Supporting The Music Makers On The Fringes

When music artists turn me on, I make sure to seek them out from time to time, especially if they operate outside of the mainstream pop world.

Many of these artist don't get the heavy radio play or big budget promotions. They work in solitude and have to do gig after gig to make a name for themselves.

With that said, I had posted about this woman's blog, vibe and music awhile back. I was turned on again when I  found new music from Tokimonsta.

The second track below is a wicked remix of Eight and a Half's song; Scissors.

She needs to get over to my neck of the woods and do a show, so I can get my groove on and support her efforts.

Oh and you can find more of her music on Soundcloud. Click here.

Diana Vreeland - The Documentary

Good people, come Sept. 21, 2012, the documentary Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel will be at select theaters in NYC and LA.

Diana Vreeland is a truly legendary woman in the world of fashion and culture.

I am hyped for this doc. Here is a tease.

Now You Have It, Now You Don't

So, looks like stripping medals, honors, or titles is the thing to do these days. 

Lance Armstrong punked out against his fight with USADA, that accused him of doping in order to win his Tour de France titles. The result being he is stripped of those racing titles. 

I am of the firm belief that if I am innocent of something, I would fight until my last day. 

I am not surprise about Lance's actions. He knows what he did, along with many others in his sport during that time.

I guess Lance stayed true to himself by punking out. Ya recall when he dropped singer Sheryl Crow soon after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. 

Now, I just read that John Galliano was stripped of his Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.

This is another blow to Galliano, after he made the big mistake of spewing anti-Semitic remarks, while getting shit-faced at a bar.  Johnnie also got the boot at Dior and his own namesake label. 

The moral of the story is cheaters never win, and God don't like ugly. 

The Ying and Yang of Teaching 10

I had a very interesting summer. I taught in a program that services children with multiple and/or severe disabilities. Most of my students, ages 7-15, were non-verbal and are at a Pre-K level in terms of academics.

It was very challenging and required me to be creative at finding ways to reach each child.

I was humbled when after a full-days work a student would suddenly produce results at that moment, however, the next day that child would have no recall and I was starting from square one.

Often, a big smile would spread across my face when the students with autism were able to produce work that revealed they are learning and aware of the world around them. It was also very special when they would make eye contact with me. I felt they were acknowledging me.

A family member had asked me, "Why are these kids in school?" I responded by saying, "They deserve an education. We never know what content will click in these children's brains or their potential if we don't try."

I also talked about the fact the kids responded to the affection and attention we gave them, and it made them very happy. And, that in working with them I learned to give of myself to others on another level.

So, next week I return to work,and my K-4 students. I am looking forward to seeing them again. I miss them.

Ron's Turn at Metamorphosis

Ron Palillo passed away today. When I was a little kid I digged watching him as Arnold Horshack on Welcome Back Kotter.  I secretly identifed with him because he was nerdy and "not like the other boys," which is how I would describe myself back in those days,

I remember as a teen, I was hanging with my crew and we played, Which sweathog are you?, when it came to my turn, all the fellas said, "Oh, you're Arnold Horshack." I kinda remember wearing that title with pride.

BTW, back in '01, I got to see Ron in an off-off-Broadway show. He played a redneck homophobic daddy, and was actually very good. Who knew!

Thank you Ron. You made this little gay boy feel like he could belong. Now, go and hang with Donna, Dick and Don.

My Thoughts on Marriage

Back in 1947, Rita Hayworth did a little song and dance number in the film Down To Earth, that explored an alternative to the one man, one woman marriage. All parties truly were thinking about their own needs.

Most people rarely get married because of the sanctity of the institution of marriage. I believe our temporary earth-bound spirits get married because of a combination of reasons, like:

• companionship
• lust
• finances
• societal pressures
• fear
• hope
• pregnancy
• wanting a second mother or daddy
• ego
• taxes
• breeding
• control
• fidelity
• safety

Oh, and of course there is love. Ahh, love. Nature and nurture gave us the ultimate mind fuck. 

The marriage ritual usually attached to this practice gives us the hope that the promise is sacred, therefore, a source of protection, affirmation, and feeling you have a life-long beloved.

