The Daily Sheet Oct 16 to Oct 22, 2006

[Ellen (tellyouwhat)]

The Daily Sheet
October 16, 2006

Thread of the Day:  Jake's Eyelashes
 

Resume of a 'Lasher: Eyelashers are:  Committed.  Devoted.  Resourceful.  Creative.  Sincere.  Loving.  Witty.  Charming. Education:  Masters in Jake studies, from the University of the Cineplex.  Major:  Jake Gyllenhaal filmography.  Minor:  Technology of Posting Pics on the web. Experience:  Hours of devotion and adoration logged at the computer. References:  Available upon request, if Jake asks for them.

Post of the Day:  Jake's Eyelashes

While it is possible to gush about Jake all day long, sometimes words fail us and we just have to look at a picture.  Well, let’s face it, whether or not words fail us, we have to look at a picture.  Here is one which perfectly illustrates the title of our featured thread, posted by lovelyamazing:

Yes --- it's all about Jake and of course his Eyelashes ... and his eyebrows and .. uh well .. his hair…

(Photo cropped for demonstration purposes.  For Jake's Smile, click here..)

Poetry In the Flesh

Here is what Bobbie posted after attending a poetry reading by Jake’s dad, screenwriter and award-winning director Stephen Gyllenhaal.

“His poetry and the experience of sitting among dozens of Gyllenhaals/Foners was pretty intense, personal, passionate and very centering for me.  He started off by thanking various folks in the audience and choked up when he thanked Jake, Maggie and Peter.  He also got a little choked up after reading the only sonnet he'd written, which he said afterwards was about ‘My Son.’” Click here to read Bobbie’s entire post.

Stephen Gyllenhaal’s book is titled Claptrap: Notes from Hollywood; poems of love, work, family and modern life.

Click to find out more about Stephen Gyllenhaal and to buy his book, which is not available at present on Amazon.



Jake Photogallery of the Day

There are lots of great Jake photogalleries on the Eyelashes thread, but one of my favorites is lovelyamazing’s 1000th post. Here is an excerpt of what she wrote, and just a few of the pictures she posted:

"...A google search on Gyllendaddy's poetry the day after his first reading led me to Bobbie's post (quoted above in TDS.)  I had visited the forum earlier and liked it, but never thought of myself as participating --- guess I was shy or something..... but how mistaken I was… I registered after reading her post and lurked till I made my first furtive post… So for you Bobbie very specially --- Gyllendaddy's most delightful and inspiring poem, one that will reveal a new meaning every time you read it."

A divine poetic work to read and enjoy and love, to laugh and cry over, to dream and wonder and ponder and sometimes even worry about. A poem that will be within and without us always, one that is timeless, which we will never tire of but always turn to for inspiration.... a poem entitled Jake Gyllenhaal. -- lovelyamazing[/i]




Jake as Jack Twist

On the Ultimate Brokeback Forum, Jake is the ultimate Jack.  We can’t imagine anyone else in the role.  For many of us, the first time we saw Brokeback Mountain we couldn't get over Heath as Ennis.  The next ten times we became Ennis, because we had fallen in love with Jack.

lizoe posted this picture of Jake in the role of Jack Twist:

“Saw this for the first time, and fell in love all over again.” – lizoe[/i]

Jake Limerick of the Year

Okay, so the year isn’t over, but I bet nobody can top this limerick by tfmisc. The author wins the prize for “Best Rhyme of a Three-Syllable Last Name.”

Now come, let us praise Mr. Gyllenhaal, whose good looks and thespian skill enthrall each person who takes the measure of Jake's great gift to forever keep thrillin’ all. (This limerick first appeared in Photo Captioning Fun! on June 27.)

Rants and Rantidotes

One thing that seems to be a phenomenon of the internet is a loss of courtesy, compared to RL.  Sometimes it seems possible to rage at others much more strongly than we would if we were talking on the phone or looking them in the eye.  It also seems as if there will not be consequences.  You can’t see the victim, and you don’t think they can see you.  This happens not only between various outside blogs and our forum, but sometimes even within our own forum.  A few members have had a rocky time over the last couple of weeks.

Increasing discourtesy in our lives is partly a phenomenon of Reality TV, and what is becoming a Survival-type culture.  Yet most of us, when we get the odd phone call or meet each other directly, immediately remember our manners.

So today’s rantidote is this:  Remember to treat others as you would like to be treated, even on the web.  And if that is hard to visualize, try this.  Picture Jake and his very gracious demeanor, even though he comes under tremendous stress every day due to paparazzi and the normal pressures of life.  He manages to keep his cool and we all marvel at his ability to do that in the public eye.

Friends, if he can do it, so can we.  If everyone took Jake as their role model, we might be able to eliminate all war. 



Coming Out on Reality TV

Jacob and Joshua Miller of Nemesis

Identical twins Jacob and Joshua Miller, who were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses in Montana, left home and formed a band called Nemesis.  They were first exposed to the gay world while working in Nashville, and they quickly became part of that world.  Fast forward to this year’s fall TV season, where their story, their music, and their coming out will all be featured in a reality TV show titled Nemesis Rising on LOGO.

Joshua:  “It’s not like we went to Montana and showed up at our parents’ doorstep with a bunch of cameras and said, ’Guess what? We’re gay, and we’ve brought cameras to catch your reaction.’ It wasn’t done like that. It was done very respectfully. The camera people are very good at what they do. They’re very good at blending in with the background. It was nerve-wracking for all the normal reasons, but also because of my parent’s religious beliefs. They were upset. There were lots of tears, and my mom was very angry. I think it’s hard for them to come to terms with having two gay sons."

Read about the show, which begins tonight (check local listings, and visit the band's myspace for more information).

