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.

I'm Home Again

Hola good people, yours truly is in NYC right now! I'm here for a couple of days and I'm just taking it all in and enjoying myself. It's been awhile since I visited, and here are some current highlights:

- While I'm standing outside Rocco's Pastry on Hudson, I over hear a man in his sixties talking to a friend. The man says, "My concern is that in the recordings of the wiretap, it will come out that I was unfaithful to my wife with several women. Should I tell this to my lawyer?" The man than listed for several minutes and replied, "So basically you are saying honesty is the best policy." I guess better late than never.

- Fran Liebowitz is walking in front of my sister and me. Wow, she walks real butch. Slowly a motorcycle pulls up to the corner as we are crossing the street. The rider cranks on the accelerator and makes the hog roar. Fran then flips him the middle finger and keeps on walking. Like I said, she rolls real butch.

- I'm here with Gino and I'm meeting other dog owners. I met a lovely woman that was walking a tiny poodle that was rescued from a puppy mill. The poor dog kept spinning in circles, it seems she was caged most of her life and tends to spin around a lot. She also keep offering her rear end to Gino, she was put to have litters several times over during the past five years. May puppy mill owners burn in fucking hell, and shame on the people that buys dogs from those mills.

Merry Christmas To All

I wish you all peace and joy this holiday season. May the new year bring you not only what you want in life, but also what you need.

Remember to live, love, learn and pass it on!

The Line Between Student and Teacher Relationships

I was gagging as I read this article in the Times about school districts having to implement policies restricting teachers from getting connected with their students through social networks and texting.

I was very surprised to see that some grown folks don't use their common sense in this situation. At what point does it make sense to "friend" a student of yours and invite him or her into your personal life, via your online presence?

Children don't really know boundaries unless you clearly set some. Over the years students have tried to blur the line between our teacher and student relationship. I quickly help them course correct.

This is how I handle this situation with my students:

Student: "Mr. S do you have a facebook page?"
Mr. S: "No. Facebook is for you young folks."

This prevents a student from looking for me on Facebook and requesting I "friend" him or her.

Student: "Mr. S do you tweet."
Mr. S: "No. Tweeter is for you young folks."

I actually don't tweet.

I do leave room for students to interact with me on a somewhat social level because at times they will need an adult to confide in if they are experiencing something heavy like bullying or abuse.

Moreover, we see each other five days a week for hours, and we are human beings that develop connections to one another.

However, I am not their father or friend. And, my students are not my kids.

When students open up to me about any problems they were having, I listened compassionately and guided them to the right person in that school that could help them. In other words I respond as a professional.

With that said, there are exceptions to this rule. I have a handful of "friends" on Facebook that were my former students from when I taught in high school.

My rule was modified to included any student that was 18 or older and attending college, and the relationship will be as mentor/mentee.

Oh and it is by invitation only to students that displayed a mutual respect and a certain level of maturity.

Peter Pan Syndrome In Effect

Quidditch has gone muggle. Well, at least they are getting more of a workout if they had played baseball.

I Went All Lemming On Myself

I gave into peer pressure and got a smartphone. I did get the phone at an extremely discounted price, but my monthly cost went up $20.  I took the bait and got hooked.

I'm curious to see if after a few weeks if I feel at ease with joining the herd. BTW, my students don't laugh anymore when they see my cell phone.

A Virtual Fashion Magazine Moment

I realized today that is has been years since I indulged in flipping through fashion magazines.

My Titi Maria always had Vogue, Elle and GQ on her coffee table. She loved fashion, and was quite stylish on a very tight budget.

I forgot how much I would love looking at fashion magazines and imagining a story to go along with the editorials. Fashion magazines were one of the things that provided me with moments to escape a hard-knock-life childhood. 

In my teens I decided to go to the High School of Fashion Industries. It was very daring on my part because most of my friends and family stayed in Brooklyn for high school, however, I was determined to take the L train to Manhattan and become part of the fashion world. 

