Stranger Than Fiction

Reality TV has given celebrities on the C through Z list a second career. It has also given the common individual a platform to whore themselves out for fame. Shining examples of this include:

- Da Brat has been The Surreal Life and Celebrit Fit Club. Quick name a top 10 hit by Da Brat. Yeah, I couldn't think of one either. Also, she must be pre-menoupausal by now, shouldn't homegirl drop the thug look by now.

- Danny Bonaduce has proven once again celebrity plays Russian Roulette on the psyche of former child stars. This guy actually sold a show idea to VH1 that focused around his drugging and drinking fueled hot mess of a life. And, child he is all pumped up with Steroids which brings the insanity to another level.

- Gene Simmons can now be seen in The Family Jewels. He was creepy as a demon in KISS and his creepiness has evolved. He now has a look that I describe as a serial killer that would fuck the family dog.

- Being Bobby Brown was genius. What the hell were they thinking when they decided to have camera follow them around? Oh wait I know. They needed the money to support their "habits", as well as supply the most sinister drug of all ATTENTION.

- Kudos to Tiffany aka New York from the Flavor of Love. Miss Draq-Queen Looking Thing parlayed her stint with Flavor Flav to her own show, I Love New York. She is now heading to a second season. She is now a nobody that everyone knows. She learned the valuable lesson: Get pimped you eat for a day, pimp others and you'll eat longer.

- Grease: You're The One That I Want has to be the longest commercial for an upcoming broadway show.

The bizarre thing about all of this is that this so called "reality" is not real. You want to see reality, the watch a well done documentary. I say this because it's all tainted in my opinion. All of these characters from celebrities to your Average Joe know the medium they are working within. I feel they calculate the "role" they want to play. We've all had our cherry popped. We know when a camera is on us that it is SHOWTIME! Reality TV is just layers of sloppy contrived plots fueled by producers.

So what you exploit yourself and a need for attention. Who cares if you are a celebrity that has already been flushed down the toilet of popular culture. What it's all about becoming a SUPERSTAR. Now give me my goodie bag of swag and remove that velvet rope.

Viva La Raza Puertoriqueña

Yesterday NYC had over a million Puerto Ricans along fifth avenue either marching or watching the annual Puerto Rican Day Parade. I've flaunted my pride at the parade myself a few times over the years. I didn't make it this year, so let me give a shout out to my fellow Boriquas by highlighting some of our accomplished hermanos y hermanas Boriqua:

Film/Television/Theater

Erik Estrada, Actor: Yup! Ponch from CHiPS is Puerto Rican
Jose Ferrer, Actor: First Latino to win an Oscar
Raul Julia, Actor: Brief but accomplished career in film,theater and television. Dram Desk Award winner and Tony nominee
John Leguizamo, Actor/Comic: Puerto Rican father
Jennifer Lopez, Actress/Singer/Entertainer: Diva
Rita Moreno, Actress/Singer: Winner of an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy and Tony.
Ana Ortiz, Actress: Catch her as the sister in Ugly Betty
Rosie Perez, Actress/Producer/Director/Choreographer: Check out her documentary "Yo Soy Boriqua..." She also choreographed the Fly Girls for In Living Color
Vanessa del Rio, Adult Film Legend: Such a hot mama even famed photographer Helmut Newton immortalized her in a portrait
Chita Rivera, Actor/Dancer: Broadway Legend and winner of two Tony awards
Jimmy Smits, Actor: Winner of an Emmy and Golden Globe
Benicio del Toro, Actor: Oscar winner

Literature/Music

Migel Algarin, Poet: Co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, some say the birthplace of the poetry slam.
Howie Dorough, Singer: Backstreet Boys member
Fat Joe, Rapper: Do the Rock Away...lean back, lean back
Pedro Pietri, Poet: Pivotal poem "Puerto Rican Obituary" a must read
Judge Edwin Torres, NY Supreme Court Justice: Author of Carlito's Way
Daddy Yankee: Prince of Reggaeton

Fashion/Models

Oscar de la Renta, Fashion Designer: Puerto Rican father
Jaslene Gonzalez, Model: Winner of America's Next Top Model Cycle 8
Astrid Munoz, Model/Photographer: Her fashion photography has been featured in French, German and Japanese editions of Vogue
Talisa Soto, Actress/Model: Featured in Vogue, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues, and film Mortal Kombat

Business Leaders

Richard Carrion: Chairman International Olympic Committee's Finance Committee
Angel Ramos: Founder of Telemundo television network
Herb Scannell: Former Chairman of MTV Networks and president of Nickelodeon Networks. Puerto Rican mother
Joseph A. Unanue: President and CEO of Goya Foods, son of founder

Let me stop with the listing, because there are way too many to list on a blog entry.

