Geek This
Sci fi series "Doctor Who" zooms into record books
Thu Sep 28, 10:08 PM ET
LONDON (Reuters) - The cult science fiction series "Doctor Who" has won a place in the record books as the longest-running television show of its type, a fitting accolade for the time-travelling adventurer.
The book "Guinness World Records" said on Friday more than 700 episodes of the program, which first aired on the BBC in 1963, had been broadcast, covering 173 story lines and showcasing 10 different actors in the role of the Time Lord.
A spokeswoman for the book said the category of longest-running sci-fi series had been newly introduced for the 2007 edition.
The latest actor to play the Doctor, David Tennant, told the book he decided to become an actor after watching an earlier incarnation -- Tom Baker -- during the 1970s.
"I took one look at his Doctor Who and decided it was the job for me. I was convinced that when I was old enough I was going to play the part of the Doctor on TV," he said.
While fans of the different series may have their favorite Doctors, the concept has endured and the program attracts more than 7 million viewers in Britain and many more abroad.
That the series has lasted so long is partly thanks to iconic villains such the "Daleks" and the Cybermen, and also because the main character can regenerate, allowing the series to keep fresh by bringing a new lead actor.
Helping maintain consistency are props such as the Doctor's time traveling machine the Tardis, his companion -- usually young and female -- and his robot dog K-9.
Some might say being gay made me weird--but no--loving this show as a teen made me weird. Davis and I have so much in common.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Talk About A Whorescope
(from Perez Hilton.)
In the new issue of The Advocate, Miss Cleo admits that she likes to read palms and eat pussy (in not so many words).
These days, the former infomercial queen works as a "spiritual adviser" and even performs weddings for gay and lesbian couples!
In The Advocate, Miss Cleo reveals that she was inspired to come out because of a gay, teenage family member:
- "He and I started talking when he was concerned about coming out. He was 16. When he made the decision I told him I'd be there 100%, and he embraced [coming out] whole-heartedly. It's a different vibe than when I was his age, being raised Catholic in an all-girls boarding school. But he was afraid of nothing and I thought, 'I can't be a hypocrite. This boy is going to force me to put my money where my mouth is.'"
On why she decided to stay in the closet until now, when she's in her 40s:
- "The reason it's scary is because in my personal experience, black cultures throughout the world have a more difficult time accepting homosexuality in their family. I have family members who will be shocked; they don't know. I have some family members who are very close to me, and they know. But I've been afraid of the wrath, of the exile. When I came out to a number of friends in the late '80s, I had a number of friends who turned their backs on me and walked away That was really intense. I really believed they were my friends."
Though she's been in two serious, long-term relationships, Miss Cleo is currently single. And she's looking for love:
"Things aren't sagging too badly. I still look pretty decent, and I'm faced with the second half of my life. I've been out to two clubs in the area in the last three years. I got mad love. They said, 'Miss Cleo! We love you.' So how do I take back my power? I take it back my stepping up to the plate and saying, 'You know what? This is me.' I don't want to hide. Fear only impedes you on your journey."
Amen, sister!!
(from Perez Hilton.)
In the new issue of The Advocate, Miss Cleo admits that she likes to read palms and eat pussy (in not so many words).
These days, the former infomercial queen works as a "spiritual adviser" and even performs weddings for gay and lesbian couples!
In The Advocate, Miss Cleo reveals that she was inspired to come out because of a gay, teenage family member:
- "He and I started talking when he was concerned about coming out. He was 16. When he made the decision I told him I'd be there 100%, and he embraced [coming out] whole-heartedly. It's a different vibe than when I was his age, being raised Catholic in an all-girls boarding school. But he was afraid of nothing and I thought, 'I can't be a hypocrite. This boy is going to force me to put my money where my mouth is.'"
On why she decided to stay in the closet until now, when she's in her 40s:
- "The reason it's scary is because in my personal experience, black cultures throughout the world have a more difficult time accepting homosexuality in their family. I have family members who will be shocked; they don't know. I have some family members who are very close to me, and they know. But I've been afraid of the wrath, of the exile. When I came out to a number of friends in the late '80s, I had a number of friends who turned their backs on me and walked away That was really intense. I really believed they were my friends."
Though she's been in two serious, long-term relationships, Miss Cleo is currently single. And she's looking for love:
"Things aren't sagging too badly. I still look pretty decent, and I'm faced with the second half of my life. I've been out to two clubs in the area in the last three years. I got mad love. They said, 'Miss Cleo! We love you.' So how do I take back my power? I take it back my stepping up to the plate and saying, 'You know what? This is me.' I don't want to hide. Fear only impedes you on your journey."
Amen, sister!!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Who Gives A Hoot?
Okay—points to whoever can figure this out… Te other day I was getting myself some coffee when I noticed the strangest thing out the wind. An owl—just sitting perched on the wall of part of our building—the Directors Guild of America building. It took a moment or two to realize that it was just a little statue of an owl which was odd but kind of neat. I figured someone got bored and just placed one there just because.
I didn’t really think much of it until later that afternoon. I was outside having a quick smoke and I noticed another stone owl on top of another part of the building as the workmen were getting ready for some viewing premier. And I realized that it wasn’t just a random novelty but that the owls have to mean something.
Must be bored at work today since all I want to do is just JB Fletcher this owl thing out…
Okay—points to whoever can figure this out… Te other day I was getting myself some coffee when I noticed the strangest thing out the wind. An owl—just sitting perched on the wall of part of our building—the Directors Guild of America building. It took a moment or two to realize that it was just a little statue of an owl which was odd but kind of neat. I figured someone got bored and just placed one there just because.
I didn’t really think much of it until later that afternoon. I was outside having a quick smoke and I noticed another stone owl on top of another part of the building as the workmen were getting ready for some viewing premier. And I realized that it wasn’t just a random novelty but that the owls have to mean something.
Must be bored at work today since all I want to do is just JB Fletcher this owl thing out…
Hot Ghetto Mess
As of late I have been having some looks issues and yesterday did nothing more than reconfirm what I have been feeling. One of the things about starting this new job has been a slow growing awareness of how Hollywood/MTV stylized this place is.
Normally I’m not that guy—sure I try to look good but I don’t put too much effort into. A huge part of this has to do with the fact that I spend my days working to my jobs. This can be quite limiting in what I chose to wear—shorts always seem a good idea since they help to keep me cool and refreshed looking. But in an office full of trendies—well—it feels not so hot.
It didn’t help that I wore a cute t-shirt yesterday that somehow was stained. I don’t know when or how I did it but the shirt had this odd colored patch that made it look like I had been rubbing up on either a homeless man or the stripper pole at Jumbo’s after closing. It was nasty and grimy and made me look cheap. Not in a sexy way.
On top of this—my hair was just working against me. I’m growing it out in an effort to look all angsty emo but have been looking bed headed and slovenly. The thing is—when the hair is good, it’s very very good and sexy. I have this great photo on my phone where my hair looks a sexy rockstar-ish. But now I’m all torn and am thinking of shaving it all off into a crew cut ala Justin Timberlake to try and bring the sexy back. But I think I might be too old for that. Not that I’m old at all.
And on top of all this I’m having my crazy body issues again where I feel like a 12 year old girl in need of a training bra for my new breasts. Seriously not good when you catch your own reflection and think nasty.
I guess I have to figure out to do. Or take votes.
Yeah. Vote already.
