Sometimes being Gayer-Than-Gay is the absolute best thing in the world! Shit gets super crazy around the 4 minute mark.
ps. Best entrance ever?! Methinks so!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Telly on Telly: Top Titles
The Ultimate T.J. Kous has compiled for you his Top 11 picks for Best Opening Title Sequence. Enjoy!
11. Avatar: The Last Airbender
It's always best when an opening sequence can sum up the integral plot points for you so that you don't have to tell new viewers about it. It's great! You can just let the well-crafted words and artistry speak for themselves. Avatar is a perfect example of this. Also, the last line of this one gives me goosebumps every time!
10. The Girls Next Door
I remember this great scene in this Japanese movie I watched in college, Ikiru I think, where these drunken ladies were in the back of a taxi singing "Come On-a My House" in terribly broken English. I love that song, it's so classy. Add bobble-headed animation, exotic birds and Hugh Hefner and you've got yourself a title sequence.
9. Gossip Girl
So often simplicity is key. I love the little whispers that accompany this one. And of course one of the greatest catchphrases in contemporary television. xo xo.
8. Nip/Tuck
Many nights were spent in dark rooms watching what I think to be the most outrageous show in history. Although it's not a scary show watching Nip/Tuck in the dark is so undoubtedly haunting and I think it's because of this sequence. This song can keep you up at night.
7. Big Love
HBO's new signature show is definitely one of my top ten of all time. I've always loved how it was able to make something so abnormal and unfamiliar seem like the most honorable and normal way of living life. We can see that in the intro: you've got the Beach Boys, ice skating, laundry - all completely comprehensible and accessible (dare I say) "American" things. But then you mix in two too many ladies, the ice begins to crack, and in there amongst the sheets lines begin to blur, we can't really tell who's where and what's going on. But don't worry, we return to normalcy by the end....when they have family dinner on a tiny far-off planet in some unknown solar system....
6. Ugly Betty
This one always brings a smile to my face. The cheery, upbeat music, the simple concept. I love how it comes right at the end of the first act, too, right when they drop some sort of plot bomb. Also, to this day, I love how after seeing each part of it individually throughout the shuffle Betty's mug is still so surprising huge and ugly in the end. Gets me every time.
5. Melrose Place
Some have accused me of having a "1994 fetish." How can you blame me?! The hair! The clothes! The GUITAR RIFFS!! Hearing that first swanky chord of this number always takes me back to my childhood years, sitting down with my mom and my sisters to watch another one of their "adult programs." God bless the 1990s! (note: sorry for leaving out Amanda Woodward. this sequence is from before Heather Locklear's 6 year stint as a "special guest star.")
4. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Also a relic from my days studying Japanese culture this is perhaps one of the best songs I don't know the meaning of. At about the halfway point the imagery is powerful and fast moving. Try and see if you can figure out the plot of this short-lived anime series by just watching the credits. I bet you can't!
3. LOST
When it comes down to it, LOST is just scary. Horrifying, really. Some of you may know that I watched the entire first two seasons in a couple of nights. Sitting there, sleep deprived, not knowing when the last episode ended and this one began, the darkness would surround me and all I could see in the blackness was a distant word in white, eerily floating towards me momentarily coming into focus as the dissonant music swelled. At that moment, actively watching this title for what felt like the first time ever all I could think was, 'This is what it must feel like to go insane - you just float through the abyss as giant, abstract words drift past you.' Creepy.
2. The Golden Girls
Sometimes it's all about the music. Other times it's all about Bea Arthur biting her fist, Betty White being hurled into a closet, Rue McClanahan strutting in a night gown and eyemask and the beautiful Miami skyline. These are images I'll NEVER forget.
1. Six Feet Under
I think this speaks for itself. Utterly beautiful.
Well there you have it! My top 11 (I know, I just couldn't make any cuts!) Hope you enjoyed them. Did I leave any of your favorites out?? Be sure to let me know.