I loved my years at Fashion High, but I soon learned I didn't have the discipline nor patience for crafting garments. I did learn my true talents would require me to pursue other dreams. Yet, to this day I still remain an admirer of great fashion and design. 

I also still love strong and brilliant fashion editorial work. Here are images that fueled my imagination during the morning. The images are courtesy of VMan Magazine, and the captions came from my twisted mind. 

The Contessa kept her most valuable possessions close to her. 

Very Krafty how they Werked this. All aboard for the Trans Europe Express.

Watersports

I'm pretty mama.

A High-Fashion X-Man 

Bring back the Pompadour!

Oh Johnny! Why you go and fuck up the way you did?
Stay off the drinking and drugging so you can return  back into fashion.

Men are dogs! Genius styling at this shoot. 

Happy Thanksgiving

I was really good this year and handled my time well while preparing my goodies for the annual potluck Thanksgiving dinner.

My collard greens are tender and tasty, my sweet potato puree is silky with a sweet and savory thing going on. 

The only big ticket item waiting to be done is the ham which is seasoned with spicy mustard, brown sugar and a bit of curry powder. 

I'm so glad I only have to transport my dishes across the street! 

Random Thoughts

- Politicians are fucking whores. The more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm feeling so over it, but I remind myself I have to stay engaged and let my voice be heard.


- Dancing With The Stars celebrates the GLBTQ community in the biggest way. I saw a transgendered man dance with a women. Then, a big queen took a turn with another man. This show was brought to you by a Disney owned company. Everyone say "Hallelujah, Tinkerbell!"


- Local news remains a freak show. Midway into the broadcast they show a man pulling a school bus for a local school. I'm sure next will see a segment on something scary involving the holiday season.


- I saw on doc on PBS about a man that spent a year raising wild turkeys from the moment they came out the egg. He said they taught him, "when we live in the past or think of the future we betray the present." Once again we are reminded the age old advice to live in the present. 

Another Music Memory

When Adam Sandler came on Letterman tonight to promote his new movie Jack and Jill, they played a few seconds of this song. I was reminded how much I loved this song as a kid.

It's true that Ray Parker Jr. was better than the theme to Ghostbusters.

Heavy D and Smokin' Joe Frazier Have Their Turn At Metamorphosis

Two legendary men have gone on to see what is on the other side. Thank you for letting your light shine. 

Smokin' Joe Frazier (click here for more)

Heavy D (click here for more)

The Celesta

McQueen Lives On

It looks like McQueen's house is in good hands.

Diving for McQueen on Nowness.com.

You and I Let This Happen

 We are living, as always, in a time when We reap what we sowed and allowed to bloom.

Nerd-Comedy Rocks!

Myq Kaplan Stand-Up Comedy from Myq Kaplan on Vimeo.

Occupy Water Coolers

Good people, fly your freak flag at the water cooler. The folks that are occupying need us to explain, the reason behind this action.

A Music Man

V posted a classic Chic tune on his blog today. It reminded me about the brilliance of Nile Rodgers. 

Nile Rodgers is legendary within the world of music producers.  Whether it was his work with Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Duran Duran Madonna, David Bowie, or his own band Chic, there is a track Nile birthed that made you feel the groove.

Nile has written an autobiography that should be out, if not now, any minute now. I got a taste of his story in the NYT. Click here for a look into his early childhood. It was so not what I expected, which made it very interesting. 

I'm gonna hunt down this book. I want to know more about his journey.

For The Passionate People At OWS

Kurt Vonnegut has been my mentor, via text printed on page, for many years. I offer this quote as a caution to the good people, doing the good work focused on bringing justice to this planet:


"During the Vietnam War, which lasted longer than any war we’ve ever been in—and which we lost—every respectable artist in this country was against the war. It was like a laser beam. We were all aimed in the same direction. The power of this weapon turns out to be that of a custard pie dropped from a stepladder six feet high."


