Chaos Under The Big Top: The College Years
-Sex, Drugs, and Midterms-
Exclusive Interview with
Creator / Writer / Protagonist
Mr. JiMBO Esquire
SEASON FOUR
Since music is such a big part of my life, I've always liked the idea of writing a season with an overarching musical theme, as if particular moments were tracks from the literal Soundtrack of My Life. Even though I personally hate when people devote entire journal entries solely to someone else's song lyrics, it was fun racking my brain for songs that fit my situation. Upon a second reading of the fourth season, I saw another theme emerge, the voice of the psychotic ex-boyfriend, a refreshing change of pace since I've come to be known as the master of scaring people away with kindness. Although Season Two still stands out as my favorite season to read and write by far, Season Four comes in a close second.
SEASON FOUR THEME SONG: Something to Sing About - Sarah Michelle Gellar (from Once More, With Feeling!)ALTERNATE THEME SONG: Hedwig's Lament / Exquisite Corpse - Yoko Ono & Yo La Tengo (from Hedwig and the Angry Inch)
AWARDS: Honored as "The Best Of Livejournal" by LJ Top (2007)
FAVORITE TRACKS: Feed My Frankenstein, Gonna Make Ya Sweat (Everybody Dance Now!), I Think I'm Paranoid, Walking On Thin Ice, SLEEP, Boys Wanna Be Her, Working For The Weekend, All Good Things (Come To An End)
Track 01: What About Your Friends? - TLC (01.13.2007)
Q: So, have you met up with your NHS posse lately? Any reunions?
A: Actually, yeah, quite a few. Now that I work out of the house, one of my favorite pastimes has been wandering aimlessly around the local mall, and I've bumped into a lot of people I was actually friends with in high school like ManEater, Kenny, John, and Smithers.
Q: Anybody else?
A: I was EXTREMELY excited to reunite with my girrrls RIce Lady, Super Mouse Shannon, Nelly Nell, Chels, and Autumn in the past couple months. We got the whole gang together for some 4th of July madness, as well as dinner at Rocky Run. Plus, we planned on seeing "HairSpray" together but I don't know 'bout that.
Q: Speaking of movies, you mentioned your conversation at the diner about the latest holiday crap in theaters. Are you excited about any summer blockbusters?
A: To tell you the truth... I am, for the first time in a long time. After 2005 aka the summer of 1000 useless TV remakes (Dukes of Hazzard, Honeymooners, Bewitched, etc.), I was starting to doubt Hollywood's ability to churn out the hits. But I'm really eager to see Hostel: Part 2, since I KNOW the acting's gonna be good this time because one of my character actors (George from Desperate Housewives) is in it. Plus, I've seen both Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer and I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, and I loved both of them! And Lindsay Lohan's latest effort, I Know Who Killed Me, looks promising.
Q: You did delete that, um, "special" video on your camera, right?
A: *laughs* LOL, I've learned my lesson, it's hidden somewhere on my computer now.
Q: You also brought up your encounter with EJ at the end of this episode. Heard from him lately?A: Yep, he contacted me a few weeks ago on MySpace about his job on the cruise ship. And he's still losin' weight, lookin' good, BUT as I said before, he's still EJ, my friend who loves to burst into song without warning. *cringe*
Q: And you don't like that?
A: Uhh, HELLLL NO! For me, it's kind of an instant turn-off, unless the guy's got an amaaazing voice... but that's rarely the case. I can't carry a tune and that's why I hardly ever sing in public--gotta play to your strengths.
Track 02: Cumpleanos Feliz - Senora Velasquez (01.20.2007)
Q: A quiet evening at home with your trusty sidekick, is that how you're planning to spend your 21st?
A: Definitely... NOT! For my 21st, I've got some big plans, some clubhopping, a few surprise stops, and I might invite my friends over for a night of Debauchery & Debasement... but we'll see how I'm feelin'.
Q: Still not a fan of Abercrombie?
A: NOPE, I still think it's the douchebag brand of choice, but Hollister is coming dangerously close, especially those huge, insanely white belts that don't look good on anyone. Seriously, whenever I see a guy in the hole-y white belt with blue jeans, I just wanna rip it off and strangle him with it.
Track 03: Gay Boyfriend - The Hazzards (01.27.2007)
Q: How is your sick and twisted relationship with Sara doing?
A: Much to my surprise, right after this episode aired, she and I had a MESSSY falling out. *sighs*
Q: Falling out?
