The Hard Nut

BTW, tonight on Ovation TV they are showing Mark Morris's The Hard Nut. I've seen this innovate revision of the classic Nutcracker ballet years ago at BAM. It is so much fun, and really clever. It comes on at 9 pm ET. If you are lounging, turn on the tele and enjoy.

Saviours Are Born Everyday

Merry Christmas good people! I awoke this morning thinking about a moment from A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Charlie was so over the commercialization of Christmas, and during one his breakdowns he screamed out the question, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?" His pal Linus broke it down and shared the following:

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Over the years my interpretation of this passage from Luke 2:10-14 has evolved. I believe saviours are born everyday. They become teachers, healers, thinkers, artists, seekers of truth, and advocates for justice.

We have seen over and over again, how one person can change the world for the better. The list of names is long and continues to grow.

Everyday we have the potential to tap into our own divine energy, and spread love and enlightenment. I wish all of you your moment of connection to the divine this holiday season. God bless you all my brothers and sisters.

Merry Christmas Aaron!

Hey Aaron! Looks like there is a way for you to see the X-Men: Gifted series written by Joss Whedon. Go to Marvel Comics website by clicking here. Let me know if it works.

Happy Holidays lovey!

P.S. Hulu.com needs to share its goodies with our Canadian neighbors!

Nickeled and Dimed Hustle - Update

UPDATE: Check out this article on corrupt overdraft fees! Click Here.

Chase was trying to hustle me for $70. My inner high-riding bitch made a few phone calls and got that situation resolved. Here's how it went down.

Last week I went to the store and on my way I called my bank to get my current balance. Depending on what the automated system was going to tell me would determine what I was going to get.

Lucky me when I found out I had sufficient funds, or so I thought, to cover this small debit transaction. However, lurking within the circuitry of Chase was a recurring charge I had forgotten about, which was my bad.

At the store the purchase went through. Life seemed good. Then later that day I bought a song from iTunes. Bottom line is that both of these purchases came to a grand total of $12.30. Both of these purchases, however, would come back to mess with my life.

The following day I got paid. Yes good people, as a part-time worker, I work paycheck to paycheck. When I went online to see my banking statement, I see two insufficient fund fees at $35 each! So, Chase wanted to charge me $70 penalty fees for two purchases that totaled less than $13.00. Oh hell no!

What tripped me up was I forgot about my emusic.com recurring monthly charge. This particular charge hits me in the beginning of the month, and on different days. It's actually become a headache.

I'm not that organized to keep track of it. This charge came before the store and iTunes purchase. Hence my account being hit twice.

When I called the bank the first representative and supervisor I spoke to game me a speech about being responsible. They told me that I should use the "tools" they provide me with to manage may account.

I informed them that I have email alerts on my account, and called the bank before I made the first purchase to make sure I had sufficient funds. I then said it seems that both of these tools obviously failed me.

I then ask how is it that they allowed the first purchase to go through when they knew the emusic charge was already taken out. I was told by both Chase-bots that they allowed the two purchases to go through as a courtesy.

I said to both, "It's not a gesture of courtesy, when you are charging me $35 for each act of courtesy. Basically, Chase made a call that ultimately benefits Chase financially."

They then informed me that starting next month they are going to allow customers to opt out of receiving such acts of "courtesy." I then said, "Well obviously there is something wrong with this practice, since Chase is changing the policy."

I ended the conversation by stating I firmly believe what they did was wrong, and that I feel I was set up. How many more acts of courtesy were they going to shower me with? Their attitude was like, whatever.

I called a third time and wanted to get names. I was going to put through a formal complaint about what was done with my money, and how I was treated. This third representative was different. He heard me out, and while he offered some of the same script talk he did something special.

This guy took some time to look at my history with Chase. He mentions that he sees I have been a customer since 1991, and that over the 18 years, my occurrences of insufficient funds was minimal!

He also mentioned that he was really not digging that they wanted to charge me $70 for purchases that came to $12 and change. So, homeboy reversed the charges, and put the $70 back into my account. His name is George L, and may he have a blessed holiday and a glorious new year.

I called a fourth time and filed a complaint against the representative and supervisor that offered personal judgements, forgot their was another human-being on the other end, and were generally dismissive. May the new year bring them a greater ability to be empathetic, and the desire to truly be of service to customers.

P.S. Afterwards I forgot I should have woven into my discussion with the first two Chase-bots the whole bailout madness. And, how while Chase didn't get funds directly, they are benefitting from my tax dollars that is supporting the bailout.

Do It Mama!

You can have a kiki of a time with a gurl like this. After the scandal would be some interesting conversations.

