Shit Your Momma Should Have Tought You #6: SPAM is no good in any form!

So I guess I should already be ready for the near 100 annoying ass generic blast text everyone in my address book "Happy New Year" text message. It never fails every holiday, some I celebrate others I don't, I am bombarded by text messages from people i rarely talk and from those I talk to constantly.

And I find it quite annoying the continuous vibration of my cell phone with such impersonal SPAM.

Please stop.

No one enjoys having to scroll through all those random generic messages to get to a real message from someone, just like no one likes SPAM emails or junk mail.

Instead why don't you take the few seconds to pick up the phone and call the people that are important to you or personalize a text message to them instead of cluttering up people's cell phones with generic messages that they have to figure out who the hell is this from... or like me just delete them to get to real messages.

Santa Who?

I was reminiscing about old times with my cousin JP, when I reminded him of the summer I found out there was no Santa Claus. It is funny because I get a laugh from this story now but then I think I was devastated.

I had to be all of 8 years old. And I was sitting on the porch with JP and my other older cousins Thaddieus and Eva. Somehow a conversation about Bugs Bunny turned to the Easter Bunny... which I thought was the most silliest thing. A bunny hopping around dropping eggs filled with candy and toys just didn't make any sense to me. That is when Thad said well they are all made up. I guess Eva could see the perplexing look on my face cause she had to start calling out, "Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus too."

Now I think when any child learns that there is no Santa Claus they are a little hurt at first. But Eva then confidently walked back into the house stating, "That bullshit was made up so people could get away with cheap and tacky gifts."

Later that year when Santa bought me a new bike and a Nintendo, I hugged my mother and say thanks as I walked by my uncle rolling my eyes at yet another puzzle and socks he got me. I always knew Santa was black.

No Words

Teen Candy Crook Tangles with Wal-Mart Employees

A Fort Worth teenager with a high-end name is accused of a low rent crime. According to investigators, Neiman Marcus Jones stole fistfuls of candy from a Wal-Mart in the 7400 block of McCart Avenue on Wednesday afternoon and then faced off with store workers. The 18-year-old stashed the stolen goods in his coat at about 4:30 p.m. and walked out the front doors before employees confronted him, police said. Jones allegedly pushed one of the workers and tousled with another before breaking free and fleeing on foot. Police later located Jones hiding in a nearby neighborhood behind a car parked in a driveway. Jones faces robbery charges.

Random Thoughts this Monday Morning

After a late night of partying with friends... I woke up this morning to hear the weather man stating it was 17 degrees in Washington... at that moment I made a new rule, "No getting out of bed until it is at least 20 degrees, hence I wasn't at work until 10am today.

I know many may think I am cold and callous for saying this but I am so freaking tired of hearing about Caylee Anthony, Natalee Holloway, and all the other blonde hair, blue eyed media fixations. I just honestly do not care about any of them.

For the first time in a long time there are several movies out and coming out over the next few weeks I want to see.

Am I the only one that could careless about Obama choosing Rick Warren to deliver the inaugural prayer... you can't please everyone all the time and he shouldn't have to.

But what I am pissed about is Oprah coming to the Kennedy Center in DC to tape a show during Inauguration weekend... and I COULDN'T GET A TICKET!!!

So I am thinking after my colonic next week to go to a mostly fish and chicken diet... I wonder how long this will last.

So I was cleaning out my closet a week ago trying to make space just for the clothes already in there and decided to remove 5 coats that I never wear. I placed the coats in the back of my SUV and have been randomly giving them to homeless people on the streets... I thought it would make me feel good but after the giving away the second one I sat in my car and cried when the guy told me he was 29. Life may have be rough but thank God for my blessings.

So the uninvited cousin incident played out last Friday, with him getting the word from my aunt that I was going to rent my place out and leave right after the inauguration for a training in Philly... well he finally called with way too much attitude. After setting the record straight and refusing to go into an argument about my plans and my house and his rudeness... I said I am done talking about this situation and good night.

