The Daily Sheet: November 16 - 30, 2008

[oceansbetween]

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Family Diversity’s Traveling Exhibits

“ Family Diversity Projects, a non-profit organization in Amherst, Mass., has created five award-winning traveling rental photo-text exhibits that tour communities nationwide and internationally. “By educating people of all ages to recognize, support, and celebrate the full range of diversity, our traveling exhibits are designed to help reduce prejudice, stereotyping, and harassment of all people who are perceived to be ‘different’ from the ‘norm.’” Among the exhibits... Love Makes A Family: Portraits of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People and their Families, which “seeks to challenge and change damaging myths and stereotypes about LGBT people and their families.”

Pioneering Voices: Portraits of Transgender People “explores the many aspects of gender identity and variance by sharing these important, ground-breaking stories with the general public, who might not be knowledgeable about people who are transgender. At the same time, this exhibit celebrates a range of views, opinions, and experiences that are unique and empowering to transgender people everywhere. At the most basic level, Pioneering Voices combats transphobia by breaking silence and making the invisible visible.”   The Road To Freedom: Portraits of People with Disabilities is “focused on children, teens, and adults with the full spectrum of physical, sensory, learning, and mental disabilities.”

Read more here.

Video of Forum Member’s Husband at Prop 8 Protest Forum member Ptannen’s husband spoke at the Proposition 8 Protest in San Francisco. Watch the video here.

Day Without a Gay

“The worldwide media attention surrounding our massive grassweb efforts for gay rights has been tremendous. Join the Impact was a HUGE success and will continue to thrive because of our efforts. “We’ve reacted to Prop 8 with anger, with resolve, and with courage. NOW, it’s time to show America and the world how we love. “Gay people and our allies are compassionate, sensitive, caring, mobilized, and programmed for success. A day without gays would be tragic because it would be a day without love. “On December 10, 2008 the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating love to a variety of different causes. “On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in ‘gay’--and donate your time to service!”

Read more here.

Gay Artists Seek Boycott of Sacramento Theatre

“Gay and lesbian artists are seeking a boycott of Sacramento’s oldest performing arts company after its artistic director contributed toward Proposition 8. “Campaign records show Scott Eckern of the California Musical Theatre contributed $1,000 to the voter-approved initiative, which wrote a ban on same-sex marriages into the state Constitution.

“Hairspray composer Marc Shaiman is among those leading the boycott effort, The Sacramento Bee reported.” ... “Eckern, a 25-year veteran of the company, issued an online apology through the theater publication, Playbill. He is the company’s chief operating officer and has been its artistic director since 2002. “‘I honestly had no idea that this would be the reaction,’ Eckern wrote. ‘I chose to act upon my belief that the traditional definition of marriage should be preserved. I support each individual to have rights and access and I understand that in California, domestic partnerships come with the same rights that come with marriage.’

“Since the controversy erupted, he said he has donated $1,000 to the Human Rights Campaign, which advocates for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. “‘I understand that my choice of supporting Proposition 8 has been the cause of many hurt feelings, maybe even betrayal,’ Eckern wrote. ‘It was not my intent.’”

Read more here.

Entering Wyoming: Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Country”

A bit of Lee’s Brokeback Country: Brooks Lake, near Union Pass, Wyo.

Continuing a series of articles highlighting Wyoming places with important Brokeback connections... Where in Wyoming is Brokeback Mountain? Recently we described Larry McMurtry’s answer to that question, the Star Valley, south of the Tetons, near the Idaho border. Director Ang Lee has his own idea. In late 2003, long before scripts were finished, parts were cast, and cameras rolled, Ang Lee visited Wyoming to learn about the story’s setting. He was unenthusiastic about the prospect of making Brokeback Mountain in Alberta; Lee had never before made a film outside of its “real” location. In spite of some daunting economics, he still hoped to find a way to make his movie in Wyoming. Quite naturally, as he toured Wyoming, the director began to contemplate locations for important Brokeback scenes.

McKinley “Avenue” Overlook, Dubois, Wyo.

Restaurants at Dubois

Extending from Jackson Lake on the east side of Grand Teton National Park southeastward through Dubois and the Wind River Indian Reservation, Lee found his “Brokeback Country.” More than merely scenic, this area is idyllic, littered as it is with majestic peaks, red canyons, rushing rivers and streams, mirror lakes, lonely mesas, and striated rocks of every imaginable color. The highway crosses the Continental Divide and poetically drops thousands of feet. In doing so, it makes the transition between the liberating mountains and the gritty flatlands that is so central to the Brokeback story. Dubois, which is mentioned in Proulx’s story, albeit unflatteringly, is the central community in this region. It hosts armies of tourists who pass through each summer on the way to and from Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Lee hardly needs incredible landscapes to make great art, but no one who sees this region can blame him for falling in love with it.


Mesa near Crowheart, Wyo.

Though he was unable to achieve his goal of making Brokeback Mountain here, he returned to this area again in early 2004, this time with production designer Judy Becker. Lee has been quite effusive in his public praise of the settings he found in Alberta. But in an unguarded moment, he once described one of the film’s Alberta mountain shots as “a cheap imitation of Wyoming”! Such was the allure of the magical Wind River Valley for Ang Lee. Prospective Brokeback visitors to Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Country,” as well as “armchair travelers,” will enjoy this feature: Lee’s Brokeback Area.

