| Date | Antic | Movie |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 18 |
Ungisphere Premiere (Success)
Dress (formal wear) and act as though attending a fancy gala movie premiere.
|
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal (Paul Gleason). The disparate group includes rebel John (Judd Nelson), princess Claire (Molly Ringwald), outcast Allison (Ally Sheedy), brainy Brian (Anthony Michael Hall) and Andrew (Emilio Estevez), the jock. Each has a chance to tell his or her story, making the others see them a little differently -- and when the day ends, they question whether school will ever be the same.
|
| Jun 25 |
Wear Your Shirt Day at the Ungisphere (Success)
Wear your STFU Katielady Shirt or other apparel.
|
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
This classic romantic comedy focuses on Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn), a Philadelphia socialite who has split from her husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), due both to his drinking and to her overly demanding nature. As Tracy prepares to wed the wealthy George Kittredge (John Howard), she crosses paths with both Dexter and prying reporter Macaulay Connor (James Stewart). Unclear about her feelings for all three men, Tracy must decide whom she truly loves.
|
| Jul 02 |
(none)
|
A League of Their Own (1992)
As America's stock of athletic young men is depleted during World War II, a professional all-female baseball league springs up in the Midwest, funded by publicity-hungry candy maker Walter Harvey (Garry Marshall). Competitive sisters Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) and Kit Keller (Lori Petty) spar with each other, scout Ernie Capadino (Jon Lovitz) and grumpy has-been coach Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) on their way to fame. Madonna and Rosie O'Donnell co-star as two of the sisters' teammates.
|
| Jul 09 |
(none)
|
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
The Hoover family -- a man (Greg Kinnear), his wife (Toni Collette), an uncle (Steve Carell), a brother (Paul Dano) and a grandfather (Alan Arkin) -- puts the fun back in dysfunctional by piling into a VW bus and heading to California to support a daughter (Abigail Breslin) in her bid to win the Little Miss Sunshine Contest. The sanity of everyone involved is stretched to the limit as the group's quirks cause epic problems as they travel along their interstate route.
|
| Jul 16 |
Pai Day (Success)
Bring a pizza pie--yes, a whole pie! Trust us!
|
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991)
On one of trapped housewife Evelyn Couch's (Kathy Bates) Wednesday nursing home visits, she encounters Ninny Threadgoode (Jessica Tandy), a colorful old woman who brightens Evelyn's outlook by sharing tales from her past. As Ninny recounts the exploits of her free-spirited sister-in-law Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson), owner of a small Alabama café in the 1920s, and the bond Idgie shared with her friend Ruth (Mary-Louise Parker), Evelyn gains the confidence to change her own life for the better.
|
| Jul 23 |
Big Thoughts (Rained out)
Write your thoughts on the big thought bubble(s), take photos, instaggrandize to Kingdom come.
|
The Princess Bride (1987)
A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other. Based on the William Goldman novel "The Princess Bride" which earned its own loyal audience.
|
| Jul 30 |
Golubbing (Success)
Strip (nearly) naked and be body-painted by (world-renown) artist Andy Golub (and friends). Or appreciate from the safety of a full outfit.
|
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
In 1977, college graduates Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York, during which they argue about whether men and women can ever truly be strictly platonic friends. Ten years later, Harry and Sally meet again at a bookstore, and in the company of their respective best friends, Jess (Bruno Kirby) and Marie (Carrie Fisher), attempt to stay friends without sex becoming an issue between them.
|
| Aug 06 |
Costumed Character Convention (Tentative)
Dress as a costumed character you sometimes adopt. Or choose one from the Unexplained Bacon stock to inhabit for photos.
|
The Wiz (1978)
When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross).
|
| Aug 13 |
Slap Club (?)