That is the job of rituals.  Rituals make our spirit's attempts of being protected by the divine seem possible in our very terrestrial experience.  

Which is why I appreciate rituals. Many of us feel the need to reconnect our divine part within us, to the divine outside of us. I also believe there is power in rituals.

Many members of the GLBT want the word marriage attached to their ritual, as well as, the legal rights attached to it. 

Keep up the good fight. In the meantime, say to the outside world:

• I am married.
• This is my wife.
• This is my husband.
• This is my family. 
• These are our children.

If people questions it, you come for them and explain what you have committed yourself to is no different from their commitment. 

Oh, and if they throw in God or the Bible in their argument, well, just say the conversation is over, because you are certain there are several parts of the bible they have not really followed to the letter. 

I was married for 20 years to Marcos Colon. We had an amazing journey together. He was handsome and had the best laugh. We taught each other so much, and were true allies in this world. 

Marcos passed on in 2010. In our time we had the highs and lows, were broke and paid, and turned on and turned off. How lucky was I in my attempt at marriage? I had the full experience. 

After he passed Marcos let me know he is fine, and that what comes after this earth-bound experience is pure love. Ahh love! I am open to being in love again. Oye! Marcos, if our perrito Gino doesn't approve of him he gets le boot. 

With all this said, if you are lucky may your journey of being married have more ups then downs, last a long time, and give you experiences that foster your spirit's divine evolution. 

Just The Tip of the Iceberg

So, Chick-fil-a's CEO let his homophobic slip show and everyone has been in a tizzy over the past few weeks.   He's don't like the idea of gay folks attaching the word marriage to their life-long commitments to love each other.

All I can say is as a tax paying, law abiding, citizen of this country, I want full participation and not an ounce of discrimination when it comes to my pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Don't fuck with my constitutional rights; bitches.

Oh and by the way, if we dugged deeper, we would find that most corporations both big and small have spread their money and influence in ways we would not like.

Think about the businesses that are exploiting workers, polluting the planet, and nickel and dime-ing us for points.

To keep you good people from getting overwhelmed, let's keep the focus on Chick-fil-a

Renee summed it all up: click here

Viktor is fed up: click here

And, this queen done tore it up:

From Virtual To Reality

A couple of days ago Renee, a fierce blogging auntie, squealed in a post for the bags my thumb is pointing to. I gagged because what I was just looking at online, was right in front of me in real life. 

I just happen to come across these cartoony bags in a cute little shop at Grand Central, that sells all sorts of knick-knacks and bric-a-brac. 

Renee, head on over to NYC for a weekend and return home with the bag of your choice. You deserve it mama. 

Phan·tas·ma·go·ria

I came across a word I have not seen, nor said it a very long time. The word is phantasmagoria.

Merriam-Webster defines phantasmagoria as (take your pick):

1

: an exhibition of optical effects and illusions

2

a : a constantly shifting complex succession of things seen or imaginedb : a scene that constantly changes

3

: a bizarre or fantastic combination, collection, or assemblage

I always loved that word and realized that this planet is in need of witnessing more of these types of events.

We need more magical mind blowing moments in our lives.

I'd skip the traditional spooky forms of this illusion, and would prefer something sexy, sublime, and organic.

Hopefully, it will come in the form of the Hedwig sequel,  Viktor wrote about in his blog.

Random Thoughts - 2012 Olympics

So, here are my thoughts so far on the 2012 Olympics:

• The opening ceremonies had it best bits when they went for humour and showcased the history of great pop music from the other side of the pond.  I had a good laugh when the Queen dived out of a helicopter and Mr. Bean joined the orchestra. 
• The least successful moments occured when it got ham-ish and overstuffed, for example Kenneth's speech from  The Tempest moment. I also got sad when I saw all those volunteers removing acres of turf in order to have the Industrial Revolution moment fill the air with sulphur. Umm, and the boy meets girl mini-novela was a brick load of unnecessary.
• I am excited that the U.S. men's gymnastic team has two Latino papi chulos representing. One is, John Orozco, a Boricua from the Bronx, and the other is a tall, dark and handsome, Daynell Leyva, a Cuban-Americano. 
• Oh, and there is a little stick of dynamite in Latina, Marlen Esparza, who is competing in the first women's boxing competition. Wepa!!
• With all his gold and glory did Michael Phelps really need to spend the last four years of his life preparing for yet another Olympics? Doesn't he have other dreams or ambitions? I am sure he pulled enough coins from endorsements prior to his bong incident, that would have enabled him to pursue a new purpose in life. 
• Well hallelujah for the muslim women athletes breaking new ground. Get it ladies! I truly hope you inspire an entire generation of girls back home.

