The Daily Sheet Nov 20 to 26, 2006

[kmich]

The Daily Sheet
November 20, 2006

The Not-So-Secret Prejudices of AMPAS

In an insightful article for his "Gold Derby" column, Tom O'Neil, discusses the 2006 Oscar race.  While pondering the question, "Will secret prejudice hurt Dreamgirls  at the Oscars?" he makes the case that, based on Brokeback Mountain's  Best Picture Oscar loss for 2005, this is a very real possibility.  He notes that "so-called liberal Hollywood" revealed it had very real prejudices when it snubbed BBM: "Last weekend I had a long, leisurely breakfast with one of Hollywood's most notable studio chiefs.  While we chatted casually, he said, in between the lattes and bagels matter-of-factly, what we all know but seldom admit out loud: 'Of course, Brokeback Mountain  didn't win best picture because of the gay thing.' He's an academy member, seasoned Oscar veteran, a 'str8' chap, as the lingo goes, and not affiliated with Brokeback. 'I couldn't believe how many academy members even refused to watch it,' he added, shaking his head.  'There's no doubt in my mind that we saw the secret, ugly side of Hollywood when the best picture winner was announced. . . What we saw was a disgusting display of anti-gay bigotry'. Click on the link above to read more of this fascinating article.

The Little Dog Laughed  Opens on Broadway

A timely play by Douglas Carter Beane, entitled The Little Dog Laughed   has opened on Broadway to strong reviews.  Described in the New York Times  as the story of "a closeted film actor, the rent boy who loves him, and the agent who sees love as just another irritating speed bump on the road to serious power," the comedy stars Julie White, Tom Everett Scott and Johnny Galecki.  Calling him an "aspiring successor to Neil Simon," Ben Brantley praises the playwright: "Mr. Beane has a linguistic talent that peaked with post-World War I playwrights like Philip Barry and Noel Coward: the gift for making spoiled, shallow people seem interesting, and not because of how they spend their money or whom they sleep with, but because of how they talk."

 
Two Allen Ginsberg Books Published

Two new Allen Ginsberg-related  books have been published: Collected Poems, 1947-1997  by Allen Ginsberg and I Celebrate Myself: A Somewhat Private Life of Allen Ginsberg, a biography by Bill Morgan.  In reviews of both in the New York Times, Walter Kirn describes the publications as "a full-scale posthumous literary tribute consisting of an exhaustive yet not exhausting, swiftly readable new biography . . . and a handsome and overstuffed Collected Poems.  Despite feeling prematurely solemn, the arrival of these honors may be well timed in a karmic, historical sense.  While poetry's best-known subterranean has been recharging his essence underground, aboveground America has returned to form by joining another colossal global conflict of the sort he made his name lamenting."

Thread of the Day

A new thread, entitled What's in a UserName?, has been started.  Thread originator royandronnie states the following: "We now have five thousand members.  Many have taken usernames based on Brokeback, and some are posters' names, but there are stories to be told.  Who are you?  Why did you choose it, was it the work of a moment, or was it the result of careful thought?  Share with us the silly and profund reason you chose your name.  Names are power.  What gives you your power?


Heath in Two People  Polls

Heath is featured as a choice in two online polls in People  magazine.

The first poll asks "Which Aussie is the real wonder 'Down Under'?"

The second poll asks "Which dad is the sexiest?"

Please click on the links above to vote.

Happy Birthday!

The following members have birthdays in the coming week: ImJackshesEnnis  on November 21st    Rob in Puyallup on November 23rd

Fan Art of the Day

by PatSinnott

Dawn of a new Ennis

Forum Footnotes

Forum Footnotes is a new feature of TDS.  In it, we'll cover things like famous birthdays, quotations, interesting events on this date in history, and other Forum-related events of interest to readers. Enjoy!

Special thanks go to BayCityJohn who, in sending me an item for TDS that I didn't end up using, helped spark the idea for this feature.

November 20th is the Transgender Day of Remembrance.  It is set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice.

Born on this day:

1924 - Genevieve Pastre, French Lesbian theorist and writer 1925 - Robert F. Kennedy, American politician (d. 1968) 1946 - Duane Allman, American guitarist (d. 1971)

On this day in history:

1945 - Nuremberg Trials: Trials against 24 Nazi war criminals start at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. 1966 - Cabaret opens at the Imperial Theatre, New York. 1985 - Microsoft Windows 1.0 is released.

Quote of the Day:

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect. Mark Twain

Photocap of the Day

posted by gnash

piggy newsome: oh yeah... kermit used to mention you.
you're the croakin buddy, or the jumpin buddy, i know that.

Calendar

Forum Events

25 Feb, '07 - Bay City, MI - Oscar Night
Screening of Brokeback Mountain
1-3 Dec - Ocean City, MD - A DC area Mini Slash
Bash; numbers limited due to space constraints.
5-7 Jan, '07 - San Francisco, CA -
The Solstice Bay Bash
If you have ideas about initiating a gathering go to
Start Your Own Threads and get the ball rolling
to plan a get-together near you.

Other Events


29 Nov - Boulder, CO - Annie Proulx Speaks
at the University of Colorado, Boulder

Let us know of any events you'd like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Elle (elle_ann) and Kathy (kmich) Assistant Editor:  Marcia (Marge_Innavera) Columnists:  cynical21, Connie Bailey, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, sparky Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy) and gnash Today's edition produced by Kathy (kmich) email: kathy@davecullen.com Contributors: gnash, PatSinnott    We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, press the "Notify" button at the top of the page. When a new TDS is posted, it will be forwarded to your email address. Previous issues of The Daily Sheet here. Response thread for The Daily Sheet here.

[elle_ann]

The Daily Sheet

21 November 2006

Dan Wasserman cartoon from The Boston Globe

Gay Marriage: Killer Curse of The American Family? Mark Morford, a straight columnist writing for sfgate.com, asks: “What would happen, really and truly, to America, to you, to your family and your marriage and your children and their children and your precious SUV and the price of a killer latte, if gay marriage were allowed, nationwide, tomorrow?”  This question, he says, “… seems to stop every baffled homophobe in his tracks. There is much fidgeting. There is a slightly glazed look, a rapid blinking of the eyes, a quick mental fumbling around for the usual set of proofs and ethical murmurings."

The Bible, he says, is usually whipped out as the first weapon o' misery, maybe even loaded up with a reference to homosexual rape or wacky pagan ritual. Next up: the pseudoscience. This is where you hear ... that gay couples rarely stay together because, you know, they're gay, and therefore they can't control themselves and they screw anything that moves, and what sort of role model is that for our poor, troubled, drug-addled youth of tomorrow? Then ...you drill down to the real reason given by just about every conservative with an actual brain who is still willing to speak about the subject of gay marriage.  Real answer: They really don't know. Probably nothing. It. just. is.

S. Chapman, writing for The Chicago Tribune, concurs. The American view of homosexuality, he says, has come a long way. Though many people view it as a sin, it's no longer a crime. Yet we are told that allowing homosexuals to join in legally sanctioned unions will reduce Western civilization to a smoking ruin. But data from some European countries that have allowed gays to enter into registered partnerships show results that are reassuring. In Scandinavia and Holland, divorce rates have remained stable and marriage rates have actually increased. William Eskridge Jr. and Darren Spedale, authors of "Gay Marriage: For Better or For Worse?" note that "children in Denmark and Sweden (and the Netherlands) are much more likely to be raised by their parents than American children."

If banning gay marriage is supposed to help American kids, he says, it isn't working. And there you have it.