As you might imagine, the twins are fans of Brokeback Mountain.  Later episodes of the TV show follow the pair to Las Vegas where they record a track with Barry Manilow that merges the Brokeback Mountain theme with the classic folk song He Was A Friend of Mine, also on the film’s soundtrack.


PhotoCap of the Day: BBM AUCTION

by chapeaugris

"Lot 53 containing Mr. Del Mar's boots, socks, jeans, shorts,
undershirt, shirt, jacket, hat and body, SOLD to an
anonymous telephone bidder in Childress, Texas."

(This photocap is in honor of forum members currently bidding on the HRC fundraising auction items.)

Calendar

Forum Events

• No Forum Events scheduled.
  
  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.[/size]
  
  Other Events
  
  17 Oct - Melbourne, Australia - BBM Screening
  at the Astor Theatre
  19-21 Oct - Casper, WY - Equality State Book
  Festival
  7 Nov - Pinecreek, WY - Toast to Jack and Ennis
  
  

  The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Ellen (tellyouwhat) and Jan (CactusGal) Assistant Editors:  elle_ann and kmich Columnists:  cynical21, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, Sparky Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy), gnash and Sparky Today’s edition produced and written by Ellen Raff (tellyouwhat) ellen@davecullen.com Contributors:  Lovelyamazing, Bobbie, lizoe, tfmisc, gnash, chapeaugris 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. Response thread for The Daily Sheet.

  
  

[CactusGal]

The Daily Sheet
October 17, 2006

Announcing a New Section at Finding Brokeback:  Albums

by Jim Bond

As Brokeback Pilgrims have made their way to Alberta and found the sites that we love so, they have generously provided photos to FindingBrokeback.com.

Some wonderful people, photographed at some remarkable locations, can be seen at "Brokeback Found" a new feature on FindingBrokeback.com.  See them when you pay a visit to:  Findingbrokeback Albums

And, as always, for Brokeback Mountain travel and location information, visit  FindingBrokeback.com 


The Misadventures of Sparky: Dating Deal Breakers Part IV

by Sparky

A weary Sparky reveals even more things that can stop a date quicker than Lindsey Lohan shucks her thong. Growing shocked or even suspicous by the copious amount of deal breakers ? It's easier to read than it was to research, trust Sparky on that.

The Broke

Perhaps this goes with The Underemployed. Some financial balance is a must. I have been on either end of this and neither one is pretty. The power imbalance alone is a deal breaker. If one person makes more than 40% than the other, there are problems. Dinner is just the beginning of it. I am not a sugar daddy and I won't eat at Burger King. Can you tell I just had to buy someone dinner more than once?
The Uptight

Men who worry are not sexy.  Men who are afraid are not sexy.  Men who are tense are not sexy.  Can you tell I once dated a tense, fearful worrier who could stop traffic with his body and looks and everything else? Guess what?  When I saw the real picture of his tormented, uptight psyche, none of that mattered.  I was dating a Great Dane with the personality of a Chihuahua. How long did I date him and why? The next column will tell you all about that.

The Weak

Be wrong. Be misguided. Be over the top. Just believe something and go for it.  Don't sit still and wait for life to happen.  Bold wins the day.

Political Pitfalls

I suppose this is flexible. Somewhere out there exist extreme far right gay Republicans. I pity them. I fantasize about beating them with large blunt instruments that sport rusty spikes. Other than those people, I can deal. Some of my political views have gotten kind of right wing with age - but none of the social stuff. Mostly the economic. I enjoy a lively discussion, but cannot see how Carville and Matlin don't kill each other in their sleep. Or Arnold and Maria. Some common ground is required here. You actually believe in the Republican party platform? Or that the border to Mexico should be wide open? I’d sooner bludgeon you than date you.

TMI aka Premature Self Revelation   

Say those last three words fast. Do you feel dirty? Good. That makes two of us.
Now, confiding secrets and delicate personal information can be necessary. In developing friendships and other relationships, those actions can create trust and intimacy. In a potential date, they can engender suspicion and alarm. As well they should. Don’t toss the guts around too quickly. Save the icewater enema stories for the shrink or the spouse, Sybil. Especially with romantic possibilities.  At best, you can appear desperate for attention, at worst, you can seem psychotic. This reminds me: a pal once related to me an odd story which is the ultimate example of Too Much Information. At work, a co-worker walked up to her with an unknown woman in tow. She said to my pal, “Hey, this is the old friend I was telling you about.” The old friend stuck out her hand, and in midshake popped out with, “Hi, I’m Janis and I haven’t had sex in 8 years.” If only this could have happened to me. I would have paused, then chirped back, “Hi, I’m Sparky, and I had sex five minutes ago.” Then, still shaking her hand, I would have allowed a look of slow realization creep across my face. With slight alarm and a growing grimace I would draw my hand to my face and sniff it. Emitting a grunt, I would utter, “Oops, sorry. Forgot to wash my hands.” And guiltily skulk off.

Now I feel really dirty.

Without any further digression, behold the things about which I have been told within minutes of meeting a potential date or commencing a real one. All present reasons for rapid retreat…childhood traumas, messy details of an extremely fresh and ugly breakup, a run down of STD history, complete with names and dates (no joke, I can tell you the exact Starbucks bathroom where a hunky guy named Rex contracted genital warts, and now I feel downright filthy), the tragic tale of a recently departed pet, unintentionally funny addiction stories, seedy family dramas, the sex life with an ex, the ins and outs of filing personal bankruptcy, odd tchotchke collections varying from Franklin Mint keepsakes to antique Bakelite hairclips, how a guy lost his testicle in a bike accident, and a startling array of other medical maladies. Some of which were exotic and truly bizarre. I mean come on, who the hell gets the mumps or hookworm?