A big Wepaaaa to all the Puerto Ricans out there. Keep on, keeping on. There's still a lot our community needs to overcome. Keep the faith, do the work and we'll get there!

Brother and Sister

My brother Anthony came to visit my sister Jenny and me. As many of you know he lives in Florida along with my mother. I have a tremendous amount of love and respect for Anthony. He served as a Marine for four years, and survived a childhood in the ghetto of Bushwick Brooklyn.

I also have admiration for Jenny. She also survived our childhood and has managed to become a smart, independent, woman. As well as a good mother and a wife that doesn't take any crap from her husband. LOL.

Here are some thoughts on the visit:

Damn, Anthony does NOT change. He looks like he's still in his twenties and he's approaching 40 this month. The body is toned. If only I had the discipline to workout like he does. He has nice Puerto Rican hair I wish he would do something different with it. He's still sporting the tight fade from his military days with a bit of length on top.

Jenny is a loving tigress and I love it. Her language is salty. Her honesty is ever present. And, her hospitality is generous. She keeps it soooo real. God bless her.

Anthony and Jenny hate to PLAN things out and it drives me crazy. They lean too much to the "go with the flow" side of the how to live life spectrum. I had to remind them I now live two hours away and have a husband and two dogs to consider in my planning.

When we get together we make each other laugh! The three of us have the same twisted humor and sensibilities. Hallelujah!

We don't get enough moments together. I want to change that.

The End of My News Fast.

General Pace will not be reappointed to a second term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Bush's administration. This is the same general that had the audacity to call gays and lesbians immoral, when he knows that many have and are serving with honor in the U.S. military. See ya, hates to be ya!

The Immigration Bill was killed today in D.C. Leaving 12 million immigrants in this country stalled on their pursuit to achieving legal status and eventually citizenship in the good ol' U.S. of A. A country that was built by immigrants. A country that has a lady in the harbor holding a torch and proclaiming, "give me your tired, poor, huddle masses yearning to breath free."

"The House gave final Congressional approval on Thursday to legislation aimed at easing restrictions on federal financing of embryonic stem cell research." Bush promises to veto the bill. (NY Times). Stem cell research can lead to treatments and cures for Alzheimer's and Juvenile Diabetes.

As of today the war in Iraq is costing American tax payers over $432,963,291,753 dollars and RISING.

The Senate will hold a "no confidence" vote on embattled Attorney General Alberto Gonzales this Monday, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, announced. In a statement released Friday, Schumer said if all senators followed their conscience, "this vote would be unanimous." (Huffingtonpost.com)

Some rich spoiled brat learned today that if you break the law and drive while drunk, you go to jail; despite her mommy and daddy being rich. Note in 2005 there were over 17,000 deaths due to individuals driving while intoxicated. That number has risen 14% since then. That is so NOT hot!

Take A Hike!

I went for a hike today with Marcos (the husband). I was reminded how wonderful it is to get immersed in nature and connect to its beauty. What is also fascinating is how on one little area there is such a diversity of plants and trees sharing that small space and still being able to thrive. I wish people knew how to do that better.
The trail we walked today was lush with flora and fauna and was barren only a few months ago, but now is the time for it to come alive and start the cycle all over again. Get out and see it for yourself! Sooner than you think Mother Nature will put the earth back down for a rest.

In Need of a News Fast

My head just can't take it anymore. All the madness that I am reading in the news is starting to get to me. The insanity of Bush, the wussiness of the Dems, the bullshit of Fox News.

I've decided to take a little break and focus on what is right in the world. I'm like one Breaking News story away from becoming a cynical jaded being that believes evil will triumph over good.

I'm going to think happy thoughts for the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for silly-just for the fun of it- posts.

PEACE

Summer Online-Reading Suggestions

As many of you know, while I welcome the Summer as a sign that the world is still revolving around the sun and the apocalypse has not hit us yet. I also loathe it because of the high temperatures. I can only dig the hot weather if I am on the beach and can dip into the salty brine to cool off. Therefore, when I am faced with the a day without the beach, I prefer to spend my time out in air-conditioned spaces.

Here are some suggestions of sites that might be fun or interesting for you to visit as you enjoy the lazy, hazy, days of Summer.

