Only Appropriate to Have History... by Jay-Z

I am loving this song, but the visuals brought about an appropriate emotion for me.



Enjoy Your Holiday...

~

The Next Big Bailout

To hell with Citigroup... I could careless about Ford... If Barack and Geithner want to stimulate the economy and get people to spend more he needs to alleviate student loan debt.

The average student graduates with an undergraduate degree with about $21,000 in debt. While current Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson recently proposed to bailout the student loan industry, I personally feel the logic makes no sense. By wiping clear the debt that students have would free up billions of dollars for us debt ridden scholars to make big life changing purchases like homes and new cars. And even invest in the ever failing stock market or finally contribute to the endowment of either of my universities.

Personally with my three degrees (I could have done without two of them but that why 18yo shouldn't go to college post is for another day), I am well over $50,000 in debt to U.S. Department of Education. But yet the government will bailout executives who refuse to fly first class because anything beneath private leer jet is beneath them or send out stupid $600 stimulus checks that don't really stimulate anything. If they want to stimulate my economy get rid of my student loans!!

Have You Met My Friend Vicodin...

So Wednesday morning at 11:30am, 45 minutes after my scheduled appointment, I finally sat down in Dr. Merlow's chair.

After two weeks of hearing the horror stories of people having their wisdom teeth removed I was finally feeling the IV put into my left arm. I have never been given a non local anesthesia to and all I could think of was that movie where the guy is put to sleep during surgery but doesn't go all the way to sleep and feels every moment of the surgery. I actually think I was more afraid of the anesthesia than having my cute Italian doctor ripping four teeth out of my mouth.

Well after the prick of the IV, the next thing I remembered was the nurse removing the oxygen from my nose. It was over. No excruciating pain... just a lil woosy as my friend Domo walks in to take me home with a much needed stop at Smoothie King since I wasn't able to eat since dinner the night before.

I now sit on my couch with Haagen Dazs Caramel Cone, Vitamin Water and my friend Vicodin... wishing for some Baja Fresh, Five Guys, or Matchbox.

Blogs I Am Reading...

Well the new blog I am checking out is from fellow District resident, Troy Barrington Lilly.

Very good writer check his blog out...

http://urbansophistic.blogspot.com

And I already mentioned this last week I think but another District resident

has joined the blog world...

http://www.districtrazzi.com

Introducing GQ's Man of the Year

Gotta love it.

Maxwell has Returned...

So last night I had the opportunity to check out Maxwell's "Black Summer Night" tour featuring Jazmine Sullivan. And I must say that both artist captivated the maxed out crowd with mesmerizing performances.

Philly girl Jazmine with crowbar in hand, opened the concert with Bust Your Windows, the ode of pissed off lovers. While I have been vibing her new CD that dropped last month, it was good to see a young artist who can actually perform outside of the studio as well. As much as I hate to compare her style... I would have to say she is definitely a mix of the newer Alicia Keys and the Miseducation Lauryn Hill. As the opening act she definitely energized the crowd which continued as Maxwell returned to the stage after a good 6 or 7 year hiatus.

Maxwell gave us a vibe of a old jazz club waltzing to the stage in his tux with one sole Billie-esque backup singer. Before I continue about the concert I must say it often pains me to see such talented artist singing backup when the Cassie's of the world get record deals. The crowd sang along with the 90 minutes or so of his hit songs, This Woman's Work, Fortunate, and Lifetime as well as a few songs from part one of his upcoming album trilogy. I think the entire audience had been anticipating the return of Maxwell as much as I and was singing along and shouting to the stage, right along with me... and there was even a pair of blue panties that ended up flying on stage. If the tour hasn't passed by your city yet I definitely recommend you checking this out... well worth the price of the ticket.

Maxwell is quoted as saying, "This is a second chapter for me, and I'm going to let the cycle of music do its own thing." I can only say we are definitely in for a treat if it is anything like the first chapter and what DC saw last night.

Evangelical Christian Republicans Make Me Sick

Love one another... blah blah blah

Do not judge.... blah blah blah

I love it when these holier than though, family values, gay bashing Republicans get caught up in scandal whether it is trolling for dick in an airport restroom or getting caught in same sex S & M acts or with prostitutes in luxury hotel rooms (no such thing as bad press).

I love it because each time I hope that these people and their followers will finally wake up and  realize the truth that no one is perfect and maybe they shouldn't judge other people's struggle or path in life. 

