El Gitano

Choosing between the evils: 2008 Election

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:07:42 GMT

Forethought: I know that it’s a touchy subject to discuss politics amongst friends, but I feel that anybody who bothers to read this is will be open minded enough to know that it’s not a personal attack against anybody’s political beliefs. I trust that everyone reading this is intelligent and compassionate enough to make the best choice for themselves; I wouldn’t expect anything less from the people on my friends list after all. Also, this is not meant to be the beginning of an argument, if I cared enough for it to be I would have written a 50 page essay including various facts and statistics, but I don’t. Also if you are going to crucify me, wait till the end.

I’m not a Democrat and I’m sure as hell not a Republican. As far as I’m concerned republicans are wolves, and democrats are wolves in sheep’s clothing. If any of you know me, you understand enough about my political inclinations to understand the direction that this post will be taking without obsessing over what my ideology might be. If you don’t know, feel free to ask.

For years I have refused to register to vote; but for the first time ever I’ve decided to take advantage of my voting power and use it not for the candidate who represents the lesser of two evils, but rather for the third party candidate who has no chance of winning. And you know what? I’m confident that my vote is going to count even than it would have otherwise.

Some of you may be thinking, “How can a vote for a third party candidate truly count for anything when it’s essentially guaranteed that said party will lose?” The reason is simple, of the small minority of people who cast their third party votes mine will be there. Not only is my vote a significantly larger fraction of the total votes for said party than it would be if I voted for one of the oligarchic parties, but it will be a vote that would stand out as a vote that truly represents my political values as opposed to caving into bipartisan bullying.

Most people do not vote for the candidate whom they want in office; they are voting not to put the candidate they want in office, but rather to keep out the candidate they don’t want. It’s like choosing between Hitler and Mussolini. What I find humorous is how self righteous Americans can be about their values, and how easily they condemn peoples of other nations for what they perceive to be a lack of fair values. How many times haven’t you thought to yourself that the Germans who supported Hitler were evil and stupid? Well is it not truly evil or stupid if we allow a candidate to come to power who does not truly reflect our interests as citizens of the world?

People feel compelled to guilt me into joining the Obama choo-choo train. I’ve nothing against Obama any more than I do any other democrat, certainly no more than I do any replublican; however he’s as much of a clown as any other politician that has rubbed the right elbows to get where he is. Obama just happens to be in right now: he's on par with Ipods, Chris Crocker, and hybrid SUV's. No matter how serious we take ourselves as intellectuals and free thinkers, we continue to buy into populists who mesmerize us with bread, circuses, and pretty little bumper car stickers that mean nothing. Obama may be a candidate of another colour, but his suit is still the same suit everybody else wears. He’s the same product but in a slightly different wrapper.

I could be wrong I suppose, but it’s highly unlikely. In the end I find that the future of this country is not going to be chosen by its people, rather by the people of every other country in the world who will no longer tolerate the exploitative and narrow mindedness that pervades American politics.

So in this election of 2008 my vote is going to protest the bipartisan bullshit that people numbly accept as an inescapable reality. My vote shall say “Fuck you!”

PS – True idealists make horrible politicians, which is why uncompromising thinkers like Ralph Nader will never get in power where as douche bags like George Bush will get elected twice.

(Feel free to crucify me below)

Friends Only

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 04:11:04 GMT

Friends Only
Yes I know that earlier entries are visible to you all; however, I am too lazy to go back and make them all private. So...from here on after, friends only. Unless you are super cool like.

Pagliacci

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Wed, 23 May 2007 19:27:03 GMT

It looks like there is a storm coming, and I hope to God that it do so tonight. I’ve longed so much for a stormy night; there is nothing like it. I intend on going home, lighting some candles, incense, and listening to opera at full blast. Today I find this insatiable urge to listen to Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, I cannot think of anything else. Please rain!

I'm so sreepy.