Two odd topics that come up a lot recently in the first five minutes of conversation with a guy: HIV status and penis size. If you have either of those topics tossed at you right up front, you may find yourself reconsidering whether or not you truly like surprises. Think about that one for a minute.

Bottom line, when it comes to personal stuff, don’t blow your wad too quickly. It’s a troubling sign.






World Soundtrack Awards


RodneyFL posted in the Music Thread the world sountrack awards.  Here is just a portion of that post:   "Ghent (October14, 2006). Alberto Iglesias is the big winner of the World Soundtrack Awards 2006.  He won both the Award of Soundtrack Composer of the Year and Best Original Soundtrack of the year with the music he wrote for The Constant Gardener. The prestigious film music awards were presented during the 33rd Flanders International Film Festival Ghent on Saturday October 14 for the sixth time running.

The "Public Choice Award" went to Gustavo Santaolalla (Oscar Winner) for the soundtrack of Brokeback Mountain  and Evanthia Reboutsika was elected as 'The Discovery of the Year 2006' for the music of My Father & My Son. The 'Lifetime Achievement Award' went to Peer Raben but as he was absent for health reasons, the actress and singer Ingrid Caven received it.


FanFiction Review:  Mason-Dixon by B73

By Connie Bailey (filling in for Cyncial21)

The readers of Brokeback Mountain  fan fiction are no doubt aware of the talented and prolific writer that goes by the handle B73.  We've all become acquainted recently with this fireball authorslashscientist that blazed into the BBM firmament as brightly as any comet strewing a lucky audience with brilliant bits of literature.  Her Civil War era a/u with the apt title Mason-Dixon  is a fine example of her powers of invention, the lyricism of her language, and her innate sense of something I'll call bbmness for lack of a better term. 

We first meet Jack and Ennis in the southern state of Georgia in 1857, four years before the declaration of the American Civil War.  Sixteen-year-old Ennis Del Mar is sent by his drunken older brother to sit out in the cold night to guard Aguirre's chicken coop, but when he accosts the thief, he finds he can't pull the trigger of the shotgun.  The blue-eyed runaway introduces himself, explaining with Twisted logic that you can't shoot someone once you know their name.  Ennis notices that Jack has a gunshot wound already and in true Ennis fashion, stoically digs the ball out, dresses the wound and lays down beside his patient to watch him through the night. 

And so begins the story of two very different boys that nonetheless feel an almost instant attraction that deepens as they live together for a time in an innocent idyll reminiscent of the shepherding summer of Brokeback, but with its own unique elements; a dream-weaving Jack who sings Ennis to sleep is one of the many delightful embellishments mixed in with haunting references to the original source material.  The first physical encounter of a sexual nature is a very clever blend of movie canon (FNIT & SNIT) and B73's incredibly sensual description of two young men naively exploring new territory.  If I may say it, she DELIVERS!  And all is right with the world for a time.

But Mason-Dixon  is very much dipped in the blood of canon despite its entirely original setting and premise, and so Jack and Ennis are parted by the prejudices and meanness of others, to follow separate and lonely paths.  By 1861, Ennis has joined the Confederate Army and Jack is a Union soldier.  And so the stage is set for all the adventure, angst, desire and loss that a Brokeback fan fiction reader could ever dream about.  The sweep of Mason-Dixon  is epic with a tragic conclusion that is classic catharsis and offers the solace of the beloved main characters together for all time.  Framed at the beginning and end by a brief prologue and epilogue as moving as any elegy, Mason-Dixon  is a gem in the BBM fanfic diadem.

To read Mason-Dixon  chapter by chapter visit the Slash Links by Author thread or find it and other works at  B73's LiveJournal 


PhotoCap of the Day

C'mon Ennis... Y   M   C   A

By Sunny

Calendar

Forum Events

• No Forum Events scheduled.
  
  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.[/size]
  
  Other Events
  
  17 Oct - Melbourne, Australia - BBM Screening
  at the Astor Theatre
  19-21 Oct - Casper, WY - Equality State Book
  Festival
  7 Nov - Pinecreek, WY - Toast to Jack and Ennis
  
  

  The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Ellen (tellyouwhat) and Jan (CactusGal) Assistant Editors:  elle_ann and kmich Columnists:  cynical21, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, Sparky, Connie Bailey Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy), gnash and Sparky Today's edition produced by Jan Geyer jan@davecullen.com Contributors:  Sunny, magicmountain 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. Response thread for The Daily Sheet.

[Ellen (tellyouwhat)]

The Daily Sheet
October 18, 2006

Today's edition produced by elle_ann

Forum Film Club - First Movie Chosen

The Forum's Film Club discussion of Maurice is scheduled to begin on 30th October. 

Britmax1 commented: "I'll be looking forward to discussing about Maurice, which prior to Brokeback Mountain was number one on my list. It is so beautifully made in every way.  It's not only a superb gay themed move, but an elite movie, full stop. From direction, production, photography, editing, score, period dress and the excellent acting, all are of fine quality.

The poll for choosing the second movie for discussion is now up. Laurentia gives a full rundown on the six possible choices. Please pop on over and cast your vote!



Jake Gyllenhaal Receives Young Artist Award for Artistic Excellence

Jake making his acceptance speech.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr.. The National Arts Awards, a celebration of national arts leadership, took place on Monday night at 6:30 pm in New York City. Jake attended the star-studded ceremony and accepted his award in the presence of his parents, Stephen Gyllenhaal and Naomi Foner, and guests Robert Downey jnr. and Lance Armstrong. Jake fans in New York City who were unable to afford the cost of tickets were able to see him accept his award on a big screen outside the building, viewable from the sidewalk. It is speculated that the number of Jake fans outside the building exceeded the number of Jake fans inside the building, as tickets ranged in price from $1000.00 -- ticket only -- to $50,000.00 -- premier seating for ten guests, a mention by the CEO in his speech and a host of other benefits including the opportunity to include a corporate gift in the event gift bags.