As of late I have been having some looks issues and yesterday did nothing more than reconfirm what I have been feeling. One of the things about starting this new job has been a slow growing awareness of how Hollywood/MTV stylized this place is.
Normally I’m not that guy—sure I try to look good but I don’t put too much effort into. A huge part of this has to do with the fact that I spend my days working to my jobs. This can be quite limiting in what I chose to wear—shorts always seem a good idea since they help to keep me cool and refreshed looking. But in an office full of trendies—well—it feels not so hot.
It didn’t help that I wore a cute t-shirt yesterday that somehow was stained. I don’t know when or how I did it but the shirt had this odd colored patch that made it look like I had been rubbing up on either a homeless man or the stripper pole at Jumbo’s after closing. It was nasty and grimy and made me look cheap. Not in a sexy way.
On top of this—my hair was just working against me. I’m growing it out in an effort to look all angsty emo but have been looking bed headed and slovenly. The thing is—when the hair is good, it’s very very good and sexy. I have this great photo on my phone where my hair looks a sexy rockstar-ish. But now I’m all torn and am thinking of shaving it all off into a crew cut ala Justin Timberlake to try and bring the sexy back. But I think I might be too old for that. Not that I’m old at all.
And on top of all this I’m having my crazy body issues again where I feel like a 12 year old girl in need of a training bra for my new breasts. Seriously not good when you catch your own reflection and think nasty.
I guess I have to figure out to do. Or take votes.
Yeah. Vote already.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Brand New
So it’s my second day at my new job. Things have been a bit crazy but alright—I find that I’m always a bit off during a new job which is one of the perils of freelance. And it’s a harder transition when you are brought in to clean up a huge mess of a department because you don’t know everything but you have to come off together enough to be able to tell everyone what they need to do. It feels like being the new sheriff in town. Which amuses me because my dad being in law enforcement and all—the irony reeks.
However—no one likes the bad cop and that’s all I’ve got since the good cops fucked it
So it’s my second day at my new job. Things have been a bit crazy but alright—I find that I’m always a bit off during a new job which is one of the perils of freelance. And it’s a harder transition when you are brought in to clean up a huge mess of a department because you don’t know everything but you have to come off together enough to be able to tell everyone what they need to do. It feels like being the new sheriff in town. Which amuses me because my dad being in law enforcement and all—the irony reeks.
However—no one likes the bad cop and that’s all I’ve got since the good cops fucked it
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Thoughts from A September Thinker
Waking up this morning I realized that it was cold. Not just cold but the first cold morning of the fall. This triggered a ton of thoughts—I’m glad I pulled out my comforter last night, I should put on some clothes, I will break in my new free jeans, I can do my kicking boxing and not pass out, I need to finally have a strong HOT cup of coffee.
But mostly what I have been thinking about is Boston. As I sit at my computer making notes for a show bible I’m working on, my head just turns to memories of the City. For the most part I don’t get very reflective—I’m more forward thinking than backwards thinking but today is a flashback…
Normally I would be breaking out my best sweater/scarf combo as I made my way across the bridge in the Public Gardens. I would be on my way to my glamorous job as Aramark’s Office manager where I would spend my shift on an old school typewriter and doing my best MaryAnn Singleton as I whirled around the office. I would follow this up with a Dunkin Doughnuts coffee (two creams, one sugar) as Deb and I smoked cigarettes on the Wall across from the Little Building.
I would then head off to debate Shakespeare’s cultural impact with my most intelligent professor, followed by a heated short story workshop with my second cutest writing professor. Then I would make my way to the Boston Hospital Thrifty Shop with Brigette and maybe Heather as we searched for artsy sweaters and cute button downs. I would start the evening with Peter down by the Esplanade as he skateboarded and I wrote poetry wondering what the fuck we were doing with each other.
I would spend the night hanging in the boys’ suite watching MTV and talking about the world with Arno, Jonathan, and Scott as Chris stormed around all self righteous—unless he was role-playing ‘Vampire’ with John Walsh. Or maybe I would be hanging in the common room watching as Chris Garcia practiced wrestle moves as Tim Davis mouthed off to the side.
Maybe later I would go with Lil Jen to Curious Liquids and hang out in the basement talking crushes and writing as people played board games and smoked but if I wasn’t doing that then I would be out with Becca, Shanee, and the rest of the girls as we made our way to the Blue Diner while Neddy taunted the drug dealers. And I would top my night off with Jen Kilburn talking all night while Brian Moran did more work on his novel as the rest of the 7th floor slept.
It’s funny the things a cold afternoon will do to you. Sometimes I don’t miss that City (Boston is always the City just like LA is always Home) but then every so often an overcast, chilly day makes me wish I could go back.
Waking up this morning I realized that it was cold. Not just cold but the first cold morning of the fall. This triggered a ton of thoughts—I’m glad I pulled out my comforter last night, I should put on some clothes, I will break in my new free jeans, I can do my kicking boxing and not pass out, I need to finally have a strong HOT cup of coffee.
But mostly what I have been thinking about is Boston. As I sit at my computer making notes for a show bible I’m working on, my head just turns to memories of the City. For the most part I don’t get very reflective—I’m more forward thinking than backwards thinking but today is a flashback…
Normally I would be breaking out my best sweater/scarf combo as I made my way across the bridge in the Public Gardens. I would be on my way to my glamorous job as Aramark’s Office manager where I would spend my shift on an old school typewriter and doing my best MaryAnn Singleton as I whirled around the office. I would follow this up with a Dunkin Doughnuts coffee (two creams, one sugar) as Deb and I smoked cigarettes on the Wall across from the Little Building.
I would then head off to debate Shakespeare’s cultural impact with my most intelligent professor, followed by a heated short story workshop with my second cutest writing professor. Then I would make my way to the Boston Hospital Thrifty Shop with Brigette and maybe Heather as we searched for artsy sweaters and cute button downs. I would start the evening with Peter down by the Esplanade as he skateboarded and I wrote poetry wondering what the fuck we were doing with each other.
I would spend the night hanging in the boys’ suite watching MTV and talking about the world with Arno, Jonathan, and Scott as Chris stormed around all self righteous—unless he was role-playing ‘Vampire’ with John Walsh. Or maybe I would be hanging in the common room watching as Chris Garcia practiced wrestle moves as Tim Davis mouthed off to the side.
Maybe later I would go with Lil Jen to Curious Liquids and hang out in the basement talking crushes and writing as people played board games and smoked but if I wasn’t doing that then I would be out with Becca, Shanee, and the rest of the girls as we made our way to the Blue Diner while Neddy taunted the drug dealers. And I would top my night off with Jen Kilburn talking all night while Brian Moran did more work on his novel as the rest of the 7th floor slept.
It’s funny the things a cold afternoon will do to you. Sometimes I don’t miss that City (Boston is always the City just like LA is always Home) but then every so often an overcast, chilly day makes me wish I could go back.
It’s Not Right But It’s Okay
So I spent a day dealing with one of the hardest things in my life as of late. I hashed out a slew of issues with one of my friends and while I was hurt at points she was too which makes things even—I guess. But now we both know where we stand and while it’s not perfect it has to be enough.
And I’ve been in this position once before—where what I believe and what my friend wants are so clashing that something has to give. But I know I can try to balance things out and wait. Because it always comes out in the wash. A real friend knows to be there when its all done—regardless of which way it goes. It’s just gonna be a bit rough.