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Tue, 22 May 2007 11:59:29 GMT

I've been die hard nocturnal for years; however my current submission to the world of human capital and labor has forced me into a state of compromise. Lately my lack of sleep has shown itself in my mental clarity; I find myself randomly stuttering, spacing out, falling asleep anywhere I sit, not remembering my dreams, etc... All in all I'm quite devastated. I suppose my ecent expeditions to Miami and Gainesville have rendered me even more exhausted. My apologies go out ot all of you whom I've not contacted as of late, when I'm energized you'll hear from me far more than you'd like. So from now on, 11-6. Will I actually do it? Stay tuned...

What is a man?

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Thu, 17 May 2007 13:42:25 GMT

I’ve often heard heterosexual women say “I like my men to be men; but I also want them to be more sensitive.” What is this even supposed to mean? For one thing I would like to know how it is that a man is a man; how is a man supposed to be? Traditionally being a man entails being tough and aggressive, internalizing emotional distress, being protective and territorial, trivializing personal appearance, etc… (I’m just blurting out traditional male stereotypes; feel free to add your own.) All in all, however, the traditional male is chauvinistic and is deemed privileged over women; is that the manly man that these women are referring to? Furthermore, the aforementioned quote expresses a desire for men to be men but also sensitive; the implication clearly takes emotional sensitivity as being non characteristic of a male so how doesn’t that contradict the original statement? What would make a man not a man? If he’s not a manly man, is he a womanly man? Women can possess any of the aforementioned “masculine” characteristics without having her femininity put in question, but for a man to reject those characteristics is apparently less than acceptable. It’s sad to hear such double standards being thrown about; double standards which continue to pressure men into traditional “dominant” roles which in turn continue to push women into traditional submissive roles. Truth be told, truly dominant men (and women) aren’t afraid to break the rules if they see fit, whilst their submissive counterparts continue to drown their insecurities by playing make-believe.

Taal - Ishq Bina/ Favourite Bollywood Film?

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Mon, 14 May 2007 19:02:13 GMT

I don't know how many of you out there are Bollywood fans; still, if any of you have seen a Bollywood movie I'd like to know what it is. So, what's your favourite bollywood movie?

PS - I've linked a video from a movie called Taal starrign Aishwarya Rai, I can never get this song out of my head.

End of an era

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Mon, 14 May 2007 04:56:24 GMT

Well, the weekend has ended and with it the end of an era. This trip down to Miami has been one of the greatest things that I have done; it has reminded me that I am alive and that my life up to now has become quite mediocre.This weekend was also special because I got to spend it with my dear friend Shunpei, an experience which I may not have again for a long time. He is travelling backt o Japan and will not be coming back for the foreseeable future. This weekend we spent together doing really nothing more than driving around Miami lost and deep in conversation. Our first night we spent eating one of the most amazing meals I've ever had at a Spanish restaurant(Pulpo a la feira, Sopa de pescado, and Paella con mariscos, salchichon, y pollo), drunk in our first gay bar. The second day we spent sleeping in till 12, lunch at Molina's where I had kingfish with arroz blanco al moro, and at night we drove down to south beach getting lost on the way for an hour or so, struggling to find parking for another hour, walking down the strip when everything was almost entirely closed and having an awkward conversation with a junkie bum who sang us a lovely song in exchange for a match. I know it's not quite as exciting as I made it sound before, but it was a meaningful experience to share with a good friend. I know that Miami may yet hold some potential future for me. Time will tell...

Fireflies

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Sun, 13 May 2007 08:09:39 GMT

I love them so much, and sometimes I envy them.

Genderqueer note of the day

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Sat, 12 May 2007 06:45:08 GMT

Funny anecdote, when I was at a restaurant earlier today the lady called me by M'am, why is beyond me,however I found it no less amusing.

