Inspired by the king of neurosis, Cosmo Kramer.
Ok, one should always have something to get all worked up about. Whether it's a new film, a favorite ice cream flavor, or even something more obscure, it's the little obsessions in life that get us through the hard times. So I thought that one could really find out a lot about some one from learning what they'd die for. Hence, the following page....
Obsession #13: S Club 7
11 january 2000 / 21 may 2000
Ok, so most of you (in the US of A that is) have absolutely no idea who S Club 7 are. They are, in fact, the newest manufactured band! There seems to be a pattern developing here with me and my weaknesses, doesn't there? Well, well done for noticing! But yes, S Club 7 are different, y'see, cos they've got their own TV show, and they can "act!" Ok, so I haven't seen the show yet, as it is currently airing with Saturday morning cartoons, but my little brother tells me it's ace. It's hard to tell whether or not the septet will break in the states- a British friend of mine was convinced that they were American until a few weeks ago, so this could be an advantage, since America is so insular and all. Personally, I can't think of a country so desolate and heartless in which "S Club Party" (their anthem- which I think sounds strangely similar to the Spice Girls' "Say You'll Be There" in bits) is unknown!
So five months have passed, and I'm still completely mad on S Club 7! I have seen nearly every episode of their television show (Miami 7- we haven't got LA7 yet in the states!), and I have since purchased their album (and have a collection of b-sides as well). So you might say I am obsessed, and this one seems to have lasted beyond the others (though I do still love Parker Posey as much as I did when she was the featured obsession), which might not be entirely healthy. But I don't care! Because you aren't with the S and you're v clueless (what you like is probably parp anyway). As you can see, it's not really effecting my level of maturity...
Obsession #12 : Mary Katherine Gallagher
13 october 99
I, too, put my fingers in my armpits when I get nervous. I have a habit of quoting from random films to express my opinion on any given situation (and yes, I have a penchant for bad tv-movies). And hey, if I wore skirts, I'm sure I'd enjoy flashing my knickers... Of course I'm talking about Mary Katherine Gallagher, the nervous Catholic school girl that started out on "Saturday Night Live." Well, on 8 october, Ms. Gallagher's alter-ego, the brilliant Molly Shannon, brought her to the big screen; I have already seen Superstar twice. And I will, without a doubt, see it again. I have no qualms about admitting it. I thought it was hysterical! In fact, I am such a fan of this truly unique character that I created a club in her honour. If you're keen on joining, mail me! oh, and if you think I'm crazy, it's probably just cos you're jealous- cos you're not a Superstar!
Obsession #11 : the underground
03 august 99
I am in love with the Tube. The tube being the underground subway system in London. I was only in my new favourite city for about a week and a half total- but I could have easily ridden around on the tube for half of that time (come to think of it, I probably did just that). I dunno why, but there is something strangely appealing and even bizarrely romantic about it. Perhaps I've watched "Sliding Doors" one too many times, but I think it's the fact that it's such a new experience for me. I have never had to rely on public transportation, and I think I was enchanted with the idea of changing lines at Piccadily, of minding the gap, and of simply being a part of London. I miss it.
Obsession #10 : Starburst
(02.22.99)
Starburst are, by far, my candy of choice. I have been addicted since High School, actually; I can remember going to the "bookstore" (which is actually a very misleading name- I do not know many students that frequented this shop for books! But I can attest to the fact that just about every kid with extra change went there to choose from its astonishingly varied candy selection) nearly every day after lunch and purchasing a pack of Starburst (ok, there was a short period of time when I would alternate between Starburst and Skittles...). Come to think of it, this may have been one of the reasons why I never took up the vile habit of smoking. Starburst were a fitting substitute. Oh yes, and how can I forget to mention my favourite flavour?? It is strawberry, the Pink "fruit chew." There have been moments in my life when I would have died for one of these heaven-sent sweets.... I suppose it wouldn't be too far off to call Starburst the Man-made Manna (the bread of heaven! ha, I actually did retain a bit of knowledge from my religious upbringing)..... Thank you God!!
Obsession #9 : Spice Girls
(02.07.99)
Will I get hate mail about this? It's very possible. Let me just say right up front- don't waste your time telling me how horrible they are. I'm beyond salvation! So yes, this is my unofficial "outing," so to speak. My name is Graham, and I like the Spice Girls. I don't know why I'm choosing just now to tell the world of my eternal devotion to the four women at the right (clockwise from top left: Emma "baby spice" Bunton, Melanie "scary spice" Gulzar, Melanie "sporty spice" Chisholm, Victoria "posh spice" Addams- singing "Naked"). Maybe I'm tired of pretending? No, this can't be it, as the majority of the people I know outside of cyberspace are well aware of my obsession. Maybe I just want to be different? No, cos I know for a fact that their one of the most popular groups in the world. Maybe I just ran out of obessions? Well, whatever the reason, I love the Spice Girls to death. Why, you ask? Well, if everyone listened to Radiohead all the time then life wouldn't be too much fun, would it? (not that I don't love radiohead for what they are, cos I do) Have you ever heard that phrase "Variety is the Spice of life"? Well, no pun intended, I believe this to be true. And if that means liking something that many consider is made for those under 12 years old (and I resent this!), then so be it. I know the Spice Girls aren't high class. I know they aren't deep or even good singers. But they're fun. And they have a sense of humour. So they may be trash. But they're good trash. And that's good enough for me.