Slap your friends or strangers. No, really! Try it! Also, take pictures with the sound-effect placards.
|
Thelma and Louise (1991)
Meek housewife Thelma (Geena Davis) joins her friend Louise (Susan Sarandon), an independent waitress, on a short fishing trip. However, their trip becomes a flight from the law when Louise shoots and kills a man who tries to rape Thelma at a bar. Louise decides to flee to Mexico, and Thelma joins her. On the way, Thelma falls for sexy young thief J.D. (Brad Pitt) and the sympathetic Detective Slocumb (Harvey Keitel) tries to convince the two women to surrender before their fates are sealed.
|
| Aug 20 |
(none)
|
The Terminator (1984)
Disguised as a human, a cyborg assassin known as a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) travels from 2029 to 1984 to kill Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). Sent to protect Sarah is Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn), who divulges the coming of Skynet, an artificial intelligence system that will spark a nuclear holocaust. Sarah is targeted because Skynet knows that her unborn son will lead the fight against them. With the virtually unstoppable Terminator in hot pursuit, she and Kyle attempt to escape.
|
Showing posts with label ungisphere. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ungisphere. Show all posts
2018-06-29
UDoCE 2018 Antics
Schedule of antics of the Ungisphere Department of Counter-Ennui (UDoCE) for the 2018 season (Work in progress, updates to follow).
2015-01-04
The Noto Photo Protocol
The NoPhoPro is a quasi-formalized method of getting a good group photo of a large number of individuals where there is no central authority (or poor recognition thereof,) not everyone is in the know, and there is perhaps little cohesion. It was developed by the Ungisphere Department of Counter-Ennui for the Ungisphere, where not everyone knows each other, nor who is HNIC, and are a lot of fiercely independent New Yorkers who hate being told what to do. It is named after long-time Ungisphere captain David Noto because... it rhymes.
OUTLINE:
1. Initiate by saying "Class Photo." This is a specific and iconic code word of sorts that signals to people who know what to do that it has begun.
2. People who are down with No.P.P. ("seeders") then gather in a group photo formation. The goal is 1 - 4 rows of people, depending on group size, with the front row sitting or reclining, the next row back squatting or kneeling, then standing, then--if applicable--standing on something (or just very tall.) Seeders should start with the standing row and squatting/kneeling row.
3. The person operating the camera ("cam-op") begins taking (or pretending to take) photos. Typically just the sight of this is enough to prompt other people--who may not be aware of the protocol--("others") to glom on to the group; a snowballing effect. Seeders assist by inviting people into the formation. A cam-op should always take several photos, even if everyone is cooperating and frozen in a good pose.
4. A persuasive or bossy person ("director") will then begin adjusting people to pretty up the shot. Director and cam-op can be (and usually is) the same person. This involves, where possible, any or all of: arranging people by height (and importance,) shifting for symmetry, balancing out rows, repositioning to fit and fill the photo frame. Seeders assist by eagerly moving as directed and persuasively encouraging others to do the same.
5. Signal to end and break up (by director): "Class dismissed."
OUTLINE:
1. Initiate by saying "Class Photo." This is a specific and iconic code word of sorts that signals to people who know what to do that it has begun.
2. People who are down with No.P.P. ("seeders") then gather in a group photo formation. The goal is 1 - 4 rows of people, depending on group size, with the front row sitting or reclining, the next row back squatting or kneeling, then standing, then--if applicable--standing on something (or just very tall.) Seeders should start with the standing row and squatting/kneeling row.
3. The person operating the camera ("cam-op") begins taking (or pretending to take) photos. Typically just the sight of this is enough to prompt other people--who may not be aware of the protocol--("others") to glom on to the group; a snowballing effect. Seeders assist by inviting people into the formation. A cam-op should always take several photos, even if everyone is cooperating and frozen in a good pose.
4. A persuasive or bossy person ("director") will then begin adjusting people to pretty up the shot. Director and cam-op can be (and usually is) the same person. This involves, where possible, any or all of: arranging people by height (and importance,) shifting for symmetry, balancing out rows, repositioning to fit and fill the photo frame. Seeders assist by eagerly moving as directed and persuasively encouraging others to do the same.
5. Signal to end and break up (by director): "Class dismissed."
2014-06-16
The Ungisphere Premiere - Primer
The Ungisphere Premiere is an antic of the Ungisphere Department of Counter-Ennui (UDoCE,) that usually takes place on the first day of the season for the Ungisphere, or closest available occasion.