HuffingtonPost.com
Arianna saw the light a few years ago and has evolved into a person embracing more progrerssive and liberal politics. This site collects some of the best ideas and thoughts on current events. Does it lean to the left. Yeah, it usually does and so what! You want a right leaning view just go to Faux News...um..I mean Fox News.

Betty Bowers
A perfect parody of parochial personalities and principles. Mrs. Bowers - the best Christian in the word - has a wit as sharp as the crease on a mormon's trousers.

Food Network
Ideas for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner are covered. If you're traveling check out $40 A Day link for great restaurants. If you are having a BBQ or social function, they have several fab themes to help plan your party.

PRICELESS

Ryan made a boo boo

As some of you know, my mother has me watching American Idol this season. On our calls she likes to dish about it. Well, last night Ryan made a big boo boo.


American Idol uses that played out technique of prolonging the announcement of who is leaving the show. They torture those contestant. Well Ryan, actually revealed that Melinda Doolittle was going to be the next contestant booted off the show, before it was time to do so.

As they went to commercial he said "And, when we return Melinda Doolittle goes home." The camera zoomed out and you could actually see Melinda's jaw drop!

It was priceless.

Melinda is a great singer. A real pro! I wish her luck in developing her career.

So NOW The TRUTH Matters

It was reported in the NY Times today that George Tenet, the former of director of the CIA is dropping this BOMB in his new book "At the Center of the Storm"

WASHINGTON, April 26 — George J. Tenet, the former director of central intelligence, has lashed out against Vice President Dick Cheney and other Bush administration officials in a new book, saying they pushed the country to war in Iraq without ever conducting a “serious debate” about whether Saddam Hussein posed an imminent threat to the United States.

Isn't it amazing how now that the war has become unpopular and Bush's approval ratings remain low, that so many people are now starting to come after him and his administration.

Where the hell were the balls and ovaries of all the people speaking up now, when Bush was really cooking up the mess he created and served to America?

It's a damn shame things had to get this bad in order for the people on the inside or with potential to make change, decide that the TRUTH had to take priority over loyalty to the GOP or surmount their fear of revenge from those in power.

Alberto Gone Gonzo

I can't believe Alberto Gonzales testimony. I lost count of the number of times he used the "I do not recall" defense. Today I read several sources that say the final count is at least 70 times during his testimony. Ronald Reagan would have been proud.

How can ANYONE be the head of ANYTHING, and be effective at it, if they can't even recall what they did a few weeks or months ago. I mean he's suppose to be running the show and he came off like he had NO CLUE as to what was going on in his office.

Alberto, your performance was downright shameful. You need to find a quiet place, sit down with yourself, and ask some soul searching questions. You got busted lying about the shady shit going down. The honorable thing would have been to either come clean, or leave.

On Turning 39

Recently I turned 39 years old. It's an event that has pulled me emotionally in several directions. One thought that came to mind is how quickly it arrived. At times I feel so much like and adult, and often like I'm just starting to be one.

Overall I say that I am grateful. I know far too many people that did not make it this far. Don't forget babies my path has been a mine field of obstacles that if I failed to surmount them, it would have meant my demise. By the time I hit my mid-30s, I knew enough people that have died from the explosions of AIDS, drugs, poverty, mental anguish and violence, that I ran out of fingers and toes to count them. They remain a part of me, and I move forward in their honor.

Here are some obersvations and epiphanies I have about reaching almost 4 decades on this big blue marble in space:

• I've seen black power, the latino love of The Lords, the amazing fight for civil rights. A movement determined to shed colonial mentalites and negative self-indentities for people of color.
• I remember a time when there were only nine channels on tv and its transimission traveled through the air and it was free. Now there are over 200 channels and it enters from the ground and you have to pay for it (Annie Leibovitz shed that light). Now, via the Interent I move at the speed at light. So many ideas and worlds I can now just click into.
• I remember the first time I heard Planet Rock by Afrika Bambatta and Soul Sonic Force. It was that beat, those words that ushered me into being a teenager and a member of the hip hop generation. Now hip hop is dead. I'm eagerly awaiting the new sound from the children of a community that is poor and disenfranchised. The new sound that like hip hop, took scraps and made it into a sonic meal that fed the world.
• God Bless The Queens of the Christopher Street piers. She taught me how to strut it. She showed me how to read it. She told me to always give it. Most importantly, she taught me to be out, loud and proud.
• My brother and sister. Our blood ties are made even more sacred by our spiritual connection that I could only realize over time. Thank you my fellow travelers for holding my head when it hurts, tickling my spirit when I needed a laugh, and understanding me in a way no one else can.
• The skin I'm in has started to become a better fit. It took some time and needed some mending. I played with all the trends and at times over did it. At last, now I know what looks best on me. Who knew that it was the authentic me I always needed to be. Time has been my tailor.
• Still on the journey after all these years. Now more than ever I realize that I have so much more to see and do. I can't believe I once thought that I would feel done with having that good job, 3 hots and roof over my head. I'm a kid again at times, riding on the shoulders of the blessings that I have been given.

