This is how I go off on the kids:
Posted on March 15, 2007 at 7:00 AM
YES! This site is worth something! lol
Posted on March 7, 2007 at 6:52 PM
This blog is dedicated to -- ME!
Thanks Wise and Young for hooking me up with this -- sho nuff gave me some things to think about!!!!
Posted on January 12, 2007 at 11:03 PM | Comments (0)
Florida/Ohio State Game
What was the name of that black guy sitting to the right of Emmit Smith on last night's Florida/Ohio State pre-game show?
He was Pretty Hot And Tempting, yo!
Posted on January 9, 2007 at 9:55 AM | Comments (0)
This week in The Washington Blade
Without fanfare, Council approves tax filing bill
D.C. gay couples now have ‘civil unions in all but name’
In a little-noticed action, the D.C. Council on Dec. 19 approved a bill that would allow registered domestic partners in the city to file joint returns for their District of Columbia income taxes beginning in the 2007 tax year.
The legislation, the Domestic Partnership Joint Filing Act of 2006, is the latest in a series of far-reaching domestic partner laws the Council has adopted over the past three years. Gay activists and city officials say the laws collectively provide same-sex couples with nearly all the local rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples.
Posted on January 6, 2007 at 9:22 AM | Comments (0)
Remember the Past, Look to the Future
Rest in Peace:
Shelly Winters
Wilson Pickett
Gene McFadden (of McFadden & Whitehead)
Coretta Scott King
Al Lewis (Grandpa from The Munsters)
Betty Friedan
Peter Benchley (wrote Jaws and other novels)
Dennis Weaver
Octavia Butler
Don Knotts
Darren McGavin
Kirby Puckett
Dana Reeve (widow of Christopher Reeve)
Gordon Parks
Megan Van Peebles (Sister of Mario, daughter of Melvin)
Dan Curtis (Producer of Dark Shadows, original and 1991 revival)
Proof from D12
June Pointer
Katherine Dunham
E. Pierce Marshall (Anna Nicole Smith's stepson)
Aaron Spelling
June Allyson
Red Buttons
Mickey Spillane
Willi Ninja
Daniel Smith (Anna Nicole Smith's son)
Ann Richards
Mickey Hargitay (Mariska's father)
Frances Bergen
Ed Bradley
Gerald Levert
Jack Palance
Ruth Brown
Robert McFerrin (father of Bobby)
James Brown
Posted on December 25, 2006 at 2:53 PM | Comments (0)
Black God!
Posted on December 18, 2006 at 12:57 AM | Comments (1)
Clik Awards - Part II
I left y'all hanging for a while....
So I got interviewed on the red carpet, and that was cute. Went up these huge marble stairs (they seemed marble, maybe they weren't) to the salon where the awards would be held. There were appetizers and whatnot. I didn't have any though because I was so nervous.
My "date" was just my frat brother -- nothing special, you nosy rosies. And truth be told, he was about to get his head bit off because I was already on edge and he was finding new and inventive ways to piss me off, LOL.
I saw a lot of people I had seen around before, like Dwayne from Brothers United. Familiar faces are such a good thing in places like that. Of course, Dwight Powell was there --
*da-dun-da-da-dun......da da daaaaaah da daaaa*
As was Keith and Nathan and Jasmyne and a bunch of other people who were nominees but whose faces I didn't know yet.
Billy Porter sang...I had actually received a complimentary copy of his CD from SMYAL a few months ago. He can sing pretty good, too.
The ceremony itself was not without it's bumps -- it was a little disappointing that some presenters weren't briefed on the winners, so certain awardees didn't get what I felt was an appropriate intro.
But, the hosts, Rodney Chester from Noah's Arc and Harmonica Sunbeam were awesome. Rodney seems like somebody I'd have fun hanging out with.
The complete list of winners is as follows:
BUSINESS
John Campbell (New Jersey)
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
Jasmyne CannicK (Los Angeles)
Rudolph Carns (Atlanta)
Joe Hawkins (Oakland)
Phill Wilson (Los Angeles)
Rev. Antonio Jones (Atlanta)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Patrik-Ian Polk (Los Angeles)
Wilson Cruz (Los Angeles)
Rodney Chester (Los Angeles)
Maurice Jamal (New York)
Quincy LeNear & Deondray Gossett (Los Angeles)
Rashid Darden (Washington D.C.)
E. Lynn Harris (Little Rock)
Kevin Aviance (New York)
Billy Porter (New York)
Raquel Lord (Atlanta)
Sophia McIntosh (Atlanta)
MEDIA
Ramon Johnson (New York)
Lisa C. Moore (Washington D.C.)
Dwight Powell (Atlanta)
Duane Cramer (San Francisco)
Ric Rollins (Tampa)
POLITICS
Keith Boykin (New York)
Hon. Ken Reeves (Cambridge)
Alexander Robinson (Washington D.C.)
Dr. David Malebranche (Atlanta)
ICON HONOREES
Archbishop Carl Bean - Founder of Unity Fellowship Church Movement (Los Angeles)
Alan Bell - Publishing Pioneer (Los Angeles)
Traxx Atlanta - Nightclub Promoter (Atlanta)
So I was winner #24..... I was exhausted by the time they got to the category, and honestly it was so late in the evening and we had passed all the other artsy categories, I was like wow, maybe I didn't win shit! But then Wilson Cruz announced my name (Rashad?) and I went to the stage.
Those lights were halla bright, yo.
So I said thanks to God (had anybody else thanked God that evening?), my mother, and Clik Magazine. Honestly, I kinda blacked out and I can't remember exactly what I said, but judging by the pictures, it looked like I was feeling it, LOL.
I did take the opportunity to tell everyone in the audience that E. Lynn Harris paved the way for someone like me to be unafraid to wear a pride necklace to a fraternity event, and have no shame in wearing my fraternity pin to a gay pride event.
Then I left the stage and got interviewed by Maurice Jamal again. I think he asked what's next....maybe I said world domination? If the awards get broadcast, maybe my memory will be jogged, lol.
After the awards, I got to grip E. Lynn (woo hoo!) and chatted up some other Brothers who were in the audience, as well as some friends, blog readers, and even some Sigmas! Let me tell you, these two guys were the cutest couple EVER. Both happened to be Sigmas, one was wearing his pin, and they were just as cordial as they wanted to be. I got to email them.
Oh, and I met Darion Tariq! I was so...I dunno, kinda shocked to finally meet him. I hope I didn't seem like aloof or anything.... I guess I was like wow, it's him, lol.
Here are some links to pictures of the event:
Official Clik Honors Site
Dwight's Pics
Jasmyne's Pics and Personal Account
LT's Pics and Personal Account
Keith's Personal Account
AND NOW....for my personal thank yous.....
Guys, seriously, this was one of the greatest moments of my career so far. When I posted on my blog that I was interested in being nominated, you all really came through for me. None of us knew that this event would be as big as what it was.... but thanks to all of you who nominated me, I got to meet so many visionary leaders in the black LGBT/SGL communities. I mean, come on....freakin' E. Lynn Harris!
You all recognized my talents and shared that with Clik Magazine -- THANK YOU! Because of you, big things have happened and doors are being opened to even bigger things. I can't say enough how much I thank you and how much this honor means to me.
I especially thank everyone on facebook who took time out to send in a nomination. Look what we can do when we work together?
I am looking forward to next year's Clik Awards so we can expand this phenomenal feeling to even more talented people in our community.
SEE YA NEXT YEAR!!!!
Posted on December 3, 2006 at 1:23 PM | Comments (3)
Enough "And I Am Telling You" until you vomit on the floor!
Original Jennifer Holliday Version:
Jennifer Hudson Version:
Frenchie Davis Version:
Von Version:
Tamyra Gray Version (Romeo & Juliet Short film):
Biance Ryan Version:
Natalie from Penn State Version:
Marty Thomas Version:
Mau Marcelo Version (Phillipine Idol):
Rowetta Version (Dance Version):
Posted on December 1, 2006 at 9:15 PM | Comments (2)
Yes....the Award-Winning Author.
if you haven't heard by now....
I won!!!!
On Saturday, November 25 at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, I, Rashid Darden, was part of the Class of '06 for Clik Magazine's Clik Honors: Elite 25!
But you know how I do..... I can't just tell a story nice and easy.... I gotta give you all the details....cuss words and all. So sit back, grab a juice, and read....
I flew out of DC via Delta Airlines. Honestly, it was a very smooth flight. And pretty quick, too. I always get nervous when I fly, but over the years I have learned some good techniques to calm myself. A mixture of reciting Invictus, prayer, and self-hypnosis never hurt anyone, lol.
I was escorted the whole weekend by my fraternity brother Matthew, who very graciously drove me wherever I needed to go. He also accompanied me to the event itself.
I don't know why, but Atlanta seemed smaller to me than it did when I was last there. We were in Downtown Atlanta in no time. And your bruh was HONGRY, too. I was like we need to get to a McDonald's post haste! So we checked in at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta and then walked up the block to McDonald's. Right as we crossed the first street, who should we see but....
Keith Boykin! It was so nice to see a familiar face so soon.
We turned into the Peachtree Center Mall and immediately found the food court and subsequently Chick-Fil-A! I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I loooooves me some Chick-Fil-A!
Took it back to the hotel, ate it, watched the Jessie Spano drug freak-out episode of Saved By The Bell, got the 'itis, and fell asleep.