Click here for the full interview of a human being that served in war, and was able to hold on to his humanity.

Hot Pink Mussy Power

There will be moments in life when you have to show your hot pink, and let it make the people gag. Look and learn.





BTW, the divas in hot pink won! In the words of a fan, "Ya ate it!"

Bowie On My Brain

I so dig a song from David Bowie.

At his best David eats music's pussy, or rims, then fucks it's hole, while offering his own.  This creator of music is made by a lover of both men and women.

I offer this sample of music by Bowie, that has for many years, left me pleased.

The song also left me wondering if Iman's husband likes to be fisted. If he does like an aryan fist up his mussy, I say, "Do you!'


Funny how secrets travel, I'd start to believe, if I were to bleed

Thin skies, the man chains his hands held high

Cruise me blond Cruise me babe

A blond belief beyond beyond beyond

No return, No return

I'm deranged

Deranged my love

I'm deranged down, down, down


So cruise me babe cruise me baby beyond

And the rain sets in. It's the angel-man

I'm deranged

Cruise me, cruise me, cruise me, baby

The clutch of life and the fist of love

Over your head

Big deal Salaam

Be real deranged tonight

Before we reel I'm deranged

And the rain sets in It's the angel-man

I'm deranged

And the rain sets in It's the angel-man

I'm deranged

Cruise me, cruise me, cruise me, baby

Show Business Is Fierce...Not In A Good Way

Wow, Sean Young from Blade Runner, and other movies, just pimped herself on David Letterman's show tonight. She was pleading for the folks in control, to hire her for something, anything, you name it. She even let them show a video of her in a Catwoman outfit screaming, "I'm not crazy!" In the words of Dave Chapelle, "Show business turns us into whores."

Proud Alumnus of P.S. 123

Class 2-1 Mrs. Bello

Class 3-1 Ms. Goldberg
So I came across these class pictures posted by a former classmate of mine. I actually still have the pictures, but never thought to scan them. Take a look and see if you can find me.

I'm very grateful for the public education I received at dear old P.S. 123, in Brooklyn. I had very dedicated teachers and felt like I could accomplish anything because of their encouragement.

Mrs. Bello helped me fall in love with writing. She always encouraged me to put my thoughts onto paper. Thank you Mrs. Bello.

Ms. Goldberg opened my mind to beautiful writing when she read to the class Charlotte' Web. The way she gave life to the words in the book remains a vivid memory. Thank you Ms. Goldberg.

Mrs. Bello and Ms. Goldberg are my role models and the standard I strive for as a teacher.

I Can Now Watch The Final Minutes of 60 Minutes

Andy Rooney is making his last appearance on 60 Minutes this Sunday. Let me say that in the past 20 years of watching 60 Minutes, Andy has consistently been the reason why I change the channel during the final moments of the program.

Trust me when I say I gave him a chance to make me "get it." However,  I have never found him funny, clever, insightful, witty, or worth watching. I've even read one of his books in an effort to find his charm.

You've been a lucky fuck Andy. You better thank god almighty that someone high up on the CBS totem pole wanted to see and hear you.

Repainting Virtual World, Real World Next

Okay, so a high-riding bitch needed a change of scenery. I know I went vibrant, after not so vibrant, in terms of color scheme. Por favor, pardon the color shock.

Good people, let us adapt together.

The Ying and Yang of Teaching 9

This documentary on PBS about four teachers, from the Philippines, turned me out.

Good people, please look for it on your local TV listings and learn from it.

Watch the full episode. See more POV.

Lady Gaga Making Amends

Some of this jazz, with acoustic thrown in in her last CD, would have kept Lady Gaga from being banned on the jukeboxes of east village gay bars. After tremendous success go back to your roots.

Dolphins Rock!

I Got Cooties!

I bought the sanitizing wipes and hand gel, yet my little K-4 students gave me my first cold!

I would be upset, but they are so adorable and eager to learn. I forgive them. I'll just have to go from washing my hands three times a day, to six.

