Denny Says

Hedi Slimane's Photography

2009-12-09T15:27:00.004-05:00

Vintage L'UOMO vogue May-June 95

2009-11-26T10:13:00.005-05:00

I came across this issue of L'Uomo Vogue. All the fashion stories seem so timeless. The second one by Steven Meisel was his inspiration for the Calvin Klein Ad's and commercial banned back in 96...see my early posting's to see the video :)

UFO

2009-11-17T17:47:00.003-05:00

This is not a typical posting you might find from Denny, but last night was not a typical evening and I wanted to share it with you.

While walking the dogs with my boyfriend last night around 7 p.m. we spotted a strange light off in the distance. We were upstate New York in Ulster County. At first the light seemed to be hovering in place. There were no stars visible in the sky yet and the light was too low and immobile to be a plane. Suddenly it began to move up into the air then abruptly made a move diagonally going south. At this point I ran into the house and retrieved my camera. The lights continued to move sporadically. They seemed to travel quickly across the sky then stop and hover at random points. At its closest proximity we saw what appeared to be nine rectangles, almost like windows. We could see the trace of red and white lights appear then fade as the craft disappeared behind the trees.

The pictures are below. I have zoomed in and sharpened them as much as possible.

Damien Weighill and Your Face Blog

2009-11-12T09:00:00.008-05:00

Damien had a theory that Real People don't read your blog. So he started YourFaceBlog.blogspot.com. You send him your picture and he will transform it into an illustration, but beware you may end up looking like an alien or animal of some sort. Denny says we love Your Face Blog!

Denny:From your bio I know you were abandoned at birth, deep in the idyllic woodlands of the North East of England where you were adopted by a local clan of Bigfoot. Do you think being raised by a hairy mother and father influenced your desire to transform many of your subjects into animals and aliens?
Damien:Yes, I definitely blame my parents.

How did you come up with the concept for Your face blog?
It really just came out of me not being much good at drawing portraits. When I started the blog I expected a few of my friends would send me their photos, I would get a little practice and then that would be that. The mysterious ways of the internet meant that somehow other people keep on stumbling across the site and know I'm not necessarily any more proficient at drawing portraits but I'm supremely confident at producing inaccurate attempts at capturing people's likenesses.

Why the choice of Tom Selleck as your introductory face?
I've got a worrying obsession with facial hair. Tom Selleck is a hero for obvious reasons.

Each of your illustrations have so much personality. Is there an area of the face that is the key to capturing this?
I'm not sure I know the answer to this one. I try to focus the parts that make each person individual. Quite often the key seems to be in the eyes and mouth. And the if I'm in doubt about anything I just add a huge beard.

Any advice for young Bigfoot’s looking to break into illustration?
I really feel like I'm still learning the ropes myself. I think it's important to have a good idea of the strengths (and weaknesses) of your work and how other people (potential clients) perceive that. Whether it's a distinct style or a certain way of thinking that is unique to you.

Do you now believe real people do read your blog?
I think you could safely say that I'm convinced of that fact now.
http://yourfaceblog.blogspot.com
http://www.damienweighill.com

Ryan Pfluger - Photographer

2009-09-23T08:45:00.010-04:00

Ryan Pfluger is and an insightful artist Denny had the privledge of asking interviewing. Denny says one to watch.

Where did you grow up? When did you find your passion for photography? Where did you
study?
I grew up in Flushing, Queens and Long Island. I always enjoyed looking at photography but didn't start photographing until about 5 years ago. I wouldn't have even called myself a photographer until about 3 years ago. I did my BFA in Photography at SUNY New Paltz and my MFA in photography at the School of Visual Arts.

The series called Not Without My Father that you did with your own father is very powerful. You mentioned an estranged relationship between the two of you through most of your childhood. I’m curious what that relationship is like now?
I'm extremely close with my father and he is probably the biggest supporter of my work. The project really brought us together and cultivated our relationship more than I think anything else ever could. To go from a non-speaking relationship to something as special as what we have now is really incredible.

How do you think being gay plays a role in your work?
It's interesting to me, because being gay definitely influences my work tremendously, but my work is about much broader topics and photography itself as a medium. Being gay is just an aspect of me, so it's just an aspect of my work. While in a lot of my portrait work the subject matter is gay men, the photographs are really about relationships in general.

What do you look for in your subjects?
I look for people who are unique. People often tell me I photograph people that look like me, and maybe it's because thats what I am initially attracted to or can relate to since most of my subjects are strangers at first that I cultivate relationships with during photographic sessions. I really can just look at someone and know whether or not they will work for me and my style in front of the camera.

If you could photograph anyone who would that be?
By far it would be Tilda Swinton.

Is Men I’ve Met an ongoing series you continue to work on?
I think it's the body of work that I will never actually stop doing. To me it's like a good beer on a hot day. It's something I always want to do but don't want to be the defining aspect of me as a photographer. Since it was the first real project I started doing, it's become rather special and nostalgic to me.

In your series About a Boy you illustrate largely with self-portraits how “young boys are programmed with ideals and activities they must strive for.” If that series were called About a Gay Boy how might it differ…if at all?
I'm not sure actually. I have never been someone who has defined himself by his sexuality. While there are definitely different issues for gay youth, there is still an ideal expected of all boys as they are growing up. Having to be a masculine man, a provider, being good at sports and so on. I think dealing with my sexuality made me just more emotional about it all. I Felt like there was something wrong with me. Thus going back and looking at my youth, the project helped me deal with certain things that I locked up for awhile.

What advice do you have for other young photographers?
Really really love what you do. There are going to be so many ups and downs along the way that you really need to be secure with yourself and your work. Things kind of fall in place when they are supposed to. I still struggle with it and I've been photographing professionally for a few years now. You always have to remember there is always another photographer who has just as much ambition as you do. You need to understand what makes your work special and really cultivate that. Also, don't be afraid of trying something outside of your comfort zone because it might become something extraordinary.

To see more of Ryan's work go to:http://www.ryanpfluger.com/portfolio/

Dsquared Spring 2010

2009-08-24T11:28:00.005-04:00

Dean and Dan Caten designers of Dsquared were inspired by the outdoors this season. The theme of their Spring 2010 collection was a summer camp out. Denny loved it. It was quirky, fun, sexy, and wearable. The styling choices of band aids, eye glasses, various boots and little insects placed over select Speedos gave the presentation wonderful character. They have not reinvented the wheel,but they gave a collection filled with charm. Denny says one of his favorites from Paris or Milan this season.

Markus Bollingmo - Photographer/Artist

2009-08-21T12:45:00.009-04:00

We recently came across Markus's work and have fallen in love with it's alluring beauty. It reminds us of early Nan Goldin, but with a refreshing innocence.

Denny: When and how did you discover your passion for photography?
Markus: It is something that came gradually, starting maybe a few years ago. I was always bringing my compact digital camera with me everywhere and somehow I started more and more to do photos that were meant to be more than just a "facebook photo". I also started playing around with doing self portraits.
D: Who are some of the artists you are influenced by?
M: My friend Laurent Delaroziere has taught me a lot of what I know about photography, so for me the obvious answer is him. If you mean more "famous" artists I am not really sure. It would be stupid to say that none have influenced me, but it is not something I have given much though.
D: What inspires you?
M: Many things! Cute sexy boys, beautiful lighting, those people that give off that certain energy, cute kids, street art. They all make me itch to have a camera in my hands.
D: Where are you from? And where do you live now?
M: I am originally from Trondheim, Norway. I lived for a while in Stockholm, Sweden as well, but now I have been in Paris for 2 years.
D: If you could shoot anyone who would that be?
M: That kid of Angelina Jolie, the one with the mohawk...Maddox? He is so cool!
D: There is a beautiful intimacy in your art. Is this intentional?
M: Thank you! It is 100% unintentional.
D: How would you describe your work?
M: No no no don't ask me that. Look the photos and decide for yourself :)
D: Do you always have a camera with you? And what do you shoot with?
M: I am so paranoid that something will happen to my big expensive one (a Canon EOS 5D Mark II), so I don't dare to bring it with me everywhere. I used to have a little compact digital camera for that, but it is broken now.
D: What are you working on now?
M: I am retouching some photos I did today of a Brazilian boy.
D: What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?
M: Use the internet! Without it I wouldn't have been able to do any of this. Use it for getting your stuff out there and use it for learning how to be better. It's such a great resource.

