Whether We Like It…
After a visit from a close friend this weekend, I was struck with the overwhelming feeling that everything really does change. After dropping my friend off and bidding him farewell, I proceeded to join some other friends for a beer. On my way to meet them Oleta Adams was wafting from my car radio…softly singing one of my favorite ballads, written by Bernard Ighner – Everything Must Change. The song is simple, sublime and comforting. We can’t stop time and we can’t stop change. Rather than dishing out a lengthy diatribe for the group today, I’d rather share those lyrics. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
EVERYTHING MUST CHANGE
(Bernard Ighner)
Everything must change
Nothing stays the same
Everyone must change
No one stays the same
The young become the old
And mysteries do unfold
Cause that's the way of time
Nothing and no one goes unchanged
There are not many things in life
You can be sure of
Except rain comes from the clouds
Sun lights up the sky
And hummingbirds do fly
Winter turns to spring
A wounded heart will heal
But never much too soon
Yes everything must change
The young become the old
And mysteries do unfold
Cause that's the way of time
Nothing and no one goes unchanged
There are not many things in life
You can be sure of
Except rain comes from the clouds
Sun lights up the sky
And butterflies do fly
Rain comes from the clouds
Sun lights up the sky
And music
And music
Makes me cry
On Blast
What event had a life-altering impact leaving you forever changed? Describe how that change defines who you are today.
Keep passin’ the open window…
Monday, July 31, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/26/06
Can’t See Passed Your Fat Ass
Approximately 64% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Doctor’s have found that this presents a problem when x-rays or scans are needed to determine the presence of tumors, broken bones, etc. Dr. Raul Uppot, Radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital says the problem is more widespread than previously thought. Fat-person x-rays are being written-up as “These images are limited due to body habitus.” Translation: I can’t see a thing through fat boy’s rolls. Uppot says fat-folk x-rays look like a snow storm; an illegible blur. Different new machines are being explored to help get adequate readings when treating the “growing” American population.
A Gay Vacation
Now vacationing for gays doesn’t have to consist of gay-friendly destinations. Resorts are now catering exclusively to the gay community – with all-inclusive locked and secured compounds. One of the newest spots, Island House, is just 10-minutes from the Key West, Florida airport. To check out the full details –without bringing our straight friends to tears – click here http://www.islandhousekeywest.com/ Enjoy! I’ll check y’all out there this winter.
The Birds; Revenge Not So Sweet
Donia Monique Brooks, 25, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, took her pet Cockatoo to the movies with her on Saturday. Unfortunately, Brooks decided to leave her feathered-friend in the back seat while she went in to catch a flick. While she left a window cracked for tweety, the bird, who authorities say was acting distressed when witnesses called them in for help, died of heat exhaustion in his cage before they could free it from the sweltering vehicle. Now, Brooks is charged with animal cruelty, a misdemeanor in Virginia, and can serve up to one year in jail.
On Blast
A man was recently sentenced to twenty five years in prison for infecting his sex partners with HIV. We’ll skip the details, since they are not the basis for today’s question. The law is apparently absolving adults of their responsibility for participating in unprotected sex and is choosing to punish only one partner. That said, should individuals who infect folks with other sexually transmitted diseases – such as the herpes, etc., be given some sort of criminal punishment for transmitting diseases to unsuspecting sexual partners? Is the legal system intervening in the private lives of adults?
Keep passin’ the open windows…
Approximately 64% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Doctor’s have found that this presents a problem when x-rays or scans are needed to determine the presence of tumors, broken bones, etc. Dr. Raul Uppot, Radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital says the problem is more widespread than previously thought. Fat-person x-rays are being written-up as “These images are limited due to body habitus.” Translation: I can’t see a thing through fat boy’s rolls. Uppot says fat-folk x-rays look like a snow storm; an illegible blur. Different new machines are being explored to help get adequate readings when treating the “growing” American population.
A Gay Vacation
Now vacationing for gays doesn’t have to consist of gay-friendly destinations. Resorts are now catering exclusively to the gay community – with all-inclusive locked and secured compounds. One of the newest spots, Island House, is just 10-minutes from the Key West, Florida airport. To check out the full details –without bringing our straight friends to tears – click here http://www.islandhousekeywest.com/ Enjoy! I’ll check y’all out there this winter.
The Birds; Revenge Not So Sweet
Donia Monique Brooks, 25, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, took her pet Cockatoo to the movies with her on Saturday. Unfortunately, Brooks decided to leave her feathered-friend in the back seat while she went in to catch a flick. While she left a window cracked for tweety, the bird, who authorities say was acting distressed when witnesses called them in for help, died of heat exhaustion in his cage before they could free it from the sweltering vehicle. Now, Brooks is charged with animal cruelty, a misdemeanor in Virginia, and can serve up to one year in jail.
