If you don’t know this about me already, I’m a sucker for the holidays. Jewish, yes, but still, I dig Christmas. It’s a pretty cozy time of year, and I’m always excited to get my olive wood nativity scene out and play with it. I happily suffer through every Christmas cliché, including end of the year lists, of which ANTIGRAVITY has quite the whopper this year. You should check out our Top 5, it’s really an exquisite corpse of 2015. I’d like to share my own Top 5 with you:
TOP 5 INTROs I DIDN’T GET TO WRITE
5. NWA BIOPIC
Sooo much to say about watching this movie. My mom insisted I go with her to see it, and I think she enjoyed it. For me, the film was a trip back in time, reminding me of when my Boy Scout troop blared NWA on the way to a sleepover in Jackson Barracks. Sounds ridiculous, right? Ugh, would’ve been a good one.
4. STATE POLITICS
I was petrified Vitter was going to pull off the governor’s election, and we’d be stuck with however many more years of empty, ass-backwards “conservative” leadership. I was going to tell y’all to vote, despite the tendency to feel like it’s all bullshit. Sometimes, though, you gotta stick your hand in anyway. Probably for the best this one didn’t make it.
3. PLANNED PARENTHOOD FOR LIFE
I was going to write about being a late bloomer in high school, so not really seeing much physical action. But boy, was everyone I know fucking or getting sexually assaulted. Planned Parenthood was an oasis for them: a safe, affordable place to get information, birth control, and exams outside of their parental sphere of knowledge and judgment. PP and places like it are essential community resources and should be revered and supported as such. Anyone who works towards taking this away is part of the problem. (‘Nuff said. Would’ve made for a short intro!)
2. CIRCLE BAR!!!
I’m pleased to find out that longtime friend of the New Orleans music scene (and ANTIGRAVITY contributor) Michael Bateman is taking over booking duties at the Circle Bar. That venue is one of my most treasured spots in all the city. I’ve spent many a magical night there as both performer and audience member. Plenty of juicy stories to regale everyone with. The new blood should invigorate the place. Y’all gonna get a new P.A. now or what?
1. AG STAFF FOR LIFE
I could write this intro every month. When I look back on each issue, usually through bloodshot eyes, I just want to bear hug the whole staff and take everyone to an island somewhere with nary a computer in sight so we can swim, chill, eat fresh fruit and seafood, and just party like Tom Hanks in Castaway until sunrise (but for now, Stein’s will have to do. See you at the Christmas party). Thank you always for the work you do. I LOVE Y’ALL.