CWOS Up and Running

Well good people, ArtSPACE's 11th Annual City-Wide Open Studio (CWOS) is up and running. This is an amazing event that allows hundreds of artists to showcase their work. What you will see when you come to this event is a wide-range of ideas and use of mediums. Whether it is painting, sculpture, photography, well you name it, you will find something to intrigue you.

As you know, Marcos is showing this year (see below for details). After we set up camp I took some time to visit the neighboring artists spaces set up by the event. I have to say there is some great art laid out for this year's attendees.

Across the street from where Marcos is showing is artist William Meddick. William says this about his work as an artist, "While I paint, the anxieties of daily life fall into a logical and workable order. The painting process allows me to interpret my gut attraction to certain images. The painting captures the essence of how you see and feel at that precise time in your life, my own visual diary." Stop by and visit William, Marcos and all the other artist showing in the Fair Haven area. You won't be disappointed.

By the way, Marcos, has been receiving positive feedback about his work from today's visitors. A highlight of the evening occurred when two Lesbian artists stopped by for a visit. We talked about art, culture, last night's VP debate, and our concerns for the future. Believe it or not we managed to laugh a bit, and the consensus was that we had to make sure we continued to raise our voices. If not now, then when?

I'm looking forward to day two. And, I hope to meet some more local readers of this blog. I actually met a reader at the opening event the night before. Yes, it is a small world.

I'll keep you posted.

Marcos' One Man Show

Well good people, Marcos show is a go for the 11th Annual City-Wide Open Studios event, in New Haven, CT. His one-man show is taking place in the ARTE gallery, located at 19 Grand Ave & Front St., Fair Haven, CT. The opening is this Friday, Oct. 3, from 4 pm - 8 pm. The gallery will be open Saturday (Oct. 4) and Sunday (Oct 5) from 12 pm - 8 pm.

ARTE's location is number FIVE on this map.


I hope to see you there.

She Set Herself Up For This

Experienced Foreign Relations At Work

I wonder if in her most quiet moments Gov. Palin yells into her pillow "Fuck, I had a sweet setup in Alaska! Damn it Baracuda, you jumped on the wrong bandwagon."

Good For Him...and His Son

I have to give props to Clay Aiken, deciding that he would rather be a parent that believes living a life based on honesty. I know that one of the most important things we can teach any young person in our life, is that it is essential to love and respect yourself. You can't do that within the closet.

Life is hard at times. To not live it as your authentic self, whatever that may be at the time, will just make it more difficult. Take a deep breath Clay, the out in the open air smells sweet. Oye, Ricky take a cue from this act of self-liberation. It'll do you good.

The "Village" Culture of NYC Is Long Dead

Patricia Field had a shop on 8th St. in Greenwich Village for many, many, and I mean many years. She was the go to place, in the West Village, for fashion that was cutting edge. She is now selling her style on HSN. That for me is the final evidence that the counterculture of the "Village" is truly long dead.

Never mind that NYU has bought up about most of the Village. Never mind that 8th St is now becoming restaurant row for the visiting parents of NYU students. Never mind there is a KFC in the West Village and a Chipotle Grill now sits on the East Village lot that use to house the legendary nightclub Circus. We now have the original pioneers of the Village scene cashing in on the mystique of NYC's Greenwich Village. Did ya know that Joey Arias was part of Cirque de Soleil in Vegas for a few years?

See what happens when a subculture gets exploited. We have Madonna vogueing, 13 year olds getting tattoos and piercings and homosexuality being a fad for some college students. I guess the new and innovative needs time to flourish. I am eagerly awaiting it. There is some intense motivation to inspire the marginalized being.

This is not the first time anti-mainstream became pedestrian. It all seems to be cyclical. I mean jazz at one point became about easy listening and Kenny G. A lot of people want the grit, but without the grittiness. Shit! Bus tours barrel through the village and I'm sure the tour guides are left saying "X use to be here," "X use to live here," and "X was created here, but now we have a McDonald's" If you were smart you got a CBGB t-shirt before it closed up for good. What am I saying, you can find that t-shirt at your local mall.

Maybe what is suppose to be shocking today is the bullshit bailout the conservatives try to cram down our throats. Hmm, some of the masses thought same-sex marriage was the issue that threatened our way of life. Go and shop yourself some radical dangerous sleaze. The economy needs your support.

BTW, I give props to Ms. Field giving legendary black model Pat Cleveland a gig on her segment. Pat, Miss Woman, you still know how to work it and look damn good serving it to the masses.

Hollywood Is So Whack 1

So just now, I decided to take a peek at the Emmys. Two men ripped a man-style suit off of Heidi Klum, so that she shows more cleavage and leg. Heidi camps it up and says something along the lines like, "Is this much better." She smiles and serves it the way a former model knows how to serve.

Then Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are introduced and present the award for best male supporting actor. Tina and Amy do a joke that relates to Amy being insulted about her belly size being mistaken for pregnanancy, and Amy says to Tina, she gained weight for a role. Jeremy wins and comes up to the stage and makes a gesture suggesting, he is going to look under Amy's dress. FYI Amy is really pregnant.

It get's worse. The actresses of Desperate Housewives are put through a segment that starts off women-powered, but ends up being catty. Oh, did I mention that Heidi is once again praised for her looks.

Wow, Josh Grobin is a fucking sell out.

Women have it fucking rough in this culture.

The channel is changed.

Let Me Be, AARP

Has AARP (American Association for Retired Persons) changed their demographic target audience? I just got an email from them today! For those of you that don't know, AARP "is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over." I just turned 40. I aint ready for that yet!

I know I'm starting to sprout some grey hairs and can't get into Gossip Girl. Just because I like me some ambient music in the background that is calming to my tender nerves, doesn't mean I'm ready for a life as a Golden Girl! I'm still spry and willing to use drugs recreationally.

They better back it up. Let me be AARP! Ya can holla at me when, god willing, I turn 50. See, I'm hip. I just used the word holla.

A Laugh Break

Are you tired and listless? Do the current state of affairs have you feeling the blues? I offer the following in an effort to make my good people have a good laugh.


Betty Bowers always cheers me up when I need it.