Evoking the idea and ethos of a film premiere, this stunt involves participants dressing formally (or at least appearing to,)
laying down red sheets that resemble or evoke a red carpet,
and bringing refreshments
and embellishments and enacting rituals typical or indicative of a premiere gala event.
Evoking the idea and ethos of a film premiere, this stunt involves participants dressing formally (or at least appearing to,)
laying down red sheets that resemble or evoke a red carpet,
and bringing refreshments
and embellishments and enacting rituals typical or indicative of a premiere gala event.
2013-07-08
Andy Golub at the Ungisphere
The Ungisphere is the code-/brand name for the territory and people arranged by my friends Ungie, Loren, and others at the Bryant Park Monday movie (details here: http://saomsdangledthreads.blogspot.com/2010/07/ungisphere.html.) With its ample space, and central location in an extremely high-traffic environment with an effectively captive audience, it makes for a rather good spot for public performance art.
To amuse ourselves during the 4-hour squat, as well as the crowd, (and or "gods",) we invited Andy Golub to perform one of his signature live public nude full body paintings at the Ungisphere. It went down a little something like this:
This man, who--were he an actor--would be intractably typecast as a cop, began to approach when the nipples came out. He stopped about 20 yards out, and upon completion of his phone call, left, never to be seen again.
Since 2007 the Ungisphere has employed Cactus Pete as its beacon; a visual aide to help people arriving later to find the territory. Over the years the consistency, uniqueness, and utility by not only the Ungisphericans, but also the other groups nearby have made Cactus Pete something of an icon amongst Bryant Park moviegoers, event staff, and the many reporters, photographers, and publicity seekers in the orbit of this event. Other regulars, who don't know the internal names Ungisphere or Lorangeland, often refer to the the group as the Cactus Crew.
Without prior discussion or suggestion, the design Golub created derived from and expanded on the iconography of Cactus Pete. By all accounts, a stroke of genius!
To amuse ourselves during the 4-hour squat, as well as the crowd, (and or "gods",) we invited Andy Golub to perform one of his signature live public nude full body paintings at the Ungisphere. It went down a little something like this:
 |
| (Simulation of the) (Conjectured) Reactions of the (Adults in the) Crowd |
This man, who--were he an actor--would be intractably typecast as a cop, began to approach when the nipples came out. He stopped about 20 yards out, and upon completion of his phone call, left, never to be seen again.
 |
| Click click clickety-clickety-click click |
 |
| Art Preservation |
Since 2007 the Ungisphere has employed Cactus Pete as its beacon; a visual aide to help people arriving later to find the territory. Over the years the consistency, uniqueness, and utility by not only the Ungisphericans, but also the other groups nearby have made Cactus Pete something of an icon amongst Bryant Park moviegoers, event staff, and the many reporters, photographers, and publicity seekers in the orbit of this event. Other regulars, who don't know the internal names Ungisphere or Lorangeland, often refer to the the group as the Cactus Crew.
Without prior discussion or suggestion, the design Golub created derived from and expanded on the iconography of Cactus Pete. By all accounts, a stroke of genius!
 |
| Scandalized kids. ... Quote-unquote. |
2012-07-18
2012-07-15
2011-08-22
2011-08-02
2011-07-11
2011-06-19
F.UK.U.P.s
(Frequently UnKnown Ungisperican Protocols)
Take off your shoes.
Even if you're just stopping by, even if they're a pain to remove, even if they're just so fabulous! Common courtesy. And it minimizes sheet displacement and other people plopping down on the space created. You'll find other lawn residents don't appreciate shoed trompage so it's a good idea to de-shoe as you enter the lawn.
Do not smoke on Ungisphere sheets.
Take it to the edge of the lawn or out of the park (or wherever it is still legal.) Also, just because Ungie doesn't see you, doesn't mean you can get away with it. You are *surrounded* by people who, if they object to your smoking, WILL COMPLAIN TO UNGIE!
Bring Rum.
