Cousin Exxon

I have a cousin that was notorious for going out to hang, and he would cry broke, and want people to hook him up. Then later that night he would bounce and go out somewhere else, and magically a wad of money would come out his pocket. I don't hang with him anymore.

Well today, Exxon is bitching and moaning because they are being asked to spend 3 1/2 weeks worth of profit to continue the clean up of Alaska. Ya'll remember when the Exxon Valdez went aground because the captain was hitting the bottle? It was one of the worst environmental disasters at the time.

Exxon has a hell of a lot of nerve to hold on tight to their wallets. It's their mess and they should pay for the entire clean up. They got the money to do it right and still have enough leftover in their troughs to pig out on.

Some people are gonna gagg when they get to the pearly gates of heaven. I can see it now.

St. Peter: No, no, yeah, sorry you are not on the list.
Exxon Execs: Do you know who I am!?
St. Peter: Look you're holding up the line. If you are not on the list you don't get in.
Exxon Execs: Let me talk to your manager.
St. Peter: She's busy right now
Exxon Execs: Look I'm not moving, check your list again.
St. Peter: (holds hand to microphone headset and pushes button) Micheal? Peter here. Listen I got some trouble makers at the gate. Can you come out and handle this?

Scan behind the Exxon Execs and a group of oil covered seals, sea otters and birds breakout into laughter.

Sick Fucks @ VH1

Ok, so VH1 decided to bring back a third season of Flavor of Love. Here are my reasons on why that is fucked up:

1. Mr. Flav has a history of being fucked up to his babies mamas and to his kids. Why drag another woman into his madness? It's tragic how Flav always talks about finding a woman to take care of him, yet he doesn't return that kind of love.

2. Let's be real. Chuck D was the light of Public Enemy. Flav for the most part benefited from Chuck's illumination. Flav's attempt at a solo music career showed this to be true. Does anyone remember the single he released after season one of Flavor of Love?

3. Umm, does anyone at VH1 feel guilty about exploiting women that are emotionally vulnerable? In season two a contestant was so disconnected from her own self-worth that she took a shit on herself while sipping champagne.

4. Dignity! I think that dignity matters in life. It can motivate you to reach for higher, and compel you to offer a helping hand to someone that is struggling. This show relishes in humiliation, and that means it encourages viewers to want to see a persons's spirit killed.

5. The colonial mentality is a very bad thing. It results in buffoonery, uncle tomming, bowing and scraping, and being the assistant, to the assistant, to the assistant. I know that with the problems young black and brown children are facing, we don't need a Flavor Flav in our face. You are played out brother.

It is in my opinion that Chuck had Flav as a part of Public Enemy because he wanted to show that the tired stereotype of the minstrel figure was misunderstood. I think Chuck wanted to show that the "round the way class clown" is someone that actually can verbalize some truths. When I was a teenager, I saw Flav as the angry yet comical voice of underrated reasoning that I was able to relate to.

It sucks that Flav has become so self-serving at the expense of women. And, that he didn't grow up with the rest of us. He was suppose to fight the power, not surrender to it.

What's In Tim Gunn's Closet?

In the Winter 2008 issue of the Human Rights Campaign's magazine, Equality, Tim Gunn was the covergirl and gave an interview. I found it very intriguing because he was very forthcoming with details about himself. Here are some highlights.

Equality: You've described yourself, when you were young, as trying to find yourself.

Gunn: I denied having any sexuality. I kept saying "I'm asexual. I'm non-sexual. I'm not attracted to women. I'm not attracted to men." I was a very isolated kid. I isolated myself. But I wouldn't say that I was un-socialized; i liked the company of adults much more than I liked the company of my peers. And, I had very very, very few friends...I'd flip and fly into a sense of panic when someone said that they were gay. I went through a ton of therapy through my teens and early 20s. Once in group therapy, a boy older than me said that he was gay, and I flew into the other room. I think it was just fear of the unknown.

Equality: Certainly, as so many of us know, "coming out" can be a lifelong process, every single day.

Gunn: Having a partner - someone with whom I would travel and attend events - would bring a whole new dimension to my life. And it's one that I just don't have. So it just never comes up...I realize how extremely lucky I am, to be in this industry and to be in this city. Because there's never a semblance of confrontation anywhere by anybody.