Read Mark Morford in sfgate.com and S. Chapman in the Chicago Tribune.

Gay Marriage Advocate Wins Nomination For French Presidency Segolene Royal has won the Socialist Party nomination to run for President in 2007 and polls suggest she would likely win. Royal has been a longtime advocate of LGBT rights. In June she told the LGBT publication Tetu that she supported same-sex marriage, becoming the first major French politician to do so. She told the publication that if her party forms the next government she will introduce a gay marriage bill. "Opening up marriage to same-sex couples is needed in the name of equality, visibility and respect," Royal told Tetu. President Jacques Chirac's ruling conservative UMP party opposes both gay marriage and adoption and only begrudgingly agreed several years ago to grant limited rights to gay and lesbian couples.  The UMP has criticized Royal's support for gay marriage reiterating the government's opposition to same-sex unions and it is likely to become a campaign issue. French public opinion appears to be with Royal. A poll released this spring shows that about 60 percent of the population favors same-sex marriage. Original article published by 365gay.com

Hide And Speak A new edition of a classic coming-out book, "Hide and Speak" by Kittredge Cherry, is a coming-out guide that gives practical help with the coming-out process for all GLBT people -- and anyone else with a story to tell. "How much suffering I could have avoided for myself and others if only I had read 'Hide and Speak' before blundering out of my own darkness into the light," said Rev. Mel White, founder of Soulforce, who came out as gay after working as a ghostwriter for Jerry Falwell and other conservative Christian celebrities. "Coming out of the closet is still difficult, and 'Hide and Speak' can help," said Cherry. "Foley and Haggard need it, but so do many others. Queer teens are exploring their sexual orientation at younger ages. Gay and lesbian soldiers are facing the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy while they fight in Iraq." Hide and Speak is not just about homosexuality, however. The life-changing handbook is useful for all people who struggle with secrets and their consequences. "Hide and Speak" was recently released by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press based in Berkeley, CA. Originally published by HarperSanFrancisco, the book now includes an afterword updating the guide for 2006.

LGBT Couple Received First Divorce In Oklahoma

You can get a gender-free divorce in the State of Oklahoma!

Cait O'Darling, Ph.D., and Stephanie Ann Griffith (Wright), D.O., were joined in a civil union on December 12, 2000 in Vermont. They honeymooned in Vermont and New York City, NY. Cait and Stephanie then married in Toronto, Canada on December 16, 2002 and enjoyed a second honeymoon in Niagara Falls, Canada.

In November 2004, the couple separated. Dr. Cait O'Darling's petition for divorce was heard on Monday, November 13, 2006.

The author of the original report says: “When I first met Cait I thought she was an attractive, boyish-looking man, and I was almost sure she was a man when she spoke in her deep baritone voice. Therefore, I'm not surprised the judge was confused about her gender when he asked Cait to clarify who "Stephanie" was in the proceedings. Cait responded, "I'm married to Stephanie," and that's all it took. Five minutes later, it was over. The Tulsa World published the GRANTED divorce on November 15, 2006.

FanFiction Review: Boot Hill By Cynical21 Reviewing a story written by the wonderful and prolific Connie Bailey, the Fanfic Author Laureate of the Dave Cullen Forum, aka forum member Lizardog, is like paying a visit to the home of a dear old friend.  One is able to relax and enjoy the experience and trust the hostess to lay on the hospitality, and THIS hostess never disappoints.  Boot Hill, Connie’s latest work in progress, is a treat for the senses and the intellect.  An alternative universe story, set against the vividly colorful background of the Old West, it pays homage to the memories of several much-loved older films like Shane and High Noon and The Quick and the Dead; yet it remains distinctly and uniquely the work of this much-loved author, filled with the characters from Annie Proulx’s wonderful original story, but in roles that are sometimes unexpected and always intriguing.  Ennis Del Mar is the widowed homesteader, attempting to raise his two daughters in the wake of the murder of his wife, Alma, at the hands of the ruthless and cruel Joe Aguirre and his gang, all in the employ of powerful and greedy rancher, L. D. Newsome, who is attempting to drive his neighbors off their lands in order to make room to expand his vast herds of cattle.  When the desperate homesteaders and townspeople hire themselves a professional gunman to defend against Boss Newsome’s raiders, he responds by bringing in a gunslinger of his own – the infamous Jack Twist – faster, more deadly, and compelled to do Newsome’s bidding in order to spare the life of his mother, who is being held hostage by the odious Aguirre.

The plot is complicated by an early encounter between Jack and Ennis, in which Jack endears himself to Ennis’ daughters and succeeds in seducing the lonely father.  Later, when he is revealed to be Newsome’s henchman, Ennis is overwhelmed with rage and a sense of betrayal – but there is, of course, more to the infamous gunslinger than Ennis knows, which he must learn as the story proceeds, while Jack is consumed with guilt and self-doubt, as indicated by his thoughts after he is injured by the treacherous actions of Aguirre.

"Sometimes he wondered if he belonged here at all, and sometimes he considered rectifying the mistake God had made in allowing him to be born. He was never able to turn the gun on himself though; he could only court oblivion by tempting others to kill him. And he’d damn near succeeded in seducing the Angel of Death this time. The thought brought no comfort."

Connie continues to captivate her audiences, both as a professional author and a frequent contributor to this forum.  The child of an Air Force family, she traveled extensively in her youth and has continued to do so in the company of her husband who is an aircraft designer and competition pilot.  An early love of reading was the inspiration for developing her own writing style and skills, and she produces a wealth of beautifully written, intricately plotted stories in a variety of fandoms.  Her many fans hope that her journey is only just begun.

Access this delightful story of Old West intrigue, or visit the author’s LJ.

Forum Footnotes Queer Quote of the Day: If homosexuality is a disease, let's all call in queer to work: "Hello. Can't work today, still queer." --  Robin Tyler, American lesbian activist. Obsessed? Duh! Once a Dave Cullen Forum member reaches 600 posts, they become 'Obsessed'. But compared to this James Bond fan we’re all just beginners. David Fearn has just changed his name to "James Dr. No From Russia With Love Goldfinger Thunderball You Only Live Twice On Her Majesty's Secret Service Diamonds Are Forever Live And Let Die The Man With The Golden Gun The Spy Who Loved Me Moonraker For Your Eyes Only Octopussy A View To A Kill The Living Daylights Licence To Kill Golden Eye Tomorrow Never Dies The World Is Not Enough Die Another Day Casino Royale Bond". Born on this day:                    1694  Voltaire - French philosopher                  1945  Goldie Hawn - actress     On this day in history:                        1877  Tom Edison announces the invention of the phonograph, for recording and playing sound.                      1977  1st flight of the Concorde (London to New York)

Photocap of the Day

Originally posted by RickB, submitted to Photocaption Classics by royandronnie

A typical summer's day up on Brokeback Mountain:

Ennis Del Mar strips naked for yet another bath, third one so far today.
Wonders if Jack will ever get the message.
 
Jack Twist nervously opens a can of beans, which he spills, having just gotten the message.

Calendar

Forum Events

25 Feb, '07 - Bay City, MI - Oscar Night
Screening of Brokeback Mountain
1-3 Dec - Ocean City, MD - A DC area Mini Slash
Bash; numbers limited due to space constraints.
5-7 Jan, '07 - San Francisco, CA -
The Solstice Bay Bash
If you have ideas about initiating a gathering go to
Start Your Own Threads and get the ball rolling
to plan a get-together near you.