I'll be watching with eagerness, cheering the underdogs, waiting to be inspired by the personal stories, and believing the next three weeks will cultivate our collective humanity. 

A Bedtime Story

Good people, because I love you, I offer this story to tuck you into bed. It was illustrated and co-written by Ezra Jack Keats, author of the classic children's book,  The Snowy Day. 

May this tale send you dreams of an empathetic world where people find more connections to each other, rather than letting how we are different move us apart. 

May those dreams inspire your own action, and how you move in the world. 

This book should be read and discussed with a child, to then become a part of his or her home library. 

Click here. Milk and cookies are optional. 

Madonna....Here Is Your Clue

This is the song and video that Madonna should have been done to stay relevant.

Once again, Iamamiwhoami, ya done did it. Thank you Renee for turning me onto this group some moons ago.

Happy Pride - Take Two

My thoughts on GLBT Pride month and events:

• My first pride parade was instrumental in helping me begin the process of shedding the self-hate that dimmed my light. I know a few teens out there are going to have the same experience. 
• Our community in not a monolithic group, yet the media will portray the same images of drag queens, dykes on bikes, and the boys giving body while wearing a Speedo. I love them all; however, the repetition of these images really limits the mainstream public's view of the GLBT community.
• DADT has been repealed and a solider can be out of the closet in the military. I find it interesting this finally happened during a time when the military has been struggling to meet their recruitment numbers. 
• I wonder how many parade participants and viewers ended up later that night at a Tina-laced-barebacking-gangbang. Cock rings and Viagra went flying off the shelves. 
• I can see how many twenty-somethings think of HIV as a chronic condition that is managed with meds. These yungins didn't witness the devastation of the pandemic during the late 80s and early 90s. 
• During the Black and Hispanic history months, the school district I work in encourages teachers to create lessons plans highlighting the history and contributions of people from these communities. In June, for Gay Pride Month encouraging the acknowledgement of the GLBT histories and contribution is non-existent.
• Bisexuals are real. I know a few of these folks quite intimately.
• After the euphoria of the days events are over, I pray that many members of our community will walk away motivated to continue the good fight, not only against homophobia, but also the racism, classism, sexism, body-fascism, ageism, and all the other "-isms" that fester within our community. 

Timing Is Everything

I had a Hey, Arnold episode posted to give my take on "pride." In the episode the kids coach opens up about his feelings and coaches the boys in a synchronized swimming competition. The number had a cowboy motif, and I thought it was all very gay positive and a be yourself moment.

However, in light of Sanduzky's verdict being announced and his horrible history of being a predator, while coach, I decided to take it down. It seemed in poor taste, and I felt people may not get where I was coming from when I originally posted the clip.

So, that explains the change and stay tuned for my thoughts on pride month.

Are You Downton Abbey Ready?

As I watch reruns of Downton Abbey, I wonder if I would have had the behavioral instincts, sans training, needed in order to be welcomed within aristocratic society.

After taking the test that is linked below, I realize this pier-queen would have made some heads turn away in disapproval.

Click here to see if your choices would have been approved by the ladies and gentlemen that moved within the Crawleys' social circles. 

Oh and umm, I know you are being tested on Victorian etiquette, rather than Edwardian. With that said, the roots of the rules run deep.

Field Trip!

Today, my 3rd and 4th graders went on a field trip to the Mystic Aquarium. We had an awesome time!

The children were excited and mesmerized by the diversity of aquatic life on display.

I was so proud of them using terms like vertebrate, invertebrate, and mammals.

One of my favorite moments is when I took my five little learners to the bird pavilion, so we can feed them from our hands.