As always, for Brokeback travel and production information, visit FindingBrokeback.com.

Around the Forum

Slash Discussion and Recommendations is talking through the “most memorable scenes in fan-fiction,” as well as the story Stranded. Your Favorite Christmas Movie thread brings us thoughts on The Lion in Winter, The Bells of St. Mary’s, and the original A Christmas Carol. Let us know your favorite! Gay Marriage Thread where discussions focus on where we go from here, and pictures are posted by those who united in support of gay marriage at this weekend’s rallies. Election 2008 where the transition team is being discussed, as well as the fall-out from prop. 8 and Sarah Palin’s political future. DC Chronicles where Dave offers thoughts on his new book about Columbine, as well as updates on his injury.

Post of the Day

In the Gay Marriage thread, BayCityJohn posted: Tell you what... It’s so easy to get out and join a protest rally in a place like San Francisco, where you’re surrounded by thousands of like-minded people. But it takes real guts to stand alone for something you believe in. I’m very proud to call Jack my friend.

Quote of the day
Posted by Michaelflanagansf

First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a communist; Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a socialist; Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist; Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out - because I was not a Jew; Then they came for me - and there was no one left to speak out for me. ~ Martin Niemöller ~

Photo Cap of the Day: Photo Captioning Fun 4
By gnash

i hope you know how hard it is for me
to be happy and sad at the same time.

Contributors: BayCityJohn, Michaelflanagansf, gnash

Calendar of Events

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.

4th Annual Brokie Reunion - Arizona Spring Fling
April 17-19, 2009

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.

Editor: MissYouSoMuch

Editors emeritae: CactusGal, Marge_Innavera, tellyouwhat, Stilllearning

Formatters/Researchers: denim girl, gnash

Today’s edition was produced by MissYouSoMuch and Stilllearning.

Today’s edition was formatted by denim girl.

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. If you have items you’d like to see published, send them to tds@davecullen.com.

To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, click the “Notify” button at the top or bottom of the page.
When a new issue of TDS is posted, you will be notified by email.

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[Stilllearning]

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Now Is the Time

“We have always been willing to serve our country: in our armed forces, even as we were threatened with courts-martial and dishonor; as teachers, even as we were slandered and libeled; as parents and foster parents struggling to support our children; as doctors and nurses caring for patients in a broken health care system; as artists, writers and musicians; as workers in factories and hotels, on farms and in office buildings; we have always served and loved our country.” “We can accept no compromise. We can wait no longer. Now is the time. We are equal.” “We call on all supporters of equality to sustain and intensify the nationwide campaign of mass protests and nonviolent civil disobedience, for seven weeks, starting on Nov. 27, the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Harvey Milk, and to then gather together en masse, in Washington, D.C., on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 20, to honor the inauguration of our President Barack Obama.” “During the next seven weeks, we shall: Strive always to maintain a positive message of hope and change. Keep organizational structure to a minimum. Encourage participants to express their anger and determination in creative, thought-provoking and peaceful ways. Respect the media and law enforcement officers. Avoid attacking people's religions. Hate language is always inappropriate.” “Reach out immediately to racial and ethnic minorities, immigrant communities, labor unions, progressive religious denominations and other organizations working for social change.” “Study the history and traditions of nonviolent action. Angry marches and rhetoric can be cathartic, but do not necessarily help win hearts and minds to our cause. Effective forms of nonviolent civil disobedience often follow the peaceful, dignified and disciplined examples of Gandhi, the Quakers and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.” “Remember always, and reflect in all your actions, that we are not fighting against anyone, or anything. We are struggling for equality.” Read more here and here.

National ‘Coming Out’ Month “National Coming Out Month occurred during October and was a time for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, and Transsexuals to come out to friends, family, and co-workers. “According to Ben Vigil, an active member of both QASO and ASG, National Coming Out Month was a time for people to open themselves up and express who they are as an individual. ‘It’s more of a self-reflection month, a time to let straight people know how hard it is to come out. Coming out is not only for gay people, it’s also a time for straight people to make the decision to tell others that they have gay friends, family members, co-workers, etc. It’s a two way process in finding that comfort zone.’

“Just recently Sen. Barack Obama was elected as president and Vigil feels that it’s a great opportunity for gays. ‘Obama is a big supporter for equal rights even though he has a strong religious background. He hasn’t actually promised the country gay marriage rights. I don’t think our country is quite ready. Gay marriage is still a big leap for our country. A lot of gay people are very excited for Obama since he’s a big advocate for discrimination rights.’ “Vigil feels that the country has come a long way in the last decade and that the country is slowly moving in the right direction for the support of gays. ‘Within the past decade we have come a long way. Gay people can’t be fired for being gay. We are slowly moving in the right direction. Even in the entertainment world shows like ‘Will and Grace’ and the movie Brokeback Mountain show the acceptance of gays in a positive way. I’m thinking it will take another decade until we see big change and make it more widespread.’” Read more here. Source: The Advocate, Mt. Hood Community College