Other Events


29 Nov - Boulder, CO - Annie Proulx Speaks
at the University of Colorado, Boulder

Let us know of any events you'd like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Elle (elle_ann) and Kathy (kmich) Assistant Editor:  Marcia (Marge_Innavera) Columnists:  cynical21, Connie Bailey, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, sparky Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy) and gnash Today's edition produced by Elle (elle_ann) email: elle@davecullen.com Today's edition formatted by gnash Contributors: RickB, royandronnie, jlm1 We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, press the "Notify" button at the top of the page. When a new TDS is posted, it will be forwarded to your email address. Previous issues of The Daily Sheet here. Response thread for The Daily Sheet here.

[kmich]

The Daily Sheet
November 22, 2006

World AIDS Day - 2006

by michaelflanagansf

Many of us who love Brokeback Mountain  can look back with fond memories to Westerns we watched on television as children.  The longest running Western (in fact the longest running television drama) was Gunsmoke  and one of the anchors of that show was Miss Kitty, played by Amanda Blake.  Amanda Blake was the first woman to be inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 1968.  In fact, she was the third performer to receive this honor (only Tom Mix and Gary Cooper preceded her).  In August 1989 she died from AIDS.

Sadly, it is not unusual for us to hear performers names among the 529,113 people who have died of the disease in the United States through 2004.  Dack Rambo who starred in Dallas, Guns of Will Sonnett  and Gunsmoke  died of the disease in 1994.  In the 80s and 90s people were often surprised to hear that a favorite actor or musician had died of the disease.  A list of famous people--both alive and dead--who have, or had, HIV and AIDS can be found here.

If the toll in the United States has been sad, the worldwide picture is grim.  It is estimated that around 37 million people are living in the world with HIV today.  Twenty-five million people have died of the disease since 1981.

December 1, 2006 (8 days before the anniversary of the release of Brokeback Mountain ) is World AIDS Day.  I encourage you to participate in worldwide events to remember those who we have lost and to help those still alive.  The World AIDS Campaign website  has a list of events.

There are two forum threads that you may want to visit related to HIV/AIDS.  For those dealing with HIV/AIDS issues in their life there is Living with HIV, caring for people with HIV .

And for those people who have lost friends and loved ones to AIDS there is Mourning Someone Who Has Died.


Rock Hudson DVD Collection Released



As a part of its "Screen Legend Collection", Universal Home Video has released a DVD containing five Rock Hudson movies, including Has Anybody Seen My Gal  (1952), The Golden Blade  (1953), The Last Sunset  (1961), The Spiral Road  (1962, and A Very Special Favor  (1965).  In the New York Times review of the collection, Dave Kehr notes that, "There are few better illustrations of that still useful distinction between actor and star than Hudson, who never claimed any particular acting talent and seldom strayed from the square-shouldered, straight-talking character he perfected in the early '50s."

Discussing Hudson's later films, in which he was often paired with Method actors, Kehr states that, "The mumbling interiority of the Method was the exact contradiction of Hudson's ramrod straight presentational style.  But instead of being blown off screen by the more modern technique of his cast mates, Hudson held his own with his reassuring squareness.  He became, in a way, the anti-Dean, the anti-Brando: a firm upholder of the old stand-and-deliver style, of even enunciation and immaculate appearance.  The contrast somehow made his star shine brighter."


Gay Marriages Performed Outside of Israel Must Be Recognized

In a 6 to 1 ruling, the Israel High Court of Justice has ruled that gay couples who wedded outside of Israel can be registered as married in that country's population registry.  Five gay couples who wed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada petitioned the Court.  A prominent member of the gay community in Israel, Itay Pinkas, who wed his partner in Canada stated, "This is an historical day for the [gay] community and for democracy.  This is our real pride parade.  We will keep battling for full equality in other areas."

Michelle in Where the Wild Things Are

Michelle Williams is lending her voice talents
to a movie version of the Maurice Sendak
classic children's book, Where the Wild
Things Are.  Directed by Spike Jonze and
reportedly featuring both live action and
computer-generated characters, the movie is
currently being filmed in Australia.  It is
scheduled for release in 2008.

Thanksgiving Recipes

Thursday is Thanksgiving Day in the United States

so it seemed only appropriate to provide a few recipes

from our Forum members - some more serious than others.

Hors d’ouevres from Laurentia at Recipe and Cook's Corner:

Herb-filled Portabella Caps

3 - 4 shallots, or 1 onion
1 - 2 cloves garlic
4 portabella mushrooms
about 4 tbsp chopped herbs; basil, thyme, etc
1/2 cup grated cheese
salt, pepper, and olive oil[/td][/tr][/table]

Take the stems (right word?) off the mushrooms.  Chop them and the shallots and garlic, then mix the chopped stuff with herbs, cheese, and pepper.  Put the mushroom caps, underside upwards, in an oven dish, sprinkle salt on them and put the filling on top.  They get quite a pile on them, but as the cheese melts, they'll flatten.  Sprinkle olive oil over them and bake in the oven, 225 C = 437 F, for about 15 minutes until nice and browned. 

Soup from Bobbie, also at Recipe and Cook's Corner :

I'm a big fan of Curry Pumpkin Soup, which is a dish I serve every American Thanksgiving with whole wheat biscuits and/or cornbread.  It's really easy. 

Curry Pumpkin Soup

Basically I cook pumpkin and butternut squash and mix it with chicken broth, sautéed onions and garlic, cooked carrots and, of course, curry, salt and pepper.  Once it's all mixed together, I either mash it together with a potato masher or run it in a blender/food processor.  If I'm going to make it country-style I serve it more chunky.  If I want to serve it more 'elegantly' I push the puree thru cheesecloth and serve it that way.  If either style is too thick, you can thin it down with broth.  I occasionally add a little milk or cream to either style to give it some richness but I don't use the milk/cream to thin it down.  It will just become too milky and you'll lose flavor.

I've sprinkled paprika on top to give it color.  This TG I'll put a little dollop of sour cream on each serving and sprinkle crushed pecans/walnuts on top to give it a little texture and crunch.  And, I might also add sherry to give it a little punch!

From BrokenOkie at Auntie's 24 hour Diner:

Evenin' Diners!  Thought I'd share this dee-double-licious turkey recipe with ya'll.  Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as a stuffing--imagine that.  When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who just are not sure how to tell when poultry is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out.  Give this a try.

10-12 lb. turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 bag stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is good)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (Orville Redenbacher's low fat)
Salt/pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Brush turkey well with melted butter, salt, and
pepper.  Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn.  Place in baking pan with the
neck end toward the back of the oven. Listen for the popping sounds.

When the turkey's ass blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room, it's done!


Forum Footnotes

Born on this day:

1940 - Terry Gilliam, American/British comedian
1943 - Billie Jean King, American tennis player and first openly lesbian coach of an Olympic team
1958 - Jamie Lee Curtis, American actress and Jake Gyllenhaal’s godmother


On this day in history:

1963 - U.S. President John F. Kennedy is assasinated in Dallas, Texas
1968 - The Beatles release the double album The Beatles, commonly known as The White Album.
1990 - Margaret Thatcher resigns as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.


Quote of the day:

Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.
 - James A. Baldwin


Photocap of the Day

posted by CANSTANDIT

 
BB: I think I'll head on over to Alma and Monroe's for Thanksgiving-at least when she blows a fuse in the kitchen, playing Queer Truth or Nasty Consequences, with Ennis del Mar-iachi's Takin Yer Place, it won't be because my Mama's hair sucks up more energy than my grandad walking across the living room....