I've also gotten some hearty laughs while reading comments people leave on discussion boards. Let me share a few gems with you:

Site: www.popeater.com - This misogynistic, bloodthirsty and anti-Semitic comment was written, and I kid you not, by someone that calls themselves "Snownwhitelace"

"When I watched that loud mouth, 3 timesl married, loser, Barbara Walters continually insult McCain, I wished I could personally punch that bald headed bitch and knock her false teeth out! She was rude along with the other venom pit vipers. The blonde should have her head soaked in formeldyhyde. I am sursprised at Whoopie----usually she's cool and kind---but, then when it comes to those bitches voting for oBUMa, it figures. Why doesn't that stupid Jew Barbara retire and spare the world her stupidity? ALL of THEM owe McCain and his wife an APOLOGY for unwarrented attacks by their snake tongues. Shame on them all......didn't care for Star but, lucky her to get the hell out of the view. Piss poor talk show with poison gossipy skags who would have been hung or burned at the stake in the 17th centure !" (FYI...the typos in user name and post belong to the human being that made this post. I just cut and paste them folks.)

Site: www.datalounge.com - This mad shady comment came from a visitor that calls his or herself "Traditional Family Values"

RE: Palin Says Daughter, 17, Is Pregnant
Governor and future president Palin named one of her sons Track because she spends a lot of time running and the other son Trig because she spends a lot of time shooting.

Daughter Bristol has announced that out of respect for family tradition, she will name her baby "Bareback."

A recent ad on Craigslist. Thanks V for the original post, and your fierce blog.
HOT TOP FOR HOT LEHMAN BOTTOM - 26 (GRAMERCY)
Reply to: pers-841159232@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-09-15, 2:37AM EDT
looking for a gl lehman dude that's in the mood to get pounded. hey, you're going to be taking it up the ass all week, might as well start it off with an enjoyable one?

Don't Ignore The Man Behind The Curtain

After all is said and done, when it comes to voting for either McCain or Obama, what needs to be remembered is that the process has to be legit. I worry that the real evil is lurking behind the curtain. Marcos reminded me of an incident in Puerto Rico, where thousands of votes were once thrown into the river, thereby, dismissing the hopes of an honest election.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did an amazing report for Rolling Stone magazine awhile back, that looked at corruption tainting the election process in 2004. I suggest you take some time to read it, so that you can refresh your memory. The real danger goes well beyond corrupt elected officials. It is in an election system that deprives its citizens of their one vote.

"American history is littered with vote fraud -- but rather than learning from our shameful past and cleaning up the system, we have allowed the problem to grow even worse. If the last two elections have taught us anything, it is this: The single greatest threat to our democracy is the insecurity of our voting system. If people lose faith that their votes are accurately and faithfully recorded, they will abandon the ballot box. Nothing less is at stake here than the entire idea of a government by the people.

Voting, as Thomas Paine said, ''is the right upon which all other rights depend.'' Unless we ensure that right, everything else we hold dear is in jeopardy."

Click here to read the full article.

Got Organic?

"Milk and meat from the offspring of cloned livestock are entering the U.S. food supply. The number of clones is on the rise, and no one is keeping track of all their offspring. In January, the Food and Drug Administration said products from cloned cattle, pigs and goats -- and their conventionally bred offspring -- are safe to eat....

"A USDA advisory panel ruled last year that clones and their offspring aren't compatible with the idea of organic foods. The USDA hasn't adopted the panel's recommendation, however, and is considering a broader ruling on livestock origin that would, among other things, address whether products from clones' offspring should be eligible for organic labels, Mr. [Bruce] Knight [USDA Undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs] said. The USDA is unlikely to make a final decision anytime soon."

Source: Jane Zhang and Julie Jargon, Wall Street Journal

A Quick Question

Ever had that feeling that not only will the other shoe drop, but the shit will hit the fan, and all hell will break loose, as we go from the frying pan into the fire, while we reap what we sowed, leaving us to curse the day when we see pigs fly and all hell freezes over, in the midst of us hitting rock bottom, and we are left with a wing and a prayer, wishing for better days on the ultimate rainy day?

Just asking.

Hmm, why do I suddenly feel like I would welcome a case of Republican delusion?

Word of the Day: Staycation

I found a new word from a recent story in Freakonomics:

Staycation: Vacationing at home to save money.

As a broke ass student I am constantly taking staycations. The pluses of a staycation are:

1. It is affordable.
2. I enjoy the food.
3. I don't have to exchange my American dollars to a currency that diminishes the value of my meager earnings.
4. I don't have to pack.
5. I don't have to deal with flight delays.
6. I'm able to catch up with chores around the house.
7. My body doesn't have to regulate itself to a different time zone.

The minuses of a staycation are:

1. I'm reminded about how broke I am
2. I gotta cook for myself and hope the hubby cleans the dishes.
3. I end up doing chores in the house.
4. I end up sleeping more than I should.
5. I get to go nowhere, thus missing out on new adventures.

I've noticed a lot of folks I know, are also taking more staycations. Feel free to comment on the pluses and minuses of a staycation.

Our Golden Lasso

I've always wanted Wonder Woman's golden lasso. Ya'll remember the powers of her lasso? It was fab. If she snares it around you, the lasso made you tell the truth.

FactCheck.org is sorta like our golden lasso. It doesn't make politicians tell the truth, but it does expose any lies or half-truths they utter to the masses. FactCheck.org describes themselves as follows "a nonpartisan, nonprofit, "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. We monitor the factual accuracy of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases. Our goal is to apply the best practices of both journalism and scholarship, and to increase public knowledge and understanding."

I also love the fact they accept no funding from business corporations, labor unions, political parties, lobbying organizations or individuals. It is funded primarily by the Annenberg Foundation.

They just wrapped up their fact checking on the acceptance speeches Obama and McCain gave at the conventions. Check it out.

Click here for John McCain
Click here for Barack Obama

Why I Heart Johnny Go Go

My buddy Johnny always turns me on to some of the most outrageous things online. I heart him for that. Plus, he's clever, cute and cunty when he wants to be.

