Monday, October 03, 2005

Morning Edition - 10/3/05

Meet Me In The Parking Lot At 5
It’s not enough to carry a concealed weapon legally and have the ability to use it if you have any disagreement that has you feeling threatened, now Florida has some seeking legislation that would allow them to bring their guns to work and stash them in their locked vehicles. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is, of course, a big supporter of this new sought-after legislation. There are already 353,000 folks in Florida with concealed weapons permits. Under the new law, employers who attempt to stop workers from bringing their guns to work would be committing a third degree felony and be liable for up to $5,000 in fines and five years in prison.

The One Shouting the Loudest
Usually the person shouting homophobic rants the loudest has engaged or is tempted to engage in some funny business. It’s my experience that a homophobe’s desire to deflect attention from their wants or behaviors serves to make them suspect of the same. Now, writer Keith Boykin, former President Clinton aide and writer of Beyond the Down Low, is taking a controversial approach to stifling the, sometimes hypocritical, tirades of ministers across the U.S. Boykin says that black gay men and women tend to visit black churches, rather than gay churches and it’s time that the hate spewed from these ministers toward the gay community stops. Boykin has taken a very controversial approach – he will simply research the various homophobic ministers and OUT anyone who is discovered to have had any homosexual interaction in their lifetime. The project has drawn criticism from both straight and gay groups, but ultimately, Boykin has said it is necessary to stop the hate. “I am not a fan of outing for the sake of outing,” Boykin said. “But I do believe in targeting homophobic ministers. We knew a lot of people — gay and straight — would be upset. But we have been too nice for far too long. In the 10 years I’ve been an activist, I’ve yet to see one minister change.” Presently Boykin’s website has put to question such ministers as T.D. Jakes, Bishop Eddie Long and even the Rev. Willie Wilson of DC, to name a few. To visit some of the profiles, go to
http://www.keithboykin.com/

The Sky Is Falling!
Residents of Washington DC and as far reaching as Falls Church, Virginia were frantic on Saturday night when the Kennedy Center decided to launch their month-long Festival of China using a seven-minute fireworks display that sounded like a bombing or terrorist attack to area residents who had no knowledge of the event. The Washington Post reported hundreds of calls to area 911 operators who said folks were frantic. The show started at 9:50 p.m. Saturday night. "We are certainly sorry that people had that experience," said Adams, vice president for international programming at the Kennedy Center. "For the people who were here and read about it, it was on the banks of the Potomac, and it was a wonderful celebration."

Happy birthday Bobby!
The Cocoa Rican’s long-time friend and partner in crime, Bobby S., turns 41 today. The funny old-timer is spending his birthday with loved ones in Long Island, but will be making his way to the the Big Apple Saturday where we will celebrate the BIG day by catching The Gospel and throwing a few highly flammable spirits back for OLD time’s sake. Enjoy your day sunshine!

On Blast
Birthdays are something to celebrate – just look at the alternative. What person (deceased) do you wish could celebrate one more birthday? What would you write in the blank card you purchased to be read at their birthday party?

Keep passin’ the open windows…

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I would love for my cousin Camille to celebrate another birthday. However, my insert would not be anything serious but something very silly because that's how she was. I figure why tell her something that she already knows.

Anonymous said...

Talking about a last HURRAY!
Do you remember the last time we were together, Opps, that’s now.
Thanks for the memories...
Damn! You really don’t have NO idea? Do you have the money you owe me, I need it today. Nice shoes; what size are they??? where do you keep your porn? you shouldn't so warm you don't know ho hot it might get...if you know you were going to die, what would you do? Get your jacket you can tell me on the way.

Unknown said...

Okay...that last comment was as clear as mud. :)

My person would be my VA buddy Tony...RIP...

"I had no idea how much our friendship meant to you, but rest assured it meant (means) the world to me. You're giving, special, kind and true. Thanks for always being there and thinking the world of me."

Anonymous said...

If only I had one more birthday to celebrate with my dad. His birthday was yesterday, October 2. I couldn't honestly say what the inside of a card would read but the value of our friendship, and our love is still very priceless to me. We wouldn’t have to speak a word to each other. I would love to just look into his eyes, tell him I love him, give him one last hug, and say goodbye.