Calendar

Forum Events

1-3 Dec - Ocean City, MD - A DC area Mini Slash
Bash; numbers limited due to space constraints.
5-7 Jan, '07 - San Francisco, CA -
The Solstice Bay Bash
25 Feb, '07 - Bay City, MI - Oscar Night
Screening of Brokeback Mountain
If you have ideas about initiating a gathering go to
Start Your Own Threads and get the ball rolling
to plan a get-together near you.

Other Events


29 Nov - Boulder, CO - Annie Proulx Speaks
at the University of Colorado, Boulder

Let us know of any events you'd like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Elle (elle_ann) and Kathy (kmich) Assistant Editor:  Marcia (Marge_Innavera) Columnists:  cynical21, Connie Bailey, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, sparky Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy) and gnash Today's edition produced by Kathy (kmich) email: kathy@davecullen.com Today's edition formatted by Gonzo (twistedboy) Contributors: CANSTANDIT, gnash, michaelflanagansf We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, press the "Notify" button at the top of the page. When a new TDS is posted, it will be forwarded to your email address. Previous issues of The Daily Sheet here. Response thread for The Daily Sheet here.

[elle_ann]

The Daily Sheet

23rd November 2006

Thanksgiving Day Special Edition

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

What I'm Thankful For: The Mods Speak Up

Dave Cullen -- At the risk of causing international gastric distress, I'm going to plunge straight into cornball territory and say I'm really thankful to have seen this forum blossom from nothing into something quite extraordinary this year. I know that's the obvious answer, and I normally shun this kind of thing, but in this case it's true. I never, ever would have imagined all this last Thanksgiving. I was just getting a whiff of what was to come by that time, but I had no idea what I was in for.   I also want to thank the dozens of mods, and the hundreds of volunteers who have taken on all sorts of different projects, either leading them or participating. And I especially want to thank my two closest advisors, Meli and Greg, who were there from the beginning and helped me create the forum and are still advising me today.

Fritzkep -- This is not new for those in the Diner or who were at the BBQ, but it's what I'm most thankful for now: Next to being thankful for the 28-year-long presence in my life of my partner Earl (Spruceman), I am most grateful to the three people here on the forum who helped me the most at the time that I felt the most down at the end of the BBQ: Brad (BradINBlue), Terry (twtplanner) and Jari (Boris). Thank you, all four of you. I love you all, my beautiful men.

killersmom -- I am very thankful for my two sons and their wives, who are my heart, and especially this year for my grandson! I am greatly thankful to Dave and DCF for making this one of the most unforgettable years of my life, and for all the truly wonderful people I have had the special privilege to meet and know!

jim … -- I'm thankful for my family, my closest friendships and to Dave for providing us all the opportunity to come together here and share.

CellarDweller115 -- What am I thankful for this Thanksgiving? I'm thankful for the love and support of my family.  Not always acknowledged, but always there. I'm thankful for my circle of friends, my "wolf pack" as I call them.  They were there in 1997 when I came out, and still there now. I'm thankful for the experiences I had because of the Dave Cullen Forum.  I have met many great people, and had a wonderful relationship. Because of all the above, my life is much better.

BrokenOkie -- I'm especially thankful this year for my Mom, all the wonderful people in the Ultimate Brokeback Forum family, and all the great times we've shared together. Happy Thanksgiving, Elle & all the TDS crew!  You each do a GREAT job!

Mary -- I am as always thankful for my family and health.  The older I get the more thankful I am for these things that in them earlier days I took for granted.  But this year I look back, I am incredibly grateful for the emotional journey I took with the help of Annie Proulx, Diana Ossana, Larry McMurtry, Ang Lee, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. I took that journey with many of the folks here and went from having my heart broken by two fictional characters to having it healed with the help of a bunch of wonderful real people via a virtual community right here and for that I am eternally grateful: to Dave Cullen, this forum, the other moderators and the members – thanks.

ImJackShesEnnis -- I thought about the thanksgiving scenes in BBM and how dysfunctional they are - awkwardly uncomfortable at Alma & Monroe's and hostile and seething in the Twist household.  Boy, am I glad for my family.  At least we're normal! Okay, so we've got four kids and two moms and a flatulent dog and two psycho kittens...you know, normal! But seriously, this year will be very special for me because I have Carol here with me.  We're together for the first time in six years.  We didn't meet via the forum or because of the movie.  We had been struggling for over five years as to what to do with our relationship.  BBM gave us the nudge we needed to make the decision.  DCF supported us and our relationship as we decided to have our "sweet life" together and have our "sweater cows & fat calves" operation. (it's what we've jokingly called it since we saw the movie. It's been an amazing 11 months of getting to know so many of you via the forum and meeting some of you in person at the get-togethers.  What a culmination of this year to have the opportunity to be so thankful for so many of the gifts we have been given.  I count myself amongst the truly blessed - even with the straggling threads of negativity and badness still happening in my Real Life, I am truly thankful for the many gifts I have been given this year.

Carissa -- This year I am thankful for the love and support of my friends and family.  I'm thankful to BBM for showing us to seize love when it presents itself. michaelflanagansf -- This year I'm thankful for the intelligent friends that I've found here. Every day when I log on and see the conversations going on in the various book threads I marvel at the depth of analysis and thoughtfulness of the participants. I'm thankful for the compassionate, welcoming and friendly people that I've met through this site. The people who have invited me into their homes and have been invited into my home, and the people who have been my hosts at various gatherings I've attended - whether one-on-one or in groups.  I'm thankful for the joy, laughter and tears we've shared.  I'm thankful for the younger members who show me that compassion has no age and the older members who show me that you do not need to burn out or fade away - you can remain engaged and vital.  And I'm thankful that people regardless of their gender or orientation have taken this movie into their hearts and formed a community online. As always I'm thankful for art in its many forms - the written word, music and film - and hope to never forget that it was art that brought us together here. Finally I'm thankful that on the northern border of the United States there is a glorious and free country that gives sanctuary to LGBT refugees, allows them to serve in their armed forces, and recognizes their marriages - Vive le Canada!

TDS's Turn: Elle and Kathy -- We're so grateful for our loyal readers, who inspire us daily. For Jan and Ellen, who held our hands, nurtured us, kicked our butts and who continue to provide support. For the incomparable DCF - the 'Ultimate Brokeback' Forum, where we can share our love of all things Brokeback. For Dave Cullen, without whom there would be no Forum. For those readers who send us story leads, especially BayCityJohn, Lyle(Mooska), michealflanagansf, and royandronnie. For our columnists michaelflanagansf, Sparky, Jim Bond of Finding Brokeback, and Cynical21, and their unfailing commitment to their readership. For Gonzo and gnash, who take our words and pictures and magically transform them into something special, day after day.   And last but not least: for Jack and Ennis whose story changed our world, and for Jake and Heath, who brought that story to life. From our hearts -- thank you.

 


Ennis, Alma and Monroe Thanksgiving Scene : Version Two

You have to admit it, Ang Lee's version of Thanksgiving with Alma, Monroe, Ennis and the girls was just a disaster. I mean, Ennis ends up lying in the road - bleeding! - the girls and Monroe are confused, Alma calls our beloved Jack 'Jack Nasty'? What kind of holiday cheer is that? Thankfully, help is at hand -- gnash took over and repaired the scene.  A brief extract below, just to whet your appetite...