So I spent a day dealing with one of the hardest things in my life as of late. I hashed out a slew of issues with one of my friends and while I was hurt at points she was too which makes things even—I guess. But now we both know where we stand and while it’s not perfect it has to be enough.
And I’ve been in this position once before—where what I believe and what my friend wants are so clashing that something has to give. But I know I can try to balance things out and wait. Because it always comes out in the wash. A real friend knows to be there when its all done—regardless of which way it goes. It’s just gonna be a bit rough.
Monday, September 11, 2006
How Tragic--
Onetime reality-TV star Anna Nicole Smith gave birth to a 6 lb., 9 oz. baby girl on Sept. 7, with her 20-year-old son, Daniel, at her side. Days later, though, on Sept. 10, Daniel suddenly passed away, Smith's official website reports, from as-yet-undisclosed causes. Anna Nicole is said to be "absolutely devastated" by her son's death, as he was "her pride and joy and an amazing human being."
Onetime reality-TV star Anna Nicole Smith gave birth to a 6 lb., 9 oz. baby girl on Sept. 7, with her 20-year-old son, Daniel, at her side. Days later, though, on Sept. 10, Daniel suddenly passed away, Smith's official website reports, from as-yet-undisclosed causes. Anna Nicole is said to be "absolutely devastated" by her son's death, as he was "her pride and joy and an amazing human being."
Maybe I’m Right, Maybe I’m Wrong, Mostly I’m Just Confused.
As of late I haven’t felt like a good friend. I feel like some things are going on and I have to adjust them but I’m not sure if I have the right or if it’s even really worth it. It’s not everyone or everything but a handful of people that I just feel like I’m edge with and it’s starting to get to the point of no return whether I want it to be.
First of there’s Lindsay. For a while now I haven’t really been feeling comfortable with her and its starting to show around the edges. At first I thought maybe I was seeing things and that I was being a bit too sensitive about things. Then a handful of events happened which made me realize that I might not be as off as I thought. It just feels that whatever connection we had is not gone but not really right either. And I know that I need to take some time and talk with her but I’m worried about what might come out of such a conversation. Because I’m sure she doesn’t even know anything is amiss. That and I wonder how much of my feelings are about her and how much are of my own making. It’s a weird place right now and I think things will get much worse before they have a chance to get better.
Then there’s Ilse. Over the course of a short period of time several really kind of crappy things have happened—some of which were my fault and some of which were hers whether or not she knows that she did them. The thing is—I know that a lot of my frustration is unfair and I have to just let go of it and allow things to take their natural course but I am really hurt by some of her actions. There’s nothing worse then being placed on the back burner not once, twice, but three times. I realize that at points I deserve what happened but ignoring someone is not an answer—it’s just really unfair.
And then there is Chris. As much as we aren’t that close I feel like I need to step up and say something before he makes a huge mistake. And I know that on some level it’s not my place and can just hope that someone else takes the lead on this. But I just don’t want to actively be a part of something I know is wrong. It’s not in my nature to just sit idly by but it’s probably the only choice I have.
I just wonder what is the line being a friend and being a problem. But I need to do something.
As of late I haven’t felt like a good friend. I feel like some things are going on and I have to adjust them but I’m not sure if I have the right or if it’s even really worth it. It’s not everyone or everything but a handful of people that I just feel like I’m edge with and it’s starting to get to the point of no return whether I want it to be.
First of there’s Lindsay. For a while now I haven’t really been feeling comfortable with her and its starting to show around the edges. At first I thought maybe I was seeing things and that I was being a bit too sensitive about things. Then a handful of events happened which made me realize that I might not be as off as I thought. It just feels that whatever connection we had is not gone but not really right either. And I know that I need to take some time and talk with her but I’m worried about what might come out of such a conversation. Because I’m sure she doesn’t even know anything is amiss. That and I wonder how much of my feelings are about her and how much are of my own making. It’s a weird place right now and I think things will get much worse before they have a chance to get better.
Then there’s Ilse. Over the course of a short period of time several really kind of crappy things have happened—some of which were my fault and some of which were hers whether or not she knows that she did them. The thing is—I know that a lot of my frustration is unfair and I have to just let go of it and allow things to take their natural course but I am really hurt by some of her actions. There’s nothing worse then being placed on the back burner not once, twice, but three times. I realize that at points I deserve what happened but ignoring someone is not an answer—it’s just really unfair.
And then there is Chris. As much as we aren’t that close I feel like I need to step up and say something before he makes a huge mistake. And I know that on some level it’s not my place and can just hope that someone else takes the lead on this. But I just don’t want to actively be a part of something I know is wrong. It’s not in my nature to just sit idly by but it’s probably the only choice I have.
I just wonder what is the line being a friend and being a problem. But I need to do something.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Life in the Key of Rory
So here it is—my opus to being unemployed and having too much fun with my CD burner. It took a long time and a lot of hard decisions but with the exception of one album (Dee Lite: ‘Dew Drops in the Garden’) every CD made the cut.
Fun facts about the collection.
Songs that appear more than once: ‘Put Your Records On’ by Corinne Ray Bailey. Not quite sure how that happened.
Artist that appears on most songs without their own single: Eve seems to be like Little John—just hanging around the studio and through down with everyone.
Number of covers: Eight very different ones including a punk cover of Liz Phair ‘Flower’ and a disco take on ‘If You Can Read My Mind’.
Number of show tunes: Three if you count ‘Grease 2’ as a real musical. Which it’s not.
Number of Madonna songs: Five which makes me realize I’m a very lax gay considering she has a lot more albums than that.
Number of remixes: Nine which just goers to prove how gay I am so we can really discount the lack of Madonna. I mean—having a Nancy Sinatra remix has to count for like four Madonna albums.
Number of albums I cheated and took two songs from: Four because some were two disc greatest hits. And two other times by accident because they were itunes I already had on my computer.
Number of homocentric songs: Two—the very sexy ‘Michael’ by Franz Ferdinand and the Pansy Division cover of ‘Flower’.
Number of songs that I would be mortified to listen to with my parents: One—Lil Kim’s ‘How Many Licks’. Its so hot and raunchy that I would die if played with the same state as my mother.
Anyways—here’s the list if curious.