Woke up, changed into a loose button-down black shirt, jeans (I gained weight y'all, argh! lol), and my white Adidas with black stripes. My frat brother took me out to dinner at some Brazillian steak house caled Fogo Degaga. Sike, it was called Fogo de Chao. That food was sooooo good, and the style in which they served it was unique to me.... basically, you go to the salad bar first, fix your plate, and go sit down. Then all these servants with these gumboots come up to you with these huge skewers and offer you meat. I only ate the chicken and pork, and my frat didn't know I didn't eat beef, lol. But it was all good! Literally.
At some point, we went to the infamous Lenox Square mall. It was big. It was crowded. But it was, in all honesty, a really nice mall.
EXCEPT the glaring omission of a Borders Books & Music, which I was determined to find the next day.
There was a reception that night for the nominees held at a loft in midtown. I was thoroughly impressed with the place. I had never considered loft living until that moment.
Now, I am kind of a shy person.... in new places, I need a little time to observe, to get acclimated. Not a lot, but a little. I don't usually just butt my way into people's conversations, and I can't always just strike up a convo with an equally quiet person. So, I don't think a whole lot of people walked away "knowing" me after that evening....
BUT..... I did finally get to meet Jasmyne Cannick! If you are black and gay, then at some point you've probably received her emails. She is just as cool in real life as she seems through her writings. And beautiful, too!
Keith was there, as was Nathan. Wilson Cruz rolled through -- slim as my pinky. Heffa. LOL. But he looks good, though. H. Alexander Robinson from the National Black Justice COalition was also there.
Two other gentlemen were there who my fraternity brother hit it off with, but I was off talking to Merrick and Ron in the other room....Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear, creators of The DL Chronicles. I didn't know a whole lot about their project before this weekend, but I can tell why they've come so far. They are the most energetic and passionate people I've seen in this community in...well, ever. They just seem so genuinely friendly and kind.
Now.... you know how on The Wonder Years when every time Kevin Arnold would see Winnie Cooper, her little theme music would come on? You know it....da-dun-da-dun-dunnnn.... dah dah daaaaah dahhhhh.
That's how I felt when I met Dwight Powell, Editor-in-Chief of Clik Magazine. I was like "Are you fucking kidding me? How can one man be so...soo.... CUTE????"
lol
He was a great guy, too. He seemed very humble about the whole Clik Honors thing, which was good. I would have been really put off had he been all cocky about it. I really was glad to have the little bit of time chatting with him as I got.
THEN we went to Bulldog's. Yes, Bulldog's. I liken it to the Delta in DC. Not really much to look at as a venue, but great music and a pretty friendly atmosphere. Didn't drink, just danced. But the cigarette (and other) smoke got to me and my fragile respiratory system, so we went back to the hotel and crashed.
And so ended Friday.
Saturday:
Had breakfast at American Roadhouse with Matthew, his friend Bobby, and my friend Yarnell. Jokes and good times all around! I swear we had a poltergeist at the table. Food was flying everywhere, and it wasn't our fault! lol
Somehow we ended up back at Lenox Square. We also finally found a Borders where I spent some money.
Back to the hotel....short nap...long shower....black suit, red shirt, new red and black paisley tie. Fresh hair wash...and some hair grease to make sure my naps ack right, lol.
The Show:
When we got there, the Fox Theatre was swamped with a bunch of grungy white kids who all looked the same. I say that not because they were white, but they LITERALLY all had on dirty-looking clothes, dreadlocks, clogs, long gypsy dresses, etc. Apparently, there was a concert going on by a band called the String Cheese Incident. I was freaked the fuck out -- I was like oh hell no, this is entirely too many people acting all rowdy don't MAKE me have to be in Race War 2006 up and through here.
Finally, the gay black people line started moving, and we went to our venue. I got interviewed on the red carpet by Maurice Jamal like I was special, LOL.
Okay, so I am tired now, I'ma have to continue this in the morning. I know, I suck! LOL
Posted on November 28, 2006 at 11:02 PM | Comments (8)
Oh my stars....
So, as most of you all know by now, YES, I am one of the nominees for the Clik Honors: Elite 25 Awards! I am still tickled pink about that...but guess what else?
The Elite 25 Awards show is going to be in Atlanta, GA! If you will be in Atlanta on November 25, you should really consider attending the awards show. Not only would it be nice to have an Old Gold Soul cheering section (Lazarus, Lazarus -- Rah Rah Rah! Covenant, Covenant, Sis Boom Bah!) but it will be a golden opportunity to get to meet all the people who make Clik Magazine happen. Dwight Powell, Luis Medrano....all a dem.
Annnnnd......guess who is hosting the show? Rodney Chester from TV's Noah's Arc! When I found that out I immediately called my married couple friends who watch Noah's Arc with me. We are still sittin here cheesin'! I'm gonna meet Alex from Noah's Arc!!!!!
Now of course I don't know which of the nominees will actually be there, but check out this partial list: Patrick-Ian Polk and the cast of Noah's Arc, RuPaul, Keith Boykin, Karamo, and fellow authors Dayne Avery, Michael-Christopher, James Earl Hardy, E. Lynn Harris, Alphonso Morgan, Fred Smith, and many more!
Now, the venue itself will be the Fox Theatre -- it looks like a grand venue indeed. It's very posh...very 1930s in my opinion.
The program? Red carpet....meet & greet....the awards show proper....champagne toast....and an afterparty....
And yes.... I have a date, bitches. LOL
I really, strongly, sincerely encourage people to make this event an impromptu trip to Atlanta. Enjoy your Thanksgiving then fly down to ATL and help Clik Magazine honor their first Elite 25. Ticket information can be found at the Clik Honors website.
See you in Atlanta!
Posted on November 6, 2006 at 8:37 PM | Comments (5)
Doogie's on the Team!!!!
Neil Patrick Harris is gay!
YES, TV's "Doogie Howser, MD!"
Gay like me!
Gay like Bert and Ernie!
SCORE ONE FOR THE GAYS!!!!
Posted on November 3, 2006 at 8:48 PM | Comments (0)
Muppets Parodies on YouTube
Today's Washington Post, Style Section, has an article all about Muppets inspired parodies. For kicks, I looked up some of the very same parodies they mentioned on YouTube. HILARIOUS!
Martin Scorsese Presents Sesame Streets
The Muppet Matrix
The Bear Wit Project
F*ck the Police
C for Cookie (V for Vendetta Spoof)
Posted on October 31, 2006 at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)
Clik Honors: Elite 25
So I've been making people aware of the opportunity to submit nominations for the Clik Magazine Elite 25. If you're interested in nominating me, you can:
1) Visit clikhonors.com/html/clik_honors.html
2) Click on Nominations on the left hand side of the screen.
3) Go to category #6, Books/Literature.
4) Type my name and anything else you'd like to say about me.
Some of you might want to write about my career in education and youth development, and that's fine -- that's part of me. So is writing my novels and poetry, speaking on various college campuses, working with APO and Alpha Phi Alpha, blogging about the minutia (sp?) that is my life....if you feel like I make a difference in some way, send Clik Magazine a few sentences. And it's done. Just like that.
They will announce the finalists in a few days. I'm not campaigning! Just making y'all aware of the opportunity. It's not too often that black gay folks honor other black gay folks like this!
Posted on October 23, 2006 at 8:11 AM | Comments (2)
Hot like FIYAH!!!!
So, I am not someone who generally likes spicy foods. I used to, but then I got it in my head that my sometimes-frequent upper respiratory infections weren't exactly helped by hot sauce.
But every now and then, I like a little spice in my life. And not just from the menfolk -- HAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Oh shut up, y'all know that was funny.
So one Friday afternoon I was leaving my old job -- yes, I recently resigned from my job with the after school program -- and I heard the sound of drumming. I worked cat-a-corner to Hine Junior High so I assumed their band was practicing. I decided to walk down the street to check out the band before I went home.
Well, on the way to the school yard, I noticed a row of row houses that had been converted to stores. One was a toy store, one was a frame shop, and one was this hot sauce store.
A hot sauce store? What sort of madness is this? I went inside and realized that this was Uncle Brutha's place!
Uncle Brutha's is the black owned hot sauce....I used to see their van in upper ward 4 in DC.
So of course I bought some of their sauces and some other things like spicy chutney and pocorn and whatnot. But the best part of the store was meeting Uncle Brutha himself (Brennan G. Proctor) and his very beautiful momma! It was so nice to support a black owned business right there on Capitol Hill, in Eastern Market.
And of course, the hot sauce is great. That's not even a question.
So check out their website: www.unclebrutha.com and visit their store at 323 7th Street, SE. It's right by Eastern Market (the place) and less than half a block from the Eastern Market Metro Station on the Blue line.
Check em out!
Posted on October 19, 2006 at 5:12 PM | Comments (1)
Blackout!
Hey everybody! If you're in Charlotte, please support my frat brother in his role as Bruce Nugent in BLACKOUT 2006!
Posted on October 16, 2006 at 4:22 PM | Comments (0)
Brave Soul Collective -- The Message Board
Gay peeps..... I want you to check out this message board, Brave Soul Collective.
It is a positive message board for black gay, bisexual, same gender-loving people. I try to post there every once in a while. But since I can't post every day, I want YOU to go there and enjoy it like I do.
Posted on October 1, 2006 at 3:52 PM | Comments (3)
Back to U Street
After a rough day at work, I went to Borders to pick up some DVDs as a super-belated birthday gift for a friend. So who should be there but motherfuckin AL FRANKEN.
At first I was like wow, it's Al Franken from Saturday Night Live! (Because I could care less about the political commentating he does.)