Well I now have a new spot for checking out twisted action. It's called CITIZENDANGERX. He offers up lovely little tidbits like this:

See more Kristin Chenoweth videos at Funny or Die

People Crack Me Up: 6

Well, the maverick thing was cute, but at the end of the day, you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

Pro-Life?

Looking at Palin's oldest son, during the GOP convention, t as his mother spoke from the podium, about his upcoming deployment into the Iraq war, I was disgusted. For her to so proudly and gleefully send her child off to "harms way" is so despicable to me. What parent, uncle, aunt, sister or brother would want to send a young life into a situation that, god forbid, may result in their untimely death. To send them into that reality with such cheer. Gross!

You are a twisted Palin. You are sending your son into a war that you have said was for oil. A war that has robbed this nation of billlions of dollars that would have put the "country first. " A war that the international community was trying to avoid. I feel sad for your son, that he was raised in a so called Christian family, that thinks the death of others is necessary. Jesus would have wanted Peace.

As for you McCain, you saw the horrors of war, and yet you voted to support an immoral campaign. You sir, are the most vile in all of this. Did you not find GOD while you were imprisoned? Did you not realize how corruption puts good people in harms way for all of the wrong reasons. You didn't learn from your own history, and may be doomed to repeat it.

To believe that in the 21st century the only way to resolve disputes is through war is not change, it is more of the tragic and immoral same. Alas, I am sure you can find a spin or chapter and verse in the bible to explain your madness. I'm sure you can sell to the masses how it's either us or them.

Make love, not war.

Dear Grandma Palin (Addendum)

Now, remember girls, when out on a date with a boy, always keep both feet on the ground. A Christian young lady reveals nothing.
You took a gamble on abstinence only sex education for your daughter. She now finds herself pregnant at 17, and getting ready for a shotgun-wedding to the young man, that fathered the child. Your little girl, and someones little boy have to "grow up faster than you had ever planned." Not really shocking, this sort of thing happens, after all people like to fuck.

What I would find shocking would be if you would still hold onto your belief that abstinence only sex education be the approach in high-school sex education classes. Pam Younggren, 61, of Fargo, N.D., (who's attending the GOP convention, by the way) was told the news of your 17-year-old’s pregnancy, she shrugged. And then told the the NY Times reporter, “Well, she wouldn’t be the first one,” “We can’t control what our daughters do,” “I don’t see it as a problem. She will have appropriate care for her baby.”

Well said Mrs. Younggren, spoken like a women with her head on right. Teens more often than not, do what they want to do. Ask Bristol. She'll tell you all about it.

Mrs. Younggren was also correct in saying Bristol will be fine. She'll have the support of her family, and fortunately you and your husband work, and probably have room for Bristol's new family at your place. If not I'm sure you can pull some gubernatorial strings to get him a job, and a little home to call their own. Don't worry you'll all meet up every Sunday at church. OMG! It will be so cute, the both of you pushing baby carriages.

Hmmm, the warm fuzzy feeling just left. I started wondering about all those young girls out there, that find themselves in the same predicament as Bristol, yet don't have the same sort of support. You know, those girls that are living in poverty, or have dysfunctional homes. Hey, about those young girls that may have been forced into sex by a violent boyfriend, or molested by some pig in the family or clergy. What becomes of these young girls lives? Gee, it seems pretty damn bleak.

Wouldn't it be a good Christian thing to do, by looking out for these girls too? How about reserving your faith-based policies for your own family, and as an elected official offer practical policies to your constituency. Here's a wild idea, have these policies empower young people to be informed about their bodies, and be aware of family planning, as well as, freedom regarding reproductive choice.

Oh wow, I just thought of something. Bristol is totally PRO-CHOICE. Think about it grandma. She chose to have unprotected premarital sex. Bristol, got to make the choices that worked for her. And, now she is choosing to have the baby and keep it. See how wonderful having CHOICE as an option is for a person.

What can I say I live to serve others. It's my god given talent. It's what I do.

ADDENDUM: I am not opposed to teaching abstinence within an inclusive sex education curriculum, that provides information on birth control. Aside from protecting against unwanted pregnancies, there are also concerns about contracting an STD, that should be considered.

URGENT: Obama & Biden Read This

"If the Obama campaign can convince the American people that our country is in a tough spot due to Republican policies, not just Republican politicians, then they'll probably win. But if McCain and Palin can convince Americans that the business model is sound and the GOP just needs a change in CEO, than, well, you can probably say hello to your next Vice President [being the governor from Alaska]." -- Nick Baumann

Source: motherjones.com
(Click here for the full story.)

Marcos Launches His Virtual Art Gallery

Marcos has been really active with his career as an artist. He recently launched his own website to showcase his work and ideas. The image above is one of his older works that I just adore.

Please take some time to check out the slideshows of his work, and maybe drop him a comment on the blog page. Marcos loves having discussions on art, culture and ideas.

Click here to visit his site. If the link doesn't work cut and paste the following url into your browser: http://web.mac.com/lelocolon60/iWeb/Importing%20Fronteras/Importing%20Fronteras.html

He has another art show coming up in October. I'll post information about that soon.

Did You Know That Gov. Palin...

McCain: "Now lookie here girlie, you better bring me them armpit hair having Hillary supporters."
- Prior to being elected governor, supported the 1998 constitutional amendment barring marriage for same-sex couples and has said she would support a ballot measure overturning a state supreme court decision mandating benefits for domestic partners of state employees

- Is close to “traditional values” groups, like Family Research Council, because she is strongly anti-choice

- Vetoed legislation passed by the state legislature in 2006 that would have prohibited providing DP benefits to state workers, in defiance of the Alaska Supreme Court’s ruling. She did this after the Supreme Court had already ruled and the Attorney General (Republican) advised her that the legislation was unconstitutional. Palin went on to state that, as a matter of policy, she was in favor of the bill.

- Will be honored alongside anti-gay Representative Michelle Bachman (R-MN) at an event at the 2008 Republican Convention, the “Life of the Party,” sponsored in part by long-time opponent of GLBT rights, Phyllis Schlafly.

Source: Human Rights Campaign click here for more information.

If It Aint Broke...Don't Fix It?