You can see more of his work at:http://markusbollingmo.com/
and on flickr at:http://www.flickr.com/photos/sipho84/

Denny says one to watch!

You Animal!

2009-08-11T09:37:00.007-04:00

Denny says make an animal donation.
www.worldvision.org
www.aspca.org
www.worldwildlife.org
www.theanimalrescuesite.com
www.hsus.org
www.thehumanesociety.org
www.petsineed.org

Simply Hats

2009-08-01T10:16:00.003-04:00

Denny says guys go get yourself a hat.

Jeffrey Kilmer - Artist

2009-07-26T10:55:00.006-04:00

The envoy gallery is a contemporary art space located at 131 Chrystie St in NYC. (http://www.envoyenterprises.com/home.html) “It brings together visual and performing arts, film, video, music, multi-media events, poetry reading, artist talks, publications and aims to provide opportunities for artists to exhibit their work within a context of current national and international practice.” Denny says it's one of the few galleries willing to take risks on unknown artists and it's largely supportive of the gay arts. Love it!

Jeffrey Kilmer recently showed some of his work at Envoy much of which can be seen in his new book called 23% Pure. Jeffrey has a masters in Architecture that can be seen reflected in much of his work as a photographer. His portraits are a glimpse into the youth of today’s society.

You book is called 23% Pure. Tell me how you came up with that title?
There’s no real story behind it. Its abstract. Architectural. It was a “working” title that seemed appropriate to the finished book.

What do you look for in your models?
Authentic, rebellious, skinny but toned, shaggy haired, strong featured, often with tattoos, scars, black eyes, broken noses. Interesting imperfections.

Subjects with tattoos are prevalent in your work, what is it about tattoos you are draw to? Do you have ink of your own?
It seems almost everyone has a tattoo. They are difficult to avoid. People with tattoos often appeared more interesting to me than those without tattoos. When tattoos were a rare occurrence, even just 10 years ago, they seemed more revealing. They told a story and offered clues about the person, the music they liked, etc… But now that tattoos have hit the mainstream they are becoming a little less interesting to me, and often less revealing, but I’m still drawn to certain people who have them.
I have two tattoos. The largest one was taken from an etching from the 1800's. I wanted something that looked “old school”, but also unique. I grew up hunting and fishing in Northern Michigan and Canada as a kid, before Post Punk/New Wave hit me. It’s a reminder of those days outdoors in the forest or on the lake.

You have been educated as an architect. How do you see it playing into you work today as a photographer?
Architecture is a fantastic education for a variety of disciplines. Art, Film, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Photography.

Talk about your editing process. What is it you look for when choosing your final images?
There were 190 images selected for the book out of thousands. xxxx

What camera do you work with?
I’ve been using Nikon digital cameras over the past 6 years. I began shooting with 35mm film. None of that work made it into the book, due to the cost to digitize the film for print. I’d love to shoot with medium format film, but it’s too expensive.

You travel all around the county gathering your subjects. Where would you most like to visit again?
I find most of the kids via websites such as Myspace. The majority of my paid professional work is photographing architecture and involves travel. If I locate a bunch of interesting kids in a city that I’m scheduled to work in, I’ll try to stay an extra day at my own expense in order to shoot them. I love medium-size cities that are not on the radar, places like Tulsa, Oklahoma or Louisville, Kentucky.
The kids that interest me tend to have a certain moody or rebellious look to them. Perhaps they remind me of my teenage days?! Scars, black eyes, and tattoos tend to make them more interesting to me. The majority of the kids are cool, "creatives," and we often have common interests, such as music or fashion. Many of them become friends over time. We exchange music mix CD's and art via the old-fashioned mail.

What advice do you have for a young photographer?
My advice is to get a good education, take a lot of pictures!
Graduate school isn’t for everyone, but I matured so much there.

Are you planning book two and if so what can we expect from it?
Many of the subjects from Book 1, have been shot several times over the years, beginning when they were 18. Now they are 25. Mature. I’d love a Book 2, to be a series of 8-10 photographs of each subject, shot over a ten year period.

To see more of Jeffry's work or to purchase his book you can go to his web site at http://jeffreykilmer.com/

Denny says He's one to watch ;)

Model Spotlight David Gandy

2009-07-16T10:09:00.006-04:00

David Gandy is a Brit born in Billericay, Essex in 1980. His Ageny is Dna (dnamodels.com) His first big break into the industry was in 2006 when being photographed for Dolce&Gabbana's Light Blue Fragrance Video.

Denny says Gandy should get into some acting classes and look into Hollywood. He has the classic good looks of Clark Gable combined with the rugged sexuality of Hugh Jackman.

“I would prefer to know I had some talent before moving on to acting, as I'm just enjoying doing well in the modelling industry at the moment.” David Gandy.

ALEXANDER SKARSGARD

2009-07-13T10:02:00.007-04:00

Biography
Date Of Birth August 25, 1976
Born in Stockholm, Sweden

Alexander Skarsgard is an actor best known for his role as Eric Nothman on the HBO series True Blood. He is the son of My Guenther, a doctor, and Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard,( Amistad, Good Will Hunting, Exorcist: The Beginning, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Mamma Mia!, and Entourage) he has a brother named Gustaf Skarsgard. Alex studied political science, rendered military service in the Marines and intended to study at a school of architecture in Stockholm. In 1997, however, his longing to act grew stronger so he opted to study at Marymount Theatre School in New York City. In 2003 he was nominated for a Guldbagge for male supporting role in the movie Hundtricket. This was followed by several international productions such as Revelations and The Last Drop. In 2007, he played one of the main characters in the American miniseries Generation Kill.

In 2008, Skarsgard was cast in the HBO vampire series True Blood from Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball. Skarsgard plays the Role of Eric, a 1000-year-old Viking vampire and owner of Fangtasia, the fictional vampire bar.

Alexander Skarsgard did a recent phone interview with Oliver Polumbarit of the Philippine Daily Enquirer. Alex on what he researched to play Eric Northman:

“Yeah, when I did my research, I re-watched movies that I’ve seen, like the old Nosferatu with Max Schreck from the ’20s, Bela Lugosi’s “Dracula,” and Werner Herzog’s “Nosferatu” from the ’70s. Obviously, Eric Northman’s quite a different character. But diving into that old culture of vampirism was to get my creativity and inspiration going, basically. When you create a world with vampires, it’s up to you if you wanna do the whole thing with crosses or garlic or what happens when a vampire meets the sun. We hung on to a couple of those, but some of them we just dismissed. So it’s very open to interpretation …”

A rumor had been circulating about Alex being cast as Thor to be directed by Kenneth Branagh. In an interview with MTV News, Alexander Skarsgard revealed he'd actually gotten as far in the Thor casting process as trying on the outfit and filming an audition. He confirmed to MTV that he met with Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige and Thor director Kenneth Branagh a number of times before ultimately losing out on the leading role to Chris Hemsworth (Captain James T Kirk's dad in the latest Star Trek film). Denny Says they Fu**ed up by not casting Alexander as Thor…but time will tell ;)

The Paintings of Jacpues Sultana

2009-06-25T18:02:00.005-04:00

Jacques Sultana is a french artist, painting primarily male nudes. Most of his work is so technically good it is photo-realistic. The work appears like private photos of a lover or close friend. It makes the viewer feel the intimacy of the moment. Overall his work focuses on the male nude. Although done entrancingly, I would love to see him do more of his portraits and lifestyle scenes. You can view his work at http://jacquessultana11.blogspot.com/

When they were younger!

2009-06-23T11:08:00.006-04:00

The supermodel's of the 90's still going strong. The photos are taken by Peter Lindbergh, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier, Mario Sorrenti, and Craig McDean.

Alexey Brodovitch - Ballet

2009-05-13T18:02:00.006-04:00

This post is for my Dear Friend Nicole, who endlessly fills me with inspiration.