Then I was like oh HELL naw, he is in the music and DVD section all in my way!
But I was able to shop while he talked. So that was my celebrity sighting.
Then I called my frat Kwame and was like yo, where you at? Let's get wasted, it's been that kind of day. (I didn't mean it literally, that's just how we joke.)
Se we met up at Cafe Nema on U Street. Although there were some mix-ups with the order (I ordered a chicken kabob entree, and they gave me a chicken kabob sandwich, which I ate half of, then they came back and MADE me take the entree, lol) I really enjoyed it! The food was good, the music was nice, and the ambiance was good -- kinda like Takoma Station.
I had an amaretto sour which was tasty, thanks.
Then we walked a few doors down to Creme Cafe Lounge.... that was a little more upscale. Though I didn't eat there, I definitely would.
The drinks, however, were ON POINT. Try their Pink Lemonade....by the time I got to the bottom, I was like whoooooa.
I came home after that and had some moments that were reminiscent of my late grandfather Gus. I will leave it at that.
All in all, U Street is the spot.
And it was great to hang with my frat last night.
Today I'm meeting with a potential photographer for Old Gold Soul and I think giving a tour of Georgetown for some black folks.
Have a great Saturday!
Posted on September 30, 2006 at 11:51 AM | Comments (3)
In the news...
Did y'all hear about the recent tragedy in the Simmon's house? It seems as though there were complications during the birth of Victoria Anne Simmons, the daughter of Reverend Run and his wife Justine...she passed away shortly after birth. I was really hoping that the story was just a hoax, but the family issues a press release. So terribly sad. More information here.
Do you believe T.O.? Not that it matters, but I don't think I do. His story (and he's sticking to it) is here, but the Smoking Gun has the real tea.
Car bombs, little girls dying from the dentist, and school shootings..... you see why I typically focus on entertainment in my blog? The real world is TOUGH.
Enjoy the weekend!
Posted on September 29, 2006 at 8:43 AM | Comments (2)
On Noah's Arc
Last year I became part of a large crop of gay black male writers who had debut novels. It was me, Alphonso Morgan, Fred Smith, Dayne Avery, Trent Jackson, and Eric Ware. Of these, I became closest to Fred and along the way got (re)acquainted with Brent Dorian Carpenter. If I could describe how it felt to be surrounded by all these men and so many others who were part of the gay black literary explosion, I could only use one word: renaissance.
Black gay blogging reached epic proportions and the accompanying drama was legendary. We had infiltrated the internet in a major way.
And yes, we even had The Ski Trip so we could see ourselves on screen, albeit in independent movie houses and film festivals.
When I peruse the emails from my readers, I become keenly aware of what my work has meant to other gay black men, young and old. It means something to be able to pick up a book and see yourself in it. Yourself -- not a white character, not a straight character, but actually you.
I didn't have digital cable, so I wasn't exactly excited about the Logo network, just happy that an alternative venue for entertainment was available. Maurice Jamal could show The Ski Trip, for example. But I was still skeptical because it's an MTV network.
Then Noah's Arc premiered. I thought to myself, gee, that's great for Patrick-Ian Polk. I've never met him, but I did see him when he presented a sneak preview of the pilot for Noah's Arc back in....wow, it must have been 2004. I thought it was very sexy. But I never really thought there would be a venue that would welcome it. I thought at best maybe I could buy it on DVD.
But, as I said, Noah's Arc did finally make it on TV, though Logo. But damn, did it have to be digital cable? I couldn't see myself plopping down the extra money for what would amount to Noah's Arc, Degrassi, and Sesame Unpaved, the only three shows on digital cable that I would really watch. Well, and the day's rerun of Days of Our Lives.
Then the DVDs of the first season came out. I was like man, if people don't stop asking me if I've seen Noah's Arc..... plus, hell, I owe it to a fellow black artist to purchase the work.
So I bought it from Lambda Rising here in DC. I watched it.
And I loved it.
Sure, there are things about Noah's Arc that are worthy of a critique, but that's not what I am here for. I am here to let you know:
1) You need to buy Noah's Arc on DVD and watch the new episodes on Logo if you have it.
2) Noah's Arc has solidified the culutral renaissance among gay black men.
When I see Noah's Arc, I see myself.
In Noah I see the writer in me.... I see a young man who is struggling to find his big break in the world while maintaining his identity. I see someone who is unafraid to be himself. And most importantly, I see a man who only wants to love and be loved.
In Chance I see the nerd in me -- the little angel on everyone's shoulder who tells them to do the right thing. I see the scholar side of me...the person who absorbs knowledge like it's going out of style. And even in Eddie, I see the faces of men I have loved.
In Alex I see my inner queen -- I crack up EVERY time he says "girt." I see a man who has character traits that not everyone understands that sometimes leave him out of the loop. And I see creativity and passion. In his man Trey, I see everything that balances out those qualities -- someone who is as level headed as I am passionate. The type of man I need.
In Ricky I see my inner slut -- he and Noah are on opposite sides of the same coin. Both just want to love and be loved. Ricky is the version of myself without a strong moral compass....I have been Ricky and I might be him again. He is deeply scarred and I am eager to see the further development of his character.
In Wade.....oh lord, that Wade. Wade is the type of guy that has so much love to give he doesn't even know how to use it. I've been there before, too.
Noah's Arc brings together all types of men, all gay. One might not see themselves precisely in a character -- for example, Noah is way more "fabulous" than I'll ever be, and none of the male leads are as.... how can one say it... "down to earth" as most of my gay male friends are. And yes, for me, having nothing but gay friends isn't realistic or necessarily desired.
But I still see myself in the show. More importantly, I see everyone else. I see men who I would have shied away from ten years ago because they were flamboyant or even drag queens. ow...who cares? I love me a man in drag, especially if he's fabulous!
Noah's Arc has some solid actors and some pretty faces. Followers of the show might be surprised to learn that Baby Gat is my new favorite supporting character. He is charismatic, dynamic, and flamboyant, but in a heterocentric way. Plus, he's British. How can I not love a black British character?
Noah's Arc also seems to be that show that black actors want to be on. Last season they had Renaldo Rey and Garrett Morris, for example. This season so far they've had Victoria Rowell (in a deliciously melodramatic role as the Lesbian wife of Eddie's boss), Keith Hamilton Cobb (who portrays a progessive blogger and media pundit), and Raz B, as a patient in Alex's clinic.
And let's not forget Wilson Cruz, who has shown off his chops as Dr. Junito Vargas. Let me just say that if you boo-hooed during the Christmas episode of My So-Called Life (remember when he was in that?) then you will be pleased at the dramatic evolution of Mr. Cruz.
The the brave soldiers who portray these characters, I salute you. Regardless of your sexuality, it is important that gay black men, especially the youth, see images of themselves. You have taken on the challenge of playing a role that could mean career suicide -- fight the good fight, for the sake of the craft as well as the people who look to your images for affirmation.
I especially salute you, Doug Spearman. You are an out gay black actor. Is there anything more to say?
To Patrick-Ian Polk....a man of my generation (and if not, you sure look like it to me).... life takes us in strange directions. In 2004, Punks was out but you were on your grind trying to make Noah's Arc a reality. I probably got no more than 20 feet away from you, but I admired your tenacity. Now your dream has been realized. You inspire black gay men (hell, all men and women) with every new episode of Noah's Arc, and every public appearance you make.
You have solidified the black gay renaissance through your efforts. Because of you, and all the other soldiers out there, you have put faces to our stories. You have transmitted our lives to the homes of people in the 'hood and in the cornfields.
I hope you're proud of yourself, because I sure am proud of you.
Posted on September 24, 2006 at 2:29 PM | Comments (3)
Blogger updates and work reminiscences
So as you all know, I don't blog nearly as much as I once did when I was but a poor boy struggling to get by as a teacher in the DC Public Schools. I miss those days to an extent..... working daily with kids who were happy to see you just because you were a sub. I mean come on....everybody loves the sub!
I would roll out of bed at 7:30, shower, grab a snack, and walk the two blocks to work. If I got there early enough, I might grab some breakfast in the cafeteria, put up my daily agenda if I was subbing, or just chill if I was functioning as an aide.
I worked nearly three full years at that school! That's the longest I ever worked in one place, second only to my high school and college job at NIH, which was five years. It was sad to leave, but I know I moved on to something even greater.
My current job gives me supervisory experience, a chance to work directly with community members, opportunities for professional development, and probably the thing I like the most is working on college campuses again. It helps that I still look like a collegiate -- please believe that I remain flattered every time someone asks "What year I you?" and I say "Class of 2001."
Love that! I still got it! *bumps afro*
But one major drawback to this job is one that I anticipated: time.
I frequently work ten hour days, sometimes twelve. This has severely hampered my efforts to get Covenant out on time. In addition to that, I don't have the energy to blog every day anymore. That, my friends, will change. I am currently crafting a plan that will get me blogging on a regular basis again, at least four days a week. Work with me.... Old Gold Soul is coming back.
But, that said.... I had even less time to read my favorite blogs....in some cases, even months. So as I went down the list, I discovered some things....
Felecia Pride and The BackList is still up and running, with brand new colors. (New to me.)
Bernie is still blogging every few days.... I love his entries. I'd like to meet him some day.
malik hasn't updated since early august. But I talk to him via email sometimes, so I'm not worried.
Butta done got herself a gig writing at Vibe Confidential!
More later....
Posted on September 17, 2006 at 10:57 AM | Comments (1)
Lovers and Players by Jackie Collins: A Review
So you know how I never get a chance to read anymore? Well, I made time to read a trashy Jackie Collins novel. Woo hoo!