Why Do You Ask My Opinion... when you don't want it?!?

One thing any of my close friends can tell you about me is that I am consistently me. I am who I am... no pretense. You ask my opinion... I give it to you regardless of if it is what you want to hear or need to hear. People that know me... know if you don't want to hear my what I have to say leave me out of the conversation.

So a friend of mine, we shall call him Blue, has been dating Q for about a year and a half. Seeing we all knew each other before they started dating when I found out they were getting together I told them both I didn't think it was a good idea. (I knew both of them better then they knew the other and was privied to some information the others weren't)

For the past 7 months, it has been one thing or another. And now they are both in this relationship for appearance and because they have been together for 18 months and don't want to say it's over. For 7 months, I have mostly remained quiet and just listened. (maybe a few comments here and there)

So last Tuesday Blue calls me to tell me that the past few times they have tried to have sex... Q couldn't "keep it up". He rants and raves for 10 good minutes... and then I finally interrupt and ask him have you ever thought maybe it's you. It amazes me that people always want to blame the fact that someone else can't satisfy them sexually for one reason or another instead of thinking maybe you just weren't doing it for them.

Well I haven't heard from him since Tuesday, and since I know he reads this blog I just want to say Blue... I was just offering another opinion doesn't mean I am right... I just wanted you to see another side of the issue.

And to everyone else I know that reads this... if you don't want my opinion... stop coming to me with your issues. Damn after all these years you should know I am an opinionated fucker!

If You Don't Take Your Ass to Work...

So I was having conversation with a few gays that I know and all of them were at work... including myself.

None of them even knew what I was talking about and began laughing when I explained. Hell I didn't even know myself until this morning courtesy of a Facebook message.

The Day Without A Gay website states,

"We've reacted to anti-gay ballot initiatives in California, Arizona
Florida, and Arkansas with anger, with resolve, and with courage. NOW, it's time to show America and the world how we love. Gay people and our allies are compassionate, sensitive, caring, mobilized, and programmed for success. A day without gays would be tragic because it would be a day without love.

On December 10, 2008 the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating love to a variety of different causes.

On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in "gay"--and donate your time to service!"

First let me remind you of a few occurrences in the most recent past:

Tuesday, December 9 - Sony lays off 8,000, Novellus lays off 400, Danaher lays off 1,700, NFL lays off 150, Principle Financial Group laysoff 550, Wyndham Hotels lays off 4,000




Thursday, December 4 - DuPont laysoff 2,500, Credit Suisse lays off 5,300, AT&T lays ff 12,000




Also this month - Dow Chemical lays off 5,000, GM lays off 2,000, Avis is laying off 2,200, Anheuser-Busch is laying off 1,400, and 3M lays off 1,800.

I am not sure who came up with this idea and if they had thought it completely out. But I will say two things... their marketing of this idea/movement was not that successful. And secondly in this economy when there are people desperately in need of jobs... calling in 'gay' could possibly have you calling the unemployment office.

And for those of us who work for companies that offer equal rights and benefits maybe instead of calling in 'gay' we should call in, in support of our company.

Cadillac Records... my take

Sunday night Le Petit and myself decided to check out Cadillac Records. Normally I wouldn't have even considered going to see this movie on opening weekend, but I was surprised by the overall good reviews the critics and my friends on the movie and the performances of everyone including Beyonce.

As we walked into the theater 30 minutes early we were shocked that we were the only ones in the theater. As the previews began we noticed the theater became more occupied but was far from sold out.

The film is a tale of sex, violence, race, and rock and roll in 1950s Chicago, that follows the turbulent lives of some of America's musical legends, Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Etta James and Chuck Berry. The cast all gave spectacular performances, surprisingly including Beyonce, who has made a vast improvement from all of her previous roles. Columbus Short was masterful. Several times I had to question if that was really Columbus in the role he gives a brilliant performance that I hope will not be overshadowed by others in the film.

