Ooooh, I'm Tellin'!!!!

Tonight I did something I've been doin' for the past few years!  In fact, I always look forward to doin' it each year.  What, you ask?  Leering at Watching the televised Victoria's Secret fashion show.  Truth be told, I just love lookin' at such pulchritude!  How's that for a $20 word???  Lol!!!  I've been watchin' since Giselle, Heidi and Tyra were the big stars of the show.  Now, neither of those three chicks are a part of the spectacle.  But those who remain, along with the new girls, are ON FIRE!!!!  Some might say I don't know what I'm missin'.  And I say, it's a damn good thing I don't listen to some anyway!  Haaa!

Dancin' In Heaven!

BERNIE BARKER was a character!  The ol' dude was once a nuclear, power plant worker and also worked a bit as an insurance salesman.  He grew tired of that kind of work.  So, at 60 yrs old, he took up erotic exotic dancing.  Yep!  You heard me right!  At 60 yrs old, this ol' dude started strippin' for the ladies!!!  He was so darn good he won over 40 contests; competing against hot, young studs young enough to be his grandkids!!!!  Guinness World Records recognized him in 2003 as as the world's oldest male stripper.  In 2007 he lost his fight with cancer.  What a life well-lived.  Goes to show that you're never too old to make a change!!!  Bernie, ol' pal, you certainly inspire me to keep pushin' forward with my own life changes.  AND...you've taught me the true meaning of a line from my most favorite poem by Rudyard Kipling (IF):

"...If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And–which is more–you’ll be a Man, my son!"

Honestly...Why Can't We?

Why can't we all just get along???????  Honestly...why can't we???

So Damn What!!!!

DON'T understand the big fuss!  Gay folks are EVERYWHERE!  Always HAVE BEEN!  Always WILL BE!  So damn what!

JILL In E Flat

Boy oh boy were souls moved in church today.  I must say that the pastor, Touré Roberts, is no joke.  I truly believe he wants to share what he knows about God with all of us who enter his doors.  It appears to be all about US.  His congregation!  Anyway, today I watched soooo many folks weep and pray all their fears and aches away.  I touched the shoulder and back of the dude next to me, hopin' that his back pain would leave.  He told me he felt better after the prayers.  I sure hope he did. --- Before the service began, I noticed singer, Jill Scott, following her adorable little boy around as he ran throughout the church.  She wound up taking a seat two pews behind me.  I heard her vocalizing her agreement with Touré's preaching.  I noticed she wept, too.  She didn't sing.  But oh how I wish she would've.  At the end of the service I walked up to her and hugged her tightly.  I thanked her for being such an inspiration and told her she has the voice of an angel.  God bless her.  And God bless ME for following God's path to Touré's church:  One Church International.

Brotherly Love

Today, my wise, younger brother sent me a message that is as simple as it is brilliant!  He read one of my posts about starting my life over.  I'm always talking about recreating myself so that I can live my highest life.  In essence, he told me to go into the closet of my life and go through each and every aspect of it.  He said to keep what I wanted in my life and to toss out what I didn't.  Simple, right?  So, life truly is like spring cleaning!!!  To create the life I want I should start by eliminating what I DON'T want.  The process of elimination will leave me with only the aspects in my life I DO want!  Brilliant!  Simply brilliant!  And so it was said.  And so it will be done!!!!  Thanks, brother.

Five And A Half Inches

I'm sittin' here in my poorly insulated apartment, wearing denim jeans, a short-sleeved t-shirt, long-sleeved t-shirt AND a thick, cardigan sweater.  I'm also sitting in front of my "industrial" strength space heater.  What the savvy marketing folks for the heater DIDN'T include in their marketing material was that the space heater apparently ONLY heats up the space within 5 1/2 inches in front of the damn thing!  Geez!!!!  Saving money be damned!  I'm turnin' on the REAL heat!  'Cause I'm freezin' my fine *ss off!!!  :)

Kaboom!!!!