A: For the few months when I re-entered the dating scene, she and I would see each other less and less--once a week at the most. No more date nights at my place. It was all going downhill until everything finally snowballed one afternoon when I noticed that she had removed me as a FaceBook friend.
Q: Oh NO she DIDN'T!
A: Oh yes, she di-id! With rage flowing wildly through my veins, I called her ass up that very second and asked, "Did you delete me?" She played dumb at first. So I went on, "DID YOU DELETE ME?! ANSWER ME!" To which she responded, "Is that a threat?" And I just said, "What do you think?"
Q: Wow, that's crazy.
A: That was definitely the live-or-die moment of our friendship. When I'm upset with someone, I let it be known, and if he/she's unhappy with the friendship, then we'll end it then and there. I saw her gesture as a big "Fuck You and our friendship." But then again, these are all assumptions, because she doesn't like to come out directly and say it.
Q: So, what happened?
A: Well, I asked her out to dinner later that evening so we could catch up and have a real conversation for the first time in months. It was a much-needed get-together, and it reminded me how much I love having her in my life. After I escorted her home, Sara finally opened up to me and told me exactly how she felt and why she had "accidentally" deleted me.
Q: What was her reason?
A: It turns out, she was feeling rejected, unloved, and inadequate when I blamed my dry spell on my overly-affectionate relationship with her. And when she finally told me the truth, I held back the tears, gave her a big ol' hug and told her exactly how glad I was I didn't lose her as a friend.
Q: So, everything's cool now?A: We're stronger than ever. We just needed some alone time to grow as individuals. We've started up Date Night again, we've kept in touch via FaceBook, and I'm helping her move in this Fall. In fact, she's promised to give me her first, second, and third-born children.
Q: Ummm... what?
A: Inside joke. *wink-wink* Also, when it comes to my love life, it took a few months of back-to-back dates to finally realize why I stopped dating in the first place: Men are just assholes who don't listen to a word you say and just when you think they've figured out what makes you tick, they turn around and do something sooo incredibly stupid that makes you say, "Have we met?!"
Track 04: Feed My Frankenstein - Alice Cooper (02.03.2007)
Q: Is it true what you said about the downsides of having an online blog?
A: 110%. It can be AWFUL... or fantastic, especially with the amount of honesty and emotion I like to put in my blog. Although I do like it when a guy has done his homework and has read up on me, those are the same guys who are bit toooo relaxed around me because they think they know everything about me. My blog is simply an intensified version of who I am--it's the uncensored part that I typically don't share with the public. Or in Freudian terms, my id.
Q: Do you often have friends who complain about being in your blog?
A: Almost always, but I don't sympathize with them at all. The way I see it: You only make it into my blog because you're worth it, so you should be flattered. I only got one request to censor this episode specifically, to which I said, "I censor my journal for no one. No exceptions."
Q: Do you still believe that you and Mark will never have a committed relationship?
A: As much as I would love to be in a monogamous relationship with someone again someday, I don't think he and I will ever have that. That's mainly because he has crushes on sooooo many other people that I don't want to try and compete with all that. It's not that I feel remotely threatened by them, I guess I'm a little jealous. But more than anything else, I'm just a little protective.
Q: *laughs* I could tell. "You break his heart, I'll break your face."A: And I meant it, bitch! Really, I don't like to see ANY of my friends be used or led on. It's not a good feeling. I know, I know, I've done that to people myself but never intentionally.
Track 05: Haunted - Evanescence (03.03.2007)
Q: And so Dan appears again? Why is that?
A: I'm not totally sure. But I will say that I re-play that incident in my head over and over EVERY single day and still feel completely mortified. And no how matter how many times I tell myself each morning, "I don't hate him. I don't love him. I feel NOTHING," that's obviously not true.
Q: Then what's the truth?
A: The truth is... the opposite of love isn't hate--it's indifference. And I'm STILL not at that point where I'm completely apathetic. I still have a lot of intense emotion there. So... I guess this must be what hate feels like. It really does burn your chest.
Q: On to something pleasant. Other than Michael Vartan, do have any other celebrity crushes?
A: Hmmm, funny you should ask that. They really don't make 'em like they used to. However, I'm still a sucker for Jude Law and Jean Claude Van Damme, but lately, I've been feelin' Hal Sparks and as much as I resisted it at first, Jake Gyllenhaal. In fact, there's a quick story that goes with that.
Q: And what is it?