Drunken Memoirs in my hometown of Miami

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Sat, 12 May 2007 06:35:44 GMT

Needless to say the entry's title speaks for itself. Tonight has been a wonderful night; it has been an awakening, an afirmation of life, a reminder that it is possible to be happy that Miami. Being in Miami is a magnificent experience because after being away from it for so long I now realize that I have no other home but Miami. I love everything about this southern city; the culture, the language, the fact that we Latin Americans dominate this city. It may be an American city by law, but let:s face it; there:s nothing American about it; we are culturally and ehtnically quite unique. I dare say that Miami isthe cultural capital of Latin AMerica, the meeting point where all Latin AMericans, from any part of the Spanish speaking world, come together and form part of the magnficient cultural beacon for the arts. I never thought that I would consider staying in the US, however being back in my hometown I have reconsidered the idea of leaving altogether, realizing that everything that I want is right here. I never thought that the fast life would appeal to me,however after a night of drinking, women and debauchery ( spelling to be checked tomorrow when I'm sober), I find that Miami is the place for me. On a seprate note, tonight while Shunpei and I were looking for a bar where they served Mojitos, we stumbled upon this bar in Coral Gables called Rocks on the Mile, we sat comofrtable and proceeded to order the mojitos which proved to be absolutely orgasmic. While we sat I noticed some posters for To Wong Foo, Cher, The L Word, and Abound: however I thought nothing of it all except how much I love the L word. Later on Shunpei told me " there are no girls here", suddenly we both realized that it was a gay bar. HE seemed to feel awkward at first however I noticed that he become quite comofortable after a little while, which made me glad because i really liked this bar. We had been to so many other bars earlier that evening that I was almost giving up on finding a decent Mojito. Being here reminds me that there is far too much to live for to commit to anything, I am grateful for my youth and my freedom to live as I please. Te quiero Miami! Ahora me voy a dormir escuchando a Madonna.

Money or Time?

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Mon, 07 May 2007 12:05:22 GMT

On Friday, as I was speaking to a friend of mine, Chris, at work he expressed his love of money. Chris mentioned that he would like to get another job as a bartender in addition to his fulltime job; When I asked him why, he said that he just wants more money. When I told him that I would rather have more time, he replied saying "I'll have plenty of time when I'm dead." What do you think? Have I gone mad to find such a response utterly insane, or is this now a mainstream approved sentiment?

Charlie Chaplin in "The Masquerader"

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Tue, 01 May 2007 15:48:30 GMT

This a classic short film from 1914 which not only stars Chaplin but is written and directed by him as well. This film is one of many Chaplin films with a queer undertone,in this case embodied by the tramp's alter ego, Señorita Chapelino.

Max Linder - Vive la vie de Garçon

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 04:56:59 GMT

I thought I would share this video with all of you. This is one of the only two short films on youtube featuring Max Linder. So turn off the lights, light some candles, put on your top hats and enjoy the show.

Max Linder

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 14:15:42 GMT

I have discovered another great performer known as Max Linder. This cinematic master of the silent era is often forgotten by Silent Film enthusiast due to his inability succeed in Hollywood; his great talent, however, is much appreciated in his native France and amongst cinematic intellectuals the world over. It is also worth noting that Chaplin himself was inspired by Linder and considered him a a masterful comedic genius. While I have yet to see any of his films, I say the aforementioned with utmost confidence, afterall, if he was an inspiration to Chaplin he is an inspiration to me! Note to self: Find all Max Linder films available, and watch them as soon as possible.

Who is your Disney Crush?

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 12:11:57 GMT

Don't try to act cool and pretend you didn't have a huge crush on a Disney character at some point in your early life. We've all been exposed to Disney cartoons at a young age; as a matter of fact it is safe to say that Disney has played a major part in developing our understanding about gender roles, sexuality, and family values. Sad no? Anyway. And yes, I confess I had a huge crush on Princess Jasmine when I was 9 years old; I wanted to marry her and fly around the world on a magic carpet. Even sadder no? Now it's your turn...

Gender Bending Ad

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 23:51:01 GMT

Am I weird for finding this video incredibly sexy? As far as I'm concerned androgyny is sexy! Watch or cease to be sexy...hahaha

Life Sucks and yet I'm happy

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 03:47:06 GMT

You thought Noah's flood was bad? Well my house is flooded, granted it's not nearly as bad but Noah didn't have to pay 20,000 dollars to have the foundation fixed. Did he? Now accepting donations....