But first, before I go I want to share some honorable mentions. Here, dear reader, are my choices for the best NEW opening title sequences from this year's fall lineup:
True Blood
At first it seemed strange and a little alienating, but - oh boy - does this song ever grow on you! The whole sequence captures the desperate, underground nature of the show - I'm simultaneously disgusted and intrigued by these images. Just remember - God Hates Fangs!
Fringe
Again, this is a simple one, not too long, but the music is delightful and the concept speaks to the high school scientist of my past. Some might think it's hokey to be so explicit about the fringe science, with the floating words and all, but I like it. Every time I see it I get something new, and isn't that what it's all about when it comes to main titles?
11. Avatar: The Last Airbender
It's always best when an opening sequence can sum up the integral plot points for you so that you don't have to tell new viewers about it. It's great! You can just let the well-crafted words and artistry speak for themselves. Avatar is a perfect example of this. Also, the last line of this one gives me goosebumps every time!
10. The Girls Next Door
I remember this great scene in this Japanese movie I watched in college, Ikiru I think, where these drunken ladies were in the back of a taxi singing "Come On-a My House" in terribly broken English. I love that song, it's so classy. Add bobble-headed animation, exotic birds and Hugh Hefner and you've got yourself a title sequence.
9. Gossip Girl
So often simplicity is key. I love the little whispers that accompany this one. And of course one of the greatest catchphrases in contemporary television. xo xo.
8. Nip/Tuck
Many nights were spent in dark rooms watching what I think to be the most outrageous show in history. Although it's not a scary show watching Nip/Tuck in the dark is so undoubtedly haunting and I think it's because of this sequence. This song can keep you up at night.
7. Big Love
HBO's new signature show is definitely one of my top ten of all time. I've always loved how it was able to make something so abnormal and unfamiliar seem like the most honorable and normal way of living life. We can see that in the intro: you've got the Beach Boys, ice skating, laundry - all completely comprehensible and accessible (dare I say) "American" things. But then you mix in two too many ladies, the ice begins to crack, and in there amongst the sheets lines begin to blur, we can't really tell who's where and what's going on. But don't worry, we return to normalcy by the end....when they have family dinner on a tiny far-off planet in some unknown solar system....
6. Ugly Betty
This one always brings a smile to my face. The cheery, upbeat music, the simple concept. I love how it comes right at the end of the first act, too, right when they drop some sort of plot bomb. Also, to this day, I love how after seeing each part of it individually throughout the shuffle Betty's mug is still so surprising huge and ugly in the end. Gets me every time.
5. Melrose Place
Some have accused me of having a "1994 fetish." How can you blame me?! The hair! The clothes! The GUITAR RIFFS!! Hearing that first swanky chord of this number always takes me back to my childhood years, sitting down with my mom and my sisters to watch another one of their "adult programs." God bless the 1990s! (note: sorry for leaving out Amanda Woodward. this sequence is from before Heather Locklear's 6 year stint as a "special guest star.")
4. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Also a relic from my days studying Japanese culture this is perhaps one of the best songs I don't know the meaning of. At about the halfway point the imagery is powerful and fast moving. Try and see if you can figure out the plot of this short-lived anime series by just watching the credits. I bet you can't!
3. LOST
When it comes down to it, LOST is just scary. Horrifying, really. Some of you may know that I watched the entire first two seasons in a couple of nights. Sitting there, sleep deprived, not knowing when the last episode ended and this one began, the darkness would surround me and all I could see in the blackness was a distant word in white, eerily floating towards me momentarily coming into focus as the dissonant music swelled. At that moment, actively watching this title for what felt like the first time ever all I could think was, 'This is what it must feel like to go insane - you just float through the abyss as giant, abstract words drift past you.' Creepy.
2. The Golden Girls
Sometimes it's all about the music. Other times it's all about Bea Arthur biting her fist, Betty White being hurled into a closet, Rue McClanahan strutting in a night gown and eyemask and the beautiful Miami skyline. These are images I'll NEVER forget.
1. Six Feet Under
I think this speaks for itself. Utterly beautiful.