Americans for the Arts produces high-profile annual events honoring and recognizing those who are committed to building communities through the arts, including educators, elected officials, philanthropists, corporate leaders, and legendary artists. Other award winners on Monday night included Aretha Franklin, Jeff Koons, Kitty Carlisle Hart and Sheila Johnson. Previous winners of the Young Artist Award include Kerry Washington (2005), Mena Suvari (2004), Sofia Coppola (2003), Natalie Portman (2002), and Uma Thurman (2000).



Ang Lee appointed Culture and Art Consultant for 2008 Beijing Olympics

Beijing Olympic organizers have enlisted internationally renowned filmmaker Ang Lee and China's senior IOC member, He Zhenliang, in their campaign to create the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Games. Also joining He and Lee is composer Wu Zuqiang.

BOCOG President Liu Qi extended his congratulations to them, saying he hoped that the consultants, bringing with them rich experience and far-reaching vision, would provide precious suggestions and advice to the creation team.

Ang Lee, who won the 2005 Academy Best Director Award for the film Brokeback Mountain, has committed himself to the challenging task. "I feel honored to be appointed as a consultant for the Olympic ceremonies and I will try my best to fulfil the mission," Lee said in a speech read by his assistant Li Liangshan.

The Beijing Olympic Games will take place Aug. 8-24, 2008.



Heath Ledger - The Accidental Hero

After the wonderful tribute to Jake's Eyelashes in Monday's TDS, we'd just like to remind you that there's another thread on this forum that boasts equally wonderful fans adoring an equally wonderful actor - Heath Ledger's gang over at Planet Heath. The Times Online carried a recent article which pays tribute to this versatile, rising star:

"It’s been three days now, and Heath Ledger hasn’t touched a single drop of heroin. The drying-out, however, is killing him. He sits naked at the bottom of a narrow shower cubicle, his cadaverous frame locked in a tight foetal crunch as he punches his own head repeatedly, savagely, with fast, angry fists. It is uncomfortable viewing. But in his role as masochistic Dan, the junkie protagonist of new and sweetly lugubrious Australian love story Candy (showing at this year’s Times London Film Festival), Ledger is here hitting a pitch-perfect turn. Awards are doubtless imminent.     "Here is an actor, like many of the best actors – like De Niro, like Day Lewis – for whom public introspection is painful." "I have known him for approximately seven minutes, but already I sense that I’m being treated to some vintage Heath Ledger: cruelly self-deprecating, ever-so-slightly combative, uncomfortable, fitfully open, agitated yet ultimately brimful of honest intention. Here is an actor, like many of the best actors – like De Niro, like Day Lewis – for whom public introspection is painful.  The actor, who recently committed to playing the Joker in the upcoming Batman sequel, as well as one of seven Bob Dylans in the Todd Haynes art-house biopic I’m Not There, sports scuffed denims, baggy black T-shirt and pillow-styled, shoulder-length hair."

Kevin Maher, writing for The Times Online, discusses Candy, fiancee Michelle Williams and daughter Matilda Rose, and Heath's future which includes the Dylan biopic, the Batman sequel and his long term directorial plans. 



Books, Books and More Books

Author Nick Nolan’s crossover masterpiece, Strings Attached, tells the compelling story of one hopeless boy’s struggle to become a ‘real man.’ Strings Attached breaks new ground as author Nick Nolan weaves a modern story around the timeless classic, Pinocchio.  Steeped in underlying social commentary, Nolan tells the riveting account of an overwhelmed teenager adapting to cataclysmic life changes - of someone who is pulled in all directions by the agendas of others while rejecting his own needs and desires.  A page-turner that traverses boundaries of age, gender and sexual preference, Nolan suggests what truly binds people, and teasingly reveals how every major theme in the story -- beauty, wealth, love, betrayal, lust, greed and temptation -- has consequences, or ‘strings,’ attached. Interested readers are reminded to go via the Brokeback Book Shop to Amazon if you're considering buying this book.

Post of The Day

The Slash Thread took time out to explore New Maths ...

Amdaz: My current Top Three: TWatT, SoG, FON, OTB, NBA, JanKit, Prawns, LG. Bcatjr: LMAO!!!!!Those are my Top Three also. Hee hee!! Lia: Aren't you missing one? And what about Arithmetics? Amdaz: Everything has to be explained to you. When we venture into the realm of the "best in fandom" we're going into the "heart territory". You don't go there armed with knowledge gleaned from reading Pythagoras or Euclid. It's all about emotions and feelings. You can't put numbers in it. B73: Don't you know?  Dean's into the "new math"      Lia: Even ignoring Deanmatics, you didn't answer my first question!  Victopet: We're aiming for "qualitative" here -- not "quantitative." Some things just cannot be explained by numbers

Editor's Note: As the Slash thread moves at great speed, most fics are simply known by acronym. For example, Shades of Grey (reviewed last week in TDS) is also known as SoG.



Announcement from Ellen (tellyouwhat) and Jan (CactusGal)


Six months – half a year.  That’s how long we’ve been writing The Daily Sheet.  We have gotten to know many of you and, in addition to our addiction to the forum, we have an addiction to our readers.

But RL marches on – Jan is getting ready for a significant relocation, and Ellen needs to return to her writing, in addition to rehabilitating her son into civilization (well—it would help if she cleared away the growing vines and accumulated dust in the living room).  It is time for a fresh team to take over.

Ladies and gentlemen of all nations and sexual orientations, I present to you the very talented TDS team of the new era:  elle_ann, kmich, gnash, and twistedboy. 