And the Winner Is... “At (the Latin Grammy Awards) ceremony, Juanes, a singer-songwriter from Medellin who started a foundation to help land-mine victims, swept awards in all five categories for which he was nominated, including record of the year and album of the year. He also set a new record for total wins, bringing his total Latin Grammy trophies to 17 - breaking Alejandro Sanz’s mark of 14.” ... “Gustavo Santaolalla, an Argentine musician-turned-composer whose scores for Babel and Brokeback Mountain earned him two Oscars and was nominated for five Latin Grammys Thursday, ... won two Latin Grammys as producer on Juanes’ record of the year and album of the year.” At the 15th Annual Latin Music Awards in June of this year, Santaolalla received the BMI Icon award, which “is bestowed on creators who have had a ‘unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.’ An all-star musical tribute paid homage to the achievements of Gustavo Santaolalla, who joins an elite list of past honorees that includes Latin music titans Los Tigres Del Norte, Juan Luis Guerra and Carlos Santana, along with legends Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Paul Simon, Dolly Parton and the late James Brown.” Read more here and here. Sources: fox11az.com and bmi.com

Australia Gets a Happy Ending?

“Australia is a tough country, and its namesake Nicole Kidman movie has had a tough time. First, star Russell Crowe dropped out, requiring his replacement with Hugh Jackman. Then director Baz Luhrmann began to fall behind -- making its premiere date of Nov. 26 a nerve-wracking deadline. “But now comes what may be worse news -- word that the studio insisted he give his epic love story a new, feel-good ending. And he agreed.” ... “And if it’s indeed true, and not just a clever disinformation campaign, the fact that Luhrmann is changing his film because he’s worried about being depressing is -- well, depressing.” ... “Would audiences have left West Side Story or Dr. Zhivago happier if the endings of those movies had been? Would Brokeback Mountain have had half its power if its two cowboys had suddenly just decided to ride off together, and open a bed-and-breakfast in Portland? “Great romances give us sensuality, melodrama, magic. Isn’t it too much to require that they give us chipper, everything-works-out endings as well? Why ask for the moon, when the stars they give us are so satisfying -- and so beautifully, tragically sad?” Read more here. Source: nj.com

Pun Intended

Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married. The ceremony wasn’t much, but the reception was excellent.  A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, “I’ll serve you, but don’t start anything.” “Doc, I can’t stop singing ‘The Green, Green Grass of Home.’” “That sounds like Tom Jones Syndrome.” “Is it common?” “Well, ‘It’s Not Unusual.’” DejaMoo: The feeling that you’ve heard this bull before. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn’t find any. I went to a seafood disco last week...and pulled a mussel. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh. Two fish swim into a concrete wall. The one turns to the other and says, “Dam!” A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. “But why,” they asked. “Because,” he said, “I can’t stand chess-nuts boasting in an open foyer.”

Read more here.

Entering Wyoming: Bars

Continuing a series of articles highlighting Wyoming places with important Brokeback connections...

Lucky 5 Bar, Shoshone, Wyo.

Mint Bar, Sheridan, Wyo.

Brokeback visitors to Wyoming will find a trove of buildings which plainly fit within the Proulx story and Lee’s film. What follows is a sampling. Ang Lee needed five different bars for the film (Signal, Electra, Childress, the “fight” bar, and Cassie’s bar). In early 2004, he and production designer Judy Becker toured Wyoming tavern locations in search of inspiration. Among the striking visual qualities they found in rural Wyoming bars were worn, often neglected exteriors, dramatic uses of incandescent and neon lighting; and highly prominent, dominant bar counters. The last of these proved a special challenge when shooting the film; Alberta bars tend to have small serving counters. Patrons there generally sit at tables. Some help from the carpentry crew, and a few tight shots, were required in order for the Canadian filming locations to “pass” as Wyoming bars. Of course, bars are pivotal to the Brokeback story: We are “introduced” to Jack, Ennis, Lureen, and Cassie in bars. Aptly, it was in a bar that Brokeback inspiration first struck Annie Proulx. That was Sheridan’s century-old Mint Bar, a Wyoming landmark which had an exotic history long before she came along. There, more than a decade ago, Proulx watched a ranch hand, “leaning against the wall by the pool tables. The bar was packed with good-looking women, and he wasn’t looking at them — he was watching the guys …. He was about sixty, and he watched them with a kind of subdued hunger that made me wonder if he was country gay.” The Ten Sleep Saloon Lee also took a careful look at the Ten Sleep Saloon, a watering hole that caters to both locals and tourists, as he explored Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountain region. Its earth-tone façade plainly influenced the set decoration for the film’s Signal Bar, which was originally painted a bright blue.

Before: Carseland, Alberta’s “Blue Bar”

After: Ang Lee’s “Signal Bar”

Lee was particularly impressed with the scenic area near Dubois, home to the
Rustic Pine Tavern. “The world’s most unique bar,” brags its (failing) neon sign.



Neon Sign, Rustic Pine Tavern, Dubois, Wyo.


Bar aficionados will find more about these and other Wyoming bar locations here:

Bar
Ten Sleep
Mint Bar
Lee’s Brokeback Area.

As always, for Brokeback travel and production information, visit FindingBrokeback.com.

Fun Question of the Week This week’s Question: What does the ZIP in Zip-code stand for? Let us know the answer on the response thread. * * * Last week’s Question: Which is the only repealed amendment to the US Constitution and what did it deal with? The answer: The 18th amendment, which issued in Prohibition, was repealed by the 21st amendment - way to go Fritzkep and Jack who knew the right answer.