I was surprised to learn that Tim deeply struggled with his identity, has lived and somewhat continues to live in a bubble, and that he's living the single life. I guess this all contributes to his compassion for people, his decision to be mentor to so many (love needs an outlet)and his demeanor that suggests a gilded life.

Hey what we don't know about other people is a lot!

Project Runway Reunion - The Aftermath

The living-in-a-fishbowl family of Project Runway had their reunion show today. Here are my thoughts and observations:

They should not have invited the 1st, 2nd and 3rd eliminated contestants on the reunion show. They just sit there and try to remember what happened. Plus, the emailed questions never are about them.

Victorya was thinking about how she could passively, yet agressively, kill just about everyone in that room.

Women love to comfort those in pain. Carmen ate that girl-power-hug up. Yet, the girl-on-girl love ended when Heidi brought up Carmen's menswear design fiasco.

Ewww, Bravo TV just played up the jolly fat guy sterotype! Chris you deserved better than that from the folks at Bravo. And, Chris, while I don't know what you been through in life, maybe if you let some of the anger out, you won't surpress so much by using food.

Ricky looked bitter and on the verge on tears most of the time. He needs to be grateful, because he lasted on the show a lot longer than he deserved. I think what he felt most angry about was that he's embarrassed for being such an emotional wreck througout the show. By the way, did you notice how Christian enjoyed the montage of Ricky's breakdowns.

Michael Kors couldn't deal with what the WWE woman were serving. I guess Micheal is accustomed to ladies that pull back the reigns on themselves. Michael these WWE woman have fun, get laid, and do it on their terms; for the most part. Take a few lessons from them and you'll have a better time when you go to G Bar.

Wow, Christian won fan favorite. Hey, people love cute little squeaky things. How fierce!

Tim's attempt to develop a humorous diva name, had the same effect as his make-over show; it fell FLAT. Tim I have to say I wanted you to succeed at that attempt more than you did. You didn't make it work.

You go Elisa. Be you and do you. Earthlings don't have it all together. Please continue to share your gifts. They'll catch up.

Got Water?

While parts of the planet are flooding, other areas are drying up. We are approaching the Age of Aquarius, which means water is going to be an ongoing issue for some time.

Here's is how Georgia is dealing with their water shortage:

COLE CITY HOLLOW, Tennessee - Nearly two centuries after a flawed survey placed Georgia's northern line just short of the Tennessee River, some legislators are suddenly thirsting to set the record straight.

A historic drought has added urgency to Georgia's generations-old claim that its territory ought to extend about a mile farther north than it does and reach into the Tennessee — a river with about 15 times greater flow than the one Atlanta depends on for its water.

"It's never too late to right a wrong," said Georgia state Sen. David Shafer, whose bill would create a boundary line commission that aims to resolve the dispute.
- Source: AP News

And The Beat Goes On

"An ailing, 81-year-old Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president Tuesday after nearly a half-century in power, saying he will not accept a new term when parliament meets Sunday.

The end of Castro's rule _ the longest in the world for a head of government _ frees his 76-year-old brother Raul to implement reforms he has hinted at since taking over as acting president when Fidel Castro fell ill in July 2006. President Bush said he hopes the resignation signals the beginning of a democratic transition." Source: AP, Anita Snow.

Don't Tempt Fate

Ok, so Lindsay Lohan decided to participate in a homage to the legendary Marilyn Monroe, for the pages of New York magazine, by recreating the images that were taken of Marilyn at her last photoshoot before her death.

This chick should so not go there. You would think with Lindsay's track record, she distance herself from anything that has to do with tragic Hollywood figures that died because of an overdose.

Charitable Giving Is Just The Beginning

Oprah has a new show coming on TV called Oprah's Big Give. Miss Thing knows how to brand her name. The idea of the show is:

What would you do if you were handed a bundle of cash—and told you have to give it all away? Challengers on Oprah's Big Give...People from across the country are challenged to help total strangers so that they can feel the high of giving. Over eight weeks, we follow their every move, and in the end, the biggest giver wins! -- Source: Oprah.com

Charitable giving is competative and strategic among the wealthy. So I can understand the idea behind this show. I'm also a believer in being philanthropic. I myself give regualarly to charities doing work I believe in.

