Go Team USA

In homage to African-Americans Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who proudly gestured skyward during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, leveling the playing field for civil rights. Smith set a world record by winning the 200-meter race and Carlos placed third. When accepting their awards, they wore symbolic clothing and hoisted black-gloved fists during the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

What is less known is that silver medalist Peter Norman, a white Australian, donned a badge on his uniform while on the podium in support of their cause. Caught in a whirlwind of public outrage, Smith and Carlos were immediately banished from the U.S. Olympic team, and even received death threats. In July 2008, John Carlos and Tommie Smith accepted the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for their deeds at the 1968 Olympics at the 2008 ESPY Awards.

Now legendary, this image is a powerful icon of African-American athletes’ struggle for equality.

~

Random Thoughts this Tuesday Afternoon

1. I really need this vacation... lately everything and everyone is annoying me. So I need some time away, to myself doing different things so I can make sure it is everyone else and not me.

2. So as much as I love my company... I am quite concerned about the diversity of it. Several women have broken that glass ceiling and working for an international company we have quite a diverse staff.... however in my department across the company there doesn't seem to be many African-Americans in management roles. I love this company but I do not see myself staying here if making it to a director's level is impossible.

3. I wish there was a way I could vote today and all the ads, polls, and commentary would just go away...

4. In case no one else ever tells you Haagan Dazz Caramel Cone is everything!!

5. I wonder why cars do not come out based on a calendar year... just always seemed odd to me that I may be driving a 2009 in 2008. Or if I bought a 2006 the car was actually made in 2005.

6. My cell phone is dying... and because I was an ass and did a friend a favor by adding him to my account (ill have to blog about this later) I can't get a new phone until hopefully the end of next week. I pray this phone lasts till then. Glad to say bye to the Sprint Treo family after 5 years...

7. Did you see the sad news that Randy Pausch died? Randy became famous after delivering his Last Lecture on Oprah last year and it quickly became a YouTube event. If you haven't seen it it is definitely a tear jerker.

8. Michelle Obama's Ebony cover is EVERYTHING. This woman looks good in anything from GAP to designer, I see a fashion icon in the making...

9. Are you watching I Wanna Work for Diddy?? I just love how this man keeps himself relevant.

10. Damn I'm sleepy....

On Another Tangent: People with No Cooth

Now I enjoy a party like the next person...

And I am not one to hold grudges, I do not harbor hard feelings I just choose not to deal with some people anymore but I am always cordial and keep it moving...

But how the hell do you send me an evite to your graduation party and you haven't spoken to me in 5 years for some nonsense spat you had with my bestfriend that didn't even involve me.

And then have gift suggestions...

Congratulations on your achievement, hope it takes you to the next level... but I must decline this invitation.

Back in the day yes I hit every party invite that hit my inbox and some that didn't. But with age comes wisdom and the knowledge that being selective in who you associate with pays off.

And how do you send out an invitation to people and make suggestions of where to buy a gift like this is some housewarming, baby shower, or wedding party... I swear I am going to start a school of etiquette.

In One Month.... East meets West

So today marks one month till East Coast meets West Coast. The last time I was in LA, while the company was cool, my stay was just blah. But I am hoping this trip out will show me another side of LA and seeing that my bestfriend is moving there to finish his PhD... I may need to start liking it at least for awhile. So.....

While I know there are a lot of people East of the Mississippi that read the blog... I need my Californians to hit me up and give me some ideas of what to do while out in LA. What parties/clubs should I visit? Any shopping secret places I need to know about?

So far on the list is...

1. Breakfast at The Blvd

2. Dinner at Wolfgang's Cut

3. Lunch at the Ivy

But I need more suggestions, I would really like to leave LA with more pleasant thoughts than what I think of it now....

On Another Tangent: Scooters

ok so I was watching NBC4 this evening and a they did a news story about the rapid rise of scooters being stolen in the District and the rapid rise of sales of these scooters.

I often joked when watching TV and seeing developing countries and the amount of people who would ride scooters there that one day I am going to get one to save on some gas. And now that gas prices are $4.19 a gallon, it may be that time. So while watching the story I jumped online to see how much these things go for. The prices range from about $1800 to $5200 for the Vespa below. So the guy on the news said the scooters get about 45 - 50 mpg. So of course my mind went into overdrive trying to compute what that would mean to me.... the 1.5 gallon tank would mean 75 miles I could drive. 75 miles is about 9 days of driving the 3.7 miles it takes me to get to work. So for about $6 I could get to work for 2 weeks... damn that is cheaper than Metro.

So what do you think? Anybody out there want to contribute to the Scooter Fund???

Young and Gay or Young and Feminine?

So a week ago Monday, Washington Post staff writer Theresa Vargas wrote a very interesting article entitled, Owning His Gay Identity -- at 15 years old. The article covers several stories of kids coming out in middle and high school but particular focuses on a local boy Saro Harvey and his struggles of being openly gay in high school. The article does a good job showing the discrimination and bullying the young man goes through however for me the underlying issue in the article and in life is not Saro being gay, but the prevalence for young homosexuals (or confused kids) thinking being gay is carrying a purse, talking with a lisp, or any other feminine characteristics.

While I usually read the Post everyday, I somehow missed this article and it wasn't brought to my attention until I was reading Rod 2.0 and was surprised when reading the comment section and how everyone was so proud of how courageous this young man was. Which you will get no argument from me. But the piece goes into how Saro's family is concerned that his self expression and choice of wearing girl's clothes may make him a target for violence.

While we are focusing on tolerance for others we should also focus on giving young homosexual men positive depictions of masculine gay men. There are very few on TV and in movies (sorry I don't quite think Omar from the Wire would classify as positive) and in the media in general. While there are several in the community, it is unfortunate that these are the daily images they see or strive to be like.

I think Vargas did a good job on the article but it pains me that I walk away from it upset about what young homosexuals think being gay really is.

There Are Still Good People Out There...

Today started off as downward spiraling day... I mean at 8:45am I was already contemplating going back home and getting back in the bed.