On Blast
A man was recently sentenced to twenty five years in prison for infecting his sex partners with HIV. We’ll skip the details, since they are not the basis for today’s question. The law is apparently absolving adults of their responsibility for participating in unprotected sex and is choosing to punish only one partner. That said, should individuals who infect folks with other sexually transmitted diseases – such as the herpes, etc., be given some sort of criminal punishment for transmitting diseases to unsuspecting sexual partners? Is the legal system intervening in the private lives of adults?
Keep passin’ the open windows…
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/25/06
He’ll Live; I Did
Former Iraq leader, Saddam Hussein, has been placed on a feeding tube. Hussein is on a hunger strike since July 7 and refuses to have anything outside of water and coffee; hey, I survived on that diet for about a year. His demands are simple; he wants more attorneys and better security. As it turns out, both members of his legal team and his security team have been slain. Three of his fellow co-defendants are following the same food-less regimen.
Winkie-ing Out
Winkie, a trouble-ridden elephant at the Elephant Sanctuary just 60 miles outside of Nashville, crushed her handler, Joanna Burke, 36, Friday. Reports indicate Winkie ended-up at the sanctuary after a few brushes with visitors and handlers at a zoo in Wisconsin. Burke was hosing Winkie down Friday when she noticed Winkie’s eye was slightly swollen. When she walked around Winkie to get a better look, Winkie turned, knocked Burke in the head and chest and crushed her to death instantly. The death has been ruled an accident and Winkie will not be euthanized. ::::Just as an aside, let me get this straight… the animal turns, knocks her down and proceeds to crush her, but this is an accident? Alrighty then…::::::
Give Him a Hand
An unidentified man was shopping at the Super Halal Meat Market in Springfield, Virginia, when he took matters into his own – no pun intended – hand. After passing the butcher, Igbal Asghbar two chickens, he requested his order of goat meat to be retrieved from the large freezer in the back of the store. Once Asghbar went retrieve the order, the customer came around the counter and cut off his own hand, leaving it on the meat market floor before running through the parking lot of the Springfield center. All the one-handed man screamed while he ran was, “I am not a terrorist .” Asked why he cut off his hand, the man mentioned he did it for Allah. The man and his severed hand were rushed to Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax County. No charges were filed.
On Blast
A close friend of mine is in the process of creating a very interesting and tasteful book that depicts ethnic men in their entire splendor. All early pictures indicate the book will be a huge success because rather than capturing gym bunnies or steroid-pumped models, he will feature your average face and body-styles. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder and the unrealistic 7-day-a-week, 4-hour-a-day, gym bodies are not the norm.
Would you be interested in buying a book that featured nude (or nearly nude) “ethnic” men (black, Latino, Asian, middle-eastern)? Where do YOU draw the line between art and porn? Are ethnic men judged differently when they appear nude?
Keep passin’ the open windows…
Monday, July 24, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/24/06
Puerto Rico Crowned Miss Universe 2006; Drama As Usual
Last night Miss Puerto Rico, 18-year old Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza, was crowned Miss Universe at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Rivera Mendoza is the 55th Miss Universe. On her heels was 1st runner up Kurara Chibana, 24, from Japan and 2nd runner up Lauriane Gilleron, 21, of Switzerland. Tara Conner, 21 of the U.S. came in 5th to round out the top five. Forty minutes after her win – and thankfully, well after her post pageant stroll -Miss Puerto Rico collapsed from what’s being reported as heat exhaustion. The pageant officials say the stage and lights are extremely hot and her beaded dress was heavy. It bears to mention that the dress was absolutely stunning and the front of the gown was just FIERCE. Dare I say that the dress may have sealed her win. Rivera Mendoza is said to be just fine and she went on to attend the post pageant celebrations. The U.S. presently holds the most Miss Universe titles with 7; Puerto Rico holds a proud second for most wins with 5. Puerto Rico first won Miss Universe in 1970 (Marisol Malaret), then 1985 Deborah Carthy-Deu brought home the title. In 1993, Marc Anthony’s ex-wife, Dayanara Torres was crowned Miss Universe, followed by Denise Quinones in 2001. Puerto Rico normally holds enormous festivals (and take a day-off from work) to celebrate the occasion.
Please Tell Me You Don’t Drive
Drivers in NYC are insanely aggressive and the slightest hesitation can lead to a multiple car pile-up. Unfortunately, the same aggression doesn’t translate as effectively when New Yorkers get around on foot. It appears that peripheral vision is something New Yorkers either lack or ignore. For those who are quizzically looking at this blurb and wondering where I’m going with this, let me try to sum this up. Peripheral vision is what you see at your far left and right while still looking straight. It’s basically the field of vision that allows us to see an oncoming person, vehicle, or other object coming toward us from both sides. Humans don’t have a very developed peripheral vision and studies show that we don’t really see color in our peripheral vision, we see motion. Your retina is divided into rod cells and cone cells. Rod cells, found in your periphery, are sensitive to motion, but do not see color. Conversely, cone cells are color sensitive. All this to ask, why can’t folks walk straight or see people walking besides them to avoid stepping in their way? Also, when you board an elevator and step on, do you see (in your periphery) the person standing at your side? Why not step over a few feet to avoid the uncomfortable “space bubble” violation?! I mean really! Admittedly I’m a little sensitive this morning, but I’m seconds from advertising the next big “Improving Your Peripheral Vision” class.