A: It was the summer of my senior year, so I was preparing to go to Gettysburg. My CNAV password stopped working so I had to call the IT office, and tell them my old password. I tried to be slick with 'em by spelling it out, "J-U-D-E-L..." But of all the rotten luck, the guy could actually spell! Ohh, Double-Donkey Punch! I was not expecting this. So... that was my first official embarrassing moment before I stepped foot on campus.
Q: Great. So, why do you think Heather Langenkamp was in your dream?
A: Well, the Nightmare On Elm Street series is definitely my favorite from the horror genre, and she is the quintessential brunette heroine. Other than that, I'm stumped. Once again, I put out an open call for any dream analysts out there who wanna take a stab at this dream episode.
Track 06: Gonna Make Ya Sweat (Everybody Dance Now!) - C&C Music Factory (02.18.2007)
Q: So, what has been your funniest moment with the BOMB Squad?
A: Without a doubt, the funniest thing I've ever seen was when Kyle was demonstrating some crazy spin and his long-ass leg swooped around and took Jackie out! It was hilarious 'cause she was standing like 6 feet away from him and she still managed to get hit. Craziness.
Q: Most awkward moment?
A: That would be that special move in the Diddy routine where we're all humping the air: DO it, DO it, DO it! But the most awkward moment was when Kyle was trying to show me how to do it correctly and I STILL have no clue how I look doin' it.
Q: Let's see... Scariest? Do you have one of those?
A: Oh yes! It was one of those days when Kyle walked into practice silent and stonefaced (which means he is in NO mood!), and at one point in the practice, he stopped everyone and called me, Imani, Yeny, and Magic to the front and had everyone else stand on the sides. For some reason, I was totally expecting him to say some shit like, "You suck! Prove your worth, bitches!" BUT then he said, "These 4 aren't just dancing; they're performing. Learn from them." And then we performed in front of the whole group. Whew, talk about nervewrecking!
Track 07: I Think I'm Paranoid - Garbage (03.02.2007)
Q: Did you manage to avoid The Black Death all year?
A: For the most part, Yes. However, I did have a quick scare shortly after Sara went in for blood work. I woke up sick one morning, but it passed with a combination of rest, Ginger Ale, Ramen, and Extra-Strength Tylenol.
Track 08: Some Kind Of Monster - Metallica (03.09.2007)
Q: You like roller coasters?
A: They're a'ight. I used to be deathly afraid of them. But they've grown on me over the years. My personal faves are The Comet (Hershey Park), Superman, The Big Bad Wolf, and Alpengeist (Busch Gardens). The only ones that freak me out are the Batman ride (where you're lying face-down), and Apollo's Chariot because it breaks down ALL the time and those people are just left hangin', 40 feet high, upside down.
Q: In the dream, your movements were controlled by an old school SuperNintendo controller. What were your favorite Nintendo games as a kid?
A: I was partial to both Duck Hunt and Mortal Kombat II. I remember, whenever we'd go up to Hempstead, my cousin would have to blow the cartridge to get it to work. I preferred the Sega Genesis myself... well, when I wasn't playing Day Of The Tentacle on the ol' Dell.
Q: So, you're NOT a Pro Wrestling fan anymore?A: Nah, I used to love it as a kid, but since the big merger (WWF, WCW, ECW), I have no clue who most of the people are. I miss Bret Hart; now he was awesome. I don't get the new obsession with John Cena--too much of a wigga, reminds me tooo much of Pasadenians.
Q: Plus, I noticed Steve popped up in your dream again. Any idea why?
A: Yeah, I noticed that too, he does do that a lot... not a smart thing to do since he seems to die every single time. I think he pops up so much because he's practically THE ONLY straight guy I don't mind talking to on occasion. Y'see, most of them bore me to death, but he's intriguing.
Q: How was this swing dance you mentioned?
A: Boring as all hell! However, I will admit, it was fun watching Danny squirm again, LOL. I don't know if I should be flattered or offended when he literally sprints away from me whenever I'm in the same room. That time he actually danced out of the line of fire. Off-beat too, the bastard! *smiles*
Track 09: Ballroom Blitz - Tia Carrere (02.18.2007)
Q: What were you doin' in New Orleans?
A: Last summer I was at a TAYLOR Publishing Convention with Kat & Amanda where I studied with extreme sports/landscape photographer, Thom Bol. I credit him for turning me on to still photography; I'd always used to look down on it.