Alexey Brodovitch (1898-1971) was a Russian-born photographer, designer and teacher. He was famous for his art direction of fashion magazine Harper's Bazaar from 1938 to 1958. Many credit Alexy for introduching Modern graphic design in to the United States. Ballet was a book of Alexey's photos published in 1945.

"When you first glance at them, Alexey Brodovitch's phogographs look strangely unconventional. Brodovitch, who knows as well as any of us the standardized Fifth Ave kind of flawless prints, offers us, as his own, some that are blurred, distorted, too black and spectral, or too light and faded looking, and he has even intensified these qualities in souvenirs, and he first took them to have a souvenir of ballet to keep. From the wings of from standing room, watching the performance, absorbed by a sentiment it awakened, he snapped, one may imagine, almost at random. But as you look at his results you come to see that he was steadily after a very interesting and novel subject. He was trying to catch the elusive stage atmosphere that only ballet has, as the dancers in action created it." Edwin Denly

LARS TUNBJORK'S View of Sweden

2009-04-23T10:36:00.004-04:00

These are some photos from one of our favorite Swedish photographers Lars Tunbjork. They are part of his book published in 1994 titled "Landet Utom Sig." or "Country Beside Itself."

"Born in Stockholm in 1956, Tunbjörk spent the seventies photographing for several national newspapers and publications in his native country. He has refined his style and techniques, ultimately achieving a rare coupling of aesthetic aplomb, like that of his hero Garry Winogrand, with socially concerned photo-critique. His 1993 publication A Country Beside Itself, which documents rural Swedish leisure culture during the rise of post-Thatcher European commercialism, reflects this intellectual and stylistic sensibility and its communicability across cultural lines. “Like Martin Parr in Britain, or William Eggleston in Memphis,” reads The British Journal of Photography, Tunbjörk’s “pictures capture a vernacular which is local but which still resonates beyond its own culture.” Tunbjörk has exhibited widely in his native Sweden, including a current solo exhibition at the Moderna Museet. Additionally he has had solo and group shows across Europe and the US, including a solo exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York featuring work from A Country Beside Itself. In addition to Office and A Country Beside Itself, Tunbjörk has published three other photo-books: Home (2002), I Love Borás (2006) and Vinter (Winter) (2007)." (cohenamador.com)

"Roy the Toxic Boy" by Tim Burton

2009-04-05T11:05:00.006-04:00

Model Mikus Lasmanis

2009-03-22T14:55:00.008-04:00

Mikus Lasmanis (Request models) is our model of the month. We recently had the pleasure of working with Mikus on an editorial job he was cast in. He is a statuesque 6.5 feet tall with a lean body perfectly suited for clothing. He appeared in the controversial Ck ad that was “too risqué” for the O so pure American audience and was banned. He is one of the great wave of Eastern European skater rats that have become so popular in the industry. He is beautiful a fantastic model, blah blah blah…. the thing we loved most was when our sexy goomer Selene asked him, “Where did you meet your girlfriend?” His ansewer was, “In my dreams.”

Spotlight on Terry Tsiolis -Photographer Extrodinaire!

2009-03-05T11:30:00.007-05:00

Terry Tsiolis is one of the great photographers of this generation. Terry was born and raised in Montreal Canada, He has worked as a fashion editor for magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Allure. Seven years ago he decided to make the leap into photography. His photos are sexy, clean, uplifting and full of life. We love Terry! To see more of his work you can log on to his agents site at: http://www.managementartists.com

Denny - You didn't take the traditional route of photo assisting when starting out. Did working as a fashion editor for magazines such as Bazaar and Allure (in an industry that likes to pigeon hole people) hinder your transition as photographer?
Terry - No not at all.

D - What was your first photo assignment?
T - It was for Jane magazine

D - What was your first "big break" as a beginning photographer?
T - Working for French vogue

D - Do you have any advice for young photo kids looking to break into the industry now?
T - Shoot who and what you like

D - Have you ever had to compromise your vision as a photographer for anyone?
T - Not really….It’s always a collaboration

D - If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be?
T - more days to shoot

D - Who are your photo icons?
T - Avedon-Penn-Helmut..All the oldies

D - You photograph men and woman both exquisitely! Do you have a preference?
T – No…but it’s nice that guys don’t need as much hair and makeup…

D - What is the most important lesson you have learned as a photographer?
T - I don’t know yet...

D - What are you working on now?
T – Nudes.

SASHA PANYUTA - Interview of the artist

2009-02-27T12:57:00.008-05:00

We have fallen in love with Russian Born artist Sasha Panyuta. Her work is moving, arousing and filled with emotion. Her use of color and composition calm the eye and soothe the senses.
To see more of her work you can visit her web site at http://www.sashapanyuta.com/

1 ) Where do you find your inspiration?
I recently watched "The Corporation", it’s an incredible documentary about how huge corporations are fucking society, that was pretty inspiring.

2 )What lead you to fall in love with painting?
Realizing that almost anything else I did felt like total bullshit.

3 ) Your work is filled with so much emotion. Do your subjects sit for
you or do you create your artwork for memory or photos?
Usually I use photos. Sometimes I set up photo shoots with specific props and costumes and tell my models how they're supposed to be feeling in the moment. Sometimes I’ll just snap a bunch of photos of someone being themselves, but in the end the painting always comes out much different than the photo.

4 ) Where did you study and where are you from and where do you live/work now?
I was born in Russia on the Kamchatka penninsula (its across from Alaska). I moved to the States when I was 6 and have been living in New York City since I was 7. I got my BFA at Parsons here in the city, and right now I still live and work in the city.

5) When did you start making art?
I remember copying Disney cartoons with my grandmother when I was about 7. I went to an art high school so I guess my first big artistic endeavor was in 8th grade when I had to put together a portfolio to apply there.

6) How do you choose your subjects?
Sometimes I’ll meet someone with a really intense look and I feel like I just have to paint them, but that’s pretty rare. Often times I’ll come up with some sort of project and get desperate for models, so I’ll ask anyone I know who I think is even remotely interesting looking. I was surprised to find out how many people don’t feel comfortable having their portrait painted. I also use my friends and myself a lot, just because we’re available and willing. Then there are other times when I get commissions or am working on a specific project where I don’t have a choice of model.

7) How long does your average piece take to complete?
It really depends, some take 2 days some take 3 months.

8) Is acrylic your favorite painting medium, do you work with other
mediums as well?
I love acrylic because it allows me to be fast and relatively neat. As you can see from my work I’m not so much into blending colors, so the fast drying time of acrylic is great for that. In the first painting class I ever took they made us paint with acrylic, guess they didn’t trust 15 year olds with oil, and so it stuck. I painted a few paintings with oil back at Parsons but I can’t really deal with the chemicals and the dirty paintbrushes. Maybe when I get a nice huge studio and an assistant I’ll give oils another try.

9 ) Who are some of your favorite artists past and present?
I just saw the Marlene Dumas exhibit at the MOMA, I like some of her stuff. Jenny Saville is great with figures and flesh. Egon Schiele is always inspiring. But I’m more moved by work that is completely different from mine, there is a piece by the artist Paul Lee that I saw about a year ago in an exhibit in Chelsea, it’s a black cotton towel with the center cut out and flapping down hanging on a wall, I really loved that piece, I guess because its so different form anything I would ever make, kind of forces me to consider my creative process in a totally different way.

10 ) What are you working on now?
Some paintings for a show I’m planning with a photographer friend of mine.

DUSTIN LANCE BLACK-2009 Oscar Winner for Best Original Screenplay MILK!

2009-02-23T10:07:00.006-05:00

The Oscars did not disappoint last night! The show was filled with many great moments. Hugh Jackman’s two musical numbers were flawless. Anne Hathaway surprised many while joining Hugh in song with her brilliant voice during the opening. When Jennifer Aniston took the stage to hand out the award for Best Animation Feature the cameras panned to Angelina Jolie. Then again while she and Jack Black announced best Animated Short Film. The Kiss Between James Franco and Sean Penn was featured not once but twice during the show. Ben Stiller as Joaquin Phoenix was priceless. Penn’s declaration of “Equal rights for everyone” during his acceptance speech for best actor sent goose bumps down my body. BUT the most moving moment of the evening was from Dustin Lance Black upon winning Best Original Screenplay for Milk!