Deadly Reflection
Lt. Michael DeHart says the force of the falling 5-foot floor mounted mirror that crashed onto 3-year old Christopher Antonio yesterday was undoubtedly what killed him. The shocking accident happened at a WalMart store in Indianapolis yesterday while the mother was only 5-feet away from the toddler. Both the mom and another shopper pulled the mirror off the boy. The accident is being investigated. A WalMart spokesperson said that the retail giant’s thoughts and prayers are with the boy’s family; it appears their hefty settlement will be with the family soon enough too.
On Blast
It takes three seconds for a newcomer to evaluate you. It’s the “express” first impression, but one that is almost irreversible. A quick glance will give tell-tale signs of whether you like (or will like) someone. Whether it’s their body-language, their handbag, their shoes or their haircut, many factors play a role in our first impressions. Studies show that during the first couple of minutes after meeting someone, we assess whether someone is of comparable social or business level to ourselves before judging whether they warrant further interaction with us. If we find that they are above our social or business level, then we admire them and hold them in high regard as a valuable contact. Unfortunately, studies also show that if our assessment finds them below our social or business level, we tend to hold this person at arms-length. What do you factor-in as your greatest attributes and worse faux-pas for first impressions? What will definitely knock someone out of interaction contention? Tell of a recent experience that shows tell-tale signs of your judgment during first encounters.
Keep passin’ the open windows…
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/19/06
Off Target
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held their 97th Annual Meeting which also shares a report card of businesses and their efforts to employ, invest and charitable giving in the black community. This year the most disturbing surprise comes from retail giant Target. Target neglected to submit a survey furnished by the NAACP and has not answered calls from the group. Now, the NAACP has asked that blacks not give the retailer any of their business until they respond to questions regarding their minority efforts. Forty percent of Target employees are minorities, 23% of whom are part of their management staff. Target responded by saying that their diversity efforts are inclusive of all races and cultures and they would not respond to a survey that only focused on blacks.
Rock the Boat…Don’t Tip the Boat Over
Carnival Cruise Lines, Crown Princess, was leaving its port in Florida heading home to its port in Brooklyn, New York, when it nearly tipped over on its side. Approximately 84 passengers were injured – two critically. This was the fourth voyage the Princess had taken since it first set sail over one month ago. Ironically, the 113,000-ton ship was christened by Martha Stewart.
You’ve Got Mail – Lots of It
Young folks are leading the trend to come away from e-mail and focus more on the immediate gratification that comes from IM and Text messaging. Reports are finding that e-mail is fast becoming the new snail-mail. Outside of the work or school environment, folks are quickly finding that Text messaging and IM provides efficient, instant communication without the need for formality. At the risk of endorsing the movement, I’ve quickly become a Text Messaging addict and have replaced telephone and e-mail communication with Text Messaging with even my closest friends. It’s fast, efficient, concise and inconspicuous; allowing you to talk to friends and family even while sitting in an important meeting.
On Blast
With African Americans spending over $723 billion dollars per year and Hispanic Americans spending over $686 billion dollars per year, it stands to reason that retailers need to take investing in minority communities seriously. Should minorities heed the NAACP call to veer away from retailers – such as Target – who refuse to address our communities and our concerns? In today’s easy-access mindset, do minorities have the unifying-message-sending power to boycott organizations by withholding their retail dollars? Do young minorities understand the power of their dollars?
Keep passin’ the open windows…
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) held their 97th Annual Meeting which also shares a report card of businesses and their efforts to employ, invest and charitable giving in the black community. This year the most disturbing surprise comes from retail giant Target. Target neglected to submit a survey furnished by the NAACP and has not answered calls from the group. Now, the NAACP has asked that blacks not give the retailer any of their business until they respond to questions regarding their minority efforts. Forty percent of Target employees are minorities, 23% of whom are part of their management staff. Target responded by saying that their diversity efforts are inclusive of all races and cultures and they would not respond to a survey that only focused on blacks.
Rock the Boat…Don’t Tip the Boat Over
Carnival Cruise Lines, Crown Princess, was leaving its port in Florida heading home to its port in Brooklyn, New York, when it nearly tipped over on its side. Approximately 84 passengers were injured – two critically. This was the fourth voyage the Princess had taken since it first set sail over one month ago. Ironically, the 113,000-ton ship was christened by Martha Stewart.
You’ve Got Mail – Lots of It
Young folks are leading the trend to come away from e-mail and focus more on the immediate gratification that comes from IM and Text messaging. Reports are finding that e-mail is fast becoming the new snail-mail. Outside of the work or school environment, folks are quickly finding that Text messaging and IM provides efficient, instant communication without the need for formality. At the risk of endorsing the movement, I’ve quickly become a Text Messaging addict and have replaced telephone and e-mail communication with Text Messaging with even my closest friends. It’s fast, efficient, concise and inconspicuous; allowing you to talk to friends and family even while sitting in an important meeting.