The young people were a bit afraid at first but then relaxed and communed with our fine feathered friends.

That is my hand in the lower center, with one of my little papitos on the left.

I am in my purpose and so grateful.

Ah, Yes, Memorial Day

Did you know that I come from a military family? My father served in Korea. Two of my uncles fought in  Vietnam. My brother is a former-Marine.

Some of these men in my family have moved on and healed, while a couple of them were never able to fully shed the trauma.

All of them came back to poverty, slums, racism, and very little support in terms of employment. This sad excuse of a welcome back is still being offered to many enlisted men and women today, that return from conflict over oil, resources and strategic military placement.

Wars are mostly fought over goodies, only a few are fought for a noble cause like freedom. Moreover, often the most disenfranchised and poor are on the front lines, protecting the interest of the rich-elite.

With that in mind, I came to this:

Movie Blockbusters of Summers Past

Michael Musto recently posted a list of the Top 10 Biggest Box Office Movies - with the domestic gross adjusted for inflation. Here is the list.  

10--Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

9--The Exorcist

8--Doctor Zhivago

7--Jaws

6--The Ten Commandments

5--Titanic

4--E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

3--The Sound of Music

2--Star Wars

1--Gone With The Wind

I've seen all these movies more than once, and I would see them all again. 

Any surprises regarding which movies made the list, and which ones didn't?  

I kinda gag that Titanic and Grease didn't make the top 10.

BTW, my favorite movie theatre snack is hot buttered popcorn, lightly salted, with Raisinettes mixed in for contrast. 

On This Day, Marcos Landed

My Darling,

On this day, in 1960 your spirit came to this place called Earth. You landed on Puerto Rico.

Within the beauty of the motherland, your tender spirit saw ugly.

It came in the form of homophobia, corruption, poverty, and grounded spirits struggling with addictions fueled by fear and anger.

You my darling, was brave enough to move beyond that reality.

Darling, you pursued the goal of learning, when most decided to give up.

The blessing was you were able to nurture a loving extended-family of choice. We miss you so much, but still feel your love.

It give me great pleasure to tell you that your family of blood and spirt are united. We are bonded by knowing who you were, and what your spirit gave us.

You lead a life dedicated to speaking out, loud, and proud for the people that had been silenced. Watch us as we make this belief grow and make a difference.

Your are triumphant! As an art teacher you inspired young people to look for beauty, express their own unique voice, and be themselves.

What I will do, and many that were touched by you? We will honor you by putting to practice the messages you gave us.

• Learn everyday.
• Shed the voices of oppression.
• Believe what we see in each other and offer our own light in support of helping each other out.

I feel you watching over me.  I remain forever grateful.

On the day you were born, we will see art, eat amazing food, listen to sublime music, and remember you.

xoxo,
Allan

Donna's Turn at Metamorphosis

What you need to understand about me and Donna Summer, is that her voice and the music she sang to, got me through a very dysfunctional and abusive childhood. 

She always brought sexy and exciting music into my world that enabled me to let my imagination take off.

I remember the first time I heard “Love To Love You Baby,” I got so swept up in her voice in the music. It was a new day for me. I must have been 7 or 8 years old.

The grown folks were talking as the song played. The topic was whether or not her moaning was recorded while she was actually having sex. 

Wow! I loved it even more. She was dangerous in my eyes at the moment, and I mean it in a good way. 

At first they were all doubtful, but then when Donna really got into it, she convinced the room that she actually was getting it on.

My appreciation for Donna was very sincere. I was a 10 year-old gayling that had posters of Donna on my bedroom walls. I would look at her dressed in sexy glittery gowns, and fantasized I was right along side her. 

I of course imagined we were both best of friends and living it up at the nightclubs DJ Paco talked about on WKTU.

Thank you, Donna Summer, for your amazing voice and for being a part of an amazing time in music history. 

Even when you got all church about gays, I gave you a pass, because I knew you eventually would come to your senses.

It is your turn at metamorphosis. Marcos, along with hundreds of your fans, is going to be on the other side to guide you through the first few layers. 


All will be revealed and you will understand how you were a divine part of it.