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc One
Brass in Pocket-The Pretenders/ Tamara is a Punk-The Queers/ Lady Marmalade-Christina Aguilera /Just like a Pill-Pink/ Hung up- Madonna/ Freddy My Love-Grease/ Impossible (MI 3 Theme)-Kayne West/ Baby I Got Your Money-Dirty Old Bastard/ P.Y.T.- Michael Jackson/ Somebody Wants to Love You-The Partridge Family/ Sir Duke-Stevie Wonder/Straight to...Number One [Dreamcatcher's Mix]-Touch & Go/ Don't Call Me Baby-Madison Avenue/ Leather and Lace-Stevie Nicks/ These Boots Are Made for Walking (Remix)- Nancy Sinatra/ Proud Mary-Ike & Tina Turner/ Sex Bomb- Tom Jones/ Knock on Wood-Justine Bateman & Mystery/ White Flag-Dido/ Welcome to Paradise-Green Day
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Two
Say A Little Prayer-Arthea Franklin/ Again-Lenny Kravitz/ Everybody, Everybody-Black Box/ Tell Me Something Good-Rufus & Chaka Kahn/ Clint Eastwood-Gorillaz/ Ms. Jackson-OutKast/ Touch Me in the Morning-Diana Ross/ Morning Song-Jewel/ Say What I Mean-The Like/ What's Luv-Fat Joe & Ashanti/ Feed the Tree-Belly/ You Had Me-Joss Stone/ Rose Tint My World: Floor Show/Fanfare/Don't Dream It/Wild and Untamed-Peter Hinwood/ Every Ghetto, Every City-Lauryn Hill/ Hit Me With Your Best Shot- Pat Benetar/ U and UR Hand-Pink/ Like A Bird-Nelly Furtado/ Without Me-Eminem/ Rock DJ-Robbie Williams
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Three
Family Affair-Mary J. Blige/ China-Tori Amos/ Brotha, Pt. 2 [*]-Alicia Keys & Angie Stone & Eve/ Calling It Quits-Aimee Mann/
June Gloom-The Like/ Love is in the Air-John Paul Young/ Nookie- Limp Bizkit/ Party Lights-Claudine Clark/ Cruel Summer-Bananarama/ Heaven Must Have Sent You-Bonnie Pointer/ I Don't Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)-Marilyn Manson/ We Used To Be Friends-The Dandy Warhols/ Bills, Bills, Bills-Destiny's Child/ SOS-Rihanna/ It's Oh So Quiet-Bjork/ Connected-Stereo MC's/ 40 Boys in 40 Nights-The Donnas/ We Run This-(Stick It Edit)-Missy Elliott/ Hit Em Up Style (Opps)-Blu Cantrell/ Heartbreak Hotel-Whitney Houston
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Four
Smile Like You Mean It-The Killers/ Diamonds From Sierra Leon (Remix)-Kayne West/ Love's Got a Hold on My Heart-Steps/ Hip Hop Hooray-Naughty By Nature/ Wish I Didn't Miss You-Angie Stone/ I Got a Man-Positive K/ Tell Me How You Feel-Joy Enriquez/ Gold Digger-Kayne West & Jamie Fox/ Crazy In Love-Beyonce/ My Life-Mariah Carey/ Breakaway-Kelly Clarkston/ Hollaback Girl-Gwen Stefani/ Creep-Radiohead/ Little Star-Stina Nordenstam/ I Just Want to Celebrate [Mocean Worker Remix]- Rare Earth/ Hypnotize-Notorious B. I. G./ You and I Both-Jason Mraz/ Since You've Been Gone-Kelly Clarkston/ Life in Mono-Mono/ Brand New Key-Melanie
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Five
Shadowboxer-Fiona Apple/ Candy Shop-Little Kim/ Tiny Dancer-Elton John/ Put Your Records On-Corinne Bailey Rae/ My Babydaddy-B-Rock and the Bizz/ Legend of A Cowgirl-Imani Coppola/ Take A Bow-Madonna/ Are You Going To Be My Girl?- Jet/ High-James Blunt/ Endless Love-Lionel Richtie & Diana Ross/
I Want You Back-Jackson Five/ Signs-Snoop Dog & Justin Timberlake, Pharrell/ Bewitched-Nancy Wilson/ Promiscuous-Nelly Furtado & Timbaland/ Ray of Light-Madonna/ Roses-OutKast/ Baby Boy (remix)-Beyonce/ The Fallen-Franz Ferdinand
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Six
Bathwater-No Doubt/ Cherry Bomb-The Runaways/ Cool Rider-Grease Two/ A Thousand Miles-Vanessa Carlton/ Strut-Sheena Easton/ Me and Bobby McGee-Janis Joplin/ Waterloo-Abba/ Sunday Girl-Blondie/ Burning Up-Madonna/ Copacabana (At the Copa)- Barry Manilow/ Genie in a Bottle-Christina Aguilera/ When I Get You Alone-Thicke/ Stars Are-Paris Hilton/ Tyrone-Erykah Badu/ Amazed-Lonestar/ Scrubs-TLC/ Don't Leave Me This Way-Thelma Houston/ I Think I Love You-The Partridge Family/ All Through the Night (live)-Tori Amos/ Doll Parts-Hole
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Seven
No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)-Donna Summer/ Beautiful-James Blunt/ Leaving Las Vegas-Sheryl Crow/ Flower-Pansy Division/ None of Your Business-Salt-N-Pepa/ If You Stay-Backstreet Boys/ A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall-Edie Brickell & New Bohemians/ Cherchez La Femme/Se Si Bon-Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band/ We Major-Kayne West/ One Way Ticket-Mama Cass Elliot/ Don't Phunk With My Heart-Black Eyed Peas/ Panic-The Smiths/ Native New Yorker-Odyssey/ Maneater-Nelly Furtado/ Solitaire-Laura Branigan/ Landslide-Dixie Chicks/ Giving Him Something He Can Feel-En Vougue/ Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk- Rufus Wainwright/ He Loves U Not [HQ2 Mix]-Dream
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Eight
Highway One-Justin Catalino/ (Keep Feeling) Fascination-Human League/ Caramba! It's the Samba!-Peggy Lee/ The One Thing-Annamerie featuring Eve/ Could Have Been-Tiffany/ My Favorite Mistake-Sheryl Crow/ Put Your Records On-Corinne Bailey Rae/ Caught Out There-Kelis/ Mercenary-The Go Go's/ Bouncing Back-Mystikal/ Like A Feather-Nikka Costa/ Underneath It All-Lady Saw & No Doubt/ Gossip Folks-Missy Elliot/ Supermodel (You Better Work)-RuPaul/ Let Me Blow Ya Mind-Eve & Gwen Stefani/ Foolish Love- Rufus Wainwright/ Xanadu-Electric Light Orchestra & Olivia Newton-John/ Rock Your Body-Justin Timberlake/ C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)-Quad City DJs/ How Many Licks?-Lil' Kim
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Nine
Baby Did A Bad Thing-Chris Isaak/ Two Doors Down-Dolly Parton/ Islands in the Stream-Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers/ Don't Tell Me to Stop-Madonna/ Give It To You-Jordan Knight/ Dilemma-Kelly Rowland & Nelly/ I Don't Know What It Is-Rufus Wainwright/ Come to Me-France Jolie/ Too Bad About Your Girl-The Donnas/ If You Could Read My Mind-54 All Stars/ All Tomorrows Parties-Velvet Underground/ I'm Real (Murder Remix)-Jennifer Lopez & Ja Rule/ The Art Teacher- Rufus Wainwright/ This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore-Elton John/ Girls, Girls, Girls (I do adore)-Jay Z/ Anticipation-Carly Simon/ I Try-Macy Gray/ More, More, More-Andrea True Connection/ Superstar-The Carpenters
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Ten
What Have You Done For Me Lately-Janet Jackson/ Change Clothes-Jay Z/ SexyBack-Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland/ Stacey's Mom-Fountains of Wayne/ Michael-Franz Ferdinand/ If I Ain't Got You-Alicia Keys/ Screwed-Paris Hilton/ How Deep is Your Love-The Bee Gees/ Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me-The Smiths/ You Make Me Feel Like Dancing-Leo Sayer/ Girls & Boys-Blur/ Private Dancer-Tina Turner/ Say My Name-Destiny's Child/ Love Will Keep Us Together-Bi Polar/ Jeffrey Calls Home-'Jeffrey'/ Absolutely Not-Deborah Cox/ Hot Pants (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants), Pt. 1-James Brown & The J.B.'s/ Little Less Conversation- Elvis Presley/ Stars and Boulevards-Augustana
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Eleven
I Am Thin and Gorgeous-Junior Vasquez/ Ain't No Other Man-Christina Aguilera/ Say Something (Disco Remix)-Mariah Carey/ T'ain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do-Billie Holiday/ Halleighluah- Jeff Buckley/ Stand Up-Ludacris & Shawnna/ Soul Meets Body-Death Cab for Cutie/ Pretty in Pink-The Psychedelic Furs/ The Shining-Badly Drawn Boy/ Honky Tonk Man-Ike and Tina Turner
So here it is—my opus to being unemployed and having too much fun with my CD burner. It took a long time and a lot of hard decisions but with the exception of one album (Dee Lite: ‘Dew Drops in the Garden’) every CD made the cut.