On Blast
With African Americans spending over $723 billion dollars per year and Hispanic Americans spending over $686 billion dollars per year, it stands to reason that retailers need to take investing in minority communities seriously. Should minorities heed the NAACP call to veer away from retailers – such as Target – who refuse to address our communities and our concerns? In today’s easy-access mindset, do minorities have the unifying-message-sending power to boycott organizations by withholding their retail dollars? Do young minorities understand the power of their dollars?
Keep passin’ the open windows…
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/18/06
And You’re Telling Me This Because…
Oprah and long-time friend Gayle King penned a lengthy article in the upcoming August issue of O magazine to reveal that although their 30-year friendship is sometimes called to question as gay, they are very much straight. King went on to say that if they were gay they would tell everyone because there is nothing wrong with being gay. :::::Pause:::::: I know this is when gay people should be thanking Ms. O and her gal-pal for making such an assertion, but the truth is, it would’ve made a much more positive statement if we didn’t have to address the issue at all. By giving the ignorant folks who have to define and neatly box relationships, a forum Oprah gives credence to the belief that the private lives of adults is public information.
Are You Part of the Majority?
Statistics show that 97% of adult males 15-44 years old had vaginal intercourse with a female in their lifetime. A remarkable 90% of heterosexual males in that same age group said they had performed oral sex on a female – uh, guess that debunks the myth that most men don’t get down with that; while only 40% of these men admitted to engaging in anal sex with their female partners. What was most astonishing is that only 3% of gay men in the same age group admitted to having had oral and/or anal sex in the last twelve months. All said, a subsequent study found that sex surveys do not provide an accurate record of true sexual activity.
Hot, Irritated, Stay Hydrated
The north east is experiencing a serious heat wave. Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid to upper nineties for the week. Drink lots of fluids, dress in cool clothing and for the love of those around you – BATHE. This advice especially applies to everyone who rides public transportation and is forced into tight quarters that require your holding your arm up (normally in someone’s face) for a lengthy period of time. Enough said.
On Blast
What area of your body have you designated as an "off limits" zone for your sex partner? Why?
Keep passin' the open windows...
Oprah and long-time friend Gayle King penned a lengthy article in the upcoming August issue of O magazine to reveal that although their 30-year friendship is sometimes called to question as gay, they are very much straight. King went on to say that if they were gay they would tell everyone because there is nothing wrong with being gay. :::::Pause:::::: I know this is when gay people should be thanking Ms. O and her gal-pal for making such an assertion, but the truth is, it would’ve made a much more positive statement if we didn’t have to address the issue at all. By giving the ignorant folks who have to define and neatly box relationships, a forum Oprah gives credence to the belief that the private lives of adults is public information.
Are You Part of the Majority?
Statistics show that 97% of adult males 15-44 years old had vaginal intercourse with a female in their lifetime. A remarkable 90% of heterosexual males in that same age group said they had performed oral sex on a female – uh, guess that debunks the myth that most men don’t get down with that; while only 40% of these men admitted to engaging in anal sex with their female partners. What was most astonishing is that only 3% of gay men in the same age group admitted to having had oral and/or anal sex in the last twelve months. All said, a subsequent study found that sex surveys do not provide an accurate record of true sexual activity.
Hot, Irritated, Stay Hydrated
The north east is experiencing a serious heat wave. Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid to upper nineties for the week. Drink lots of fluids, dress in cool clothing and for the love of those around you – BATHE. This advice especially applies to everyone who rides public transportation and is forced into tight quarters that require your holding your arm up (normally in someone’s face) for a lengthy period of time. Enough said.
On Blast
What area of your body have you designated as an "off limits" zone for your sex partner? Why?
Keep passin' the open windows...
Monday, July 17, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/17/06
It’s How I Know
by Cocoa Rican
From the first look
To the coldest moments
It’s how I know
When I think of the great times
Or am shattered by the bad times
It’s how I know
When I’m having a party with friends
And all I think about is you
It’s how I know
From the lovers that kiss longingly
To the partners arguing in the street
It’s how I know
When the touch of someone else repels me
And the very thought of your finger tips on my skin touches my soul
It’s how I know
Your scent makes me high
The taste of you makes me drunk
Your body makes me full
It’s how I know
What makes me happiest is the thought that I am your closest confidant
That no matter what our lives place in our path, you know I’m loyal
It’s how I know
When I think of a beach, the sun shining and a cool drink
When old age creeps into my bones and my body creeks with wear
I look to my side through my mind’s eye and I see you
It’s how I know
Because we can’t have everything in life
Because we can’t choose who we love
Because we can’t make anyone love us in return
Because none of these things matter when I think about you in my heart
It’s how I know
There has to be another lifetime
This has to be the dress rehearsal
Everyone else I meet is an understudy
It's how I know
It’s how I know
It’s how I know that I love you
On Blast
What makes YOU know? What about the person you love (loved) was the defining moment to let you know that you truly love (loved) them?