I also believe that what has to be a part of philanthrophy is political action. Some of the social ills in the U.S. are the result of local, state and federal policies that don't properly prevent or address inequities and/or the needs of the people.

See folks all the best intentions and money in the world won't fix certain social ills. What is often needed is laws and policies that would weed out the corruption, bad policies, ineffective governing and greedy corporations that are creating some of these problems.

If that levee was taller and stronger, New Orleans would still be New Orleans. And, the focus would have been on addressing the poverty issues of that city, rather than buidling Trump's high-rises for the wealthy.

If education laws focused on making classroom sizes smaller and developing truly innovative ways of teaching, no child would be left behind. Instead every child could get an education that will enable them to reach their own unique potential. To expect 100% compentancy among all school children is a joke. If you don't think so read about "reaction range" in siblings.

If stricter buidling and housing laws were enacted, there would be more affordable decent housing being built for struggling Americans. And, I'm not talking about warehousing people in large scale housing like the building the Florida and James Evans had to raise their children in.

Next time you see a negative social condition on the news or in the streets, ask yourself, besides throwing money at the problem, what else can be done to make this situation better. Better yet, ask yourself what is it in our culture and laws that is creating this situation.

Dig deeper good people, and not just into your pockets!

Jaslene...Is That You!?

Please note this could be a spoiler for my fellow Project Runway fans. So if you don't want to know what I'm about to say, scroll down quickly and enjoy my other posts.

I know of a not-so-secret website you can go to see the shows the contestants from Project Runway presented at the Tents of NYC Fashion Week. If you want to know where to go, send me an email. I'll leave it at that.

With that said, I think one of the models that worked it for Jillian is America's Next Top Model, JASLENE! If it is her, I have to say, work it hermana, get yours!

Our Ancestors Never Leave Us

SANTA FE, N.M. — "On a cold Saturday morning last month, 16-year-old Chantel Hunt ran across a highway onto a gravel road where the snow under her shoes packed into washboard ripples. She ran around a towering red rock butte, past two old mattresses dumped on the roadside, and into the shadow of a mesa she sometimes runs on top of.

Hunt, a high school junior and a resident of the Navajo Nation, was on a short training run for the national cross-country championships being held Saturday in San Diego. Her team, Wings of America, has risen to prominence with an unlikely collection of athletes. It is a group of American Indians from reservations around the country, and a Wings team has won a boys or a girls national title 20 times since first attending a championship meet in 1988...

The Navajo culture centers on strong women. The Navajo believe that Father Sky and Mother Earth gave birth to Changing Woman, a deity who has the power to change her age with the seasons by walking to the horizon. When a Navajo girl comes of age and has her first period, the community celebrates with a rite of passage called the Kinaalda. For four days, the girl re-enacts the role of Changing Woman, waking up before dawn and running east, toward the sunrise.

The longer a girl runs, the longer she will live." Source: NY Times

He Makes It WORK!

John Galliano should be worshipped by anyone that loves fashion. Here are a few reasons why.





To take in more of the creative madness,click here.

Overheard Among The Roman Gods

Door opens and slams shut.
Venus: Cupid, darling? Is that you?
Cupid: Yeah mom!
Venus: So,how did it go.
Cupid: Mom, I'm real tired..
Venus: Oh come on, tell me how did it go.
Cupid: It went good. But, I'm exhausted.
Venus: Poor thing. Yeah, look you're all out of arrows. (Venus tugs on bow) And, looks like you'll need to get your bow restrung.
Cupid: Yeah. Man my wings are sore.
Venus: Honey I told you to pace yourself this year. And, I really wish you would take my advice and outsource some work to Eros.
Cupid: Mom!
Venus: Ok, ok. I'm just trying to be helpful. What a temper you have. This is what I get for fathering a child with Mars...
Cupid: Oh Jupiter! Mom, please I'm not in the mood for this.
Venus: Ok, ok. Darling, it's ladies night at The Pantheon so I'm going out. Your aunts Fortuna and Minerva should be here soon. I got Juno to babysit. Let me finish getting dressed.
Cupid: (mubles incoherently and lays down on the sofa.)
Venus: (giggles) Hey maybe I'll find love tonight.
Cupid: (rolls his eyes and falls asleep)

For Junior

Junior let me let you in on the big secret. Valentine's Day was created because for most couples, being in a relationship is a lot of work and can test you on so many levels.

