, history-making night!

Concert Reviews: Sister Rosetta Tharpe Tribute

Last Friday night Alan and I went to the KESWICK THEATRE in Glenside, PA to see a benefit concert held for the Memorial of SISTER ROSETTA THARPE. The list of fabulous, legendary entertainers is what initially drew me to the list. I knew that this is one that I could not miss! and boy was I right! On that evening I saw true legends take the stage to sing many, very familiar, gospel tunes that have been sung throughout the history of modern music. Maybe many of you haven't heard of a lot of the performers that were there that night, but for a true fan of old school, Black Gospel music I was floored by the whole experience. The concert was held to provide funds for the memorial of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Would you believe that she is buried here in Philadelphia, beneath and unmarked grave!?! Hopefully this will be the resolution to that most unfortunate circumstance.

I hope you enjoy the video I made of the evening's festivities. It is pretty heavily edited, so if you see a performer that you are particularly interested in you can click on their name below to view other, more complete performances by them. I recommend watching Odetta's performance, time literally stood still when she was on stage. You may appreciate her as a one who Bob Dylan cites as one of his greatest inspirations.

We had a truly awesome time, clapping, shouting, stomping our feet and singing along. I hope you can feel a little bit of the spirit that moved us through the night!

Love, Josh



Here is the list of more complete performances!

Odetta
The Huff Singers
The Johnny Thompson Singers
The Dixie Hummingbirds
Wila Ward
Marie Knight

Birthday Shout-Out: Rick (Miss Pussy!)

Hey Bloggy Friends! I feel terrible today. I totally didn't realize yesterday was the 29th, and the birthday of one of my best friends, Miss Pussy!! I'm notorious for that at times, I've just never been really good with remembering dates. Forgive me Puss! You know I love you, Gurl! I'm a day late, but I couldn't not post a special birthday shout-out to the one and only diva-supreme!

I met Rick about seven years ago when I moved to Louisville to live with my Dad. He lives there still and is working hard as a student at UofL, studying Art. He is a fantastic artist, who just purchased his own studio in downtown Louisville, so that he can begin to create art and hopefully sell it to the general public.

I have learned a lot from Puss. His impeccable style, sense of humor and demeanor towards living is one that I have found to be quite contagious in my own life. We have had some fantastic experiences together, not only there in Louisville but traveling to different fabulous cities throughout the nation. He is one of my few friends who has actually made it out to visit every city I have lived in, since we met, and for that I am very thankful.

I hope you had a great birhday, Puss. I'm so sorry that I didn't come to my senses yesterday and realize what the day was. I'm going to call you now and attempt to grovel for a minute until you forgive me!

Have a great weekend Bloggy Friends! I'm going downtown today to treat myself to a facial!!!

Love you all!

Josh

Last night as I was walking to the train station I strolled through City Hall to see a little holiday celebration going on in the plaza. To my excitement, I was there just in time to see disco legend, Melba Moore, and cast sing a little preview from their upcoming show, Ain't Misbehavin'! I didn't have a lot of space left on my memory card, but I got some footage. I believe Melba Moore is the one in the pink dress. Enjoy, Bloggy Friends!

LEAVE WHITNEY ALONE!

Hey Bloggy Friends! Happy Friday!!

This will be our last weekend in San Francisco! I can hardly believe it. We are planning to leave a week from today after the movers come and take all of our stuff away.

We have a lot going on over the next few days, like a few going away parties and stuff like that. I'll do my best to get some good footage to share with you next week.

As for todays footage.... Have you guys seen Chris Crocker's video on YouTube entitled "Leave Britney Alone?" It has gotten a huge amount of media attention since he posted it last week - from Fox News to Jimmy Kimmel and even the Maury Povich show. Well, I was feeling silly yesterday and decided to post my own version of the video as a response - it is called "Leave Whitney Alone!" I hear buzz in the industry that it may very well earn me a nomination for an Oscar in 2008.

Enjoy Bloggy Friends. Have a great weekend!

Love, Josh

My Favorite Things: Across The Universe

Hey Bloggy Friends!

