Millions Of People Excluded From Donating Blood

However, the following need not apply.
The Red Cross has an eligibility criteria for donating blood, which is a good thing. They want to make sure that people are safe while donating and that the blood being collected is safe for distribution. This is all very sensible.

However, there are a few criteria items that when you look at it really are just fucking silly. The first being that their policy excludes gay men from donating. This is the line in the criteria for donating blood that keeps yours truly from being allowed to donate blood:

-- are a male who has had sexual contact with another male, even once, since 1977 (source: American Red Cross)

The list then goes on to say you are also ineligible to donate if:

-- have had sexual contact in the past 12 months with anyone that:

-- used needles to take drugs, steroids, or anything not prescribed by a doctor
-- is a male who has had sexual contact with another male, even once, since 1977
-- ever taken money, drugs or other payment for sex since 1977

Now, I have a question. Shouldn't this exclude a large segment of the population as well? The way I see it many men and women cannot answer this question with 100% certainty.

How many women engaging in heterosexual sex ask their partner(s), "Hey, you ever had sex with a man, pimped yourself out, or shot up?" I would guess less than 15% of women ask this question.

The same goes for heterosexual men. I would guess .02% of men have asked their female sex partners the same question. Most men are pigs and just need hole and a heartbeat.

So, when men and women are asked this by the nurse, in all honesty most of them would have to say, "Not that I am aware of." or "I've never asked that question of my sex partners." Thereby, making them ineligible because they don't know the answer.

Oh and if you are from Africa, or had sex with someone from Africa, you can just forget about getting juice and cookies on that day, after helping out the blood bank.

Am I wrong in coming to this conclusion?

BTW, thanks Todd for bringing up this issue, while still encouraging people to donate. You gave me a post item. Oh, and Todd I had another snowday on Friday (Todd just growled people.).

Couture Fix - Oh So Satisfying

The couture collections have spread their magic. Click here to see what is next. Armani made me gag with these shimmering dresses that looked like electrically illuminated melted candy (see pictures above). I have to find the video to see how the garments moved.

Another Snowday - Chillin' with Andy

Today, was my fifth snowday from work! Todd just growled a bit. See the thing is the majority of students in my district are bused to school, therefore, the slightest occurrence of inclement weather results in school being closed. At this rate we'll probably have the school year extend into July. So, don't be to envious people, I'm playing now but will pay later.

Anyhoo, I decided to watch on tv, Ovation's airing of the documentary Andy Warhol's Factory People for like the upteenth time. I'm fascinated with the stories and characters. To see the surviving members of that crowd share insights and stories is amusing.

My favorite story is the one about Andy having Bob Dylan sit for one of his "screen tests" and Dylan was cordial and sat for two hours basically not doing much. Just being all aloof in that rockstar sorta way in front of the camera.

The kiki of the story is that when it was all done, as Dylan left the Factory, he saw the silver painting of Elvis with the cowboy costume and gun drawn (see picture above). He grabbed the painting and said to Andy, "Hey man, I'll take this as payment." To which Andy just stared at him and turned "tomato soup red."

The scandal was that Andy thought he was alpha-art bitch, and he was so not ready for a contemporary that also thought he was alpha-art bitch. It gets better. A few months later Andy finds out that Dylan traded in the painting for a piece of furniture. The end result was that Andy and Dylan never "worked" together again. I find that hysterical.

Check Ovation's programming schedule for the next airing. It really is a fun and at times fascinating look into a modern mythical time.

Music Therapy - Old Skool Style

Good people, today was rough. I found myself missing Marcos and then frustrated that he is not here with me. I actually argued with him by talking to the air. I allowed myself that moment. Then I remembered that he fought long and hard, but was ill. While writing this I remember how handsome he was, and that I would love to give him one long kiss.

I know find myself, like I usually do, going back to the past. Today's therapy required me to revisit the music that ushered me into being a hip-hopper. I'm just visiting, but not staying. I needed a jolt of the old, in order to continue to allow me to move forward. When I heard old skool hip hop I was never the same. I found a profound connection to my time and generation. I was 12 years-old.

So this is about feeling a connection and accepting the time I am living within. I know there are some former hip-hoppers navigating life just like I am. Aint that right Renee?


When I heard this song I realized I was a teenager! Gag on this. I first heard this song at a Christian church dance!


This song will influence my movement into loving and vibing off of House Music. Yeah, I know the song in this video is very techno, but the subject matter and sonic vibe brought me to appreciate the scene at the Paradise Garage.


I love this man's voice.

A Night With Spidey

Intermission Time!

Okay so back in December I went to go see the Spider-Man musical! It was meant to be a night out with Marcos and my sister, alas, things sadly had changed.

I lifted m head up and went out to get back into life, and brought along two of my dearest friends that I've known since high school. Time with dear friends and a night out in NYC to see live theatre is just what my spirt needed.

Well, as many of you have read, the "Spider-Man musical" has been plagued with many problems. There have been canceled performances due to some scary moments that involved performers being injured. Most recently one of the actors that plays Spiderman fell over 20 feet into the orchestra pit when a restraining cable failed to break his leap. And, the lead actress playing Arachne, that suffered a concussion weeks ago, left the show this week.