So me and my friend TJ attempted to see the 10pm showing of The Dark Night last night thinking ok Monday night everyone should have seen it by now no need to by advance tickets... wrong. The next showing wasn't until 11something and since I had driven way out to Maryland, I refused to go home without seeing the movie. Needless to say at 2am as I was driving back to the District... I was kicking myself at the thought of my 8am appointment.

When the alarm went off at 7am, I thought I had to be dreaming but a simple roll over to view my alarm clock proved otherwise. So I jumped out of bed thinking of the long day I had ahead (commitments till 10pm tonight) and thought oh well when I get home tonight I will sleep like a baby.

As I was walking to my 8am appointment I reached in my bag to get the directions. When I got to my appointment I saw that my US Passport had fallen out of my bag. As I rushed through the appointment I could only think retrace your steps then stop by the Passport office 2 blocks away to see if some good Samaritan turned it in. Retracing my steps was fruitless, and the rude and unhelpful rentacop security guards at the Passport office were of course not helpful and the worst unknowledgeable.

I got back to my truck to notice a wonderful $25 ticket on my window because apparently the meter maid was at my truck as soon as 9am hit to give me that ticket... I should have just skipped the Passport Office and I would have had at least $25 to put towards the replacement.

As I finally strolled into my office my coworker points out... "Did you know you shirt is ripped?" Yes my one and only Thomas Pink shirt ruined.

As I told her the story of my wonderful morning I logged onto my gmail account to notice an email titled "Your Passport". Some wonderful woman found my passport on the street, googled me and found my blog and other information about me on the net (I realllllly need to google myself)... my faith has been restored and there are still some good people out there.

East meets West

I have never been a huge fan of Los Angeles. Last time I was there, I stayed for five days and saw the Hollywood sign only once due to the smog. The smog also had me washing my face several times a day. After sitting in traffic at 8pm at night the first two days, I wondered why the hell these people weren't at home yet. After visiting Zuma beach and telling my friend there was no way he was getting me in that brown water... I wondered why the hell people lived there.
As if earthquakes, forrest fires, and mud slides weren't enough signs from God.

Well 3 years later I am making my return to LA. With everything going on on the Right coast (hey I didn't make it right just look at a map), I need a vacation and why not spend it with my bestfriend who is relocating to LA to finish his PhD. Sooooo instead of punking out in ATL this Labor Day I will be in the land of stars.

• Nonstop flight from Washington to LA .... check


• Luxury accomodations at the Five Star, Five Diamond Beverly Wilshire Hotel, A Four Seasons property... check


• One best friend to kick it with all weekend... check


• Need for a getaway... double and triple check

August 29-Sept 3 East meets West

~

Back to Normal???

I keep wondering when life will get back to normal... but then I ask what is normal? There will be no more trips to the hospital to sit with FLJ or to bring him clean undergarments or specially requested food since he despised the hospital food.

But that wasn't life as normal... we often sat around and just talked about how things are going to get better and back to normal.

I open the fridge and see some damn soy burgers... a lot of eating habits I agreed to change with him but I gotta have my meat when I want meat. So cleaning out my fridge was part of me trying to get back to some normalcy.

My ace and former roommate in college is in town for the next couple days for the AKA Convention celebrating their 100 years. In an effort to get me out of the house and active this weekend, she dragged me around to Howard, a party or 2, the Kappa Kookout, and to Georgetown to do some shopping. It has been great having her in town.... definitely brings back some old memories.

Even work isn't normal... last week being my first week back began an hectic week of the implementation of a new sales database system which has had more flaws and glitches than I can count... and less answers than questions.

So I think it may take a little more time to get back to normal...

Two weeks ago my consort, my confidant, my advisor, but most of all my friend lost his battle with cancer. The past two weeks I have been in a quiet space trying to understand God's plan and trying to figure out how does life adjust now.



Because of that I haven't had much to write here but of course my girl Jill Scott captured what I am thinking right this moment in her book The Moments, the Minuntes, the Hours, The Poetry of Jill Scott, so I decided to share:

Selfish

give me a minute to love you
an hour to stare in your face
a moment to praise your nose
your hands, your lips, your eyes
don't say later
don't say tomorrow
because the day's too busy
because the day's too hurried
too demanding

give me a week to hold you
a second to play in your lashes
a night to kiss your forehead
Your back, your feet, your fingers
Don't say you're tired
Don't say you're anxious
because the world is calling
because the world is heavy
Ever present

just let me soothe you
let me put you in my mouth and hum sweet tunes
let me calm that ocean

give me a day
give me four and more
to ease and please you
let me take that chip from your shoulder
place it on the nightstand for a while
because you're lonely
and
I am too

- Jill Scott

No Words

The Women...

In 1939, Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell and an entire cast of only women came together to make one of my favorite classic films... The Women. The film is about a wealthy socialite whose girlfriends and not so good friends find out her husband is having an affair with a sales girl at the local department store. The movie goes through scene after scene of witty lines, as the women read each other back and forth. But not only does the witty script make this film a classic but the fact that there are no men in the film at all and that it is shot entirely in black and white, except for one fashion show sequence adds to its appeal.

Oh he said the most touching thing in his will, I remember every word of it... He said "To my beloved wife Flora, I leave all my estate...

Well fast forward to Fall 2008, Jada Pinket Smith, Meg Ryan, Debra Messing, Candace Bergen, Lynn Whitfield, Bette Midler... hell I could go on and on... all these ladies reunite into a remake of the almost 70 year old film. And I can't wait to see it...


I pray Jada's role as a lesbian is more believable than what was shown in this trailer.

"The only thing worse than no money is new money."

- Thaddius Williams I

So Sunday evening, my stalker (I really got to work on a new name for him) invited me over for dinner with two of his friends and to watch the basketball game. So I grab my fitted, throw on an American Apparel vneck, and some jeans and head over to his place. I called myself getting there a little early to help out and learn about his two friends but as I walk in, I see others had the same plan. As soon as I was introduced to A and B, the questions started.

I often tell the story of when I first moved to DC and whenever I would meet someone there were three questions that they would always ask: 1) what do you do, 2) where do you live, and 3) do you own or rent.

