Trough Rumblings

Mike, cute little cubaroo, asked about the last Trough party, which I did not go to. Some time in the future I will write about the Trough and its beginnings, as well as its endings. For now let it suffice to say that hosts get power greedy. And petty. And full of themselves. The Trough was a lot of fun. Unfortunately it became someone's way to get back at people that a certain host didn't like. And that is something *I* didn't like.

So lunch, at Cactus Fresh ("Fresh Mex! No Lard! No Cans! No Microwave!"), was Jack, Mike, and myself. Cubaroo (Mike) lamented that he was never able to get to a Trough party. Cubaroo works early so he can get off early. Commuting from Gilroy is not so fun sitting in traffic both ways. Thank (your deity of choice) he is moving to the "bay area" soon.

"So how was the last party?" he asks Jack, who DID go. Jack is one of the hosts. He and host Joey were the only two hosts to go to this one.
"Oh, I had lots of fun. Lew" (a friend) "and I helped up front" (there is a guest list. if you are not on the list then you cannot come in. That way everyone is pre-screened to make sure they 'qualify' for the festivities) "and Joey took over from there."
"Do you think there will ever be another Trough party?" and there-in lies the rub. Joey seems to think he has sole-ownership to the "Trough" name. "Oh, we cannot have any more parties named 'the Trough' because people will think *I* am still involved with them." "Can't you just tell them you AREN'T involved with them?" "I'm Pretty." Something along those lines.
There is someone who IS interested in taking over the reigns of the Trough. Carlos. Unfortunately Joey has "issues" with Carlos and does not want him to take over the Trough parties. Carlos had some competing parties of his own that Joey saw as an affront to his power. "Let him get his OWN party started at 14th street. He can't have MINE."

Marty. He owns the fabulous house on 14th street that hosts BearHug, The Trough, and numerous other events. He was already swayed by princess vicious (more on the fabulous John Caldera some other time) not to give us saturday nights at the house. That, and Marty's comfort level with the type of party that the Trough is made it impossible for Carlos to start yet another party. Marty said no. If it had been the Trough continuing then Marty most likely would have said yes.

So the Trough, in its present form, is dead.

It was good to see Mike. He always has a smile and cheers up the lonely house a bit when he comes over. As soon as he moves closer we can see him more often. Till then, I will take what I can get.

Rest of the day: dullness. Today it was:

MIDDLING PLEASANTRIES: Just Like Heaven (2005) Reese Witherspoon is a workaholic doctor who becomes a spirit who annoys Mark Ruffalo who moved into her apartment. Hilarity ensues when Ruffalo attempts to get rid of Witherspoon. Heartstrings are tugged when they bond and try to figure out why she is still here. I expected to HATE this movie. But it works ---albeit in a Hollywood pulling-the-heartstring almost-instantly-forgettable kinda way. And, of course, there is that continuous drivel about how no woman is complete without her man. Oh, and a heads up for a fleeting moment of gayness, when Ruffalo, looking for apartments to rent, comes across one decorated in male behinds and big posters on the wall for some musical or movie or something (see? im forgetting about the movie already) and the woman showing him the apartment says the couple is in Palm Springs. Wow.

SHAMELESS PLAUDITS: Night of the Living Dead (1968) It's been ages since I last saw this. Ages, meaning years. Did I already forget how wonderful this little zombie film is? Something about a satellite returning from Venus having unnaturally high radiation counts ro some such gibberish, but who cares. Really it's all about pacing, the music, and the wonderful non-too-subtle GORE. One thing I noticed this time around that I never did before. Mr Cooper "The cellar is the safest place, I tell you!" has a big ole ass on him. At one point he turns his back to the computer and my god I thought there was an eclipse. But that hair...yeesh!

SHAMELESS PLAUDITS: The Triplets of Belleville (2003) I saw the original French version of this film which really doesn't matter much since there is so little dialogue. This was one of the most beautiful animated features I have ever seen. Check out the crossing of the ocean if you dont believe me. I wasn't bored ONCE with this film. See if you can say that with any modern Disney flick (not including Pixar). Completely bizarre, I'm still not sure I understood all of it. But I will watch it again if only to catch the musical numbers the triplets of the title do. Those crazy French!

MIDDLING PLEASANTRIES: Lord of War (2005) I think I was supposed to like this film more than I really did. It was pretty well crafted, I admit. The acting was pretty good. The story arc was a bit fumbly here and there but no big deal. The message was a bit heavy handed. Nicolas Cage has done worse. It's a character we have all seen him do at one point or another. But there is something that just doesn't click in this film. It doesn't grab you. It doesn't speak to you. It doesn't do much of anything really. The opening sequence, the life of a bullet, was a good start. But it was such a good opener that the film just can't live up to that speed. Oh, and the little twist at the end (which I either was too lazy or not paying close enough attention to care) was cute. The look on Ethan Hawks face --- delicious. I just wish I cared more. Not a bad film. Just not going to win any awards.