My last weekend as a DC resident has come and gone and it definitely was a great weekend. I flew back from LA on Friday evening so the rest of that day was spent sleeping and packing.
Saturday began with brunch with my good good friend and sometimes my personal attorney, Cynthia. Good food, several drinks and a couple hours were all I needed to send me away for the afternoon in tears. She has really been a great friend and probably the best supervisor I ever had. Left there and went shopping with 3 of my friends... Macy's was having a sale on Calvins and somehow I still managed to spend $75 on underwear.
However the highlight of the weekend was a surprise going away party that my friend Damian and bestfriend Rey hosted at his new house. Over the course of the evening which began at 9 and didn't end until about 3something ( I was too drunk to remember)... about 75 people strolled through partied, laughed, cried, drank and ate. Here are a few pictures of the 100 I have:
My friend Wayne decides to take an impromptu
collection for gas.
My bestfriend and host, Rey and his partner Matt.
Why is this fool licking my head?!?!? The dangers of alcohol
My brother-in-law shares the story of how we hated each
other for years but have become great friends now.
In tears once again, as my bestfriend Rey shares some words.
well actually 9 but 10 makes a better headline than 9. And I won't be there till the night of the 14th and this time zone change out here in Cali is really taking its toll on me but anyway ....
Being in California this week has prevented me from being able to spend as much time as possible with my friends in DC. But I wanted to share the ten things (in no particular order) that I will miss about DC....
1. My friends. Some I see once a week others I see every day... but they have been the definitely been the family that I didn't have.
2. One of my favorite new lunch time restaurants. Matchbox in the new Chinatown area serves vintage bistro pizza and great miniburgers.
3. National, BWI, and Dulles Airports made the rising airline costs somewhat manageable by having more outbound flights than Hartsfield.
4. Metro ain't got nothing on the subway of NYC but MARTA definitely has nothing on Metro.
5. NJ Turnpike.... 3.5 hours on a good day and I could be in NYC from DC. Another 40 minutes I could be shopping at Woodbury Commons... the ease of getting to NYC and Philly will definitely be missed.
6. Georgetown... outdoor shopping... lunch at the new Ritz Carlton... a late afternoon movie... and a walk along the Potomac... a great way to spend a Saturday in the Spring.
7. Metropolitan Baptist Church... Dr. H Beecher Hicks... and Minister of Music Nolan Williams... have guided my fellowship with God for the past 5 years. I actually shed a tear last Sunday as I was sitting in my pew watching Richard Smallwood play the piano. But I will definitely be back Spring of 2007 for the first service in the new edifice.
8. The house parties... on any given Saturday there are at least 2 house parties somewhere in DC.. over the past few years I have found myself at more house parties than clubs and I will definitely miss that.
9. Dr. Strong.... oooo weee Dr. Strong.... lawd my doctor is fine as hell and my favorite dentist Dr. Ebbs but I will continue to see him on my trips to DC.
10. Did I mention my friends... yeah most of all that is what I will miss.
This weekend was definitely a mixed bag... it started off on Friday with a miniflood in my apartment. I had just put one load of clothes in the dryer and started another in the washer. I decided to run into the rental office to turn in my "Bitch Im out of this Joint" form letting them know this would be my last month here... when I get back to my apartment after shooting the breeze with the Leasing Specialists (why is it everyone is a specialist or account executive) eating up their Otis Spunkmeyer cookies... i find my hallway, bathroom and part of my bedroom is flooded.
After dealing with that and my foreign neighbor that came knocking on my door at least 3 times telling me that his ceiling has fallen into his bed... mind you I told him on the first time I wasn't a carpenter and that he needed to call the leasing office... so by time the third knock came around, the unchristianlike me had to let a few words go.... the rest of Friday was quite uneventful, just dinner and sleep.
Saturday night we had a small dinner party to celebrate my good good friend Donnie's birthday and new job.
Fun times but lord knows I will be happy when Lent is over... I was the only person not drinking. Usually I have a drink every evening after work and on the weekends but I must say not having one for the past 32 days has given me comfort to know that I am not dependent. But all I can say is at my Going Away Dinner this weekend.... I will make up for lost time!!!
Anyway tomorrow morning I am off to Anaheim for the official first week of the new job. The schedule seems to be quite filled so I won't have much time to realize how much I dislike California...
In the background: Desperate Housewives
April 18, 2006 will mark my 28th birthday. So in honor of that and to help you in your shopping, I thought I would give you 18 things that are on my wish list:
- New levees for New Orleans. The Washington Post reports, "The Bush administration said yesterday that the cost of rebuilding New Orleans's levees to federal standards has nearly tripled to $10 billion and that there may not be enough money to fully protect the entire region." Please keep in mind the cost of the Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction War is set to reach $251 billion today, March 31, 2006.
- A signed affidavit preventing future physical, verbal and mental abuse lawsuits for anyone taking employment from Naomi Campbell. AP reports "Naomi Campbell was charged with second-degree assault Thursday after allegedly bashing her housekeeper in the head with a phone in an altercation at her Park Avenue apartment."
- For Oprah to come back from hiatus. With the invention of DVR and Tivo... I hate reruns because I have already seen them.
- For Delta Airlines to get it together before I move back to Atlanta... or at least before my flight to LA next week. AP reports, "Almost 275 Delta Air Lines pilots marched through the world's busiest airport Thursday to vent their anger over the company's effort to throw out their contract so it can impose up to $325 million in long-term pay and benefit cuts. The pilots have said they will strike if their contract is voided."
- For the Washington Post and all DC news reports to stop making that damn baby Panda the cover story.... WE REALLY DO NOT CARE!!!
- Another DC thing... can someone explain to me the fascination with these damn Cherry Blossom trees. Must people come from all over the region and country to tie up traffic to see a damn tree blossom some pink flowers that will be all over my car and the road in a few days????
- An explanation on why I cry every time I fill up my Montero but yet Exxon Mobil Corp.'s $10.7 billion in earnings - the highest quarterly profit ever for a U.S. company.
- For Tyra to take a break from ANTM... Tyra maybe if you weren't trying to crown a new Top Model every season you could actually get a few contestants that may make it. I mean seriously how many people can name 3 of the past winners other than Eva Pigford???
- And since I am on reality shows... can someone please get rid of Randy and Paula on American Idol... Randy gives everyone the same critique and Paula... who even listens to her, I swear that ho is on something.
- AP reports that, "The city has agreed to pay $1.1 million in legal costs to the family of slain rapper Notorious B.I.G. because of police errors during a wrongful death case brought against the city and the LAPD." Beyond this on going case and P. Diddy releasing new BIG albums every other year... is just a bit of overkill. Can we let him rest for awhile so in a few years we can come back and be like damn he was HOT!!
- For someone to let Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) you can't pull out your weave, take off your congressional pin, and walk up into the US Capitol in a pair of sweatpants and expect a security guard to recognize who the hell you are.
/
- I would also like for the Vice President at my new job to realize I do not officially start until April 3rd... SO STOP FUCKING CALLING AND EMAILING ME!!
- I also want people to stop coming to me with their relationship problems. You allow your significant other to do dumb shit... then you want to cry and break up for 2 days... then you are back together only to repeat this nonsense of a circle in a few weeks or months. Stop the nonsense in the beginning... let that person know you are not going to deal with bullshit.