And the beat goes on

I recently went to a lecture given by Dr. Marcelo M. Suarez-Orozco, co-director of Immigration Studies at New York University. His presentation was titled "Rethinking Immigration" and here are some highlights:

Humans started immigrating 60,000 years ago when there was an exodus from Africa to other parts of the world. There ain't nothing new about people moving to get somewhere better, safer, or closer to other family.

There are 85-300 million immigrants and refugees worldwide. Australia and Switzerland lead the pack with each country having at least 20% of its population foreign born.

The U.S. is in fifth place in terms of immigration with only about 12% being foreign born. (Makes you wonder how real is this concern, by some people, that there are too many immigrants in this country).

U.S. foreign policy has led to the need for people to immigrate to other countries, including the U.S. (Vietnam and Iraq Wars, and U.S. goverment interceding in the politics of Central and South America)

In the U.S. about $50 billion worth of "human capital" is injected into the U.S. economy annually, because of the contributions of immigrants. (That's right folks, immigrants don't just take, they also contribute, labor, skills and talents. An immigrant invented the iPod.)

Second and Third generation children of immigrants will transform the U.S. in terms of culture and economic growth.

Even if immigration stop today, the dynamics and pending influence connected to the immigration of the last ten years are already in motion.

Therefore, in order for countries to benefit from immigrants, policies created around adjusting toan immigration populations should be "values-based" and consider a world-view.

Something to think about while you color your easter eggs. Oh, by the way, the tradition of easter egg coloring was brought over by immigrants.

Pessimism - The Anti-Secret

A friend recently sent me this quote, that I though was funny and had some truth to it.

"My life is filled with drama, most of which has never happened."

I decided to keep the tone of humor running by creating some of my own twisted quotes:

"I have endured so much, in my head"

"That which does not kill us, will only get us that next time around"

"A bird in the hand, is not as good as the two in the bush."

"Haste makes waste, so I pray for patience."

"Live and let live, unless your living gets on my nerves."

"Aim low in life, so the results don't disappoint you."

"You say pessimist, I say realist. You say optimist, I say must be drunk."

"What you are NOT worrying about, is what is going to get you."

"Every cloud has a silver lining, or is a sign of a hurricane a'comin."

"A friend in need, makes me feel my life aint so bad"

"If I had a nickel for everytime I was right, Uncle Sam would get 30% of it."

Thoughts On Life's Truths (well at least in my opinion)

One really shouldn't turn their nose up when someone points out the obvious. At times the truth can be like your house keys. You are frantically looking all over for them and all along the keys are right in front of your eyes. Here are what I fell are obvious truths that are often forgotten:

Hold on tight to hope after a shitty day. Twenty-four hours really can make a difference. It's so easy to be in the midst of a bad moment and mentally grease yourself up for that downward spiral into the cesspool of despair. Please note if bad days are consecutive, it's probably time to reevaluate what you are doing.

History does repeat itself! Tell me Iraq isn't like Vietnam, or that what happen in Rwanda and Darfur isn't similar to events in Nazi Germany and Bosnia. History repeats itself cause often those repeating the history, are too far removed by time and memory from the history no one wanted repeated. Be forewarned this rule applies to our own personal history repeating itself.

No one likes a snitch (in certain situations). Comedian Joe Rogan has blown up Carlos Mencia's spot by exposing Carlos has stolen jokes and lied about his identity. Silly Joe forgot the rule that no one likes a snitch. We often admire snitches but don't really want them to know too much of our business after we know they are a snitch. The act of snitchafication can tap into concerns one may have about their own dirty laundry being exposed.

Since his act of snitching Joe has been banned from several comedy clubs. Did he think revealing certain truths of another performer would work in a town like Hollywood. People build careers on lies and contrived images in the entertainment industry. What was he thinking?