So, in order to keep the social construction of "happily ever after" up and running, they needed to create a sort of "mental love-recharge day" for those that are joined at the hip. Yes, Junior. Romantic love is like the battery on your cell phone; it depletes depending on usage.

With that said, I will purchase a heart full of chocolates for the hubby. We'll express our love and hopefully have a cute time tonight. Is it all worth it you may ask. Yeah, it is. We help each other to keep on, keeping on.

May I suggest this year you purchase a bat and stalk the scene. Once you have identified a desirable target, pounce on your prey and knock him out. He will resist having to become domesticated. This sort of behavior is normal in men and other wild animals. Don't let that discourage you, it's all about being consistent. In time you will have a beloved of your own.

Damn, I shoudl've charged for this! I can't just keep giving my pearls of wisdom away. This loca gotta pay tuition and rock the Prada.

Daisy Cooks - Que Chula

I adore Daisy Martinez. I've been watching her cooking show on PBS for over a year now. I adore her so much, I even enjoy the reruns. Daisy is entertaining, informative and knows how to rock the Latino flavors and cuisine of the Caribbean, as well as, Central and South America.

I've used her recipes and techniques and have been very pleased with the results. Look for her on your local PBS channel. Your pots and pans will thank you. Your friends will want to come over for dinner more often. And, your tastebuds will be reawaken.

Wepa Daisy! Sige adelante.

Well Somebody Is Lying

"In a four-hour hearing in which Mr. Clemens and Mr. McNamee shared the same table but never seemed to look at each other, Mr. Clemens continued to insist, under sometimes strenuous questioning, that Mr. McNamee never injected him with steroids and human growth hormone, as Mr. McNamee maintains." Source: NY Times

I don't think it's possible for Clemens to look guilter than he does in this picture. I also feel his lawyers couldn't look more grimy. I see a dark dismal future for this bunch.

For Miss Kitty: Part Dos

Miss Kitty, do you remeber when you gave us this moment of A Fab Queen In Action?

Well, Miss Kitty, his star is ascending. He is now on the cover of the Vogue's Paris edtiion with the Estee Lauder woman. Don't believe me? Then check this out.


Do you see what working at Partrica Field's and working a fierce motherfucking look will get a girl in life?

Don't Piss Off Reinaldo

My good friend Reinaldo got pissed when he saw a recent airing of Lou Dobbs. Check out the video and Reinaldo's letter that went out to key executive officers within the Time Warner and CNN headquarters. You go mama!

"As a former Time Warner employee (over ten years) who watches CNN religiously, I just saw the interview with Janet Murguia from NCLR on Lou Dobbs on CNN and was extremely disappointed by the way Lou Dobbs treated her. His disrespectful and demonizing tone is completely reprehensible and he should be held accountable for his actions.

Janet brings to CNN a very critical and important issue, which I personally agree with, that Lou Dobbs show has spike hate crimes against the Hispanic Community because of his strong platform on raising the national discourse and visibility on this issue and the lending credibility to individuals who are associated with hate groups, hate speech, and hate crimes.

Hispanics in this country have become a scapegoat for the issue of Immigration and this has cause significant fear and hate towards Hispanics everywhere -- irregardless of whether they are citizens or not. The role that Lou Dobbs has played in fueling this issue goes beyond the intentions of free speech as it is outlined and protected by the Constitution.

I must admit that often turn the channel when Lou's show comes on because of his tone and discourse on this issue, but in this occasion I stayed with the show since he indicated NCRL's President would be on to discuss this issue. Again, I was completely offended as a member of the Hispanic Community by his disrespectful and condescending tone.

This is not the Time Warner and Turner that I knew before I left the company, and I am extremely dissappointed by the direction that CNN's coverage has taken.

