FILM-TABULOUS

 

Calling all Cinemafiles – all is not lost now that Oscar season is history. 

 

Thanks to the Asbury Park Film Initiative your viewing displeasure does not have to include “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop II.”

 

Film lovers can unite compliments of Ocean Grove resident V.J. Carbone and Langosta Lounge’s Marilyn Schlossbach – co-founders of the Asbury Park Film Initiative – for fab flicks screened at an equally fab location. 

 

“We created APFI to bring great independent films to the city,” said V.J.  “Marilyn and I would like the Film Initiative to be similar to the Angelica Film Forum, in New York.” 

 

This program is for the community by the community – which you know I love – rising from one night last summer.

 

“In June we screened a documentary about surfing and more than three hundred people came,” said Marilyn.  “Afterwards, V.J., my husband Scott and I talked about the opportunity to bring great films to the area all year round.” 

 

The three brainstorm each month’s film selections.  Wonderful V.J. – fancy pants vice president of publicity for Focus Features (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Atonement,” “Milk”) secures the licensing. 

 

One blustery December Sunday, I went to the screening of “White Christmas.”  I also saw the compelling documentary “Man on a Wire and attended the packed-house New Jersey premier of “Milk” at Clearview’s Middlebrook Cinema, with an after party at Marilyn’s restaurant.     

 

Showings are on the Paramount Theatre’s 60 by 40 foot screen.  It’s a great space to take a mental vacation and watch a movie – for free.  The grandeur of a live theatre space for the simplicity of these fine film selections is fan-tabulous.  The only thing missing is decadent movie theatre popcorn.

 

Mondays, you are cordially invited for dinner and a movie.  Price fix dinners are offered at Langosta Lounge, The Harrison, Stella Marina and Salt Water Grill.

 

Coming soon, film screenings on the beach on a huge inflatable screen and more exclusive New Jersey film previews. 

 

Every month, our city has more and more wonderful things to offer – all thanks to the passion of the people. 

 

Briefly:  For me – like a lot of us – walking into a car service center is as unfamiliar and scary as walking into a shooting range.  In this economy, I wanted to share with you how I – with a tip toe out of my comfort zone – avoided wasting hundreds of dollars. 

 

Last week, I called the dealer to replace the low-beam that was out on my Acura.  The service rep told me the cost would be $280 and if there was something else wrong, it may cost an additional $1,000.  I was beyond upset. 

 

A kind stranger suggested I buy the light bulb on Ebay and install it myself leveraging instructions from the internet (TSXClub.com) – not from the excessively complicated car manual. 

 

The lightbulb cost $40 and took 15 minutes to replace – saving me the six-hundred percent dealer markup.

 

I also recently got my tires replaced for more than $400 less at Costco than Acura.

 

Bottom line: it takes a kick in the butt, but I learned that I can do this stuff and not be dependent on others for simple projects.  If I can do it, anyone can.

 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

 

COMMUNITY 2.0

I never quote Homer Simpson, however here I go:  “They have the internet on computers now!”

 

It never gets old. 

 

The next time you are on the internet, on your computer, check out some of the great Yahoo Groups – online communities custom-made for our community, by our community. 

 

Members communicate to the group via blast emails.  Databases and other resources are available on the group’s homepage.

 

Some have said that politicians must speak to constituents via a few of these lists to win an election.

 

As with any collective, there is whining and moaning about nonsense (delete, delete) balanced out by the extraordinary positive community cyber-energy.  The passion is what really makes these groups great. 

 

I spoke with the moderators of a few local groups.  Read on, then log on and see what fits with your interests – guaranteed at least one will. 

 

“Asbury Park GLH,” (founded 2002)

 

TBP:  What is the “The List” all about?

 

Moderator:  It caters specifically to the GLBTI residents of Asbury Park, so naturally it can only be described as “fabulous.”

 

The “List,” as it’s known around town, is a communication tool – created by Dane Hall – with 468 members, that caters to a community of similar interests.  It was launched to provide the GLBTI community with an effective way to connect with each other, recommend contractors and other vendors and express opinions.

 

“Asbury Park,” (1999)

 

TBP:  This is the longest standing Yahoo Group for the City. 

 

Moderator:  “Asbury Park” was started by a then-Philadelphia area college student (Andrew Wertz) who was interested in the city’s revival.  The 470 member group is a forum for anyone who is interested in Asbury Park. 

 

Among the many issues discussed are the ongoing challenges of the city’s school district, the Asbury Park real estate market and the effects of the upcoming local elections on the City.

 

“Colonial Terrace,” (2006)

 

TBP:  Your Ocean Township-focused group is the only one with specific ties to a neighborhood association. 

 

Moderator:  It’s an extension of the Colonial Terrace Protective Association.  The group is used as a vehicle to keep in touch and let neighbors know what is going on – from City Hall issues specific to Colonial Terrace to crime reports.