Keep passin' the open windows...
by Cocoa Rican
From the first look
To the coldest moments
It’s how I know
When I think of the great times
Or am shattered by the bad times
It’s how I know
When I’m having a party with friends
And all I think about is you
It’s how I know
From the lovers that kiss longingly
To the partners arguing in the street
It’s how I know
When the touch of someone else repels me
And the very thought of your finger tips on my skin touches my soul
It’s how I know
Your scent makes me high
The taste of you makes me drunk
Your body makes me full
It’s how I know
What makes me happiest is the thought that I am your closest confidant
That no matter what our lives place in our path, you know I’m loyal
It’s how I know
When I think of a beach, the sun shining and a cool drink
When old age creeps into my bones and my body creeks with wear
I look to my side through my mind’s eye and I see you
It’s how I know
Because we can’t have everything in life
Because we can’t choose who we love
Because we can’t make anyone love us in return
Because none of these things matter when I think about you in my heart
It’s how I know
There has to be another lifetime
This has to be the dress rehearsal
Everyone else I meet is an understudy
It's how I know
It’s how I know
It’s how I know that I love you
On Blast
What makes YOU know? What about the person you love (loved) was the defining moment to let you know that you truly love (loved) them?
Keep passin' the open windows...
Friday, July 14, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/14/06
The 420
I knew there would come a time when I would lose track of the vernacular and need some schooling on what the youth of today use to speak of those things they don’t want us “grown folks” to know about. A couple of months back while speaking to a youngin’ I met at a club, he mentioned whether or not I got down with the 420. I’ll admit that I thought about jeans and when I mentioned “I’m not big into the latest fashions,” the brotha simply laughed and said, “I’m talkin’ about blazin’ trees.” As it turns out the 420 simply means smoking marijuana. Lesson learned… tree burned. Unfortunately, the old man in me refused to just let the 420 go as the “new” terminology for smoking weed. I jumped on the web and researched the origins of this odd number. Various myths circulated about how the 420 got started. One belief was that the number took form in police codes for marijuana or that it was simply the number of active chemicals in marijuana. Both of these myths are false. For the record, there are only 315 active chemicals in weed. At any rate, the 420 actually got started way before I could even operate a lighter – 1971 – at San Rafael High School. A group of students that called themselves the Waldos would smoke weed each day at – you guessed it – 4:20. Later, the time and the number caught on and the kids were able to speak openly about marijuana in front of their parents and the adults wouldn’t have a clue as to what the heck they were referring to. Like all “cool” terminology, the term spread and today, youngins use it as though they just came up with it.
Stocky or Fat
A while back the Morning Edition featured a quick blurb about studies showing gay men were more likely to suffer from eating disorders because of the perceived physical demands for youthful bodies in the gay lifestyle. Unfortunately, no one relayed the story to the men I’ve met over the last couple of weeks. One, a blind date we’ll call “Ryan” topped the scales at over 190 lbs at less than 5’7” and had the audacity to say he works out at the same gym I go to everyday. My friend Eric and I aren’t speaking after this little fiasco of a hook-up, but suffice to say that I took the initiative to speak to this man on the phone first and he purported to be in shape and simply stocky. We met for a late cup of coffee – my idea of getting a look at the goods before proceeding to a more meaningful date. As I entered the restaurant and “Ryan” rose from the table to shake my hand, I found myself looking at the top of his head – clearly not 5’7” since I’m 5’7” – and unless his scale only went as far as 190, “Ryan” had apparently stopped weighing himself before going on a year-long eating binge. Before you label me judgmental, let me say that it’s a matter of preference; Preference and the feeling that if you misrepresent yourself, you set yourself up for disaster. Making matters worse, “Ryan” went on and on about how he keeps a meticulous diet, works out 5 days a week and doesn’t really have anything other than water after 6 p.m. Call me cruel, but I ordered cheese fries and inhaled them while he droned on and on about how he maintains this self-observed heavenly physique. When the check came I looked at “Ryan” with eyes that blazed – liar pays. I’ve spoken to “Ryan” twice since our little meeting and I think we both know that the only way we’ll meet each other again is at a White Castle drive-thru window at 2 a.m.
It’s Not for the Sex
Barrington Psychiatrist Scott Haltzman found that by age 45, two out of five married men cheat (40%), while one out of every five married women cheated (20%). What was more telling about Haltzman’s study was that the majority of the participants of the study said it wasn’t about the sex. Virtually all participants said they cheated because they were looking for love and affection.
On Blast
Honestly, what would be your reason? With statistics showing that so many people cheat and the majority saying that sex was NOT the main issue, what would your reason be? Hypothetically of course…would you cheat to enjoy a night of steamy sex or would your infidelity be based on receiving love and/or affection?