The Women is one of my favorite classic films of all time. It has all the elements of a great movie. It's based on the brilliant play written by Clare Boothe Luce. The women are smart, stylish witty and serve sophisticated cattiness. It is hysterical without being foolish. You have to see this film. Rosalind Russell is genius in it. And, talk about innovative,there is a fashion show shot it vivid color, within this black & white film.

There is a remake coming out soon with Meg Ryan in the lead and Annette Bening attempting to fill Rosalind's shoes. Eva Mendes is going to take a stab at recreating the role of the husband stealer character, portrayed with thick shade, by Joan Crawford.

I normally don't like remakes, especially when the original was so damn good. I mean can you see All About Eve being redone? Why would someone even attempt to redo perfection? The only thing I'm excited about is that this new version has actresses of color. In the original, the only actress of color, played a maid-like character.

Well, let's see how it goes. I wonder if this remake will even come close to creating these sort of moments:

My Closing Olympics Games Post

Well, as with most closing Olympic ceremonies, this one went from good to bad. It's traditional for closing ceremonies to go this way. Hey, all the coins were spent on the opening ceremony. I had to turn it off soon after Jackie Chan sang, it became like the Olympics on Tina aka Crystal Meth. It was so high pitched and lacking emotion. I was waiting to see a tweaked out twink. No, the two twinks covered in white body make up do not count.

That London moment was mad lame. We are urban and quirky. We are Mary Poppins with a drug habit. How sad they propped that girl on that rising platform, and didn't give her some wind to move the fabric that just flooped around her. And, then she had to poorly lip-snych to a song she probably heard just days before. Oh, and their representative, he looked like he had a few pints and smelled of kippers and chips. Bullocks!

I was not disappointed with the feats of the athletes. What they do is amazing. Umm, the rhythmic gymnastics was so Cirque du Soleil. You know there were some recruiters from Cirque up in the crowd. Oye, what these woman can do with their body and props. It's a damn shame little gaylings are not encouraged to be a part of that sport. I bet many an 11 year-old gayling saw what these ladies were doing, and said, "Mami, I want to do that." Unfortunately, I bet the innocent gaylings would get slapped and be told, "Boys don't do that."

It still amazes me that the Chinese government is still maintaining the lie about their woman gymnast. Well, good luck with the karma. Ya know what you did. I just hope those young girls don't have to suffer the consequences of the dumb ass adults surrounding them.

I still feel dirty about watching the Olympics that took place in a country that has such a bad human rights record. And, that to create the Olympic village they exploited hundreds of migrant workers, and displaced hundreds of thousands residents. Why, oh why, dear goddess, can't we enjoy the beauty without the ugly. Oh yeah, we need the contrast to remind us of the struggle between the light and the dark.

My Olympics Games Post - Part 4

Henry Cejudo (that darling young man pictured above) won the gold for the U.S. in the 55Kg wrestling category. This drive to succeed comes from his mother. You see Henry's mother was an illegal immigrant, that worked her ass off to feed and raise her children right. He said he's giving his medal to her.

This year there were 33 athletes that were foreign born, that brought their A game to the olympics. Part of their motivation was to excel in their sport and win gold. I also belive many of these atheletes have a desire to show gratitude, to a country that gave them a second chance for a better life.

You also have immigrants that share their talents to develop amazing athletes. Look at Ling Chow, who is originally from China. He shaped the raw talent of Shawn Johnson, which resulted in her earning a gold medal in balance beam.

Now don't get it twisted, this desire to achieve, and to give back to the country also exists in immigrants that are non-athletes. Their gold is to build a life where they have dignity and independence.

At the closing ceremonies tonight, take a look at the U.S. team once again. Look at the various faces of color that walk under the U.S. flag. Many of these people have seen over recent years a growing anti-immigrant message in American culture. Yet, they choose to represent for the U.S. Perhaps, they believe this country should honor it's creed that is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty:

"Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

So, all you anti-immigrant pendejos, that perputuate the myths, should suck it. When was the last time you did something to inspire a nation? And, remember this, at some point or another your ancestors came here, from somewhere else.

She Wasn't Even Vetted

So Sen. Obama went with Sen. Biden. Biden is not a horrible choice. I actually think he has the moxy to help Barack put a beat down on the GOP. Biden's pluses and minues will get a hyper-analysis during the next several weeks, so I won't go there.

What I am astonished by is that Hillary wasn't even a contender for riding shotgun to the White House. Maybe she just straight up told Obama "Listen, it was all or nothing for me. I know how to run this, and being first-lady brought up a notch would not work for me. It's not a good fit. Let's just get you in office. And, don't pick Richardson, he wouldn't know loyalty if it bit him in the ass."

My wild imagination offers these possible reasons why some in the Obama camp might have suggested she not be vetted.

- Two alphas don't really mix. Alphas make attempts at meshing, but really what ends up happening is a lot of infighting. Plus, Obama may want that chapter of history all for himself. You know, the one that starts with "First (fill in the blank) President. Folks in politics have ego for days.

- Change is challenging. Major change is scary. Obama and crew are working against racism and the perception that he is not ready for the job. To add the obstacles of misogyny and male-chauvinism would be a tall order. Yeah, I know. It's a chicken-shit reason.

- "Barack, the Clintons have to much political scandal and baggage. I might add our polls show that most people feel they can't see themselves having a beer with her. Now, Biden, hey our polls show people feel they can get shit-faced with him."

Well good people, let's see how it all goes down. Sen. Obama I hope you choosed wisely. So handle yours. I don't want another four years of GOP bullshit.

All Up In Your Business

I was horrified and appalled today. My darling sister Jenny, told me about a website called zabasearch.com. For $50 U.S. dollars this website offers a background check service that can provide the following information about friend, family or foe:

Statewide Criminal Check
Bankruptcies & Liens
Address History
Neighbors
Neighborhood Info
Alias Names
Sex Offender Check
Small Claims & Judgements
Relatives & Associates
Home Value & Details
Satellite & Map Images
Much More...

I have undergone background checks for certain jobs. I work with young people. The big difference is that I consent to that, and what they find out is kept confidential. With this site; however, at anytime, anyone can find out just about anything about me or you.