No More Apples for the Teacher

One of my students brought me some homemade chilaquiles. His mom, whose was born and raised in Mexico,  really hooked it up and sent one batch with red sauce and the other with salsa verde.

I shared this mother's generosity with a classroom teacher, because sharing is the right thing to do.

I tucked into the dish with a roasted chicken leg. I tried the red sauce one first. It was so sabroso, and then the heat washed over me. I felt like this --

I was lit up with the top of my head tingling.

I then digged into the salsa verde. Werrrk! My face turned red and the endorphins kicked in to help a biatch out.

I took to the sky on a natural high. I was loving it more and more. I felt like this --

I can't wait till the year-end parties, when all the mamis bring their best dishes for our potluck parties. I will be hunting down some chilaquiles.

Raul, I Did Not Forget You

In my early-teens I cried at times because Raul Julia was not mine. I wonder now what his metamorphosis has brought his sprit to experience.


I am grateful that while on this plane, Raul gave this fellow Puerto Rican, an example of the grace, talent, and beauty that our people have to give to the world.


I offer this post in appreciation to the stardust Raul left behind, and may it connect and motivate the spirit in its currently perceived reality.

A Mom and Her Family in Crisis

Today I had a PPT meeting with a single-parent that is having major challenges with her three children.

At one point my heart sank as I looked at her face, which to me, conveyed totally exhaustion and regrets for many of the choices she has made in her life.

At one point her three-year old clenched his fist and gestured as if he was going to punch her, after she had reprimand him for crawling under the conference table. Everyone in the room told that child, "No!"

She really is trying her best to make things better. She has support services in place for her and her sons.

I plan on continuing to encourage her to remain consistent in showing up for these services, and hope this support makes a difference in their lives.

I also hope that she finds a new and improved version of herself. May she find a different way of being and thrive in her life.

May she cast to the side the belief that someone that suffers on this plane will get her rewards in the next life. Get yours now mamita!

A Hiccup In The Matrix...Sorta.

Okay, so the 1940 Census is available online for anyone to search. Click here for access.

I was curious and wanted to find family members on it, however, you can't search by name.

The search engine requires that you look up folks by state, town and house address. I am working on getting that information.

So, I became curious about who lived in my childhood home in Brooklyn, and who lived in my house here in Hamden. What I found was very intriguing.

It turns out that in the exact apartment where I grew up, there lived a family that had two daughters, Jennie and Tina.

Now gag on this, my sister is named Jenny and her best friend growing up was Tina.

My sister Jenny and Tina grew up together in that apartment playing with dolls, listening to music, gossiping and getting dressed for a night out. We lived there till we were in our late teens.

Now, in the house where I live, there was a family that had a 3 year old son named Stuart Allan. Yes, his middle name is or was Allan and it is spelled the same way I spell mine.

What are the odds of this type of coincidence? What does this mean? What do you guys think?

Calling All Tech Savvy Bloggers

I am so frustrated right about now. I copy the code for Steampad, so that I can share mp3 files. I placed the mp3 file into the post, it didn't work. Then I placed a link to the file, but it is not running the mp3! Can someone please tell a bitch what he is doing wrong. Help!

Oprah Needs To Breakout Plan B

So, Oprah's OWN network has lost 150 million dollars, and her O magazine had a drop of 25.1% in ad sales. She has recently said that if she knew it was going to be this hard, she would have done something else. I am sure she will get the opportunity to do something else real soon.

I knew OWN wasn't going to fly when she launched shows featuring Ryan and Tatum O'Neil, as well as,  Sarah Ferguson aka Fergie, complaining about their lives, while regular folk are struggling to make ends meet. Moreover, who is checking for these people?

My advice is milk that Be-the-best-you-change-your-life tour thingy for what it is worth. You'll get to do what you do best. Sit and pontificate to a large gathering of folks. As for the magazine, move it to an online experience. Your soccer moms are Facebooking like crazy and tending to their online lives.

Am I Not Trayvon?

Just now, on my way to the store, a police officer in a squad car stopped me twice. I had flashbacks to my days as a B-Boy.

My former life as a B-Boy totally influences my reaction to being stopped by a cop. I'll share more on that experience later.