You can't have it all. Who ever said you can have it all is a big fat liar. The concept of having it all is a marketing plan developed many moons ago. It makes you spend beyond your means. Plus, wanting it all takes you away from inner peace, it compels you to look for that peace outside of yourself. Thinking you have it all robs you of respecting how as an evolving human being what you want changes. What I feel we can really have and enjoy is gratitude for what we do have. Perhaps the focus should be an ambition to reach for what you need. And, having what you need is having it all.

Okay I have to go now. I had a shitty day and I want to hear the gossip my sister wants to tell me. I just hope I don't stay up too late and once again go to school tomorrow too tired. Damn, I wish my legs were longer.

The Grammys

I haven't watched the Grammys in some years. I attribute this to the fact that most of the artist they have been honoring are not really who I am into. My taste in music has evovled into artist that are not on the radio.

Don't get me wrong I will always have a fondness for pop music. It's catchy and sometimes has a good beat that you can dance to. But I'm more interested in stuff that is breaking new sonic ground.

With that said I decided to spend some time in the mainstream. This is what I saw and thought

Totally loved seeing The Police reunite. They sounded awesome and looked good. Rolling Stones take notes.

Ahh Shakira, I have an affinity for you but that belly dancing gimmick is wearing thin. Not a bad performance, just nothing new about it.

Justin Timberlake pretending he knows how to play the piano. Too Funny. The camera in hand, the ultimate moment of vanity. He sure wasn't ready for his closeup when that drama went down with him and Janet Jackson. He avoided the cameras then.

Gnarls Barkley rocked it. Very "wall of sound" moment. Lead singers teeth look like Chicklets.

Grammy are trying to keep up with the times with that American Idol-ish competition going on. I hope the winner doesn't have a wardrobe malfunction while performing with Justin.

I dig Ludarcis. His music is hype and he was sooo good in Crash.

Bravo Mary J, Bravo!

Woe to the Best New Artist winner Carrie Underwood. It is the kiss of death. Past winners have been Jody Watley, Milli Vanilli, Christopher Cross, Sheena Easton. So Carrie be careful.

Okay Smokey Robinson and Lionel Ritchie, I'm sure my mother was in pure bliss during that moment. Chris Brown stomp the yard, the torch has beeen passed.

Only in America will you have , a Latina women, looking like Jayne Mansfield, singing a James Brown classic. Christina mamita, you turned it out.

Well Beyonce is not going empty handed during this award season. She got one for best contemporary R&B album. Mind you it wasn't televised. It was probably given to her at that dinner for the people who get awards for best polka and spoken word album.

Quentin Tarrantino...just shut up and make movies.

Well, the Dixie Chicks survived the backlash. They walk away with several grammys, including album of the year. Bush is soo having a bad year.

The winner, Robyn Troup, had her grammy moment via the American Idol-ish gimmick. Justin was sweet to her. Dang Justin! Why are you pretending to know how to play the guitar? Stop posing with musical instruments.

Poor Al Gore. What is he doing there. The irony is that he's all about the enviornment and he walks out to a stadium that was just showered with confetti to spice up a lame performance by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. You could see in his face he was wondering how many trees were killed just to make that moment seem special. Even more odd he's presenting with Queen Latifah. Maybe he wants some street cred. Damn Al, you should have fought harder for the recount.

Props to the grammy folks deciding to make it more of an live concert type of event. Why are people still wearing tuxedos to this event? Overall not a bad time.

Bush Turns a Corner...by Ward Sutton

She's Evil!

This beast to your left is Luna. I welcomed her into my life and home with a full heart back in April of 2006.

Within in three minutes of getting acquainted with her, she bit my hand. I forgave her because she was a puppy and I assumed she didn't know better.

Let me tell you people, she knew what she was doing. She came into our home with the intentions of ruling.

Luna has been guilty of various crimes that include the terrorizing of our cat Geronimo, bullying our other dog Perogino, hogging up the food bowl, and the destruction of anything she is able to carry in her mouth and take to a corner she reserves for demolishing.

She's evil I tell you. The devil incarnate. Very Cujo! A devil dog but without the chocolate creamy goodness. My dog whispering attempts have not improve the situation. Lord knows I don't want to go the rolled up newspaper beatdown route (I'll hurt a bitch).

My hubby tells me to wait it out, that she is still young and her behavior will improve. Hmm, we'll see. I will hold my temper and will pray.....oh oh she just got up. Gotta bounce. I'm in Luna Watch Mode.

Mental Note: Get the night vision goggles and sleep with one eye open.