When I was a kid and a teenager and in my early twenties, the general population never knew how much money films made on their opening weekends.  And, honestly, I don't think we cared.  However, in today's age, everybody knows what films make on their opening weekends.  And--much to my surprise--seem to be incredibly invested in knowing this information.  One of my friends, Larry, asked me earlier to guess what Dwayne Johnson's new film, Faster, made on Wednesday?  What?  He is genuinely interested in knowing this info.  He then asked me to guess what Cher's new movie, Burlesque, made.  I didn't know either answer, but he gleefully went on to tell me that neither made any money.  Well, let me say this:  I go to see a film based upon either my fond familiarity with the material, an interesting trailer, or someone is singing in it whose voice blows me away.  Rarely will I see anything because of a particular performer or director or writer.  Almost never, actually.  If the subject matter doesn't pique my interest, 9 times out of 10, I won't spend my money to see it.   Period.  So, that being said, Hollywood can fill every film with its favorites:  Damon, Affleck, Depp, Jolie, etc.  But...if the subject matter of the film doesn't interest me, I ain't seein' it.  It's blatantly obvious to me, though, that Harry Potter, Star Wars, Avatar and every, action movie ever made DON'T need me to see 'em to be successful.  Good for them.  And good for me.

Black Every Day!

Folks have slept outside overnight to be first in line for discounts at various businesses across the nation.  Retailers refer to the day after Thanksgiving as Black Friday.  Well, I don't want any, material object so badly that I'd sleep out in the cold to get it!  Electronic gadgets and clothing just don't have that kind of sway over me.  And, besides, Black Friday is just one day a year.  I celebrate and rejoice at being black EVERY day!!!  Haaa!

Happy Turkey Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am VERRRRRRRRRRRRY thankful to be spending this holiday with not one, but TWO "families."  Neither are related to me by blood.  But, one is kindly lining my POCKETS.  The other, simply providing the friendship and comaraderie all mankind needs!!  I am ALIVE, so I'm thankful for that above all else!!!  I wish a HAPPY THANKSGIVING to every living, breathing organism on this planet!  EVEN...cockroaches!  Ugh!!!  :)

All Choked Up

Although I oftentimes would like to think I'm 100% unaffected by the keeping up with the Joneses affliction, truth be told---I'm not!  Meaning:  I sometimes fall victim to feeling less than when I'm in the presence of people who "appear" to me to be...well...more than.  Yes, I know it's a silly feeling because I have no idea what the other person goes through to be the person he/she presents him/herself to be.  None.  Luckily for me, though, my self-esteem is at such a level that I can readily choke the daylights out of those kinds of insecurities and quickly get back to bein' my PHENOMENAL self!  Haaaa!

It's On!!!!!!!!!

The countdown is on till this ol' boy embraces professional fulfillment.  Which, as a result, will lead to financial freedom!  Hellz yeah, the countdown is ON!!!!!  But, until I've got the brass ring firmly in hand, I'm gonna continue to LOVE, ENJOY & BE THANKFUL for EVERYTHING I DO have at THIS VERY MOMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Face your past without regrets.  Handle your present with confidence.  And prepare for the future without fear." -- God

World Traveller

When I sign onto Facebook, I always marvel at the myriad of photographs people post of the landmark structures they've seen while travelling to foreign lands.  The photos are lovely.  I guess.  But, for me, photographs don't mean a thing if someone I love isn't in them.  I mean, I'm sure London's Big Ben and Paris's Eiffel Tower are beautiful.  But, if someone I love isn't standing in front of them, I'd have no use for a photo of them.  And, quite honestly, I have no desire to leave the country unless I'm going to a foreign land to visit someone I love.  Just going for the sake of seeing inanimate objects doesn't appeal to me.  It really doesn't.

Dear Friend

Yesterday, I picked up a dear friend from the airport and proceeded to learn that he's two months late with his rent.  And that's a real no-no 'cause he's the property manager of the apt building he lives in.  Turns out he's flat broke.  And I mean FLAT broke!  Why doesn't this shock me?  Why doesn't it shock me when anyone is revealed to be cash poor?  It doesn't because it appears that most many people in this country are in the same boat.  I told my friend that I am submerged in a pool of water my damn self with only my head--from the lips up--above water! This book of mine just HAS to change my fortunes!  It HAS to!  Its success would do soooooo much for my POCKETS.  And my SELF-ESTEEM.  It's extremely difficult to feel like a MILLION DOLLARS when you're actually only walking around with 25 cents!!! --- My friend talked to his boss and has managed to keep his job.  AND his apartment.  For now, at least.  What his immediate future holds only GOD knows.  I wish him well, though.  Always have.  Always will.

Longtime Companions

No matter who we are.  No matter what walk of life.  No matter the race, creed, color or religion.  We were/are NOT placed on this planet to live alone.  EVERYBODY wants a companion.  Everybody!  Whether I they admit it or not.  No need trying to fight nature.  'Cause nature ALWAYS wins.  Always.

Super Duper Star

Truly, I wonder what she thinks of herself.  Her vocal talent has amazed me and satisfied me and inspired me and just flat-out left me breathless from time to time.  Yet, I still wonder what she thinks of herself.