- Oh yeah one more DC thing... can someone please just lock Marion Berry up. NBC4 has reported, "A subdued, apologetic D.C. Council member Marion Barry was sentenced yesterday to three years of supervised probation for misdemeanor charges based on his failure to file income tax returns, as well as failing a a court-ordered drug test."
- And can someone explain to me why these ignorant people of Ward 8 (the majority black section of DC) keeps voting this ass into office??? And you wonder why they keep pushing the poor and black across the river.
- For my move to Atlanta to be over... not that it has been difficult but I just want it over.
- Hope for Whitney.
- For Bush to admit on his last day in office that he was an incompetent ass, that fooled the world, making him a lot smarter than people give him credit for.
Well yesterday was my official last day at the National Legal Aid and Defender Association. While Friday was the last day I even attempted to do any work, yesterday I made an appereance around 10:30am to turn in my keycard (I still have to find and turn in my actual keys to the office which I am always misplacing) and to go to lunch with my girl, Maureen. Tuesday ended just the way I had planned it... very low key with most people out of the office on business travel. However on Monday as the new Director (and one reason why I chose to leave) was leaving the office for a business trip she asked me two questions 1. How could our assistant be used more effectively? and 2. Name one positive thing and negative thing about her performance so far. Well you will read the answer to number one below ... but for her second question I told her to stop pushing off work on other people and that she was a good communicator (mind you it took me at least 3 minutes of silent thinking to come up with that bullshit last part about her communication)... in return she said that I was a good party planner but could work on my thoroughness (mind you I didn't ask her opinion). So in response to that I sent her the following email (Bcc most of the people I like around the office):
After much thinking about our conversation on Monday, I have finally decided that I can not assist you in your requests.
You asked me how can Aiyana be used more effectively. I think the most effective and efficient way to get an true answer to this question is to ask Aiyana herself. While the Training Department has usually functioned as a team, we all had specific and separate duties to accomplish each day that made the team function. I know that Aiyana is consistently busy in her role and seeing the seniority she has in the department, only she would know what more she could possibly do.
You asked me to let you know exactly what work that you have passed off onto other staff members that have been the work of the Training Director and department. Well I do not feel that it is my position or responsibility to inform you of what your duties are. I believe that since Chuck and Jo Ann hired you, they or HR should inform you of your role and responsibilities. It is unfortunate that Aiyana or myself were never shown the new job description in its draft stages for our input on exactly what the Director did on a daily basis, but that decision was made higher up and now it is their issue. I encourage you to talk to your colleagues that have been complaining, I am sure they would more than happy to let you know as well. I would just remember that no one at NLADA has a secretary except Jo Ann... so your attitude towards doing certain things, like sending that box Monday to EJC, is not above you.
Your last statement to me was that I plan great parties but I could work on my thoroughness. I find your immature and unnecessary jab to be unfounded and misguided. In the entire time I have been at NLADA every conference I have produced has been complete from beginning to end. Even when other staff members and consultants have unprofessionally missed unexpected expenses such as a shuttle for participants staying at the overflow hotel and the increasing costs of AV. It was my decisions and professional advice that made the shuttle service and purchase of LCD projectors as well as other creative spending that led the conference to still make its budgetary numbers even though our registrations numbers were far below where they needed to be. And for future reference it is quite offensive to tell any meetings and event professional, that they plan great parties. But your lack of knowledge in this industry and role do not surprise me that something that rude would come out of your mouth.
Because I hate to see anyone fail, I sincerely wish you good luck in this position, because with your performance so far and how staff feels you will definitely need it.
Charles O. Williams, II
Training & Education, Meetings Manager
National Legal Aid & Defender Association (NLADA)
1140 Connecticut Avenue NWSuite 900
Washington, DC 20036
E-mail: c.williams@nlada.org
Phone: (202) 452-0620, ext. 214
Fax: (202) 872-1031
I Wrote This Song.... a book review
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 7:21 PM Labels: publications, reviews
Well although it is taking me forever to get to posting this... it only took me 2 days to read Dayne Avery's first novel, I Wrote This Song. From the very first chapter Dayne pulls you in with a vivid and gripping scene of abuse, which sets the tone of dramatic and colorfully written chapters to come. It is quite hard for me to go into detail of the novel without giving the juicy details of the book. However the novel covers a new and first love from the beginning to the very end. If you have ever been in and out of love you will definitely feel and understand the emotions and trials, Jayson, the main character, experiences throughout the story.
Most of the time I find the storyline of novels, especially gay novels, to be a bit extreme and out there. However this book definitely struck a chord with me. I too experienced the same beginning and a similar end with my first love. (again not trying to give the storyline away) I do not recommend every book I read, however this book would definitely get my stamp of approval. Check out the novel and author's website http://www.iwrotethissong.net and read an excerpt of the first chapter.
Dayne Wrote this Song...
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 2:23 PM Labels: gay, publications, reviews
So everyone knows that I am constantly reading a book, so the other day Mr. Valentino asks me if I have read fellow blogger and Atlanta resident, Dayne Avery's first novel, "I Wrote This Song". I hadn't read it and really didn't know much about it. So i hopped on Amazon as we were talking and bought the book and fellow DC resident Rashid Darden's Lazarus.
I can say now after only reading the first chapter, Dayne has pulled me in and has me curious what the next few chapters have in store... so in between packing and hanging out with my friends this weekend I will be checking out the rest of this book and of course like the other books I have reviewed posting my thoughts about the book.
What a busy work week it has been... but it is now Friday evening and all that shit is over. Just thought I wrap up the week a few thoughts on my mind....
- Why when I resigned on Tuesday... the first thing my Director said after she picked her face off the floor was.... "Is this effective today?" At first I was like does this bitch think I am really that unprofessional and uncouth? Do I need to go dust off the three degrees that hang on my wall? But then I was like... a hit dog will bark... she must be feeling guilty about something....
- Why did the HR Director overlook my request for a going away party and hold one today? Better yet why did I stay for 15 minutes before leaving?
- Why did I answer Trent's Friday Phone tap... knowing I hate my voice and I knew it would stir up a few questionable emails to my mailbox??
- To answer the questions from those emails.... read the post below... I am moving to ATL for a job opportunity not to be shacked up. My friends and family are just an added bonus.
- Why are these moving companies trying to hem a brother up with these $1700 quotes?? Anyone know any good day labourors?
- Why does Darryl Wilson think I am going to pay $25 to see Remy Ma and Eva at the Edge nightclub tonight? I don't even know who Remy Ma is and what exactly is Eva 'the Diva' Pigford going to do?
- Giving up red meat has been harder than giving up alcohol for Lent. 17 days without a drink has been like hunh but no hamburgers or steaks isn't really working.
- Have you all heard the news? BooBooRed is moving to Atlanta. Yay!!
- I'm gonna stop here.
On that Midnight Train to Georgia...
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 7:14 PM Labels: atlanta, personal
He's leavin On that midnight train to Georgia...
Said he's goin' back to find...
A simpler place and time.