I have no major skeletons in my closet, and I'm an open book. Hello I blog about my life. What I'm concerned about is how information like the items listed above can be used in negative ways. And,that "much more..." part scares me, because at what point does the invasion of my privacy end.

P.S. Look yourself up. If you dare.

My Olympics Games Post - Part 3

- I was always impressed with Michael Phelps, yet I said I "done with him" in a previous post. Today I warmed up to Michael as he was interviewed with his mother. I finally got to see the human, behind the superhuman. He was picked on as a kid, raised by a single mom (she's an educator by the way), and was sincerely humble and grounded. As I said in that previous post "enjoy your success Micheal, because you earned it.". It's not his fault NBC's ad nauseam coverage of him, influenced me to think he didn't have a golden heart.

- The men and women on the running track experience grounded flight. Those parallel camera shots show the human body in the most divine and essential form of movement; running like the wind. Oh, they are divine! I want to be next to them and breathe the air they breathe. And, I might add these men and women exude, for me, this energy that makes them so sexy.

- How cool is it that that Dara Torres, at the age of 41, won several medals in swimming. And, that Oksana Chusovitina, age 33, vaulted to s silver medal in gymnastics. To quote Dara "Don't put an age limit on dreams."

- I would have enjoyed the fencing more if they used lightsabers, and dressed up like Jedi Knights. I guarantee you that the popularity of that sport would soar, like an X-wing starfighter leaving an exploding Death Star.

- The Olympic mascots are mad cute (see pic above). There is Beibei the Fish, Jingjing the Panda, Huanhuan the Olympic Flame, Yingying the Tibetan Antelope (I bet she wants to see a free Tibet)and Nini is the Swallow. I want one of each. Uggh, I just thought of the thousand of years they will remain in landfills around the world. Hey, remember that whack mascot of the 1996 Atlanta games Izzy.

My Love/Hate Moment with IKEA

As I'm looking through the 2009 IKEA catalog, I find myself wanting so much of what I'm seeing. The lovefest ends when I'm revisited by memories of having to assemble the stuff that often comes with instructions that are illustrated sequences. I need words with those pics IKEA. I also recall how a lot of their stuff is made from compressed wood shavings, and what I call almost-metal. Some of their items really don't hold up well. In all fairness, their pricing reflects this reality.

I also get frustrated because I see these images of a "lifestyle" that seems so organized yet chic at the same time. I have yet to master both traits simultaneously. My life is a pattern of moments of one, minus the other. I attribute this to my Pisces nature, and I have an astrological chart to prove it.

My favorite items that I have from IKEA would fall in the accessories category. I enjoy their lamps, cookware, fabrications and bric-a-brac. I guess I follow a dab of IKEA approach when creating my living space.

IKEA is like a Starbucks, but for the home, you're sold this hipster aesthetic. I'm ending my thoughts with appreciation for IKEA. Hey, they do rock when it comes to inspiration for overall decorating and floor planning. As a matter of fact, Marcos is so taking me there tomorrow. Ohhhhh and I can get a couple of bags of the Swedish potato chips. Their chips are yummy.

My Olympic Games Post - Part 2

Hmmm, I smell scandal coming. Looks like the U.S. Woman's Gymnast coach, Suzanne Yoculan, is not too happy about China possibly placing a couple of underage gymnast into the competition. She went and filed a complaint.

The irony is that when 15 year old Dominique Moceanu was part of the gold winning team in the 1996 Olympics, folks protested she was too young. As a result the IOC changed the minimum age for gymnast competing in the Olympics to 16.

I've read some stuff about the Chinese press reporting two girls from the Chinese team are 13 and 14, about 9 months ago. If this proves to be true, it would of course make these young girls ineligible for these Olympics. And, which would mean the Chinese team is disqualified. Here's where it gets funny the above mentioned articles have disappeared from the Internet or been discredited by Chinese officials that say the ages were not vetted.

Sports be so dirty sometimes. It ranges from "doping" to bureaucratic bullshit. It's so weird that people would want to win dirty. How can you really enjoy the accolades? I guess I'm built differently. I also wonder if Suzanne would have filed her complaint if the U.S. won gold. Let's see how the drama unfolds.

Animated Activism

Click on Acronym Institute for the full kiki.
Mark Fiore's animated shorts are like candy. Go here NOW! It's like Robot Chicken meets The Boondocks, with a pinch of South Park.

My Olympic Games Post - Part 1

I had to let it all set in and get comfortable with it. Good people, the Olympics are my late summer fascination. Here are my thoughts on the spectacle.

- The opening ceremonies were at times sublime. This is what you can do when you create a culture that sells a monolithic perception of self. The comrades rocked it. My favorite moment was the dancers painting on the LCD screen. Oh, and it was funny that the drummers in the beginning number, were instructed to smile more, so that they would be less intimidating. The "other" is so scary.

- Eww, Russia attacked Georgia. World Peace! What a concept.

- Bob Costas is a sawed-off little piece of shit. I am starting a petition to ban him from being a part of the broadcast in future Olympics. He totally lacks the worldly charisma to be part of such a global happening. I imagine when he travels abroad he goes to McDonald's for his meals. Ewww, such an ugly American.

- I'm done with Michael Phelps. Good on you, well done, you are naturally gifted. Enjoy your success Micheal, because you earned it; however, I don't need to keep hearing about you collecting more medals. I want to hear more stories about athletes that had to overcome the most unimaginable in order to be part of the games. Phelps story doesn't inspire me, it makes me feel amazing is for those genetically gifted. What a fascists concept.

- Would NBC and America be so obsessed with the gold medal count, if America was not able to win so many gold medals? I think not! I Once again the "haves" define the value system. Aint it interesting to hear the haves say shit like "Oh, this country has never won a medal in this event." How that statement reveals their hypocrisy. You see good people, they don't make such a fuss about medals when their people are not winning them. What they do instead is focus on the "struggle," and how that has honor.

- Wow, oh wow what these gymnast are able to do. It is magical.

- Male gymnast are arrogant pigs. I guess their arrogance is attributed to them being of short stature. Hey, even geeks with six-pack abs have issues.

- Fuck! I should have taken ping-pong serious when I was a kid.