“When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Texas to California and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life, it gave me the hope to one day live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married.
I want to thank my mom who has always loved me for who I am, even when there was pressure not to. But most of all, if Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are less than by their churches or by the government or by their families that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours. Thank you, thank you, and thank you God for giving us Harvey Milk.”

Childhood for Lance Black meant growing up in San Antonio, Texas, surrounded by military bases and Mormon culture. Black worried about his sexuality. He told himself "I'm going to hell. And if I ever admit it, I'll be hurt, and I'll be brought down." When he found himself attracted to a boy in his neighborhood he said that his "acute awareness" of his sexuality made him dark, shy and at times suicidal, "I had my first crush on a boy when I was like six, seven. ‘I knew what was going on, I knew I liked him… really liked him, and not just as a friend,' but what Texas did and what the culture of growing up Mormon - growing up military reinforced - was the very second thought I had, 'I'm sick, I'm wrong, I'm going to hell. And if I ever admit it, I'll be hurt, and I'll be brought down.'"

“Texas kept me very quiet. I became intensely shy, I had thoughts of suicide. I was a pretty dark kid, because I had an acute awareness of my sexuality, and was absolutely convinced that I was wrong. In his Hope Speech, Harvey Milk says, 'There's that kid in San Antonio, and he heard tonight that a gay man was elected to public office, and that will give him hope.' And when I first heard that speech, it really did that. It really, really gave me hope, for the first time.”

It wasn't until college when he was on his way to fulfilling his dreams. Black discovered an alternative to the mantras of guilt and silence, of duty and obedience promoted by the army and the church. He discovered his father figure at the movies. It was in the mid-90s that Black first saw Rob Epstein's Oscar-winning documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk.

Black is also staff writer for the wickedly funny HBO series Big Love!

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

2009-02-22T15:15:00.004-05:00

We love a good conspiracy theory! For those of you who have just landed from the planet of lizard people “a conspiracy theory alleges a group is, or was secretly working to commit illegal or wrongful actions, including attempting to hide the existence of the group and its activities.”(Wikipedia)

Some of the more infamous one’s you may have heard are:

Nasa faked the moon landings

The US Government was behind 9/11

Princess Diana was murdered

The Jews run hollywood…Wait! That’s not true?

Paul McCartney is dead. (The theory alleges a look alike has taken over)

Aids is a man-made disease

Church’s Fried Chicken sterilizes black men.

The Illuminati run the world (This theory speculates that the world’s corporate and political leaders are all members of an ancient cabal.

The assassination of John Lennon
(Chapman was a brainwashed hit man carrying out someone else's contract.)

The Scientologists run hollywood…(Hmm This one could be?)

Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Elvis Presley are still alive.

The Iraq War – Was it a war on terror or an excuse to secure Iraq’s oil…

The earth is flat, and the government is keeping this from us! (Come on Really!?)

America caused the Asian Tsunami

George Bush can hypnotize mass crowds, which is why he was in power. (We know this one is bull…he’s not smart enough for that.

The list goes on but I will end with my favorite…

Lizard-People Run the World
(Followers of onetime BBC reporter David Icke believe that certain powerful people — like George W. Bush and the British royals — actually belong to an alien race of shape-shifting lizard-people. Icke claims Princess Diana confirmed this to one of her close friends. Icke also claims the Matrix is real (that explains Keanu’s bad acting!)

"Playing with Fairies" By Chinese paper doll artist know as On

2009-02-20T11:57:00.010-05:00

ON GALLERY

Kindle – The Death of Books?

2009-02-17T13:56:00.003-05:00

There has been a lot of talk recently about a new wave in publishing called the Kindle. “The Kindle is an e-book reader, an embedded system for reading electronic books, launched in the United States by prominent online bookseller Amazon.com in November 2007.” The Kindle 2 will be available for purchase starting Feb 24 for about $360. “The new Kindle features improved battery life (up to two weeks), 20 percent faster page-refreshing, a text-to-speech option to read the text aloud, and overall thickness reduced to 0.36 inches (the size of a small paperback book). To promote the new Kindle, author Stephen King has written a novella called UR, which is available exclusively as a Kindle download.” (Wikipedia)

The Kindle lets users download most bestselling books for $9.99 onto a high-resolution screen with a white background and black text, imitating the look of a real book. More than 230,000 titles are available for the Kindle. Customers can also download major U.S. and international magazines and newspapers, as well as more than 1,200 blogs. (Bloomberg news)

This is the wave of the future, whether it is your kindle, i-phone or archaic laptop you will eventually no longer go to your local bookstore to purchase you favorite author. You will simply push a button and up will come your book of choice. I have to admit I find this all a bit sad. There is something so soothing about picking up your favorite book while relaxing in your bed at night or sitting on the beach with the newest brain candy. It just wont be the same. But with change good comes as well. More titles will be accessible all over the world and it may even open the doors for more unpublished authors to finally get their work out there!

Get Your Hands Off My Fucking Dress!

2009-02-16T13:47:00.004-05:00

Okay this one is a goody. Denny’s dear friend just related a story about the queen of all Divas... Miss Diana Ross. While seeing her in person at one of her recent concerts the queen pulled out all the stops. She changed into an array of gowns for almost every song. Each dress more beautiful then the last one she wore. She spoke of love and peace. Her lyrics were filled with tenderness and caring. The audience was mesmerized as usual. When it came to her finale she appeared in a jaw-dropping gown with a train suited for a princess. The people rose from their seats and embraced each other’s hands while swaying to her music. It was magical.She began walking down the runway, I mean stage, singing one of her great hits, “Reach out and touch somebodys hand…”Upon passing my friend the train of her dress began to fall from the stage near where he stood. He reached out his hand to touch the jewel filled gown and place it back on the stage. As he did Ms. Ross still singing “Reach out and touch…” turned her head towards him, moved the mike from her mouth and directed, “Get your hands off my fucking dress!” Then continued singing joyfully, “Somebodys hand, make this world a better place, If you can…"

The first annual DENNY Awards!

2009-02-12T17:40:00.007-05:00

And the Denny Goes to...

1) For Biggest Celebrity Melt Down. The Denny goes to... BRITTNEY SPEARS,

2) For Best Republican blunder. The Denny goes to...THE CHOICE OF SARAH PALIN, Thank God.

3) For Best HBO Series. The Denny goes to (It's a tie!)BIG LOVE and TRUE BLOOD.

4) For Best Day of 2008. The Denny goes to... NOV 4th! OBAMA WINS!

5) For Biggest Celebrity Shocker...The Denny goes to...LESBIAN LYNDSY LOWHAN

6) For Best book...The Denny goes... to WHEN YOU ARE ENGULFED IN FLAMES BY DAVID SEDARIS

7) For Best Actor...The Denny goes to...SEAN PENN for his portrayal of Harvey Milk in Milk

8) For Best Actor...The Denny goes to...KATE WYNSLET just for being so damn classy!

9) For Best Picture...The Denny goest to...SLUM DOG because it was the little film that could.

10)For Best Talk show...The Denny goes to...THE VIEW, seriously that show has the drama, this year with the Rosie scandal, then the election and crazy Hasselbeck...

11)For Best New Fashion Designer...The Denny goes to...QUI HAO, you may have not heard his name yet but you will

12)For Best Fashion Magazine...The Denny goes to...DEALER DELUXE, it is a french magazine that embraces art fashion and quirk.

13) For Best Song...The Denny Goes to...MORE THAN THIS by SHANE MACK, just makes you feel good music!

14) For Best Tech Invention...The Denny goes to...THE i-PHONE, It even cooks for you.

15) For Best Reality Television show...The Denny Goes to...PROJECT RUNWAY,bring it back already!!