Yes it is true... after a little over 6 years in DC, I am relocating back to Atlanta. What a whirlwind week it has been for me. It all started on Wednesday, when I got a call and impromptu phone interview from the second largest association management company in the US. That led to me meeting the Executive Director and one of the Vice Presidents in the DC office on Thursday afternoon. Friday morning I got a call inviting me down to Atlanta to meet the team and talk with the Vice President of the Division. A few parties here in DC on Saturday... a little apartment hunting and hanging with my bestfriend in Atlanta on Sunday... meeting on Monday... and the official offer phone call as I was boarding the plane back to DC this afternoon.
While I always had plans on moving back to Atlanta, I never imagined it would be so soon. I love DC... always have, always will. DC has been really good to me... however I will do a post about all of that later. But there are things in my life I want and people I want to be near. Besides I am young and who knows after another 6 years, I may be relocating somewhere else.
So much to do and so little time to do it.... I still have to finish up projects I have at my current job which includes yet another week in Philly at the end of March.... and then I head out to Anaheim for the first week in April, and lest we not forget my birthday is quickly approaching (April 18... I do accept gifts and money).
And to my special friend Mr. Valentino ..... suprise!
In the Background: Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight and the Pips
Farewell.... Gordon Parks
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 12:34 PM Labels: farewell, social commentary
Often correctly described as the pre-eminent African-American photojournalist. In 1948 Parks became the first African American photographer for Life magazine, where he worked for 20 years. Although most recognizably known for his photojournalism, Parks also shot high fashion as well as earned considerable distinction as a writer, poet, novelist, composer, and filmmaker. The second of his films, the blaxploitation movie Shaft (1971), achieved success at the box office and made him the first African-American to direct a major Hollywood film.
Parks was the true essence of a Renaissance Man.
After a pretty dormant December, the new year has kicked off and I am now on my 5th business trip of the new year. A week in Philly... followed by a week in Chicago, both in January.... a week long tour of Texas included stops in Dallas , Houston and Midland.
Now I am wrapping up a week back in Philadelphia. If Philly gives you nothing else there are some really amazing restaurants. Buddakan, Bluzette, Tangerine and Washington Square are all on my recommendation list. It has been quite some time that I have had a chance to check out so many different restaurants in such a short period of time.
Always good to be going home however... the 2:15pm Amtrak back to Washington's Union Station can't come quick enough.
Over the past few months, I have been on a few dates and have talked to a few more people online or on the phone, and there is always one question always asked... "So why are you single?"... I have my own answer but I happened to reading articles online and came across this one.....
By Jerusha Stewart
Do you really and truly want to be in a relationship but find yourself singing solo in the shower? Do you know you're a great catch but can't figure out why you're not paired up like most of your pals? Unwittingly, you could be engaging in a little self-sabotage when it comes to finding your special someone. With a little digging you can uncover the silent saboteurs preventing you from achieving "I'm taken" status -- and learn how to overcome them.
Silent saboteur No. 1: You're ignoring your relationship needs.
Often people with a lot on their plate may say that they're open to a relationship and are willing to make room for one. But in reality they're not. Some tell-tale signs: Every time your co-workers or friends extend an invitation to join them for a little after-work socializing, some unfinished project on your desk convinces you to say "Not tonight, but once my workload lightens up" (as in, never). Or, you find yourself saying things like "I'll start really looking for someone once I get my promotion/graduate degree/finances in order" (which, alas, may not be any time soon).
Solution:
Put yourself first. Have an honest chat with yourself: Do you really want a romantic relationship in your life right now? If the answer is yes, make at least one step toward carving out some space for it, whether that's signing up for online dating, telling all your friends and family you're open to a set-up, or establishing a once-a-week night out with your single friends. And don't let a few bad dates drive you back to your workaholic way -- once you have a good one and see what you've been missing, you'll understand what all the hubbub is about.In today's fast-paced culture, it seems natural to decide whether someone's right for you in, oh, about three seconds. Alanna Rayford of San Francisco often cuts flattering male attention short. "In the first five seconds I know whether or not I'm going to continue to have a conversation," she confesses. But think about it: Most of us aren't great at making a killer first impression. "It sure could explain why I haven't had a date in a year," Alanna continues. "I don't give men a chance to show me who they are. A little patience would probably help."
We're not saying you shouldn't have standards. But see what your friends (especially the single ones) think of your prospects. If none of them get why you didn't follow up with that person you thought was, oh, an inch too short, or too tall, or a freak because he wore a bolo tie, then you could be guilty of having too many must-have traits on your list.
You and your ex are history ... so what's up with the long, warm-and-fuzzy phone conversations to "check in" with each other? Sure it seems harmless. But if you find yourself comparing every new potential love interest to this former flame (or if you conveniently "forget" to tell your ex about the people you're dating), then it could mean you're still harboring some feelings for the one who got away, which makes it difficult to really focus on someone new.
When you're out on a date, do you find the conversation generally veering toward your dimwit boss, dysfunctional relatives, dating horror stories, or some other "poor me" tale? You may think these stories are funny (and they very well may be) but after a while, anyone listening is going to wonder: "Why would I want to join this pity party?" and steer clear.
Well, well, well Fat Tuesday, the last opportunity for partying and excessive indulgences before Lent, has come and gone. And today marks the first day of Lent. While I grew up in a nondenominational church that never really recognized this season of fasting, my new spiritual journey has taken me to a place where I look forward to this time of penance, prayer, preparation for or recollection of baptism, and preparation for the celebration of Easter.
During this time over the past 5 years, I always fast on something that has become unnecessarily important in my life, read the Bible more, and attend more church services than I do most of the year. For me its all about making a real sacrifice to symbolize the greatest sacrifice. This year I have decided to fast on alcohol and red meat and to read the entire book of Job. I chose Job because it is a book about a man who has so much and looses it all but still confesses his trust in God. This month will not only be a cleansing period but also a time of reflection of the difficult year my family has experienced due to Katrina and how material wealth can be easily washed away.
You are really beginning to piss me off. Why do you continue to play with my emotions? You should have stayed with Clive and never married that crack head. At least Clive knew how to hide the ghetto New Jersey side of you. You always get my hopes up with the rehab stints but then you... get out and do some crazy bullshit in Alpharetta. You know them white folks up there are just waiting to say they say Whitney do this and Whitney do that. Move to Stone Mountain if you want to carry on like that. You make one big musical appearance a year or every other year... and I am like yes she is on the path to coming back... and then you pulled this bullshit you pulled in Turino.
Do you know how excited I was to hear you would be performing at the Winter Olympics? When I first read that along side the award ceremonies for the competing athletes, every night there was going to be a show with the best stars of the international music scene including you... I was shocked. Finally someone recognizes that you still have some talent left in you somewhere. Since they weren't broadcasting the concert, I waited and waited for a clip or a news bite of your February 19, 2006 performance. And when I finally hear of your less than stellar performance... where you missed nearly every note... my heart broke once again. And then to hear your reason:
"Why did they choose to do this outdoors? I don't sing in the cold. It makes my voice funny." - Whitney
Whitney I need you to do one of two things.... get it together or leave the scene before you ruin what is left of the memories of one of the greatest voices ever.
Always,
CBW
If there is one thing I have come to learn about DC, since moving here 6 years ago, is that the residents on DC only need a one reason to party. And today being a federal holiday, making it a 3 day weekend was the reason for this past weekend.