Fun facts about the collection.
Songs that appear more than once: ‘Put Your Records On’ by Corinne Ray Bailey. Not quite sure how that happened.
Artist that appears on most songs without their own single: Eve seems to be like Little John—just hanging around the studio and through down with everyone.
Number of covers: Eight very different ones including a punk cover of Liz Phair ‘Flower’ and a disco take on ‘If You Can Read My Mind’.
Number of show tunes: Three if you count ‘Grease 2’ as a real musical. Which it’s not.
Number of Madonna songs: Five which makes me realize I’m a very lax gay considering she has a lot more albums than that.
Number of remixes: Nine which just goers to prove how gay I am so we can really discount the lack of Madonna. I mean—having a Nancy Sinatra remix has to count for like four Madonna albums.
Number of albums I cheated and took two songs from: Four because some were two disc greatest hits. And two other times by accident because they were itunes I already had on my computer.
Number of homocentric songs: Two—the very sexy ‘Michael’ by Franz Ferdinand and the Pansy Division cover of ‘Flower’.
Number of songs that I would be mortified to listen to with my parents: One—Lil Kim’s ‘How Many Licks’. Its so hot and raunchy that I would die if played with the same state as my mother.
Anyways—here’s the list if curious.
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc One
Brass in Pocket-The Pretenders/ Tamara is a Punk-The Queers/ Lady Marmalade-Christina Aguilera /Just like a Pill-Pink/ Hung up- Madonna/ Freddy My Love-Grease/ Impossible (MI 3 Theme)-Kayne West/ Baby I Got Your Money-Dirty Old Bastard/ P.Y.T.- Michael Jackson/ Somebody Wants to Love You-The Partridge Family/ Sir Duke-Stevie Wonder/Straight to...Number One [Dreamcatcher's Mix]-Touch & Go/ Don't Call Me Baby-Madison Avenue/ Leather and Lace-Stevie Nicks/ These Boots Are Made for Walking (Remix)- Nancy Sinatra/ Proud Mary-Ike & Tina Turner/ Sex Bomb- Tom Jones/ Knock on Wood-Justine Bateman & Mystery/ White Flag-Dido/ Welcome to Paradise-Green Day
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Two
Say A Little Prayer-Arthea Franklin/ Again-Lenny Kravitz/ Everybody, Everybody-Black Box/ Tell Me Something Good-Rufus & Chaka Kahn/ Clint Eastwood-Gorillaz/ Ms. Jackson-OutKast/ Touch Me in the Morning-Diana Ross/ Morning Song-Jewel/ Say What I Mean-The Like/ What's Luv-Fat Joe & Ashanti/ Feed the Tree-Belly/ You Had Me-Joss Stone/ Rose Tint My World: Floor Show/Fanfare/Don't Dream It/Wild and Untamed-Peter Hinwood/ Every Ghetto, Every City-Lauryn Hill/ Hit Me With Your Best Shot- Pat Benetar/ U and UR Hand-Pink/ Like A Bird-Nelly Furtado/ Without Me-Eminem/ Rock DJ-Robbie Williams
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Three
Family Affair-Mary J. Blige/ China-Tori Amos/ Brotha, Pt. 2 [*]-Alicia Keys & Angie Stone & Eve/ Calling It Quits-Aimee Mann/
June Gloom-The Like/ Love is in the Air-John Paul Young/ Nookie- Limp Bizkit/ Party Lights-Claudine Clark/ Cruel Summer-Bananarama/ Heaven Must Have Sent You-Bonnie Pointer/ I Don't Like the Drugs (But the Drugs Like Me)-Marilyn Manson/ We Used To Be Friends-The Dandy Warhols/ Bills, Bills, Bills-Destiny's Child/ SOS-Rihanna/ It's Oh So Quiet-Bjork/ Connected-Stereo MC's/ 40 Boys in 40 Nights-The Donnas/ We Run This-(Stick It Edit)-Missy Elliott/ Hit Em Up Style (Opps)-Blu Cantrell/ Heartbreak Hotel-Whitney Houston
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Four
Smile Like You Mean It-The Killers/ Diamonds From Sierra Leon (Remix)-Kayne West/ Love's Got a Hold on My Heart-Steps/ Hip Hop Hooray-Naughty By Nature/ Wish I Didn't Miss You-Angie Stone/ I Got a Man-Positive K/ Tell Me How You Feel-Joy Enriquez/ Gold Digger-Kayne West & Jamie Fox/ Crazy In Love-Beyonce/ My Life-Mariah Carey/ Breakaway-Kelly Clarkston/ Hollaback Girl-Gwen Stefani/ Creep-Radiohead/ Little Star-Stina Nordenstam/ I Just Want to Celebrate [Mocean Worker Remix]- Rare Earth/ Hypnotize-Notorious B. I. G./ You and I Both-Jason Mraz/ Since You've Been Gone-Kelly Clarkston/ Life in Mono-Mono/ Brand New Key-Melanie
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Five
Shadowboxer-Fiona Apple/ Candy Shop-Little Kim/ Tiny Dancer-Elton John/ Put Your Records On-Corinne Bailey Rae/ My Babydaddy-B-Rock and the Bizz/ Legend of A Cowgirl-Imani Coppola/ Take A Bow-Madonna/ Are You Going To Be My Girl?- Jet/ High-James Blunt/ Endless Love-Lionel Richtie & Diana Ross/
I Want You Back-Jackson Five/ Signs-Snoop Dog & Justin Timberlake, Pharrell/ Bewitched-Nancy Wilson/ Promiscuous-Nelly Furtado & Timbaland/ Ray of Light-Madonna/ Roses-OutKast/ Baby Boy (remix)-Beyonce/ The Fallen-Franz Ferdinand
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Six
Bathwater-No Doubt/ Cherry Bomb-The Runaways/ Cool Rider-Grease Two/ A Thousand Miles-Vanessa Carlton/ Strut-Sheena Easton/ Me and Bobby McGee-Janis Joplin/ Waterloo-Abba/ Sunday Girl-Blondie/ Burning Up-Madonna/ Copacabana (At the Copa)- Barry Manilow/ Genie in a Bottle-Christina Aguilera/ When I Get You Alone-Thicke/ Stars Are-Paris Hilton/ Tyrone-Erykah Badu/ Amazed-Lonestar/ Scrubs-TLC/ Don't Leave Me This Way-Thelma Houston/ I Think I Love You-The Partridge Family/ All Through the Night (live)-Tori Amos/ Doll Parts-Hole
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Seven
No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)-Donna Summer/ Beautiful-James Blunt/ Leaving Las Vegas-Sheryl Crow/ Flower-Pansy Division/ None of Your Business-Salt-N-Pepa/ If You Stay-Backstreet Boys/ A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall-Edie Brickell & New Bohemians/ Cherchez La Femme/Se Si Bon-Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band/ We Major-Kayne West/ One Way Ticket-Mama Cass Elliot/ Don't Phunk With My Heart-Black Eyed Peas/ Panic-The Smiths/ Native New Yorker-Odyssey/ Maneater-Nelly Furtado/ Solitaire-Laura Branigan/ Landslide-Dixie Chicks/ Giving Him Something He Can Feel-En Vougue/ Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk- Rufus Wainwright/ He Loves U Not [HQ2 Mix]-Dream
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Eight
Highway One-Justin Catalino/ (Keep Feeling) Fascination-Human League/ Caramba! It's the Samba!-Peggy Lee/ The One Thing-Annamerie featuring Eve/ Could Have Been-Tiffany/ My Favorite Mistake-Sheryl Crow/ Put Your Records On-Corinne Bailey Rae/ Caught Out There-Kelis/ Mercenary-The Go Go's/ Bouncing Back-Mystikal/ Like A Feather-Nikka Costa/ Underneath It All-Lady Saw & No Doubt/ Gossip Folks-Missy Elliot/ Supermodel (You Better Work)-RuPaul/ Let Me Blow Ya Mind-Eve & Gwen Stefani/ Foolish Love- Rufus Wainwright/ Xanadu-Electric Light Orchestra & Olivia Newton-John/ Rock Your Body-Justin Timberlake/ C'mon N' Ride It (The Train)-Quad City DJs/ How Many Licks?-Lil' Kim