Well there you have it! My top 11 (I know, I just couldn't make any cuts!) Hope you enjoyed them. Did I leave any of your favorites out?? Be sure to let me know.
But first, before I go I want to share some honorable mentions. Here, dear reader, are my choices for the best NEW opening title sequences from this year's fall lineup:
True Blood
At first it seemed strange and a little alienating, but - oh boy - does this song ever grow on you! The whole sequence captures the desperate, underground nature of the show - I'm simultaneously disgusted and intrigued by these images. Just remember - God Hates Fangs!
Fringe
Again, this is a simple one, not too long, but the music is delightful and the concept speaks to the high school scientist of my past. Some might think it's hokey to be so explicit about the fringe science, with the floating words and all, but I like it. Every time I see it I get something new, and isn't that what it's all about when it comes to main titles?
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Wynn
My roommate Katie just returned from a fabulous weekend in Las Vegas. She was put up at the Wynn. I have been secretly in love with the idea of this place since I read an article about it in a Vanity Fair back in 2005. It's a veritable Xanadu! Katie got some schwag - namely a new ipod nano, already loaded with a welcome video AND a video tour narrated by Steve Wynn himself! I'm not kidding this is probably the best 16 minutes I've ever spent and not because it's a beautiful resort (it's a beautiful resort!) but because of the absurd soundbites! Wynn initially tells us of all the restaurants housed at Wynn Las Vegas:
"If you like to sit at the base of a hundred foot waterfall in a beautiful lagoon sipping cappucinno and other exotic coffees or homemade gelato or terrific salads we've got a spot for you"
Well DUH Mr. Wynn! Who DOESN'T like sitting at the base of a hundred foot waterfall with terrific salads?! I only eat terrific salads! And although I don't think I ever actually have eaten at the base of a waterfall, I don't think that's something you can't like.
While introducing us the the Shopping Esplanada Wynn briefly shares the narration with Manolo Blahnik himself:
"Shoes should be transform-ed... I'm very happy its the only store outside New York which would be our boutique which I thought, um I think is a great idea because after all Las Vegas is a Fantasy Town. I'm like an old-fashioned shoe maker, but I'm not a shoemaker, but, haha-I am like a shoe maker, do you know what I mean?"
And of course Wynn's favorite fashion designer contributed some praise of the mega-hotel:
"What better environment for the woman who dresses in Oscar de la Renta than the Wynn Hotel?"
I am going to try to get this video on the net. Words can't ACTUALLY describe this "transportive" video.
Serious kudos to you Mr. Wynn!
"If you like to sit at the base of a hundred foot waterfall in a beautiful lagoon sipping cappucinno and other exotic coffees or homemade gelato or terrific salads we've got a spot for you"
Well DUH Mr. Wynn! Who DOESN'T like sitting at the base of a hundred foot waterfall with terrific salads?! I only eat terrific salads! And although I don't think I ever actually have eaten at the base of a waterfall, I don't think that's something you can't like.
While introducing us the the Shopping Esplanada Wynn briefly shares the narration with Manolo Blahnik himself:
"Shoes should be transform-ed... I'm very happy its the only store outside New York which would be our boutique which I thought, um I think is a great idea because after all Las Vegas is a Fantasy Town. I'm like an old-fashioned shoe maker, but I'm not a shoemaker, but, haha-I am like a shoe maker, do you know what I mean?"
And of course Wynn's favorite fashion designer contributed some praise of the mega-hotel:
"What better environment for the woman who dresses in Oscar de la Renta than the Wynn Hotel?"
I am going to try to get this video on the net. Words can't ACTUALLY describe this "transportive" video.
Serious kudos to you Mr. Wynn!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Somewhere In Cyber Space III
via Future Chat:
Me: I think I might go as Chuck Bass for Halloween.
Courtney: Uhh...That may be the occasion we first make out
Me: I think I might go as Chuck Bass for Halloween.
Courtney: Uhh...That may be the occasion we first make out
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Telly on Telly: Mother Chucker
Even though some might not like to admit it, Gossip Girl is one of the best shows airing on TV right now. And one of the best things about it is without a doubt the Dastardly Devil himself, Chuck Bass.