Their next four questions in a very condescending tone and my vague answers were: 1) where do you work.... "a hotel management company" 2) what do you drive... "a semi gas guzzler", 3) aren't you friends with Tim... "i know a couple Tims, so yes", 4) where did you go to school... "for which degree". After the last question B made a comment about me being very cryptic... "not cryptic just private."

Usually I would have answered all the questions with no problem but their tone just rubbed me the wrong way but since they were friends with Stalker who had been in the kitchen the entire time I tried to loosen up and enjoy the evening. The entire dinner consisted of A and B trying to top each other in one thing or another... if B was looking at a new BMW... A knew something about the specifications that didn't compare to his new Benz. If A had a date with a financial analyst... B had a date with a bank exec. This went on and on over dinner and annoyed the shit out of me.... Stalker saw my face and mouthed across the table he was sorry as he diverted the conversation to the game.

By the end of the game I knew everything they had purchased over the past week and how much it costs and where they got it.

I always remember my paternal grandfather Thaddius always says "wealth speaks for itself." And he made sure we knew the difference between possessing wealth and being rich.

I don't quite see how stalker fits in with this crew... from the short amount of time we have hung out he didn't seem to be anything like his friends. But other than that the weekend was cool and pretty chill.

How the Hell???

R. Kelly acquitted of all child porn counts

No Words

Na Na and Andre Leon Talley at the CFDA Awards

I would pay good money to know what Anna Wintour really things of ALT.

Random Thoughts this Thursday Morning

So next month the new iPhone is being released at the price of $199 versus a year ago when people were lining up to play nearly $500-600 for the phone. And to boot the new model is supposed to be even better than the first. Anyone pissed yet???

So for the first time R. Pissy speaks in his court case was in response to the Judge's question of whether he will testify in his own defense... “Yes, they did.” “Mr. Kelly, at this point, what do you prefer to do?” “I decided not to testify,” Kelly says, in a near-whisper.

So Bush's talented Cabinet has yet again failed the people of New Orleans... According to CNN FEMA gave away about $85 million in household goods meant for Hurricane Katrina victims, a CNN investigation has found. The material -- from basic kitchen goods to sleeping necessities -- sat in warehouses for two years before the Federal Emergency Management Agency's giveaway to federal and state agencies this year.

I think I want a Nintendo Wii... anybody have a hookup??

OK I am really tired of hearing about Ed McMahon loosing his house. Granted yes it is a sad thing but I have no sympathy for millionaires who can't manage their money when there are so many average joes who have to debate between gas and groceries.

So now that Hilary has finally realized she lost (only took her a couple of months) she is now compiling an Enemies List according to CNN and Terry McAuliffe... "ain't no good gonna come to you Hil... no good."

Really disappointed that So You Think You Can Dance eliminated the 2 real cuties from being in the top 20... and I am not going to even get on my acquaintance Derrick and how he showed on the show (cudos for getting the screen time you lil media whore in the making!!)

I didn't even know lil Usher Raymond's album was out... anyone heard anything off it? The few clips I heard were unimpressive and I read somewhere he is going to repackage the album with a song with Justin Timberlake on it kinda how he did the 2nd version of Confessions... so of course I will just wait for the 2nd one before I download it.

I think it is hilarious that my Georgetown stalker is cooking me breakfast tomorrow before I head into work because that is the best meal he can cook!! Too funny... but I will get up a little early for french toast!!

hmmm a little birdie just whispered in my ear that I will be seeing my girl Jill Scott for the tenth time this summer. Apparently her and the Roots, Estelle and Chuck will be performing this August at the Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Shit Your Mother Should Have Taught You #5

Now see we were doing quite well, or so I thought. I haven't felt the need to do a hometraining lesson since January, but maybe the heat is getting to these kids heads or something.

It never fails in the business world that one coworker doesn't pull their weight and always expect you to come to their rescue in their time of need. Sometimes I play along with these games, and then there are other times when I just don't simply care and will get to it when I can.

So three weeks ago an email directive went out requesting certain people to compile reports of information to turn in last Friday for a presentation to be made later this week by the Vice President of Sales for my company (mind you I don't work for Uncle Joe's Crab Shack and Gift Shop but for a billion dollar a year company). Now to compile the information some people needed to get other information from other sources. Me being a proactive, career ladder sumofabitch, I not only compiled my reports but made the necessary PowerPoint slides with detailed bullet points in the note section, the very next day. I then sent an email asking anyone if they need information from me to let me know as soon as possible so I could help them out. The deadline for the information to be turned in was Friday at noon.

So Friday I was off at a client cookout luncheon from 12 to 3, while at the event my cell phone rings... I notice the number and think ok I will call them when I get back to the office. From 3-4pm I was in a meeting but took the time to email the person and ask them what they needed. Do you know this heffa sent me a list that would have taken at least 2 hours to compile at 4pm on a Friday during the summer?!?!?! I of course told her that I was not going to be able to get to that seeing how late in the day it was but I would get her what I could be fore I left. She doesn't understand why... I can't drop what I am doing at that time to help her out.

I then go on to tell her that while I do not work for her and my to do list for my day is of no concern to her. I told her she had three weeks to do this and shouldn't have waited to the last minute.

I get to work Monday to see an email copying my director and the VP stating the reason her information had not been turned in was I was unable to give her the information. I then replied all added her boss on the original email I sent to her asking her why she called me and simply stated I was unable to get her the information because she waited to the last minute on Friday and that HER EMERGENCY DUE TO IMPROPER PLANNING WAS NOT MY EMERGENCY.

Now if this was something that had just came up I would have had no problem to delay the start of my weekend to help her out. But oh well... unfortunate for her my databases are down till tomorrow so she is yet another day late.

Weekend Wrapup

Don't you just love the summer?!?!?!


Heat indexes of 105... trying to find something nice to wear but at the same time wearing as little as possible... "private conversations by the pool" I just love that line from Dreamgirls... afternoon games at Nationals park.


This weekend was pretty chill and relaxed, keeping to myself has become an art form worthy of placement in the National Gallery. I spent a lot of time poolside. I thought I would work on my tan so I walked over to the CVS to get some tanning oil and as I was reaching for my usual Banana Boat, this incredibly wrinkled and sun tanned lady walked by and my hand went from oil to block... no tan for me this weekend.