Let the games begin! Denny's Preview #1 F/2009

2009-02-05T17:00:00.009-05:00

It’s that time of year again…Fashion Shows. The official kick off for Mercedes Benz fashion week begins Feb 13 at 10 am with “The Truth’s Red Dress Collection.” It lasts until Feb 20 finishing at 2 pm with “Chado Ralph Rucci.”

Paris and Milan have already given us a taste of what’s to come with their Menswear collections. We are impressed. Black attire was seen throughout many of the shows…maybe a reflection of the economy. Much of the clothing was tailored to flatter a mans’ physique. Many of the designers keept dark palettes while some used vibrant colors to give refreshing accent.

Many of the designers unveiled brilliant lines. However Alexander McQueen gets Denny’s vote. He put on a character driven show filled with an array of male models resembling rich aristocrats… who will kick your ass! The show was aptly titled “The McQueensberry.” The clothing was masterly tailored and the color palette consisted of dark earth tones ranging from black to green. Many of the models were adorned with hats, carried canes and wore fingerless gloves. He showed a few knit pieces causeing many to gasp upon seeing them. The looks could work straight from the runway to everyday…except maybe the crazy butcher character with leather apron…I might leave that one for Halloween.

Calvin Klein Banned Ads

2009-02-04T17:12:00.005-05:00

VINTAGE CK AD BANNED IN THE 9()"S

They are at it again. There is a new Calvin Klein ad that "is not fit for television viewing..." American television viewing that is. It will air freely in Europe...those dirty bastards.

When Denny needs to do an ad he is going to make it inappropriate for viewing in America and Europe! This way it will be banned all over the world...assuring it to be viewed by everyone!

Denny has viewed the new ad directed by the great Steven Meisel. We were bored. So bored we decided not to post it. But instead we have posted one of the great banned Calvin Klein commercials Steven directed in the 90's. But in case you feel you need to see the "orgy ad" you can view it at: http://www.wwd.com/video/?vid=9357449001

STIMULATE THIS!

2009-02-03T16:43:00.004-05:00

Okay we all know the economy is in the shit can. A friend of Denny’s emailed him today and said she feared what was upon us may be of “unprecedented proportions.” Denny says we need to start thinking positively. Are we heading for mass hysteria? If you are currently not strapped for money or in fear of losing your job it is time for you to do your part as an American. Denny says go out and treat yourself to a fine dinner, or go buy that new dress you saw in Vogue last week, Or if you’re doing really well treat yourself to a new car…I hear some places are offering buy one get one free.

In the meantime lets talk about the Stimulus package Obama has in store for us. The most recent Number for his proposed plan is nearly $900 Billion.

“Fiscal stimulus aims to boost economic activity during periods of economic weakness by increasing short-term aggregate demand." The theory is that if more goods and services are being bought, whether cement for a new highway or groceries paid for with a tax rebate, there is less chance that falling demand will lead companies to lay off workers, resulting in greater falls in demand and a deeper downturn.” (New York Times)

The Senate has approved the proposal and the House is currently proposing a few changes: “Some senators say they want to focus on easing the housing crisis, increasing infrastructure spending and cutting taxes on corporations.”

Let’s not lose sight of the economic meltdown to begin with…Banks, Mortgages, and Foreclosures. The banks have been given significant amounts of money to stay afloat. They should now be doing the same for homeowners. Banks have now tightened their belts… as they should have years ago. But unfortunately those people who are not in fixed rates are still in danger of losing their homes and most do not qualify for refinancing.

“The House bill also includes $30 billion for roads and bridges and $10 billion for transit and intercity rail.”
Denny would be happier to drive on a slightly bumpy road for a year or two and see that money put someplace more universally useful right now. “It also includes $50 billion intended to make the country more energy-efficient by updating the electric grid to make it easier to accommodate solar and wind power, and by providing for weatherizing government buildings and low-income housing. In addition, there are tax credits to encourage the growth of renewable energy.”

“The plan also calls for $275 billion in tax cuts and about $300 billion in aid for laid-off workers and cash-strapped states. That money would be used to expand unemployment benefits, provide health-care coverage to laid-off workers, help states facing ballooning Medicaid costs and extend large sums to states to pay for education programs and school renovations.” (The Washington Post)

Denny says Hurry Up!!

Mercury in Retrograde

2009-02-01T12:57:00.008-05:00

The last few weeks have been a struggle for many people. Is it the failing economy? Is it the transition of presidents? Is it the winter blues? Or is it the fact that Mercury has been in Retrograde? What exactly does it mean for you when Mercury is in Retrograde? We decided to do a bit of research.

Mercury retrograde in Aquarius [Jan 11 – Feb 1, 2009]

At 16:45 (Universal Time), on Sunday, January 11th, 2009, Mercury turned retrograde in Aquarius. Since that was the day of the potent Full Moon in Cancer, people's emotions may have been on high alert! In general, Mercury rules thinking and perception, processing and disseminating information and all means of communication, commerce, education and transportation.

The word retrograde applies, in astrology, to the apparent backward motion thru the zodiac of a planet.

All the planets, except Sun and Moon, have these retrograde periods, but Mercury is most famous for them, probably because Mercury represents our very essential communication abilities.

The good things to do when Mercury is Retrograde: meditate, contemplate, edit the book/poem/song/essay you've been writing, clean house, talk to your pet, listen to music, paint, catch up on sleep!

So if you have been feeling blue the past few weeks, worry not Obama is hard at work to fix our economy, The winter only has two more months to go and as of today Mercury is out of Retrograde...Phew!

Nicole Fiscella

2009-01-25T14:19:00.006-05:00

Nicole Fiscella is one of our favorite Gossip Girls. She is know by many as Isabel Coates, a friend of Blair Waldorf on the CW’s hit series Gossip Girl. We have had the pleasure of spending time with Nicole on several occasions. She lights up a room with her vibrant eyes and devilish sense of humor. She conveys confidence, style, and intelligence when speaking and looks even more beautiful in person.

In between filming the current season of Gossip Girl Nicole took some time from her day to answer some questions for Denny.

Denny: What are you reading right now?

Nicole: A book called Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi. My boyfriend gave it to me b/c Keith is an old boss of his that was inspirational to him. It is about the importance of being open to meeting the right people so you can help each other get ahead. It is great so far!

D ) Where is the last place you had dinner and with who?

N ) The last dinner I had was in Montauk with some of my closest friends. We cooked and played Taboo!

D) We know you are currently studying for your Masters in Nutrition.
What is your favorite dish?

N ) I am huge on breakfast food so since I don't eat dairy, I make a killer scrambled tofu!

D ) We have read you have an appreciation of Woopie Goldbergh. What is it about her you most admire?

N ) I think that Whoopi has an amazing persona and a ton of energy. She is very kind and so funny... I strive to be like her!

D ) What path took you from a BA in Anthropology to Modeling?

N ) Honestly, I have no idea! I loved studying anthropology at Tufts because I had some wonderful professors and I found it so interesting. Modeling kind of came to be when I moved to NYC after school. I had always wanted to model and did a few little things here and there while I was in Boston. Being in NYC made that dream come true!

D ) How did Gossip Girl come about and tell us about your initial casting call?

N ) I have had a commercial agent for years that has been pushing me to do more TV work because I have "personality" (so she said!). She wanted me to try out for this acting part in some new show so I went along not expecting anything since I had no experience. After my first audition, the next day I found out that I got a callback. The callback went well and then I had 2 more. It was 3 weeks of anxiety until I found out, but lo and behold... I got the part! What a whirlwind!

D ) How has being on Gossip Girl changed your life?

N ) Where can I begin? So much has changed! Well, first of all, it has focused me on acting a lot more. I have been taking intense classes to really hone my skills. I have a whole set of new friends that are all very fun and interesting and even meeting their friends has been great! And obviously, there are the perks of being on a hit show! Free stuff!

D ) How do you spend you time between your scenes on the set of the show?

N ) Sometimes I am really focused and I lock myself in my room and do schoolwork. Other times, there is a lot of goofing around between scenes! We laugh a lot!

D ) Of all your cast mates who makes you laugh the most?

N ) Definitely Leighton! Her and I have the same humor so we always have each other in stitches!