Best Thing Since Warm, Soft, Buttered Bread

I don't know what I'd do without YouTube.  I mean, I can spend HOURS and HOURS on it, listening to vocalists I've loved over the years.  And to vocalists I'm just now discovering!!!!  What a deliciously delightful invention!!!!

A Family Drama

One of my dearest friends and I are goin' back and forth right now via e-mail about where she and her family will spend Christmas Eve.  She and most of her in-laws don't want to spend the evening at the home of one of her sister-in-laws.  She's telling me that that particular sister-in-law is this & that, blah, blah, blah.  For my two cents, I told her to simply invite whomever she wants to her own house and let her sister-in-law host whomever goes to that house.  Seems simple to me.  I tell you, family nonsense drama is soooo unnecessary!  In my life, if drama AIN'T on the stage or screen, I AIN'T watchin' it!!!!

What Makes You Think...?

Yesterday, during church, I sat next to a young actor who is new to Los Angeles and new to the church.  In fact, yesterday was his first visit to the church.  Anyway, I asked him the question I ask of many, young, black actors who move here with visions of Academy Awards in their heads:  "What makes you think that you will be different from all the other black actors who are here and never find work?"  He said, "Wow, that's a good question."  Then, he proceeded to answer me off the fly.  Well, I hope he continues to keep his head up, his craft up, and pursue his dream with steely focus.  The fact that one, black person has made an incredible living as a Hollywood actor speaks to the possibility that ANOTHER can.  But it takes TIMING, PERSISTENCE and SOMEBODY with "juice" to LIKE you!!!  PERIOD!  I wish him the best!  Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the talents of, CHARLES MACEO.

The Weight Of The World

Last night, I paid a surprise visit to a friend who just underwent Lap Band surgery.  He showed me the area on his stomach where the band and a few other punctures were placed.  He's optimistic about his future weight loss.  I hope and pray that this procedure helps him to feel better about himself.  Of course, without regular exercise, this kind of surgery doesn't keep weight off.  I believe he's ready for the challenge of living a different life.  Just as I believe I, too, am ready for MY life change.  Neither of us know what the future holds.  But, I venture to say that we're BOTH verrrrrrry optimistic about it!  Verrrrry!!!

I Tawt I Taw A Puddy Tat

One of my "studly" friends sent me a friggin' SEXT the other night.  Nooooo, the pic wasn't of HIM!  Instead, it was of the young lady who wanted him to devour her!  And, boy on boy, from the pic, it was obvious that she was in dire need of DEVOURING!!!  The image was ONLY from below her navel to the top of her knees.  Hmmm.  Or mmmm (depending on one's tastes, of course).  She looked pretty good to me.  Or should I say, IT looked pretty good???  Haaa!  What a showoff he is!!!

Unfriendly Skies

How come whenever I see incredible, airline deals, they NEVER include flights from LAX to INDIANAPOLIS????  I mean, really???  Do airlines think that NOBODY wants to leave sunny, southern California to go to cold, flat, Indiana?  Well, I do!  And I wanna do it for LESS THAN the price of a McDonald's franchise!!!  Geez!

NOW! RIGHT NOW!!!

Listen, I've been goin' through it lately.  "It" refers to all the SH*T I don't wanna deal with any longer!  The lack of professional fulfillment!  The absence of genuine, loving companionship!  The non-existence of financial freedom!

"I'm over it now.  Over it now.
I can't say how.  But I'm over it now. 
Right now!  Right now!  Right now!
I don't have to LIVE with it.
I don't have to BE in it!
I'm over it...NOW!"

For Me! For Me! For Me!

I'm sittin' here listenin' to Aretha sing and it's givin me chills allllll over my beautiful, brown body!!!  Haaaa!  I'm serious!!!  If she keeps WAILIN' like this, somebody betta say a little prayer for ME!!!  Goodness gracious, that woman can SINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG!

The Story Of My Life

I'm not ending a romance.  There hasn't been one of those to toss out the window in dang near ten years.  What I'm headin' back to the drawing board for is to recreate my life.  Facing 50 yrs old, I am in dire need of a life change.  According to MY idea of change.  And I had to add that little phrase 'cause one thing I know for sure is that one must be verrrry specific about what he wants.  Generalities can kill a cat.  I've learned the hard way.  No, I'm not ending a romance.  But I'm ending a relationship with Discontent.  And Non-Fulfillment..  And Not-Living-Up-To-My-Potential.  Like so many others in this world, I'm starting over again.  But where do I begin?  God knows.  And soon...so will I.