Keep passin’ the open windows…
I knew there would come a time when I would lose track of the vernacular and need some schooling on what the youth of today use to speak of those things they don’t want us “grown folks” to know about. A couple of months back while speaking to a youngin’ I met at a club, he mentioned whether or not I got down with the 420. I’ll admit that I thought about jeans and when I mentioned “I’m not big into the latest fashions,” the brotha simply laughed and said, “I’m talkin’ about blazin’ trees.” As it turns out the 420 simply means smoking marijuana. Lesson learned… tree burned. Unfortunately, the old man in me refused to just let the 420 go as the “new” terminology for smoking weed. I jumped on the web and researched the origins of this odd number. Various myths circulated about how the 420 got started. One belief was that the number took form in police codes for marijuana or that it was simply the number of active chemicals in marijuana. Both of these myths are false. For the record, there are only 315 active chemicals in weed. At any rate, the 420 actually got started way before I could even operate a lighter – 1971 – at San Rafael High School. A group of students that called themselves the Waldos would smoke weed each day at – you guessed it – 4:20. Later, the time and the number caught on and the kids were able to speak openly about marijuana in front of their parents and the adults wouldn’t have a clue as to what the heck they were referring to. Like all “cool” terminology, the term spread and today, youngins use it as though they just came up with it.
Stocky or Fat
A while back the Morning Edition featured a quick blurb about studies showing gay men were more likely to suffer from eating disorders because of the perceived physical demands for youthful bodies in the gay lifestyle. Unfortunately, no one relayed the story to the men I’ve met over the last couple of weeks. One, a blind date we’ll call “Ryan” topped the scales at over 190 lbs at less than 5’7” and had the audacity to say he works out at the same gym I go to everyday. My friend Eric and I aren’t speaking after this little fiasco of a hook-up, but suffice to say that I took the initiative to speak to this man on the phone first and he purported to be in shape and simply stocky. We met for a late cup of coffee – my idea of getting a look at the goods before proceeding to a more meaningful date. As I entered the restaurant and “Ryan” rose from the table to shake my hand, I found myself looking at the top of his head – clearly not 5’7” since I’m 5’7” – and unless his scale only went as far as 190, “Ryan” had apparently stopped weighing himself before going on a year-long eating binge. Before you label me judgmental, let me say that it’s a matter of preference; Preference and the feeling that if you misrepresent yourself, you set yourself up for disaster. Making matters worse, “Ryan” went on and on about how he keeps a meticulous diet, works out 5 days a week and doesn’t really have anything other than water after 6 p.m. Call me cruel, but I ordered cheese fries and inhaled them while he droned on and on about how he maintains this self-observed heavenly physique. When the check came I looked at “Ryan” with eyes that blazed – liar pays. I’ve spoken to “Ryan” twice since our little meeting and I think we both know that the only way we’ll meet each other again is at a White Castle drive-thru window at 2 a.m.
It’s Not for the Sex
Barrington Psychiatrist Scott Haltzman found that by age 45, two out of five married men cheat (40%), while one out of every five married women cheated (20%). What was more telling about Haltzman’s study was that the majority of the participants of the study said it wasn’t about the sex. Virtually all participants said they cheated because they were looking for love and affection.
On Blast
Honestly, what would be your reason? With statistics showing that so many people cheat and the majority saying that sex was NOT the main issue, what would your reason be? Hypothetically of course…would you cheat to enjoy a night of steamy sex or would your infidelity be based on receiving love and/or affection?
Keep passin’ the open windows…
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/11/06
Hang Man; Well, Hang Gay Man
Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni were 17 years old when the Iranian government put them to death by hanging, for what insiders say, was consensual gay sex. Since their July 2005 hanging as many as 14 other men have been put to death for the same reason. Iran has said the young men were put to death for kidnapping and rape to avoid embarrassment at their inability to eradicate homosexual behavior. On July 19, Outrage and International Day Against Homophobia, two groups strongly opposed to Iran’s anti-gay stand, have scheduled protests against Iran and its barbaric practices.
Black Killer
The number one killer of black men and women is lung cancer. It is estimated that black men are 50% more likely to develop lung cancer than their white counterparts. Even more disturbing is that smoking among black high school students has increased close to 80%, while white high school students showed just a 28% increase. Black men in New York City are said to be twice as likely to die of prostate cancer as their white counterparts – don’t ask me why, but just thinking about it makes me sore when I sit. Holding death-spot number two for black women is breast cancer. Here, New York showed black women were less likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Some attribute the phenomenon on better healthcare and screening involving Big Apple black women. Weight also plays a key role in accelerating some of these diseases; 64% of black women are said to be overweight.