I haven't read one since Rock Star, which I read at WAY too young an age! I remember that Rock Star was obviously "about" real people, or at least inspired by them. Lovers and Players was no different.
There is a primary story and a secondary story here, and my only major complaint about the novel is that although it takes the reader about five seconds to figure out how the storylines are related, it takes Jackie Collins the majority of the novel to finally tell us.
So the primary story is that an old and cruel billionaire named Red Diamond has summoned his three sons to New York for some stunning revelations. Each son had a different mother, and each mother was dead, except for one who is a drunk and doesn't appear much in the story.
Max, the eldest son, is a businessman who reminds me of a young Donald Trump. Not as wealthy, but just as ambitious. He has an ex-wife, Mariska, and a little brat of a daughter named Lulu, whose ass I wanted to whup for the entirety of the novel. He also has a new, virginal fiance named Amy who has money's grandmother -- literally.
Chris is the middle son who has a gambling and sex addiction. He is also a lawyer to the stars. I felt like I wanted to know the most about this character but it never quite happened.
Jett is the baby of the family and the biggest fuck-up. Big time alcoholic and a model. Has a girlfriend named Gianna who reminds me of all the fabulous European/South American Georgetown girls I went to school with.
So......somebody gets killed, somebody has an affair, everybody kinda wants Red's money, but nobody really WANTS his money.
The second story is about Red Diamond's housekeeper's estranged daughter, named Liberty. She's a light-skinned waitress at a coffee shop and an aspiring singer.....hmmmmm, who dat sound like?
Yup, sounds like an Alicia Keys video to me, too.
So she's an aspiring singer and links up with a very Diddy-inspired music mogul. He's married but seems to be Fallin' for her.
I'm loathe to say much more about the plot, but overall it was a great read! Long as hell, but that's Jackie Collins for you. It satisfied my need for a light read with fantastic storylines that could never happen to little old me. Don't you just love characters with unlimited money?
I liked that Jackie attempted to give an authentic voice to her black characters. In terms of dialect, I probably wouldn't have used all the same grammar/spelling choices, but I give her points for trying.
It was a great novel and I recommend it.
Posted on September 9, 2006 at 7:26 AM | Comments (0)
Gay, Black, Crippled, Fat!
From Gay, Black, Crippled, Fat! by Adarro Minton
It’s Just a Dream
I have this recurring dream where I am confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life because the chair fell in love with me. Every morning when I wake up, it’s there by the side of my bed waiting, genuflecting, demanding I join with it just once more. Then it will leave me alone. But it lies, and the next day it is there again feigning compassion. While clandestinely leaving it’s accessories around the house. When I confront it, it threatens to leave, rolling to the door, leaving me and my lifeless legs on the floor. Only after I beg does it return, daring me to ever again rebuke it.
End.
A look at the base, vile, twisted, deviant world of, GAY MARRIAGE!
James didn’t smell food or hear pork chops frying in the kitchen. Mike, even though he had the whole day off, didn’t find it necessary to carry his lazy black ass into the kitchen to cook something for dinner. James, pissed off now, began pulling take-out menus from the junk drawer, and slamming them, one by one, onto the counter. Trying his best to intentionally disrupt Mike from The Oprah Show, and the simultaneous phone conversation he was casually having with his best friend Rita.
He didn’t want Chinese, SLAM, not tonight. He didn’t have a taste for Indian or Thai either; SLAM; SLAM. Mike heard and slid into the kitchen, his normally smoldering curly hair all fucked up and pushed grotesquely to one side, crusty boogers dried in the corners of his eyes, still dressed in the same drawers he slept in and asked James, “Hun, can you run back out to McDonald’s?”
James, awake since 5:00 a.m., two and a half hours commuting, eight hours at work kissing white mother fuckers ass, and then commuting three more hours to get home, picked up his briefcase, walked past Mike to the front door, and tossed it out onto their manicured White Plains lawn.
Mexican landscapers had carefully clipped crisp lines where the grass met the sidewalk, perfectly rounded hedges, and small happy pink, red, and yellow flora that only the crazy old “cat lady” at the end of the block knew the name of. James clapped his hands together and declared:
“THAT’S IT, I’m gonna take two years off and go back to school!”
“And work free-lance from home like your lazy ass.”
“I’d sure like to sit on my ass for awhile.”
“Maybe when we go broke I can get a decent meal on a fuckin’ soup line!”
Mike stood, repentant. His head down, appropriately soundless. James brushed by him, thumped the drawer closed, and slapped the menus off the counter. Mike flinched as their bedroom door slammed shut.
Vexed for letting the day get away from him, Mike grabbed a pair of shorts from the hamper in their downstairs bathroom, and went outside to retrieve James’ attaché. As he headed back into the house, Harriet Ludwig, from across the street, gave him a “toot-toot” on the horn, and a smiling wave as she passed him in her mini-van; on her way to get her daughter from ballet class.
Mike picked up his car keys as he passed through the living room up the stairs and stopped halfway and said:
“James I’m going to Boston Market!” James didn’t answer.
Mike tried again, “James, you want Mac and cheese or rice with your dinner?”
James answered, “I don’t care.”
“James, do you want food from Boston Market or not?” Again, there was no answer.
James, hoping to parlay this minor/major transgression, into some GOOD oral later on, was trying on the ginger and black suede shoes he’d bought a few weeks earlier at Bijan, and planned to wear to a party at Rita’s house on Saturday night.
“J-a-m-e-s”, Mike sung, pleading. “Do you want Boston Market or not”.
“no.”
“You want me to go to Manarola, get that pasta you like,” willing to pay any reparation even REALLY GOOD oral, after dinner.
“Do you, J-a-m-e-s?”
“yes”.
“Okay, I’ll be right back”.
As Mike made his way back down the stairs he heard the bedroom door open,
“Don’t forget the,” Mike cut him off,
“I know, extra garlic bread, and marinara on the side.”
“I don’t know why you brought my briefcase in, I’m not going back to work.”
“I know baby, we’ll talk about it when I get back.”
Mike walked out the door, jumped into the car and went to Manarola. James, already undressed, took a shower and put on his spaghetti sauce shirt, an old t-shirt he could eat in comfortably without fear of staining it with this sauce or that, and a pair of sweats with pockets, he would control the remote tonight.
End.
Posted on September 3, 2006 at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)
YES!
THANK YOU, Days of Our Lives!
I just read that you're now getting rid of the actors who played Frankie and Patrick.
Let me say that I really do like the both of them as actors, but.....it just never really worked for me.
Frankie would be so much better with Eve (not Eve the cop, but Eve Donovan). I remember their chemistry before they left the show before.
And Patrick....I mean, they never really gave him a history. He never seemed like a Lockhart to me. He wasn't a very believable big brother to Mimi....he didn't seem to like his on-screen mother....I dunno, I liked the fact that nobody knew whether he was good or evil.
As usual, Days didn't know what to with all the actors they hired.
In sadder news, they recasted Shawn-Douglas. :-( I SO wanted them to get rid of Shawn, Belle, Mimi, and Phillip all at once.
I reckon I should get a TiVo or something soon so I can watch the madness unfold again!
Posted on September 2, 2006 at 3:24 PM | Comments (0)
I'm sorry, but....
I'm sorry, but...I still don't like Madea movies. I tried....they're just not funny to me.
I'm sorry, but....Kristoff St. John could get it.
I'm sorry, but....I like Da Backwudz.
I'm sorry, but....Terrell Owens' body makes me forget that he is supposed to be a jerk.
I'm sorry, but...I'm glad Days of Our Lives is axing so many actors. Sorry Jack and Jennifer, but I'll get over you.
I'm sorry, but...I HAD to get The Wire (Season Three) on DVD this week. Yes, I used my Borders personal shopping day AND a coupon.
I'm sorry, but...I just don't really use my blog for social justice. It's more of a personal outlet.
I'm sorry, but....Adrian Fenty is gonna win the mayoral election whether you like it or not. Marie Johns should run for Congress.
I'm sorry, but.... I love my A Phi.
I'm sorry, but...yes, I do google people I meet for the first time.
I'm sorry, but....reruns of MadTV make me laugh out loud.
I'm sorry, but...this damn Jackie Collins novel is way too long. But I'm still reading it.
I'm sorry, but... if you're expecting me to mention your novel in my blog because the black gay community shows you no love....well...don't hold your breath.
I'm sorry, but that doesn't mean I can't be bought, LOL.
I'm sorry, but even though I don't have a truck, I strongly recommend you get your hitch covers from www.coverthehitch.com
I'm sorry. lol
Posted on August 20, 2006 at 11:05 AM | Comments (3)
Marlena's Possession
Fred...thank you SO MUCH for showing me these clips! The one above was the start of the infamous possession storyline on Days of Our Lives. LOVED IT!!!!!
Posted on August 16, 2006 at 7:13 PM
Random 12
Haven't done one of these in a while....these are 12 songs that randomly are playing in my Windows Media Player when I click the "shuffle" button. These are the ACTUAL songs -- I have not altered their order or deleted any songs because they are embarassing.
Song, Artist:
Backstabber, Eminem
El Tejano, Cowboy Troy
Frankenstein, Richard Pryor
Can't Keep a Good Man Down (Track 17 from a random reggae playlist from Brod)
Bang Your Head, Quiet Riot
Independent School Women, Busted vs Destiny's Child
Rock Box, Run-DMC
Y-nots Losing, Madaline Bell
Can'tneverdidnothin', Nikka Costa
Cry For You, Jodeci
Milkshake (Remix), Kelis
Kronik, Lil Kim ft Snoop Dogg
Posted on August 15, 2006 at 9:01 PM
It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!
