Oh How I love Ms. Pinkett-Smith

I just love how she has progressed from Lena James to Carla Purty slipped back to Woo and now is on top as Miriam Aarons. The Women starring Ms. Pinkett-Smith starts September 12th.

East meets West in 5 Days

I am looking forward to waking up Friday morning and being officially on vacation... granted it is LA and not Provence or Hampshire... but Beverly Hills will accomodate just fine.

Thanks for the emailed and comments left of suggestions of what to hit up... keep them coming.

The Women Behind The Women...

So back in June, I did a post entitled The Women. It was all about one of my favorite old school movies and its upcoming 2008 remake, that has commercials all over the place in anticipation for it hitting theaters this September.

Well I was recently informed about a partnership of Dove and the upcoming film The Women to allow a 16-year-old teen journalist, Cammy, behind-the-scenes during the filming of The Women to learn, first-hand, how Hollywood creates the images we see on screen and about the people involved in making a major motion self-esteem campaign, the Campaign for Real Beauty, which has shown different depictions of beauty in their underwear on tv and billboards across the nation.

Regardless if we are men or women, most of us have been faced with some sort of self esteem issue as we look to what the media and Hollywood depicts as beautiful. Whether it is rock hard abs or a size 4 figure, we have all looked at these depictions and then looked at ourselves and wondered if we measured up.

Well Dove, Cammy and The Women have created a short documentary entitled The Women Behind the Women which shows Cammy's time on the set of the film and her discussions with the stars about what they think real beauty is. At first yes, I thought a little contrive to ask 4 beautiful Hollywood actresses about what real beauty is, of course they are going to give their Ms. America speech about inner beauty. It wasn't until the part where Cammy, asked the question, "If you could go back to when you were 15 and tell yourself something, what would it be?", that it actually hit home for me because I could agree with what each of the 4 actresses had to say.

Seeing that I have seen the original movie at least 25 times and will definitely see this remake the opening weekend, I can relate to the themes behind the movie and I can admire Dove and the film for taking this opportunity to improve the self image and self satisfaction of others. Anyway check out the short documentary and definitely check back after the 12th to see if Jada, Meg, Annette, Debra and Eva live up to the 1939 classic.

It was 8:24pm when I finally made it home Sunday. Exhausted from a day of work and a cookout with my friends, I immediately stripped down and jumped in the shower to wash the day off. When I exited the shower, I grabbed the mail that had been piling up on the kitchen table for a week, grabbed a diet coke... turned on some music and got in the middle of my bed to sort through the junk mail and bills.

'Like a moth to the flame burned by the fire... my love is blind can't you see my desire' I turned to FLJ's picture and mouthed That's the way love goes...

As I went through the mail there was an envelope for FLJ, as I opened it I saw a visitor's guide to LA with a letter stating "I hope this helps you find those off the beaten path activities you wanted to plan."

We were to take this trip together... and now I go alone. By now this awful nightmare of cancer was going to be another hurdle we had finally cleared. He told me two years ago that he couldn't commit until this was a thing of the past... and at times I didn't understand or maybe I didn't want to understand. And then there were times I got impatient with waiting. But by now all of this would be a moot point. One he got the go ahead, the plans were to expand his client base and move to Harlem by the end of the year. I would join him in the Spring. I often sat by the bed joking about how he would find me an Asian woman to carry the 2 kids.

Just made me think... why is it for me at least life never works the way it is planned? I keep telling myself this rollercoaster I have been on the past 3 years is preparing me for something bigger, something better. But what could that be? And when will I get there?

My friend AJ signs all of his emails asking, "If someone prays for patience, do you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient." I wonder...

Flipping Out about Flipping Out

If you have never seen Flipping Out on Bravo you are depriving yourself from an hour of truly hilarious comedy each week.

Flipping Out is a show primarily about Jeff Lewis an obsessive-compulsive house-flipper, master decorator and the personalities or coworkers he works with. His eccentric staff include an Julia Louis-Dreyfus look-a-like assistant who moonlights doing voice over work, a latin housekeeper and two very unique house assistants. When you add to the mix his business partner that is also his former boyfriend, his various therapists and spiritual advisors, it's clear that this intriguing cast of characters are definitely a dysfunctional family that will provide nothing but laughs.

The second season just ended but you can watch the full episodes online at http://www.bravotv.com/. This is by far one of my favorite shows on tv.

No Words

1. Wearing a wifebeater as a mini dress.... No Words..
2. Videotaping his future drag performance... No Words..
3. Testing the water temperature (min 3:11) before turning on the shower... No Words..
4. Another confused child facing gender identity issues... No Words

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