Up and Running into my Spring Semester

Well my people, I finished my first semester at SCSU. I earned a respectable 3.17 GPA with my fall courses. Then the unexpected happen, I took an accerlerated math course and struggled through it. What is normally a 13 week course was done in 13 days! Insane to say the least. I got a D. Uggh! My GPA took a good wallop and now I'll have to spend the spring digging myself out of the hole to get back up into the 3.something range.

I ate some humble pie, and it didn't taste too good. A word to the wise, never take an accerlerated class in a subject you're not too familiar with and/or traditionally have struggled with.

You see people, one lives and learns everyday.

365 Days Later - My Thoughts on 2006

Whew child! What a year it was for yours truly. If I had to some up my feelings about 2006, it would be "I either aint see it coming, or it's been a long-time coming."

This is how I break it down:

Best Decision that still freaks me out - I changed my mind set from focusing on surviving to thriving. I packed my cookies and hauled them to CT to reunite with my beloved Marcos. I also left a dead-end job and went back to school full-time to become a teacher. I'm grateful! But, honey on certain days and at certain times my mind goes AHHHH.....will I be okay? Stay tuned.

Worst moment that use to turn me out - My dear friend Willie Ninja went to his rest in early September. I was heartbroken. I had visited him only a month prior in the hospital and held his hand while we talked about him coming back home to his mother Esther. I sobbed over that loss. He was one of the good ones. Losing him left me feeling the blues.

Shortly after his passing, I had a dream and he was in it. He looked great and turn to me and said "Allan, I'm not really dead. I just wanted to avoid my creditors." Meanwhile, the dream was set in a fab department store and he and I were browsing through the couture. Live it up mother ninja in the after-life. And, keep an eye-out for your child on this plane. Thanks for the message mama. I get it! Death doesn't hold court like it use to anymore.

Best Georgie Porgie GAGGGGGING Moment - Tell me Georgie wasn't ready for the reversal of fortune he had been having. Tell me he didn't fall apart and scramble to come together when the power shift rocked his world. And, NOW he wants to play nice. I don't know if you're gonna be able to fix the INSANE mess you created, but at least your ability to do more damage has been reigned in.

Best Example of How Powerful People Get Away With Murder - Rummy you lucky that the system ya have going on in DC lets people off da hook via spin, distraction and the convenient resignation. We as a country need to look into that. Damn shame you walk away with a gold-watch and farewell party. Others more experienced, closer to the ground and wiser than you tried to advise you. Yet, you chose wrong over and over again. Shameful!

Bachelor Parties Should Not Be Deadly - NYPD you need to get it right. Diallo, Bell, Guzman, Bumpers, Stewart. The list keeps growing of innocent people killed at the hands of police officers. I'm between a rock and a hard place here. My brother is in law enforcement and I respect people that do that work. What I don't respect is the lies and cover up used to avoid dealing with the issues that lead to racial profiling, corrupt cops and poor training.

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are - To my brethren and sisterren still in the closet, let me say you belong out in the sun with the rest of us. Join Ellen, Doogie, Lance, and the many others that have taken the leap. The leap into being out, loud and proud. At the end of the day, while the closet may be functional, the key for the lock is shame. And, that key can be used to open or close the door. You don't have to call it gay, queer, bi or questioning, just call it something. Looking away, or putting your head down only leaves you chipping away at the respect you deserve.

Girls Just Want To Have Fun - I'm not about to bash Britney, Lindsay, Whitney or those other girls out there acting out. From what I see growing up female in American culture is a challenging process. I mean your either a "good" or "bad' girl. You don't get that "boys will be boys pass" that the fellas do. What I will offer some words of advice. Slow it down and think "Is this really going to sustain me? Does this really have value for me? Am I really happy?" Woman are capable of amazing things, more so than men. I'm not saying this to patronize the female gender, but because I've seen it myself. Girls bring it to the next level and become the ladies that will show the boys how it's really done.

World Peace! What A Concept - Finally I ask all my faithful readers to consider this activity for New Year's Day. Spread the word to those near and dear to you that at 1:00 pm whether you are together or miles apart you will all THINK PEACE. Meditate on the idea of love, truth and fairness ruling the hearts and mind of all. Visualize expressions of humility, compassion and kindness washing over the faces of millions. Send the energy of PEACE out into the universe on New Year's Day. Then think about what you can do with your mind, body and soul to support a revised peace movement. Let's make 2007 a slice of heaven on earth.