The weekend started for me by going to a small get together to play spades at my boy Tim's house. Most of the regulars were there as well as couple new faces... always the usual. And of course me and my partner ran the table. The party then moved to the Edge nightclub and Darryl Wilson's Bounce Fridays. Darryl had invited the City Gym Boys of NY to do an underwear fashion show and Tyson Beckford made an appearance. In all honesty I only briefly remember any of them because by the time they made it to the stage I was on my 2nd lil blue drink (my friend and bartender Cory is always looking out) and probably my 5th drink since dinner.
Saturday, my good friend from NY, Dizyaboy and his boy Alex, nixed their plans for a weekend getaway to LA (why the hell anyone wants to get away to there I wouldn't understand) and came down to kick it the rest of the weekend. A little shopping.. alot of eating... a little drinking... a lot of sleeping. Saturday was definitely a restful chill day for the all of us.
Sunday I was awaken by the clammer of pots and aroma of food from my kitchen... usually any food aroma from the kitchen is from take out in the microwave. Alex had got up and made all of us breakfast. Pancakes and eggs... (where he found that pancake mix I still have no clue). We spent the rest of the day at the gym and Target. Now everyone that knows me knows I love me some Target (seeing I got about $100 in Target gift certificates for Xmas, someone was paying attention) But anyway I am probably in Target 3 times a month, every month. My cousin, JP, says there is something in there besides Tide that keeps bringing me back. Well as I was going for my Tide with Bounty... I noticed this attractive dude checking on me. We talked and exchanged numbers, with promises to get up later. Maybe JP was right.
We ended Sunday at Love. Darryl Wilson's new Sunday night spot which will quickly put the other Sunday night spots out of commission. A couple of drinks... alot of music... some dancing and socializing made for a pretty damn end to the weekend. I was awaken by Eric this morning as he said his goodbyes and headed back to NYC. (Did I mention him and Alex are only the best houseguets... removing the linens from the bed before they left, washing dishes and cooking... open invite whenever!)
Definitely a great weekend with friends... back to bed I go now!!
Ok no more emails or IMs asking me whats wrong.... everything is going well, I have just been focusing on different things and have been uninspired to write. But of course that doesn't mean life has stopped... so here is a quick answer to "what the hell has been going on man?!?"
- Back on the road again.... 2006 has kicked off and I recently returned from my third trip so far. Philly was the first trip and was really cool. I reconnected with one friend and met another who has proven to be quite a character so far. I think I will call him Chill for two reasons... he is calming and alcohol.
- Next was off to Chicago.... I was there for a week at the posh W Lakeshore. Always good to see my friends there and lucky for me the weather was abnormally nice.
- And returning this week from my Texas tour. I hit Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Midland. I saw old friends and family and did some work while out there. But like they say it is always nice to go home... and be able to leave again!!!
- I have also been networking like crazy... my desire to switch from the client/event planner side to the hotel/catering side has proven to be a challenge. Lucky I have met some good people in the industry that have gotten my resume to some of the right people. I have been saying prayers on that and hopefully something will open up soon.
- I have also began to look into purchasing my first home. I was preapproved for a mortgage and seeing my lease is ending soon, I thought it was the best time to see what was out there. And let me say the housing market in DC sucks. It definitely takes 2 incomes or at least 2 of my incomes... to be able to afford something nice and spacious. This reason alone has made me start looking for jobs back in Atlanta. If I don't find anything in the next few weeks... I will be rooming with a friend of mine so we can both save money on living expenses and revisit this idea in another year.
- Boys... Boys... Boys.... of course no new entry into the blogworld would be complete without a mentioning of men. Dancerthighs is making a reappearance... after finding out over the Xmas holiday that he had slept with a friend of mine way before I knew him it kind of put me off... but then I realized ummm duh he didn't know your dumb ass then, get over it! Then there is the Blatino... young, dumb and full of cum is the only way to describe him... he is cool people I like hanging out with him. And we can't forget Frenchy... we have went to dinner once and hung out he is cool but seems to be very guarded and likes to be pursued.... which we all know ain't me but he is cool and if nothing more we will be good friends.
- And of course I save the best for last KravingATL .... still has my heart even from miles away. Makes you wonder if things were different... would it be a perfect world?!?!
I wanna give him all of me cause I'm alone
The world is quiet
I wouldn't mind mere conversation
Can you be my ride?
What's your fare?
Mister can you take me there.
Can you break above
All I ask you is...
Taxi...take me to his home.
I wanna give him all of me cause I'm alone
Turn the radio down a bit...
Would you be so kind
To stop at a station
I see the sign
Cause you need some air
Mister can you take me there.
You can keep the buck
All I ask you is...
Taxi...take to his home.
I wanna give him all of me cause I'm alone
And I know he's watching the time yeah
Told him I would make it
Just get me there safe
Farewell.... Coretta Scott King
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 7:47 AM Labels: farewell, social commentary
Still half asleep, I turned on the Today Show as I do every workday at 7:30am to hear that one of the most influential women of our times died this morning. Coretta Scott King, a human rights and civil rights activist, rose to the national stage with her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Coretta passed from complications from a stroke last August, her last public appearance was at a fundraiser during the King Holiday weekend.
Since her husband's assassination, Coretta Scott King worked to create Center for Nonviolent Social Change as a living memorial to her husband's life and dreamer . She also campaigned for the national holiday which she achieved that goal in 1986. In recent years, Mrs. King spoke out against racial profiling, mandatory minimum sentences and attacks on affirmative action. She was also a vocal opponent of the war in Iraq.
Former FEMA Director Michael Brown has finally accepted much of the blame for the Katrina catastrophe. As the keynote speaker for a conference for meteorologists at a ski resort in the Sierra Nevada, Brown is quoted as saying, "I should have asked for the military sooner. I should have demanded the military sooner." He goes on to state he fell short in conveying the magnitude of the disaster and calling for help.
In the Associated Press article, Brown gives a total 180 turn from his congressional testimony where he blamed everyone accept himself, FEMA, and good ole W. Michael Brown told The Associated Press: "I think it's important to realize that all of us made mistakes. ... After a while you get a different perspective." His new revelation just happens to come after his appearance before Congress.
As someone who has lost a family member and whose family lost absolutely everything there... I would love the opportunity to spit in his face and tell him what an incompetent piece of shit he and George W really are.
It amazes me after 6 years of separation and so many trials and tribulations, how I can allow one person to have such a hold on me. As much as I would like to think that I am over that relationship and time in my life.... Mr. D pops up again and brings back memories of the good times. Yet I never seem to remember the bad times until he disappears again or does something asinine.
His career always came first... which was appealing to me at first. To see someone with focus and drive to achieve their goals and all at the same time he knew how to maneuver the system to make things happen. But the lonely nights and missed dates... ended that honeymoon quickly.
Well I try to call Mr. D every holiday and a couple times a month just to say hello and see what or who he is up to now. Christmas Day... no return call. New Years Eve... no return call. New Years Day... no return call. Which led me to believe ooooh we are in our "I am so busy even though I am off work for 2 weeks, and no I don't have time to visit you this month but maybe next." mood.
So I was on the phone with my good friend in Miami last night, listening to him rant and rave about how he can't get his ex out of his system. (they have dated off and on for the past 8 years, and not one single year has it been a healthy relationship) Of course I gave him my sure fire way of releasing those emotions. I mean take it from me I have had 3 relationships and seriously dated 2 other people... and I am completely over all of them. A few I look back at them now and wonder what the hell was I thinking? or they are with that now... what the hell did we have in common?
