Last year actress Jennifer Love-Hewitt was ripped to shreds by the tabloids for not looking like a cadaver. She was by no means even remotely close to being overweight. She did however look like she actually ate a meal from time to time.....you know normal. Still skinny, but not totally emaciated. She said she was fine with how she looked...but low and behold the need to conform clearly took hold because she is announcing to the world that she.lost.weight dammit!
See, in this country we like to take on our own form of moral superiority like discussing how heinous it is that women in some countries have to wear a burqua. How barbaric. Those people, we tsk tsk thinking how much better we are. Well, we have our own version of ridiculous standards that only apply to WOMEN mind you. It's as if you are not validated as a woman unless you fit into a very narrow box. White, Blonde, Big Boobs, Weigh no more than say 125lbs. We must see your clavicle. Your thighs must not touch when you stand. Your hair must be long and silky...like a horse's mane.
See...I am none of the above. Far far from it in fact. And neither are most women. Even the women who do fit that profile don't feel free. Ever gone on a diet? Ever complained about the fit of your clothes? Ever felt you had to compete for male attention? So I walk around fighting the tape in my head that says I'm not worthy. It's a message that's been programmed from an early age and reinforced to such heights that we're all gonna fall off that cliff ANY DAY NOW!
I am saddened but not surprised by her actions. I can only imagine the pressure she was under. She was just living her life and was probably somewhat devoid of the behaviors of those with addictions and emotional problems. Perhaps not anymore. If she exercised more and lost weight, fine. She'll just be way more high maintenance in her personal upkeep....but if there's going to a food restriction list, a do's and don'ts requirement, a pending obsession then that just sucks! That's no example. That's no way to live.
I recall the episode of Oprah where Jill Scott was on discussing her role in "Why Did I Get Married". She is a beautiful full-figured woman and amazing musician. Her character was written as being even heavier than Jill is in real life so her reel character required padding. She spoke of cast members looking at her with pity at her increased body size and how she used that in her acting choices, but still. All health arguments aside what is up with this attitude? Why is a woman deemed less than simply because of her weight?
We all have insecurities, but we are children of God [insert your spiritual tradition]. We are precious. We have intellect. Compassion. We love deeply and freely. We are Amazons. Valkyries. Know your strength.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Bush Ain't the Only Rethug We Can't Wait to Get Rid Of
Sub-Titled: "People Who Have to Suffer Because Some of You Voters Are IDIOTS"
Here in California I believe a lot of residents are experiencing what some would call buyer's remorse. Except those of us who were taken along for the ride reluctantly. When former Governor Grey Davis declared war on Enron and what turned out to be the doctored rates and fake rolling blackouts, the Rethugs put out their version of a fatwa on his candidacy by offering up a Reagan for the Millenium. Who is that you may ask? Why action star Arnold Schwarzenegger of course. Good looking [to some] - check. Famous - check. Married into the USA version of foreign royalty - check. Right wing attack dog in mumbled English-speaking clothing - check, check, check!
See Grey Davis was actually doing his JOB questioning a company who ran in league with the Frat Boy [a lovely and apt term I got from Field Negro] and charging our state ridiculous rates for electricity and spotty service. Remember those $1000 bills for what had been say $350? Who do you think was behind that being that we're a solidly Democratic Party stronghold, aka a Blue State?
The Republican Party has been trying to subvert the existing laws and slowly chip away at progressive issues in a direct attack on those of us who seek a more just and fair world. There were enough of us in the Bay Area to see past the movie star glow and Kennedy wife to not support his candidacy. What about the rest of you? We get the government we allow.
1. CA Marriage Amendment
2. State Budget Crisis - when hasn't the state had a balanced budget while Ah-nold's been in office?
3. The attempt at killing rent-control.
4. Pay demotion of SEIU members from union wage to federal minimum wage - coincidently huge Obama supporters - connect the dots.....
5. Now he wants a 'temporary' increase in the state sales tax. We already have one of the highest rates at 8.5%.
6. Redistricting plans.
7. Voter Suppression.
8. Have I forgotten anything else?
And remember those plans to change to Constitution [as if it hasn't already been abused and subverted enough] to allow a foreigner to run for POTUS?
You Ain't Slick!