The police officer asked me if my name was Howard. I said, "No, my name is Allan." He then drove away. I was on the phone with my mother. I kept walking.

A few steps later, the cop actually pulled along side me and asked to see my ID. I gave it to him, he looked it over, gave it back and drove away.

I felt angry, concerned, and frustrated all at the same time.

Was he really looking for a Howard? If there is a Howard, do I fit his description? Or, was I being profiled?

What if he was profiling me and found me suspicious, what would have happened next? Once I got home my mind went to Trayvon Martin. 

I am not Trayvon.  I was not stopped by a vigilante with a concealed weapon. I reached the age of 44 and made my way back home. So, why does Trayvon come to my mind?

During the early 80s in Bushwick, Brooklyn, I was a b-boy. I was down with the crew Brooklyn Vandalizing Dudes aka BVD. I looked a lot like the homeboy with the red turtleneck.

I always had my Adidas laced up to match the Le Tigre shirt I was wearing that day. This was the look that adults said made you look like a titere, a hoodlum.

I would laugh at that impression. I knew I wasn't a hoodlum. I just had to rock a look that made me fit in. I liked my clothes and how I looked.

The older folks were whack and didn't get it. The titere look presented to the outside world, back then, was about fitting in with my peers and survival. It was there hang-up, not mine. 

The rules for young homeboys like myself were you always walked around not looking like a punk. You also knew what blocks you had to avoid because other crews "ran" that block.

You never showed fear, and even faked the funk to give the impression you were hard. It was required you had some sorta swagger. 

Another important rule is when the cops pulled you over, because you always "fit the description" of someone they were looking for, you kept it cool. In those days the 83rd Precinct  was corrupt and would play rough.

So, when I would get stopped, by the cops,  a cold feeling would wash over me. I knew to take my hands out my coat pocket, stand straight, and answer all questions. Once the encounter was all over I felt powerless and insulted.

I was a good kid, despite my 40s and blunts. I would promise myself that next time, I would give the cops a hard time. Yet, I never acted on that desire, and just submitted to the experience.

I was wise enough to know by prolonging the encounter, it would lead to some heavy experience. I made peace with submitting because it meant survival.

I wonder if Trayvon was pissed that here was a non-cop harassing him, when he encountered Zimmerman. I wonder if he thought, Shit! Now,  I have to take this bullshit from someone that isn't a cop.

I wonder if Zimmerman's fear was met by Trayvon's frustration. I would of had the same reaction of being messed with that Trayvon experienced. I would have been totally in the right to feel that way. 

Fuck you Zimmerman! You are not  a cop. And, the real authorities told you don't follow Trayvon. 

I would love to ask Trayvon if he shared my experiences. I would love to ask Trayvon if he ever felt angry, concerned, and frustrated all at the same time, as he moved among his world. I would love to hear what he would say, and how us grown folks can learn from him.

Sadly, we won't get those lessons from his mouth. He was stopped by a vigilante with a concealed weapon. A vigilante that worked from fear and a sense of powerlessness that made him want to give, what he considered suspicious looking, people a hard time.

It is still possible for Trayvon to speak to us, and for us to learn some lessons. I write this in the hope that Trayvon's short-cut-life gives us lessons that will keep us moving forward to a humanity that works for solutions of what ails us, based on love, rather than fear and prejudice.

Blondie, I Did Not Forget You

I am shocked that this pop-diva is not given her due these days. She showed how it was done. 


BTW, mama always sang live, despite these videos, and wrote many of her songs. 


Moreover, mama turned it out at CBGB, which was like the Apollo for our white brothers and sisters.


Sunday Girl



Dreaming



Heart of Glass

Good People Rock And Need Love Sent Back

Good people, because I love you, I give you this. Enjoy!

Haikus: From Me, To You

This first day of Spring has put me in the mood for writing Haikus.  Good people, here I go again. I hope you enjoy.


Spring

the earth starts to breathe
a supple world of new life
blooms around our feet

House Chores

over and over

the goal to be clean and neat

a task with no end

Smart Phone

touch, swipe, choose an app
world wide web at my command
I am George Jetson

Deja Vu All Over Again

Singing Cowboy in NYC circa 1950s - Photo by Frank Oscar Larson

Singing Cowboy in NYC circa 2000s - Photo by Vramdal

The more things change, the more they stay the same. I gagged when I saw this image taken, of a cowboy singing for his supper, during the 1950s in Times Square. 