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Nine
Baby Did A Bad Thing-Chris Isaak/ Two Doors Down-Dolly Parton/ Islands in the Stream-Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers/ Don't Tell Me to Stop-Madonna/ Give It To You-Jordan Knight/ Dilemma-Kelly Rowland & Nelly/ I Don't Know What It Is-Rufus Wainwright/ Come to Me-France Jolie/ Too Bad About Your Girl-The Donnas/ If You Could Read My Mind-54 All Stars/ All Tomorrows Parties-Velvet Underground/ I'm Real (Murder Remix)-Jennifer Lopez & Ja Rule/ The Art Teacher- Rufus Wainwright/ This Train Don't Stop Here Anymore-Elton John/ Girls, Girls, Girls (I do adore)-Jay Z/ Anticipation-Carly Simon/ I Try-Macy Gray/ More, More, More-Andrea True Connection/ Superstar-The Carpenters
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Ten
What Have You Done For Me Lately-Janet Jackson/ Change Clothes-Jay Z/ SexyBack-Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland/ Stacey's Mom-Fountains of Wayne/ Michael-Franz Ferdinand/ If I Ain't Got You-Alicia Keys/ Screwed-Paris Hilton/ How Deep is Your Love-The Bee Gees/ Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me-The Smiths/ You Make Me Feel Like Dancing-Leo Sayer/ Girls & Boys-Blur/ Private Dancer-Tina Turner/ Say My Name-Destiny's Child/ Love Will Keep Us Together-Bi Polar/ Jeffrey Calls Home-'Jeffrey'/ Absolutely Not-Deborah Cox/ Hot Pants (She Got to Use What She Got to Get What She Wants), Pt. 1-James Brown & The J.B.'s/ Little Less Conversation- Elvis Presley/ Stars and Boulevards-Augustana
Life in the Key of Rory—Disc Eleven
I Am Thin and Gorgeous-Junior Vasquez/ Ain't No Other Man-Christina Aguilera/ Say Something (Disco Remix)-Mariah Carey/ T'ain't Nobody's Bizness If I Do-Billie Holiday/ Halleighluah- Jeff Buckley/ Stand Up-Ludacris & Shawnna/ Soul Meets Body-Death Cab for Cutie/ Pretty in Pink-The Psychedelic Furs/ The Shining-Badly Drawn Boy/ Honky Tonk Man-Ike and Tina Turner
Monday, September 04, 2006
How Sad Is This?
SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Steve Irwin, the enthusiastic "Crocodile Hunter" who enthralled audiences around the world with his wildlife adventures, died Monday morning after being stung by a stingray while shooting a TV program off Australia's north coast.
Media reports say Irwin was snorkeling at Batt Reef, a part of the Great Barrier Reef about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) from the town of Port Douglas, when the incident happened.
Irwin, 44, was killed by a stingray barb that pierced his chest, according to Cairns police sources.
Irwin was in the area to film pieces for a show called "The Ocean's Deadliest" with Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques, according to Irwin's manager and friend John Stainton. But weather had prevented the crew from doing work for that program, Stainton said, so Irwin decided to do some softer features for a new children's TV show he was doing with his daughter, Bindi.
"He came over the top of a stingray that was buried in the sand, and the barb came up and hit him in the chest," Stainton said.
Wildlife documentary maker Ben Cropp, citing a colleague who saw footage of the attack, told Time.com that Irwin had accidentally boxed the animal in. "It stopped and twisted and threw up its tail with the spike, and it caught him in the chest," said Cropp. "It's a defensive thing. It's like being stabbed with a dirty dagger." (Read the TIME.com obituary.)
Ambulance officers confirmed they attended a reef fatality Monday morning off Port Douglas, according to Australian media. (Gallery: The life of the "Crocodile Hunter")
Queensland Police Services also confirmed Irwin's death and said his family had been notified.
Irwin was director of the Australia Zoo in Queensland. He is survived by his American-born wife, Terri, and their two children, Bindi Sue, born 1998, and Robert (Bob), born December 2003.
"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," Stainton told reporters in Cairns, according to The Associated Press. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!' " (Watch a remembrance of Steve Irwin -- 1:58)
"Steve was a larger-than-life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe," said Discovery Communications founder and chairman John Hendricks in a statement. "We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind."
Irwin's "Crocodile Hunter" show aired on the company's Animal Planet network.
Cousteau's office issued a statement that he is "still in Australia with the family of his friend, Steve Irwin. It was a tragic ordeal for everyone on the boat that morning. All of our thoughts are now with Steve's family."
Discovery Communications said it will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the "Steve Irwin Memorial Sensory Garden."
The company also is looking at the creation of a Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund. The fund will support wildlife protection, education and conservation, as well as aid Irwin's Australia Zoo and provide educational support for Bindi and Bob Irwin, the company said.
Australia Prime Minister John Howard said he was "shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death," according to AP. "It's a huge loss to Australia."
Irwin became a popular figure on Australian and international television through Irwin's close handling of wildlife, most notably the capture and relocation of crocodiles.
Irwin's enthusiastic approach to nature conservation and the environment won him a global following. He was known for his exuberance and use of the catch phrase "Crikey!" (E-mail us: How will you remember Steve Irwin?)
"His message is really about conservation: He really wants to leave the world a better place for everybody," Animal Planet's Maureen Smith told CNN.com in April.
"It's unbelievable, really," Jack Hanna, the host of "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventure" and director emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo, told CNN. "You think about Steve Irwin and you think of people who are invincible."
Hanna, a friend of Irwin's, noted that Irwin's persona of the Crocodile Hunter was no act. Irwin grew up around crocodiles, snakes and other animals at his parents' Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and had been handling such creatures since he was a child.