INT: RIVERTON, WYOMING: MONROE HOUSEHOLD: THANKSGIVING NIGHT: DINING ROOM: 1977: ALMA Twarn't? What the hell does "twarn't" mean? ENNIS  Whut? MONROE  Twarn't. It's like, "twasn't." ALMA (red faced, to Monroe) Oh, shut up, you. (to Ennis) And what did you mean by that "wings" comment, Ennis? >ENNIS, with both hands, pulls his ears out and sticks his tongue out at Alma. ENNIS  They didn't get them wings from me. >the girls giggle, Alma is fuming, Monroe is preoccupied ... Click for the full version!

Thanksgiving Photocap Specials

From royandronnie

In honor of what I'm most thankful for this Thanksgiving:

Now let us all thank the Divinity
That put Heath and Jake in the vicinity
When Ang Lee was questin’
For the stars of his Western
‘Bout two icons of gay masculinity.

Thank God For Brokeback Mountain

Cops Love Brokeback Mountain Too!

Vermont John posted this story soon after he got his BBM bumper stickers ...

So there I was going about 70-75 on a 50 mph highway and heading north. Rounding a bend....and there just up ahead....oh no!....a Vermont State police car sitting in a small dirt driveway to a field. There I go at 75 mph past him. I really didn't want to look in my rear-view mirror because I knew what I was going to see but I did and, as expected, here he comes, gaining fast. I just pulled over and waited. No sense in keeping going because I knew he was coming after me and I was, in fact, speeding....a lot.  It only took seconds and he was behind me with lights flashing. I see him get out of the car and he does not look very friendly. He walks up to the car and asks for my license, registration and insurance card. He says he clocked me at 74mph. He tells me to wait in the car and goes back to his car. I see him on the radio calling in my info for a check. A minute or two pass and I see him getting out of his car. That was way too fast for him to have written a ticket.  I am thinking that it looks like in about 1 minute I am going to be in handcuffs and getting a free ride. Mr Trooper walks up to my window and says "I see you are a Brokeback Mountain Fan." (Obviously referring to my bumper stickers.) So I am thinking: "Oh no, I'm screwed,"  but I say: "Yes sir, best movie I ever saw." There was a minute pause that seemed like hours to me ... Mr Trooper then says: " My wife and I and our two kids saw it twice....best movie WE ever saw." (He emphasized the WE.) "Here's your documents back....slow down and have a nice day." He abruptly turned and was back in his car before my by-then numbed-out brain could think of a response.  The State police car pulled around me and was gone over the hill and into the horizon while I sat there on the side of the road thinking ..."what the hell just happened here?"  LOL! There wasn't much of a conversation between the trooper and myself on that roadside, but what little was said, spoke volumes. I never did get a chance to thank him but I will say "Thank God for Brokeback Mountain and God bless Vermont!."

Thanksgiving Photocap Specials

From RickB

Am I just an over-the-hill blowhard?
Is there more to life than being the stud duck?
Have I been wrong about Rodeo?
Is it possible,
that the only turkey here.......is me?

When It All Goes Wrong: Surviving Holiday Hell

From Thanksgiving through Christmas, the rallying cry is "home for the holidays." As relatives gather, we expect these celebrations to be full of perfect familial love and harmony. Alas, ties may be tightest at this season, but so are tensions. Why do things go so wrong sometimes?  We want the occasions to be "perfect" and we want all our dreams -- of connection, harmony, joy and bliss -- to come true.

Holidays activate everyone's longings for visibility, for recognition, for admiration, for love. At the same time, they stir old fears -- of not being nurtured, of being humiliated in the eyes of others, especially brothers and sisters, of not being appreciated. It's almost inevitable that the wrappings will come off family feelings. Thanksgiving sets in motion the longing for family ties that were knotted, or supposed to be knotted, in childhood.

Hara Estroff Marano, writing for Psychology Today, explores the difficulties inherent in end-of-year, emotionally charged family celebrations and offers a load of good advice for dealing with them.




Photocap Series of the Day

Posted by gnash

G I V I N G    T H A N K S



jack: i'm thankful they opened this bar at 8:30am!!




zee basque: i'm thankful for them new zoop boxes -- they easy to pack!




john twist: hell i ain't thankful for a damn thing.. :::spits:::




mrs. twist (under her breath): you best be thankful i didn't poison your coffee... old fool.




joe aguirre: three words: high. powered. binoculars.




jack: what you thankful for, en?

ennis: me? oh, i dunno... guess i'm thankful for pears.

jack: pears?

ennis: yup... like you and me... ain't we a pear?

Calendar

Forum Events

1-3 Dec - Ocean City, MD - A DC area Mini Slash
Bash; numbers limited due to space constraints.
5-7 Jan, '07 - San Francisco, CA -
The Solstice Bay Bash
25 Feb, '07 - Bay City, MI - Oscar Night
Screening of Brokeback Mountain
If you have ideas about initiating a gathering go to
Start Your Own Threads and get the ball rolling
to plan a get-together near you.

Other Events


29 Nov - Boulder, CO - Annie Proulx Speaks
at the University of Colorado, Boulder

Let us know of any events you'd like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Elle (elle_ann) and Kathy (kmich) Assistant Editor:  Marcia (Marge_Innavera) Columnists:  cynical21, Connie Bailey, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, sparky Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy) and gnash Today's edition produced by Elle (elle_ann) email: elle@davecullen.com Today's edition formatted and proofed by gnash Contributors: Dave Cullen, fritzkep, killersmom, ImEnnisShesJack, Carissa, michaelflanagansf, jim ..., CellarDweller115, BrokenOkie, mary, royandronnie, gnash, RickB, Vermont John We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, press the "Notify" button at the top of the page. When a new TDS is posted, it will be forwarded to your email address. Previous issues of The Daily Sheet here. Response thread for The Daily Sheet here.

[elle_ann]

The Daily Sheet
November 24, 2006

Today's edition produced by Marge_Innavera.

Holiday Shopping Starts!

December is almost here, and Thanksgiving is the traditional start of Christmas shopping in the USA although many smart shoppers start much earlier. This year, there should be no shortage of choices for the Brokie on your list – or even when looking for a gift for yourself!  The  Ultimate Brokeback Store is a great place to start. Did you know the Store carries items like these?

All of the above are available as hats, shirts, bags, magnets and mugs and there’s even a “Jack Nasty Loves You” teddy bear. 

When you visit Amazon.com via our store pages, the forum will get a 7% commission, so click on the links, and do your holiday shopping the easy way! Brokeback Mountain is available on DVD in either Full Screen, Wide Screen or both! You can also find the original short story, the screenplay or the Story to Screenplay combination here and your favorite Brokie can listen to the audio version read by Campbell Scott. Whether your favorite is Jake or Heath, the store has your pick of all their films.  Put Casanova, Monster’s Ball, Lords of Dogtown  or Ned Kelly in Santa’s pack for Heath fans, or for a Gyllenhaalic choose Donny Darko, Jarhead, The Day After Tomorrow, Proof  and more.

There is a wide selection of forum favorites and GLBT-themed films including Maurice, Aeon Flux, Nine Lives, Girl Play, Tipping the Velvet, Capote and Torch Song Triology as well as the first two seasons of Queer As Folk. Read an account of The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina by Frank Rich, or buy the Book Club’s November selection Jesus Son by Denis Johnson.  A cross-section of forum members’ favorites listed includes In Cold Blood, The Time Traveler’s Wife, Arkansas, The Front Runner, The Gay Face of God and others.  Three books about Heath Ledger are available as well as an extensive collection of Annie Proulx’ and Larry McMurtry’s writing.  For music lovers, the original Brokeback Mountain soundtrack and the Global Stage Orchestra version are featured.

Some forum members have opted for one-of-a-kind gifts. royandronnie recently shared a picture of some beautiful, custom-made jewelery.