D ) We know you are currently filming for the upcoming season of the show. Can you give us a hint at any surprises we can expect?

N ) Oh boy... Everything on the show is so crazy so expect lots of twists and turns and lots and lots on SCANDAL!

THE STORY OF THE RAINBOW

2009-01-15T11:04:00.006-05:00

Once upon a time in a land far, far away lived a village of blue people. They had blue clothes, blue skin, blue eyes…even their hair was blue. Then one day a little boy wondered into the village after being lost in the woods for days. But he was different than everyone else in the town because he was pink! He had pink eyes, pink skin, pink clothes, pink lips, even his teeth were pink. The town folk had never seen anyone like him before. He was so different…and that frightened them. They immediately hid their children and locked their doors.

The little pink boy sat in the middle of town alone and frightend... shivering of cold and hunger. Then a little blue girl seeing him cry came out from her home and gave the boy a blanket and some food. The town people watched in horror fearing the little girl was now going to turn pink as well. To everyone's suprise nothing happend. She did not turn pink and begin to stink, she did not turn green and become a bean, no she did not. But what she did become was….a friend.

They sat in the park and heard the dogs bark. They climbed trees and watched the bees. They swung on the swings and listened to the birds sing. Soon the entire town was no longer afraid, they all became his friend. They helped him find his way back home and soon became friends with their neighbors in the pink town where he was from. The two towns soon got together and created a purple town, then a red, yellow and even an orange town.

Today when you look up in the sky and see a rainbow, they say it’s the reflection of all the town folk dancing together in celebration as one big happy family!

The end

BELIEVE

2009-01-10T14:59:00.003-05:00

“Do you still believe in Santa Clause?” he asked in a tone of disbelief. I was five years old – of coarse I still believed! When I confronted my mother about it she decided to be straight with me. That was the day some of the magic I believed to be life faded away.

I received a Christmas card last year from a dear friend. Inscribed inside read, “I hope your holiday is filled with magic and all your fairytales come true.” It made me think back to those days as a tyke when I believed anything was possible. Reindeer fly, animals speak and a fat old man in a red suit will deliver presents to the good girls and boys.

That year I began to change the way I thought. I began to believe again. I became more optimistic and thought of the possibilities life has to offer as opposed to the barriers. Sure there is no man coming down my chimney bearing gifts or a land know as Oz over the rainbow. But there are dreams, magic, fairy tales… whatever you chose to call it. This year we managed to elect our first black president, Michael Phelps won eight gold Medals and Denny wrote his first book!

So maybe dreams do come true and there is magic in life. Denny says dream big and acknowledge the magic when it comes your way. Next time someone tells you fairy tales aren’t real. Tell them about the reindeer you saw running in your back yard, the British girl Jessica Knight who woke from a coma after being stabbed 30 times and left for dead, the man or woman you fell madly in love with this year or simply the stranger who held the door open for you today…or you can tell them about the witch at work who makes your life hell.

John Currin Inspires

2009-01-08T11:25:00.005-05:00

We all need a bit of inspiring every now and then. What inspires you? Inspiration can come from almost anything if you open your mind to it. One of Denny’s sources of inspiration are the works of American artist John Currin.

John studied at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh where he obtained a BFA in 1984. Then went on to receive his MFA from Yale in 86. He has been featured in more than 20 solo exhibitions from the Serpentine Gallery of London to the Gagosian in N.Y. He currently works and lives with his family in New York.

Currin has stated his inspiration comes from sources as diverse as Bea Arthur, old Danish porn, and fashion magazines to his own family, contemporary politics, and Renaissance oil paintings.

A Letter to the Editor

2009-01-06T20:06:00.009-05:00

As we know there has been false speculation flying around the past few months concerning the departure of Anna Wintour from American Vogue. Which is absolutely ridiculous as Anna is Vogue. Just as Liz Tilberis was Harper’s Bazaar in the 90’s… until she passed away in 1999… as did Bazaar in many ways. But I digress.
We feel Vogue needs a slight facelift to deal with this miserable economy. It’s time to think outside the box. So we decided to write Anna a letter.

Dear Anna,

There once was a time when models graced the covers of fashion magazines and celebrities were seen inside as feature stories. For the past decade it has been the same celebrities that rule the coveted placement. It’s time for you to bring back the supermodel and put fantasy back into fashion! Now more than ever we all need to escape our own lives and spend a few hours each month to dream. Let us revel in your world of fantasy and yet still feel enlightened about our view of the world.

Start using some fresh voices. Don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting doing away with your current team of style icons. Tonne Goodman, Grace Coddington, Elisa Santisi are fashion! They know the history of the world and manage to evolve with the times to constantly show stimulating perspectives. Your writers such as Sarah Mower and photographers such as Steven Meisel are irreplaceable. But it’s time to bring a few fresh views into the mix. I propose that once a month you take a chance on some new voices. Consider dedicating four to six pages every issue using the undiscovered visionaries in the world. Team up Tonne Goodman with an untapped photographer, or have Arthur Elgort work with an upcoming new stylist. Feature unheard of designers, models, hair and makeup people…you can call it your “Fresh” pages. The stories may not always succeed, but people like change and will respond favorably either way due to the breath of fresh air it will bring.

Show your readers who the new American is through more documentary coverage. Fly a photographer such as Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Bruce Davidson, or Rebecca Greenfield around the US to document what America has become. Open America’s mind to the world we are living in. What were once booming towns of commerce are now rapidly becoming ghost towns. The American home is now over-filled with extended families due to job loss or grandparents raising their grandkids as a result of teen pregnancy. Of coarse we still want to see Plum Sykes standing outside her gorgeous home in the Hamptons or Denise Rich on her yacht…but we need to see more perspectives.

One final note I need to bring to your attention. In this struggling economy it only makes sense that budget cuts have been made. But instead of cutting out working lunches, late night taxis, overtime or expense accounts from your staff… consider not renewing one of your photographer’s million-dollar contracts. The junior staff should not have to bore the burden of penny pinching. And I assure you if you heed my advice. The photographer chosen would be just fine financially and professionally.

With Love and Respect,
Denny

Where do Scientologists come from?

2009-01-05T15:13:00.009-05:00

With the recent loss of John Travolta and Kelly Preston’s son, Scientologie is once again being looked at. I realized I know of Scientology all so well… but feel I am still uncertain about what it is exactly. Usually when it’s brought up in conversation people feel uneasy with the subject. It’s as if they believe a lawyer is going to jump into the room and scream, “Gotcha! We’re going to sue your ass now.” Or worse! Someone in a hooded robe will cart you away… never to been seen again!

I decided to do some fact checking about the basics. First I went directly to the church itself to see what they have to say. www.scientology.org. They state the following:

1) Scientology is a religion which recognizes that man is basically good and offers tools anyone can use to become happier and more able as a person and to improve conditions in life for himself and others, and to gain a profound understanding of the Supreme Being and his relationship to the Divine. Developed by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology technology provides exact principles and a practical technology for improving spiritual awareness, self-confidence, intelligence and ability.

The word Scientology comes from the Latin word scio, meaning “know” and the Greek word logos, meaning “the word or outward form by which the inward thought is expressed and made known. ” Thus, Scientology means knowing about knowing.

Scientology comprises a body of knowledge which extends from certain fundamental truths. Prime among these:

Man is an immortal spiritual being.

His experience extends well beyond a single lifetime.

His capabilities are unlimited, even if not presently realized.

Scientology further holds man to be basically good, and that his spiritual salvation depends upon himself and his fellows and his attainment of brotherhood with the universe.

The ultimate goal of Scientology is true spiritual enlightenment and freedom for the individual.

2) Next I looked into what ABC news had to say (Abcnews.go.com), The most interesting fact as relating to Travolta’s son would be this first portion:
“Scientologists are opposed to mind-altering drugs, psychiatry and psychiatric drugs. Narconon is Scientology's drug rehab program. Treatment includes an intensive program of running, massive doses of vitamins and very long sauna sessions designed to "run out" drugs and radiation from the body.” Some of the other facts the sight lists are:

“A definition of Scientology is hard to pin down. Basically, it's a system of beliefs, teachings and rituals originally established as a secular philosophy by L. Ron Hubbard. His 1950 book Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, provided the core principles of what would later become Scientology.