Post of the Day

From the Gay Marriage thread

BayCityJohn and Lyle (Mooska) posted this for those opposing the legalization of same-sex marriage:



“STOP! In the name of love...”

Quote of the Day In the Gay and Christian in the World of Today II “We learn this morning that the gay marriage issue is going back to the California Supreme Court. As it turns out, the court has agreed to hear the case based on the premise that civil rights cannot be left up to something as arbitrary as the popular vote..... I don’t see how the California Supreme Court is going to contradict their initial ruling made last spring that opened the gates in the first place.... Boy, would I like to be there to watch that one. I have never seen a State Supreme Court contradict itself. It just doesn’t happen folks. The Constitution is the Constitution and there is no place in that wonderful document where it says that you can discriminate against a minority under any circumstances. That is just what it is going to come down to at the end of the day.” ~ Osprey ~

Photo Cap of the Day: Photo Captioning Fun 4
By HR

Brokeback Beatitudes

Blessed are the Style Deprived
	For they shall be made Blonde.
Blessed are the Runny-Nosed
	For they shall have the bestest wiper in Wyomin’...you bet.
Blessed are the Lonely
	For they shall find a Friend.
Blessed are the Cold and Unappreciated
	For they shall be Needed.
Blessed are the Loving
	For love shall last Forever.

Contributors: BayCityJohn, HR

Calendar of Events

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.

4th Annual Brokie Reunion - Arizona Spring Fling
April 17-19, 2009

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.

Editor: MissYouSoMuch
Editors emeritae: CactusGal, Marge_Innavera, tellyouwhat, Stilllearning
Formatters/Researchers: denim girl, gnash

Today’s edition was produced by MissYouSoMuch and Stilllearning.
Today’s edition was formatted by gnash.

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. If you have items you’d like to see published, send them to tds@davecullen.com.

To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, click the “Notify” button at the top or bottom of the page.
When a new issue of TDS is posted, you will be notified by email.

The Daily Sheet Archives
Respond to The Daily Sheet

[Stilllearning]

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Thankful for Brokeback Mountain
From Auntie (Killersmom)

Brokeback Mountain has had a unique impact on each of us, and during this Thanksgiving season we invite you to share with us why you are grateful for this very special film. In this installment, Auntie tells why she is thankful for Brokeback Mountain and how it was an impetus for change in her life:

The BBQ

How has Brokeback Mountain influenced changes in your life? “My life has changed so very much since that January 2006. Actually it started to change the September before. The BBQ I put on in August that year (2006) was the turning point for me. Everyone I had known and was acquainted with in Texas, I no longer felt in-tune with. I did not belong. My life had shifted for many reasons, but the movie made me see that I was living like an Ennis. Before the movie, I was just going to be satisfied living the life of a widow, in half a house and just exist.”

BBQ ~ 2006

Why did you move from Texas? And why to San Francisco? “I moved from Texas because I had experienced such a personal shift in my outlook on things as a result of the movie. I had lived there all my life, I was born there. I traveled some and realized there was a whole world out there I had not experienced. My husband had passed away and my sons were grown and had moved and I knew they would never return there. I was living in half a house, just me and the dogs and cats. My husband’s sudden illness and death woke me up to the fact that one never knows what tomorrow will bring, and that things can change in a heartbeat. “The traveling I did, to L.A., Oklahoma, New York, the Northwest/Portland, England, it was to meet Brokies, but also I was searching. When I first visited L.A., I thought of all the places this would probably be the place I would move. The second time I went, I realized it wasn’t. In the week between Christmas and New Year 2006, I flew to San Francisco for the first time to visit Michael (Michaelflanagansf). The minute I got here, I knew this was the place. It fit, I fit...it was home.

Exploring San Francisco together

Do you see/entertain people that you met through Brokeback Mountain regularly? “I try very hard to keep in contact with so many of the wonderful people here (on the forum), most I have been lucky enough to meet, and some not. Never enough time, never enough...but I try. “I started traveling and visiting Brokies in March 2006. After the BBQ, it has just been a natural thing to do, to visit when I could. Since I have moved to San Francisco though, I have had a regular stream of visitors. I like to think it is because of me, but SF is a place a lot of people want to visit. I provide a place, a home to stay. It saves them money so they can stay longer. I am also less than 10 minutes from the airport. I LOVE to entertain, I LOVE having visitors. They always give me so much, with their friendship and love. “Of course a really big plus is the large contingent of Brokies who live here. We are not very far apart and usually meet pretty regularly just among ourselves, for drinks or lunch or supper. People usually let me know they are visiting and I set it up so we can get together while they are in the area, if they are not staying with me. I visit and entertain as often as humanly possible.”

Are holidays spend with these friends? “Last year was my first year here, having moved here in April of 2007. I spent the holidays with my Brokie family here. I had Thanksgiving day dinner and Christmas day here at my home. There are a lot of folks who are far from families, or have none left, and the holidays are for family so it is important to me to have a place we can all gather to be together.” What does your family think of these changes over the last few years? “My family is pretty accepting. My two sons sorta understand, my youngest more so than my oldest, but they are accepting and wanting me to be happy. My dad totally understood; my mom does not. But, I have lived all my life for my parents, then my husband, and then my kids. I just let everyone know that now, this is my time. “My sons have seen the movie and to them it is just a movie. My parents and siblings have not. I have tried to explain all about it to them, but as you know unless you experience it in the way we do, it is very hard to make them see or explain just what it means to us and how it has impacted our lives. I think in my instance, my family mainly puts all the changes down to my husband’s death, and yes this is a big factor. But the movie and what it has meant to me and what it has done for me is truly very personal and very individual.