Came across I Am Chuck Bass a somewhat insightful look at Gossip Girl, a self proclaimed "Modern Man’s Guide". Although Girl is in the title and the clothes and hair are amazing, there's nothing shameful about a man loving the over-the-top drama that is the lives of these UESiders.
Chuck really reversed the game this week. No wonder the CW dropped this exciting promo the same week our boy reclaims the stage from "New Serena." After all, this week was titled after him...
Kudos, Young Bass!
Came across I Am Chuck Bass a somewhat insightful look at Gossip Girl, a self proclaimed "Modern Man’s Guide". Although Girl is in the title and the clothes and hair are amazing, there's nothing shameful about a man loving the over-the-top drama that is the lives of these UESiders.
Chuck really reversed the game this week. No wonder the CW dropped this exciting promo the same week our boy reclaims the stage from "New Serena." After all, this week was titled after him...
Kudos, Young Bass!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Breathing Room
I have been asked to officially join the team over at Room 907. Great lifestyle blog with little tidbits on fashion, fun, odds, ends, furniture and beautiful people. I'll be blogging over there pretty regularly so add it to your feeds (or whatever). It has a different tone than the Ultimate, so I am very excited about this prospect. See you out there!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Retrospect
I noticed so recently that The Utimate T.J. Kous turned one year old this past Saturday! How special it feels to look back at the year in terms of these funny little entries. One of my favorite pieces of writing was my very first unofficial blog post, which manifested itself as a Facebook note predating the invention of this blog. Two very special friends and I embarked on a journey unlike any other and right now, in honour of a year gone by, in honour of the changing landscape of friendship, in honour of me and my birthday week, I would like to reshare with you that tale. Ladies and Gentlemen, the post that started them all...
High School Musical ACTUALLY Changed My Life!
When my dear friend Lauren's sister, Kristen invited me to go with her to Seattle to see High School Musical Live, along with her dear friend Alexa (who are, in reality, both dear friends of mine), I didn't think twice. As the day approached I neglected research on the show, and instead imagined what I was getting myself into. I thought, from what I heard of it, that I would be seeing a Disney quality stage production of the wildly successful TV movie starring, not the folks from the movie, but equally talented and good-looking young triple-threats. I was skeptical, but still pretty into it.
It's the day of the show. I talk to Kristen, just to make sure she and Alexa are on their way to my house so we can take off to Seattle from there. I take this opportunity to ask her what she thinks this show is going to be like. She agrees with me that it'll be a stage production of the movie, but also tells me something that makes me VERY happy: It's with the original cast!!
me: you mean we're going to SEE Sharpay?
her: yes
me: and Gabriella!?
her: Yes
me: and even Monique Coleman, who I have enjoyed watching on this season of Dancing with the Stars?!
her: YES, even Monique Coleman!
me: WOW! I can't believe I'm actually going to be in the same room as Zac Efron. Troy is my favorite!!
her: Oh....well, Troy's not actually going to be there. He couldn't make it. There'll be someone else.
Needless to say I was crushed. But I concentrated on the positive thoughts I was having, mainly about Sharpay. I also thought about whether minor characters like Miss Darbus and the fat pop-n-locker would make an appearance. I was happy.
Let's flash forward to our approach to the Key Arena. We didn't buy tickets online because of credit card issues, so opted to buy tickets at the BO.
us: What are the best available seats you have together?
BO lady: Right here in the second row.
us: 'scuse us? Second row? Like on the floor? In front of the stage? How much?
BO Lady: $ 60.
(the next best seats, much further away, were only $10 cheaper. We each share a glance with one another. Should we do this? Can we afford this? Did we travel all this way to sit in the nosebleeds?)
us: We'll take 'em!!
With the exception of actually high school musicals, college plays and shows at the aquarium, I have NEVER sat in the second row of anything. We were REALLY close. Maybe a total of ten feet from the edge of the stage.