Wal-Mart Boycott Called Off

The Daily Sheet reported on November 15th that the right-wing American Family Association (AFA) was trying to organize a boycott of Wal-Mart stores on the weekend following Thanksgiving, generally the year’s busiest shopping days in the US.  Their many complaints included the store’s membership in the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and its $60,000 donation to the Out and Equal organization.  The boycott was called off the day before Thanksgiving, after Wal-Mart issued a statement stating that it... “will not make corporate contributions to support or oppose highly controversial issues unless they directly relate to our ability to serve our customers.”

Mona Williams, Wal-Mart’s vice president of communications, said that they would “continue working with the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and other gay-rights groups on specific issues such as workplace equality.”  Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce president Justin Nelson said on Tuesday that the boycott’s campaign had “...not been to educate, but to mislead.”

The AFA’s mass mailings about the boycott indicated they were still miffed at Wal-Mart’s promotion of the store’s promotion of the Brokeback DVD.  "Patti Cake," an outspoken blogger in South Carolina who received the AFA’s letter dated November 20th, was not happy about it and published it on her blog. Part of it said: “Last March, Wal-Mart chose to promote the Brokeback Mountain video over a top-selling family-oriented film. . . . A large display greeted customers when they walked through the front doors of the store. Brokeback Mountain was released the same day as best selling pro-family movie, The Chronicles of Narnia which Wal-Mart did not promote.”

Same-Sex Penguin Book Ruffles Feathers

A group of parents in Shiloh, Illinois has been trying to restrict library access to  And Tango Makes Three , an illustrated children’s book based on two male penguins in New York’s Central Park Zoo who raised a penguin chick together.  One of the parents, Lilly Del Pinto, started reading the book to her five-year-old daughter but ended the story when “the zookeeper said the two penguins must be in love.”

School district Superintendent Jennifer Filyaw is opposed to a suggestion that the book be moved to a library section where children would need parental permission to check it out.  She considers the book age-appropriate and stated that “a library is to serve an entire population. . . . it means you represent different families in a society - different religions, different beliefs.”  The district’s attorney gave an opinion that moving the book might constitute censorship. 

"I wasn't armed with pitchforks or anything. I innocently was seeking answers," Del Pinto said, agreeing with Filyaw's belief that pulling the book from the shelves could constitute censorship.

Last March, parents in Savannah, Missouri also discussed the book’s availability with the librarians at the Rolling Hills' Consolidated Library.  Director Barbara Read had consulted the zoos at Kansas City and Omaha as well as the zoology department at the University of Oklahoma and had been told that penguins do often adopt chicks.  On that basis, she moved the book to the nonfiction section.

Read the complete story here.




Echoes of Duality: Ted Haggard meets Brokeback Mountain

In yet another commentary about the outing and resignation of anti-gay evangelical leader Ted Haggard, Ellen Goodman, Pulitzer-Prize winning columnist for the Boston Globe, saw a parallel with the conflicting interpretations of Brokeback Mountain earlier this year. "On the one hand there were congregants, fellow ministers and letters-to-the-editor writers who heard a man wrestling with real demons. Their sympathy was for a sinner. On the other hand there were people who heard a man wounded by the culture of demonization. Their sympathy was for a man primed for repression and deception by the teaching of homosexuality as a sin."

"More gays, more friends, families, co-workers have           come to believe that gayness is not a choice, let alone a sin.”

Goodman then pointed out that “we’ve heard echoes of this duality before. When Brokeback Mountain was presented as the ultimate gay cowboy story, the religious right found its own moral message in the movie: Look at the damage done by the evil of homosexuality. But other moviegoers saw the culprit of the tragedy in the repressive atmosphere that hung over these two men and the landscape.”

This might be a reflection of attitudes about homosexuality still being in the process of radical change.  “Thirty years ago,” Goodman reported, “only 13 percent of Americans thought homosexuality was inborn while 56 percent thought it came from the way people were raised. This year, for the first time, more Americans believe that homosexuality is inborn (42 percent) than due to upbringing (37 percent). More gays, more friends, families, co-workers have come to believe that gayness is not a choice, let alone a sin.”

A Special Tribute November 24, 1991 - Freddie Mercury, lead singer for Queen, died of complications from AIDS. It was only the day before that he acknowledged that he had the disease. He left most of his estate to a former girlfriend, Mary Austen, who cared for him during his final months. Those wishing to post a tribute to Freddie today can go to memorial web pages here or here.

Forum Footnotes

Born on this day:

1868 -- Scott Joplin, ragtime composer, often called the “King of Ragtime” 1888 -- Dale Carnegie, author of self-help books 1925 -- William F. Buckley, Jr., conservative journalist and columnist 1978 -- Katherine Heigl actress (Roswell, Gray’s Anatomy)

On this day in history:

1859 – Charles Darwin’s Origin of Species published, introduces the evolution theory 1922 – Robert Erskine Childers, Irish author and nationalist, executed by firing squad 1933 - A law passed in Germany to allow surgical castrations as a crime prevention measure and a therapeutic treatment for homosexuality. 1963 – Jack Ruby fatally shoots accused John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald

Quote of the day:

The world doesn’t honor our ambitions. It honors our ambitions that are realized. -- Rev. Kennedy Shultz

Photo Caption of the Day

Vic posted in Photo Captioning Fun:

Jack, singing to himself, looking at Ennis He's So Fine by The Chiffons Doo lang doo lang doo lang He's so fine Wish he were mine That handsome boy over there The one with the wavy hair I don't know how I'm gonna do it But I'm gonna make him mine Be the envy of all the girls It's just a matter of time He's a soft-spoken guy Also seems kind of shy Makes me wonder if I Should even give him a try But then again he can't shy He can't shy away forever And I'm Gonna make him mine If it takes me forever He's so fine (oh yeah) Gotta be mine (oh yeah) Sooner or later (oh yeah) I hope it's not later (oh yeah) We've got to get together (oh yeah) The sooner the better I just can't wait I just can't wait To be held in his arms If I were a Queen And he asked me to leave my throne I'd do anything that he asked Anything to make him my own For he's so fine So fine So fine fades.....

Ennis & Jack's Laugh-In You bet your sweet bippy! Click to see Lyle's hilarious, touching and tender episodes of Ennis & Jack's LAUGH-IN -- featuring Mr. Ed, Fayette, the 10 people in Riverton, Lureen's cooking, and much more...

Calendar

Forum Events

1-3 Dec - Ocean City, MD - A DC area Mini Slash
Bash; numbers limited due to space constraints.
5-7 Jan, '07 - San Francisco, CA -
The Solstice Bay Bash
25 Feb, '07 - Bay City, MI - Oscar Night
Screening of Brokeback Mountain
If you have ideas about initiating a gathering go to
Start Your Own Threads and get the ball rolling
to plan a get-together near you.

Other Events


29 Nov - Boulder, CO - Annie Proulx Speaks
at the University of Colorado, Boulder

Let us know of any events you'd like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Elle (elle_ann) and Kathy (kmich) Assistant Editor:  Marcia (Marge_Innavera) Columnists:  cynical21, Connie Bailey, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, sparky Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy) and gnash Today's edition produced by Marge_Innavera and Elle elle@davecullen.com Today's edition formatted by gnash Contributors: Vic, Lyle, kmich, royandronnie. We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, press the "Notify" button at the top of the page. When a new TDS is posted, it will be forwarded to your email address. Previous issues of The Daily Sheet here. Response thread for The Daily Sheet here.

