I have short hair (think k.d. lang). It is thick and sassy, and I have been sporting a faux hawk with mild success.

But here’s the thing.

My good friend Jackie was just diagnosed with a brain tumor. And she has to shave her long, luxurious locks soon. So while spending time with her this afternoon at a bbq, we joked about switching hair. And then I said I would grow mine out because she has to cut hers off.  Sounds only fair, right? Yeah, so that’s happening.

As of tonight, Hair Brained: The Great Grow-Out 08 begins. It won’t be pretty, quite literally. But it’s the least I can do for her. Because she is one of my favorite people on the planet. And because it’s too personal to write about. And because it’s more productive than crying. And because it’s not f’ing fair. And because I love her.

Given that I share just about everything else on this site, it’s only natural that I would share the progress with you as well. So here is the first in what will be a very entertaining line of silly photos of my hair.

Day 1

So what have I been doing? Sadly, not much other than working and preparing for Comic-Con next month; contemplating what kind of branded swag to offer up, coordinating logistics, etc.

The two films I can’t wait to see this week are Wanted and Wall E. Three episodes of Swingtown are gathering digital dust on my TiVO, indicating a lack of interest. We’re currently enjoying reality TV in the form of Kathy Griffin and The Next Food Network Star. But I’m sorry, but I refuse to get on the So You Think You Can Dance train.

Speaking of Kathy Griffin, last night we watched the GLAAD Media Awards on Bravo. Quite touching and well presented. It kicked off what looks to be a very proud weekend for us. We are heading into San Francisco this afternoon to attend some of the annual festivities. Although we tend to be domestic and boring in the ‘burbs, the landmark marriage ruling has propelled us to increase our support of and visibility in the community.

This concludes the most random blog in recent memory. Have a nice weekend!

I loved Deadwood and Damages is one of my favorite new shows in a long time, so I was very pleased to learn that Timothy Olyphant (Sheriff Bullock, pictured with Molly Parker of Swingtown) has joined the cast. 

It was a pleasant surprise to find that gay marriage is one of the storylines in Ex Machina. The early volumes were written several years ago, even before it became legal the first time in California. Writer Brian K. Vaughan has infused this superhero series with several other hot-button political issues, as well as 9/11 references (handled quite appropriately and with respect).

I’d seen an adaptation of Sweeney Todd on HBO when I was younger, and given the gore, it wasn’t exactly kid-friendly fare. It still isn’t. But I really enjoyed the film version of  this Broadway musical.

Johnny Depp continues to choose roles which fit him perfectly; odd and quirky characters which I cannot imagine any other actor playing with such success.  Sweeney Todd marks his 6th collaboration with director Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride), and together they are the goth alternative to DiCaprio and Scorsese.

But my favorite among the cast in Sweeney Todd is Alan Rickman. I have been a huge fan of his since the little-seen but fantastic indie film Truly Madly Deeply (1990). Yes, the original Die Hard put him on the map, but I prefer him in Love Actually and as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films.

As for Helena Bonham Carter, this is the first time since 1992 (Howard’s End) that I’ve actually enjoyed her in a film. Everyone probably associates her with Fight Club these days, but that wasn’t my favorite role for her. Like Depp, she is a better fit in musicals like Sweeney Todd and costumed period pieces like The Wings of a Dove.