"Steve really knew what he was doing. He was one of the finest reptile people in the world. He knew more about reptiles than anybody did. He was raised that way," said Hanna.
Though stingrays can be threatening, their sting -- usually prompted by self-defense -- is not often fatal. The bull ray that apparently stung Irwin was "a one-in-a-million thing," Cropp told Time.com. "I have swum with many rays, and I have only had one do that to me." (Watch a marine biologist talk about the dangers of stingrays -- 3:48)
"A wild animal is like a loaded gun -- it can go off at any time," Hanna said. "You have to be careful of that." But, he added, it's not the animals who are inherently dangerous, but the way they may react around humans. "People use the word 'dangerous,' and that sometimes is a word that's not fair to that animal, because that animal is only using the defenses that God gave it," said Hanna.
Rise to popularity
Irwin became popular with his show "Crocodile Hunter," which first aired on Australian TV in 1992. Eventually, the program was picked up by Discovery in the United States, establishing Irwin worldwide.
His popularity led to a film, "The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course" (2002).
Irwin was caught in a minor flap in January 2004 when he held his then 1-month-old son while feeding a crocodile at his Australian zoo. (Full story)
In 2003, Irwin spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.'s "Australian Story" television program about how he was perceived in his home country.
"When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke," he told the ABC.
"And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing. You know, there's this ... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty.' "
At Australia Zoo at Beerwah, south Queensland, floral tributes were dropped at the entrance, where a huge fake crocodile gapes, the AP reported. Drivers honked their horns as they passed.
"Steve, from all God's creatures, thank you. Rest in peace," was written on a card with a bouquet of native flowers.
"We're all very shocked. I don't know what the zoo will do without him. He's done so much for us, the environment and it's a big loss," said Paula Kelly, a local resident and volunteer at the zoo, after dropping off a wreath at the gate, according to the AP.
"He has left a legacy: That people do love some of the unloved animals like crocodiles and reptiles that people wanted to kill," Stainton told CNN. "He's actually put a position in their hearts for them. I want that to continue. ... I want people to really go out there and remember Steve Irwin for what he really was, which was a great conservationist, saving wildlife and actually promoting wildlife that people didn't love."
Copyright 2006 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.
SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Steve Irwin, the enthusiastic "Crocodile Hunter" who enthralled audiences around the world with his wildlife adventures, died Monday morning after being stung by a stingray while shooting a TV program off Australia's north coast.
Media reports say Irwin was snorkeling at Batt Reef, a part of the Great Barrier Reef about 9 miles (about 15 kilometers) from the town of Port Douglas, when the incident happened.
Irwin, 44, was killed by a stingray barb that pierced his chest, according to Cairns police sources.
Irwin was in the area to film pieces for a show called "The Ocean's Deadliest" with Philippe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques, according to Irwin's manager and friend John Stainton. But weather had prevented the crew from doing work for that program, Stainton said, so Irwin decided to do some softer features for a new children's TV show he was doing with his daughter, Bindi.
"He came over the top of a stingray that was buried in the sand, and the barb came up and hit him in the chest," Stainton said.
Wildlife documentary maker Ben Cropp, citing a colleague who saw footage of the attack, told Time.com that Irwin had accidentally boxed the animal in. "It stopped and twisted and threw up its tail with the spike, and it caught him in the chest," said Cropp. "It's a defensive thing. It's like being stabbed with a dirty dagger." (Read the TIME.com obituary.)
Ambulance officers confirmed they attended a reef fatality Monday morning off Port Douglas, according to Australian media. (Gallery: The life of the "Crocodile Hunter")
Queensland Police Services also confirmed Irwin's death and said his family had been notified.
Irwin was director of the Australia Zoo in Queensland. He is survived by his American-born wife, Terri, and their two children, Bindi Sue, born 1998, and Robert (Bob), born December 2003.
"The world has lost a great wildlife icon, a passionate conservationist and one of the proudest dads on the planet," Stainton told reporters in Cairns, according to The Associated Press. "He died doing what he loved best and left this world in a happy and peaceful state of mind. He would have said, 'Crocs Rule!' " (Watch a remembrance of Steve Irwin -- 1:58)
"Steve was a larger-than-life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe," said Discovery Communications founder and chairman John Hendricks in a statement. "We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind."
Irwin's "Crocodile Hunter" show aired on the company's Animal Planet network.
Cousteau's office issued a statement that he is "still in Australia with the family of his friend, Steve Irwin. It was a tragic ordeal for everyone on the boat that morning. All of our thoughts are now with Steve's family."
Discovery Communications said it will rename the garden space in front of Discovery's world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the "Steve Irwin Memorial Sensory Garden."
The company also is looking at the creation of a Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter Fund. The fund will support wildlife protection, education and conservation, as well as aid Irwin's Australia Zoo and provide educational support for Bindi and Bob Irwin, the company said.
Australia Prime Minister John Howard said he was "shocked and distressed at Steve Irwin's sudden, untimely and freakish death," according to AP. "It's a huge loss to Australia."
Irwin became a popular figure on Australian and international television through Irwin's close handling of wildlife, most notably the capture and relocation of crocodiles.
Irwin's enthusiastic approach to nature conservation and the environment won him a global following. He was known for his exuberance and use of the catch phrase "Crikey!" (E-mail us: How will you remember Steve Irwin?)
"His message is really about conservation: He really wants to leave the world a better place for everybody," Animal Planet's Maureen Smith told CNN.com in April.
"It's unbelievable, really," Jack Hanna, the host of "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventure" and director emeritus of the Columbus (Ohio) Zoo, told CNN. "You think about Steve Irwin and you think of people who are invincible."
Hanna, a friend of Irwin's, noted that Irwin's persona of the Crocodile Hunter was no act. Irwin grew up around crocodiles, snakes and other animals at his parents' Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park and had been handling such creatures since he was a child.
"Steve really knew what he was doing. He was one of the finest reptile people in the world. He knew more about reptiles than anybody did. He was raised that way," said Hanna.
Though stingrays can be threatening, their sting -- usually prompted by self-defense -- is not often fatal. The bull ray that apparently stung Irwin was "a one-in-a-million thing," Cropp told Time.com. "I have swum with many rays, and I have only had one do that to me." (Watch a marine biologist talk about the dangers of stingrays -- 3:48)
"A wild animal is like a loaded gun -- it can go off at any time," Hanna said. "You have to be careful of that." But, he added, it's not the animals who are inherently dangerous, but the way they may react around humans. "People use the word 'dangerous,' and that sometimes is a word that's not fair to that animal, because that animal is only using the defenses that God gave it," said Hanna.
Rise to popularity
Irwin became popular with his show "Crocodile Hunter," which first aired on Australian TV in 1992. Eventually, the program was picked up by Discovery in the United States, establishing Irwin worldwide.
His popularity led to a film, "The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course" (2002).
Irwin was caught in a minor flap in January 2004 when he held his then 1-month-old son while feeding a crocodile at his Australian zoo. (Full story)
In 2003, Irwin spoke to the Australian Broadcasting Corp.'s "Australian Story" television program about how he was perceived in his home country.
"When I see what's happened all over the world, they're looking at me as this very popular, wildlife warrior Australian bloke," he told the ABC.