"We're going to be able to see their faces," I said.
"They're going to be able to see OUR faces," Kristen so eloquently pointed out. What a thought!! There was a chance that Ashley Tisdale herself was going to see me and then possibly comment to one of her fellow perfomers, maybe Corbin, about the hairy twenty-something with the teenagers in the second row. Dreams were coming true.
Opening act: Her name's Jordan Pruitt. We saw her video play on the screens before the show. She covered "We Are Family" for the movie Air Buddies, the one about Air Bud's puppies who are all good at every sport. Fuck you, Disney.
She was ok though. Some weird song about popular girls at school and another about being a teenager. Basically, she didn't have enough good moves and she was only mediocre looking. I could've done without her.
Ok, so it's beginning! The curtain comes up to reveal a white stage, HUGE screen above it, and a curvy ramp up the back of the stage. There was no way this was a stage production of the movie. This shit was a full-blown, motherfuckin' CONCERT! Our new Troy comes out in silhouette, he's singing the movie's opening number. Gabriella, a sight in white, comes out, still in silhouette, to join her partner. Right when the song kicks it into the chorus white lights FLASH, fireworks ERUPT, music BLASTS, and the rest of the cast's principles come bursting from a staircase upstage. They were all singing! They were all dancing! They were all wearing eclectic and varied, yet well-made and beautiful costumes, exclusively in black, red and white! They were all real, right in front of me! This was truly the Start of Something New!
Ryan, aka Lucas, informed us of his MC status after the first number. I never really cared much for Ryan; he really just seemed to be a foil to the lovable yet sassy Sharpay. Let me tell you, folks, Lucas is a gem. Funny, quick, clever, cute and sharp, this guy made the perfect MC. He informed us that tonight we would be, of course, reviewing all the hits and favs from the show, and he also told us about something I did not expect: Solo Showcase performances by Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu, featuring singles from all their new albums. Let me remind you that all this was to be taking place only feet from my face!
The show was magical: Tisdale rocked the house, Vanessa had some great tracks and some beautiful hair, the dancers were spectacular (one even flirted with me and/or Kristen and threw us an inflatable basketball after Getcha Head In the Game), the new Troy was tolerable, and Monique even danced a latin ballroom number for us. And the COSTUMES!! They just kept getting better and better: many studded belts and plenty of color coordination, tattered dresses and chiffon. Shine! Sparkle! Glamour! Every single person except for the new Troy waved at us and Lucas even mouthed "Thanks, brother!" when I yelled "You Rock, Lucas." Confetti burst out of everywhere at the end. It was pure ecstacy!
And in conclusion, let me just admit something. I am sorta glad Zac Efron couldn't make it. I probably would have ended up screaming too much, distracting him or maybe even getting escorted from the arena. The show was already too overwhelming, I didn't want to go overboard.
Wildcats, everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air!
That's the way we do it
Let's get to it
Time to show the WORLD!
Can't wait for the sequel!!!
High School Musical ACTUALLY Changed My Life!
When my dear friend Lauren's sister, Kristen invited me to go with her to Seattle to see High School Musical Live, along with her dear friend Alexa (who are, in reality, both dear friends of mine), I didn't think twice. As the day approached I neglected research on the show, and instead imagined what I was getting myself into. I thought, from what I heard of it, that I would be seeing a Disney quality stage production of the wildly successful TV movie starring, not the folks from the movie, but equally talented and good-looking young triple-threats. I was skeptical, but still pretty into it.
It's the day of the show. I talk to Kristen, just to make sure she and Alexa are on their way to my house so we can take off to Seattle from there. I take this opportunity to ask her what she thinks this show is going to be like. She agrees with me that it'll be a stage production of the movie, but also tells me something that makes me VERY happy: It's with the original cast!!
me: you mean we're going to SEE Sharpay?
her: yes
me: and Gabriella!?
her: Yes
me: and even Monique Coleman, who I have enjoyed watching on this season of Dancing with the Stars?!
her: YES, even Monique Coleman!
me: WOW! I can't believe I'm actually going to be in the same room as Zac Efron. Troy is my favorite!!
her: Oh....well, Troy's not actually going to be there. He couldn't make it. There'll be someone else.