This is NOTHING less than an assault on the poorer, the less fortunate, the future activists of this state. Without a diverse constituency this state would go Red and be in the hands of the Rethugs once again. I have many many many issues with the Democratic Party. I am in total support of a viable insurgent 3rd Party to counterbalance the corruption that is rampant on both sides. I would have loved having a Mayor who was a member of the Green Party. To make a significant change you cannot go back, you can only move forward....with a solid plan. What can YOU do to help stop/slow/thwart this?
1. Call or email to remind him he's elected to represent the people, not his rich friends and not big business [one in the same I suppose]. People's governor my ass! He tried to take down the nurses/firefighters/teachers/our backbone of infrastructure before. He needs a reminder of how well that went over.
2. If the budget is in such crisis why not reduce the salaries and per diems of state employees and legislators making more than $100K who also have a $35K+ living expense bonus? Or how about not giving TAX BREAKS to sub-prime mortgage lenders who helped bring the economy down to begin with?
3. Time for some more marches and rallies I think. You know how well the Frat Boy likes them. He hasn't set foot in the City of San Francisco for fear of being caught on camera with protesters calling for his impeachment.
4. Contact Secretary of State Debra Bowen regarding our election laws. We need to make sure we don't have another case of the missing ballots. Can we know put to rest the entire fallacy of the so-called 'Bradley Effect'? He supposedly lost by x number of votes and six months after the election a missing ballot box with x and surplus amount of votes floated back to shore from the Pacific ocean. The fact is, he had enough votes to have won and the election was stolen from him. The end.
5. I don't know what else to suggest. People have to be informed. People have to take action. And let's thank and support those that are not rolling over and playing dead like so many other politicians - yeah I'm talking to you Congressional Democrats!
**I just found out there's an Assembly meeting scheduled for Friday at 1pm to discuss the budget.
Here in California I believe a lot of residents are experiencing what some would call buyer's remorse. Except those of us who were taken along for the ride reluctantly. When former Governor Grey Davis declared war on Enron and what turned out to be the doctored rates and fake rolling blackouts, the Rethugs put out their version of a fatwa on his candidacy by offering up a Reagan for the Millenium. Who is that you may ask? Why action star Arnold Schwarzenegger of course. Good looking [to some] - check. Famous - check. Married into the USA version of foreign royalty - check. Right wing attack dog in mumbled English-speaking clothing - check, check, check!
See Grey Davis was actually doing his JOB questioning a company who ran in league with the Frat Boy [a lovely and apt term I got from Field Negro] and charging our state ridiculous rates for electricity and spotty service. Remember those $1000 bills for what had been say $350? Who do you think was behind that being that we're a solidly Democratic Party stronghold, aka a Blue State?
The Republican Party has been trying to subvert the existing laws and slowly chip away at progressive issues in a direct attack on those of us who seek a more just and fair world. There were enough of us in the Bay Area to see past the movie star glow and Kennedy wife to not support his candidacy. What about the rest of you? We get the government we allow.
1. CA Marriage Amendment
2. State Budget Crisis - when hasn't the state had a balanced budget while Ah-nold's been in office?
3. The attempt at killing rent-control.
4. Pay demotion of SEIU members from union wage to federal minimum wage - coincidently huge Obama supporters - connect the dots.....
5. Now he wants a 'temporary' increase in the state sales tax. We already have one of the highest rates at 8.5%.
6. Redistricting plans.
7. Voter Suppression.
8. Have I forgotten anything else?
And remember those plans to change to Constitution [as if it hasn't already been abused and subverted enough] to allow a foreigner to run for POTUS?
You Ain't Slick!
This is NOTHING less than an assault on the poorer, the less fortunate, the future activists of this state. Without a diverse constituency this state would go Red and be in the hands of the Rethugs once again. I have many many many issues with the Democratic Party. I am in total support of a viable insurgent 3rd Party to counterbalance the corruption that is rampant on both sides. I would have loved having a Mayor who was a member of the Green Party. To make a significant change you cannot go back, you can only move forward....with a solid plan. What can YOU do to help stop/slow/thwart this?
1. Call or email to remind him he's elected to represent the people, not his rich friends and not big business [one in the same I suppose]. People's governor my ass! He tried to take down the nurses/firefighters/teachers/our backbone of infrastructure before. He needs a reminder of how well that went over.