 

We also coordinate neighborhood events like a bicycle parade, “Fall Fest” and holiday caroling.

 

“Wanamassa GLBTI,” (2006)

 

(Disclosure:  I founded this group and serve as the moderator).  Our group is a forum for Wanamassa-based GLBTI neighbors to become more connected.

It has a few active members, however starts to buzz when a project to rally around arises such as saving Deal Lake or Ocean Township High School’s momentary ignorance cancelling “The Laramie Project”…or when a party is on deck.     

 

Richard@TheBPlot.com

DREAM MUNCH???

For more than one century innovative businesspeople have flocked to our City – like drag queens to a wig sale – to make their dream of owning a business a reality. 

The former McCrory Stores building, on Cookman Avenue, is home to Ken Le’s dream and true love this Valentine’s Day – Munch, a casual neighborhood eatery, which is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary in April. 

Prior to launching Munch, Ken was one of the many, many people in the area that dreamed of quitting an ultra-fast, turbo-pressured, mega-lucrative, New York City corporate job, to pursue his passion in Asbury Park.  His former career was in the advertising industry. 

“For years I wanted to make changes in my job and life and to open a restaurant that was creative, friendly, fun and exciting, however the time in my life was never right,” stated Ken Le, founder, Munch.

Finally, the time was right. 

“It took me three years of planning before I actually quit my job, gave up my upper west side apartment and moved back to New Jersey,” stated Ken.  “All the stars began to align and I realized I had to make this career move, for me.  It was scary but it was time.”

July 2006 Ken began the final steps to realizing his dream – a new chapter in the Book of Ken.

“I will never forget the last day at my office that summer,” continued Ken.  “It was an awesome feeling.  I celebrated with my colleagues and clients and could not wait to start the new ‘Munch’ part of my journey of life.  Everyone congratulated me, knowing I was following my dream.  Waking up the next morning, knowing I was going to focus solely on my passion, was huge for me.  It drove me to work even harder and faster.  I have never looked back – I recommend making a career change to anyone considering following his dream.”

Ken says the pressures he experiences owning a business are the same, but better than when he was part of the corporate machine.

“I am still tired and stressed, but it’s different because I look at the pressure as part of following my passion versus a rough daily grind,” Ken continued.  “I look forward to coming to work every day.”

He designed the Munch menu, filled with everything from comfort food to vegetarian dishes, to “take a contemporary approach to the great meals of our childhood.” 

I love Ken’s proprietary three cheese macaroni and cheese.  He has mastered the difficult art of making the onion rings crispy inside and out.  No mushy onions here.  Valerie Bertinelli would run over Jenny Craig for a basket.     

So, how did Ken choose the name “Munch” for his restaurant? 

“The name needed to reflect what I wanted in my restaurant – something vibrant, fun, comfortable and memorable,” stated Ken.  “I decided on Munch because I thought it encompassed my vision and it was one syllable strong.  One word – just like Cher.” 

In addition to his daily breakfast and lunch eatery hours, Munch is open for dinner – and packed BTW – each First Night in town, featuring a special menu. 

Log on to Munch’s brand new website MunchAsbury.com, for restaurant hours, the complete menu, specials, reviews, local delivery information and more. 

What’s your dream?  Asbury Park can help make it happen, as it did for Ken.

Speaking of great food, the Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County’s restaurant Windows has opened for the spring season, Monday through Thursday, seating from 5:15 p.m. to 6.15 p.m.  Call 732.988.3299.  Also, the outstanding bakery is open daily 9 am to 10 am, 11:15 am to 1:15 pm and 5:15 pm to 6 pm.  101 Drury Lane, Asbury Park.  Everything the students make, with Barbara and Darin, is amazing.

Wishing you a wonderful, heart-filled, red-infused, chocolate-packed Single’s Awareness Day.  Happy Valentine’s Day!!

New email for you, for me: Richard@TheBPlot.com

Puppy Love | 02.12.09

by Richard Virgilio

Despite what you may have heard, Paradise and Georgie’s are not the only places to look for love around here.  Try the Monmouth County SPCA and adopt a dog or cat.  

Puppy love expert and editor of more than 100 books about cats and dogs, Andrew DePrisco, discusses this very special type of matchmaking in his book, “Woof! A Gay Man’s Guide to Dogs” (see last week’s column at TheCoaster.net).  

“Most of us spend more time with our dogs than we do with our partners,” said Andrew, an Interlaken resident.  “Dogs are the ultimate long-term commitment and choosing the right one deserves more attention than the shirt you’ll buy for spring.”  

In honor of Valentine’s Day, I asked Andrew to comment on a few gay divas and icons, and their dogs – as he does in his book. 

“Celebs love being in the book,” said Andrew.  “Who wouldn’t love being placed between Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt?”  