Ten Years Later....

Six years after 9/11 I had posted my thoughts at the time. Most of what I wrote about still remains part of my memories and thoughts from that day.

However, today I feel a sadness for the fact that more war and hatred grew from that day. I say it is time we truly honor those that lost their lives, by creating more peace and love in the world.

Let's Take A Moment

Thank you Ms. Anne Hathaway for the recommendation:

Thank You Irene

Silly fucking me thinking the passing of Hurricane Irene was all about me. I hope I make amends via bullet points.:

- Lives were lost after Irene's passing. The lost of loved ones is profound. I turn to author Breena Clarke, she was a tutor in my after-school program, because she wrote in River, Cross My Heart:

"Losing a loved one, a family member, is like losing a tooth. After a while, those teeth remaining shift and lean and spread out to split the distance between themselves and the other teeth still left, trying to close up spaces."

- Since I didn't have the distraction of the TV and the Internet, I was visited by the dark shadows that wanted to tell me lies about my life with Marcos.

I prayed and was reminded Marcos showed me he was better than okay, and that he and I were warriors in an unjust time. Yet, Marcos and I shared our moments of bliss.

I had to truly believe I was part of seeing Marcos' transition, to the after-this-life, in order to inform my journey in my life. Marcos gave me a divine kiss.

- Mother Earth is not angry about gay marriage. She is angry about two wars killing thousands of beings, BP spilling tons of oil into the ocean. My good people, know that that damage is still floating and killing as you read this.

- It is amazing we want to control nature, yet nature always wins. Shouldn't we hear her voice and find a way to be in harmony with her.

-

Goodbye Irene

So, Irene put on quite an impressive show for us in Hamden, CT. She took down a tree that was at least 70 years old. Luckily the house it landed on had minimal damage. She left all sorts of organic debris across my front lawn, and I haven't heard the birds singing in two days.

We are all okay here at home. I still had power throughout the experience, but no cable, phone or Internet service until about 20 minutes ago! I was jonesing people. It wasn't cute. But, it could have been worse.

I hope you all made out okay. And, let's hold on tight to see what else Mother Nature has in store for us this coming winter.

Goodnight Irene

For those of you familiar with the title of this post, you may know where I'm going with this. In the world of wrestling and boxing, "good night Irene", is a term used to say that the less formidable opponent is going to be left knocked-out. Basically, it means lights out for that being.

According to the most recent news reports, folks in CT should be very afraid. This has resulted in The Home Depot selling out on generators, flashlights, batteries, etc. Moreover, bottled water and canned goods are selling out at local supermarkets.

Mother Nature is no joke. I'll prepare my best for the worst. What I have resolved is that come hell or high-water, Gino and Geronimo, my four-legged children, are coming with me. We shall face our fate together.

For V and Other Wonder Woman Fans

I was a huge fan of the Wonder Woman tv show back in the 70s. Lynda Carter was so stunning to me. She embodied the character of Diana, a true Amazon warrior. I would spin around in my room, along with her, as she transformed into Wonder Woman a countless number of times.

Did ya know Lynda's mother is of Mexican descent? Also, Lynda speaks fluent Spanish. I would love to have seen an episode where Wonder Woman spoke in spanish.

Here she is recently talking about her relationship with her superhero past and a certain intense fan.

And The Beat Goes On

I head back to work next week. This has been quite a long summer vacation for me. This is the first time in four years that I didn't teach during summer school. I really needed the rest.

This was also my first summer without Marcos. I had moments when I walked the streets with tears in my eyes. I then brought myself back by knowing Marcos' spirit is transitioning within divine light, remembering that I'm blessed, believing miracles happen everyday, and knowing things will get better.

I've also been assigned to a new school. I have mixed feelings about the change, because, my former school is going into major turnaround and I wanted to be a part of that process. However, the district thinks my bilingual skills are needed elsewhere.