Hot Shorts to Chill
Okay, maybe I’m too old to get risqué with the hot shorts and tank tops. Strangely, this summer wasn’t about what I was too old for or what I should drop and let go. This season is a let-go season filled with recapturing fun – well, recapturing it with some maturity. Last Saturday and Sunday the old crew partied like we were 20-something again. True, I should have nixed the Sunday party – especially when it got me home at 5 a.m. with just one hour to nap before getting ready for the office. Normally this would cause a deep-seated regret anchored in exhaustion, but this time around it was an exciting weekend packed with old-school laughs and walks down memory lane that even featured some of the old cast of characters. The weekend ended with a heart-felt conversation that gave credence to the hindsight is 20-20 theory. Looking back on over 20-years of life’s dramatic incidences we didn’t know whether to laugh ourselves into unconsciousness or cry with repentance at some of youth’s ignorant decisions. Saturday night the hot shorts created quite a stir and as I walked passed a full length mirror I saw a man that was having a great time and shucks… I still was pulling-off the look – guess the difference is that the guy looking back at me was a grown man.
On Blast
The man/woman that you are… We’ve come such a long way. We’ve had some incredible laughs and some earth shattering sorrows. If you could identify the one great memory that warms your soul and the one horrific incident that extinguished the flame in your heart, what would you say they are? How have each of those extreme emotions affected you to this day?
Keep passin ‘the open windows…
Mahmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marhoni were 17 years old when the Iranian government put them to death by hanging, for what insiders say, was consensual gay sex. Since their July 2005 hanging as many as 14 other men have been put to death for the same reason. Iran has said the young men were put to death for kidnapping and rape to avoid embarrassment at their inability to eradicate homosexual behavior. On July 19, Outrage and International Day Against Homophobia, two groups strongly opposed to Iran’s anti-gay stand, have scheduled protests against Iran and its barbaric practices.
Black Killer
The number one killer of black men and women is lung cancer. It is estimated that black men are 50% more likely to develop lung cancer than their white counterparts. Even more disturbing is that smoking among black high school students has increased close to 80%, while white high school students showed just a 28% increase. Black men in New York City are said to be twice as likely to die of prostate cancer as their white counterparts – don’t ask me why, but just thinking about it makes me sore when I sit. Holding death-spot number two for black women is breast cancer. Here, New York showed black women were less likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Some attribute the phenomenon on better healthcare and screening involving Big Apple black women. Weight also plays a key role in accelerating some of these diseases; 64% of black women are said to be overweight.
Hot Shorts to Chill
Okay, maybe I’m too old to get risqué with the hot shorts and tank tops. Strangely, this summer wasn’t about what I was too old for or what I should drop and let go. This season is a let-go season filled with recapturing fun – well, recapturing it with some maturity. Last Saturday and Sunday the old crew partied like we were 20-something again. True, I should have nixed the Sunday party – especially when it got me home at 5 a.m. with just one hour to nap before getting ready for the office. Normally this would cause a deep-seated regret anchored in exhaustion, but this time around it was an exciting weekend packed with old-school laughs and walks down memory lane that even featured some of the old cast of characters. The weekend ended with a heart-felt conversation that gave credence to the hindsight is 20-20 theory. Looking back on over 20-years of life’s dramatic incidences we didn’t know whether to laugh ourselves into unconsciousness or cry with repentance at some of youth’s ignorant decisions. Saturday night the hot shorts created quite a stir and as I walked passed a full length mirror I saw a man that was having a great time and shucks… I still was pulling-off the look – guess the difference is that the guy looking back at me was a grown man.
On Blast
The man/woman that you are… We’ve come such a long way. We’ve had some incredible laughs and some earth shattering sorrows. If you could identify the one great memory that warms your soul and the one horrific incident that extinguished the flame in your heart, what would you say they are? How have each of those extreme emotions affected you to this day?
Keep passin ‘the open windows…
Friday, July 07, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/7/06
Noah’s Arc First Season DVD Set; Review
After waiting for more than 12 days to receive my season 1 DVD, I sat for what is definitely one of the best DVD sets I’ve purchased to date. First, the set includes the pilot episode that the LOGO channel chose not to air. Also, every deleted scene was included with the DVD set adding context and flavor to scenes that were previously, just okay. I don’t want to ruin any surprises for my gay brethren, but WHEW… if you fell in love with the boyz in the cleaned-up version the LOGO channel fed us, you’ll go through a bottle of baby oil repeatedly watching the DVD set. The only drawback is the change in background music selections made to several scenes. Other than that this one gets 4 ½ out of 5 condoms – and don’t use that half one!
Past, Present, Future
Last night, Caspar aka Colleen, Kim and I, reminisced about growing up, suffering incredible heartbreaks and becoming resilient adults. On University Avenue in the Bronx, where we met as children, Cas, Kim and I always had a ball and shared stories of our first forays into dating. Now, close to 30 years later and five children between us, we sat at Outback Steakhouse last night and traded stories that made us laugh in amazement at the outcome of our lives. No we’re not exactly living high on the hog or married to Prince Charming, but we’re all very well-rounded and matured adults that can now laugh in the face of adversity. After ballooning to over 300 pounds, Kim underwent gastric by-pass surgery three years ago and lost over 180 lbs. Returning to NYC at 118 lbs. and near death, I now tip the scales at 145 lbs. and Cas is a statuesque goddess who has more voluptuous curves than a desert sidewinder. Thank you ladies for the trip down memory lane. It was well worth the Thursday night hang-out.