It is a requirement for getting a daiquiri (though not a guarantee). While various people will tout them as "free" to convince their friends to join, they are a service arranged and *funded* by Ungie, and distributed at his discretion. If you need an appreciation of how much it costs to make 6-8 gallons of strawberry daiquiri mix try to make just a *pint* of strawberry smoothie and see how much you spend on just the strawberries. If you still think it unreasonable that you bring rum, try to freeze 6 gallons of liquid, cart it across the city to Bryant Park by 4:30 on Monday, and then serve it to 50 people... every week for 10 weeks straight. You don't have to bring rum every time, and you don't have to bring a whole lot of it, just enough to establish that you're not a presumptuous self-entitled free-loader. I recommend you buy a $10 bottle of Bacardi Gold, introduce yourself to Ungie, give it to him as a "contribution to the Ungisphere", then hope he likes you enough to offer you a daiquiri. If this is unacceptable/undoable you are welcome of come and *not* expect to get a daiquiri.
Do not step in or touch anything in the "kitchen".
The "kitchen" (bar) is an area of uncovered grass, near the middle of the 'Sphere, designated for prep and serving of drinks (e.g. daiquiris, sangria, etc.) Not only is unsanitary to tromp all over this area, but there are knives, corkscrews, wet patches, and LANDMINES strew about. Also, it is not public domain and you cannot just help yourself to someone else's stuff. I would have thought this goes without saying, but here we are.
Don't run afoul of Ungie.
... or Loren, or Noto, or John, too, but especially not Ungie. This is their show and everyone else is a guest. You don't have to be their friend or even like them, but you have to not piss them off. If you are not a friend of one of them you are a guest of a guest and your friend is responsible for your behavior. This is not some quirk of the Ungisphere, this is basic social protocol.
Don't bring a bunch of your friends and have a private party in a corner.
Come on now!
Ungisphere Primer
Take off your shoes.
Even if you're just stopping by, even if they're a pain to remove, even if they're just so fabulous! Common courtesy. And it minimizes sheet displacement and other people plopping down on the space created. You'll find other lawn residents don't appreciate shoed trompage so it's a good idea to de-shoe as you enter the lawn.
Do not smoke on Ungisphere sheets.
Take it to the edge of the lawn or out of the park (or wherever it is still legal.) Also, just because Ungie doesn't see you, doesn't mean you can get away with it. You are *surrounded* by people who, if they object to your smoking, WILL COMPLAIN TO UNGIE!
Bring Rum.
It is a requirement for getting a daiquiri (though not a guarantee). While various people will tout them as "free" to convince their friends to join, they are a service arranged and *funded* by Ungie, and distributed at his discretion. If you need an appreciation of how much it costs to make 6-8 gallons of strawberry daiquiri mix try to make just a *pint* of strawberry smoothie and see how much you spend on just the strawberries. If you still think it unreasonable that you bring rum, try to freeze 6 gallons of liquid, cart it across the city to Bryant Park by 4:30 on Monday, and then serve it to 50 people... every week for 10 weeks straight. You don't have to bring rum every time, and you don't have to bring a whole lot of it, just enough to establish that you're not a presumptuous self-entitled free-loader. I recommend you buy a $10 bottle of Bacardi Gold, introduce yourself to Ungie, give it to him as a "contribution to the Ungisphere", then hope he likes you enough to offer you a daiquiri. If this is unacceptable/undoable you are welcome of come and *not* expect to get a daiquiri.
Do not step in or touch anything in the "kitchen".
The "kitchen" (bar) is an area of uncovered grass, near the middle of the 'Sphere, designated for prep and serving of drinks (e.g. daiquiris, sangria, etc.) Not only is unsanitary to tromp all over this area, but there are knives, corkscrews, wet patches, and LANDMINES strew about. Also, it is not public domain and you cannot just help yourself to someone else's stuff. I would have thought this goes without saying, but here we are.
Don't run afoul of Ungie.
... or Loren, or Noto, or John, too, but especially not Ungie. This is their show and everyone else is a guest. You don't have to be their friend or even like them, but you have to not piss them off. If you are not a friend of one of them you are a guest of a guest and your friend is responsible for your behavior. This is not some quirk of the Ungisphere, this is basic social protocol.
Don't bring a bunch of your friends and have a private party in a corner.
Come on now!