Posted on August 9, 2006 at 7:12 AM | Comments (1)
My Hitman Name
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Posted on July 22, 2006 at 6:18 AM | Comments (0)
Saved by the Bell: The Addict Years
Posted on July 17, 2006 at 6:35 AM | Comments (3)
The Gay Man's Survey (from KOBY on MySpace)
the Gay Man's Survey
Welcome to the first ever gay male oriented MySpace Quiz!!!
Get ready, get set...answer, copy, paste and repost!!!
**************************************
1. What is the first thing you notice about the same sex?
If from far away, the whole body, if up close, the eyes.
2. Which male celebrity would you want as a love slave?
First inclination is to say Lenny Kravitz, but I want him more as a husband. As a love slave, Robert Ri'chard.
3. Gift card winner at work!...which store do you reach for?
Borders!
4. Admit it, are you a size queen?
No
5. What store do you base your fashion sense on?
Any average urban store.
6. If you could improve gay pride, what would you improve?
More understanding for the need to have Black Gay Prides.
7. Have you marched in a gay pride parade?
No.
8. Honestly, how many times do you go to the gym?
Two times past never.
9. Honestly, how many nights do you go out with the boys?
I don't often go out with the boys.
10. How long was your last relationship?
What's that?
11. What would you do the moment gay marriage is approved by voters?
I would be happy....but I still wouldn't have a fiance, lol
13. Where would you want to have your gay wedding?
Outdoors at Meridian Hill Park, reception at Meridian House (Josephine Butler Parks Center)
14. Who do you want to be there?
Everyone! Literally.
15. What kind of food/ who would cater your gay wedding ?
Indian
16. Who is your diva?
David Bowie, lol
17. Which type of gay man do you avoid?
Dishonest ones. DL ones.
18. What qualities do you look for in a man?
Loyalty, consistency, someone who can and does love me the way I need to be loved.
19. What exotic gay locale would you travel to?
Can a locale be gay? TRINIDAD
20. What song are you tired of hearing?
Bossy
21. Which club/bar in your gay neighborhood do you wish would just close down because its so tired?
I would shut down the Delta for renovations
22. Admit it, have you gone thru a vegetarian/vegan phase?
Very very briefly. Kinda like a five day fast a long time ago.
23. Which restaurant/type of restaurant would you take a date?
Doesn't matter too much as long as the conversation is good.
24. How much can you bench?
Don't know.
25. What one part of the male anatomy always get your attention?
The male hourglass: broad shoulders and chest, slim waist, a badunkadunk, and big thighs.
26. Whole Foods or Bristol Farms??
Whole Foods
27. Do you donate clothes you dont use anymore?
Everything except fraternity and school paraphernalia
28. What do you think of Paris Hilton's new singing career?
OVERRATED
29. Did you know Godiva Chocolates contain preservatives?
I think Godiva Chocolate is also overrated.
30. What would you rather watch, hot boys laying out, hot boys playing volleyball or hot boys washing cars?
Hot boys washing cars -- I'm somewhat of a voyeur.
31. Do you go return to work late from your 10 minute break?
No comment.
32. Where do you want to have your dream house?
Right here in DC in a neighborhood like Kalorama.
33. Whats your favorite cologne?
Cool Water
34. Whats your favorite cologne on him?
Doesn't matter
35. Have you worn red to a gay day at an amusement park?
Believe it or not, I'm not a huge fan of amusement parks.
36. What are your favorite TV shows?
The Wire, SVU, Days of Our Lives, etc
37. Admit it, which TV DVD collection do you own?
Monty Python's Flying Circus, The Wire, Punky Brewster
39. Admit it, did you ever have a sugar daddy?
Nope.
40. What is the drink you always order at the club/bar?
Anything sweet. The standby is the fuzzy navel.
41. Finish the sentence...when I go to a house party, I avoid....
The kitchen because the floor always ends up sticky.
42. What embarassing moment are you constantly reminded of?
None really.... I have embarrassing moments, but my friends aren't jerks like that.
43. What does your last text message say?
"No! Can you believe I went back to sleep and got up at 7?"
44. Admit it, which fast food restaurant lures you each and every time?
McDonald's
45. Your date just scored tickets...which singer/performer do you hope they are?
D'Angelo (I'm holding out for the comeback)
46. Admit it, do you lie about your age?
Nope.
47. What is your favorite sex position?
No comment
48. What movie, in theatres right now, would you take a date?
Superman
49. What movie, in theatres now, would you NOT take a date?
I dunno.
50. You're the tour guide...where would you take an out-of-towner who is unfamiliar with your city?
I like taking people on the "Upper Northwest tour so they can see the nice houses and upscale places to shop.
*Redo and Repost as 'the Gay Man's Survey'*
Posted on July 13, 2006 at 6:01 AM | Comments (0)
What's Your Sexy Brazilian Name?
| Your Sexy Brazilian Name is: |
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Posted on July 9, 2006 at 2:09 PM | Comments (1)
Say Somethin'
This is my JAM! YES!
And you know what else is my jam? Don't Cha by the Pussycat Dolls.
I so wish I could make this into a stroll song. lol, could you imagine the horror of my bros seeing me stroll to Don't Cha?
Posted on July 5, 2006 at 7:51 AM | Comments (1)
If you missed my birthday....
If you missed my birthday, I am really feelin' these t-shirts from Ratha Unique, a t-shirt company I only recently became acquainted with.
Check them out at http://www.rathaunique.com/
(I prefer an XXL but can comfortably wear an XL, LOL)
Posted on July 1, 2006 at 4:32 PM | Comments (0)
How can I not love this?
Aesthetically a woman...athletically a man.
Yeah....I might not understand it....but the shit is dope! It's like gay capoeira!
Posted on June 27, 2006 at 9:44 PM | Comments (6)
She busted her ass!!!!
Happy birthday to me! Thanks for the clip, Antonio!!!!
Posted on June 25, 2006 at 9:06 AM | Comments (1)
Two Things (From 5-MB-05)
Two Names You Go By:
1. Rashid
2. Mr. Darden
Two Parts of Your Heritage:
1. African American
2. White
Two Things You Are Wearing Right Now:
1. t-shirt
2. cut off sweatpants
Two Things You Would Want in a Relationship:
1. Loyalty
2. Security
Two of Your Favorite Hobbies:
1. Reading
2. Writing
Two Things You Want Really Badly At The Moment:
1. Love
2. Mo Money
Two pets you had/have:
1. Maxwell the cat
2. Laila the cat
Two people who will fill this out:
1. Valerie
2. I dunno
Two things you did last night:
1. Worked late
2. Showed off my camera
Two People that live in your house:
1. Maxwell
2. Laila
Two things you ate today:
1. Nothing yet, I just woke up
2.
Two people you Last Talked To:
1. Mom
2. Stepfather
Two Things You're doing tomorrow:
1. Birthday dinner!
2. Hopefully getting my hair did
Two longest car rides:
1. South Carolina
2. Pennsylvania (All other times I bussed, trained, or flew)
Two Favorite Holidays:
1. Halloween
2. Christmas
Two Things You Can't Live Without:
1. My computer
2. Pen and paper
Two Things You Hate:
1. Men LOL
2. Bronchitis
Two Things You Love/Like:
1. History
2. Romance
Two Favorite Seasons:
1. Winter
2. Fall
Posted on June 23, 2006 at 6:18 AM | Comments (0)
Good or Bad Hair
Posted on June 21, 2006 at 2:14 PM | Comments (0)
Random 12
Once again, 12 songs that came up on my media player when I hit "Shuffle." I have taken out no songs to protect my rep, lol -- these are what would have normally played anyway.
Without You, Kelly Clarkson (live American Idol performance)
Purple Rain (live cover), Ween
Winelight, Grover Washington, Jr.
Mo Money Mo Problems, Biggie
He Was a Friend of Mine, Brokeback Mountain Soundtrack
Get Busy (funkymix), Sean Paul
Misty, Chuck Brown
Natural Woman, Aretha Franklin
Best of House 5, some sort of track I got from Frat that includes "Finally it has happened to me" and "Everybody Everybody"
Black and White Life Styles, Richard Pryor
Take the Whole World With Me, Eminem ft Bizarre & Pacewon
Posted on June 15, 2006 at 9:38 PM | Comments (0)
The One
"He has the most cash on hand -- over a million dollars, and he's turned in the most signatures, and he has the most lawn signs. With three months to go, he is in very strong shape. I think it's fair to call him the front runner," Plotkin says. --Mark Seagraves, WTOP Radio
Who is he?
My next new Mayor, Adrian Fenty. (Pictured with my next first lady, Michelle Fenty. Check him out at www.fenty06.com/
And if you're a DC resident -- vote!
Posted on June 14, 2006 at 5:35 AM | Comments (0)
this is hot
so I am blogging from my phone. wow. just standing here, waiting for my ride to work, chillin like a mug.
omg I can't believe these reprobates on the road are passing the school bus. you can't do that shit! I mean, the bus had all the flashing lights and the stop sign out and everything. shit like that makes me mad.
at any rate....work is going really well. its a lot of...work... but it suits me well. I get to work with kids as well as college students. what freaks me out.... of the 16 college students I supervise, only ONE is 21! that shit is insane. they are really cool though, and generally about business.
aight...time to be cordial...enjoy the day!