I understand from the interview that Janet has a meeting with the head of the network. I call on both of you as leaders of the company to take the actions needed to protect the integrity of the company when it comes to these issues, and return Time Warner and CNN's reputation to the one that we all remember and love."

Sincerely,

Reinaldo Llano

For Miss Kitty

Courtesy of Betty Bowers. Click her link on the right and enjoy.

Someone Else Beat It Into A Cup

So here is a picture of Michael Jackson's two kids; Paris and Prince Jackson. They are 9 and 10 years of age. Cute kids. Then we have a picture of Michael around the age of 9 or 10. What a cute supertalented kid he was. Finally, we have a picture of the babies momma, Debbie Rowe. Maybe, she was cute as a kid.

I can see the resemblance to Debbie. Look at the chin and mouths of the kids and mommy. What I don't see is a drop of any resemblance to daddy. It's been said that before Michael's early plastic surgery sessions, he asked to be made to look like Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor. I wonder what Hollywood male legend he picked, to hook him up with their sperm for those babies.

For Reinaldo

I would have lived to go that summer camp. What I got instead at the age of five, was being sent to a summer camp runned by the Catholic church. When we acted out we were put to kneel down on raw wooden planks. I kid you not.

The Twink Bitch Rocks It

Ok, I'm going to put it out there and just deal with the reality. This little twink ass, wet behind the ears, wasn't rasied right, little MoFo, Chrissy has got some fierce talent.

It rubs me wrong to have to give props to someone that is so arrogant. But, I have to say most, if not all of his creations I've adored. Let's be real people, the little queen has got some skills.

What she doesn't get is that she needs to check that attitude. Trust me when I say she will learn when she gets into the bigger pool that is infested with sharks. Humility is a lesson that we all learn at some point in time.

Mind you I am not saying she needs to learn to crawl into some shell. What she needs to be reminded of is that NO ONE makes it, or becomes successful on their own. She needs to understand that she has been blessed with talent and others will lift her to the heavens to make those talents realized.

I believe Miss Christian will learn this. I've seen glimpse of her humanity throughout the show. My concern is that her thinking will be clouded by her accerlerated moment into the spotlight. She needs to remember that many a finalists said to the judging panel "This is not the last you will see of me." The reality is that many who've said that, it was the last we saw of them.

The world is fierce Miss Christian. The fashion world if filled with twisted folk, that like to see others fail. What is new is replaced by the now that is easily consumed by the hunger for what is next. While time moves slow, humans have been trained to disregard the sanctuary that time can bless us with. Too many of us have forgotten how to take it all in. That is why no one reads books and bloggers feel the need to keep it short and sweet.

Have an amazing time at Fashion Week in NYC Miss Christian. I feel you've earned it, so now learn from it. It gets deep, dark and so undelicious from this point on. Just ask the other winners of Project Runway.

Salt n Pepa, Part Deux

Well, looks like the Salt n Pepa reality show was a hit. They are coming back for another season. I don't think VH1 would invest the time, effort or airtime for something that didn't work.

I was watching the first season, but lost interest. I couldn't take anymore of Salt telling Pepa she was being naughty. But, I'm gonna give it another chance, because what was evident was that those two women have mad love for each other.

Maybe the second time around they would just focus on having fun together. Which in my dreams of dreams will lead to them creating some new music together and showing the world how it's done!

Ricky Got Body Slammed

Well, Ricky was finally put out of his misery on Project Runway. This guy has cried more often than any other designer on this show; maybe even in Project Runway history. Keep in mind I don't count Andre's contrived crying moment.

Poor Ricky, he has been on the chopping block several times. The other designers even started giving Ricky shade. He was so not having a cute time. Good luck to you Ricky in whatever comes next for you. You're a sensitive soul and it's hard out there for people like you. I hope your final departing words are true, and that you did learn to be more confident in who you are. Vaya adelante con fuerza y cojones.

Eat Me!

"Avocados are a great source of heart-healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA). These delectable green orbs also contain more of the cholesterol-smashing beta-sitosterol (a beneficial plant-based fat) than any other fruit. Beta-sitosterol may reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food. The Hass variety, grown principally in California, contains more MUFA than the Florida variety" -- Source: Prevention Magazine

This food is very low in Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Folate.