Thanksgiving with the best of friends

“Those of us who have had a profound reaction to the movie are all connected by this factor. But each individual’s reaction, be it big or small, is just that, very personal and individual. I have found that no two are exactly alike, and would not expect them to be. I just know for me that this movie, these characters, this forum, these members, this family and community here have had such a positive effect on me. If I had not seen this movie, if I had not experienced this forum and this community, and not known the stories so many have shared here, I would not be the same person I am today. And for this I am truly grateful.”

If you would like to share with us why you are thankful for Brokeback Mountain send a PM to Stilllearning.

Rufus Wainwright & Emmylou Harris at Carnegie Hall

On Wednesday, December 10, the McGarrigle Christmas Hour at Carnegie Hall will feature Rufus and Martha Wainwright and include special guests Emmylou Harris, Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Jimmy Fallon, and Justin Bond. Tickets are listed at $40 - $150. Get more program information here.

Man Dance Company: A Very Mary Christmas

In December, Man Dance Company of San Francisco will present A Very Mary Christmas: “Join the Brokeback Nutcracking Cowboy Prince as he takes you through a campy, adorable, and fabulously funny tale of a boy whose only dream is to become a dancer. However, he must first jump the hurdles of his gay parents’ divorce and his sister’s neuroticism, (not to mention her big hair!!!)” Dates: Dec. 12 - 8 p.m.; Dec. 13 - 2 & 8 p.m.; Dec. 14 - 2 p.m. You can purchase tickets at The Crocker Galleria (and 20% of the ticket price will benefit 33 San Francisco-based AIDS research organizations); at the Community Box Office, Octavia and Market Streets, by phone at (415) 865-ARTS or online here.

Play: Women Beware Women

“Red Bull Theater (Jesse Berger, Artistic Director) presents Thomas Middleton’s Women Beware Women, adapted and directed by Jesse Berger for a limited engagement December 9 through January 5, 2009, at Theater at St. Clement’s in New York. “Thomas Middleton’s rarely performed masterwork of Jacobean juiciness, Women Beware Women, a hilariously scathing social satire of sexual politics, with a spectacular tragicomic dénouement, continues Red Bull Theater’s exploration of the seldom-seen classics of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, building on their successes with Pericles, The Revenger’s Tragedy, Edward the Second, and simultaneously striking out in an imaginative new direction. Women Beware Women speaks with a shockingly contemporary voice about sexual politics and woman’s rights, even as it is a playful parody of serious sexual games, ultimately showing a society imploding under the pressure of sexual manipulation, victimization, and gender inequality. Red Bull Theater’s production of Women Beware Women is the first Off-Broadway revival of Middleton’s uproarious masterpiece in over 20 years. “Jesse Berger directs a company that includes Anthony Bagnetto, Jeff Biehl, Darcie Champagne, Geraint Wyn Davies (King Lear opposite Christopher Plummer, “24”), Jodi Epstein, Al Espinosa, Jacob Fishel, Jonathan Fried, Jennifer Ikeda (Top Girls), Lisa H. Johanson, Marc LeVasseur, Roberta Maxwell (Equus original cast, Brokeback Mountain), Kathryn Meisle (Tartuffe, Tony Award nomination), Alex Morf, Alison Ostergaard, Everett Quinton (Ridiculous Theatrical Co., Irma Vep), Liv Rooth, and John Douglas Thompson; featuring live music and counter-tenor Shannon Wicks.” Read more here. Source: BWW News Desk

An Adult Paper Doll Book

Tom Tierney has worked as a fashion illustrator and layout artist for such companies as JC Penney, Macy’s, Orbach’s, Harper’s Bazaar and Sports Illustrated. “‘In 1975 Tom was casting about for a unique Christmas present for his mother. Remembering that she had saved her paper doll collection from when she was a girl in the early 1900s (Lettie Lane, G.G. Drayton, and assorted movie star paper dolls) he decided to make her some paper dolls of the 1930s movie stars who had been her favorites.

“Pleased with the dolls, Garbo, Harlow, and Gable, his mother showed them to a number of friends, one of who turned out to be a literary agent. The agent convinced Tom that a book was possible, and as a result, his first book, Thirty from the ‘30s, was born.” ... “In 1995, Tom did a set of “Star Trek” paper dolls for the first edition of TV Guide’s Collector’s Edition.” ... Tierney’s New Attitude: An Adult Paper Doll Book has just been re-released and is available in hardbound as well as paperback. “You’ll love this new deluxe edition of an underground classic. Meet 37 outrageous, sexy, glamorous swinging singles and socialites at a fabulous Manhattan cocktail party hosted by ‘Aunt Mary.’ A parade of gay and lesbian stereotypes are trotted out in paper doll form for perusal in this reprint of the iconic, highly collectible Attitudes book first released by renown paper doll artist Tom Tierney in 1979. This new volume has been recreated, now in full color and with six new characters, to commemorate one of the early books in a long series of paper doll books for which Tierney has become famous. Enjoy hairdressers, movie stars, millionaires, models, drag queens, and others, each nearly naked in seductive loungerie, and with character appropriate clothing.’”