All four of them are seasoned DC volunteers.  elle_ann and kmich are still helping KittyHawk with the book project.  twistedboy has been formatting (and so much more) all summer, and gnash has lent his technical and artistic skills over the past month.  TDS is in good hands.

The new team will fly on their own beginning October 30.  Hugs and kisses to all of you and to our new TDS team



PhotoCap of the Day

Posted by tfmisc

Later, this dozy embrace solidified in the lamb's memory
as the single moment of artless, charmed happiness in
their separate and difficult lives.

Calendar

Forum Events

• No Forum Events scheduled.
  
  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.[/size]
  
  Other Events
  
  17 Oct - Melbourne, Australia - BBM Screening
  at the Astor Theatre
  19-21 Oct - Casper, WY - Equality State Book
  Festival
  7 Nov - Pinecreek, WY - Toast to Jack and Ennis
  
  

  The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Ellen (tellyouwhat) and Jan (CactusGal) Assistant Editors:  elle_ann and kmich Columnists:  cynical21, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, Sparky, Connie Bailey Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy), gnash and Sparky Today's edition produced by elle_ann and tellyouwhat ellen@davecullen.com Contributors: Laurentia, britmax, tfmisc 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. Response thread for The Daily Sheet.

[CactusGal]

The Daily Sheet
October 19, 2006

Questions for Tom Benz - BBM  Production Manager

Our friend, Rob1318 has once again gotten a Brokeback Mountain  insider to agree to sit down with him and answer some of our questions.  This time it is Tom Benz, the Production Manager of BBM.  Rob says of Tom, "he was 'the first in and last out'.  He worked with the movie's producers, locations department, and of course Director Ang Lee, in the selection of Southern Alberta for the principal filming of the movie.

Tom is a seasoned film professional with over 20 years of experience and refers to himself as a 'logistical engineer'.  He worked front and center with the crew and the producers from before the cameras rolled, until long after the last crew member had been 'wrapped out'."

Rob has created a new thread.  Do you have questions for Tom Benz?.  Please go post your questions there for Rob to use when he chats with Tom.  Afterwards, Rob will post the entire interview for us to enjoy.


Finding Brokeback:  Albums

by Jim Bond

Production Trucks at the "I Ain't Queer" Hillside

Canadian forester Joe Burritt and his wife Dale, who for five years have spent their summers living in perfect solitude at the fire tower atop Moose Mountain, were amazed by the intense activity that took place in their front yard one morning in July, 2004.  Dozens of trucks, hundreds of sheep, indeed a small city, invaded their island in the sky, and, two days later, disappeared without a trace.

The Burritts, who make a 7 km mountain hike every time they leave home, photographed the Brokeback filming activity and have graciously made their unique set of pictures available on FindingBrokeback.com.  To see some paint-branded sheep and behind the scenes photos, go to the Burritt collection at FindingBrokeback.com.

And, as always, for Brokeback Mountain  travel and location information, visit  FindingBrokeback.com





Poem of the Day

by B73

When We Was Cowboys Together When we was cowboys together, when we lived that dream so long ago; sheepherders only maybe, nothin' much, but in our minds we was cowboys up on Brokeback. On horseback, livin' off the land, we could pretend to be whatever we wished to be; To ourselves we were the heroes of the West; and not only to ourselves, but to each other. We lived that dream together, so long ago, a dream we never realized; promises unkept.  But we shared one bright summer when the world was ours, and we could do no wrong. Was that all it was?  Was that all it took for us to cling to one another throughout the weary years?  Each of us, to each other, the last reminder of Our cowboy dreams, departed.

The Misadventures of Sparky:  Dating Deal Breakers Part V

by Sparky
 
You think that the dating deal breakers were getting far too plentiful and confusing, didn't you?  The place is littered with them.  They threaten to become trip hazards.  Ha.  Try them when they're wound together in deal breaker bundles.  Here, carefully pinned down and on display, like so many exotic bugs under glass,  Sparky shines a harsh yet informative light on some of the dating cluster bombs that have been tossed at him in battle.

In sifting through the wreckage and swill that is the gay dating pool in this desperately over populated city, some types have emerged.  I present to you a few hybrid specimens that recently went through Sparky's Catch and Release Program:

The Clingelusive Sociopath

He says he just wants to fool around.  Then he calls 2-3 times a day starting the morning after you first have sex.  He holds hands with you in the pickup.  He says he will call and then doesn't for 2-3 days.  He pretends everything is fine when he finally does call.  He discusses far flung scenarios involving merged financial ventures and long vacations abroad.  With you.  You, the one he just wants to "Fool Around" with.  He asks you to go on short romantic trips with no warning, then disappears after the trip for a few days.  Sex talk is peppered with hyper-masculine endearments that while charming and exciting, are specifically designed to manipulate and confuse.  If you are not careful, confused and manipulated is exactly what you will be.  Not to mention emotionally jacked around.  This species is dangerous.  Approach with caution.
 
The Shape Shifter

A fairly close relative of the Clingelusive, this subspecies is perhaps even more hazardous.  Known to thwart even the most skilled dater, he is sneaky, cunning, and can defy identification even after repeated inspections.  The shape shifter seems perfect.  He can seem so for quite awhile.  You can't believe all that you have in common!  You like the same restaurants, the same music, have the same politics, and on and on.  But the shape shifter only appears to be perfect.  Don't be fooled.  The shape shifter is mirroring you.  He pretends to share all your interests so you will feel comfortable and become close to him.  You think you are being invited into his nest - but it isn't a nest.  It's a web.  He is frequently extremely attractive, but this alluring shell hides an interior life bereft of self confidence and full of simmering resentment.  If you are fool enough to fall for the Shape Shifter, you will pay a hefty price.  He resents you because you are in charge.  He resents you because he can't express himself.  And when he is comfortable with you, then the trouble begins.  The shape shifter is prone to violent outbursts, and the longer you know him, the worse he gets.  Detection of this species is tricky and requires great concentration.  The appearance of nearly instant compatibility is usually the first sign.  Remember the web thing.  And keep in mind that the Shapeshifter isn't really a spider.  At least spiders kill you quickly.  The Shapeshifter's intoxicating bite, usually in the form of kaliedescopic orgasms, will merely numb you.  Then you won't even feel the life slowly being sucked out of you.  The moment you show signs of consciousness, you'll get another shot of poison.  Soon, you are years older, bitter, shell shocked, and completely unmoored.  Trust me.  I have seen the victims.