Needless to say I was crushed. But I concentrated on the positive thoughts I was having, mainly about Sharpay. I also thought about whether minor characters like Miss Darbus and the fat pop-n-locker would make an appearance. I was happy.
Let's flash forward to our approach to the Key Arena. We didn't buy tickets online because of credit card issues, so opted to buy tickets at the BO.
us: What are the best available seats you have together?
BO lady: Right here in the second row.
us: 'scuse us? Second row? Like on the floor? In front of the stage? How much?
BO Lady: $ 60.
(the next best seats, much further away, were only $10 cheaper. We each share a glance with one another. Should we do this? Can we afford this? Did we travel all this way to sit in the nosebleeds?)
us: We'll take 'em!!
With the exception of actually high school musicals, college plays and shows at the aquarium, I have NEVER sat in the second row of anything. We were REALLY close. Maybe a total of ten feet from the edge of the stage.
"We're going to be able to see their faces," I said.
"They're going to be able to see OUR faces," Kristen so eloquently pointed out. What a thought!! There was a chance that Ashley Tisdale herself was going to see me and then possibly comment to one of her fellow perfomers, maybe Corbin, about the hairy twenty-something with the teenagers in the second row. Dreams were coming true.
Opening act: Her name's Jordan Pruitt. We saw her video play on the screens before the show. She covered "We Are Family" for the movie Air Buddies, the one about Air Bud's puppies who are all good at every sport. Fuck you, Disney.
She was ok though. Some weird song about popular girls at school and another about being a teenager. Basically, she didn't have enough good moves and she was only mediocre looking. I could've done without her.
Ok, so it's beginning! The curtain comes up to reveal a white stage, HUGE screen above it, and a curvy ramp up the back of the stage. There was no way this was a stage production of the movie. This shit was a full-blown, motherfuckin' CONCERT! Our new Troy comes out in silhouette, he's singing the movie's opening number. Gabriella, a sight in white, comes out, still in silhouette, to join her partner. Right when the song kicks it into the chorus white lights FLASH, fireworks ERUPT, music BLASTS, and the rest of the cast's principles come bursting from a staircase upstage. They were all singing! They were all dancing! They were all wearing eclectic and varied, yet well-made and beautiful costumes, exclusively in black, red and white! They were all real, right in front of me! This was truly the Start of Something New!
Ryan, aka Lucas, informed us of his MC status after the first number. I never really cared much for Ryan; he really just seemed to be a foil to the lovable yet sassy Sharpay. Let me tell you, folks, Lucas is a gem. Funny, quick, clever, cute and sharp, this guy made the perfect MC. He informed us that tonight we would be, of course, reviewing all the hits and favs from the show, and he also told us about something I did not expect: Solo Showcase performances by Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu, featuring singles from all their new albums. Let me remind you that all this was to be taking place only feet from my face!
The show was magical: Tisdale rocked the house, Vanessa had some great tracks and some beautiful hair, the dancers were spectacular (one even flirted with me and/or Kristen and threw us an inflatable basketball after Getcha Head In the Game), the new Troy was tolerable, and Monique even danced a latin ballroom number for us. And the COSTUMES!! They just kept getting better and better: many studded belts and plenty of color coordination, tattered dresses and chiffon. Shine! Sparkle! Glamour! Every single person except for the new Troy waved at us and Lucas even mouthed "Thanks, brother!" when I yelled "You Rock, Lucas." Confetti burst out of everywhere at the end. It was pure ecstacy!
And in conclusion, let me just admit something. I am sorta glad Zac Efron couldn't make it. I probably would have ended up screaming too much, distracting him or maybe even getting escorted from the arena. The show was already too overwhelming, I didn't want to go overboard.
Wildcats, everywhere
Wave your hands up in the air!
That's the way we do it
Let's get to it
Time to show the WORLD!
Can't wait for the sequel!!!
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