I received an email from the guy from Georgetown, over the course of a couple emails we exchanged Yahoo IMs and numbers, which led to a 3 hour phone call Saturday night. Seems pretty decent so far a slight sense of arrogance but at the same time a huge dose of humility. And much like me a realist most of the time.


This other guy TooTall invited me to the movies to see that new Adam Sandler film but I wasn't feeling that movie so I opted for more pool time. When I declined I got the sense that I was supposed to be going just to hang out with him and not so much for the particular movie... but maybe I will pick up on those clues next time.


Back to the grind of another week... 3 weeks to my NYC getaway.

Well Hello There...

So Tuesday me and my attorney/former supervisor/good friend had lunch at my favorite Thai place across from my office in Georgetown, it was a beautiful day outside so all of the outdoor seating was taken so we opted for a nice big window seat. As soon as I sat down I noticed this guy across the restaurant give me a very odd look. I paid it no mind and went back to my lunch.

Wednesday, I braved the humidty and walked over to my hotel for a free lunch (thank God for the free lunch in this economy) and the post office. As I was walking out of the post office there he was again and I said something I would normally never say to a complete stranger but this guy was attractive and something was telling me now or never.

"You seem to be everywhere."

"I could say the same about you", he coyly replied.

"or I could just say stalking."

"Then I guess I shouldn't mention I enjoy your blog."

Speechless at first, I could only muster a laugh as his blackberry went off.

"well I am sure I will see you around soon since you are stalking."

"definitely... I gotta make my way onto your blog."

"and why is that?"

"just curious to what my name would be..."

with another laugh, I exited the crowded post office where we had seemed to pick up a small auidence.

We shall see...

Why Ignorant People Shouldn't Be Allowed to Vote?

It amazes me how people just pull shit out their asses to justify why things don't go their way. But anyway doesn't the black chick look like a character from South Park?

No Words... ok maybe 2

1. I can only imagine what yall were doing in South Beach memorial day weekend... ummhmm

2. Ignorant people shouldn't be allowed to vote... what the fuck do random black people on Collins have to do with Obama.

Checkout Megabus.com

ok so I saw this on CNN.com and had to pass it along... Megabus.com is offering express bus service to and from NYC to DC and many other locations that start at $1.

No gimmick at all of course I tried it out and booked my ticket for my trip to NY later this month on it before I let you all know. The difference between this service and other bus services is they sell their seats like airlines do, which allows them to offer lower fares on some seats than others.

So after seeing this on CNN.com I tried for at least 20 minutes to use their website which was swamped with traffic so I ended up calling. My trip to New York was $8, my return was just $1 and since I called I had to pay a $3 reservation fee vs. the $0.50 they charge on the website. My entire trip was $12. That is more than I would pay for tolls up and lets not even get on gas.

This will be the first time I have rode a bus so I am hoping it isnt too bad but for $12, I will put my ipod on and close my eyes and ignore whatever else is going on....

Of course I will blog about the bus ride up to let you know how great it was (think good thoughts, think good thoughts)

So as I was walking back to my office after the 11am showing of the Sex and the City movie (shush it was a slow day at the office and the Georgetown movie theater is only a block away), after replaying some of the quotes in my head... I stopped in the middle of K Street to wonder...

Does Mr. Big have a Mr. Big?

For those of those who aren't familiar with Sex and the City and who the hell Mr. Big is, this will catch you up... Mr. Big meets Carrie (if you don't know who that is just skip to the next post) in the very first episode of the series and gets his nickname not because of anything sexual but because he is a wealthy business man on his way to being the next Donald Trump. After running into each other over and over again during the first few episodes the two begin a on and off relationship until the series finale six seasons later.

Mr. Big is totally emotionally unavailable and a commitment and intimacy phobe. And these issues cause several breakups and the start of several relationships in between their madness. But there is a chemistry and a love that brings the two back together time and time again.

So we know Mr. Big has his Carrie... his true love that seems to understand him and even when they lived on separate coasts their sexual chemistry seems to remain the unspoken storyline and their friendship never remains strictly platonic. To me Carrie seems to be that hopeless romantic that needs the love, attention, and protection that Big could give if he wasn't just always out of reach, but yet she seems to always be there ready when he will ever be.

So I wonder does or did Big have the one that he loved but was not ready or maybe just not able to be that one?

The thing I miss the most about my former career in event management was all the travel. I use to be on the road to some city somewhere at least once a month and often up to 12 days a month. But the new J-O-B only has me travelling much less than I would desire. Even my own personal travel has suffered as of late... but I am about to work on that.

Seeing that I haven't been to New York since relocating back to DC this past fall... I am over due for a trip up there and SoHo is overdue abusing my Visa. So I just booked my room and will be booking my train ticket later for the last weekend in June... which happens to be NYC Pride weekend... definitely looking forward to that parade. But I will not be walking from the Grand Hyatt on 42nd to Christopher St with a few stops in between like I did last time with my boy Tim and crew. I hate that my friend Kris left NYC... I was always up for a quick weekend getaway when he was there. Now I only know people that always come to DC to stay with me but have excuses when I want to go up... had to end that quickly.

Later in the summer I will be venturing out to LA or Vegas to kick it with my best friend and of course a year wouldn't be complete without a trip back to St. Kitts.

OK back to work...

Fox News jokes about Obama being assassinated

At minute 1:30 Liz Trotta makes a joke about killing both Osama and Obama "if we could".

Please email Fox and let them know that their Republican slanted news has gone too far once again. yourcomments@foxnews.com

Oh Morehouse...

I was quite surprised to be reading the paper online and see that Morehouse College was graduating its first white valedictorian in its 141 years of existence. Joshua Packwood grew up in a poor neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri and told CNN that he had attended a predominantly black high school, and that trouble within his own family led him to live for a time with the family of a black friend. Joshua turned down a full scholarship to Columbia University to attend Morehouse because he had become interested in African-American studies. He said his experience at the college had been overwhelmingly good, and CNN described him as popular among his classmates. However this post isn't about Joshua and how some people didn't feel it was right that a person who earned and maintained a 4.o should be valedictorian because of his race at the historically black college...