Much has been said about the #9 opening, but what seems to be left out of every box office report is how many screens the movie was on. The #1 movie, Four Christmases, was on over 3000 screens and brought in $16 million while Cadillac was on 600 screens and brought in $3 million.

Me and Le Petit both thought the cast was definitely the star of this movie and not the script as it felt a little rushed at times. And in that rush, several important parts of history were left out. Also you will definitely have to like musical movies to enjoy this film.

Random Thoughts this Saturday Morning...

1. So my cousin that I may speak to once a year, calls me like many others the day after the election inviting himself to stay at my house. My response was oh we will talk not sure of my plans. Well Friday I check my email to see a flight itinerary for his trip to DC... I hope he made hotel arrangements too.

Nothing pisses me off more than inconsiderate people and those who have a sense of entitlement. Family or not he should have consulted me before buying a ticket. That change of ticket fee is going to be a bitch.

2. At what age does living like a college student become played? I totally understand that everyone is not into furniture and some people just don't care but seeing a perfectly able 30+yo with his mattress pushed up against the wall bothers me for some odd reason.

3. So I was having a conversation with a friend about a mutual acquaintance that is pissed that several people he knows hasn't supported his recent project. So just because I know do you, does that mean I have to purchase your project? Maybe after coming to your 100th show I realized maybe I am fine supporting your art from a distance? Entitlement again.

4. So Gary T. P. said that maybe everyone isn't in a recession and they have more money in their pockets than before... my response keep watching the news, companies are laying off large amounts of their staff every day. Being in a recession isn't about how much you have in your pocket but how much you have in your savings in case something does happen.

5. So after my colonic next week I am thinking of trying to just eat chicken and fish, or veggies. Let's see how long this lasts.

6. Volunteering to feed policemen and firemen that were working on Thanksgiving was a different experience from my normal volunteer work feeding the homeless but rewarding all the same.

7. Ok so I finally joined Facebook after nagging from a friend in Cali. This is 150 times better than Myspace which I just joined last year and now have discarded to the side.

8. So replacing the Obama dog story is Michelle Obama's Inaugural Ball gown. Of all the sketches on WWD, I personally like the Badgly Mischka and Kia Milla. Which do you like?

9. Lady O is doing a show from my former employer, The John F Kennedy Center, the day before the inauguration. I am so hustling to get a ticket to this show.

10. Are you cold yet?

Fuck Poor People

I have had it. I am sick and fucking tired of all the handouts to poor people. And I am tired of faking the funk like I really care and saddened by their 'misfortune'. Because honestly I don't.

Hell I can't.

While I go to work every day... EVERY DAY. I have to sit here and figure out how can I continue to pay my student loans and at the same time pay for every other bill I have. But yet they are getting renovated apartments in Northwest DC for $800 a month (over $5o0 less than what I pay), Food stamps, and now even cell phones. Yes you read correctly, the Lifeline Service provides FREE cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes every month at no cost for anything – there are no contracts, no recurring fees and no monthly charges. All you have to do is get government assistance and your total household income has to be at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines set by your State or the Federal Government. Oh yeah by the way all of this is provided courtesy of Government dollars.

What about the working poor can we get a break as well?? Can I get half off my Sprint bill because I work?? Or a free Exxon Gas card because I get off my lazy ass and drive to work every day??

What about those who are doing and trying to do? If you are at or below 135% of the poverty level... you don't have a job and have no need for a cell phone. I mean really who are you calling on a cell phone your ass is at home watching Judge Judy?? They don't need a cell phone subsidized by the U.S. Government. What we need are more grants for college students and less loans... a reversal of gas taxes on consumers and more on Big Oil... cheaper health insurance... not Becky and Cousin TeTe coming up with yet another hustle to sell their government subsidies.

The Last Supper...

Returning to work on Monday brought about the endless, "How was your Thanksgiving?" questions. After the third time I even considered drafting a company wide/ worldwide email draft of What I did over my Thanksgiving Holiday. And of course if I didn't ask, "And you?" at the end of my recollection, I would have been deemed as being rude. Damn that phone for not ringing on cue. I noticed in everyone's account how they seemed to brag about how much they ate... like being glutenous was the new badge of honor.