But alas they don't and their scorned leader is casted aside until they make a ugly face tearful plea on national TV begging for forgiveness. 

So now the former minister who was once one of Time's top 25 most influential evangelicals in America, is stating he was sexually abused as a child and that the experience "started to rage in my mind and in my heart" when he was caught up in a sex scandal involving a male prostitute.  

Why is it they always want to run and blame an alleged sexual abuse on turning them to gay sex... sounds very Donnie McClurkish to me.  And why do people keep believing this nonsense. I just hope there is a warm place in these people's future.

No Words

Is This Bitch Tryin' to Read

I thought this email I just got from Bally's was worth a kackle or 3.... (my thoughts in red)

-----Original Message-----
From: Cruz, Jesse Jesse.Cruz@Ballyfitness.com
To: ME
Sent: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 1:55 pm
Subject: How are you Charles?

Hello Charles,

We have chosen a new President... Isn't it about time you choose a New You? (whats wrong with the old me)
Change is coming to Washington... Are you ready to change Your Waistline? (is this bitch tryin to read)
You have made a decision for our Country... It's time to make the right decision for Your Life! (so I assume those porkchops last night were the wrong decision)
You cast your vote, now come into Bally!

It is the perfect time for a new beginning... You have been thinking about it long enough! It's time to do something about it! (i like thinking things through before jumping into rash decisions thank you very much)
Print this email for a free personal training assessment, workout profile and group exercise class!

Plus just look at some of the great deals ballys has to offer!!!!
Best start personal training package: Receive 4 one-on-one training sessions with a personal trainer for $149!!! On a budget? (budgets are foor poor people... hell yeah I am on one) Chose from our Selection of value plans starting at $34.99 per month for local club access!!! So many new deals we cant list them all on one page!!! We also have special Unadvertised Membership Plans!!

The time is Now, The person is You, The place is Bally!! SEE YOU AT THE TOP!! (how did you know?!?!)

Larry Kouch
Club Manager
Bally Total Fitness - 1201 Joyce ST. C-6
Arlington, Virginia 22202
P:703-416-5131

Hey! How Are You? Long Time No Speak...

I am so feeling this Washington Post article, Hey! How Are You? Long Time No Speak... Since Tuesday I have had 11 requests of people asking to crash at my spot.

Now if I had a palatial estate in the suburbs with staff, I wouldn't mind accommodating most of the requests... however I live in a one bedroom/ one bath apartment about 7 blocks from the National Mall and 10 from the Capital. And being an only child who never had to share... I am really selfish about my space, and who I allow in it.

But anyway I see that I am not the only Washingtonian getting calls and emails from people I haven't spoken to in years.

So a friend of mine and fellow district resident just started a new blog...

check him out.

www.districtrazzi.com

~

Random Thoughts this Thursday Morning about the Election

1. He is Barack Obama, the President elect, the 44th President of the United States... he is not the next messiah... he is not our saviour. This country, if not the entire world, must manage our expectations.

2. As soon as John McCain was announced as the Republican nominee, even when Hilary was still in the race, I knew then that Barack would win... but it wasn't until Tuesday night when I heard the news call the race that I could exhale.

3. Wasn't it amazing to see all of those people in Grant Park Tuesday night and the diversity of races and age. And then they cut to McCain's speech and all you see are lilly white faces. Now which one represents the America we live in now.

4. Who would have thought someone named Barack Hussein Obama, let alone a black man, would ever be President of the U.S.

5. Wasn't it amazing to see the news cut to places all over the world celebrating Barack's and America's achievement.

6. My annual trip to Atlanta for MLK weekend has been officially cancelled... No way I am missing Inaugural weekend this go around for some over priced circuit parties.

7. Interesting to see the first child named after Obama was born on election day. Sanjae Obama Fisher was born at 8 p.m. EST on Election Day at Hollywood's Memorial Regional Hospital to Patrick and Sasha Hall Fisher.

8. My hero on the election...

Yes President Obama... We Can!!

Can There Be a Gay Series... that isn't Stereotypical?

With the recent theatrical release of Noah's Arc, which did surprisingly well even with a very limited release and relatively little if any promotion by Logo; and Clay Cane's recent post about the here! TV viewer's poll about DL Chronicles... my mind started wondering.... Can there be a gay series... that isn't stereotypical?