... But of course just like clock work guess who calls. He just wanted to verify my mailing address before he sends my belated Christmas gift. "Nothing big just wanted to let my boy know I was thinking about him."
Remembering the Dream of a King
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 12:34 PM Labels: atlanta, farewell
And this morning, the thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant."
Is It Time for the Gay Pride Travel Tour Already???
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 11:32 AM Labels: atlanta, gay, social commentary
Police Looking For Band Of Thieves
ATLANTA -- Police are calling the four men seen in surveillance video stealing thousands of dollars worth of clothes, brazen, bold and extremely quick.
Atlanta Police say four men broke into the Signature For Men Boutique on Lenox Road early Monday morning by breaking in through the back door of the business. Within minutes, the men had stolen thousands of dollars worth of clothing, including blue jeans and mink coats. Police believe the men seen breaking into the store, are the same men that had come in trying on clothes the day before.
"You can see by their build and so forth that these are the same four males that were there earlier," said Rick Anderson of the Atlanta Police Department. "...It wasn't by coincidence that everything they tried on earlier was stolen in the burglary."
A salesperson that works at the boutique said the four men had been in the store for almost an hour the day before trying on clothes. Atlanta Police are asking anyone who knows anything about Monday's robbery to call them at 404-816-7067.
Well if the numerous calls this week of "Are you going back to Atlanta this weekend?" didn't clue me in, this article did. Happy New Year everyone and Happy MLK Weekend. For those who do not know this is the official kick off weekend to the Gay Pride National Tour. While Atlanta doesn't officially celebrate Gay Pride till Labor Day weekend in September, MLK weekend has become an official Kid's Weekend as well. While many people flock to Atlanta to visit Ebenezer Baptist Church and the King Center... just as many flock to celebrate the three day weekend at Lenox and the Lion's Den.
But anyway back to the news story... Signature 4 Men is a black owned boutique in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. On my last visit to Atlanta, I had the opportunity to stop in and check out their merchandise, running into Auburn alum and former classmate, Takeo Spikes of the Buffalo Bills. Other stars such as Usher and Jamal Lewis are mentioned to shop there. So for all you Atlanta bound people if you see a group of 4 men in Beau Goss pants with D&G shades and a Gaultier belt buckle... you may want to call the Fulton County police for possible suspects... LOL
The Color Purple, a musical... (a review)
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 10:40 AM Labels: Oprah, reviews
As many of you know, the highlight of my New Years Eve were tickets to see the musical, The Color Purple, a full circle moment for me a true fan of this literary work and for my girl Oprah.
Brining The Color Purple to the stage, would be a quite a task. The 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker is a blend of comedy and drama, while tackling women's rights and racial discrimination.
I will not recount the entire story for I am sure you have read the novel or at least seen the movie. However for those of you going to see the play and have only seen the movie... do not expect to see the movie. Which brings about my first critique. I do not understand how or why, Marsha Norman chose to blend the novel with inaccuracies of the movie, while creating some of her own inaccuracies. I believe Norman's rewriting of the novel, trivialized very poignant and important parts of the book that, which for me took away from the deepness of the story.
From the very first moment the curtains go up it is impossible to ignore how visually amazing and stunning the set is. You are instantly transported to a rural Georgia in 1909 with amazing skylines and breathtaking countryside's with golden fields of wheat. Set designer John Lee Beatty draws you inside the story and keeps your interest with every set change, which is seamless and quite accurately portrayed. While all of the Paul Tazewell's costumes were quite nice the colorful costumes for the segment in Africa were remarkable and quite reminiscent of the Broadway production of the Lion King.
Like I said before, do not expect to see the movie version of The Color Purple. And nothing says this more than the music of the show. Instead of Ms. Celie's blues, Shug Avery gives a semi burlesque number with “Push da Button,” an ode to orgasm. Sophia tell's Harpo, "Hell No", to obeying his rules. The musical features no music from the movie but will not leave you disappointed.
Most of the cast members are either new to or have limited experience on Broadway. While I have read much acclaim for LaChanze who plays Celie. For me she did just an ok job. While her voice was amazing she didn't nearly come close to Whoppie Goldberg's dramatic portrayal of Celie. While the character has the gift of being humorous and tragic at the same time... LaChanze didn't leave me feeling sympathetic for Celie. Elisabeth Withers-Mendes plays Shug Avery, masters the outspoken and decadent blues singer. Her vocal delivery was quite strong especially on the title song, “The Color Purple.” Felicia P. Fields probably has one of the hardest jobs in this musical. Playing the robust and fearless Sofia, which won Oprah a Oscar nomination had to be quite large shoes to fill. However Felicia does a superb job and has made this role her own. Kingsley Leggs, brilliantly plays Mister, the man everyone wants to hate. Kingsley’s powerful takes you on his journey from villain to redemption. I also enjoyed Brandon Victor Dixon as Harpo and Krisha Marcano as the ditzy and energetic Squak.
My overall thoughts:
Norman could have done a much better job writing the story from the novel and choosing which scenes to actually display. While I enjoyed her gossiping chorus of church ladies to move the story, reminiscent of a Greek chorus, I feel using the letters of the novel would have kept the audience who has never seen the movie or read the book caught up with the storyline. I think that if the show concentrated more on the deepness and drama of the original story, LaChanze might have been able to carry off the storyline better. I am happy to see that Norman explored the homosexual relationship between Celie and Shug a little deeper than the movie and that she tries to show the redemption of Mister at the end of the Musical. For those who read the book, you know that Mister actually comes to appreciate Celie and becomes friends with her, eventually asking her to really 'marry' him. The music and the set design are flawless and made up what the story lacked. I am a true fan of this novel and movie, so my critique may be a bit bias.
I was standing there drinking my long island, a Mill long island so it only took one for the night. It had been awhile since I had been in there, barely a sophomore to the city, maybe a junior.
You walked in, I noticed you right away.. your height, your complexion... I poked Rey and nodded in your direction... you maneuvered your way through the crowd and to the bar but on your way through you passed by... I smiled, you smiled.
I changed from my suit to my sweats... another night of tv, dinner, a few chapters of my book and then sleep. Steak was grilling... potato was baking. I sit down to check my AOL email, just Bloomingdales and Monster nothing important. I move on to check the messages on the popular website, you know the one that is like a gay nightclub online... Third message was from you... I think it said something simple like how are you doing, it wasn't much more. I was shocked, I didn't even know you were on there. I respond. I wonder where this will lead. I think back onto the first time I saw you...
I looked in the mirror... not too pretty boy... not too casual. Head freshly shaved.... goatee manicured perfectly. Incense has nearly burned out, as I close the window. The apartment is filled with fresh, crisp air. There is a knock at the door... I open it. You say hello. I smile. You smile. I wake up.
Premonition or day dream
in the background: Be Without You - Mary J Blige courtesy of VH1 Soul
Ok so now that I am pretty much off of work for the rest of '05... I have nothing to occupy my time but sleep, watching Y&R {sidebar: why haven't I seen this in about a month and the storyline hasn't moved... don't see how people can watch this everyday.} and surfing the web.