Source: Michael Musto's Blog

Double Dose of X-Men by Joss Whedon

Episode 3


Episode 4

I Heart Rachel

It's been awhile since I gave Rachel some love. So, good people, here you go. Do your thing diva! It makes my heart warm that you are on my side.

My School Girl Crush

So, today I had a chat with a fellow student that is half my age. We have piano class together, and already knew each other from a Geography class a few semesters ago.

He is adorable. He's is of Latino and African ancestry. He has a b-boy swagger and rocks lovely dreadlocks. I find him so adorable. He's like a little lion.

In our conversation I shared with him that I was 41. He was shocked. He thought I was in my late 20s when we first met, and then figured I was in my early thirties. Lord, how I find him adorable.

I asked him what made him think I was that young. He said the following "You don't have any grey hair, and have a personality." I giggled. He's so fucking adorable.

He had text me early in the morning to remind me that we had our piano class final today. Which I rocked by the way. I played "Whirling Leaves" by Nancy Faber.

Wasn't that so sweet of him? Looking out for an old geezer like me. God bless him.

For The Kiki Of It All

What can I say. It's Monday.

As My Stomach Turns

As a resident of Connecticut, I cannot understand how Joe Lieberman weaseled his way back into office. My only hope is that in the next election, folks will do what should have been done at the last election. This guy is an embarrassment.

He belongs with this group:

She Went Pop!

This song and video has been with me since 1985. Every now and then, the tune plays in my head, and I recall the imagery. Check it out. It's a great story that is still relevant today.

Cover Up

So, the mysterious blue light over Norway is being explained as a failed launch of a Russian missile. Here's my take on it. Indulge me good people, my creative juices are overflowing:

This was actually the opening of a wormhole, that transported alien life-forms arriving for their routine observations of life on earth. The trail of light coming from behind the mountain was the photon-key used to open wormholes.

The reason we do not see the ships coming out of the wormhole is because the ships had their cloaking devices activated. However, there was a malfunction because the blue light was suppose to have been invisible.

Law of the Jungle

I'm not surprised that Hugh was able to explain it to all to those in denial and shock about Tiger being a tiger. What Hugh left out is the major bank and fame, which surrounds Tiger, that gets many a valley of goodness moist.

“I think the only surprise in it, quite frankly, is that anybody would be surprised. If you’re a good-looking guy and young and healthy, the notion that there would be something else going on, well, marriage is just a convenience. It’s very nice for raising kids, but the notion that monogamy lasts forever is a wish!”

- – Playboy founder Hugh Hefner on Tiger Woods’ “transgressions”
Source: Crunk & Disorderly

Get A Book For The Tots

Miss Kitty was good enough to remind us that Toys for Tots and other charities need our support this time of year.

May I suggest that if you purchase a gift, include some books in the bundle.

Most children from families that are economically disadvantage don't read at home, because there are no books at home!

Recently, Marcos and I gave our little play-nephew Christopher, books for his third birthday. He snatched them up and started exploring them. He even said "I love these books!"

Plus, going through the aisle of the children's books at your local bookstore is a joy. You get to see old friends that you curled up with, as well as, take in the lovely new works of children's literature that excites young minds.

X-Men: Gifted Part 2

Yay! Part 2 of X-Men: Gifted written by Joss Whedon is up and running. Enjoy the show, with some lightly salted hot popcorn and Raisinettes.



Darling Aaron, there has to be a way to share this with our Canadian sisters and brothers. Good people that are tech savvy. Let me know the way.

I Summon The Healing Powers of Love

A very dear and long-time friend of mine was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. We chatted today, and she is working through the process of accepting and understanding this life-challenge.

Her strength to face the reality is truly inspiring. She is reinforcing within me a very important life lesson. Face the demons head on and become empowered! Love of self is essential in life.

I have committed myself to be an ally to her in this battle. I promised her that if and when she needs me to work my magic in the kitchen I will be there for her. She loves my cooking.

She truly matters to me. I've learned so much from her. Her generosity has created wonderful extended-family memories. She is also very much connected to my current blessings and accomplishments. She had her magical hand in it.

I will suit up and go into warrior mode. I will continue to show up for her. My thoughts of healing have yet another new focus point. Unfortunately, many within my family are currently going through life-challenges.

However, I'm a high-riding bitch, and have a lot to give. Please note good people, I do replenish myself. If I summon my inner love it empowers me to show up for myself and those that are near and dear to me.

So, everyone, take a moment and kiss the back of your hand, and give yourself a pat on the back. You experience love by being able to love yourself, and by learning to share love with others. Love is all mighty!