Mana picture

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 01:34:38 GMT

I really like this picture, I'd like to try taking one very similar myself. Costume?

<img src="http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s320/capiastranocurse/manaYouRemindMeOf7.jpg">

In vortice

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 01:30:29 GMT

This is the video to a great song I heard in Italy last year; who's up to playing music under water with me?

So exciting!

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:45:24 GMT

I am sitting at my desk looking out the window. The vision outside is apocalyptic; the air is so thick with smoke that the sun cannot be seen. It’s quite exciting really; I half expect to see UFOs, fire falling from the sky, and massive wind storms.

Intro

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 03:54:45 GMT

For the longest time I've been very detached from my native american heritage; however it has always been something that I've been aware of and something that my family ahs taken considerable pride in. As I've grown older I've begun to appreciate and embrace a side of me which always seemed so distant, but a side of me that I am reminded of every day when I look in a mirror. I look forward to meeting many of you out there who might be able to share in my desire to explore this beautiful heritage.
* Name? Jace

* Age? 22

* Are you Native? in part

* If so, what is your affiliation? Cherokee, Apache, and Aztec

* If not, what brings you here?

* Your "family ties" are in what areas? Axapuzco Tepozco, Tennessee

* Did you grow up on a reservation, homestead, etc.? no

* Do you practice a form or forms of your native culture? I practice certain traditions that constitute both my Aztec heritage and my Mexican national identity.

* Do you speak/understand your native language? If so which one(s)? I know very little Nahuatl.

* Your interests and/or anything else you'd like to share? literature, photography, music, politics, etc...

Decadent Bliss

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 12:51:21 GMT

Like Baudelaire, I too have experienced the decadent marvel of true absinthe.

New Photo shoots to come...

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:47:01 GMT

Work is dull. I’d rather be at home doing some photography. I’m absolutely enamored with my cybershot camera; taking photographs, especially self portraits, is becoming an obsession of mine. The thing that I love most about self-portraiture is that I have complete control over what I do; I am the creator, the camera-man, and the model. I do not feel the need to compromise anything about my work; feeling so much control is simply intoxicating. I still need to learn photoshop as that will afford me the ability to take photography to an even greater level of artistic freedom. Also, in the process of learning photography I have developed an immense appreciation for maquillage. Maquillage itself transcends what has in the last century or so been viewed as a cosmetic tool for women and stage actors; maquillage is an art of creation whose canvas is the human visage; I'd like to experiment with it much more. I’d also like to venture into doing portraits for other people, so as to explore the potential of other people’s inherent beauty. Volunteers?

Photo-shoot themes pending…
- Vampirism
- Homage to Visual Kei
- Arabian Majesty (Hopefully this weekend)
- Homage to the roaring twenties: the age of hedonism
- Homage to Chaplin
- Homage to Captain Nemo
- Venetian Masquerade
- Homage to Zorro
- Pirates
- One man show
- Old Mexico
- The exorcist
- Musketeer
- Aztec Warrior
- Japanese Red-light district

I should probably take some classes in photography sometime in the future. But I feel that I’m learning so much on my own that I owe it to myself to experiment.

Charlie Chaplin

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 05:21:37 GMT

This video speaks my mind leaving me nothing more to say.

In Retrospect

murcielagogitano@hotmail.com — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 15:47:50 GMT

Looking back at all that I’ve learned regarding photography I now know more than I did before; which makes me want to do more and improve my techniques. I haven’t quite established the right theme for these new pictures yet, but I think I have a pretty good idea of what to try. Lately I’ve been having a lifelong recurring dream, one in which I am an Arabian Prince traversing the desert atop a black steed clothed in fine black linen and headdress. I’m going to pursue this theme further hopefully start work come this Monday or Tuesday once I get other aspects of my life in order. I’ll have to make do since I’ve neither access to a desert nor a steed; I do, however, have access to a beach. Updates soon.