I have been lucky to avoid any crowds shopping in Georgetown and Pentagon City for the simple fact that I haven't done any Christmas shopping. My boy Donnie keeps reminding me how I have to stop all my excessive shopping if I am going to afford a house in the near future.. he also mentioned something about giving up my digital cable and dvr {sidebar: we all remember a few entries ago my DVR was one of my favorite things in '05... so that ain't happening}. Other than opening the few gifts people gave me... the only thing I have to look forward to is the recently formed tradition of holiday dinner at my house. A few of my friends that are either not going home or do not celebrate Christmas for religious reasons are coming over to my house for dinner. All the good shit... Ham, dressing, greens, candid yams, mac and cheese prepared by yours truly.
I can be domestic at times even though I hate that type of shit.
Today also marks 10 more days till I will be sitting in seat P 108 at the Broadway Theater watching The Color Purple. While I have a few friends that have seen the show and told me tidbits (wow never thought I would actually have to use that word), I have stayed away from the segment on Oprah and most of the reviews. I want to see this show with fresh, unbias eyes. Me and 2 friends will be hanging out in NY all weekend so if you know of any hot spots to check leave a brother a message.
"RED LINE to Silver Spring... next stop Union Station"
"We have to hit Victoria's Secret today," (20something young white female wearing Ugg boots)
"How much have you spent so far?" (20something asian/white female carrying Louis Vuitton purse, breifcase)
"Probably about $800 maybe a little more not sure."
"How much more do you have to buy"
"Oh that was just for me I haven't shopped for my family yet."
"Maybe we should buy something for that family in Carol's neighborhood whose house burned down."
"Didn't they have insurance?"
Farewell... Richard Pryor
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 12:08 PM Labels: farewell, social commentaryAfter a 20 year battle with multiple sclerosis, a degenerative nervous system disease, actor-comedian Richard Pryor died of a heart attack on Saturday at age 65. While he was most notably known for his stand up routine where nothing was off limits, for me it was his 1986 film Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling.
In one of my favorite films, Richard Pryor stars as a popular comedian's fall from grace. Jo Jo Dancer is brought up in an Ohio brothel, who rises from his humble beginning to become a popular comedian and film star. Who, like Pryor, throws it all away when he severely injures himself in a drug-related accident. In the hospital, he looks back on the events in his life--from his ascent to stardom, to his troubles with women, to the events that caused his downfall. Although Jo Jo, was inspired by events of his own life, he refused to label it as autobiographical.
While he may be remembered for his stand up or his movies with Gene Wilder.... Jo Jo Dancer will always symbolize Richard to me.
Don't Confuse my Lack of Xmas Shopping for Lack of Xmas Spirit
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 12:13 AM"Are you done with your Christmas shopping?"
"Well seeing I don't do Christmas shopping I guess so."
"Oh why aren't you into Christmas?"
When did going into debt, spending outrageous amounts of money on gifts, waking up at 3am the day after Thanksgiving to go stand outside in some long ass line at WalMart to get that off brand DVD player for $40 become synonymous with Christmas.
While I don't think I will ever raise my child into believing in the entire Santa Claus theme... I believe the aspect of the holiday is only for kids that do not know any better. For me Christmas and the Holiday season is a time to reflect on the gifts that God has given us, and like the Three Wise Men we should bring gifts to him. For me over the past few years these gifts have been volunteering through my church, Metropolitan Baptist Church, raising money at work to purchase gifts for a needy family with young kids, and cleaning out my closets (yes closets its quite sad at times) to donate clothes and shoes to the homeless. I will never forget last Christmas I went to the DC Central Kitchen, a homeless shelter that teaches and educates the homeless in culinary arts and management, to deliver a turkey after hearing on the news that they were short of what they needed to feed all their people. What started off as me dropping off a turkey led to me volunteering 3 additional hours, and became the most rewarding experience of the season.
So while you are out finding a parking space at the nearest mall or typing in your credit card number into the box... don't forget to give a gift in honor of the birthday boy.
So I am finally back in the District after being away for two weeks catching up on all the shows I DVRed while away. And of course Oprah has inspired another blog entry. I am sitting here on the couch watching Oprah's Favorite Things eating ice cream and brownies... and it has inspired me to give you a list of my favorite things that I have experienced in 2005...
- Edy's Slow Churned French Vanilla Ice Cream (preferably served with Duncan Hines Double Chocalate Chunk Brownies)
- Montreal, Quebec ... a beautiful city with so much culture and activities.
- Mercedes Benz CLS500... once again Benz brings you sophisticated elegance on wheels.
- The Da Vinci Code ... Dan Brown put his foot in this book... from the first chapter to the end he had my attention.
- John Varvatos a soft but masculine scent.
- The Phoenician Spa ... until you have a hot stone massage by the serenity mother-of-pearl tiled pool with cascading waterfalls overlooking Camelback Mountain you haven't lived!!
- A Brown Sugar Martini... never been a fan of spiced rum but a few of these had me on my ass this week
- The iTrip... now I never have to listen to DC radio again... 1200 songs at my fingertips.
- True Religion Jeans Joey Patchwork Style ... finally designer jeans that fit right and come with a zipper!!
- Monday's Open Mic night at Busboys and Poets... a new coffee house in the famous U Street area of DC.
- The Treo telephone... call me a workaholic but having my Palm pilot and cell phone with my calendar, Outlook contacts, and email all in one has been a life changing experience. With the new 700 version coming out in the new year... I will be hooked for one more year.
- Vonage finally unlimited calling, any area code i want... all for under $25 a month.
- Comcast DVR finally an easy way to record and watch television.
- Commander in Chief.... the best new show on television. Tuesdays on ABC at 9pm EST.
Last week Oprah described it as a full circle experience. This week I describe it as how I will spend my New Year's Eve. I just purchased tickets to the 7:00pm December 31st performance (center Orchestra of course)of The Color Purple.
It is truly a full circle for Alice Walker. From seeing her story become a 1983 Pulitzer Prize winning novel to a 1985 Oscar snubbed film and now to a Broadway musical. Let's just hope the Tony people get it right this go round. When Oprah read Walker's The Color Purple 23 years ago, her life, she said on her show last week, was changed. When a film version of the novel was announced a few years later, Oprah stated she prayed every night just to be a part of the experience. At that time Oprah was a pretty much unknown local news personality... that Quincy Jones saw star quality in. And now after a $1million investment and lending her name to the marquee the show is on Broadway. Following last week's appearance on the show , ticket sales for Broadway's musical The Color Purple reached more than $1 million in single tickets and nearly the same in group sales, according to Variety.
As the musical's press release states... Spanning over 40 years, The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman, who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. I have read the book and seen the movie at least a hundred times. I have seen it tought in women studies and african american literature classes during undergrad and have heard many of the lines quoted and misquoted at least a million times.
Rest assure I will have a blog entry on the day after to recount my experience. And I hope that every fan gets the opportunity to experience this as well. So do you plan on seeing the show? And what are your plans for New Years?
What a week... o what a week. I am in the midst of traveling but wanted to drop a quick line.
It is 230pm and I have officially ended the largest convention and set of events I do each year. This week was filled with dinners, receptions, mini conferences and the one large conference for about 1000. Everything went well and the powers that be have congratulated me on yet another successful event.