"And yet back here in my own country, some people find me a little bit embarrassing. You know, there's this ... they kind of cringe, you know, 'cause I'm coming out with 'Crikey' and 'Look at this beauty.' "
At Australia Zoo at Beerwah, south Queensland, floral tributes were dropped at the entrance, where a huge fake crocodile gapes, the AP reported. Drivers honked their horns as they passed.
"Steve, from all God's creatures, thank you. Rest in peace," was written on a card with a bouquet of native flowers.
"We're all very shocked. I don't know what the zoo will do without him. He's done so much for us, the environment and it's a big loss," said Paula Kelly, a local resident and volunteer at the zoo, after dropping off a wreath at the gate, according to the AP.
"He has left a legacy: That people do love some of the unloved animals like crocodiles and reptiles that people wanted to kill," Stainton told CNN. "He's actually put a position in their hearts for them. I want that to continue. ... I want people to really go out there and remember Steve Irwin for what he really was, which was a great conservationist, saving wildlife and actually promoting wildlife that people didn't love."
Copyright 2006 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Ain’t Nobody’s Bizness if I do.
The boy and I have been a bit out of sorts as of late. Due to the hectic schedule it seems we’ve either on our way to people, coming home from people, or hanging out with people but not much one on one time. And with work, other friends and out separate creative stuff it had been a while since we even spent the night together much less hung out and talked.
The one I always seem to forget when it comes to a relationship is how easy it gets after a certain point to not make time together, to not connect and instead just be another phone call or quick hug in the course of the day. That sometimes a couple has to work at making it special and more than just crossword puzzles, bad TV or a quick meal in between other things. That you have to remember to keep it fresh and romantic at points so you remember why you’re together.
I had been feeling this way for a little bit and had even a small chat about it with Kirby when it turns out that Samuels’ friend Renee canceled on him for the usual Friday night plans. I was just expecting the boy to come over with some snacks and some ‘Babylon Five’ so we could lounge about the whole evening. Imagine my surprise when Samuel showed up with a bottle of red wine and no further ambition then to just talk and snuggle. We spent the whole night with just candles and Billie Holliday and some good old fashion love making.
It’s funny because sometimes you wonder if you’re the only who misses certain things and then you realize that you are in synch as a couple. And it was so good we spent most of the weekend just wrapped up in each other. Say what you will about the boy but I love him. It’s nice to get back to that.
The boy and I have been a bit out of sorts as of late. Due to the hectic schedule it seems we’ve either on our way to people, coming home from people, or hanging out with people but not much one on one time. And with work, other friends and out separate creative stuff it had been a while since we even spent the night together much less hung out and talked.
The one I always seem to forget when it comes to a relationship is how easy it gets after a certain point to not make time together, to not connect and instead just be another phone call or quick hug in the course of the day. That sometimes a couple has to work at making it special and more than just crossword puzzles, bad TV or a quick meal in between other things. That you have to remember to keep it fresh and romantic at points so you remember why you’re together.
I had been feeling this way for a little bit and had even a small chat about it with Kirby when it turns out that Samuels’ friend Renee canceled on him for the usual Friday night plans. I was just expecting the boy to come over with some snacks and some ‘Babylon Five’ so we could lounge about the whole evening. Imagine my surprise when Samuel showed up with a bottle of red wine and no further ambition then to just talk and snuggle. We spent the whole night with just candles and Billie Holliday and some good old fashion love making.
It’s funny because sometimes you wonder if you’re the only who misses certain things and then you realize that you are in synch as a couple. And it was so good we spent most of the weekend just wrapped up in each other. Say what you will about the boy but I love him. It’s nice to get back to that.
It Only Hurts When I Party
As of the past few months there have been a lot of parties—so many reasons to get together—that I’m starting to get burnt out. There’s been theme parties, holiday parties, birthday parties; they’ve been at bars and clubs and houses and apartments for so long now that the only way I can remember them is by what I wore and I’m starting to even forget that.
Don’t get me wrong—I love a good party for a million reasons; the gossip, the clothes, the music, the drinking but sometimes I feel like I’m just whirling around so fast that I don’t ever see where I am much less where I’ve been. It feels like looking at a still life of dancing, signs of movement but frozen in place.
That being said—I’ll probably be complaining if there is nothing going on a month from now. Actually a month from now there’s still another party or two. I’ll be there of course but I’ll have to buy some new clothes since I never wear the same party outfit twice. I think.
As of the past few months there have been a lot of parties—so many reasons to get together—that I’m starting to get burnt out. There’s been theme parties, holiday parties, birthday parties; they’ve been at bars and clubs and houses and apartments for so long now that the only way I can remember them is by what I wore and I’m starting to even forget that.
Don’t get me wrong—I love a good party for a million reasons; the gossip, the clothes, the music, the drinking but sometimes I feel like I’m just whirling around so fast that I don’t ever see where I am much less where I’ve been. It feels like looking at a still life of dancing, signs of movement but frozen in place.
That being said—I’ll probably be complaining if there is nothing going on a month from now. Actually a month from now there’s still another party or two. I’ll be there of course but I’ll have to buy some new clothes since I never wear the same party outfit twice. I think.
My Heart Belongs to Davis
While this summer has been quite hectic, there have been a handful of good things to come out of it. Whether it was all the new friends I have made at my jobs, helping certain friends with some great life changes and even getting a head start on some major writing, the best part has been rather unexpected.
It seems my major accomplishment this summer was to finally get close with someone I’ve always admired. Obviously I’m talking about Davis. Not to say that we weren’t good friends before this—we’ve known each other for 10 years at this point but I never really had much time with him away from the social whirl and twirl. But various things this summer—mostly job related—had led to us spending a lot of time together which allowed us to have a lot of great talks.
It’s funny how much more you can learn about a person being with them one on one then in all the nights out, parties, dinners and holidays combined. I found out that besides being funny and heartfelt that Davis is smart and silly and more aware than I imagined. That we could have small debates over big issues and not see the same but still respect where the other is coming from. That we work really well together because we both understand where the other is coming from. It’s cool to finally feel like you’re starting to get someone and how exciting that all is.
Of course—this is a bit ‘gay’ as Davis would put it but it does make me eager to spend more time with people I usually don’t get to see one on one. Because my heart is big enough to belong to a lot more people.
Wow—that sounds trashy.
While this summer has been quite hectic, there have been a handful of good things to come out of it. Whether it was all the new friends I have made at my jobs, helping certain friends with some great life changes and even getting a head start on some major writing, the best part has been rather unexpected.
It seems my major accomplishment this summer was to finally get close with someone I’ve always admired. Obviously I’m talking about Davis. Not to say that we weren’t good friends before this—we’ve known each other for 10 years at this point but I never really had much time with him away from the social whirl and twirl. But various things this summer—mostly job related—had led to us spending a lot of time together which allowed us to have a lot of great talks.
It’s funny how much more you can learn about a person being with them one on one then in all the nights out, parties, dinners and holidays combined. I found out that besides being funny and heartfelt that Davis is smart and silly and more aware than I imagined. That we could have small debates over big issues and not see the same but still respect where the other is coming from. That we work really well together because we both understand where the other is coming from. It’s cool to finally feel like you’re starting to get someone and how exciting that all is.
Of course—this is a bit ‘gay’ as Davis would put it but it does make me eager to spend more time with people I usually don’t get to see one on one. Because my heart is big enough to belong to a lot more people.
Wow—that sounds trashy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)