A central belief of Scientology is that a person is a mortal, spiritual being (called a "thetan"), basically good, and has lived through many past lives. The Church believe that an intergalactic overlord called Xenu, who presided over 78 planets, over 78 million years ago, and brought the overpopulated masses from the other planets to”The Prison Planet” Earth (called TeeGeeAk) where he bombed them with Hydrogen bombs.

The ultimate goal of Scientology is "true spiritual enlightenment and freedom for the individual." Stored memories of Thetans' past lives can cause problems in the present.

Scientologists believe that the "reactive mind" (the portion that works on a totally stimulus-response basis, not under the control of the individual) commands one's awareness, purposes, thoughts, body and action. Through counseling called "auditing," Scientologists believe they can reduce and ultimately erase the power of the reactive mind, a source of irrationality, fears and nightmares. Before a person is audited they are considered "Pre-Clear."

Those that reach the higher teachings called OT (Operating Thetan) III, a state of being beyond the initial "Clear" state, within the Church of Scientology are said to learn about Xenu, the intergalactic ruler who implanted thetans, or alien spirits, in Earth's volcanoes 75 million years ago. But details of teachings at these higher levels are sketchy.”

3) The last place I had a look was from a not so favorable opinion at: The hypernation.wordpress.com

“The Church of Scientology is a vicious and dangerous cult that masquerades as a religion. Its purpose is to make money. It practices a variety of mind-control techniques on people lured into its midst to gain control over their money and their lives. Its aim is to take from them every penny that they have and can ever borrow and to also enslave them to further its wicked ends.

It was started in the 1950s by a science fiction writer named L. Ron Hubbard in fulfilment to his declared aim to start a religion to make money. It is an offshoot to a method of psychotherapy he concocted from various sources which he named "Dianetics". Dianetics is a form of regression therapy. It was then further expanded to appear more like a religion in order to enjoy tax benefits. He called it "Scientology".

Scientology is a confused concoction of crackpot, dangerously applied psychotherapy, oversimplified, idiotic and inapplicable rules and ideas and science-fiction drivel that is presented to its members (at the "advanced" levels) as profound spiritual truth.”

I am still confused☹

PREDICTIONS

2009-01-04T12:27:00.016-05:00

Here we are in 2009! So I thought it only appropriate to look back on some of Sylvia Brown’s predictions for 2008:
She predicted the housing market would get stronger. The auto industry will rebound with the help of more hybrid vehicles. The job market will get better and we should invest in medical stocks. Okay…so she was wrong on all accounts.

Let's have a look at what she has to say for 2009:

"I predict a great rise in skin cancer in children until 2010.”

“I predict the President elected sometime between 2008 and 2020 will die in office from a heart attack. The Vice President who will finish their term will have an unpopular and mistaken intention to declare war on North Korea. By that time, North Korea will have weapons of mass destruction. In the middle of efforts to declare war, I predict the Vice President will be assassinated. There will be a worldwide investigation into the Vice President's death with both pleasant and unpleasant surprises. A lot of attention will be paid to one of the investigative congressional committees and serious accusations will be made regarding missing funds. Finally, it will be revealed that their accusations are part of a conspiracy to damage the American people's faith in their government, with the media manipulated to "fan the flames," and the committee will be vindicated in the end.”

“I predict we can truly say "goodbye" to the common cold in 2009 or 2010. The solution to the common cold involves heat.”

“I predict that a small cubicle will become available in doctor's offices sometime in 2009 and it will be heated to a very precise temperature. There may be a special vapor placed into the cubicle. Patients will stand in the cubicle for approximately five minutes and the rhinitis germ will be destroyed. Another wonderful bit of good news on the health front with this discovery - since this cubicle can easily take on the rhinitis germ, many people that have breathing problems with allergies and asthma complications will find some breakthroughs as well. We will see this cubicle discovery used for healing for those with breathing disorders. The cubicle will become available in 2009 or 2010.”

“I predict hypnotic past-life regression will become available through a group of trained psychologists on both the east and west coasts of the U.S.A. in 2009. It will prove to be quite a success and will be widely practiced by 2011."

She must have learned from her mistakes, this year she allowed more time for her predictions to come true.

Here are some of Denny’s predictions for 2009:
1) Bristol Palin and the father of her baby…Wranger (or is it Levi…I get the jeans mixed up) will separate
2) Oprah will lose weight…and gain weight…and lose weight.
3) RuPaul’s Drag race on Logo will be a huge hit. (It premieres Feb 2)
4) The Hills will be cancelled…PLEASE!!
5) Britney Spears will be married and have another kid.
6) Anderson Cooper will come out of the closet.
7) Sandra Bernhardt will get her own TV show again.(She should!)
8) Paula Abdul will embarrass herself on American Idol.
9) Obama will begin to pull us out of the recession.
10) Denny will get a book deal ☺

GOSSIP GOSSIP GOSSIP !!

2009-01-03T19:29:00.013-05:00

Have you ever noticed that nine times out of ten when you hear a rumor in the tabloids it usually turns out to be true? Maddona’s troubled marriage and affair with A-Rod was circulating for months. All parties involved denied the rumors, which now we know to be true. The speculation of Ben Affleck and Jen Garner’s pregnancy went on practically until the baby was born. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are reportedly heading for divorce soon. And word has it there is trouble in paradise for Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. The couple I’m most concerned about is Samantha Ronson and Lindsey Lowhan. It’s probably only a matter of months now…if not days before they part ways. I’m routing for them, but I don’t think the odds are in their favor. They’re young, this is Lindsey’s first lesbian love and they live in La. The big question is whether Lindsey will remain a lesbian. Could it be that she is truly bisexual?
This brings me to Jeremy Piven. One of my male friends’ claimed to have slept with Jeremy some years back. And when I say “slept with” I mean they allegedly had sex! For the past few years I have paid added attention to Jeremy’s social life as reported in the papers or seen on TV. It seems the only woman he is really ever attached to is his mother. But never a mention of his sexuality. Could my friend be the only man he had sex with... I mean allegedly?
The other day while conversing with a girl friend of mine I brought up the matter of Piven and the rumors I had heard. Her response was, “That’s ridiculous! Everyone knows Jeremy is a womanizer.”
“Or is that just what he wants us to think.” I said.
The current rumor involving Piven claims that while he was out at a Britney Spears circus themed party, he sent out a text message to all the numbers of girls he had gathered up that night. It read, “Come to my room – whoever responds first gets me for the night.” My first thought was, “Isn't he dying of mercury poisoning or some shit?” My second thought was “What a smart man. Simply by not answering his door that evening it would be assumed he already had one of the girls in the room with him. He knew damn well that this would make it into the papers.” But then I read that Ashley Chontos (Model/waitress) was the girl that came to his room. She is also to be his date to the Golden Globes this year. His mom must be pissed!
Could it be that Jeremy is actually bisexual? Why is it that we seldom hear about bisexual celebrities? They must be out there. Anne Heche doesn’t count. She’s just crazy.
Will Lindsey Lowhan be the first Bisexual celebrity? Will she stay a lesbian or will she go back to men and claim Sam was just a phase? I hope not. I like "lesbian Lindsey." And I like the sound of “Bisexual Jeremey Piven” much more than “Womanizer Jeremey Piven.” Don’t you?