This post is about yet another surprising article I was sent this week. The LA Times' article Morehouse College faces its own bias -- against gays, was quite a surprise to me because while recently living in Atlanta I had began to think that the school was finally becoming more progressive in its thinking. Especially with the number of gay students that attend Morehouse. To me it began to become a joke any young college student I met when I first moved back to Atlanta whether it was at the park, at a club, at the mall or online they were all students at Morehouse. Even my neighbor that I blogged about a couple times was a gay student at Morehouse.


Anyway this article by Richard Fausset asks the question can a gay man be a Morehouse Man?

AnImBack...

yeah yeah ok shush I have been crazy busy with work for the past two weeks was to work and sleep and eat. But all that is over and I took off today to catch up on sleep but there were a lot of thoughts going through my head over the past two weeks, so I will get them all out now...

• Oooooo R Pissy makes me sick. Defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. said the reason the alleged victim never told the witness she was having a sexual relationship with Kelly was because there wasn't one and "because it's not her on the tape." "Are you asking or telling me?" Jamison shot back. Adam also showed pictures of a shirtless Kelly and asked Jamison how she knew it was his body on the video. "His head was attached to it," she responded, drawing laughter from several jurors. Please go to jail... directly to jail... and do not collect $200.


• No more recaps of Real World. I use to be really into that show but over the years it has lost its appeal to me.


• Butttttttttttt.... my show So You Think You Can Dance is back!!!! Still lusting after that Danny Tidwell.


• I see Hillary is really trying to set herself up for 2012 in case Obama doesn't win in November. All about self.


• Now that McCain has a crazy preacher behind him... maybe we can finally move past Jeremiah Wright.


• Gas prices and the grocery store are kicking my ass!!! I can't even do home delivery grocery because the delivery rates keep going up.


• I think I have deferred my student loan payments as long as humanly possible... I just got my bill for next month.


• The Game was really good this season... lets see if CW gets rid of it too.

Just having a moment...

... my day in court will come one day.

So Usher Wants to be on Bottom...

From SandraRose.com...

In this new track leaked from Usher’s upcoming CD “Here I Stand”, Usher wants you to treat him like he’s your bottom bitch. Is this the “new direction” Usher said his music was going in?

In “Trading Places, Usher sings about switching roles with his date who treats him like a sex object (not unlike the way he treated women before he met Tameka):

You get on top, tonight I’m on the bottom

‘Cause we trading places,

Now put it on me baby ’til I say, ‘ooh wee!’

And tell me to shut up before the neighbors hear me

This is how it feels when you do it like me

We’re trading places

Usher also sings about making the bed up in the morning and fixing breakfast for his date, going shopping so she can drop 6oK on him and “spend it like you really love me”.

Listen: Trading Places

FInally...

My Friday morning breakfast is usually 2 eggos, lite syrup, 2 slices of bacon, an orange, and a glass of orange juice... but this morning I want to have a little grey goose and cranberry to celebrate jury selection in R Pissy's trial.

But just a reminder on why I want this bastard to serve just a little time...

Why R. Kelly Should Go To Court?

Chicago Tribune's story today

Real World 20:3&4

Real World: Hollywood Ep. 3 Where's Joey?


Yet another episode totally consumed with alcohol and drinking. I am just waiting on one of these former roommates hasn't sued MTV yet for turning them into alcoholics. So as they had to the bar roommate Joey finds his former alcoholism at a conflict with the roommate lifestyle. "I can have fun without it as he downs drink number 3," says the fool. So Joey and former stripper Brianna start making out on the dance floor then she turns and kisses some random girl in the club. Only to realize the girl had been doing coke... which she gave up 2 months ago. And then drunk Joey turns into suicidal Joey.... draaaaama.

Since the crew is in Hollywood there will be no job but instead the roommates will be taking improv classes to put on a showcase at the end of the season... "Florals for spring... groundbreaking."

So most of the show was about addictions, drugs, and drinking... but I am sure they will be at a bar in the next episode. Episode 3 and I am already getting bored with this season.

Real World: Hollywood Ep. 4 Joey's Intervention



So the show opens with former stripper Brianna and resident cutie Will heading back to Philly so she can face a warrant for her arrest, as Joey sits at the kitchen table longing to be with her. She isn't out of the door 5 minutes before the female roommates start dogging strippers out.

So as soon as they get to Philly before the boy can even shower... Brianna takes Will to this dive of a strip bar, that looks like it is a double wide or something. As the roommates on the other coast go where..... yep to a bar. Which the night ends with Greg and Joey getting drunk and bringing home 2 unattractive girls to spend the nite.

The show ends with Joey going crazy in his drunken stupor and the producers convincing him to go to rehab for 30 days, which he agrees. Scenes for next week episode includes the roommates out drinking yet again...

No Words: Ride MARTA... It's SMARTA

From Sunday's Washington Post:

Channel Changer
Three Years Ago, Reggie Hudlin Came To Save a Troubled BET. But Has He?

Random Thoughts...

1. Why is Jeremiah Wright more important than the economy, New Orleans, Iraq, and gas prices?

2. So now that AT&T is going to offer the new 3g iPhone for $199 with a 2 year contract... are the $499 people pissed yet? I think I may hold out for the $99 special.

3. If you’re truly ‘safe only,’ then why do you get HIV tests and post the results in your profile?

4. When will people stop looking for Hannah Montanas to raise their kids? Her posing nearly nude is a chance for you to teach your bratty ass kids a lesson.

5. Just when I was about to break out the fatigue shorts and flip flops... winter came back.

6. Anyone know of Spanish lessons in DC for less than $325 a quarter?

7. So You Think You Can Dance???? Guess I will find my new Danny... May 22

8. As if plane tickets weren't already sky high... with the possible consolidation of 4 airlines is only going to make this worse.

9. What was the point of invading Iraq if we weren't going to get cheaper oil? I mean damn you could at least get something out of this stupid war.

10. So happy my bestfriend is coming to visit from Cali next week... I need some time with the person that knows me best.

The NEW LAPD

Remember back in the day getting caught by the LAPD was a sure bet that you would get your ass beat, hopefully a little camera time, maybe a little sympathy outside of your community, and of course a couple sinister smiles from officers that knew they were going to get off.