I'll continue my take in future post. I need to go to bed as the Olympic torch lights the night sky.

Thoughts About My "Partnered" Life

I've been enjoying the going-ons over at Juice With Junior. Junior poked a little fun at the folks getting married tomorrow because the date will be 8/8/08. People love gimmicky things, even when it comes to so-called sacred moments. I was raised catholic. I have proof. Moving on.

In the Comments section Junior and Ermine have engaged in a discussion about their take on marriage. I was struck about how some parts of the discussion, focused on the belief that one should sow their wild oats, before making a commitment to your one true love. I wonder for myself if that really holds water. I think not.

Yes, you can sow your wild oats. But, some new oats start to sprout up. The idea that one is finally, and truly ready for a long-term committed relationship, is really asking A LOT of an evolving human being. Wouldn't it be realistic to focus on giving to that other your love and, leaving room for that love to express itself in new ways.

As many of you know, Marcos and I just made 18 years together in May. During this time we had separated for 3 years and rekindled our partnered life in 2005. What has always remained a constant is that we are family. The love, commitment and support we have for each other never ended. The feelings and energy of love we share for each other evolves, because it has to. We decided to leave room for the new oats.

Why you may ask do we leave room for the sprouting. Well, we are by no means the same exact people we were 18 years ago. Sounds cliche? No, think about it. Think about how your experiences and the people that come in and out of your life, bring out an awareness within you that changes some of the deepest parts of you. These changes come with being human. Yes, of course there are elements of your essence that are tethered to your soul, and may never change. But, you do change over the years.

This flux that comes with being a human, challenges the life one creates when they are partnered with someone. The permanence of personal change can create, within a relationship; moments of excitement, creativity and new connections. I love when we find something new about each other. The flip side is that it can also create moments of insecurity, confusion, and fear. I hate when I doubt that he will still love me tomorrow. We work at not going to battlestations when things don't go according to plan. What we go back to is what we mean to each other and how that commitment is our blessing.

Marcos and I found beauty during a very ugly time. We met in 1990. During this time many of our friends and acquaintances were dying from AIDS related illnesses. It seemed like the world was eding. We found each other in this madness, and put a lot of the bullshit aside and decided to try and create a life that looked to a future. How dare we!

I'm happy to say we are still pretty fearless. We've agreed to question certain social constructions about relationships, and are rebuilding on our own terms. We also challenge social policies that place us in a second class status, both legally and culturally. We are going for our own individual dreams and telling each other "Get yours papito, you know I got your back."


A Classic Video Moment

Will You Run With Me?

Like most of you I'm eager to see the running mates for Obama and McCain. I was curious about the impact the choice of running mate has on the outcome of a presidential election. So, I went to factcheck.org to see what they had to say. Here it is.

Q: Historically, have vice presidential candidates really helped win states in the general election?

A: Presidential nominees don't pick their running mates based on this strategy as often as one might think. Even when they do, the results are decidedly mixed.

Click here for the full story.

A Hard Pill To Swallow

See more Adam "Ghost Panther" McKay videos at Funny or Die

Avoid operating heavy machinery or critical thinking, while under the influence of Republican Party. May also cause hypocritical behavior.

Thanks again, Senor Go Go for the hook up.

10 Skills You Need To Succeed

Wannabe a fierce, fat cat like me?
I know, I know, I have a thing for lists and especially top 10 lists. Hey, I figure it provides food for thought. This one focuses on the "10 skills you need to succeed at almost anything". Take a look and see if you can incorporate some of these ideas in carrying out your master plan. Remember, use your powers for good, there's enough evil in the world.

1. Public Speaking - People who are effective speakers come across as more comfortable with themselves, more confident, and more attractive to be around.

2, Writing - Learning to write well involves not just mastery of grammar but the development of the ability to organize one’s thoughts into a coherent form and target it to an audience in the most effective way possible.

3. Self-Management - Strong organizational skills, effective productivity habits, and a strong sense of discipline are needed to keep yourself on track.

4. Networking - In an economy dominated by ideas and innovation, networking creates the channel through which ideas flow and in which new ideas are created.

5. Critical Thinking - Being able to evaluate that information, sort the potentially valuable from the trivial, analyze its relevance and meaning, and relate it to other information is crucial – and woefully under-taught.

6. Decision-Making - Being able to take in the scene and respond quickly and effectively is what separates the doers from the wannabes.

7. Math - the ability to quickly work with figures in your head, to make rough but fairly accurate estimates, and to understand things like compound interest and basic statistics gives you a big lead on most people.

8. Research - You don’t have to know everything – but you should be able to quickly and painlessly find out what you need to know.

9. Relaxation - Stress will not only kill you, it leads to poor decision-making, poor thinking, and poor socialization. So be failing to relax, you knock out at least three of the skills in this list – and really more.

10. Basic Accounting - Knowing how to track and record your expenses and income is important just to survive, let alone to thrive.

I feel number ten is sorta a repeat of number seven, so I offer this as an alternative.

10a. Instincts - Good people, you know I tell you all the time to trust your gut. Listen to that "good" voice in your head. I think a lot of people underestimate their instincts, and often let the head have complete rule over their lives. Don't forget to also let your heart and spirit have their say.

Click here for the full article.

What You Did vs. Who You Are

Hmm, not sure if I would compartmentalize the two. It is an interesting approach. Check it out and discuss with your good people.

Look For The Union Label

I know some would say Unions have ruined certain industries and create lazy workers. Well, life without Unions can also create workplaces where employees are being intimidated, a la the Wal-Mart version described below, and/or exploited. What Unions can also create is an environment where both sides of the table negotiate an agreement that strives to meet the needs of both sides of the table.

"The Employee Free Choice Act (H.R. 800, S. 1041), supported by a bipartisan coalition in Congress, would enable working people to bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions by restoring workers’ freedom to choose for themselves whether to join a union."

"Wal-Mart has been holding meetings with employees, about the Employee Free Choice Act. A report in The Wall Street Journal said the Bentonville, Ark.-based discounter - which has rigorously resisted being unionized - had held mandatory meetings with store managers and department supervisors in recent weeks to warn that if Democrats take power in November, they would likely push through the bill, which the company says would hurt workers." Click here for the full story.