Once this hybrid is identified, immediate retreat is recommended.
 
Next week: More Hybrids.


Photocap of the Day

Jack: It's all right.  It's all right.  Sorry I kicked you.

by tfmisc

Calendar

Forum Events

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

19-21 Oct - Casper, WY - Equality State Book Festival
7 Nov - Pinecreek, WY - Toast to Jack and Ennis

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Ellen (tellyouwhat) and Jan (CactusGal) Assistant Editors:  elle_ann and kmich Columnists:  cynical21, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, Sparky, Connie Bailey Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy), gnash and Sparky Today's edition produced by Jan Geyer jan@davecullen.com 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. Response thread for The Daily Sheet.

[Ellen (tellyouwhat)]

The Daily Sheet
October 20, 2006

          Member Profile: paintedshoes

I was born and raised in Seattle, WA, the eldest of 8 children. I left home to join the United States Air Force, then married and settled down in the Wash, DC area, where I have lived ever since. I’m single now, with two wonderful children and the five most terrific grandchildren in the world. I’ve been a Medical Laboratory Technician for 27 years, most recently working in a private Oncology practice. For 18 years, I have been a volunteer recorder of printed matter for the visually impaired. (It keeps my vocal cords in shape for reading to the grandkids!)

There are many things which interest me, especially Egyptology. I’ve been to Egypt twice, and belong to an organization which provides funds for American Egyptologists. This allows me to attend many lectures by the world’s pre-eminent scholars in the field. I love to read, especially history and science fiction. And, I LOVE movies, of most kinds, and own a healthy (or is that UNhealthy?) number of DVD’s. Music, especially classical, soundtracks and some jazz, plays a very important part of my daily life, as well. And then, there is Brokeback Mountain...



Profile Questions:

01. Currently listening to?  Besides the BBM score?   Beyond the Missouri Sky by Charlie Haden and Pat Methany and The Officium defunctorum by Christobal de Morales.

02.  Currently reading?  Living Dangerously, The Adventures of Merian C. Cooper, Creator of King Kong by Mark Cotta Vaz and The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. And, every day, I read something from either Emerson’s Essays or Palgrave’s Golden Treasury of Songs and Lyrics.

03.  Biggest challenge?  Accepting myself. It has gotten a LOT easier lately.

04.  Your perfect day?   Sleeping in, breakfast on my balcony on a beautiful fall morning, taking my grandkids for a walk to hunt for bugs and butteflies, lunch with friends, reading a good book, then dinner and a good movie with friends. Finally, a late night phone conversation with my sister, and best friend, Jess.

05.  What’s your indulgence?  Chocolate and movies, preferably together.

06.  What’s you inspiration?  My beloved grandchildren.

07.  Last major purchase? A ticket to Texas for the BBQ.

08.  First job? Besides babysitting, as a courier for a blueprint company in Seattle.

09.  What do you know for sure? To quote Mr. Shakespeare: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

10.  Favorite Movie (Besides BBM)? The Age of Innocence, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and Rebecca. The last one is subject to change with my mood.

11.  If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?  “I know you have a LOT of doubts, but, come on in anyway.”

12.  What brought you to the Forum? I had been googling BBM since August of last year, and came across Dave’s old blog. I followed it to the Forum and signed on after about 3 weeks.

13.  Your favorite threads? The Diner, the Affected Me thread and lately, the Slash theads.

14.  How many times have you watched BBM? In the theater 21 times. On DVD, 9 times.

15.  Your favorite BBM scene? The campfire scene after Ennis is thrown from his horse. Ennis says, “I’ll stick with beans.” And Jack replies, “well, I won’t.” That has become the motto of my life.

16.  Is there any question I didn't ask that you want to answer anyway? Yes, I have often been asked about my screen name. I took it from a watercolor that my father did of my baby shoes:

Post of the Day

chapeaugris posted her story in The Dating Debacle thread.

“I met T. on a ferry between Sweden and England, sitting next to him in the cinema. We chatted before the film, then had a beer in the bar. I found it hard to keep a conversation going with him; my lobs in his direction seemed to drop on his side and roll away.  Before retiring to our respective cabins, he asked if I wanted to meet for lunch the next day (still on the ferry--it was a 24 hr journey).  I really didn't care to spend any more time with him, but what excuse could I give?  That I would be busy, or had an appointment?”

chapeaugris subsequently fell into a vortex of bad dates with T.  As her story unfolds, we wonder if she will ever get the nerve to tell him “no.”  She tortures us even up to the moment of intimacy, the ultimate yes/no question (at least for women.)

Read her story, and stick with it to the punchline.



Quote of the Day

Also in The Dating Debacle, Boris posted this:

Don't get this wrong ladies, but I find your posts comforting... that straights go through same hassles than we do.

Men! Who can figure them out.



Sig-lines in the Forum

I asked Pat Sinnot why he chose his his sig-line.  Here is his reply:

PatSinnot:  I read this about 20 years ago in an Ann Landers column.  This is exactly what I snipped out of the paper:

Dear Readers: Here's my Thought for the Day, sent in by a Kalamazoo reader: Religion controls us with the fear that we are evil. Psychiatry controls us with the fear that we are crazy. Society controls us with the fear that we are less than others. Is it any wonder that so many people are nervous wrecks?