Buy the book through the Forum’s amazon.com link here.
Read more about Tierney here.
Watch a video review of Tierney’s McCain paper doll book here.

Entering Wyoming: Gas Stations

Continuing a series of articles highlighting Wyoming places with important Brokeback connections... Students of scenes deleted from Brokeback Mountain know that two gas station scenes were shot but eventually omitted from the released motion picture. The first one, positioned near the very beginning of the film, incorporated dialog between Ennis and an “old man” mechanic and provided a foundation for the trailer scene which followed. The other, much later, gas station scene depicted two mechanics sneering ominously as they watched Jack and Randall part after an encounter. Although neither scene made it out of the cutting room, a great deal of effort was expended searching for gasoline stations that perfectly captured the flavor of those that Lee found during his visits to Wyoming in 2003 and 2004. Location scouts were sent to remote communities which had little or no highway or rail service. “Frozen in time,” it was in these forgotten places that the rough, deteriorating, painfully practical structures Lee had seen in Wyoming could be discovered.

One Contender for the “Old Man” Gas Station Rockyford, Alberta

Vintage Gas Station, Thermopolis, Wyo.

Of course, modern gas stations are much more than their name suggests. Wyoming gas stations now function as liquor stores, lottery outlets, grocery stores, fast food restaurants, banks, DVD rental outlets, newsstands, coffee bars, and more. Good luck finding a real mechanic in one of these places! By contrast, the Brokeback filmmakers needed to find gas stations that not only reflected the period of the story, but that appeared to be buildings where real mechanics worked on cars. Despite the passing of the decades, Wyoming has more than a few of these structures remaining. Typical of the surviving examples is Shoshone’s Greasy Wrench Garage. We did not stop to inquire, but, from the looks of the place, a couple of sneering mechanics would be right at home here. “Tire Repairs” appear to be something of a specialty at the Greasy Wrench.

The Greasy Wrench Garage
Shoshone, Wyoming

JACK’S truck pulls up to the dirt lot next to the gas station. A MECHANIC, tire jack in hand, fiddling with a car, takes a beer from his BUDDY, who sits on a tire nearby. Deleted scene 153

The setting chosen for the movie’s ill-fated Sneering Mechanics scene was this garage a few miles from downtown Calgary.


Lee’s setting for the deleted Sneering Mechanics Scene
Isaiah Diesel, Calgary, Alberta

For more about the Greasy Wrench and Wyoming gas stations see:
Gas Stations

For more about the film’s deleted gas station scenes, see:
Signal Gas Station
Sneering Mechanics.


As always, for Brokeback travel and production information, visit FindingBrokeback.com.

Happy Thanksgiving

Hoping that everyone enjoys the spirit of the holiday, a time to pause and remember that for which we are grateful,
not the least of which are forum friends, and Jack and Ennis who brought us all together ~ thank you gentlemen.

Post of the Day

A very interesting discussion in the Character Analysis of Ennis Del Mar thread delves into Ennis’ sexual preferences as well as his self-awareness. CANSTANDIT posts: “I think it took Ennis that year to associate his feelings with something more than just the euphoria of BBM. I think it took him that year to feel the love for his firstborn, and associate it with Jack. (We have that imagery that I think implies this, too, i.e., the baby’s cry sounding like Jack’s harmonica-and if you think about it, a newborn’s cry does have that kind of sound.) The only other event, ‘about a year’ later in his life, is the birth of Alma Junior. It is interesting he does NOT have this revelation after he marries Alma. And it makes sense - he does not love her, the way he loves either Jack or his daughter.”

Come join the discussion!

Quotes of the Day

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest
appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy ~


“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes.
Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.”

~ Erma Bombeck ~

Photo Cap of the Day: Favorite Thanksgiving Photocaptions
By tfmisc ~ originally posted Nov. 23, 2006

 

Ennis and Jack (both think): I sure wish I was eatin’ elk right now…

Contributors: BayCityJohn, gnash, killersmom, tfmisc, CANSTANDIT

Calendar of Events

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.

4th Annual Brokie Reunion - Arizona Spring Fling
April 17-19, 2009

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.

Editor: MissYouSoMuch

Editors emeritae: CactusGal, Marge_Innavera, tellyouwhat, Stilllearning

Formatters/Researchers: denim girl, gnash

Today’s edition was produced by MissYouSoMuch and Stilllearning

Today’s edition was formatted by denim girl

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. If you have items you’d like to see published, send them to tds@davecullen.com.

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[Stilllearning]

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Gays in India Ruled by Fear

“Even with the white horse rented, his gold-speckled turban fitted and the wedding hall lined up, Mahesh did not feel ready to get married, at least not to a woman. The shy computer engineer is gay. But Mahesh went ahead with the elaborate ceremony in May because someone he had befriended online blackmailed him - threatening to tell his parents unless he paid $5,500. “Severely depressed and suffering from insomnia, Mahesh recently swallowed a dozen painkillers. He survived. But his blackmailer heard he was in the hospital and demanded more cash to keep his secret.” ... “(H)omosexuality is illegal in the world’s biggest democracy. The Indian penal code describes the act as ‘against the order of nature’ and declares it punishable by 10 years to life in prison, longer than most rape or murder sentences.