I've been a Union member several times over my working career, and will be once again when I become a teacher. I feel Unions are essential. Why? Well, I find the only way to insure worker's rights, safety and living wages requires a Union with integrity to negotiate a fair deal. I don't trust the pigs at the trough to give workers their earned fair share.

Rim Shot

I'm freaky and a closet case! Do I creep you out?

Here is why I have Michael Musto to the right, to the right.

"This email just came in from Sirius OutQ host Michelangelo Signorile:

"I know it's not something you want to picture this early in the morning. But did you know that, according to former male escort and Ted Haggard exposer Mike Jones, Senator Larry Craig, co-sponsor of the all-new Marriage Protection Act, put his tongue up Jones' butt hole and gave him a Senate-class rim job?"

You're right, Signorile. It's NOT something I wanted to picture right now. In fact, I just spit my coffee out all over a public restrooom. But I'm sure Larry was just fishing around for the wedding ring he left in there during a fisting session." Source: Michael Musto's Daily Blog

P.S. On the two occasions I emailed him via Village Voice, he responded.

Pirates of Penzance

Let me be the nerd, the Goddess wanted me to be. I adored Kevin Kline and Rex Smith back in the day. Those tights, those leather boots and the curly hair. What is not to love? Rex has the brown vest. Kevin is sporting the white shirt with black tights and very cunty, butchy, and S&M-ish knee-high boots. Good people, enjoy.


Come, friends, who plough the sea,
Truce to navigation;
Take another station;
Let’s vary piracee
With a little burglaree!

Jesus Loves Me

So it's official, Alberto, along with his accomplices, broke the law when it came to hiring at the Justice Department. I'm sure what they did was not the first nor the last time this happens at the Justice Department; however, they really made a mess of that office. I'm glad they have all went down the tubes because of their actions.

I'm sure Monica Goodling (pictured above), will find a chapter and verse in her bible to justify her actions. She will tell herself over and over again, like she did when she testified, "I'm a good person." She will ease her mind by saying she only "crossed the line" just a little bit, and quickly stepped back behind.

The lesson to be learned here is that we all have to mind the store. People are playing games up on the Hill, and it needs to stop.

Queer Ancestors Coming Through

How else can you explain it?

P.S. Thank you Senor Go Go for the hookup.

Welcome to the Age of Incarceration

What happens when you lock up 1 in every 100 American adults?

"I spent nearly four years shadowing a woman who'd just been released from prison. She'd been locked up for 16 years for a first-time drug crime, and her absence had all but destroyed her family. Her mother had taken in her four young children after her arrest, only to die prematurely of kidney failure. One daughter was deeply depressed, the other was seething with rage, and her youngest son had followed her lead, diving into the neighborhood drug culture and then winding up in prison himself."

Click here for the full article written by Jennifer Gonnerman. And, the other articles about the impact of mass incarceration of people in this country.

Cats Are Low Maintenance

I just had my yearly evaluation from my cat Geronimo. This is how it went:

Geronimo: Well, Allan, here we are again. Please, have a seat. Would you like anything? Some water?
Allan: No, I'm fine. Thank you.

Geronimo: Oh, okay, well than let's get right to it. First I want to say we are very happy to have you here with us for another year. I think the overall feeling in the house is that you are a valuable contributor to the team.
Allan: Thank you. I'm really enjoying my time here, and I feel like I'm learning a great deal.

Geronimo: Great! Glad to hear that. I also have to say there has been tremendous improvement in your areas of development. And, I'm sure with more time you will really start to reach your optimal potential.
Allan: I am trying.

Geronimo: Oh, umm, no one is saying that you are not.
Allan: Oh no, I wasn't saying that...

Geronimo: You know Allan we are all working really hard. These are very challenging times.
Allan: Yeah I know.

Geronimo: While preparing for this meeting, I took some time to review the file I maintain for you, and well there are a couple of minor yet essential areas where I think you have room for development.
Allan: Oh really?

Geronimo: Yes, well the first is your doorman duties. According to my notes there have been several occasions where I had to wait an inordinate amount of time for you to open the door for me. I know we talked about putting in a pet door, but as you know this year's budget doesn't allow for it.
Allan: I've felt that I've been very responsive to my doorman duties. If I've been late chances are it was...

Geronimo: Allan, I really don't want to turn this into a negative meeting. I do appreciate your efforts. I suggest you consider utilizing some time management techniques to help you insure a quicker response time. Perhaps you can identify an online course on time management. In fact why don't we put that down on your development action plan.
Allan: Yeah, sure, why not.

Geronimo: (stares at Allan for a few seconds) I'm sure overtime you would find that it can be something that will help you in the long run.
Allan: Yeah, sure, ok.

Geronimo: The other issue is the relationship with the dogs. I'm concerned that you are spending too much time socializing with them, and that it is cutting into your time needed to complete your daily task. I know they are charming and that you've developed friendships with them, but keep in mind there are duties to perform.
Allan: I'm very aware of my tasks and focus on comple.....

Geronimo: I'm sure it seems that way to you. I'm sorry but I have to say that it is not what is really occuring. Please take sometime to really reflect on what actually happens on a day to day basis. Ok?
Allan: Sure no problem.

Geronimo: Great! Well do you have any questions or want to add anything. If not I feel we are pretty much done here. And, I do have that appointment to go to in just a few minutes.
Allan: No, everything is fine.

Geronimo: Good. Well thank you. Umm, I will be needing the door open soon. Why don't you hangout there for the next few minutes. Oh and wait. (Geronimo reaches into his desk and pulls out a hat and gloves) I thought it would be wonderful if you would wear this when I come in and out, and that you should tip your hat and offer an appropriate comment. I really think we should up the professionalism and sophistication of our little operation here. Right?
Allan: Yeah sure. You're the boss.
Geronimo: Oh Allan! (Geronimo laughs) I'll see you at the door.

Museum Moment - National Museum of the American Indian (NYC)

Fausto Fernandez(Love the texture of his work. Something you have to see in person.)
Marcos and I had a wonderful stroke of serendipity on a recent visit to NYC. He had to go downtown to fill out some paperwork for his job and we came across the National Museum of the American Indian.