Queer As Folk
I recently started watching this series thanks to my Netflix subscription. After seeing the first two seasons I couldn't shake out of my head... why the white gay community didn't revolt about this series or did they and I just missed it?

The entire show portrayed white gay Pittsburgh as being sex fiends that enjoyed sex in back rooms of clubs and functioning drug addicts that need to snort something to dance to the techno beats of Babylon. While I am not denying this occurs, it is just interesting that it consumed the first two seasons. But I guess sex sales. I will say that in between the endless sexual escapades and the relationships of the five friends, the show does explore critical gay political and health issues such as HIV, gay bashing, and gay rights.

Noah's Arc
The short lived, and only reason I subscribed to Logo, series is definitely one that causes a lot of tension and bloguments (blog arguments). It seems if you are the least bit critical of this series you are hating and against feminine men. While I did subscribe to Logo for the two seasons just to see the show, I thought the series could use some serious production help.

The character's ranged from Ricky the sexaholic to Alex the loud mouth queen to Noah the naive twink. I couldn't relate to the characters on a personal level and thought the story lines were often rushed and far fetched but the show did what it was supposed to do... entertain. And along its very short tenure it did touch on some important gay issues such as HIV and gay parenting.

DL Chronicles
By far my favorite series and by far the shortest of them all. The stereotype here is evident from the series' name. But of the 4 episodes, only 2 of them actually deal with men cheating on women with other men. The other two episodes deal with gay men hiding from society and themselves. I am hoping that in the second season of this series the writers/directors Quincey and Deondray explore the DL lives of women.

This stigma of the DL life, thanks to JL King, has been used to scare straight women instead of enlightening them. Episode 1 - Wes and Episode 2 - Boo... don't combat those themes.

Will & Grace

By far one of the most popular shows to air on NBC and probably one of the few network shows when it premiered to have a gay lead character. The stereotype here is just Jack. The very flamboyant character definitely kept the laughs coming and also didn't let you forget that this series was about gay men living in NY and their two hags.

So after thinking of the four gay series that I have watched... I am left wondering if it is even possible to remove all stereotypes. And if all the stereotypes were removed... would the shows be as good? Does every show have to show a positive image of the community it is reflected? Or can these stereotypes bring necessary attention to causes and people... like the Wire did to Baltimore. Definitely no answers here today... just observations and questions.

No Words... ok maybe a few

This nonsense must stop.... definitely a good laugh!!

Random Thoughts this Friday Morning about Politics...

1. I am not well that Ms. Joe Six Pack Hockey Mom bought her 7 year old daughter a Louis Vuitton purse.... actually I am jealous as a muthafucka.... jade as hell... I mean couldn't Jane the Plumber get me a duffle or a wallet??

2. If you are still claiming to be undecided... you are either slightly racist or stupid. I will let you decide.

3. I think these political ads on TV should be banned. I think they should just take an ad out in every paper... do a side by side comparison on where they stand on the issues... have a few debates.... and let us vote and leave my damn commercial breaks between Grey's Anatomy alone.

4. Speaking of getting rid of things... the Electoral College should be the first thing to go. I think if more Americans understood that their votes don't actually elect the President... this would be a more prominent issue.

5. So if McCain doesn't win... error when McCain doesn't win... does that mean Sarah "I Can See Russia from my porch" Palin is first in line to run for the Republican Presidential nomination in 4 years.

6. Why are people still interviewing the ultimate hater, Jesse "Never Had A Real Job' Jackson?

7. So Early Voting has started in several states... I wonder how they are going to fuck this up.

8. So I heard on the news that Philadelphia is preparing for possible riots... just in case Obama doesn't win... if they do riot I hope they don't destroy their own shit this time.

9. Is it just me or does anyone often wonder since McCain has millions... why doesn't he get his teeth whitened?

10. Damnit is it November 4th yet.... Enough Already!!

It has been a little over a year since I moved back to DC. And life right now is no where near what I had expected it to be when I moved back.

Today in a conversation with a friend about FLJ, he mentioned he never knew how I really felt about him because I never really stated. After the death of Terrence and a string of unsuccessful dating situations, I began to keep a lot of that part of my life quiet. I simply felt that no one needs to know every detail about what is going on in my dating life.