Track 10: Spinning Around - Kylie Minogue (03.31.2007)
Q: What's it like performing for an unenthusiastic audience? Is there a Difference?
A: Yeah, in a way it's better cause you're constantly trying to win them over, which I actually had the pleasure of doin' at that performance. What can I say? The kids love acrobatics... they do. However, it is awkward performing in a belly shirt in front of strangers and you can just see the looks on their faces. But you just suck it up and give them a high-energy show--fuck your appearance, just do your job. Don't let em smell the fear. But on the other hand, I tend to smile a lot more and throw myself into more extreme maneuvers when I come out to a lot of applause 'cause I feel obligated to all the JiMBO fans out there.
Q: Did you really have no clue what was painted on your face that night?
A: I swear, I knew nothing! I avoided looking in a mirror and I had bigger things on my mind than face paint, so it was no sweat.
Q: How do you feel about the hectic dance schedule?
A: Sometimes I'd like a little more notice when it comes to an upcoming performance. But even if I'm not feeling confident, I can fake it. As Kyle has said, if you're not even excited about the dance, why should the audience be? True, true.
Track 11: And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going - Jennifer Hudson (04.05.2007)
Q: Do you ever regret your decision to that Shakespeare class?
A: Not. At. All. I did really well in the classes that I kept, and it was a very big weight lifted off my shoulders. Hopefully, someday I'll be able to manage 4 classes at a time again.
Track 12: Walking On Thin Ice - Yoko Ono (04.07.2007)Q: So... do you still hate people?
A: I didn't mean it that way! I love talking to people during the day; hell, that was the highlight of my job at the Commissary--having good conversations with over 80 people each day. However... it's very draining, so when I come home, I like to be alone and focus on myself--all the good stuff and the things that are so screwed up about me.
Track 13: SLEEP - The Dandy Warhols (04.13.2007)
Q: Do you have a regular bedtime?
A: I guess... if I were an owl. By the end of Fall semester, I'd become completely nocturnal. Almost every night, I'd fall asleep at 5:25A--3 at the earliest--but that'll probably have to change this semester for my new roomie. I don't know Jinming well enough--don't wanna scare him away, or do I...?
Q: That is the question. And onto another one. What has been your favorite piece of Romantic poetry, since you brought it up?
A: I'd say my #1 favorite would be Rappaccini's Daughter followed by that awesomely twisted tale, The Cenci, and then, I'd round it off with Blake's Marriage Of Heaven & Hell.
Q: Still no desire for an afterlife?
A: Nah. Nowadays, the most important thing is that I want to make sure I come to terms with everything before I'm thrown into the furnace... and then the volcano. By then, it'd be just a bit too late to have unfinished business.
Track 14: Boys Wanna Be Her - Peaches (04.15.2007)
Q: Tell me, who was the inspiration behind that pink little number?
A: It was a composite of Nicole Scherzinger (the lead Pussycat Doll), Bridgett "Baby Doll" Riley (world-champion kickboxer-stunt double), and Peaches (glam rocker).
Q: Were you physically comfortable?
A: At the time, the pain wasn't all that bad. Just the soles of my feet were burnin' and of course, those boobs had a mind of their own. The morning after's a totally different story; I was paralyzed from the mid-thigh down. Good thing it was a Sunday!
Q: Speaking of boobs, were you actually ready to chuck them at the judges when they announced their decision?
A: Hell yeah! But that was purely because of all the work that went into my look and I think I looked even better than I did when I won freshman year. In the words of Sharon Gless, "There's nothing more terrifying than a bloodthirsty drag queen." *wink*
Track 15: Working For The Weekend - Loverboy (04.23.2007)
Q: So, what's new with Dance ensemble?
A: Well, I finished designing the Platinum Edition DVD a month ago, and I'll eventually design the DVD case. Plus, I'm excited for the upcoming recital.
Q: Think you'll choreograph something?
A: Seriously thinking about it. My Top 5 song choices would be:
#1: Makes Me Wonder - Maroon 5
#2: The Way I Are - Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson
#3: Happy Feet (High Heels Mix) - Jack Hylton & His Orchestra
#4: Spitfire - Prodigy
#5: Say Say Say (Waiting 4 U) - Hi_Tack
Track 16: Wait A Minute - The Pussycat Dolls featuring Timbaland (04.28.2007)
Q: So, is there a meaning behind this title?