The highlight of our visit was the exhibition titled “Remix: New Modernities in a Post Indian World” This is what the museum says about the show:

“…a spirited multimedia survey of 15 emerging Native artists June 7. A joint presentation from the museum and the Heard Museum in Phoenix, the exhibition closes Sunday, Sept. 21.

“Remix” includes the semiotic narratives of Bernard Williams (African American/Native Ancestry); the seemingly academic yet provocative imagery of Kent Monkman (Cree/English/Irish) in his transgender guise; an essay of stereotypes found in videogames by Alan Natachu (Zuni/Laguna) and the affectionate but confrontational portraits of Apache skateboarders by Dustinn Craig (White Mountain Apache/Navajo).”

Dustinn Craig(Hold it down fellas. Listen to the ancestors.)
This show rocked. We were in art-lovers heaven, while we took in very provocative and emotional work. Go and do yourself a favor and check out the show if you are in the NYC area or planning on visiting.

Kent Monkman(Werk mama! Cree Queer representing.)
Bernard Williams(This piece covers an entire gallery wall from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. One of my favorites.)
Click here for more information. By the way admission is free, so use the money you would have normally paid for entrance, to buy one of their hot t-shirts from the gift shop.

Nine Reasons to Investigate War Crimes Now

In their article for The Nation, Jeremy Brecher and Brendan Smith, give nine good reasons why they feel Georgie's Administration should be investigated for war crimes.

1. World peace cannot be achieved without human rights and accountability.
2. The rule of law is central to our democracy.
3. We must not allow precedents to be set that promote war crimes.
4. We must restore the principles of democracy to our government.
5. We must forestall an imperialist resurgence.
6. We must have national consensus on the real reasons for the Administration's failures.
7. We must restore America's damaged reputation abroad.
8. We must lay the basis for major change in U.S. foreign policy.
9. We must deter future U.S. war crimes.

Click here for the full article.

No Eggshells/Outside by Pedro Alejandro

Click here to view the video.
It's wonderful when the universe sends you someone that is intellectually curious, generous of heart and creative. Marcos and I are getting to know a new found friend and fellow artist by the name of Pedro Alejandro. He teaches dance at Wesleyan, and recently presented a piece called No Eggshells/Outside. I'm always eager to share interesting things with my good people. So, here is a link to the video and an entry describing my reaction to the piece. Enjoy.

As I watched the video presentation of No Eggshells/Outside, through the Sepia tone veneer, it invoked within me a feeling that bridged the ancient with the modern, the man-made with the organic, the individual with the group. These layers of non-colors also created a dreamlike world.

The stage direction of the performance was new to me. The audience first encounters the performance occurring in an open field of grass, and are then ushered into a space a several feet away that is comprised of stone and cement. This is clever staging in that it provides the audience the choice to participate in the experience, by continuing to travel deeper into the world that is being created.

The soundscape that the dancers perform within intrigued me. For me the sounds are tethered to an ambient undercurrent that is trance like, while industrial and natural sounds serve as lyrical percussion. Think of a person chanting Ohm in a city dwelling while the sounds of the city and nature interject.

I saw three worlds being portrayed in the video. The first and most visible was the world of the here and now. This world is filled with ritual, human interaction and constructs. The beings in this world interact with conditioned understanding, while under the surface I felt they wanted a deeper connection which each other. This was apparent to me when at times they relied on each others bodies for creating the energy needed to propel their movement.

At the core of this world is a struggle humans experience between the artificiality of society and their intrinsic nature. This is displayed through the movement of the dancers that at times halts unexpectedly, as well as the moments, where the influence of organic African and Capoiera movements surface throughout the piece.

The second world is presented through the video vignettes of the dancers that is projected on the walls at the actual performance, and layered into the video in order to move the viewer away from the stage performance. I look at this as a view into the thoughts of the people that live within this world.

The other world is based in a deeper fantasy. What seems like rabbit figures to me take us deeper into a hidden world. These figures play with natural elements, such as water, as if they understand it in a way the beings of the first world are not able to see.

A woman eats a boiled egg. She is not dining but consuming. There is no expression of her enjoying the meal. It’s a methodic consumption of substance. I find it to be a metaphor of modern people taking in, without thought of consequence or enjoyment.

The Sepia tone removes color. It is a warm light that can make us see nuances, but not where we should live. An eggshell is benign in color, but what is within the eggshell, is vivid in purpose. In order to transform the egg into life requires commitment and patience. The unique flavor of the egg is diminished through mass production. What is missing is the open pastures for freedom of movement, thought, and support by knowledgeable souls. This is needed in order to give birth to life-affirming hatchlings, that can color our world.

The Music That Is Keeping Me Cool This Summer

Music is my salvation. Here are some songs keeping me happy-go-lucky this summer:


Guillemots - "Trains To Brazil"


Nouvelle Vague - "In A Manner of Speaking"


Crystal Castles - "Magic Spells"


Moby - "Live For Tomorrow"


Moby - "Mothers of the Night"

What can I say, I love Moby's music. In fact his new CD "Last Night" provides another sonic journey for the heart, body and soul.

You Can't Make This Shit Up

"Just two days ago, Gordon Brown was urging us all to stop wasting food and combat rising prices and a global shortage of provisions.

But yesterday the Prime Minister and other world leaders sat down to an 18-course gastronomic extravaganza at a G8 summit in Japan, which is focusing on the food crisis." Click here to read more about the absurdity of it all. Source: dailymail.co.uk

Here is the menu for that evening. I wonder which wine was paired with the discussion about famine?


The really sick and sad part about this, is that many of those plates were left almost full with food and thrown out. This crowd counts calories and worries about their waistline. Plus they have gorged on extravagant food so much, that they don't often appreciate it.

People Crack Me Up: 5

Has-Been, and some would say Never-Was, actor Stephen Baldwin said on Faux News that he would leave the U.S. if Obama became president. I laughed really hard that is hurt. Who gives a fuck if he left. No one is checking for Stephen.

He should have been thrown out of the country for making Bio-Dome.