For many years I kept this on my refrigerator, and retired it to my top desk drawer about 8 or 10 years ago.  The clipping is now all yellowed and somewhat tattered, showing the age of the paper, but not of the poignancy and truth of the words.  At the time I cut it out, I was very active in a small gay church, hosting a weekly bible study in my home, and was a deacon in the church.  I've since moved away from organized religions altogether, as all of my experiences dealing with the humans involved in religions has been a disappointment.  I expected better of them, and when their true human natures emerged, I felt disappointed in them, and thus betrayed.  I learned that I could only control the way I treated people, and could not control how they treated me.  The basic truth is that religion, psychiatry and society are all man-centric and man-created institutions.  Any institution created by man is subject to corruption, is inherently flawed, and is most likely created to gain or retain power.

Fear is not of GOD, but of man.  Fear is a way for men to exert control over one another. Look at the current political rhetoric for an illustration; the Republicans' mantra is "safety and security", like a broken record.   

The lesson I got from these words is that if you don't expect anything from anyone, you can't be disappointed if they don't live up to your expectations.



2007 Military Calendar Competes with Brokeback Calendar

SFGate: Culture Blog! wonders:  Is this the gayest military calendar ever?

“Sure, some soccer moms in Colorado will swoon over this calendar. Sure it might sell big in small military towns across George Bush's red 'Merka. But is it also just a little weird and odd and funny and telling that this calendar is also almost exactly like the beefcake calendars you find in, say, the Castro?”

AMERICA'S HEROES CALENDAR 2007
ALL 12 MONTHS

“…the proceeds of the America’s Heroes Calendar apparently go to help families of wounded or killed soldiers of the failed Iraqi war -- which is a very worthy cause indeed, considering how many there are.”

The calendar is sold by “FREEDOM IS NOT FREE,” a non-partisan, non-profit organization.

Of course, operating under the theory that nobody can have too many inspiring calendars, you still might want to order the Brokeback Mountain Calendar from Amazon (use our link, which supports our site.)



Photocap of the Day: Passionate Shepherd

by magicmountain

Come live with me and be my love,
And we will all the pleasures prove
That valleys, groves, hills, and fields,
Woods or steepy mountain yields.

The Passionate Shepherd to His Love
-- Christopher Marlowe

Calendar

Forum Events

27 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

19-21 Oct - Casper, WY - Equality State Book Festival
7 Nov - Pinecreek, WY - Toast to Jack and Ennis

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Ellen (tellyouwhat) and Jan (CactusGal) Assistant Editors:  elle_ann and kmich Columnists:  cynical21, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, Sparky, Connie Bailey Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy), gnash and Sparky Today's edition produced by Ellen Raff ellen@davecullen.com Contributors:  paintedshoes, chapeaugris, boris, gnash, PatSinnot, magicmountain 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. Response thread for The Daily Sheet.

[CactusGal]

The Daily Sheet
Weekend Edition
October 21-22

by Assistant Editor, kmich

Welcome to the first Weekend Edition of The Daily Sheet

As Jan and Ellen noted earlier this week, there are some changes coming to TDS.  One of these changes is that we're moving to a weekend edition of The Daily Sheet, which, I guess, makes it not quite daily but you get the picture.  The weekend edition will be posted on Saturday mornings (U.S. time) and will cover Saturday and Sunday. 




Member Profile: Trinket

Today's profile is of Trinket, our resident foster mother.

Profile Questions:

01.  Currently listening to?  Instrumental Brokeback Music (thanks again, Jackie!) or Midwest Slash Bash CD (love you, Jenny!).

02.  Currently reading? Life on the Color Line  by Gregory Howard Williams.

03.  Biggest challenge?  Our 7-year-old daughter's Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes.

04.  Your perfect day?  Sun, blue skies, about 75 degrees, on the beach, large blanket, no phone ringing, nobody saying "hey mom".

05.  What's your indulgence?  Reading Jack/Ennis SLASH!  It keeps them alive for me and helps the pain a bit.

06.  What's your inspiration?  My husband and our 7 children.

07.  Last major Purchase?  New Computer.  Old computer just couldn't handle all the downloading of Brokeback Mountain  or Jake pics!

08.  First job?  Clerk in a family owned/neighborhood pharmacy (it was the 70s).

09.  What do you know for sure?  That God exists and He's not me and He's not you.

10.  Favorite Movie Besides BBM?  To Kill a Mockingbird  (And NOT because it's Jake's favorite.  It was my favorite movie even before he was born.  ~ ~I can't believe I am admitting that!).

11.  If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?  "You made a difference in the lives of all those children.  Well done."

12.  What brought you to the Forum?  The incredible ache I had through my entire mind, body and soul the day after seeing the movie for the second time.  (After my first viewing I was sad and confused, my second viewing was the night immediately after that.)  My feelings were over-whelming & unexplainable.  Something I had never experienced after seeing ANY movie.  I was almost frantic with the need to connect with someone who felt the same way.  Someone who could understand and validate the way I was feeling.  I found that here.  Many times over.  I have been incredibly blessed to have found Dave's forum and all of you.

13.  Your favorite threads?  This has changed over the course of my (almost) 9-month membership on the forum.  Though I am still on my Brokeback journey I mostly lurk but no longer post on the more serious threads.  I usually stick with the lighter stuff these days.  I love the Photo Captioning Fun thread and Le Bar Slash.  As I write this, that seems pretty shallow.

14.  How many times have you watched BBM?  Twelve times.  Eight in the theater (five alone), two times at home, one with Jaysmommy over the phone (yes, it's possible!) and one at the Chicago Slash Bash with a room full of THE most awesome people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting!