Now that all the participants are gone, I can finally enjoy the Omni Orlando Resort. I am in hotels quite often (at least 15 different hotels this year alone) but this one definitely stands out. The panasian restaurant and the upscale sports bar are definitely not your typical hotel dining outlets. And the spa has proven to be quite a relaxing heaven.
I will lounge here for the rest of the weekend then I will be off to St. Kitts for a week with my paternal family. While they do not celebrate Thanksgiving there, my family will have a memorial service and family dinner for my cousin we lost due to Katrina.
Hope all of your Thanksgivings will be as sunny and beachfront as mine!!
— Sarah Ban Breathnach
What a week, what a week. Two things that happened this week got me to thinking... Am I living in my truth? The first was a conversation with a college friend of mine. He called me on Monday to let me know that he was getting married to some girl he had dated in high school. I only had one question for Lance... "Are you happy?" His reply was this is what he needed to do to be happy in the future. I told him I can accept that and that I will look for the invite in the mail.
Now I met Lance several years ago when I went to the fraternity informational session. Very attractive brother with a degree in Engineering and had been working making crazy dollars at Boeing before being laid off last year. He eventually had to move home to take care of ailing parents and hasn't quite made it back to where he once was. Lance was also (at that time) one of the first bi-curious brother I had ever met.
The second incident came while watching Oprah this week. Her guests were Terry McMillan and her now ex husband Jonathan Plummer. After hearing this story for months, Oprah secured the first interview with them together (I am sure buying the movie options for Terry's latest book didn't hurt). While at first I felt some sympathy for Terry... listening to the story together brought me to the realization that Ms. McMillan is full of shit.
I won't recount the entire show because I am sure you have seen or heard about it by now. However, first she tells the story of how he came out to her, and then begins to recount on how she held him all night as they cried. And then put him up in a hotel. Later in the show both Terry and Jonathan say they've found closure after recently spending some quality time together. Quality time spending the evening together including taking a bath together. While I do not condone anyone hiding their true sexuality from their mate, Terry's anger and rath that she has expressed over the past few months just seems to be a cry for media attention for her new book.
I was left wondering after both of these incidents... are these people being real with themselves? Are they truly living in the truth?
I had to think myself... am I living in my own truth? At first I was like oh hell yes, of course I am. I always keep it real. For some reason this question has not escaped my thoughts... and the more I think the more I realize... I may be living in MY truth, but MY truth is not always the truth.
There are feelings that I hide.... people I avoid... situations I smile through, as I shoot daggers in my mind. There are things that I do that I am not happy about and shouldn't do. There are people in my life that shouldn't be just because I don't want to be alone.
Guess I have some work to do. Are you living in the truth or your truth?
50 years after the tired seamstress' refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery city bus to a white man, Rosa Parks is still sparking change. If Michigan U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr. has his way, Parks will become the first woman to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol.
Conyers authored legislation to pay tribute to Parks with a six-hour vigil inside the Capitol on Sunday from 6p.m. to midnight. A vote on this legislation would probably come after the regular session tonight or tomorrow. This special memorial service would be a part of a four day, three city memorial to include stops in Montgomery, Washington and finally Detroit. Mrs. Parks worked in Conyer's Detroit office for several years after relocating to Detroit from Montgomery.
The cities of Detroit and Montgomery, Ala., are reserving the first seats of their buses as a tribute to Parks' legacy. Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick placed a black ribbon Thursday morning on the first set of passenger seats om one of nearly 200 buses where seats will be reserved until her funeral next week.
On Wednesday, Aaron McGruder announced that Parks, who was the subject of a few jokes in an upcoming episode of "The Boondocks,"(set to air on the Adult Swim, November 6) which is based on McGruder's controversial comic strip will be taken out. When the movie Barbershop first came out there were several public and political figures who were outraged about one of the movie's jokes regarding Rosa's role in the civil rights movement.
Well Desperate Housewives has concluded which means for me at least another weekend has ended. With the stress from work mounting as we approach my biggest event of the year, I crave the weekends. No matter how much work is needed to be done, for my own sanity I leave it at the office on Thursday evenings and try not to think about it again until Monday morning.
This weekend was quite a mix of relaxation and activity. As usual with Howard's Homecoming, the city is flooded with former Alums, partyseekers, and celebs hosting overpriced parties at only the hottest spots around the District. This weekend Darryl Wilson brought SWV to perform for the kids, singing all of their old favorites and claiming that they are back. Followed by a house party the next day, I was left wondering out of all these people in town, how many really have ties to Howard?
My boy from Harlem, Dizyaboy, came down this weekend as well. Most of our weekend we spent downloading and listening to music while having revealing conversations. He asked quite a few questions that made me think. And was probably one of the chillest house guests that I have ever had. None of that demanding for entertainment with constant questions of 'what are we doing next?' He actually sent me out on Friday night alone while he chilled and slept.
Today was also a pretty chill day. Slept in a little and Dizyaboy left in mid afternoon. (Did I mention how he cleaned up the guest room, folded blankets and placed the sheets and towels by the washer and dryer... Definitely my type of guest)I had an early dinner date with Jordan. Now I met Jordan some time ago when he first moved to the city... however we remet 3 weeks ago at a house party and exchanged numbers. Definitely an attractive brother (tall, lite, and nice lips) and employed.
Now Dancerthighs is still around but not front and attention as he once was. While over the past weeks have shown me we have a few different priorities and were not in the same place, he is still someone of serious interest to me.
Anyway now that Desperate Hos is off... its time to get it together for the next week...
In the background: The Pussy Cat Dolls 'Stickwitu'
I first saw Noah's Arc last fall when the HRC had a screening of the show and reception with the cast at their new headquarters. Finally after several months of promoting the show it has finally aired on the Logo network, the gay network that I often forget exists. What some consider groundbreaking, I consider a perpetuation of the negative stereotypes of black gay men. To me the show exhibits two types of GBMs... the queen and the overly masculine DL brotha. The uberflamboyant characters and mediocre acting take away from what could actually be a pretty good storyline.
I was able to catch some of tonight's premiere episode, which was somewhat different from the episode I saw at HRC and at the Reel Affirmations film festival last fall. While the storyline remained the same, most of the scenes were reshot and the sex scenes were quite toned down. For those who haven't seen or heard of the show it is about the lives of four black gay men in Los Angeles and their romantic and professional relationships.
I believe the show has the opportunity and responsibility to be a strong and positive voice for African American gay men. And with a possible viewership of 18 million. It will be interesting to see how the show develops over time, I recommend you at least checking it out for yourself. Noah's Arc airs Wednesdays at 10pm E.D.T. on Logo.
So I woke up Saturday morning (ok late morning) ready to get dressed and head down to the National Mall to take part in the Million More March. So I decided to jump online and check out the agenda to see what time the lined up speakers went on. Now I had been checking for this agenda for the past week... to no avail.
It amazes me that this national movement's web site has little or no information. It doesn't amaze me that a black national movement's web site has little or no information. One day we will stop being so half ass. Strike 1.
So I turn to the coverage on CSpan, to see none other than the hatemonger Willie Wilson giving a speech on unity. Now is this the same man who was adamant against a speaker representing homosexual people of color. Speaking on unity, how ironic. Strike 2.