Celebrity Dish: Whitney Returns

This past weekend Whitney made an appearance at a CeCe Winans concert in Nashville! She joined CeCe on stage to perform their classic hit "Count on Me," from back in the 90's. She sounds great - be on the lookout!! Mimi, I can't believe you missed this!

Check it out HERE.

Birthday Shout-Out: Whitney Houston

Today is the birthday of the biggest Diva in the world! Whitney Houston was born 44 years ago today in Newark, New Jersey. Let's all take a moment to send our best birthday wishes so that this will be the best year ever for her! There is no denying that Whitney possesses one of the most beautiful voices of our generation, one that will go down in history and continue to inspire singers for many years to come. Happy Birthday Diva!!

Love, Josh



Here is a short video I made singing Whitney "Happy Birthday." Yes, I went there y'all! Enjoy!

Celebrity Dish: Fashion Mugs

If you want me to display your fashion mug send it to justjoshfunk1@gmail.com!

Poll Results & Reinactments

"While "Hell to the no" is novel (and perhaps another example of Whit's incessant referencing), this one is practical and original. Not just a nutshell example of Whit's Broadway-esque song launching, it's actually a useful, cathartic way to express exasperation. Use it in your daily life. In doing so, you'll see that Whit has redefined her status as the voice of a nation."

- Online Quote From (http://fourfour.typepad.com/fourfour/being_bobby_brown/index.html)

*Bonus Feature*

Here is a hilarious clip I found on Youtube that is a montage of clips from Being Bobby Brown - It displays several of the other sayings that were in the poll. It's pretty hilarious - especially the first few minutes!

House Guests: Trannyshack!

Tuesday night Trey, Matthew & I went to the world famous Trannyshack (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trannyshack) party! Trannyshack is a party, founded and hosted by drag diva Heklina, that is held every Tuesday night at a local bar called The Stud. It was jam packed and the performances were awesome - we had a great time. This was a special night because celebrity (or as Trey says "sublebrity) Justin Bonds, from the movie Shortbus, co-hosted and performed. When the show was over Trey and I snuck into the dressing room to meet and snap a picture with him/her! It was a great show and we had an awesome night. If you are ever in San Francisco I highly suggest you check it out! Enjoy the video!

Love, Josh

House Guests: Trey's Second Day

Sunday we had a really fun day. We started off at my favorite coffee shop (Kapé @ 16th and Dehon) before we went over to the Mission, to meet Matthew and Xa, for brunch at Foreign Cinema (http://www.foreigncinema.com/). After brunch we shopped around a little and tried to find Twin Peaks so Trey could see the phenomenal view. It was so foggy and windy - but beautiful nonetheless! That night we had dinner at a new restaurant near my home called Farina. I recently saw that it had opened up and have been dying to try it out. We had a great time there, the food was delicious and all was merry - until Trey tipped his wine glass over - leaving Matthew drench from head to toe in red wine! Luckily we were all able to laugh it off and make the best of a bad situation - my friends have such great attitudes! We finished the night at a few bars - Trey got a little tipsy to say the least! Enjoy the video for a visual recap. Love and Peace!

The Results Are In...

...and the outcome is not surprising. Whitney Houston is voted "Biggest Diva" by 41% of her devoted fans! Though she has been through a rather turbulent past few years, she is set to make a major comeback within the next year. Be on the lookout!


Miss Pussy takes second place as "The World's Biggest Diva." For the past few years she has been recupperating from a turbulent relationship with actor Eddie Murphy and a severe dependency to xanax. We haven't seen Puss in the spotlight for sometime, but her fan base is still holding strong.


Mimi takes third place in the "Biggest Diva" poll. With the recent success of The Emancipation of Mimi, her fans are starting to come back around after the breakdown that nearly ruined her career a few years ago.


The Queen of Reinvention takes fourth place in our diva poll. We all love her, but let's face it, she couldn't hold her own on stage with the likes of Whitney, Mariah or The Puss. She is the one who consistently pumps out the hits however, she is currently working in the studio with music it-men Justin Timberlake & Timbaland - this promises to be something "madge-ical!"