Posted on June 13, 2006 at 7:23 AM
50 Questions (From Erika)
1. Where were you 3 hours ago?
At home eating dinner.
2. Who are you in love with?
I'm not in love right now but I would love to be.
3. Have you ever eaten a crayon?
Eeeeewwwww never.
4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?
I looked....no.
5. When is the last time you went to the mall?
Hmmmm.... it's been a long time since I was in an actual mall.
7. Do you have a car worth over $2,000?
No.
8. When was the last time you drove out of town?
Wow.....I've taken the train or flown the past few years, lol.
9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?
No.
10. Are you hot?
You be the judge.
11. What was the last thing you had to drink?
One of those flavored seltzer water things.
12. What are you wearing right now?
A t-shirt and my red draws.
13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?
What car?
14. Last food that you ate?
Peanut Brittle (just a little!)
15. Where were you last week at this time?
I was asleep in my bed.
16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?
I bought a long sleeved t-shirt today!
17. When is the last time you ran?
I've probably run at site a few times this week.
18. What's the last sporting event you watched?
I feel like I watched a smidge of track and field last week?
19. What is your favorite animal?
Domestic cats.
20. Your dream vacation?
Anywhere with the man I love and unlimited cash, lol.
21. Last person's house you were in?
Before the one I'm currently in, I think I was last in my grandmother's house.
22. How old are your parents?
mid fifties
23. Have you been in love?
Yes.
24. Do you miss anyone right now?
I miss my new friend.....
25. Last play you saw?
Damn....a play, eh? Been a LONG time.
27.What are your plans for tonight?
Sleep....very very soon.
28. Who is the last person you sent a myspace message or comment to?
Delishia.
29. Next trip you are going to take?
Most likely Atlanta for Labor Day weekend.
30. Ever go camping?
Hell no...not my thing.
31. Were you an honor roll student in school?
Yeah, off and on.
32. What do you want to know about the future?
If I'll become a father.
33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?
Not right now.
34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?
Yeah.
35. Where is your best friend(s)?
I don't have a single best frien....but all my close friends are accounted for.
36. who is your best friend?
Several....
37. Do you have a tan?
Yeah, a genetic one.
38. What are you listening to right now?
Local news on TV.
39. Do you collect anything?
Yeah. LOL
40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know?
Everybody I know is "newsy."
41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?
Never.
42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?
I use straws all the time.
43. What does your last text message say?
"lol"
44. Do you like hot sauce?
It's aight.
45. Last time you took a shower?
This morning.
46. Do you need to do laundry?
Yes.
47. What is your heritage?
Except for the one eighth "other" I am black.
48. Are you someone's best friend?
Perhaps.
49. Are you rich?
Hardly.
50. What do you think of the person who took this survey before you? Erika is cool as hell. Wish she was in DC!
Posted on June 9, 2006 at 11:43 PM | Comments (0)
Fonzie The Clown Charged With Sex Abuse!!!!!!!!!!
OMG!!!! This is for the Uptown DC heads!
The report comes from WUSA, Channel 9 in DC:
Fonzie the Clown has been charged with sexually abusing an employee. The well-known kids' character, whose real name is Alphonso Pittman, was arrested at his clown offices in Northwest Washington.
According to 9 News reporter Bruce Leshan, the charge is a misdemeanor and the allegation is that Pittman, 44, inappropriately touched an employe, who is an adult. Court records show that Pittman has been charged several times child sex abuse and sexual assault, but he’s been acquitted each time.
On his website, Pittman says he’s been clowning professionally since 1980 and trained with Ringling Brothers and Barnum, Bailey Circus in 1981.
He says he holds bachelors and master’s degrees in mental health and counseling and is currently studying child psychology at George Washington University. He also taught in DC public schools from 1983 to 1989.
Ironically, he writes that he’s been called to lecture about motivation and positive work relationships.
****
I am sitting here like WHOA.
Posted on June 1, 2006 at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)
What's my name, fool???
What's my name?
1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet and street name)
Stripes Tuckerman
2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on mother's side first name, favorite candy)
William Henry Peach Rings
3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
R. Dar
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite animal, name of high school mascot)
Cat Colt
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Eman Washington
6. YOUR OPPOSITE SEX NAME: (name of dad/mom, cell phone Company you use)
Carolyn Mobile
7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)
"Dar Dar Max" or "Dar Dar Lai"
This shit had me ROLLING!
Posted on May 29, 2006 at 7:29 PM | Comments (0)
Throwback Thursday
Posted on May 25, 2006 at 8:43 PM | Comments (1)
What's on my TV?
It's Friday.
Praise.
The.
Lord.
Let me give my brief thoughts on some entertainment stuff....
Lost is becoming slightly more entertaining. It was good to see Walt, if only for a little while. I fell asleep on the last ten minutes, though, so I really don't know if there were any twists.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit was superb as usual. It only gets better with age. Who knew that rape stories could be told over and over again and still be original. I STILL think Benson and Stabler are in love, though. And I'll be glad when Mariska Hargitay has that damn baby, I am tired of seeing her in that big ass winter coat in the spring time. Lookin like Clair Huxtable when she was carrying Condola.
Saw Days of Our Lives this week on the day I took off. It's still not getting any better. Will someone please put this creature out of its misery?
I bought the Van Hunt CD....listened to some of it, and it's good. But it's the type of CD I want to listen to with someone. Maybe have a glass of sparkling cider, lol.
Life is good. It has been hectic, but I am somehow maintaining. Good friends help.
Posted on May 19, 2006 at 7:24 AM | Comments (0)
Throwback Thursday
Posted on May 16, 2006 at 11:30 PM | Comments (0)
How old was I when... (From Arnold)
How old were you when you first...
FELL IN LOVE:
21
KISS:
18
GOT IN A FIST FIGHT:
9
LOST SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU:
7
DRANK ALCOHOL:
As an adult, I was 19. As a child, I drank champagne at New Year's
SMOKED WEED:
Never
GOT STUNG BY A BEE:
Very young.....maybe 4 or 5
WENT TO THE HOSPITAL:
Birth. HA!
GOT YOUR HEART BROKEN:
Every year, lol
LOST A PET:
9 or 10
GOT ARRESTED:
Never.
SMOKED A CIGARETE:
Never.
BROKE A BONE:
Never.
GOT JUMPED:
Never ever.
GOT A JOB:
15
RODE THE CITY BUS BY MYSELF:
9
WENT TO A CONCERT:
20
GOT IN A CAR CRASH:
Never, praise the lord.
DYED YOUR HAIR:
I used temporary color when I was 16.
RODE AN AIRPLANE:
5
MOVED TO ANOTHER STATE:
Never.
GOT YOUR FIRST CAVITY:
15
FLEW OVER THE OCEAN:
16!
LOST YOUR VIRGINITY:
18
Posted on at 10:29 PM
Throwback Thursday
Posted on May 13, 2006 at 6:27 AM
Throwback Thursday
Posted on May 4, 2006 at 9:17 PM | Comments (1)
Van Hunt and my Borders Addiction
If there's one thing that son of a bitch did for me, he introduced me to the music of Van Hunt. I picked up his CD -- and so much more stuff -- at Borders today. I made the mistake of going down to the one on 18th and L, which is the FAR superior one in this city. I like the proximity of the one in Friendship Heights, but I was raised at the West End one. *sigh*
God bless Borders Rewards.
Posted on May 1, 2006 at 9:13 PM | Comments (0)
Damn!
Posted on April 26, 2006 at 7:41 AM | Comments (3)
Alan Sharpe
Check out the trailer for the new Alan Sharpe production Chump ChangeS on MySpace: www.myspace.com/asharpebgm. It looks really interesting -- I like those DC-based indie flicks.
Also check out his website www.alansharpe.org.
Posted on April 16, 2006 at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
The Easter Bunny Hates You!
Posted on at 9:35 AM | Comments (0)
Wikiquote is tha shit!
Plans are pointless. Staying alive is as good as it gets. -- Selena in 28 Days Later
I win! I always win. Is there no one on this planet to even challenge me?! General Zod in Superman II
Oh, let me guess. You've picked out yet another colorful box with a crank that I'm expected to turn, and turn, until... ooh! Big shock, a jack pops out. And, you laugh, and the kids laugh, and the dog laughs, and I die a little inside. Stewie Griffin in Family Guy
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Main_Page
Posted on April 15, 2006 at 9:07 PM | Comments (0)
Whitney Houston Screws Up the Classics
Posted on April 13, 2006 at 7:09 PM | Comments (2)
What's on TV?
As things have settled down from my EXTENSIVE and EXHAUSTING interview process for the job I recently got, I've been able to watch a little more TV without falling asleep.
Let's start with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. It seems like nobody in my daily life watches this! And it just so happens that this past week's episode was fuckin' awesome. My only complaint was that Lou Diamond Phillips could have been given a meatier role. I really didn't feel like the character was important enough to be given to an actor like LDP. But hey, I guess that was draw for the bigger story, which I believe is that Detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler have slowly been falling in love.
I know... I know...nothing like that was explicitly stated. But rather than give away what happened in the show (which was really amazing) I will just ask that you look at the ACTING in conjunction with the words that were said.
***
Lost was good the past few weeks, as well. One thing that bothers me with network shows is that they are frequently interrupted by sports, news, or other bullshit that I don't care about. So Lost would be back one week, then gone the next. How amazing would it be if our shows came on for 22 weeks in a row?