My favorite ways to eat avocados:

1. Diced up and served with rice and beans. You get an interesting contrast by pairing this warm savory dish with the cool mellow avocado.

2. Guacamole! So easy to make! You can use it as a dip, or as a spread for a sandwhich made of grilled chicken, steak fajitas or broiled shrimp.

3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 Vidallia onion, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 clove garlic, minced

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, pepper, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve. Refrigerate leftovers in a containter with a tight lid, and enjoy it for the rest of the week.

Be Careful What You Wish For

John Waters, the deranged mind behind cult-film favorites such as Pink Flamingos, Female Troubles, and the crossover hit Hairspray once shared this advice to aspiring artists in an interview. These are not his exact words but the jist of what he had to share.

1. People should create their art where they live.
2. No one should think you have to be in New York or Los Angeles to be an artist.
3. I live and do my work in Baltimore. Baltimore is where I get my inspiration.
4. Wouldn't it be interesting if more artist did the same. So that we can get the unique perspectives and flavors that exsist across this country.
5. Imagine how different the David Letterman Show (he did refer to David's show) would be if he broadcasted from his hometown.

I feel these words are prophetic. This interview happened pre-Internet. Fast forward! Technology enables people to share art, information, and unique realities, so easily. The "soapbox" has become electronic and global. The town square is a click away.

Mind you I don't think we should stay put. I believe the best thing a person can do is go out in the world and experience what is different. Then go home and share what you've encountered.

Chris Crocker might have benefited from this advice. It seems like he got sucked into the machine, and is losing something in the process. The "big time" brings big problems. He's a young guy from a smalltown. I'm sure he's gagging about being the country mouse in the big city. Stay focused Chris! And, say no to the stuff that goes up your nose, in your veins, or into your lungs.

I enjoyed Chris' antics from his grandmother's house. Maybe he got bored and needed to leave. I can understand that. Maybe that town was shady to him and he needed to get out. I can understand that. But, maybe the universe placed him there, so that he could shine his light and enlighten the community around him.

Pin Me Baby

Monkeys In The Middle

I just watched NOW on PBS. The topic for this week was Middle Class Insecurity. Most of what they had to say has been on the news and in conversations for quite some time. What I found amazing is many of the folks they interviewed and were feeling the financial squeeze either voted Republican or said they would still vote Republican. Hey, I guess some people don't learn.

One couple said they were voting for a President based on his moral views. They said this as they packed away their belongings. This good Christian family had to move out of their home, because they could no longer afford to pay the mortgage. Their main moral issue is abortion. Perhaps, they should focus on moral issues such as: corruption, corporate greed and exploitation.

Oh, by the way one of the speakers they interviewed said the middle-class was a group that was nurtured into exsistence via the G.I. Bill, low mortgages, suburban expansiion, etc. etc., which occured a few generations ago. And, the new Middle Class don't have those safety nets anymore.

Check your local listings to see when it will air again. And, here are some interesting tidbits to hold you over till you see it.

10 Reasons America's Two-Income Families Aren't What You Think
(According to Harvard Law professor and bankruptcy expert Elizabeth Warren)


Two-income families today make 75% more in inflation-adjusted dollars, but have less money to spend than one-income families did 30 years ago.

Two-income families today spend: 21% less on clothing, 22% less on food, and 44% less on appliances compared to one-income families a generation ago.

Every 15 seconds an American family files for bankruptcy.

This year, more kids will live through their parents' bankruptcy, than through their parents' divorce.

1.6 million families will file for bankruptcy this year, 9 million more are already in credit counseling.

Home mortgage foreclosures are up more than three-fold over the last generation and car foreclosures have hit record levels.

More than 62% of families say that they worry about making ends meet.

The average family spends 69% more in inflation-adjusted dollars on their home mortgage than their parents spent a generation ago.

The average family spends 61% more on health insurance, than their parents spent a generation ago.

Credit card default rates are at a record high.

The Keys

I don't know why it came to my mind today. I recall when my brother Anthony and I went to the Florida Keys we saw something wonderful. Hmmm, I don't know if it was wonderful but, it was an intriguing idea.