15.  Your favorite BBM scene?  Too many favorites.  Better question to ask me might be ~ Most poignant moment?  The last night Jack and Ennis are together, sitting and talking.  At the end of that scene when Jack says to Ennis, "Tell you what, sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it."  On December 17th we had an 18-month-old foster baby leave us.  We had gotten him at 3 days old so his leaving was extremely difficult for me.  With company in from out-of-state for the holidays, kids home from school and then illness in the family, mourning was put on hold.  At my second  BBM viewing, during that scene, I completely and totally fell apart.  Cried almost non stop for over 2 weeks.

There were other scenes, other moments, so many. ~A flashback was triggered during the scene of Junior asking her dad to come to her wedding.  I had been "Junior" 26 years before that.

The scene where Ennis speaks with Mr. & Mrs. Twist about spreading Jack's ashes on Brokeback.  I was in awe of how Mrs. Twist totally understood her son and what Ennis meant to him.  A deeply religious woman, she loved her son so completely and unconditionally.  I have a son; the mom in me was a mess. 

The shocked look of disbelief & confusion on Alma's face when she saw Ennis kissing Jack.  What wife could not put herself there?



BBM Auction Results

The Brokeback Mountain  memorabilia auction to benefit the Human Rights Campaign ended on Friday. Very happily, several of our Forum members had winning bids!



B73 won Jack's gloves from Ennis and Jack's final meeting scene.




melissasjack had the winning bid on Lureen's red rodeo outfit.




Sid401k won Alma's dress and apron.



TDS's  own CactusGal, Jan, won Lureen's horseshoe necklace and earrings.




Alexisg won Jack's infamous blue parka.





bcatjr won Ennis's vest, shirt, and t-shirt.


I'm sure there are some other Forum winners out there.  Please let us know at TDS  and we'll share your happy news.  Congratulations to all of the winners!


Book Project Update

The book's Leadership Team would like to give a brief update on the status of our book, Beyond Brokeback.  The book will first be available exclusively through our Forum site to be ordered directly from our publisher.  The cost will be in the neighborhood of $15 for the trade paperback and $29 for the hard cover edition.  Delivery will be by the USPS Priority Mail and will cost 15% of the order.  We fully expect the book will be available in time for Christmas delivery.

Talks are underway to deal with European distribution and discounts on very large orders.  Later we'll make the book available through Amazon and other distributors. 

A web site devoted to info about the book is now under construction, thanks to the efforts of LoveEmBoys.  If you're an author or a book volunteer, please be sure to send your short biography ASAP to the team responsible for collecting them: trubrokeback, LoveEmBoys, twistedboy, brokeback_1, Bobby19in1963, pwday and elle_ann, who is coordinating the effort.


Matthew Shepard Foundation Urges You to Vote

Judy Shepard, via The Matthew Shepard Foundation is passing along the following reminder to those in the United States to vote in the upcoming elections on November 7th.





HATE STOLE MATTHEW'S RIGHT TO VOTE 8 YEARS AGO.

DON'T WASTE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 7TH.

"If my son Matthew were alive today, I know he would tell you to REGISTER and to VOTE, reminding you that "if you don't vote, you can't bitch" about those who were elected or the actions they take as your representative(s).  He would beg you to let your voice be heard and to use your precious right to vote.  He would urge you to LEARN about the issues affecting you and your community.  He would then challenge you to take what you have learned and PASS IT ON.  You have the responsibility to educate your family, friends and business associates about the issues affecting the LGBT community today and to encourage them to use their vote.  Lastly, he would expect you to STAY INVOLVED after the election and hold your elected officials, whoever they may be, accountable!"

Thanks to BayCityJohn for passing along the above story.


Heath Receives AFI Nomination

Heath Ledger received a Best Lead Actor nomination from the Australian Film

Institute (AFI)  for his role in the movie Candy.  His co-stars Abbie Cornish,

Geoffrey Rush, and Noni Hazelhurst were also nominated.  Heath's competition in

the Lead Actor category is: Gabriel Byrne, Shane Jacobson, and Steve La

Marquand.  The winners will be announced in Melbourne in December.

Jake Special on the Biography Channel



"He was ten when his first movie was released,
and 25 when he received his Best Supporting Actor
Oscar nomination for Brokeback Mountain.  Now
both a respected actor and a hollywood heartthrob,
his films often represent his ethics, and Gyllenhaal
credits his family as a major influence."

Jake will be the subject

of an episode of the

Biography Channel show

Famous  on 10/26 at

11:00 ET. Tune in!

Grey's Anatomy Star Comes Out






T.R. Knight, who plays Dr. George O'Malley on the hit show, Grey's Anatomy,

recently revealed to People Magazine  that he's gay.  Says Knight, "I guess there

have been a few questions about my sexuality, and I'd like to quiet any

unnecessary rumors that may be out there.  While I prefer to keep my personal

life private, I hope the fact that I'm gay isn't the most interesting part of me."


Photo Caption of the Day

by TwistandShout

Jack, wondering: After touching heaven, how did I come to this. . .

Calendar

Forum Events

27 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

19-21 Oct - Casper, WY - Equality State Book Festival
7 Nov - Pinecreek, WY - Toast to Jack and Ennis

The Daily Sheet is a production of The Ultimate Brokeback Forum at www.davecullen.com/forum Editors:  Ellen (tellyouwhat) and Jan (CactusGal) Assistant Editors:  elle_ann and kmich Columnists:  cynical21, Jim Bond, michaelflanagansf, Sparky, Connie Bailey Proofreader/Researcher:  Gonzo (twistedboy), gnash and Sparky Today's edition produced by Jan Geyer jan@davecullen.com Contributors: BayCityJohn, Trinket, TwistandShout 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. Response thread for The Daily Sheet.