Elton John:

“Elton has more than twenty dogs – a compound of rescue dogs.  It seems she wants everything she sees, including dogs.”

Clay Aiken:

“He has a border terrier.  That’s a rough dog.  This silly little twink likes to be handled rough.”  

Lance Bass:

“Lance is partnered with two twin Australian Beagle crosses.  I think its fun that he is sleeping with twins every night.”  

Orlando Bloom:

“He’s a honey.  I love Orlando.  He has a rescue dog mix and that’s sexy.”

George Takai:

“George and his husband have a Papillion – a small French breed with big ears that resemble a butterfly’s wings.  Very smart dogs – just like George.  Perfect match.”

Justin Timberlake:  

“As such an ultimate straight guy, why does Justin have such a gay dog – a Yorkie?  But sometimes a dog finds you rather than you finding the dog.”

President Barack Obama:

“He is such an intellectual and thoughtful guy…and athletic.  My choice of dog for him would be a Boxer.  Boxers, especially male Boxers, bond very closely with their owners.  Given that one of his daughters is allergic to dogs, the family needs a non-shedding dog.  My favorite non-shedding dog is a Spanish Water dog.  They are frighteningly smart – bred to dive underwater to find gear.  The breed has a very beautiful coat similar to a sheep.”  

The last paragraph in Andrew’s book sums up life in this great city with our dogs perfectly.

“Once you’ve found the perfect canine companion, the whole gay world is your oyster.  Sunning at the shore, sipping at the rim of an overpriced cocktail and watching the surfers come in, you and your partner can woof all day at the indescribable joys of low tide.”

Cheers to you and love this Valentine’s Day…and low tide.

Briefly:  Something you may not know about me is that I love anything and everything Andy Warhol.  If you share my interest, Graphic artist Billy Mecca of Elberon just sent me a great link to raw footage of Andy signing his book “America” at the Fiorucci boutique in NYC on Valentine’s Day, 1986. 

 Richard@TheBPlot.com

Woof Book | 02.05.09

by Richard Virgilio

February – the “month of love.”  There’s not much we love absolutely more around here than our pets.   

Andrew DePrisco, local writer and dog-lover, put pen to paper about his passion for puppies and received the Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association for “Best Gay and Lesbian Book.”  

Andrew’s “Woof! A Gay Man’s Guide to Dogs” (BowTie Press) is a creative, funny, interesting, energetic and really, really beautiful book about the unique bond a gay man has with his dog. 

“I wanted to write a book that conveyed important information about the pets we love, in an entertaining way,” said Andrew.  “Woof! is edutainment for all lovers of dogs, especially those who care about the quality of the dogs they select and the authenticity of the crystals in those same dogs’ collars.”

The irreverent tome offers prospective and current canine owners facts about selecting, naming, raising, training (both family and dog) and loving the “gay-perfect pup.”  

Andrew tweaked the standard tests used by dog breeders to evaluate a puppy’s personality for members of the QKC – the Queer Kennel Club – with questions like “Are most of your shirts collarless or sleeveless?” and “Have you ever been naked in a barn?” 

Just as there is a top for every pot, there is a dog for every guy.

“If gay men were as simple as young, untrained puppies, life would be so much easier,” said Andrew.  

After revealing his QKC grouping, the reader learns various breeds associated with each group.  Andrew – the author of 10 dog and cat books and editor of more than 100 – found there are 28 “breeds” of gay men, including All American Boy, Fashionista, Guppy, Pump Boy, Size Queen, Gaysian and Southern Belle, to name a few.  

“From drag queens to butch cowboys, no one is safe in the book,” said Andrew.  “Leather guys are softies that like to dress up – and there are better dogs than others to match that personality.”

Andrew spent a year researching and writing Woof!. 

“I interviewed twenty-five of the best breeders in North America,” said Andrew.  “If you follow my recommendations for choosing a breed, getting it from the right source, socializing and training it, you will not be unhappy with the pet you choose.” 

For those of us who prefer saving a dog, rather than buying one, Andrew, FYI, is not all about breeders – in any way, shape or form.

“There is something sexy about someone who goes to a rescue and saves a dog,” said Andrew.  “Rescue groups for purebreds do an amazing job of saving puppies from horrible breeders and stores.”

And despite its title, the book is not just for gay men – Joan Rivers is one of Andrew’s biggest fans.

“This book is my dog bible, and DePrisco is my new heroine,” said Joan. 

That’s love.  

Next week, in honor of Valentine’s Day, Andrew talks doggie dirt on Justin Timberlake, Elton John and other gay divas and icons.  

Briefly:  Speaking of Joan, her new book about plastic surgery, “Men are Stupid and they Like Big Boobs” is fab.  My favorite quote regarding spending money on beautification in today’s environment:  “It’s better to see a pretty face getting out of an ugly car, than an ugly face out of a pretty car.”

Richard@TheBPlot.com