We saw a man walking a dog, and ontop of that dog was a cat, and ontop of that cat was a mouse. My brother was amused and said "Yo, check that out!" I said, "Do you know what that pet owner is saying? Anthony said, "What?" I told him "Hate maybe nature, but love can be nurtured."

The skeptic in me say "Hey, Allan at some point in time those animals acted on their insticts and attacked each other." I don't disagree with that. In the battle, nature sometimes wins over nuture.

What I did realize is that, no offensive to the lower animal kingdom, they only work on those primal instictual levels. With that said, I think what homo-sapiens can do is reach higher when it comes to dealing with instict and differences.

Hey, Lucy loved Ricky, Miss Piggy loved Kermit. Love and respect present many challenges. Many of the challenges of love and/or respect revolve around issues concerning being safe or in power. I think people forget about the humilty of love. I also think people forget about how being or falling in love reveals so much about ourselves. And, how loving is a learning moment. Please, good people, forgive me for just using the pedagogical jargon.

It's funny to me how so many people want to attach logic to love. That goes out to all of you eharmony motherfuckers. I've learned sometimes what makes you fall out of love with someone is that they didn't wash the dishes that night. Those little things pick away at a house built of straw.

It's about what you build as a couple, and let me tell you the brick is about you bringing YOU as yourself. You showing up authentically will help you deal with the daily grind. And, god forbid if it all comes apart, you are still solid in knowing who you are. Love means being tender, and not about you falling apart to surrender.

I love the idea of love. I want everyone that reads this post to have a Valentine. I hope for you chocolates and flowers. Wouldn't that be cute that we all have love within reach or at least on the horizon.

I have to say sadly that there are many barriers for love to happen. So, we need to be smarter about how to pursue love. In 2008, promise to be more honest, respect some level of commitment, fuck the small stuff by learning what is really BIG for you, and ultimately be a fool and fall in love.

Hey, Downlaod Phyllis Hyman from the School Daze sountrack. The song is "Be One." Listen and you will get where I'm coming from.

Give Me That House Music, All Night Long

I just watched the documentary Maestro on the Logo channel. This doc focused on the underground club and music scene of NYC from the late 70's through the late 80s. Good people, I was transported back into an amazing period in my life.

Picture me at 17, my look was Brooklyn Banjee Boy, 28" waist, with black from head to toe, hitting the floor at the Paradise Garage. The Garage, as we use to call it, was THE club. It opened at midnight every Friday and Saturday and closed at noon. This is where you went after the other clubs closed up for the night. It's patrons included gay, straight, white, black, latino, rich, poor; well you get the picture. The key is they all partied in unison. The vibe was tribal.

The sound system there was genius. It was actually developed by sound engineers. The thing is the sound wasn't blasting so loud you end up with ringing ears, instead what you got was an experience in which every vocal and instrument was highlighted in such detail, that it would move every part of your body. The music and sound would truly transport your mind to a better place.

Top 40 songs were rarely played. What became known as House Music, or Underground, was the flavor of choice. Larry Levan, who was the main focus of the doc, was the main DJ at The Garage. Lary influenced every single major DJ that came after him, from Frankie Knuckles, Lil Louie Vega, Jellybean to Danny Tenaglia.

Ahh those were some good times. I use to drop acid just before I went in and jack my body to the soundwaves. It was a spirtiual experience for me. The songs I would throw down to were:

I Can't Get Enough - Liz Torres
Ma Foom Bey - Cultural Vibe
The Jungle - Jungle Wonz
Move, Bounce, Shake - Anane & Mr. V

These songs and others that rocked the club back in the day, can be found on the CD "Masters At Work: The Kings of House

Ponder This

Neither God nor the gods are dead, but they've virtually disappeared because so few people are capable of carrying on authentic relationships with them anymore. The materialist delusion rules our world: Millions believe that nothing's real unless it can be perceived by the five senses. Churches and temples are full of ethical people, but most of them have no clue about how to know or feel or converse with the divine presences. So what can the dieties do, having been banished from our midst? Psychologist Carl Jung said the gods have no recurse but to worm their way into our lives as sickness and pathology. --Rob Brezsny "Free Will Astrology"