[kmich]

The Daily Sheet
Weekend Edition
November 25-26, 2006

Member Profile: bbmbliss

bbmbliss told us the following about herself:

I live in the middle of England, not too far from Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, with my husband and our two little boys who are 6 and 2¾ (the ¾ is very important when you’re 2).  I am a full-time mother which sadly involves rather more housework than I'd like, but as compensation I am able to spend my days with my lovely children.

As a young girl I lived in Japan and Trinidad, but since the age of eight I have lived in the UK.  I grew up in a small town about 30 miles outside London with my parents and younger sister.  I went to university in Scotland, where I met my Scottish husband-to-eventually-be, but we came back to London to work and have been in England ever since.

My main preoccupations outside motherhood are music, books, and my friends.

Music really is a soundtrack to my life - I am either listening to music or singing all the time, and I sing in a choir.  I like pretty much all genres, but I struggle with improv jazz and the heavier end of the metal spectrum.

I love reading as well - all sorts of books, fiction and non-fiction.  My favorite author is E.M. Forster but my all-time favorite book (well, books really) is The Lord of the Rings.  I didn't read it for the first time until I was 30 and I have been trying to make up for it ever since.

As for my friends, well, I love them too.  I have a natural tendency to chat on endlessly and they are kind enough to indulge me.  (My husband refers to this as me "wittering on"!!)

Pre-children I was a really keen moviegoer.  Now I am relegated to the ranks of a DVD watcher with a foray to the big screen once or maybe twice a year.  I have many reasons to be thankful that the film I randomly chose to see in February was BBM.

Profile Questions:

01. Currently listening to?  Today - Snow Patrol Eyes Open, the soundtrack to Moulin Rouge  and Evanescence Fallen.

02.  Currently reading?  I'm re-reading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall  by Anne Bronte - my very favorite book by the Brontes.
 
03.  Biggest challenge?  To stop talking long enough to actually do something.

04.  Your perfect day?  My perfect day would be one where my Dad could meet my children.  He never did because he died two weeks before the first one was born.

Oh, and I wouldn't say no to a substantial quantity of Haagen-Dazs Belgian Chocolate ice cream.
 
05.  What's your indulgence?  Books are a perennial indulgence.  Traveling to meet up with friends from this forum is a more recently acquired one.

06.  What's your inspiration?  I am greatly inspired by people who have the courage to stand up for what they believe is right, people who do the right thing and not just the easy thing - whether it be politically or personally.

07. Last major purchase?  My plane ticket to Texas.

08.  First job?   As a child in the chorus of a 6-week production of the pantomime Cinderella --my first and last paid role as a performer! 

09.  What do you know for sure?  That life is too short to let opportunity pass you by.

10.  Favorite Movie?  BBM, with A Room With A View  in the runner-up spot.

11.  If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?  "Hello Sarah. Come on in."

12.  What brought you to the Forum?  After watching BBM  in the cinema, I couldn't sleep for trying to understand what had really happened, so I got out of bed, googled, and ended up here.

13.  Your favorite threads?  Auntie's 24 hour diner and How Brokeback affected me, but I regularly lurk in many places around the forum.

14.  How many times have you watched BBM ?  6 times on the big screen, and 4 times on DVD.

15. Your favorite BBM  scene?  I have two favorites.  The Reunion had the biggest impact on me the first time I saw BBM  and still knocks me backwards, and the SNIT is the sweetest truest scene I have ever seen on screen.


James Schamus Interview




An interesting interview with Brokeback Mountain  producer and Focus Feature's CEO
James Schamus can be found at "The Envelope", the Los Angeles Times's  film
awards site.  Schamus discusses the rigors of the awards season and the difference
between his company's approach to the awards this year as opposed to last year,
when Brokeback  was in the running.


New Rule on Signature Banners

From Melisande:

"Keep signature banners appropriately sized.  Oversized banners, in pixel size or in image size, quickly graduate to being obnoxious, particularly for users who have lower resolution screens.  Please keep your banners to a maximum of 50 pixels by 600, and no larger than 40 KB in size." 

A handy reference guide has been posted in the FAQs.  The image below shows the maximum size of a signature banner:
 

DVD Project Update

NWWaguy emailed the following update on the results of the DVD campaign in his area of Washington state:

"I thought you'd like to know that our DVD campaign has had some good results.

Here in Whatcom County (pop. under 100,000) there are still (after all this time!) some 28 people waiting to see Brokeback Mountain !! 

When you consider that way back in April I donated 10 copies (one for each library and one for the bookmobile), it's pretty clear there was a need for our donations, eh?

I sincerely hope the results are equivalent in all the other libraries that benefited from our work."







Bid 2 Beat AIDS Memorabilia Auction




LIFEbeat, the music industry's AIDS fundraising and service charity, is sponsoring an entertainment memorabilia auction on eBay. The auction begins at noon EST on December 1, 2006 (World AIDS Day), with proceeds going to LIFEbeat.  Hundreds of items will be going up for bidding and will be added over a period of two days, with each auction lasting ten days.  Numerous celebrities, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Madonna, Rufus Wainwright, and Jimmy Carter have donated items to the auction.


Heath Off of Dirt Music

According to Moviehole, Heath is officially off of the
forthcoming movie adaptation of Tim Winton's book
Dirt Music.  His role as the Joker in the upcoming
Batman  movie reportedly conflicts.

Anne Hathaway in Get Smart  Remake

Anne Hathaway has signed on to star with Steve Carrell in a
big screen version of  the 1960s television show Get Smart.
Hathaway will play the Agent 99 role originated by Barbara Feldon.
It is currently scheduled for release in 2008.

Brokeback Mountain in High Demand in Myanmar

An article in the International Herald Tribune, provides an interesting insight into the far-reaching effects of Brokeback Mountain.  The closed and repressed society of Myanmar, formerly Burma, is ruled by a military junta that regards the United States as a prime enemy.  Despite this fact, the American Center, a library and gathering place run by the American Embassy, is allowed to operate in Yangon, Myanmar.  A bulletin board at the Center where patrons post requests for books, magazines, and DVDs, reveal a population interested in the latest pop culture offerings from the U.S.  Among the top requested items are the Brokeback Mountain  DVD.  In fact, when the Center screened Brokeback Mountain  in its auditorium, attendance exceeded that of all other movies shown there so far in 2006.

Forum Footnotes




Just a reminder that Brokeback Mountain  begins its run on HBO this Sunday
at 7:30 pm.  For a complete schedule of BBM showings on HBO, click here.


Born on November 25th:
 
1956 - David B. Feinberg, Gay author of powerful novels about AIDS (d. 1994)
1915 - Augusto Pinochet, Chilean dictator

Born on November 26th:
 
1909 - Eugène Ionesco, French playwright (d. 1994)
1939 - Tina Turner, American singer and actress

On November 25th in history:
 
1947 - Red Scare: The "Hollywood Ten" are blacklisted by Hollywood movie studios.
1984 - 36 top musicians gather in a Notting Hill studio and record Band Aid's “Do They Know It's Christmas” in order to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia.

On November 26th in history:
 
1941 - US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signs a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the United States.
1986 – The New Yorker publishes Susan Sontag's AIDS short story, "The Way We Live Now"

Quote of the weekend:

I will go to my grave in a state of abject endless fascination that we all have the capacity to become emotionally involved with a personality that doesn't exist.
 - Berkeley Breathed

Photocap of the Day

posted by BRAD1963

BROKEBACK IDOL

Randy:  "Dog...you really have the audience going...with just a mic and a song it really came through for me."