I gagged because I immediately thought of Naked Cowboy pimping himself out to tourist in Times Square since the late 90s.

It's all just a little bit of history repeating. 

BTW, Mr. Larson's work is currently being shown at the Queens Museum in NYC. Click here for more.

I'm 44, And I Can Kick, And Stretch

I made it good people! I have been on this planet for 44 years. In numerology 44 is a master number, therefore, this should be a year of me having the potential to achieve material and financial accomplishments.

I have never been a truly materialistic person, however, some financial stability would be nice. I want the freedom and experiences that come from being financially liquid. It would be nice to get my broke off and be able to live a little.

With that said, here are some thoughts on life in my mid-forties:

• It is so weird to hear the music of my teen-years being played at the local Stop & Shop supermarket. The most surreal moment was hearing Prince's Little Red Corvette, while I picked out   bell peppers. 
• I am still kinda gag a bit when people call me "sir."
• I feel sorta silly about not knowing how to drive. "I'm a New Yorker, fear's my life." 
• Thank you mami for taking me to see Bob Fosse's Dancin' when I graduated the sixth grade. Seeing a Fosse show, as my first Broadway show, made me a theatre queen. 
• I have to be mindful how I share my opinion when twenty-somethings talk to me. I don't want to become that know-it-all older dude. I learned to share  experiences, and then dropping my wisdom in a way that is not judging their accumulation of experiences as an adult. 
• I have become really good at striking up casual conversations with total strangers. Moreover, I don't really get bent out of shape if it doesn't go well. 
• I still cherish my biological family and inner-circle of friends that have become my other family.
• Ewww, to the little aches, pains and growing ear hair. WTF!
• I miss Marcos everyday, but I know his spirit is going through a divine metamorphosis. 
• If I ever have a 28" waist again, it means that something is seriously wrong. 

Ugggh! Downton Abbey Jonesing

Thank goodness that I have some clips to help me get through my Downton Abbey withdrawal until the next season airs.

Random Thoughts

I am on mid-winter break, so I get a chance at some much needed rest. I'm also trying to clear my head. So here is a purging of some deep and not-so-deep random thoughts.

- Downton Abbey was choppy and melodramatic this season. The whole Livinia thing was a bit much. However, I'm still hooked and dread the withdrawal while I wait for season 3.

- I was up and out handling my business on Saturday. Then, I went back to being a couch potato despite having a ton of things to do. Arrrgh! I have to learn to keep the momentum going.

- I don't agree with Brian May. Freddie Mercury would not approve of Adam Lambert as a frontman with Queen. I know Brian and the rest of the crew need the coins, but a mall queen. They should've looked for a real rocker.

- I indulged on Saturday. Now, let me pull in the reigns and pace myself again. While I need a bit of scandalous behavior in my life, I don't need to be a slave to my lower chakras.

- This Iran and Israel thing that is brewing, once again, would be so not good. It would set off some serious shit in that region. I hate war. 

M.I.A. Is A Badass Bitch...In Her Head

So the artist known as M.I.A. wanted to be badass and decides to give the finger during her performance at the half-time show. I have some thoughts about that:

• I want to see some pics of her asap. I am certain her face is bruised and scratched up after Madonna beat her for points, while screaming, "Bitch! This was about me! How fucking dare you try to take tomorrow's headlines!"
• Girl, where you M.I.A. when Janet showed her pierced tit a few years back? How in the hell did you think giving the finger would come even close to being as scandalous? That was a weak ass attempt at trying to shock the crowd. 
• Real badass bitches do not dress up like a Universal Studios theme park gladiator, and lip-synch a whack ass song at the Super Bowl. You being there is you joining in the mainstream, and really saying F U to the fringe. You are living too far in the center to even begin to think you are edgy.
• Cliche, cliche, cliche.

'Nuf said.

Jean Loving On Amy

The Couture shows have shown. There was some controversy about Jean Paul Gaultier using Amy Winehouse as a muse. Amy's daddy was not happy.