I promised myself I will show up to the new school with an open heart and mind in order to give my best. At the end of the day I also know I will become immediately invested in the success of my new students.

I'm going to keep on, keeping on.

Damn You Writer's Block

Okay, I need to do something to break this writer's block. So, here are some random thoughts to get my mind going. Hopefully this effort will lead to my muse showing up and doing her damn job.

- Michele Bachmann is the new Palin. She's about preaching intolerance and fear. She is a bowl full of crazy and is going to be a hoot. For example, today she wished Elvis happy birthday on the anniversary of his death (click here).

Biggest difference is she doesn't have that hot husband, but rather a queen of a man that will have his spot blown up! There is a rentboy chomping at the bit. Trust!

- Let me just remind you good people to never make a decision based on a negative emotion. By negative emotion I mean one that comes from a place where you feel fear, anger, frustration, or confused.

Instead make the emotional fuel of your actions come from love, hope, joy, and an empowerment that is not based on the oppression of another person or idea. However, if the person or idea is fake as Bachmann, let them have it.

The best sense of empowerment is knowing that your light has to shine because the world needs it in order to understand this mortal coil.

- Listen up Haves, the Have-Nots don't think it's cute anymore. There are more bubbles that will burst, and the nickel-and-dimeing drip, drip, drip, has made many a folk angry. Ya, better start building a reset button.

- I've been working hard to keep the novela in my head from becoming my perceived reality. As a being grown up in constant crisis, I need to no longer fear the other shoe dropping. Why? I'm a high-riding bitch that will take it on.

- I remain for ever faithful to believing that LOVE IS THE MESSAGE! You doubt it? Play and meditate through dance with this:

I Was Unfaithful, And I Might Do It Again!

I was unfaithful the other day. Let me say in my defense, it was a matter of urgent need that lead me to stray.

I'm going to NYC tomorrow for a fab evening out and I needed my hair done. I went to my wonderful barber of five years and saw a sign saying he was on vacation! My Puerto Rican Afro was in full glory and I needed a serious cut.

I wandered a few blocks down and went to a competing barber. This was a challenge for me, because I really like my barber and we have a nice relationship. Alas, I had no other choice.

The barber did an awesome job! In fact I dare say he gave me exactly what I wanted, plus he offers full shaves as a service. Full shaves! Not a lot of barbers that do that these days. My regular barber doesn't.

As I left admiring my cut, all I could think about is returning so he can lather me up with hot lather from the machine, and using his single edge blade to leave my face smooth.

Dammit Bob! Why did you have to go on vacation. You see what you made me do!?

"Rocky Horror..." Brought To You By Boys Town

Good people, the clips of The Rocky Horror Picture Show being shown on hulu.com are sponsored by Boys Town.

Boys Town provides "compassionate and effective care for today’s at-risk youth...through programs nationwide"

I gagged because I know one of the Boys Town's values is based on "supporting children and families in religious practices and values."

All I can say is that

a) folks at Boys Town didn't do their homework regarding being specific about what media content they wanted to sponsor

b) they have a gaggle of GLBT children in need of support and are reaching out to people that can roll with that

c) hulu.com drops sponsors where and when they need them, therefore, Boys Town is unaware of how they are being used.

I highly doubt scenario C, because I worked in mainstream media and all that shit regarding sponsorship is carefully calculated.

Watch some clips and see if Boys Town comes up. What is your take on this?

Amy's Turn At Metamorphosis

Now Amy has her turn at metamorphosis. While she was here she was a brilliant and credible music artist.

Unfortunately, when she hit big, the powers that be made her believe she had to get on the hamster wheel. It took its toll on her, and magic powder and pills just made it worse.

She does leave behind music that will be cherished for a long time, here are some of my all time favorites:



This one breaks my heart:

She Fought For The Wrong Cause

Don't fuck with her paper, aka money, or power. Murdoch's third wifey was not having it when some fool went to pie him in the face. Click here for the proof.