2. If the budget is in such crisis why not reduce the salaries and per diems of state employees and legislators making more than $100K who also have a $35K+ living expense bonus? Or how about not giving TAX BREAKS to sub-prime mortgage lenders who helped bring the economy down to begin with?
3. Time for some more marches and rallies I think. You know how well the Frat Boy likes them. He hasn't set foot in the City of San Francisco for fear of being caught on camera with protesters calling for his impeachment.
4. Contact Secretary of State Debra Bowen regarding our election laws. We need to make sure we don't have another case of the missing ballots. Can we know put to rest the entire fallacy of the so-called 'Bradley Effect'? He supposedly lost by x number of votes and six months after the election a missing ballot box with x and surplus amount of votes floated back to shore from the Pacific ocean. The fact is, he had enough votes to have won and the election was stolen from him. The end.
5. I don't know what else to suggest. People have to be informed. People have to take action. And let's thank and support those that are not rolling over and playing dead like so many other politicians - yeah I'm talking to you Congressional Democrats!
**I just found out there's an Assembly meeting scheduled for Friday at 1pm to discuss the budget.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Sexual Conduct and Double-Standards: Edwards, Clinton, Obama and Black people
John Edwards has a baby mama. Sure this is old news by now, well actually it's officially 'unconfirmed'. Yeah right. I give it a few weeks. On a more important note we lost two greats this weekend. R.I.P. Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes.
So...why do I care? Black people are held to different standards.
Black women are thought to be loose morally.
White women get to benefit from behaving like Jezebel. Paris Hilton made her career from a sex tape. Even potential First Lady Cindy McCain was a 'mistress' before a missus.
This is not about judging people on a moral high ground/puritanical USA sexual hang-up meme.
This is about white men of privilege getting away with sexual misconduct without so much as a slap on the wrist.
Do you think if this had been Barack Obama people would be so understanding? If Michelle Obama had been Barack's mistress or if he'd had one it wouldn't have been made public on Faux News Network?
CNN "Black People Are Inferior And Here's Why" special report got it all wrong I'm afraid.
I found myself humming Billie Jean and thinking about Maury's infamous paternity result shows.
Will there be a criminal investigation? Campaign funds were used to pay 'compensation'. That compensation was supposed to be making videos - campaign videos that is. How easy do you think it is to get a paid staff job working for a politician? Add in a job where you have no previous or discernible experience in. What are the odds - seriously? Unless, unless you know somebody?
With sexism being talked about so heatedly this election cycle what example does this set for women in the workplace?
I always found Edwards to be too slick for his own good. I just wasn't excited by his campaign. His whining about not getting traction in the press did not endear me either. It reminds me of John McCain's fake outrage too. Now of course I think he didn't REALLY want too much scrutiny into his campaign and his life. All the skeletons would come tumbling out. Like McCain. I wish there would be more comparison to the 'Old Guy Running' who cheated on his first wife and left her for a rodeo queen heiress. Who wears $500 shoes and owns 9 houses - some of which he can't be bothered to pay taxes on. And people have a problem voting for a stellar [but not perfect] candidate because he's not white. SMH!
Plus Edwards wasn't exactly supportive of Same-Sex Loving Individuals who wish to marry. Is there a word for extra-low hypocrite?
Face it, John Edwards was trying to pull a Bill Clinton in a year when Democrats need to win. People were asleep at the wheel about Slick Billy Jeff in 1991. He came with that extra sexual curricular activity list from the get-go. Was it any surprise that it would continue unabated and perhaps escalate? It was Clinton fatigue that led Gore to distance himself. The Clintons were self-serving so the Democrats were in a weakened state already. The Republicans were united in their efforts, they were hypocritical and nefarious but focused. The downticket candidates had little help. Bush just squeaked by. People closed their eyes. Millions were illegally purged from the voter rolls. The Supreme Court pulled a monarchy move worthy of every dictator [West-friendly leader] the US Gov't has ever supported. The media kicked in by subverting...the news. And HERE WE ARE!