Clap Band

One of my dearest friends has finally made a very bold move toward losing the weight he believes has held him back for years.  Bravo to him!  Now, his continued perseverance and his new Lap Band will shape his new look.  I wish him the very best.  I hope that, without all the excess "baggage," he won't feel weighed down any longer and can finally soar like an eagle.  Bravo to him!  Bravo!

Yes, Ma'am!

"He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak.  Strong convictions precede great actions."
Louisa May Alcott

"Just watch me!"
CAM Jr

The Company You Keep

Walt Disney.  P.T. Barnum.  Milton Snavely Hershey.  Larry King.  Abraham Lincoln.  And the list goes on and on.  Honestly, if I go through with it, I'd be in some pretty damn incredible company!  Lying down and having my "belly" rubbed might be the best thing to happen to me in ages!!!!!!!!!  We'll see.

Oh, To Be A Teenager Again!

I'm so in love with this song that I find it enjoyable when Katy Perry (the original vocalist) sings it AND when this kid on Glee warbles it!  Haaa!  Goodness knows I had my share of teenage dreams.  And adult dreams.  And...  Haaaa!

Purple Paradise

I'm gettin' ready to take a break from the computer and watch the reunion of the cast of The Color Purple on Oprah!  Loved the movie.  Love Oprah.  So, this should be a good time!  :)

Public Education

It's nice to know that some public educations aren't going to waste.  This 14-yr-old kid, GRAEME TAYLOR, who spoke before a school committee against the suspension of his teacher, makes me proud to be an M-A-N.

HE Is

HE said:

"I am the one, yes, I created the whole universe.
Greater than anything in heaven and in all the earth.
It's my air you breathe, so I'm the one that you should please.
I am the one you need, why should you be alone?"

You know what?  You shouldn't be alone.  Nor should I.  HE IS.  And I AM.  And I SHALL ALWAYS BE.

Only The Lonely...

One of my friends told me the other day that he's lonely.  And that he truly wants to settle down with someone.  He also wants his acting career to take off.  I wonder if he exerts the same amount of time and energy simply giving gratitude for all he ALREADY has.  And I wonder if he knows that everything he aspires to be, he is ALREADY!!!!  I wonder. 

Really?????

Eat, Drink & She's Scary!

If I've said it once, I've said it a MILLION times:  SOME jokes truly write themselves!!!!!!!!!!  Geez!!!

This/That Side!!!

When it comes to the world of show business, I know precisely which side of the table I want to be on!  Thus, I've GOTTA get my book out there for public consumption!!!  This ol' dude CANNOT "audition" for gigs too much longer!  Just don't have the energy NOR the desire!!!!  Just don't!!!

He's Not An Animal. He's A Man!

I'm watching former President, George W. Bush on Oprah.  I'm glad I'm watching him, too.  Because this interview is showing him to be a man who cared about this country.  Yes, he could be pretending, but why would he?  He's not likely to ever run for any kind of political office again.  Hearing him talk about the 9/11 and Katrina tragedies is illuminating.  I wish him the very best.  Just as I wish the same for every, human being on this planet.  His new book can be purchased HERE!

It's A Wrap!

The new, NBC dramedy, Undercovers, has been cancelled.  However, while hiking up the beautiful mountains in Griffith Park a couple hours ago, I saw the two, ridiculously attractive leads of the series, rehearsing to film another episode!  I suspect NBC is allowing the show to produce 13 episodes before lights out!  Whatever the situation, high atop a mountain, I watched Boris Kodjoe and his co-lead, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, run lines and prepare to film a mountain run scene.  They both sure are good-lookin'!  I wish them the best of luck at landing another gig pronto!!!  An actor's life.  Geez!

True Beauty

I know to some, this is gonna sound strange.  Weird.  Gay!  But who cares?  And I AIN'T writin' "no homo" BEFORE or AFTER I say it!!!!!  But, honestly, two nights ago I went to support a friend by seeing him in a showcase.  Anyway, sitting next to me was the prettiest (and I'm using the adjective best-suited for description) teenaged boy I've ever seen.  EVER!!!  I told him he looked like an incredibly beautiful, yet masculine GIRL.  He laughed and said he hears that all the time.  His name is, MICHAEL HUDSON.  He's 19 yrs old.  Of German/Irish/Italian descent.  From a ridiculously tiny town in Pennsylvania---population 260!!!!!!!  He moved out here to L.A.---ALONE---at 17, to pursue a modeling/acting career.  Very mature for such a young boy.  I couldn't get over how incredible his face looks.  I really couldn't.