My relationship with FLJ was quite unique one. We dated off and on since 2003. Even when we weren't dating we remained really good friends, so the definition of our relationship was often quite blurry even to those who knew us well. When I made the decision to return to Washington it wasn't purely for the reason of the job opportunity that had been presented to me. I sought out the job because of the decision to be closer to FLJ during his fight with cancer. I never told anyone this part of my decision to leave Atlanta because I was one of those who said I would never move for a man... well I did, never say never I guess. FLJ also made it very clear he wouldn't be in a committed relationship with me until the battle with cancer was over. He felt it was too much to ask one person to deal with. Regardless I told him I would see him through it. During one of my visits to DC from Atlanta we talked about our future and began to make plans to move to NYC in the fall of 2008 by then the cancer would be gone. I guess Peter Drucker was right when he said, "Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans."

But life is what it is now. I work incredible amounts of hours now and often only have other time to sleep and relax for a few hours a day. I don't have the network of friends I had when I lived here before so to distract me for my lacking personal life I fill the time with work. But that is helping me meet those financial goals I have set for myself.

This Sunday was the first time I had been out in DC in such a long time and it felt oh so good. To hang with some old friends, have several drinks and reclaim that socialite status if for only one night. Celebrating a friends birthday and just hanging out with my boy JC was just what I needed. Less the immature kids fighting outside the bar... these bars really need to be a little more selective about who they let in.

JC has been quite a needed relief. Our lazy afternoons and early evenings at our local gathering place/lounge/bookstore/restaurant/etc. talking about friendships, travel, blogging, and life are one of the few things I really enjoy about being back in DC. I shouldn't totally down my time in DC this time I guess it isn't all that bad, it just isn't the DC I once knew.

As for the random guys I have met since being back... I really didn't take any of them serious. They were all mere placeholders something to occupy time with. Now that I have typed that it sounds really mean... they were mostly nice but really no connection. My bestfriend has told me once before that I write people off to quickly... "they do one thing you don't like and we never hear there name again." Which is mostly true... I just feel relationships should be easy and drama free in the beginning... and if they aren't usually that is how it will be throughout. And as an Aries I have little or no patience. But with that said there isn't much to comment on those guys because there has been nothing happening.

Since being back in DC from my two trips to LA, I have been eating a lot healthier... not on some crazy ass nuts, berries and tofu but just more healthier... chicken tacos instead of beef... baked sweet potatoes instead of rice... grilled pork chops instead of fried. Now if only I could get the drive to take my out of shape ass to the gym.

So I am just being me... perfectly imperfect... still creating my HisStory....

~

My Hero Endorses Obama

Finding Me

My decision on which film to see at Reel Affirmations this weekend was made a lot easier Friday, when I received a call from Derrick L. Briggs telling me he would make a cameo appearance in DC for the screening of his film, Finding Me.

I met up with Mr. Briggs and several cast members and crew near the historic Lincoln Theatre where the film was being screened. The entire team was very personable and I am still trying to figure out how to get RayMartell's blazer... he better not slip up!

So the film, Finding Me, is about Faybien a 21yo Caribbean American, played by RayMartell, who is struggling with his sexuality, finding a purpose in life, and the expectations of his father. His interactions with his two best friends and love interest, Lonnie, played by Derrick, help him along his journey of finding himself.

So of course you are wondering... what I thought. I thought Derrick was very believable in his role. His character didn't seem forced and flowed pretty naturally. RayMartell's character was meant to be indecisive and passive. By the end of the movie I was so over him, we all know how I feel about passive people... so I think he also played his character successfully. The other characters were ok for the most, J'Nara Corbin who plays one of the bestfriends reminded me of one of my homegirls from undergrad and provided plenty comic relief throughout the movie.

What I didn't like about the film were the transitions from scene to scene and the sound quality at times felt like a roller coaster ride, which could have been an issue with the theater and not the film. The only other issue that I have noticed in black gay films is that the script often doesn't reflect real conversations. It often feels as if the actors are quoting lines instead of having a conversation.

With that said the very hot chemistry and nude sex scene between Derrick and RayMartell is enough of a reason to see the film. Overall it was descent and I enjoyed it. Derrick, Ray and J'Nara definitely made it for me. And all I will say as I end this post is that Derrick has a wonderful ass.

"Palin" around with Terrorists...

Today marks 96 days left for Bush 43 as President of the United States. Today I had to go to the White House for meetings and had the opportunity to tour the grounds and see a Presidential departure.

Regardless of whomever sits in the Oval Office... the protocol, the history and the future of the White House was still amazing to see first hand for the first time. Definitely looking forward to going back this Saturday for a tour of the West Wing...