I say Jean was lamenting the fact he never got to dress her. Therefore, he took his flight of fancy, in true couture spirit, and dressed her within the context of a loving memorial.

Click here for the rest of the couture artistry.

On The D Bus

So, on my bus ride home a 20-something girl trapped in a woman's body tried to hustle her grandmother for some money via the phone.

This is how it went down. Mind you I couldn't hear the grandmother's responses, but the 20-something woman-child talked loud enough for everyone on the bus to hear the sloppy begging and pleading.


Girl In Woman's Body: Hi Nana, I need money.

Grandma: (responds but unheard)

GWB: I have no food at home.

Grandma: (responds but unheard)

GWB: I don't get that money until the 3rd.

Grandma: (responds but unheard)

GWB: I don't have anything at home, and I didn't eat all day.

Grandma: (responds but unheard)

GWB: I was calling you all day and I even texted you.

Grandma: (responds but unheard)

GWB: Why don't you love me?

Grandma: (responds but unheard)

GWB: Then you should do me the favor.

Grandma: (responds but unheard)

GWB: I find it hard to believe I spent $1,000 in one month

Grandma: (responds but unheard)

GWB: All you did was just buy me two pairs of pants and a shirt.

Grandma: (hangs up)

GWB: Fuckin' bitch! I hate her.

It seems like GWB has leaned on Grandma way too many times, and the well is running dry.

GWB better make a budget, keep a well stocked pantry of essentials, and whip up those inexpensive but satisfying in between-paychecks meals.

Too bad GWB can't look past her own self-created drama, and realize that perhaps Grandma is also struggling to make it from paycheck to paycheck.

GWB needs to grow the fuck up!

Morgan Freeman Sharing His Life-Lessons

For the first time, I watched Oprah Presents Master Class. I watched it because Morgan Freeman was one of the television teachers that taught me how to read, when he played Easy Reader on The Electric Company.

Morgan has also blew me away in many of his movies with his amazing performances. Therefore, I wanted to see what Morgan has learned along his journey.


Here are the bullet points. Many of his lessons I've heard or learned before, so I felt I got confirmations.

If you have a chance watch the repeat of this episode to get these lessons within the context of his life.

• nurture your natural gifts
• find your safe haven
• sometimes you have to change roads....when you have made your choice providence is your guide
• just keep going
• wisdom can come from unlikely places
• declare who you are
• make the best of every situation
• follow your own muse
• hold on to your principles
• be irreplaceable
• create a lasting partnership
• you have to listen
• challenge your courage
• the universe is unfolding as it should...be at peace with yourself, you are as important as the stars

Bobby Deen Cleaning Up Mama's Mess

I find Bobby so sexy. 

Yesterday, I saw Bobby Deen's show Not My Mama's Meals. In this show Bobby retools his famous mama's, Paula Deen, classic recipes in order to bring down calories and fat.


I gagged when Bobby revealed that his mother's Shrimp and Grits dish has over 1,000 calories and 40 grams of fat. These numbers are like Burger King numbers.

Paula recently announced she has adult onset type 2 diabetes. Duh! She also put out that she always talked about eating her food in moderation. Yeah right! If she can't do it, most of her viewers can't do it.

How that cutie Bobby managed to survive a childhood of Paula's kinda cooking is a miracle.

BTW, a lot of folks have called Paula out on her style of cooking before and now after her announcement of her living with diabetes. Here is a link to Renee's take on the whole thing.

Downton Abbey Returns!

I found myself squealing this morning when I remembered one of my favorite shows returns to tv tonight. I know I'm on the late train with this, but I am addicted to Downton Abbey. Tonight season two of this British novela begins.

This show has everything you want, great actors, interesting characters, and scandals for your nerves. If you haven't seen it, please look for it. You won't be disappointed.

Once again please refrain from calling or texting between 9-11 pm. You know who you are.

Watch Downton Abbey 2: The Critics Can't Stop Talking on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.

P.R. All-Stars. Squeeeeal!

This is what I will be all wrapped up with this evening. Please refrain from calling or texting. You know who you are.