Obsession #8 : Uno
(01.18.99)
Alright! The first obsession of the year. This isn't the most exciting obsession, I know, but I never claimed to be hard to please! Lately I've found myself getting back to my Uno roots. For those of you out of the loop (if this is the case, your childhood must have been tragic!), Uno, "America's Number One Card Game," is an alternative to your everyday deck of cards. It's a simple game with four colors and a standard set of rules. The goal of the game - to be the first to play all of your cards. But yes, for some strange reason (the millenium, maybe?? It's even effecting people's instinctive urges!) I've had this inherent desire to play this game more frequently. I can't explain it, so don't ask... Just get your own deck and practice... cos I'm sure I could kick your arse!
Obsession #7 : Winona Ryder
(11.27.98)
My very favorite actress... After recently seeing Celebrity, in which she has a bit part, I suddenly realised I hadn't yet told the world (or maybe the two or three total strangers that may see this) about my adoration for this truly gifted woman.... It's been a while since Ms. Ryder has been the star of a genuinely smart film (Alien Ressurection ??), her best films being, in my opinion, Reality Bites and Heathers . She has given brilliant performances in several other films as well, including Mermaids, Edward Scissorhands, and The Crucible .
Obsession #6 : Dr. Pepper
(11.06.98)
Long overdue..... This should have been obsession #1, cos Dr. Pepper (sad as it may sound) is my life. I really don't think I could survive in this world without it. It is definitely a drug for me, and I admit my addiction. Are you a Pepper, too?
Obsession #5: Friends
(10.04.98)
The answer to "Seinfeld" withdrawals? Friends ! Yes, I know it will never be the same, but we've got to pick ourselves up and get past it.... and who better to help us all through the tough times than Rachel, Ross, Phoebe, Chandler, Monica, and Joey?? I've really enjoyed both episodes this season (except for the bit in which Rachel told Ross she loved him- and then died laughing); and Chandler and Monica are wonderful together! I normally work Thursday nights, and I've made a promise to myself to save my lunch break for 7p.m. so that I can catch it (I don't trush the VCR to tape it- I guess I've had one too many problems with that). And next week Phoebe is going to have the babies!! Yes, life will go on.....
Obsession #4: Scones
(09.15.98)
Does this one sound a bit, well, out there?? It's not your typical obsession, by any means, but then again, I'm not your typical bloke. The Barnes & Noble Cafe in my area recently stopped carrying all of the little treats that had become my favourites in the past few months. No more croissants. No more apple muffins. So I had to adapt, and thus, I was re-introduced to the scone. This wasn't my first encounter with a scone; I'd had a chocolate chip scone once while in California... but these were different. I'd never had a cinammon scone... To make a long story short (is it too late for that?), I consume at least one cinammon scone per day. I hear this isn't the healthiest diet (my friend at the cafe tells me there are 50 grams of fat in one scone), but I say bollocks! Why should I deny myself such a simple pleasure?
Obsession #3: Blur
(08.10.98)
Ok, so this is by no means a new obsession. Let's call this one a renewed obsession. Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree make up the wildly popular british quintet called Blur. Yes, they are the best band in the world, in my humble opinion. For all of you out there pleading ignorance of the brilliance of blur, you should definitely kick yourselves. Until last year, most Americans were too busy listening to Seattle crap like Pearl Jam to notice four cheeky yet intelligent Englishmen. Blur went through a bit of a change stylistically with their progressive fifth album, and in the end, finally won over hordes of fans in the USA. Graham Coxon, the guitarist of the group, just released a solo album, Thy Sky Is Too High, but is currently in the studio along with the rest of the bandmates concentrating on Blur's sixth album.
Obsession #2 : Parker Posey
(07.10.98)
If you do not know who Parker Posey is, you are not alone. Although she has appeared in dozens of films, the majority of the world would not be able to pick her out of a line-up. This is mainly due to the fact that every film she has been a part of has been what the Hollywood types would refer to as an "indie" flick. I have recently become infatuated with Ms. Posey, a.k.a. the "Indie Queen." I've rented just about every film of hers in the past week that I could get my hands on. A few of the best included "The House Of Yes," "Party Girl," "Waiting For Guffman," "Suburbia," and "The Daytrippers." Beware, most of the movies aren't your standard film fare, and most of them are ensemble films (which means that Parker has to share the limelight). But still, I highly recommend them all. On a final note, I recently learned that Ms. Posey is actually crossing over to the mainstream. She has been cast opposite Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in their next romantic comedy.
Obsession #1 :Twin Peaks
(06.23.98)
In the past few weeks, I have been religiously viewing every episode of this David Lynch television series from the early 1990's. I remember watching them as a fifth grader, being scared out of my mind by the finale, sleeping with my little sister (for protection? I don't know...). But anyway, if you have never seen it, it is a thriller / mystery / drama / comedy, and probably the strangest show to ever grace the telly. Ingenious and brilliant. Rent them if you get the chance.