Paula:  "Ennis,  I love how you are just who you are.  There is no fakeness about you...it is about you and what comes from your heart."

Simon:  "Ennis, your performance is brooding and sour and will appeal to those who enjoy reading Sylvia Plath."

Calendar

Forum Events

1-3 Dec - Ocean City, MD - A DC area Mini Slash
Bash; numbers limited due to space constraints.
5-7 Jan, '07 - San Francisco, CA -
The Solstice Bay Bash
25 Feb, '07 - Bay City, MI - Oscar Night
Screening of Brokeback Mountain
If you have ideas about initiating a gathering go to
Start Your Own Threads and get the ball rolling
to plan a get-together near you.

Other Events


29 Nov - Boulder, CO - Annie Proulx Speaks
at the University of Colorado, Boulder

Let us know of any events you'd like listed here.

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Elle (elle_ann) and Kathy (kmich) Assistant Editor:  Marcia (Marge_Innavera) Columnists:  cynical21, Connie Bailey, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, sparky Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy) and gnash Today's edition produced by Kathy (kmich) email: kathy@davecullen.com Today's edition formatted and proofed by Gonzo (twistedboy) Contributors: bbmbliss, BRAD1963, Melisande, NWWaguy, royandronnie We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, press the "Notify" button at the top of the page. When a new TDS is posted, it will be forwarded to your email address. Previous issues of The Daily Sheet here. Response thread for The Daily Sheet here.

[Melisande]

peteinportland is no longer a member of the administrative team at the forum. He is not a moderator and has no responsibility of any nature.

[Dave Cullen]

Dear Members,

I have difficult news to report.  Several weeks back, a number of members approached me with concerns about unpaid personal loans they made to one of our members, along with reimbursements for certain forum expenses that were in arrears, and that were the responsibility of the same member.  We looked into that matter and also did a small random check to ensure that libraries had received the DVDs from our campaign, and discovered that three had not.

The good news is that our other major campaigns, such as the Variety ad and the follow-up ads on Slate and other sites are unaffected. I wrote the checks for those personally, and of course we all saw the ads run. And we paid the money promised for the Texas BBQ. The BBM book project is also proceeding as planned, with Lydia pulling everything together. I am going to advance the forum the money for the printing and other up-front costs for the book, which we will hopefully recoup from sales.

I have consulted with senior members of the team, lawyers, accountants and federal and local law enforcement authorities about how to deal with both the past situation and proceed going forward. Of course we expelled the member whose actions are in question, changed all passwords and cut off access to remaining funds immediately once we suspected a problem. We are drafting a letter outlining what we know and addressing it to the FBI regional office, the U.S. Attorney and the local police department in the relevant city. One of our members who many of you know, Glenn (BrokenOkie), is a professional accountant and volunteered to help unravel what has happened, and has been working on it. Unfortunately, the member who was entrusted with making the purchases has custody of the records, the absence of which makes a precise audit difficult. We will be sharing with you what we have found once we can piece it together.

Moving forward, Glenn has graciously volunteered to post financial statements so that the entire community can better understand the accounting of funds and expenses related to the forum. We are implementing several new financial controls and new record-keeping, so that we can do a much better accounting going forward. There's only so much we can do about the past, but we will do things differently in the future.

In retrospect, I wish I had set up more controls earlier. The truth was, we never envisioned much of anything to control. I've had the blog for years and got an occasional donation here or there to help keep it running, and I started google ads about a year back, but the money was insignificant. When we started the forum, we had to move to a new hosting company and members donated to help--typically $10 to $20. It was all very low-budget and I just paid expenses out of my bank account, kept track of them and hoped to break even by the end of it.

That all changed very suddenly on Oscar night, when the idea for the ad started, and people wanted to donate a lot more for it. I was extremely hesitant about accepting large sums of money, but we had a brief window of opportunity, and it seemed like the right thing to do. We set up a paypal account and insisted that all donations go through there--(with a very few exceptions made for really insistent members)--and gave three administrators access to monitor it, and I insisted they do so. (Also, paypal keeps a record of every transaction, so it can always be inspected retroactively.)

Up to that point, everything is fine. But you guys were so generous that we raised more than the ad cost, and then came excitement about doing additional projects. The site and our group efforts grew at break-neck pace, as a few hundred of you volunteered on time-consuming projects despite your busy jobs and lives. I got caught up in the idea of doing some wonderful things (none for profit). I wanted to help make it happen, but there was no way I could write my book and handle that, so I delegated most of the responsibility and trusted too much. I regret that deeply, and I apologize. I regret that I did not take the time to step back and set up some financial controls and to insist that receipts be sent to me on a timely basis, etc. I wish we had recruited an accountant to review everything on a regular basis.

We are in the process of doing that now, for the future. For the time being, I am curtailing any new projects, except for the forum's book publication which is almost complete, and on which so many members have worked so hard. I will be the only person authorized to dispense forum funds, including the prepayment of the expenses to print and distribute the book. Glen will monitor all that activity and will post simple financial statements on it each month.

We will use proceeds from the forum book in the following manner:

1.       Recoup book costs.

2.       Help to pay ongoing expenses of running the forum, which are fairly small.

3.       Fund any future forum campaigns or activities, to be decided in conjunction with the membership and the management of the forum, if the forum decides to do more of them in the future. (These could also include forum gatherings.)

4.       Excess funds will be donated to charity(s), to be decided in conjunction with the membership and the management of the forum.

Anyone who donated to the DVD campaign who would like that money returned, just notify me and we'll refund it, no questions asked.

I also regret that it has taken some weeks to bring this your attention. When I confronted the member with what I found, he repeatedly threatened legal action against me and others involved in the forum and other people in my life. Obviously, those threats required that I consult with attorneys and other professionals to establish a factual record on which we could proceed. We have consulted a great deal with attorneys, accountants and law enforcement personnel, as well as senior administrators of the site, all of whom were working on a volunteer basis. I want to publicly thank them all for the time and energy they have committed to help us sort this out. This situation struck us completely by surprise, and most of us were new to situations like this. Trying to work around our jobs really slows things down--and soliciting help from members who are experts in their field and also volunteering their time makes it harder. And I will also tell you quite frankly that I have been the bottleneck sometimes. I am under tremendous pressure to complete my own book, and this situation arose at a particularly awful time for me--right in the midst of a new rash of school shootings. I have been trying to get the best advice from a lot of experts and sort through that and work with the team to come up with an approach--both to talking about the past and addressing the future--and tell you as much as possible within very difficult legal constraints. Anyone who has worked with me knows that I am very averse to do anything rash. I like to contemplate before I act. So I have.

I also want to tell you quite bluntly that this situation really shook me up. I can only guess that you're feeling a similar response right now. Most of us on the team who were brought in to discuss this were in disbelief at first. It took us awhile to digest it and to realize that we had the misfortune to entrust responsibilities to one extremely rotten apple. But we have had time to look past the one individual and reconsider all the wonderful people who have contributed to the success of this community. Overall, I'm glad for what we've done here. I'm proud that the Variety ad ran and that the follow-up ads spread that word further, and that we have found each other and built this community, and that we have a great book close to reality. I am hopeful that we can find a level of financial control that allows us to move forward with comfort as a community ready to do great things.

Thanks, Dave

[Dave Cullen]

We have set this thread up to allow people to discuss, vent, pose questions, etc. about my previous message here:

http://davecullen.com/forum/index.php?topic=18173.0

Please read the first post carefully to be aware of ground rules for that discussion and some words about the limitations on what we can say. Thanks.