Toniqua

Anonymous said...

MY BIRTHDAY CARD WOULD GO TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE JOACQUIN WHO ENDED HIS OWN LIFE LAST SUMMER. HE WOULD HAVE BEEN 34 ON OCT, 31. "I WISH I COULD HAVE CONVINCED YOU THAT YOU WERE MORE THAN A GORGIOUS FACE, A BEAUTIFULLY SCULPTED BODY, WRAPPED IN FLAWLESS SKIN. BEHIND THOSE LIGHT BROWN EYES WAS A BEAUTIFUL SOUL; AN ENGAGING INTELLIGENCE; A WITTY PERSONALITY; AND ENORMOUS TALENT, YOUR MELODIOUS VOICE AND BODY POLITIC STILL HAUNT MY WAKING MOMENTS. BUT I WISH YOU HAD ANOTHER BIRTHDAY TO TO DISCOVER HOW ADORABLE THAT LITTLE PUERTO RICAN BOY INSIDE OF YOU REALLY WAS. YOUR VITALITY PURSUADED ALL THAT KNOW YOU TO REJOICE. I AM NO LONGER ANGRY SO I CAN NOW PROCESS YOUR DEPARTURE. I LOVE YOU AND WILL REMEMBER YOU ALWAYS. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. THE HEAVENS SHOULD PROCLAIM YOU AS AN HONORED GUEST.....R.I.P. JOACQUIN RAUL VEGA.

Unknown said...

Okay...Kris I'm baffled and confused. First, I thought I was the love of your life (...no, you know I'm just finding a way to make light of a very serious situation - and I have a poor sense of apropriate humor!) What the heck do you mean Joacquin ended his life last summer?!?! We never talked about this? I am so sorry to hear this... you know we need to talk ASAP - and I do mean, ASAP! Kris, I feel like Anne Bankroft (sp)in Torch Song Trilogy right now... "You cheated me out of your life, then you blame me for not being there!" I'm going to pick up a bite and I'm going to call you... be available - PLEASE!

Echo on the Caspar comment... beyond goosebumps! Toniqua, you know I was all teared-up when I read yours.... Tammy/Donya, we discussed your girl Camille and I still think it was so tragic!

Anonymous said...

THANKS FOR THE LOVE CASPAR...THIS IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT I JUST STORED AWAY INSIDE...BUT I HOPE HE HEARD ME....LOL.

COCOA RICAN YOU KNOW I LOVE UR DIRTY CALVINS MAN..BUT I JUST COULDN'T TALK ABOUT IT ...IT WAS TOO RAW....BUT Y'ALL JUST PRESSED THE RIGHT BUTTONS IN TODAY "ON BLAST". THANKS FOR THE PHONE CALL. YOU KNOW YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR IS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING ABOUT YOU.....WELL THE SECOND MOST BEAUTIFUL THING......LOL

Anonymous said...

QUE?

Unknown said...

...honey, for what it's worth I'm here. I know stuff gets hard to talk about and I'll be the first to store things away - sometimes permanently. I really do have to get down there soon - on the real, my sense of humor is really ALL I have left. You know the Ricans - when we're hot we're searing, but when we begin our decline, it's a bobsled down Everest. I'm glad you shared today. I assure you that you're story had a greater impact that you imagine.

:)

Unknown said...

Two things:
First, Casapar, go back to taking the meds three times a day AND stop putting your work phone number on the internet for all to see.
Second, if I told you my favorite "thing" in the world to eat I'd be accused of kiss-and-tell! :)

....BTW, I thought the whole singing thing was our private thing... now it's for everyone. Geez, nothing's sacred. ...well, at least I was keepin' the faith.

Anonymous said...

My brother Michael.

I really wish you could have been more open with your family about your sexuality. It may have made a difference to some, but not to me and those who loved you (if you only knew). I would have walked through life and your struggles along with you. I miss you so much! Love you still, and I know you're now happy. RIP

Unknown said...

I have to admit, when this question came up I knew it would bring up some emotion, but I had no idea we (as a group) had so much to share with a special someone. I'm glad we did today. Like Caspar mentioned earlier, I have a real sense that they know this today. Thanks to all for sharing. :)