Do we REALLY need to be questioning how the Rethuglican party effed up this country? They had free reign for the past 8 years. Are you doing better? Do you have a job? What's your health coverage like? Spotty or Non-Existent or Enough to Qualify as a Mortgage Payment? Tried to go to Europe lately to see your USD worth pennies? Do you think the price of gas is going to fall .... or increase? Still willing to make excuses? Have you found yourself out on the street when that one paycheck you were relying on was gone? It's not just about electing a Democrat, but PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY CARE. I know I know you say but I don't know about that guy. He seems inexperienced. This country has some serious unresolved racial prejudices....but this country is hanging on by a thread. Are we there yet?
So...why do I care? Black people are held to different standards.
Black women are thought to be loose morally.
White women get to benefit from behaving like Jezebel. Paris Hilton made her career from a sex tape. Even potential First Lady Cindy McCain was a 'mistress' before a missus.
This is not about judging people on a moral high ground/puritanical USA sexual hang-up meme.
This is about white men of privilege getting away with sexual misconduct without so much as a slap on the wrist.
Do you think if this had been Barack Obama people would be so understanding? If Michelle Obama had been Barack's mistress or if he'd had one it wouldn't have been made public on Faux News Network?
CNN "Black People Are Inferior And Here's Why" special report got it all wrong I'm afraid.
I found myself humming Billie Jean and thinking about Maury's infamous paternity result shows.
Will there be a criminal investigation? Campaign funds were used to pay 'compensation'. That compensation was supposed to be making videos - campaign videos that is. How easy do you think it is to get a paid staff job working for a politician? Add in a job where you have no previous or discernible experience in. What are the odds - seriously? Unless, unless you know somebody?
With sexism being talked about so heatedly this election cycle what example does this set for women in the workplace?
I always found Edwards to be too slick for his own good. I just wasn't excited by his campaign. His whining about not getting traction in the press did not endear me either. It reminds me of John McCain's fake outrage too. Now of course I think he didn't REALLY want too much scrutiny into his campaign and his life. All the skeletons would come tumbling out. Like McCain. I wish there would be more comparison to the 'Old Guy Running' who cheated on his first wife and left her for a rodeo queen heiress. Who wears $500 shoes and owns 9 houses - some of which he can't be bothered to pay taxes on. And people have a problem voting for a stellar [but not perfect] candidate because he's not white. SMH!
Plus Edwards wasn't exactly supportive of Same-Sex Loving Individuals who wish to marry. Is there a word for extra-low hypocrite?
Face it, John Edwards was trying to pull a Bill Clinton in a year when Democrats need to win. People were asleep at the wheel about Slick Billy Jeff in 1991. He came with that extra sexual curricular activity list from the get-go. Was it any surprise that it would continue unabated and perhaps escalate? It was Clinton fatigue that led Gore to distance himself. The Clintons were self-serving so the Democrats were in a weakened state already. The Republicans were united in their efforts, they were hypocritical and nefarious but focused. The downticket candidates had little help. Bush just squeaked by. People closed their eyes. Millions were illegally purged from the voter rolls. The Supreme Court pulled a monarchy move worthy of every dictator [West-friendly leader] the US Gov't has ever supported. The media kicked in by subverting...the news. And HERE WE ARE!
Do we REALLY need to be questioning how the Rethuglican party effed up this country? They had free reign for the past 8 years. Are you doing better? Do you have a job? What's your health coverage like? Spotty or Non-Existent or Enough to Qualify as a Mortgage Payment? Tried to go to Europe lately to see your USD worth pennies? Do you think the price of gas is going to fall .... or increase? Still willing to make excuses? Have you found yourself out on the street when that one paycheck you were relying on was gone? It's not just about electing a Democrat, but PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY CARE. I know I know you say but I don't know about that guy. He seems inexperienced. This country has some serious unresolved racial prejudices....but this country is hanging on by a thread. Are we there yet?
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Why Everyone Should Be Visiting Their Public Libraries
Growing up I spent a lot of my free time in my neighborhood library even though it was a 15-block walk from our house. I'd come home with a knapsack full of books. It was one of the few places I knew my mom would automatically approve without question. Back then my reading lists included anything by Judy Blume, Sweet Valley High and Nikki Giovanni. Sometimes I'd have outrageous fines to pay because I'd forgotten a book was under my bed for several weeks! I recall my local branch was a haven of sorts and all the Librarians knew me by name.