“But several human rights groups are now mounting a historic challenge to the law, imposed by the British in 1860, in the New Delhi High Court. The effort to repeal the law is seen as a test case of India’s commitment to secular democracy, with some legal experts saying that moral or religious arguments cannot trump constitutional rights in a democratic society. A verdict is expected before the end of the year.” “Being gay is increasingly accepted in India’s artistic and literary communities. Nobel economics laureate Amartya Sen and writer Vikram Seth have backed the push to decriminalize homosexual acts, launching an effort among filmmakers and fashion designers to speak out in behalf of gay rights. “A new Bollywood movie called Dostana, or ‘Friendship,’ has its worldwide release this weekend and breaks new ground with two gay characters. Still, the Hindi heroes pretend to be gay to save money on rent and seduce their alluring roommate - more Three’s Company than Brokeback Mountain. “In reality, gay and lesbian Indians say, they have few places to meet openly, and studies show that they often lead dangerous, closeted lives, with high rates of suicide and mental illness. Lesbians have reported being fired from their jobs and raped for not being feminine enough. Most gay Indians are married, often with children, and have covert relationships with lovers, activists said.” Read more here. Source: The Washington Post (via Concord Monitor)

Pakistan Bans Bollywood Buddy Movie

“The High Court in Lahore has issued ban on an Indian film after a petitioner claimed it ‘propogates homosexuality.’ “Dostana, which is hyped as Bollywood’s first gay-themed comedy, cannot be shown anywhere in Pakistan as a result of Friday’s court ruling. “The judge ordered that a copy of the script be prepared for a later hearing and that the Pakistan Film Censor Board should block any screenings. “Dostana is similar in plot to last year’s Hollywood effort I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. “Two Indian men in Miami pretend to be a gay couple to rent an apartment, and later to gain an immigration permit.” ... “There is no actual gay relationship, but the two male leads share a kiss and it is being hailed as a breakthrough in Indian cinema. “Dostana is a fun way to pave the way eventually for a Bollywood Brokeback Mountain-type film,’ producer Karan Johar said.” Read more here. Source: PinkNews.co.uk

Forever Young

Writer M Bhaktavatsala “takes a closer look at actors who have died young and since then became iconoclastic figures.” “Heath Ledger died young. He was barely 28. And he was already famous as a brilliant actor having won an Oscar nomination for the role of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain. He had died before his last film, The Dark Knight, a Batman sequel, was released and it is expected that he will win a posthumous Oscar. “Would his reputation grow in the years to come signing off with that kind of track record? Would he be another James Dean who, by dying young in 1955, has remained ‘forever young’? Consider the work of James Dean—East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant. In comparison, the work of Ledger certainly shines brighter whether as a gay cowboy, one of the Kelly gang or as a joker in the Batman film. Who will outlive whom?

“And then what would have happened if they hadn’t died young? Would they have transited from iconoclastic youth to crusty age?” ... “(W)hen one considers the lady actresses (in the film industry), the shining star who by dying young has remained forever young is Madhubala who died at the age of 36.” ... “And yet those who had known her are unanimous in their view that none of the 66 films in which she was a heroine does justice to her beauty though her screen presence was always electrifying, for she possessed an inner beauty that stopped actors, directors, cinematographers even ordinary mortals when they beheld her. The effervescence, the bubbling spirits marked her hallmark laughter some of which filters though in her films.” Read more here.

Tony Curtis: Picture this

“In town to collect a Lifetime Achievement Award from the World Film Festival, (Tony) Curtis, the star of such landmark American films as Sweet Smell of Success (1957), The Defiant Ones (1958) and Some Like It Hot (1959), is also talking about his co-written memoir, American Prince, which hits stands this month. As well as telling his tales of working with such masters as Stanley Kubrick, Billy Wilder and Stanley Kramer, the actor delves into his rather troubled personal life, recalling his tormented marriage to Janet Leigh (one of their offspring is actress Jamie Lee Curtis), his working relationship and romance with Marilyn Monroe, the loss of one of his sons to a drug overdose and Curtis's own stint at the Betty Ford Center.” ... “Curtis found himself in an odd position in 2005, when he was widely quoted as blasting Brokeback Mountain, apparently taking offence at the notion of ‘gay cowboys.’ He insists now that he was widely misquoted. ‘I never said that I didn't like the film. I just didn't know what the big deal was. To see two guys falling in love? … People didn't want to see the subtleties unfold.’

“Curtis now says he loves his gay fans, and says he worked with many gay men in Hollywood over the years, including director Vincente Minnelli. And he says he loved the references to his work in the teen comedy Clueless (1995), in which star Alicia Silverstone realizes the boy she is pining over is gay, in large part because he has rented a series of Tony Curtis movies. ‘I loved that!’ he says. ‘I've always had great, profound friendships with gay men.’” Read more here. Source: Globe and Mail

Criminal Domestic Violence...over a Film

A man in Spartanburg, South Carolina, “was charged with use of a firearm while under the influence and criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. “(He) is accused of discharging a Remington rifle at his ex-wife’s Enoree residence while under the influence of alcohol.” ... “The victim said (the man) became irate after talking to a family member on the phone and learning she was watching Brokeback Mountain. The victim said (the man) then went to a nearby barn and started shooting.” Source: GoUpstate.com

Entering Wyoming: Signal

Continuing a series of articles highlighting Wyoming places with important Brokeback connections...