As I ate my breakfast, I continued watching the coverage. Nonsense topics from nonsense speakers. The two that stood out the most were... one Muslim woman who was advocating marriage, (I can agree with this one... let me turn it up) her reasoning for this was 1. women shouldn't have to force men to be a part of their child's life emotionally or financially (ok i can agree with that) 2. women should stay at home to nurture and take care of their families (stay at home? she should have stopped while she was ahead)
Another speaker spoke on how if the Government would give them 14% of the health care dollars... they would be able to medically take care people of color better than the government is currently doing. Of course no evidence to support this claim, just endless rhetoric. Strike 3.
Most people that know me know I have very little patience. And definitely patience for bullshit. So after all of that I decided my time would be better spent in bed sleep, rather than trekking down to the Mall to listen to this nonsense. Only to come to find out a few hours later that after being invited, Keith Boykin, was disinvited Saturday morning by Willie Wilson who would later stand before the crowd and preach unity.
A late Saturday morning in bed... Saturday afternoon shopping with my bestfriend. I must say it turned out pretty relaxing.
Many of you will not know of Dr. Coleman but for those that do will know what a remarkable woman she truly was.
Every since I was a few months old, twice a year, my mother and me or my grandmother and me would make our trek to 500 S Carver Street to see Dr. Viola Mary Johnson Coleman. Dr. Coleman had been our family physician since my mother was in grade school herself. No matter how many patients she had she never forget one detail about the Fitzgerald-Morris', she had become more than just a doctor but a family member.
But it wasn't until Dr. Viola Coleman, a brilliant and determined physician still practicing in her eighties, who led the fight to desegregate the schools and the small oil town of 50,000. Midland, the former home of George and Laura Bush, was much like the rest of America, segregation in Midland created a social atmosphere where black doctors and lawyers and business owners became the notables of the local black community. When Dr. Coleman and other black leaders began organizing sit-ins at a few of Midland's favorite lunch spots, the town's white business community was so eager to avert the same spectacle that has been occurring across the south that most of the restaurant owners quietly agreed to open their doors to blacks.
Dr. Coleman's activism didn't stop there. In 1970, she successfully worked with the Department of Justice in desegregating Midland's schools, the same schools my family and the Bushes attended. In the 80's, the city acknowledged her by naming a new high school after her. Her recent work included working to end the paramount Hispanic drop out issue.
While growing up, Dr. Coleman was just my doctor and a family friend. Now that I know more about this amazing woman, I feel honored to have been her patient.
"You survive and go on to do those things that you have the ability to do and the willingness to pay the price for," Coleman said in a 1985
Farewell.... August Wilson
Posted by C. Baptiste-Williams at 11:49 PM Labels: farewell, social commentaryAnother legend has passed. The Pulitzer Prize playwright died of liver cancer on Sunday in Seattle. Wilson was diagnosed with cancer in June by his doctors in Seattle. The disease proved too advanced for treatment, according to his hometown paper, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which broke the story of his illness. Wilson's work primarily focused on the African-American experience in the 20th century. His 10 play epic dealing with each decade of the 20th century, was mostly set in his hometown of Pittsburgh. His most famous plays are Fences and the Piano Lesson which both won Pulitzer Prizes; Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Joe Turner's Come and Gone.
In 2002, while working at the Kennedy Center, I had the pleasure of meeting August Wilson at the premiere of his King Hedley II starring Brian Stokes Mitchell. From the brief conversation we had the one thing I remembered him saying was, "who would have thought all of this for a high school drop out. Don't let anything stand in your way."
In a true testament to his greatness Broadway's Virginia Theater will be renamed the August Wilson Theater later this month.
"I've lived a blessed life. I'm ready," Wilson spoke of his cancer in the Post-Gazette in August.
Ok so it was 8:50am and I was just arriving at the Brookland Metro station (for those not from DC... the metro is the subway). At a far distance I saw the former or current boyfriend of a friend , lets call him Tee (one of those relationships when you are never quite sure). Nice young guy, but if you only knew the stories I knew. I hadn't seen him since a early August when were both at a house party, so we played the obligatory lets catch up. Told me all the new things going on in his life... dropped a few hints that him and my friend were back together much not to my surprise. My stop came first so as I said my enjoy your days see you around soon... I departed the train and made my way to my office.
It was on my half a block walk that I started to thinking. Tee always complains about the nonsense that him and his partner are going through. But yet they keep going back to each other. And if I could tell you some of the crazy ass stories I have heard... you would only wonder. My bestfriend told me that I am far too impatient and usually end a relationship at the first sign of trouble. I always refute his statements with simply saying I have no time for bullshit.
So as I walked from the metro.... in between all the meetings... and as I walked back to the metro this evening... all I could wonder was... What is too impatient??
It has been about a month since my last entry and what a month it has been....
First dealing with the aftermath of Katrina and Rita and the havoc it has taken on my family still leaves me speechless. In total I lost two family members to Katrina. Several others are still dealing with emotional and pyschological scars that will probably last a lifetime. My uncle, once a vibrant trial lawyer that could tell a story as well as any Southern Baptist preacher, barely utters a word. Seeing his grandchild ripped from his hands and claimed by the flood waters, has proven to be a silencer.
Material things take an entire new meaning, when you see nearly everything that your family owns washed away.
Secondly, travel... travel... and more travel. This month I have been to Atlanta, Phoenix and Denver. Once again I spent more time away this month then I did in my own house... however it was good to see friends and college classmates in Atlanta (more on this later). And the Phoenician spa in Phoenix was absolutely amazing. Imagine getting a massage as the sun sets next to a cascading pool and waterfall overlooking a set of mountain ranges.... damn I love my job.
Third my bestfriend goes to closing on his house tomorrow. Two years ago we talked about what needed to be done to accomplish this and to see him reach this goal is such a great feeling.
Fourth.... work... work and more work. Frustrations of dealing with people that have no appreciation or concept of what you do is beginning to take its toll. I should have stayed on contract instead of taking this position full time. If things continue to progress the way they are now... I will be looking for a corporate conference and event management job in the DC, NYC, ATL and Miami areas so keep your eyes open.
Well that is all the updates for now.... time for dinner.
In the Background: Access Hollywood
Never let an opportunity pass without telling those in your life that you love them.
Never let the sun go down on your anger.
Never take tomorrow for granted.
It has been 3 days since I have spoken to any of my family members there. It pains me to watch the continuous coverage on every news channel, yet I do in hopes to see an alive face or story of my kin. It had to be the 30th time I dialed 1-504... and it was the 30th time I would get a busy signal or a message from the operator telling me my efforts would be fruitless yet again. Last night something told me to try a text message this time. To my surprise it went through.... and even more to my surprise my friend Steven responded letting me know him and my other friend from New Orleans had made it safely to Baton Rouge. Exhale.
Another friend sent me this message from her blackberry today:
I am alive, but I have nothing but what is on my back. I have lost everything, it is all gone. Please call Mark [her husband] at the number in Shreveport and let him know that I am going to a shelter and will be in touch. Our New Orleans is no more. I have lost everything. Keep praying. - M
Three days letter and still no word from my family.
Today standing in the Rose Garden, President Bush said, "This recovery will take a long time. This recovery will take years."
"I'm confident that with time you'll get your life back in order, new communities will flourish, the great city of New Orleans will get back on its feet and America will be a stronger place for it," Bush said. "The country stands with you. We'll do all in our power to help you," he said.
I can only hope that he is right.