Well the NYPD has become the new LAPD. In the case of Sean Bell...

“The defendants are not guilty of all charges,” Queens Supreme Court Justice Arthur Cooperman declared. “The burden was on the people to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each defendant was assumed to be innocent.” Cooperman said
justification was used as a defense, he had to consider the “mindset of the defendants, not the victims. What the victims did, was more important to resolve the issues at hand than what was in their minds.”

Click here for the full story and back story.

Real World 20:2

Real World: Hollywood Ep. 2 Let's Not Get Ghetto

The second episode was all about two people totally disappointing me. First was the resident cutie Will. I find it incredibly disturbing when someone actively pursues someone that is in a relationship. And Will has done just that, even went as far as asking another roommate to help him get this girl. Out of all the available people in the house and in Hollywood why would you pursue someone you have known for less than a week and truly have no connection with. All I could think of is if he would do this to someone in a relationship... what would he do when he is in one.

The second incident revolved around our southern belle, Kimberly. In the midst of an arguement with stripper/singer Brianna over the number of house guests, Kimberly says, "Let's not get ghetto." I tell you one of the draw backs of pop culture is that it affords people the right to say ignorant shit without even knowing the meaning behind it. Later on as she is discussing the incident with Sarah she makes yet another grand statement, "I don't care where you are from... the most inner city, blackville, you don't act like that" "I didn't mean it as a racial thing."

The drama was later squashed at least for now by the help of none other than Mr. Arrogant himself, Greg. Which I found quite surprisng that the self centered "model" payed that much attention or put that much energy into helping bring two roommates back together at least for now.

Of course the other 30 minutes of the show were all about the roommates partying and drinking. Makes me wonder what the hell the roommates are doing during the day that MTV chooses not to show that.

No Words

What does Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Foxxy Brown have in common?

They all will turn church into a photo op.

Real World 20:1

“This is the true story... of seven strangers... picked to live in a house...work together and have their lives taped... to find out what happens when people stop being polite... and start getting real...The Real World.”

Can you believe MTV's ground breaking series the Real World is on its 20th season? Now I haven't watched a full season of the Real World since RW15 Philadelphia... and probably only 12 of the previous 19, but for some reason this commercial for this season caught my attention.

Real World: Hollywood Ep. 1 Welcome To Hollywood

So this season began last night with a new twist. While producers chose 6 of the 7 roommates the last roommate was chosen in an online competition where fans of the site were allowed to vote in the person they wanted to see. And apparently they did a good job because their choice Greg is already rubbing the roommates wrong with his super arrogant persona and the fact he refers to people around him as "peasants", and to women as "associates". Then there is Joey the very muscular Johnnie Bravo look a like... who looks like while he can be deep at times may have some emotional issues. And surprisingly at the age of 24 had never left Illinois until now. Will is by far the most captivating for me. I am a sucker for the smile, but he seems a little pressed seeing he has liked 2 different roommates in the first two days of living in the house. Brianna the stripper and aspiring singer from Philly... already has drama on the first episode because before unpacking she finds out there is a bench warrant for her arrest back in Philly. But Brianna's legal troubles may be the clue to why there are rumors about 2 replacement roommates this season.

Hopefully this season will keep my attention... and hopefully it goes beyond the continuous arguing and constant drinking and partying. I mean damn don't people who live together for 2 months do more than that???

Painting Obama

Tim Toles for the Washington Post

One ole Long Ass Moan

So April's discussion centered around LM Ross' Manhood: The Longest Moan. The book is a story of four high school classmates all on a mission to be stars. Ty the writer, David the dancer, Browny the singer and Face the actor/model; all start in a short lived boy group that breaks up and sends each boy in search of their own fame and manhood. They all find unplanned surprises in a 20 year story that uncover the truths about friendship, trust, lust and sex. The back of the book asks, "In a twenty year span, who among them is destined for true greatness?"

Unfortunately Manhood: The Longest Moan was one ole long ass moan. I never made it past page 171 of a nearly 400 page novel. By page 171 I was not invested in any of the storylines, well maybe the story of Face, but every time I walked past the book I would think, "XX number of days till the meeting... I'll get to it later" And apparently out of the 12 people that made it to our meeting... 10 agreed and the other 2 are cordial with the author. I still never got an answer which of the four made it to greatness.

I don't think the book was bad it just didn't pull me in. Several people said the best part of the book were the last few chapters, to which I responded, I may never know then. Others mentioned that you had to get into the flow of the book and once you did you would love it. So when I asked when this flow began, we all assumed it was after page 171.

I may eventually finish Manhood, but for now I will turn my focus to Sister Souljah's Coldest Winter Ever.

Random Questions...

1. Why does every lil gay boy want to be a model or thinks they are a model?


2. I wonder why my birthday is quickly approaching, this Friday and I am unphased and don't really care?


3. Why do people at church assume that me and my friend I attend with are dating? Why can't people just be friends? Why must people always assume the extreme?


4. How was I convinced to go see Prom Night? Another hour and half of my life I will never remember.


5. OK... why is the Pope trying to hem up my commute on Thursday by holding mass at 830am at the new stadium by my house.


6. I want to get into tennis and spanish lessons this spring/summer. Anyone want to pay?


7. Why does doing favors for friends often bite you in the ass? You thought I was evil before but no more favors... unless it benefits me.


8. Book club "after the show" discussion was quite enlightening... topics of sex and sex practices opened my eyes to some friends I have known for almost 7 years. Do you really know your friends?


9. Are you burned out over this election yet?


10. Why am I not as excited about my pending freedom as I thought I would be?

The Hidden Racisim

A week ago today my Regional Director about the assassination of MLK and how things have and haven't changed in the last 40 years.

Sometimes our opinions flow along the same line and for most of this conversation it did. But what never ceases to amaze me is how some white people really don't have a huge grip on the real reality. Especially when it comes to institutional racism, which is where our opinions separated... not because he didn't agree, but because he didn't realize.We both agreed that yes we have come quite a long way but there is still a long way to go.