Signal Butte, near Ten Sleep, Wyoming

Signal - a gesture, action, or sound conveying information - Oxford English Dictionary It is an endless (and equally fascinating) argument. Is there a “real” Signal? Most geographic names identified in the Proulx story are actual Wyoming places. Among the “real places” she describes are the towns of Riverton, Worland, Casper, and Sage; the counties of Washakie and Fremont; and mountain ranges (17 of them in all!) with suggestive names such as the Freezeouts, Rattlesnakes, and the Big Horns. These are all true Wyoming locations, chosen with care by an author who embraces authenticity and elevates it to an art form. But there is not a “Signal, Wyoming.” Many believe that the name “Signal” is evocative of the chain of events which is artfully foretold by the many cues and clues in the initial trailer and bar scenes. Read carefully, almost every line of these two scenes, larded as they are with “bookends,” metaphors, and omens, signals the course of the story’s intricate plot. Those who maintain that “Signal, Wyoming,” must be a pseudonym for a real town often point to the rock formation of Signal Butte and the adjacent town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, as the setting Annie Proulx might have had in mind when she envisioned Ennis’s first meeting with Jack. Ten Sleep is used as a setting in her short story, “The Half-Skinned Steer,” where it is referred to, without apparent hesitation, as “Ten Sleep.”

Ten Sleep, Wyoming

Trailer, Ten Sleep, Wyoming

Significant in Native American tradition, and prominent in the Range Wars (1909), Ten Sleep lacks a modern history of large scale sheep ranching. To find that, one must travel southwest, nearly to Idaho. But visitors to Ten Sleep will find plenty of suggestive Brokeback images to stimulate their imagination.

Sheep near Ten Sleep, Wyoming

Alleyway, Ten Sleep, Wyoming

Is it a real place? Regardless of what you think about Signal, one of the most compelling reasons to visit Ten Sleep is to enter the captivating Ten Sleep Canyon and travel the Cloud Peak Scenic Byway, which extends 64 miles to the east through enchanting Big Horn Mountain scenery.

Cloud Peak Scenic Byway

For more about Signal Butte, Ten Sleep, and Ten Sleep Canyon, see:

Signal Butte
Ten Sleep
Ten Sleep Canyon.

As always, for Brokeback travel and production information, visit FindingBrokeback.com.

Doing any Holiday Shopping Through Amazon?

If so, remember to enter the store through our Forum! Just click the button below or the one at the bottom of any page. Purchases accessed through our store benefit the Forum. Thank you!

One item likely to find its way onto many gift lists is The Art of The Dark Knight.
This intriguing tome includes concept art for many of the characters and a copy of Christopher Nolan’s original shooting script.
You can find it in the Forum’s Amazon store here.

Fun Question of the Week This week’s Question: Who was the only US president granted a patent, and for what? Let us know the answer on the response thread. * * * Last week’s Question: What does the ZIP in Zip-code stand for? The answer: Way to go Fritzkep and Ennis Del Mark! The answer is indeed: Zone Improvement Plan.

Life Through the Lens

Our world, then and now



By Conny




daannzzz’s restoration of this photograph by his Grandfather




By Conny ~ the arrival of winter

Post of the Day
By DanRWentzelJr

“I just saw an advance screening and the film (Milk) blew me away. We had to wait twenty years for it and it did not disappoint. The movie also comes at the perfect time in a post-Proposition 8 world. The gay community needs this film right now and Sean Penn is stupendous as is Gus Van Sant’s direction. ... I want to talk about how I felt upon watching this film. How it touched my soul, not in the same place as Brokeback Mountain did. Brokeback Mountain touched me very personally and deeply in my heart. This film touched me in my gut. I’ve marched with demonstrators over Prop. 8 and there is this anger flowing through me about it. Milk shows how pride and anger can be constructively challenged.” Join the discussion about this movie in our new thread Milk - The Movie

Quote of the Day

“Hope will never be silent.”

~ Harvey Milk ~

Photo Cap of the Day: Favorite Thanksgiving Photocaptions
By royandronnie ~ originally posted June 28, 2006

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.

Contributors: BayCityJohn, daannzzz, Conny, DanRWentzelJr, royandronnie

Calendar of Events

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.

4th Annual Brokie Reunion - Arizona Spring Fling
April 17-19, 2009

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.

Editor: MissYouSoMuch
Editors emeritae: CactusGal, Marge_Innavera, tellyouwhat, Stilllearning
Formatters/Researchers: denim girl, gnash

Today’s edition was produced by MissYouSoMuch and Stilllearning.
Today’s edition was formatted by gnash.

We count on you to send us your news items, questions, and nominations for posts of the day. If you have items you’d like to see published, send them to tds@davecullen.com.

To subscribe to The Daily Sheet, click the “Notify” button at the top or bottom of the page.
When a new issue of TDS is posted, you will be notified by email.

The Daily Sheet Archives
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