Anyway, I can't really describe what's been going on with Lost because, well, I don't know. LOL. It's just that weird and complicated. But I will say that Jin is a fuckin' hottie, as is Mr. Eko, but we already knew that from when he was Adebisi.
I am hoping that some of the major issues in Lost are resolved soon, though -- where's Walt?!?!?!
***
I have been watching Saturday Night Live, and it's been pretty funny. Mad TV has jumped the shark, HOWEVA, I watch it just for this man:
Keegan-Michael Key. Not only is he hot (and by now, you know how much I appreciate a hottie) but he is funny as hell. One of my favorite characters of his is the "Broke THAT Hex" guy. It involves steppin'..... long story.
***
I haven't been watching America's Next Top Model.... it's too soon. Nor have I been watching The Real World. Totally turned off by the first episode of the new season -- haven't we beaten this dead horse to a pulp? I haven't enjoyed an episode of Days of Our Lives in months.
Oh yeah.... the recent episodes of ER have been pretty good. And yes, I like new ER better than old ER. Hands down.
I am probably most entertained by my DVDs and reruns of Special Victims Unit.
Anyway...happy viewing!
Posted on April 8, 2006 at 9:00 PM | Comments (1)
I got tagged!
If you were to be the opposite sex for one day, what would you do?
Get an egg harvested and then get Lenny Kravitz's sperm and make a baby.
If you had to name the most difficult thing about being a teenager today, what would you say?
Today's teens have it rough...everyone around them is superficial and nihilistic. The most difficult thing is rising above that nihilism.
If you had to name the most embarrassing moment of your life, when was it?
I don't get embarrassed too easily....maybe farting in the fourth grade. But only one person heard me. And now I fart all the time, so screw it.
If you had to name the most overrated actor in Hollywood, who would it be?
Denzel Washington
If you had to name the one personality trait that you have tried the hardest to change in yourself, what would you say?
Too romantic.
If you could go back for one minute to the Garden of Eden and give Adam advice, what would you say?
Stay with Lilith....
If you were to name the best “I told you so” you ever got to deliver, what was it?
I don't want to give specifics..... but someone who once outed me (before I was ready) had a very public embarrassment. I felt bad for the person, but I also thought "serves you right." I guess that's not an "I told you so" but it's the closest I have.
If you were Madonna, what would you do for your next publicity stunt?
Marry a black gay boy named Rashid, label him her spiritual advisor, and fund the remainder of his career.
If you could have a lifetime 50 percent discount in any single store at your local mall, which store would it be in?
Borders Books & Music!
If you could have one more pet, what kind would you get, and what would you name it?
A third housecat..... I'd have to meet it first before I named it.
If you could have God perform one miracle today, what would you want it to be?
Cure cancer
If you could spend next New Year’s Eve doing anything, what would you do, and with whom?
I would love to find myself alone in front of the television with the man I am to spend the rest of my life with.
If you were to set your country’s immigration policy, what would it be?
Open borders.... I mean come on, America might be fucked up, but we have it better than everyone else. I wouldn't restrict immigration.
If you were given the power to settle the issue of gays in the military, what policy would you set?
Equality for all.
If you could have one person you have lost touch with call you up tonight and invite you to dinner, who would you want it to be?
Jennifer Yeager
If you could change on thing about your love life, what would it be?
Have the ability to see someone's aura and know what's in their heart.
If you could have prevented one book from ever having been written, which book would it be?
I would never prevent a book from being written....free speech!
If you have to name the best music album ever recorded, which would you select?
Purple Rain
If you could have one thing made out of pure gold, what would you choose?
Something REALLY big so I can sell it, LOL
If God were to whisper one thing in your ear, what would you like Him to say?
"Hey, Frat!"
Posted on April 5, 2006 at 7:23 PM | Comments (1)
Mrs. Benny Hinn
What more is there to say?
Posted on April 1, 2006 at 9:18 PM | Comments (0)
Bobby's World
Sometimes, somebody in this world says everything you want to say, but just a little bit better than how you've ever phrased it before.
I came across the following message in a yahoogroup that I participate in. I asked his permission to repost it, and he said yes.
Though it's part of a larger conversation, the message should still resonate.
--Rashid
Let's investigate "proclaim."
You say that you'll never understand those who wish to proclaim their sex and sexuality to the world. I assume that you mean homosexuals based on the "equal rights" comment, but I think that heterosexuals proclaim their sex and sexuality every moment of the day. They hold hands in public. They kiss in public. They have public weddings. They go out in public with their children (products of their sexual activity). While they aren't fucking in the streets (neither are most gay people I know), I think they are certainly proclaiming who they are sexually and with whom they are sexually involved by these arguably benign actions.
Why, then, is it a matter of "privacy" when it comes to homosexuality?
Why is it that when two men (or two women) hold hands in public, kiss in public, have their equivalent of public weddings, or go out in public with their children, it automatically becomes an issue of proclamation or flaunting or bringing "private issues" into the public discourse? When has heterosexuality (and everything it encompasses) ever been a private matter? Why, then, must homosexuality be one?
My guess is that heterosexuals and homosexuals alike have a deep-seated, socially-induced belief that homosexuality is wrong, shameful, abominable, ungodly, disgusting, despicable (no matter how natural it feels or how fulfilling it may be for the parties involved) and thus there is an (often unspoken) arrangement between homosexuals and society (and homosexuals and themselves)--if they must be gay, they should at the very least: keep it to themselves; not put their business in the street; not discuss something so unseemly; not expose their degeneracy to children; hide it so that they won't be the target of hatred and violence. And I think that very many homosexuals accept the arrangement because they feel it's the easiest thing to do. I can't blame them, but I also can't let them off the hook.
In my estimation, "I want to keep my sexuality private" is coded language for "I'm scared of people finding out that I'm gay." Overwhelming (and in my opinion, erroneous) religious dogma has convinced a sizeable number of people, certainly the majority of people, that homosexuality is deviant (with all the negative connotations that come along with that). That would explain why when "Nancy" in the office announces her engagement to "Dick" (puns intended), her friends throw her a wedding shower. But, when "Dais" announces his "engagement" to "Taquan," his co-workers wonder why he has to force his "lifestyle" on everyone.
While some homosexuals attempt to mask their fear of being discovered with "privacy" (i.e. DL, faux heterosexuality, homophobia and silence), others refuse to let society make them hate themselves to such a degree, and they PROCLAIM who they are come what may.
So, to answer an inquiry (that I'm almost certain was rhetorical) regarding why some gays feel obligated to proclaim their sexual identity to the world: one possible reason could be because they refuse to let the world trample over Who They Truly Are; they refuse to be beaten into submission by a largely misogynist, heterosexist, hyper-fanatical, pseudo-religious, homophobic global society.
Bobby
http://www.myspace.com/bob_eakanatturner
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 7:18 AM | Comments (0)
46 Questions
1) When was the last time you went to the bathroom outside?
Wow..... not since I've been an adult.
2. Last time you saw your parents?: Last night.
3) Which family member do you most resemble?: Allegedly my father.
4.Do you own your own Bible?: Yes.
5) Do you wear deodorant?: Yes.
6) Do you clean up nice?: Hell yeah!
7) When was the last time you tripped and fell? I felt in my basement last year and sprained my ankle.
8) Where was the last place you slept besides your home?: The Georgetown Conference Center this past weekend.
9) What are you listening to right now?: A commercial on CNN
10) Have you ever started an uncontrollable fire?: No!
11) Ever run out of gas on the road?: No.
12) Would you rather cut the grass or rake the leaves?: Rake the leaves.
13) Your middle name spelled backwards: Name. (True!)
14) What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?: I hereby invoke my Fifth Amendment rights.
15) Last time you swam in a pool? Pools are for country bamas. (lol jk)
16) Have you ever been in a school play?: Yes.
17) How many kids do you want?: I don't know... at least one.
18) Type of music you dislike most?: Industrial.
19) You registered to vote?: Yup!
20) You have cable?: Yes.
21) Ever prank call anybody?: Just my friends.
23) Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?: NO.
24) Do you have a garden?: No, but I once grew a sunflower.
25) What's your favorite comic?: The Boondocks
26) Bath or Shower: Shower
27) Best movie you've seen in the past two weeks? I re-watched the Color Purple this weekend.
28) Best pizza topping?: Pepperoni
29) Peanuts or popcorn?: Popcorn!
30) Have you ever smoked?: Never.
31) Orange Juice or apple juice?: Orange juice, although it makes me break out.
32) Chocolate Bar?: Three Musketeers
33) When was the last time you voted at the polls?: The presidential elections (we haven't had any in DC since then)
34) When was the last time you ate a homegrown tomato?: Not since I was a kid.
35) Are you a good kisser?: Yes. Ask around.
36) Ever order anything from an infomercial?: No
37) Sprite or 7-Up?: Sprite
38) Have you ever had to wear a uniform to work/school?: In elementary school. Oh yeah, the information desk had mandatory polo shirts. They were cute.
39) Ever thrown up in public?: No.
40) Would you prefer being a millionaire or find true love?: Wow..... I don't have an answer.
41) Do you believe in love at first sight?: No.
42) Who was the last person you visited in a hospital?: Probably Anwar
44) What do you think about most?: Career advancement
45) Favorite form of travel?: Although it scared the bejeezus out of me, I like the efficiency of air travel
46) If you could have one magical power what would it be?: Telepathy/Telekinesis, basically all of Professor Xavier's powers
Posted on March 20, 2006 at 4:13 PM
Fiona Zedde: A Taste of Sin
Let me find out Fiona has a new book out!!!