She made a choice in life whether to live it for purpose or power, and she chose to defend a sinister serpent that slithered for power.

A woman and her children have to eat. Then that woman has to live with how she fed herself and her children.

He will die. Your beauty will fade. All that will be left is the lessons you should have learned and the fight for truth you should have supported.

Alas, another life giving being, that forgot her gifts, fell victim to a man tethered to greed and power.

GLBT Teens Need Their Public Spaces

Gaylings serving it on Christopher St.
As a teen I could NOT hangout in the neighborhood where I lived and be out and proud. It was just plain dangerous to do so. While I'm not crazy about us self-segregating, finding other people like me on Christopher St, in the West Village of NYC, was a godsend. However, these days GLBT teenagers can't catch a break in their own gayborhoods.

V, posted recently about folks over at Boystown in Chicago having issues with the young, mostly kids of color, hanging about at night. It seems the elders see a connection between increased criminal activity and the yungins. (Click here for the post)

And, Michael Musto blogged several weeks ago, about Christopher St. businesses and residents are having issues with the yungins, again mostly kids of color, that are allegedly engaging in scandalous behaviors in the neighborhood.

Even the Manager of Boots & Saddles, Rob Ziegler (see pic) is quite vocal about his fears. (Click here for the post)

GLBT kids are extremely vulnerable members of our community. It concerns me that these kids are being portrayed as dangerous. What they need is for us older folks to be more empathetic to this stage in their lives.

There has to be a way that we can create, in partnership with the yungins, safe public spaces for them to socialize.

Anna Got Dissed, And I'm In Fashion Bliss

Good people, so the 2011 Fall Couture collections have been sent out into the atmosphere. It was very delicious for a few reasons.

1. Art once again strutted down the runway. I really enjoyed Armani's collection (see image above).

2. The first Dior collection sans John Galliano strutted and flopped. Yes, he was a dick for saying what he said. Booze and drugs is not your friend Johnny. Therefore, because of your caca mouth, you and the world of fashion must now suffer.

3. Azzedine Alaia turned it the fuck out, and Vogue was not invited. Click here for the slideshow. Azzedine and Anna Wintour don't likey each other. I have a feeling he once told her to chill with her dominitrix bullshit, and she gagged, then kept him from the pages of American Vogue for years! Meanwhile he sells like hotcakes to the rich women, of high society, with taste. Here is an example:

For the full effect click here.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

I just got rid of a temporary houseguest. I knew helping him out was going to be a mistake. Let's just say he was a bottomless pit of need.

Not a day went buy when he didn't hit me up for money or play the victim in one self-created drama, after self-created drama.

Meanwhile, he had no concern whatsoever for my own challenges.

Good bye, good luck and good riddance.

Lady Gaga Banned At East Village Gay Bar

The 43 y.o. jaded me finds this contrived. She would have shocked me if her second album was acoustic

My friend Devon works in an East Village gay bar in NYC, told me that Lady Gaga is banned from being played on the jukebox.

Apparently the staff is not feeling her new music and so over having to hear it repeatedly.

When a customer violates this rule the staff ejects the song and gives back the patron his or her dollar.

I kikied when my friend told me this, and was shocked to hear that customers didn't revolt and leave.

Devon reminded me that the bar has some of the most reasonable drink prices in the E.V. Therefore, it seems affordable cocktails trump Lady Gaga.

BTW, doesn't it feel like the Haus of Gaga sits around the table and discusses what next shocking thing they can have her do?

Their creative process consists of them going into their Madonna, Grace Jones, Annie Lennox and 80s performance-artist archives.

Once they find something that makes them squeal they lather, rinse and repeat.

Putting It Together

Good people, little by little, I'm getting things in order around the house. I didn't get a Summer teaching job, and took it as a sign that I needed to put my time and energy into revitalizing the house.

There's a lot more to go. My mother would gag if she saw the clutter. She would say at the top of her lungs, "I didn't raise you to live like this!"

With that said, I will keep on keeping on.