Ungisphere Primer
2011-06-18
How To Find The Ungisphere
1. Navigate to 42nd St. and 6th Ave. Bryant Park will be to the South (downtown) and East of this intersection.
2. Go to the North (uptown) edge of the lawn (i.e. the side next to 42nd St.)
3a. If Cactus Pete is deployed, look for Cactus Pete. He will be close to the middle of the lawn roughly one third of the way back from the screen.
3b. If Cactus Pete is absent, look beyond the lawn for the carousel and align yourself with it. Then look for Lorangeland--a patch of orange sheets.
And/or look in the middle of the lawn for familiar faces.
4. Home in.
Ungisphere Primer
2. Go to the North (uptown) edge of the lawn (i.e. the side next to 42nd St.)
3a. If Cactus Pete is deployed, look for Cactus Pete. He will be close to the middle of the lawn roughly one third of the way back from the screen.
3b. If Cactus Pete is absent, look beyond the lawn for the carousel and align yourself with it. Then look for Lorangeland--a patch of orange sheets.
And/or look in the middle of the lawn for familiar faces.
4. Home in.
Ungisphere Primer
2010-08-04
2010-07-28
The Ungisphere - Primer
On Monday nights for 10 weeks from June to August Bryant Park plays host to a film festival of sorts, screening old and classic films at sundown on a giant screen overlooking the lawn.
The screenings are very highly attended by what very well may be the biggest collection of yuppies in the smallest amount of space in the world!
The event is free, open to the public, and space is claimed on a first-come first-served basis. The movie begins at sundown (which can be close to 9 PM) and the lawn opens at 5 PM. Invariably there are crowds of people lining the periphery ready to claim space on the lawn, well before 5.
Ungie, Loren and a group of deputies and support-crew customarily organize, claim, and set up a large area on the lawn for themselves, friends, and friends of friends, who then enjoy the luxury of ambling in at their leisure and still having ample space in a prime location.
In order to stake this territory the crew must arrive at 4:30, and set up immediately as the lawn opens
... at 5 PM... leaving some 4 hours to kill before the movie begins. Having done this for over 15 years they have developed strategies to cope with the wait. Ungie makes and serves homemade strawberry daiquiris.
In recent years other items have been added to the "menu", such as sangria (by Elisha)...
... cupcakes by Anne...
... the Live Mozzarella-Tomato-Basil Sammiches... of Doooom...
... others bring various assorted food and drink...
... Akil juggles people on his feet...
and yet others relax hobnob or otherwise waste time.
This ritual has evolved to a state that it is itself the reason that people come; with many leaving before the movie begins (Who goes for the movie anyway? I mean really!)
I call it the Ungisphere.
See also:
F.UK.U.P.s
How To Find The Ungisphere
The screenings are very highly attended by what very well may be the biggest collection of yuppies in the smallest amount of space in the world!
The event is free, open to the public, and space is claimed on a first-come first-served basis. The movie begins at sundown (which can be close to 9 PM) and the lawn opens at 5 PM. Invariably there are crowds of people lining the periphery ready to claim space on the lawn, well before 5.
Ungie, Loren and a group of deputies and support-crew customarily organize, claim, and set up a large area on the lawn for themselves, friends, and friends of friends, who then enjoy the luxury of ambling in at their leisure and still having ample space in a prime location.
In order to stake this territory the crew must arrive at 4:30, and set up immediately as the lawn opens
... at 5 PM... leaving some 4 hours to kill before the movie begins. Having done this for over 15 years they have developed strategies to cope with the wait. Ungie makes and serves homemade strawberry daiquiris.
In recent years other items have been added to the "menu", such as sangria (by Elisha)...
... cupcakes by Anne...
... the Live Mozzarella-Tomato-Basil Sammiches... of Doooom...
... others bring various assorted food and drink...
... Akil juggles people on his feet...
and yet others relax hobnob or otherwise waste time.
This ritual has evolved to a state that it is itself the reason that people come; with many leaving before the movie begins (Who goes for the movie anyway? I mean really!)
I call it the Ungisphere.
See also:
F.UK.U.P.s
How To Find The Ungisphere
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