***
A TASTE OF SIN
By Fiona Zedde
Kensington Books
Desiree Nichols is no stranger to heartbreak, but when her hot, young boyfriend abandons her after two years of being together, Dez's foundations begin to crumble. To make matters worse, a family crisis is calling her home to face the people she left behind, the ones who never accepted her as anything but trouble. Fine. If that's how they see her, she'll rise to the occasion. Miami's hot, sultry nightlife offers plenty of opportunities for a girl to drown her disappointments, and Dez wastes no time hooking up with her old friends. Together, she and her girlfriends prowl the town, attending private parties where every fantasy can be fulfilled, every desire satisfied with no strings attached. The last thing on Dez's mind is finding bliss in the arms of a seductive new partner who couldn't be more different from her ex—and who awakens in her a hunger she tries to deny. But that's exactly what happens….
Now, in clandestine couplings at four-star restaurants, sizzling explorations in downtown sex clubs, and private romantic dinners where sensual boundaries are pushed and hearts are laid bare, two lovers will awaken in each other an intense, soul-deep passion that could change their lives forever….
Fiona Zedde’s work has been published to international acclaim in Best Lesbian Erotica 2004 (Cleis), Necrologue: The DIVA Book of the Dead and the Undead (DIVA), Va-Va-Voom: Red Hot Lesbian Erotica (DIVA), Wicked: Sexy Tales of Legendary Lovers (Cleis), Hot Lesbian Erotica (Cleis) as well as various lesbian and gay publications.
Fiona Zedde’s first novel, BLISS, was published to international acclaim in August of 2005.
***
I met Fiona last year at ATL Black Pride....in fact, we were on the literary panel together. She is on the same publishing house as Fred Smith, another good friend.
Check her books out....she a VERY nice person. And besides, you know you need some more Lesbian literature in your life. Why not start with Fiona Zedde?
Posted on March 9, 2006 at 6:28 AM
Rest in Peace, Coretta
Coretta Scott King is dead.
Heaven help us all.
Posted on January 31, 2006 at 7:12 AM | Comments (0)
I am so mad at Keith Boykin!!!!!
How DARE he post a Year in Pictures entry to his blog without the single most important picture of 2005! He and I are gonna have words!
Do you want to see the MOST important picture of 2005?
Read on.
HA!
You know you love it!
Posted on December 31, 2005 at 7:20 AM | Comments (4)
Facebook Me!
Posted on December 30, 2005 at 3:32 PM | Comments (0)
Rest in Peace: 2005
Shirley Chisolm
Rosemary Kennedy
Badja Djola
Ruth Warrick
Virginia Mayo
Lamont Bentley
Johnny Carson
Ossie Davis
Hunter S. Thompson
Sandra Dee
Lyn Collins
Bobby Short
Mitch Hedberg
Pope John Paul II
Prince Rainier of Monaco
William J. Bell
Eddie Albert
Anne Bancroft
Luther Vandross
James Doohan
Peter Jennings
Barbara Bel Geddes
John H. Johnson
Bob Denver
Chief Justice William Rehnquist
Don Adams
Jerry Juhl
Nipsey Russell
August Wilson
Judge Constance Baker Motley
C. Delores Tucker
Rosa Parks
Pat Morita
Richard Pryor
John Spencer
Vincent Schiavelli
Michael Vale
Posted on December 28, 2005 at 1:15 PM | Comments (1)
Observations on Good Times
Why was Florida Evans' voice so low, yet so high?
How come the "Damn, Damn, Damn!" scene is so fun to act out, but isn't funny at all when you see it?
Whatever happened to Moses Gunn's character? Did Florida bury ANOTHER husband?
Did anybody know that John Witherspoon was one of the police officers in the episode where Penny's mother tried to frame Wilona?
And how come Wilona couldn't keep a man?
Remember when Debbie Allen played JJ's strung-out on heroin girlfriend?
How long did he and Michael share that sofa-bed, anyway?
Wasn't Penny just really annoying when she wasn't being abused?
Why was JJ so skinny he only existed in two dimensions?
How come Bernadette Stanis hasn't aged a bit?
Posted on December 26, 2005 at 10:56 PM | Comments (0)
www.sglproducts.com
I know, I should have posted this before Christmas, but check out a website that features black gay/same gender loving products, including movies, television shows, books, and greeting cards!
Check out www.sglproducts.com
Posted on at 5:14 PM | Comments (0)
Yay Randal!!!
If you didn't see The Apprentice last night, long story short: Randal won, Trump asked him if he should hire the loser as well, and Randal said NO. The sentiment was that there is to be ONE winner.
Of course, the next morning, white America has turned the once coolblackguy ((c) Paul Beatty) into the horrible, arrogant, ungracious sonofabitch.
I posted the following comment on a message board this morning and thought it was good enough to make it in the blog.
***
I have a quick anecdote.....
This year, I was asked to speak on a panel about gay/lesbian/bisexual issues at my alma mater. I was chosen as the Alumni speaker. The other speakers represented single entities, such as the LGBT club on campus, another campus club that was specifically about coming out, the Women's Center, a Dean, a lesbian prof, and a gay male prof.
I sent out an email to my gay alumni group saying I was picked to be the alumni speaker. Well, one of the group moderators said "That's great, but did they contact so-and-so or so-and-so? I think YOU should contact them and see if they want to participate."
I completely ignored the email. Why should I need a sidekick in order to discuss the experiences of gay alums? Am I not a gay alum? I happened to know who both of the suggested speakers were, and they were both white.
So when I spoke about gay issues at Georgetown, I also spoke about how being a black gay man was not much different from just being a black man. There is still racism, there is still prejudice, there is still a notion that a black man, no matter how talented, cannot accurately represent a group that is majority white.
When trump asked Randal if he should hire Rebecca, I was so glad he said "Hell to the naw!" Because he was saying it, in my opinion, for every person of color who has been viewed as "good" but "not enough" to go it alone.
Trump really thought he was going to hire two people that night, and I'm so glad he didn't.
Yeah, Randal was a dick in the end, but so is Trump. If there was still a chance that Trump would pick Rebecca, Randal had to show that he's not a pushover. He wanted to win and did what he needed to do -- underscore why Rebecca would be the wrong choice.
For what it's worth, the organizer of the panel said that she, too, got an email implying that I wouldn't be "enough" -- she ignored it too.
Posted on December 16, 2005 at 6:25 AM | Comments (6)
Rest In Peace, Richard Pryor
Richard Pryor died today and I nearly broke down while watching CNN.
I wasn't born into the most conservative of families, so instead of reciting bible verses on Sunday nights, it was more common to hear the grown-ups retelling Richard Pryor jokes.
"And it's deep, too...."
(Took me years to understand what that one meant. Hey, whaddya want? I was like five when I first heard the joke.)
I am pretty sure that my first memory of Richard Pryor was when he was in Bustin' Loose with Cicely Tyson. I liked it because it was kids. Sure, they all has issues with a capital ISH, but at that age, I don't think I knew what it meant to be emotionally disturbed.
Basically, Richard Pryor drives Cicely Tyson and the ED kids across country on a broke-down school bus. There is more to the plot, but basically it's one of my favorite movies of all time. I don't know if it's a good movie. All I know is you'll probably never see anything so touching as Richard Pryor touching these kids' lives.
AND Roberta Flack did the soundtrack.
Now, I also remember a movie called The Toy
So....I admit. This movie sucks. And it's disturbing on a certain level that a black man can be "bought" and used as someone's toy. It's like he became a mammy for the 1980's. It wasn't cool. Somehow, it is rationalized when Pryor teaches the white boy character and values....but...eh...
But as a kid, I still loved the movie. I don't watch it all the time as an adult, but it did highlight Richard Pryor's more slapstick abilities.
Then of course there's no forgetting his role in Superman III
He came out with lots of other movies in the 80s, and while some interested me, others didn't. What I did get turned on to in the interim was the comedy of Eddie Murphy. Yes, I watched Raw at too young an age as well. But watching Raw set into motion an interest in Richard Pryor as a comedian.
By the time Harlem Nights
Wait...rewind....how could I have forgotten this relic....
Pryor's Place!
It was only on for a season and I don't remember a single episode, but I do remember part of the theme song, sung by none other than Ray Parker, Jr. The show featured Richard Pryor telling stories about his childhood to the neighborhood kids and the various themes that were raised. A typical kids' show formula, but with more of an edge than Fat Albert or the few other ethnic shows that were out for kids. I think that Pryor's Place was probably more in line with Vegetable Soup.
So anyway, I recognized Pryor's genius at a young age and came to appreciate him when I saw Harlem Nights. Unfortunately, that was around the same time that Multiple Sclerosis started changing Pryor's timing and ability to spit those rapid-fire jokes and stories.
As I got older, I started really listening to the man and understanding how his own life was the canvas. It was almost scary how he could make a joke out of setting himself on fire while freebasing. But he was brave like that. I try to live my life the same way, kinda, through this blog. I don't want to hold anything back really because hell, maybe somebody out there is learning from my mistakes, as I learned from Pryor's.
I listened to And It's Deep Too: The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings
I'm sad. Not just the fact that another one of our legends is dead, but because for the last 20 or so years of his life, he wasn't able to live up to his full storytelling potential. That damn disease Multiple Sclerosis all but silenced him. Sure, he still acted a bit, earning an Emmy nomination for his guest appearance on Chicago Hope.
But it's not the same....America needed Richard Pryor, and we got Chris Rock. No offense to Chris, but we needed them both. When Eddie Murphy turned