37, 18, 530, 2, 1
What the heck do these numbers have to do with each other? Quite simply, I’ll be turning 37 next month and would like to do a night out on Friday, August 18, at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate the occasion. Best of all, we can toast 2-for-1 drinks. I’ll send out an official invite closer to the date, but please pencil the event into your calendars.
On Blast
Your momma liked taking money out of your dad’s wallet and now you do the same to your husband. You overheard your dad telling your mom that his word was final and no further discussion was necessary and now you feed your wife the same line. What quality have you appropriated from your parents’ relationship that doesn’t necessarily work for your relationship?
Keep passin’ the open windows…
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Morning Edition - 7/6/06
Just For the Theft of It
When 41-year old Joya Williams of Norcross, Georgia stuffed her work bag with the secret ingredients to Coke, the executive administrative assistant didn’t think she’d be standing trial for wire fraud and unlawfully stealing trade secrets. Now, the Coke employee, along with 43-year old Edmund Duhaney of Decatur, Georgia and 31-year old Ibrahim Dimson from New York will be standing trial before a federal magistrate judge in Atlanta. The three were allegedly attempting to sell the 411 on Coke to Pepsi.
Good Screenwriter; Bad Author
Tyler Perry has taken the stage and screen by storm with his chitlin-circuit-esque plays and movies. The African American community has taken the once homeless Perry from rags to enormous riches. Now, Perry has penned his first book, Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings, in the voice of his show-stopping thug-granny, Madea (southern slang for Mother Dear). To his credit, the book has a few funny moments, but overall, the writing is poor and the constant disclaimers to prevent Perry from being sued for what is obviously some wise advice given “old school” style, is sickening. His thoughts are scattered and Madea goes from no-nonsense grandma figure to moronic old lady. The best part of this experience was that I borrowed the book from the public library and didn’t spend the twenty-some-odd dollars to support this insult to Perry supporters.
Worn, Tired and In Need Of a Break
Okay, so I just got back from five days off and a really fun Fourth of July weekend and feel like I can use two weeks off on the Caribbean to chill and get it together. It seems I’ve burned the candle at both ends and am now an irritable, unsociable, chew-you-up-and-spit-you-out kind-of bitch! Not to worry…with age, comes a very good sense of self and the ability to steer clear – well, as much as possible – from people during these periods. Thankfully my wifey and I should be lying on a beach or cutting through the rainforest in Puerto Rico in less than a month – mama, I’m lookin’ forward to it! The new gig is going well. For the sake of those in my path… put your lighters up.
On Blast
What’s behind your name? Names sometimes have a history. Today we want your name and its meaning and/or history. Example: Adara – Noble in Hebrew. Now go on… tell us about your name. Give us a treat….what is the story of why you were given your name.
Keep passin’ the open windows…
When 41-year old Joya Williams of Norcross, Georgia stuffed her work bag with the secret ingredients to Coke, the executive administrative assistant didn’t think she’d be standing trial for wire fraud and unlawfully stealing trade secrets. Now, the Coke employee, along with 43-year old Edmund Duhaney of Decatur, Georgia and 31-year old Ibrahim Dimson from New York will be standing trial before a federal magistrate judge in Atlanta. The three were allegedly attempting to sell the 411 on Coke to Pepsi.
Good Screenwriter; Bad Author
Tyler Perry has taken the stage and screen by storm with his chitlin-circuit-esque plays and movies. The African American community has taken the once homeless Perry from rags to enormous riches. Now, Perry has penned his first book, Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings, in the voice of his show-stopping thug-granny, Madea (southern slang for Mother Dear). To his credit, the book has a few funny moments, but overall, the writing is poor and the constant disclaimers to prevent Perry from being sued for what is obviously some wise advice given “old school” style, is sickening. His thoughts are scattered and Madea goes from no-nonsense grandma figure to moronic old lady. The best part of this experience was that I borrowed the book from the public library and didn’t spend the twenty-some-odd dollars to support this insult to Perry supporters.
Worn, Tired and In Need Of a Break
Okay, so I just got back from five days off and a really fun Fourth of July weekend and feel like I can use two weeks off on the Caribbean to chill and get it together. It seems I’ve burned the candle at both ends and am now an irritable, unsociable, chew-you-up-and-spit-you-out kind-of bitch! Not to worry…with age, comes a very good sense of self and the ability to steer clear – well, as much as possible – from people during these periods. Thankfully my wifey and I should be lying on a beach or cutting through the rainforest in Puerto Rico in less than a month – mama, I’m lookin’ forward to it! The new gig is going well. For the sake of those in my path… put your lighters up.
On Blast
What’s behind your name? Names sometimes have a history. Today we want your name and its meaning and/or history. Example: Adara – Noble in Hebrew. Now go on… tell us about your name. Give us a treat….what is the story of why you were given your name.
Keep passin’ the open windows…
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