As I got older my time was spent researching papers, looking for scholarship and college information and listening to Original Cast Recordings for Broadway shows. I always had an affinity for travel books, art books and newspapers across the country. This was all pre-Internet and of course I grew up with a rotary telephone!! Kids have it so easy today, technologically speaking.
When I moved to New York City I immediately scoped out my favorite branches in Manhattan or the City as those in the know call it. Of course as a budding actor the Library for the Performing Arts was a second home to me and why not? Lincoln Center, the Met and Julliard were a stone's throw away. Also I carried such fond memories of the scene in The Wiz where the lions came to life.
After moving to California I found a plethora of libraries to choose from. Each city had their own library system, so I could get memberships for Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica! Woo Hoo! By this time computers and CDs were of course all the rage and I enjoyed the variety and sheer volume of materials available. I was in full consumerism mode though and usually bought everything I'd wanted so my library use tapered off considerably. Then a savvy and no-nonsense financial planner came out with the book, "Nine Steps to Financial Freedom". Suze Orman is a very wise woman! She suggested that we cut out buying so many new books and utilize the library more often! Say it ain't so Suze! I had stacks of books that I'd read once and wanted to toss and I realized I could save money. Now some books I did have to purchase [i.e. acting manuals, certain classics] but a lot of things I could definitely hold off on.
Now libraries provide vital services to those with limited resources and the frugal. They provide computers and printers, a safe haven during the day and a host of other services. Hey, I found an interesting cover on the shelf at the Hollywood branch one Saturday and got lost in and forever moved by Isabel Allende's "House of the Spirits" to which I will always be grateful. Funding is always an issue so if your city isn't making it a priority it's time to rattle some cages.
Today I checked out 7 CDs and 2 books. I did a special request for these items. If you're willing to wait a few weeks you could save a pretty penny. Now I have one caveat: I must buy magazines, but thank goodness for the sellers on Ebay. Where else could I get a 5 year subscription to Harper's Bazaar for $8? What did I get - an inquiring mind might want to know?
CDs:
Annie Lennox - Weapons of Mass Destruction
Gotan Project - Lunatico
Cat Power - Jukebox
Janet Jackson - Discipline
Lenny Kravitz - It Is Time For A Love Revolution
Sia - Some People Have Real Problems
Hotel Costes - Vol. 10
Sheryl Crow - Detours
Books:
Get Yours! - Amy DuBois Barnett
Dirty Girls On Top - Alisa Valdes-Rodriquez
So don't just take my word for it - go find out for yourself. Enjoy one of the great things about this country [all spying and viewing lists aside].
P.S. I am eagerly awaiting Twilight!
P.S.S. Please do NOT say Li-Berry. Major Pet Peeve!!!!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
DJ Spinna is the best!
So I am rubbing my sore feet as I type this. I just got in after an evening of fond memories, screaming lyrics at the top of my lungs and jumping around like a zombie. DJ Spinna came to San Francisco for his annual Soul Slam party. It's Prince vs. Michael Jackson and all their cohorts and family members for a musical stand-off. The Time, Vanity 6, Janet, SWV, Sheila E. and even Rockwell gets a spin or two. It's so fun being in a crowd of people of all ethnicities and ages doing the dance moves from a video or singing the chorus to Glamorous Life or the feeling of unfettered enthusiasm when hearing the original Jackson 5 song ABC segued into Naughty By Nature's OPP. Trust me there is no comparison to hearing the intro bassline to Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough played back to back three times before continuing the song and the crowd goes, "Oooh" in unison with MJ as the strings kick in! All personal demons and legal issues aside, can anyone argue the significance of Raspberry Beret, 1999, This Place Hotel or I Feel For You [esp when he mixes the original with the Chaka version and the Melle Mel rap]? That was the first R&B song that used hip-hop...and it all went downhill from there - ha! I tell you we could solve world peace with the right music people. They just don't make songs like those anymore. Now I have to wait another year......
Friday, August 1, 2008
Ray LaMontagne Back with Fall Tour
One of my favorite crooners is coming to the Bay Area this Fall. If you close your eyes and listen to his music you will be transported into another world. If you haven't seen and heard him live you are missing out on a very special artist. Now if I could have my dream tour with him and Damien Rice co-headlining I'd be as pleased as punch! Fan club members got access to a pre-sale code today. Go to Ticketmaster.com for dates.
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