To drive home my point... I attempted to give him a few examples of institutional racism:

1. Have you ever noticed when it comes to the traffic report on the news, that they only focus on predominantly affluent or white traffic patterns and neighborhoods. The only time DC news stations even mention Prince George's County is if there is a major accident... even when 270 from Gaithersburg is free and clear.

2. The tying of school funding to their neighborhood property values instead of set rate per student across the board.

3. Or because the terrorist that are believed to have brought down the Trade Center... now never can an Arab American fly on a commercial flight without stares and eyes of wonder.

4. To bring the point home a little closer, I brought up a situation that happened last week when an existing client was reassigned to me because the organization delt with African American athletes. I was told, "I am sure you can get these guys to produce more than what they have in the past." However I don't think there was a malicious intent behind this and let him know that.

I think we have come a long way from April 4, 1968 but I often wonder will we ever live in a colorless society?

No Words

Hate is such a strong word... but this fool comes awfully close.

Orbitz Commercial featuring Marcus Patrick

A lot of words...

No Words

No Words

Sometimes I come across things... and simply have NO WORDS(Click Image to see Larger)

Discussing Pregnant Men

Sometimes when I am having lunch with my hetero friends, I feel like I'm in a zoo, better yet I feel like I am at a Senate hearing. Just replace my plate with a mic and my friends with a bunch of stodgy old white men.

The conversation today centered around transgender and the story that has been all around the news and even on my girl O's show the other day. I hadn't even taken two sips of the diet Coke before the first question was, "What is up with this woman who is a man having a baby?". The course of the meal was me talking and them and the table next to us listening...

I have never understood the transgender mentality or life. I have never once in my life had the desire to be a female. Never once thought my gayness was me being trapped in the wrong body. But I also told my lunch partners something I heard at my church... never judge someone else's struggle in life, you don't know where they are coming from or where they are going. And with that in mind regardless of how I really feel about it and its affects on others... I say to each their own.

We talked about how does a lesbian go to being married to a transgendered man. And to that again I do not understand either. But one thing I always give my hetero friends to think on is... "Are you straight because you have sex with the opposite gender, or is that just something you do because you are straight." I think that if people would remove sex from the equation and focus on the love... it would normalize things a lot more. I have had sex with women before... that doesn't make me straight. I nor is anyone I know gay because they enjoy sex with men but because they are attracted to them emotionally.

As for the child that will come from this situation... I honestly feel quite sorry for the child. I think a lot of times people make decisions that will affect others because they simply have the right to. Yes you have the right to reproduce because it is your body. But why bring someone else into your madness. People are just getting use to the idea of gay parents and even still with that children are taunted and teased. But can you imagine explaining your daddy is actually your mommy?!?! I think with everything people have to deal with in life sometimes we have the ability to limit the harm we bring on others.

Hopefully our lunch opened their mind to different things. Even if they don't agree or do not like we all should be respectful to other's decisions to live their life.

Why Corporal Punishment Should be Back in School?

Cops Say 3rd-Graders Plotted Attack
By RUSS BYNUM, AP

WAYCROSS, Ga. (April 1) - A group of third-graders plotted to attack their teacher, bringing a broken steak knife, handcuffs, duct tape and other items for the job and assigning children tasks including covering the windows and cleaning up afterward, police said Tuesday.

The plot involving as many as nine boys and girls at Center Elementary School in south Georgia was a serious threat, Waycross Police Chief Tony Tanner said.School officials alerted police Friday after a pupil tipped off a teacher that a girl had brought a weapon to school. Tanner said the students apparently planned to knock the teacher unconscious with a crystal paperweight, bind her with the handcuffs and tape and then stab her with the knife.

When I was in elementary school... I was worried about winning the relay, the upcoming Christmas play, if i could make my hand turkey better than last year. When we cut up it was taking too long in the restroom... pushing someone at recess... or ignoring the safety guard. In my day there was corporal punishment... you acted up you were taken to this closet and spanked with a paddle after your parents were called.

What the hell is going on with these kids?

Does This Girl Ever Rest...

Listen to Beyonce - Beautiful Nightmare

Don't Meet the Browns

Dear Tyler,

That was some bullshit and you know it.

I have never been a huge fan of yours and often rejected this notion that you are showing black America on film. In fact the only thing missing from this film was a monkey and black face. But after your last movie, Why Did I Get Married?, I thought your craft was improving. And then you went and created this bullshit.

It was too my horror that my favorite Emmy and Academy Award-nominated, and Golden Globe winning actress who has flawlessly played many great characters was reduced to star in this film. It truly must be a hard time in Hollywood for black actresses. And for the record she is the ONLY reason I went to see what I figured would be total nonsense.

I haven't seen all the many Madea plays but even I noticed you made Mr. Brown's wife his daughter in the movie... and what was the point of Medea and the car chase, that had absolutely nothing to do with the story and seemed like a last minute chance for you to dress in drag yet again. The storyline was so predictable and unbelievable at the same time. For example, it just so happens the person recruiting Lance Goss' character in Chicago happens to live down the street from your family in some small ass town in Georgia. I could go on and on.

The directing of my high school musical my senior year was ten times better... the editing was choppy.. the storyline was unrealistic and not believable at all. Tyler you owe me $11.25. Actually seeing the beautiful Angela Basset was probably worth $3... but I want my change.

CBW

Where Da Hell You Been?!?!

Yeah I know it has been a week but hell I was busy with family and travelling.

So I actually decided to go to the nonsense wedding I blogged about last month. Flying to the middle of west Texas is always an excruciating experience. And when I tell you it was a complete and utter ghetto mess. OOOOOO I wish I had taken a picture or two of this. And most of you may think 'this bourgeois asshole would call anything ghetto' but when the usher is walking down the aisle with one of those Bic Lighter guns with a ribbon tied around it... what else can it be.

So of course my first question to my mother when she told me my 26yo cousin with no career, no degree, and removable gold fronts was marrying a 36yo woman was Is she pregnant or desperate? Well seeing her waddle down the aisle answered both questions to the affirmative. I just looked at my cousin from Florida and mouthed... told you so. So after the wedding I tell my mother... I told you she was pregnant, I get a response well we didn't know she was always shaped funny. At that moment I was officially done and ready to fly back to Dallas.