Did someone connected to the show mentioned the Scottish play while in the house? It feels like the show is cursed.

What I saw that night was a preview and it's traditional to not offer a review while a show is in preview. It's just not fair. The directors, actors, musicians, et. al. are working out the kinks. So what I offer now is not a review but my own reflection on what I saw that night and that lingered with me.

- The proscenium is framed with this huge web that comes out into the theatre. Very cool looking and a perfect foreground for a comic coming to life on stage.

- When Spidey ran down stage in slow motion as the Brooklyn Bridge slowly ascended with Mary Jane dangling at the end, the audience cheered. I knew we were in for something new.

- Arachne descending from the heavens as she sang an ethereal song that told of her run-in with Athena was made even more surreal as the female members of the chorus swayed back and forth while dangling from long bolts of silk in order to weave a shimmering curtain. Genius!

- Watching Spidey fly above our heads was great fun. I gagged when he would land at different areas, because you can hear this thump when he landed, that let you know this was some serious acrobatics.

- The towering 3D televisions moved about the stage and illuminated the theatre to great effect. Seeing the Green Goblin 20 feet tall in techno-green while he taunted Spider-Man was particularly creepy.

- I admired the group of performers that really gave it their all. It must not be easy to try to get things right, while so many things have been going wrong. Great singing, great dancing, wonderful portrayals of their characters. America Olivio, the stand-in for Arachne, has a beautiful voice. The show must go on.

Okay, so maybe this was sort of a review. I guess I wanted to share that on that night I saw something that was really trying to take live theatre to another level. I wish all involved with the show the stamina and inspiration to make it work.

My Family of Choice

Sy Fy Fashion Fantasy Moment

While dreaming about the future, I took a short glimpse into the past. I remembered how Thierry Mugler excited me about fashion with is vision and major fashion show productions. I even got to see one of his garments upclose and try on one of his necklaces when Willie Ninja walked for him back in the day. It made a then young gayling smile and feel fierce.



About 22 seconds into the video you will see Willie Ninja werk the Paris runway with his idol, the legendary Iman. I was so happy for Willie. He went from the projects of Queens, NY and served it in Paris and Russia along side a diva that he adored. Dreams do come true.



This is an amazing and fun fashion show extravaganza. They don't build shows like this anymore. Please note Thierry Mugler's fashion has become a major inspiration for many designers of today. He was really ahead of his time.

Happy New Year

As Renee said in her blog "Like all the years before it, 2011 will offer the good, the bad, and the ugly." This is so true. As you know in 2010, I accomplished a major goal by becoming a certified special education teacher. I then lost Marcos who has been my partner-in-life for the past twenty years. Highs and lows is the natural flow of things.

I have resolved the following:

I will evolve my teaching skills to another level.
I will spend more time with the people I love and inspire me.
I will move forward from the profound changes in my life with love and grace.

Marcos whispered my name into my ear this morning. I smiled and it made him feel good. He's working his way to his next experience and I will do the same.

You take care of yourself good people. I wish you positive internal changes that will attract all that is beautiful in this life.

Glimpses Into The Past

Todd over at Hell's Kitchen shared a major tip for folks that love photography. He had mentioned that the Museum of the City of New York has a great archive of photos of NYC. Yo! He was totally correct.

The Jacob Riis portfolio is heartbreaking. He really recorded the underbelly and poverty of NYC during the 1890s. As I looked at the photos I imagined the stories of each of the subjects. I was transported.

Here is just a taste of what you will find. Take some time to check it out.

Pietro learning to write
A young scrub girl
A dive bar circa 1890, called a black and tan
Young thugs out for no good, chillin' at their spot
A boy and his bootblack kit
These young girls were part of a team that reviewed election results.

Thank You Lady T - Go Back To The Divine

Thank you Lady T for amazing music. Your music has served me well for many years. Here is one of the songs that always puts me in a good mood.



Fire and Desire that she did with Rick James, also has a special place in my heart, but it's all about Teena right now.

Dog Sings A Lullaby

Gino has been such a godsend to me over the past several weeks. He makes me smile, motivates me to get up and get out each day, and to focus on getting things together. Dogs are awesome!

UPDATE: Gino ventured out this morning after the blizzard. Once he realized the level of snow was taller than him he turned around and headed back to the house.


Dog Sings To Soothe Crying Baby brought to you by Funny

Santo Claus In Action

Yes, Virginia, Santa is Puerto Rican

I went shopping for Christmas presents today. It was not for family or friends. I rubbed my belly and became Santa for a moment because of love I have for two students at my school.

While I was away buying beverages for a mini-Chinese Buffet I put together for all of our students that receive special education services, a parent called with an urgent request.

This wonderful mother that has been trying very hard to take care of her kids, with her husband, was laid-off and said to a my colleague over the phone that Santa would not be coming to her home. Their money was tight paying rent and utilities. Her family is part of the working-poor.

She called me because she knows I have been very kind and caring towards her children. Last week I sent a letter home praising the efforts of their son that is one of my students. I went immediately into action. Santo Claus to the rescue.