The Cult of Facebook

2009-01-02T14:34:00.004-05:00

“What do you mean you’re not on Facebook?”she said aggressively. I suddenly felt embarrassed.
“Isn’t that for kids?” I responded.
“KIDS,” She shouted loudly. For a moment I thought she was going to slap me. “Everyone is on it! You really need to sign up.” She pulled out her blackberry and said, “I’m sending you an invitation to join right now.” Little did she know my email was already cluttered with at least ten other “friend requests.”
Two weeks latter I still had not given in to the cult know as Facebook. Once again while having drinks with a friend the subject came up. “Denny I couldn’t find you on Facebook the other day, you’re on it… right?”
“Yes of coarse! You must have spelled my name wrong.” I lied. I now knew my time had come. I could escape it no more… I must join.
The following day while at work I decided to take five minutes while having my morning coffee to accept one of my many requests to join. It took me just that…five minutes and I was done…and like a drug I felt a slight high. I walked away from the computer and admitted what I had done to one of my co-workers. “I just joined Facebook,” I said with a trace of embarrassment in my tone.
“I’ll send you a friend request right now.” She said excitedly while pulling out her I-phone. “Now you just need to accept my request and we will be Facebook friends.” Word that I was now a member spread through the studio like wildfire. By the end of the afternoon I had seventeen friends. Turned out everyone I was working with that day was already a member. I felt I was now part of a secret society.
My obsession came on fast and furious. The next evening while home I entered what I like to think of as “phase one the addiction stage.” Frantically I began searching for new friends to add to my list. At first I was proud of my now twenty-two friends, but it didn’t take long before that pride turned to uneasiness. I realized most Facebookers had hundreds of “friends”…some even thousands! I began sending out emails to convince the uninfected - I mean non-members - they must join Facebook. “What do you mean you’re not on Facebook? You really need to join!” I would insist. I thought: I need more friends!
I began joining every application I was sent to download…Hug Me, Green Patch, Vampires, Good Karma, Peace Signs, Super Wall…the list goes on. Hatching eggs was one of my favorites. This application allowed me to send an egg to one of my friends. In a matter of days it would “hatch” on their page. I liked to send baby dinosaurs. My fairy application allowed me to cast spells on friends wishing them wealth or love. I named my fairy Betty.
“What are you doing right now?” This question is posed next to your photo. It’s how you can let all your friends know what you are doing at any given moment. Some people feel the need to let you know mundane moments of their life like, “I’m about to brush my teeth” or “I’m so full.” Those I can do without. But then there are the others who make you laugh by saying things like “I just looked at my knees and thought What the F__CK?” I tried to use my “message time” by helping feed information about the election.
“Phase two the rebellion stage” came pretty quickly… for me. I find with some it can be a mere matter of hours, for others possibly months…or even years. It was about three weeks into my membership, or as I like to call it “my rebirth” that I questioning my time with Facebook. It began the day I contemplated including it on my blackberry. “Do I really need to do this?” I thought. Isn’t it enough that I obsessively check my four email address daily? “Do I really need the diversion of checking Facebook as well?” My answer was YES!
I sat by my desk and began the Facebook/Blackberry union. Suddenly the ball of my Black Berry Pearl wouldn’t move. I raced out the door into my car and on my way to the nearest AT&T store. I was leaving the next day for a two-week job. I simply must have it fixed. While speeding to the store I ran over a rabbit. My heart fell to my stomach. I had kept a home in the country for years, but this was the first animal I killed. I blamed Facebook.
While away on my job I didn’t check Facebook . It was as if we had a fight and decided to see less of each other. When Facebook came up in conversations - as it usually would - I began saying. “We are on a break.” Or “I’ve been too busy to check in.” But secretly I was still logging on. I began having a love/hate relationship with it. I was ashamed over the time we spent together, but missed it when I did not check in.
“Phase three the control phase” hit me about month four.” I no longer spent my time searching for gold coins to buy fairy dust, tending peoples Green Gardens or sending out hatching eggs of Britney Spear’s shaved head. I now read it like I pursue the morning paper. I had become a “social facebooker.” Much like a social drinker or smoker. I was able to now keep my habit in check. Facebook has become a way to keep up with friends I may otherwise never speak to. It allows an unexpected hello from someone in my past. It even reminds me of friend’s birthdays. My addiction has faded. But yet when I meet someone who is not a member I still say the standard, “What do you mean you’re not on Facebook?” as if they just landed from another planet.

Farewell Bush

2009-01-01T10:03:00.003-05:00

Farewell President Bush

Goodbye and thank you George. Can I call you George? I like to think of you as my friend, after-all we have been through so much together these past few years. Thank you for your contribution in making the last eight years emotionally and financially the most challenging of my thirty-five years on earth. Actually I can’t lie to you, I’m thirty-eight. I feel I need to be honest with you, as you were nothing but honest with me your two terms in office. I could hardly believe it when you were re-elected for the second term. But I thought, it can’t be worse than the last four years! I have to share a little secret with you. That’s the time I began to think poorly of Republicans. I know I shouldn’t judge or generalize. You would never do that. Don’t worry I was raised with manners. I never do or say anything disrespectful to their faces. I always wait until they walk away. Don’t get me wrong some of my best friends are Republican... okay one… actually he’s not a best friend… not ever a good friend. But that’s not the point. The point is I remained positive and believed in you when you told me “the wealth” would trickle down to me. I realized I couldn’t fault the upper echelon such as you for the hard financial times I was going through. The more money you made the better off I would eventually be. So I patiently waited for your overabundance to make it’s way down. As time went on I received fewer and fewer jobs forcing me to depend on my credit cards for those frivolous things in life such as food and mortgage payments. I believed things would eventually turn around, it’s not like the financial worries of the poor and middle class would trickle up. I decided to heed your advice and “take the high horse and the low road.”
Oh I hope I don’t sound bitter. I have learned so much from you. I use to believe one had to be intelligent to be the President. Now I know that is ridiculous. I even considered running for office…and when I thought I might be too old your pal John McCain entered the picture, proving you can never be too old. I don’t have all the qualifications Palin had. I can’t see Russia from my window, but if I climb on my rooftop I can see trailer homes. I figure that must make me eligible to run for something. You see thanks to you and your wonderful economy I was forced to move from my apartment in New York City a few years ago into a house in the county. My commute is only two hours each way to and from work. It gives me time to catch up on my Martha Stewart magazine reading. In case you haven’t guessed… I’m gay. Don’t feel too bad for me, it’s not like I deserve the same rights as everyone else. I should have to commute to work. On occasion I sit in the back of the bus giving the prime seats to the straight commuters. It seems like something you would want me to do. And thanks to you I now have two careers - and on occasion three. It’s not like I have children to take care of, so what else would I do with my time? Don’t get me wrong, my partner of twelve years and I would love to adopt a little Ling Ling or Pax, but with looming fears of losing our home do to your wonderful economy we realize you would not approve. I had hoped we could marry each other and enjoy some of the breaks other Americans are entitled to. You know those silly little things like health care, parenting rights, social security, survivor benefits, and transfer of property. But I know your stance on marriage being a “holy sacrament” between a man and a woman and all that. I was raised Catholic and attended Catholic school as a child. So I know how rigid and unwilling to change the teachings can be. Remember when we use to stone to death those who committed adultery…of coarse you don’t because we changed that practice. But you’re probably right we should live our lives by the Bible. If you’re going to stick by the teachings of the Bible you should’ve taken it a step further and made divorce illegal. I mean it is a sacrament that should not be taken lightly…right. Wasn’t the original intent of God for the spouses to never separate “one flesh” and all that.
At least you were able to declare the “Surge” on Iraq a victory before leaving office. I remember when you first began your speeches convincing the American people we needed to invade Iraq to get those “evil doers.” How dare they attack the World Trade Center…oh wait that was Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Well how dare they have nuclear weapons… oops wrong again… well they’re not Catholic… how dare they. People rallied by your side. After all “you’re one of us.” We wanted to be your friend and have a beer with you. Not me…I might have a Cosmo or Martini. But then again I’m a minority so I don’t count. I digress, where was I? Oh yes the people rallied by your side, many declaring a war would help our failing economy improve. After all World War Two was good for the economy.
So here we are almost five years and a nearly $1.2 trillion dollars spent on your war in Iraq. That’s a lot of money. We could have used that money for public health care, to rebuild New Orleans, held put an end to world hunger, back the real war against the Taliban and put together a peacekeeping force to end genocide in Darfur… just to name a few. But instead we have a recession nearing a depression and the loss of over four thousand American military men and woman in Iraq. So congratulations on your victory! Continue to hold your head high and “believe what you believe is right.”

Best Regards,
Denny