I have always wondered why do people pile food on their plates on Thanksgiving and Christmas like it was going to be their last supper. I have never understood why people bring out their finest china and then completely cover it with food... often twice and three times as much as what they would eat on a regular day.

And maybe it wouldn't be bad if the only fruit on the plate wasn't cranberry sauce covering the carb heaven of dressing... and the only green vegetable wasn't collard greens infused with that good ole pork hamhock. But usually the plate has several different carbs and sauces that are just not good for the waistline.

Besides we are in a recession... this is a time to conserve and save... besides nobody wants to hear in January about how you got to loose all those holiday pounds.

Is Prop 8 coming to DC?

Well not exactly....

Friday's Washington Blade details an upcoming community-wide forum to debate whether the City Council should take up a same-sex marriage bill in January. Twelve of DC's 13 city council members and Mayor Adrian Fenty support same-sex marriage. However many, including me, wonder if now is the right time to begin this battle for two reasons.

Reason number 1 - While I believe DC is a progressive city, many thought the same of the state of California. At least for now (until the gentrification keeps pushing us into PG county), 57 percent of the population in DC is black, and several black gay activists believe gay marriage supporters must significantly increase their efforts to reach out to blacks, other minorities, and the historic black churches in the District. While I will not get into the debate of Prop 8 vs the Blacks of California... I will say it is definitely going to have to be an education platform for this bill not to be repealed, since we know it will definitely pass the council.

Reason number 2 - Is specifically Home Rule. As we all know DC is not a state but a District. And although us residents are taxed like any other state we do not have representation in Congress and Congress has the authority to overturn any law the DC Council comes up with. So until DC has legislative autonomy not only will the city have to vote on this but so will Congress.

While it pains me to think that we have to pick our civil right battles, I think the focus of all tax paying DC residents should be on statehood and representation. Getting it through the Council and off Mayor Fenty's desk is only the mere beginning, preventing challenges from some of the population and by Congress will be the issue.

The December 11 community forum on a D.C. same-sex marriage bill is scheduled to be held at 7 p.m. at the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality Center at 1649 Rhode Island Ave., NW and I plan to be there.

about Harvey Milk

As the angry voices bitch and complain about why Proposition 8 repealed the rights for gay Californians to marry, a film that recalls a similar battle 30 years ago has made its way into theaters.

This Friday, I had the opportunity to catch the Gus Van Sant film, Milk. Excellently played by Sean Penn, Harvey Milk's story begins in 1970, in New York, where the straight-laced, closeted gay man, who happens to be a Republican meets a younger man on a subway platform. Although it seems to be like an impossible connection between the two, Milk's quirky personality captures Scott played by James Franco back to his house and eventually in his life. They relocate to San Francisco's Castro neighborhood which is just becoming the gay district we know now. After leading a gay boycott of homophobic businesses and helping unionize Coors beer company, Milk sets out on several unsuccessful attempts at an elected office.

Seeing this film is based on a true story, we know that Milk is eventually sworn into office in January of 1978. This is where the story turns to Milk's involvement in the defeat of the then Proposition 6, a law that would allow people to be fired from their jobs because they were gay or supported gays. A proposition which was familiarly promoted by religious fanatics that love to think their fundamental religious beliefs rule, when however this country which was actually built on separation of church and state and religious freedom. Harvey Milk's voice of hope and change made him a major figure in the battle against social intolerance, but he unfortunately never lived to see the major changes his modest, yet, political triumph helped facilitate.

What I loved about the film, was first a story that I was unfamiliar with but found very important in our history and at the same time very appropriate for what is going on now. But also Penn's portrayal of Harvey Milk was excellent. I love when you loose a recognizable actor to the person they are playing, and Penn does this flawlessly. I definitely recommend this film and will probably see it again.