A fellow teacher came with me, because homegirl knows how to shop. We picked out a cute PJ set for the girl, and a slamming shirt with matching beanie for the boy.

My fellow teachers also went into action and we will have toys to give to mom and dad for their well deserving children.

Putting my love for others into action brought joy to my heart. I feel so blessed. I wish the same for all the good people that stop by and read this blog.

I know this story will emanate to those that you love. The blessing of this story will multiply and love within our universe will increase.

Ban Line Dances

I just came back from the teacher's union holiday party. Let me just say that we teachers know how to party. What I loved is that it was truly a diverse group of folks, and we all got our groove on.

My only complaint is that we need to ban line dances. The only line dance that should still be done is the soul train line. Nuff said! Electric Slide was fun and cute like what 15 years ago. It annoys me when I get dragged out to do it. Uggh!

I rather see folks get out there and do their own unique thing. Way more interesting to watch and allows you to shine by contributing your own fierceness.

Nadia! We Should So Hang Out

Nadia G came right on time into my tv viewing life. She is funny. Her food looks good. I so need to try one of her recipes to see if there is skill behind her glam over the top personality. Take a look at this teaser and tune her in. She done grew on me people

World AIDS Day

Know your status by getting tested.

Love yourself and others by playing safe.

Stay healthy by getting treatment.

For all those that have lost their battle I lit a candle tonight in loving memory.

Thanksgiving with Ralph

I cooked a ham and collard greens for my family-of-choice's potluck Thanksgiving feast. I got a lot of compliments and ate till I was stuffed. It was sad at times when I thought about Marcos, but I showed up and engaged.

Then at 2:30 am I had to run to the bathroom and begin to vomit to the point that I thought a lung would come out. Like Todd, I too have the stomach bug going around. No one else at the party got sick. Lucky me.

I am now making ginger tea with cinnamon and honey. I will keep on keeping on.

Connected Via The Divine

I am about to share a very true story that happened today. As you know Marcos has recently passed. I am taking it a day at a time, but feeling more at peace thanks to the support of family and friends.

Hugs and kisses to my fellow bloggers that have expressed their support and sent me healing vibes. Thank you Aaron for what you expressed on your blog. Click here for the post.

So, back to the story.

I was walking Gino tonight and thinking about Marcos. I transmitted unknowingly to him that Marcos has passed. When we reached Marcos' car Gino stopped and would not move. I realized that he finally knew what has occurred. He looked around and sniffed the air and would look at me. Gino decided he wanted to go back home.

As we walked back I said a prayer and looked up to the stars and said "Marcos please tell me where you are."

I then heard a small motorbike coming down the street. I looked and all I saw was a huge bright headlight that lit up the entire street. On this tiny bike was a big guy that was way too big for the little bike. He reminded me of a clown in the circus. He was dressed in NY Giants regalia from head to toe.

As he pulled up next to me I saw a tiny license plate on the back of his bike that had printed on it Guarbo, Puerto Rico. Good people, tonight Marcos' ashes are at his parent's home in Guarbo, Puerto Rico. And, tonight his family gathered to offer him prayers so that his spirit continues its journey to the divine.

Meditate on the divine tonight and know that there is a cosmic connection that we all have access to and that will provide nourishment.

Marcos, I lit a candle at my alter for you tonight. I got your message and know that you are visiting your loved ones, and will be moving on. Seek the light and heal.

My Marcos Has Passed On

Good People,

My darling, dear Marcos has passed on to the other side. Twenty-one years he and I traveled together.

During our travels there were ups and downs and moments in limbo. I am spending my time focusing on when our life together shined.

I will remember his face as always handsome, his support as forever nurturing, and his body next to mine as a source of comfort.

His family and I came together with love and grace, and eased him onto his new journey. I am eternally grateful for that moment.

Move on papito by heading towards divine light. You are free now and can work your magic from the other side. Obatala's son has gone home.


A Classic Video Moment

Runway - A Poem

The music and the movement from Project Runway finale inspired this attempt at poetry.


Runway

a succinct saunter
serves seductive swerving
slide to side to slide to side
synchronized swishing and swaying
in singular sonic stomps
silk sounds a sudden snap
strands swing
shiny skin smiles and smirks
step spin stand
you succumb

By Allan S.

I've Got Life

The past few days have been heavy. I wonder what I still have within me to thrive. The musical Hair came to town recently and reminded me, I've Got Life!

A wink and a smile to Renee for reminding us that Nina Simone was earth-mother manifested.

GLBTQ Teens - It Gets Better!

My darling GLBTQ youth, it is very true that it does get better. It breaks my heart that many of you live in a world where you are silent, invisible and/or persecuted. Do not embrace self-hate! You are beautiful and capable of amazing things. Reach out and find the community and support you need. It will get better.

As a teen I had struggled with the idea of suicide, but I was fortunate to have found other options early on. I was lucky. Today, I wake up and feel so much gratitude for being here and living my life. Even on crappy days I remind myself I am blessed, and will continue to overcome any challenges that come my way. I am surrounded by many people that love me, and you will find that in your life. Keep on keeping on.