A: Yes, it's an inside joke courtesy of the BOMB Squad. Seriously, nobody can say the phrase, "Wait A Minute," without somebody, mainly Carly, screamin' "Girrrl!" because we've danced so much to that song. Really, that's our cue. GiRRRRRL!
Q: Is it true that Ambika suggested you perform a frisbee dance routine?
A: Yeah, it's a kinda cool idea... but with her aim, somebody in the audience would definitely get decapitated. No if's about it.
Track 17: Bad Word For A Good Thing - The Friggs (04.30.2007)Q: Any big plans for ALLiES next year?
A: Well, as part of the Film Festival, I'd still love to get Craig Chester (award-winning gay actor, best-selling author, director of Adam & Steve) to introduce a showing at the Majestic Theater. Plus, it would be great do some Junction screenings of films like Double Dare with the Women's Center. And I've always wanted to do a Sonny & Cher-type variety show on-campus; it'd be cool to get everyone involved since the Talent Show we have now is conducted somewhere in the shadows.
Q: So, how is Sherry, your "Head & Skull Stylist?"
A: Good, always ready to dish. She actually came to my dance recital (awww), and that meant a lot to me 'cause her friends were genuinely impressed. Unlike freshman year with that TANGO, where we were shoved in the back behind the juniors, EVEN THOUGH we knew that routine front and back. *snap-snap w/ neck swivel* M'hmm.
Q: Oh yeah, I heard you went kinda bonkers planning the film festival.
A: The hell you say... *smiles* Yeah, I had 2 big mental meltdowns where I just had to let that evil little voice inside come out and scream whatever I'm feeling: "Respect my authority!" "How do you think that makes me feel?!" "Faster Pussycat, Kill... KILL!!!"
Track 18: Tell Me Somethin' Good - Rufus & Chaka Khan (04.23.2007)Q: Why'd you turn down the first offer?
A: I just had a feeling something better would come along. I really prefer a double or a single, ONE roommate is too many, but I'll bear it. I can be quite the vicious OCD guy--a regular Bree Van De Kamp at times--and yet I'm always the one who is asked to move in. When will they ever learn?
Q: How well do you know JinMing?
A: Not very. We just took a Theory of Film Genre class this semester. There's a bit of a language barrier there, so that's the only thing I'm not looking forward to. Plus, he's straight, and by now, you should know how much I talk to them. But I'm optimistic.
Q: Speaking of roommates, did you and Billy have a teary goodbye?
A: Uhhh, No. On the way out the door, I was barking commands for him to dust, dammit! So, the goodbye didn't seem permanent: no hug, no handshake. It was very blah, "Let's never do this again." Oh well, maybe now that I won't be seeing him everyday, we might end up just hanging out again.
Outro: All Good Things (Come To An End) - Nelly Furtado (05.03.2007)
Q: Been keepin' in touch with any gBurg alums?
A: Mainly just Imani and Molly via FaceBook, but alumni turn up all the time on campus, especially Band peeps.
Q: You technically missed the first showing of Tristan's film in front of the staff, right?
A: Yep, that's right. Unfortunately, they had the 2 senior presentations at 1PM on a weekday, so sometime during Jake's hour-long schpeel on the auteur behind School Of Rock and Dazed & Confused, I had to go to class. And although, I was NOT invited to the actual premiere, I made sure to crash the screening. That's just how I roll. When I finally have my senior presentation, I'll definitely go ALL OUT... starting by recruiting the 2 most vicious queens I know to do Red Carpet commentary. Good stuff.
Summer Special #1 (Special Guest Star: Nelly) (07.23.2007)Q: Hey, it's good to see you again, JiMBO! So, I noticed that this season started much earlier than usual. Why is that?
A: Well, this season we saw a number of 1st's. Although the standard season of CUTBT generally arrives in August, at the earliest, this time I had the pleasure of working with a guest writer from back home, Nelly, who's currently attending UMBC.
Q: Do you think she stole some of your spotlight?
A: NO, of course not! I couldn't have been happier to have a special guest writer on the show. As a few of my NHS friends know, the original purpose of my journal was to bring together a wide variety of voices to form a common narrative about the transition from high school to twentysomething life. That was my original vision for the show, but since the series premiere, I have personally written over a 100 entries myself and have only received one guest entry. But I'll take it! :-D
Got questions? Send 'em in and as always, I'll give you an honest answer. :-D
I'd prefer postings directly on the blog--that way if someone else has the same question, I can get a 2-for-1 deal. PeaceOut, JiMBOEsq!
No comments:
Post a Comment