Now don't get me wrong the highlight of the trip was definitely seeing my mother, grandparents, great aunts and cousins... but the Erykah Badu concert featuring the Roots was everything. I had just seen Erykah six months ago at the Verizon party at Love Nightclub here in DC. But when I tell you Badu carried on and on. It is rare when a true R&B singer gives you a show at a concert and that is definitely what she does. She is so entertaining to watch and wonder what her crazy ass is going to do next.

The next 3 days were filled with scheduled meetings which all could have been condensed into a day and half but I won't complain since I was staying at the amazing Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Collinas. The amazing weather (less the never ending rain storm on Tuesday) allowed me to sit poolside up until 9pm each night. Damn.... I am loving this new job.

Standing on my patio every morning looking at this course had me wishing I knew something about golf.

Good times but definitely good to be back in DC... see Texas in another 3 years.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 times I have witnessed perfection

Tonight's concert was phenomenal. No more needs to be said, but check this concert when it comes near you.

Finally A Reason to Subscribe to HBO...

Yes another post this week about my girl Jilly from Philly (Did I mention I am going to see her tonite?!?!?!) Well HBO has picked up the adaptation of the best-selling books "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith.

"The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" stars my favorite singer Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe, the proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. Two other favorites, Anika Noni Rose who plays her quirky secretary in the series and Idris 'damn he is sexy' Elba star in the show as well.

HBO has partnered with the Weinstein Co. and the BBC on the drama series, ordering 13 hourlong episodes to begin filming in the summer. That's in addition to the two-hour pilot that Minghella recently shot in Botswana. Finally something new and different... I mean when was the last time, let alone the first time, you have seen a drama series set in Africa. Many thanks to HBO for adding some color to the television.

Jill, Erykah, Momma, and Me

This is going to be a great week...

It started today with a great day of work visiting clients with reps from two of our European properties. I love networking with other sales managers from all over our company... at the end of 2009 I will be calling upon some of these contacts to help me secure the next position.

Sunday, Mister Selfish aka X surprised me with tickets to see the Jill Scott concert at DAR Constitution Hall this Wednesday. In case you didn't know I am a huge Jilly from Philly fan. This will be the 8th time I have seen her live and I think it was a very thoughtful gift. I never mentioned I wanted to go but three weeks ago when we were out having dinner he asked me what was my favorite song as of late and on that conversation he took it up on himself to give me a early birthday gift.

I like a man that pays attention.

I've been talking to this man... He's been saying what I like and
He makes me smile, When I'm down, so down
He says sweet things in my ear... All the things that I needed to hear
But that's as far as it's gone... I promise, I promise
- J. Scott, Whenever You're Around, "The Real Thing: Words And
Sounds Vol. 3" (2007)

But the week gets even better. I already blogged about the nonsense wedding that my fam is having this weekend in Texas. I decided to go but not so much for the wedding but to see my mother and grandparents and nephew. I haven't seen them in forever and my grandparents aren't getting any younger. And anytime I can see my mother I am all over it. The fact that I also have to go to Dallas for a business meeting starting on Sunday doesn't hurt... especially since they are picking up the tab for the flight already.

But the highlight of the trip other than seeing my moms is none other than getting the opportunity to see Erica Abi Wright aka Erykah Badu. Another friend that knew I was coming to town and that my birthday was coming up soon secured "great seats" (as he says) for her concert this Saturday. I just saw Erica in concert in September but with the release of her new album just two weeks ago I am even more excited to see her perform some of those new songs live.

I am a huge fan of Common, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott and the only thing that would make this week even better is if someone surprises me with tickets to see Common... feel free to take that hint!!!

This past Saturday, Cover to Cover met for the 6th time to discuss This Place of Men by Doug Cooper Spencer. While I have had the book for about a month... I didn't start reading this interesting 360 page story until the week before the meeting.

This Place Of Men explores the lives of two men who struggle with truth and sexual identity. As teenagers the two main characters, Otis and Terrell, were lovers until they were torn apart by Terrell's father and his pastor causing the two men's live to take two different paths. Otis returns home twenty years later to confront the family that turned their back on him and the lover that denied him. While Terrell confronts the life that he chose and his true identity that he has denied himself for twenty years.

The story to me was new and different from any other gay novel I have read... however it was often anticlimactic. Poignant parts of the story that you look forward to happening were often mentioned as an after thought or never explained. The story was also convoluted with unnecessary characters that didn't add much to the story or its purpose. I can think of at least 4 characters that could have been left out and 4 that could have been explored more.

I think for the most part the entire group agreed that it was a good story with a disappointing and rushed ending.

The group's discussion as usual ended up being a party with plenty of alcohol and food, a deck of cards and music... good times. Sorry I will miss the sports outing this upcoming weekend.

Next month's book is Manhood by L M Ross or The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah... can't remember we chose April and May last night.

Dumb Ass Tattoos

It was probably about 2 years ago now, when me and my two friends D&D ended up at a tattoo parlor in College Park, MD picking out tattoos from off the wall. Somehow they had finally talked me into taking the huge step that I had been contemplating for awhile.

After an hour of waiting, I picked out the Aries symbol I thought I wanted, sat in the chair and prepared to have my upper back tatted. I had been going back and forth the entire hour but it was hearing the needle turn on that made me think, "Do I really want this on my body for the rest of my life..." The same thoughts that had been preventing me from getting a tattoo before.

I have always said when I can think of that one thing, I will do it. I am still tattoo less today.

But what got me thinking of this is all the dumb ass tattoos I have seen lately. Mind you this is my opinion but as the blog headline states... "my thoughts, my opinions...." Take for instance dumb ass tattoo #1.... 38yo with a tattoo of an ill drawed cartoon character, when I asked him what it meant he said "nothing I was just young, I got it when I was 27." Tattoo #2... 27yo with wings... on his chest. Tattoo #3... 21yo with his ex's name on his back... how fucking dumb can you be.

I think some tattoos can be very beautiful pieces of artwork. And often ask to get a closer look when I can. But some shit like Eve's titty tatts and Angelina's 2nd or third ex husband's name make me just shake my head and wonder.