Merry and a Happy Wishes

Monica and I wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and Holiday Weekend!!!!

Alaina Reed and James Gurley R.I.P.

Two more people that I really admired have passed away this December.
Alaina Reed from Sesame Street and 227 passed away this week. Alaina played Olivia, Gordon's sister and pro photogragher who came to live on the most diverse street on TV. She also is remembered for Rose Callaway, a neighbor and buddy of Marla Gibbs at the 227 address.


I am also very saddened to hear of the loss of James Gurley. Big Brother and the Holding Company was the band Gurley, Peter Albin, Sam Andrew and Dave Getz were rocking in San Francisco back in the magical, tragical, classical rock 1960's. Janis Joplin joined the band and the rest is history but Big Brother and the sound of Gurley's bluesy/psychedelic guitar soared in a time of Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck and even Jimmy Hendrix. Cheap Thrills is still one of my all time favorite albums.

Big Brother and the Holding Company

James Gurley (center)



James Gurley learned guitar by listening to old blues greats like Lightnin' Hopkins.

Blues/Rock at it's very best
.

Jennifer Jones

Academy Award winner Jennifer Jones died Dec. 17 of naural causes.
Jennifer Jones received critical acclaim and won her Oscar for her portrayal of the young girl who saw a vision in the 1944 film "The Song of Bernadette."

She was a talented actress and beautiful person. I still have the lovely red velvet Christmas card she sent me many years ago. You made it to 90 years old, girl. Rest in peace Jennifer.

Prayers for Maggie Daley

Chicago's First Lady is battling another assault of cancer. A few years ago, she had a tumor removed from her breast but the cancer had unfortunately spread. It was targeted and continuingly fought successfully. Now Maggie Daley has a lesion on her lower right leg and must again undergo radiation and drug therapy.

The doctors want Mrs. Daley to take the pressure off her leg by using a wheel chair during treatment. Maggie Daley always keeps a extrememly busy schedule and this latest setback is not expected to slow her down a heck of a lot. She is particularly active in procuring afterschool projects for Chicago children.

Please join me in sending out prayers and best wishes for Maggie Daley who has always been a beautiful asset for her husband and the city of Chicago. She has one of those smiles that comes from within and lights up a room. Her doctors are optimistic and so am I. We need that beautiful smile in Chitown.
I found some great pics of Maggie over the years.



Maggie and da mayor

World AIDS Day 2009

A banner for World Aids Day 2009 to keep us aware that AIDS is not an issue of the past. AIDS has NOT been cured. AIDS is still an epidemic. People still die because they have AIDS. No one is exempt from contracting HIV/AIDS regardless of age, gender, marital status, race, religion, or economic status. The banners for this day are to remind us that we need to keep vigilant the need for research funding and assistance for keeping meds available and affordable. Also, that getting tested is important.
Today, we also remember all those who have died of AIDS.
To all my guys, I wave the World AIDS Day 2009 banner. I remember you with love. Libations!

I know that greatly due to the wonderful leadership of President Ronald Reagan during the start of the AIDS crisis, we are a decade behind in research.
Yet today, I take special time to be grateful for the advances in HIV/AIDS testing, treatment and medicine.

The quilt panel below is in remembrance of my friend Keith Barrow.
Libations Keith, we can still hear your songs.


The panel Monica and I made for our friend Lee Aldrich, will never let us forget. Libations Lee, with yo crazy talented self. We miss you.

Viking Prince?

Well, the Chicago Bears officially suck this season. It's particularly crappy to see my hometown team usually known for big defense, have none. They lost 36-10 to Bret Farve and the MN Vikings. But even creepier than the bears crappy, is Minnesota native Prince at his hometown team's football game looking like he was at a funeral. You'd never know his team was winning. Fox News showed Prince several times throughout the game and he never even seemed to have moved or smiled. It was creepy and sad. Who goes to a football game and sits in a skybox to look like that. He looked so lonely. It was said that Prince was invited by fellow musician "One in a Million You" Larry Graham. No sign of Graham or anyone else talking to or high fiving with the Purple One during the game. I don't know who looked more distressed, Bears coach Lovie Smith or Prince.

"The artist currently known as Prince is still here. And he hasn't changed his expression since we last showed him."



Hey, I even started to cheer for the Vikings by the end of that slaughter. Prince looked just weird and alone. Well, in his defense, he does need both hips replaced so maybe he couldn't jump up to celebrate a Bears fumble. Maybe he was in pain so he couldn't even work up a smile when the Bears let the Vikings walk into the end zone for another TD. Maybe all his friends pooped out and didn't show up. Maybe he hasn't got any friends. That's all the "D" I can muster up for Prince which is more than the Bears have had all year.

Happy ThanksGiving!!

“Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings.”
J. Robert Moskin

International Transgender Day of Remembrance

November 20, 2009 is the 11th annual Day of Remembrance.

From the TDoR web site:
The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people, an action that current media doesn't perform. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Day of Remembrance gives our allies a chance to step forward with us and stand in vigil, memorializing those of us who've died by anti-transgender violence.

Every year I get angry that there is need for such a commemoration. Every year I am compelled to make a point of honoring this day. I'm not compelled simply because I am a member of the GLBT community or just because there are many Transgender people I like and admire and there are Transgender people that I love, but also because they all lost their lives because of hate.
Please go here to honor these people and take a moment to mourn.
You can go here to find a vigil or event near you.
For the the 11th year the TDoR is hoping to increase compassion and awareness and decrease indifference and ignorance, and to shorten that list.

40 Years on Sesame Street

On Nov. 10, 1969, Sesame Street premiered on public television, changing children's television forever.
I guess we all have fond memories of Sesame Street.

Sesame Street came along just in time for my nephew Nolen to learn "which one of these things belong together", his ABC's, and all the other life lessons taught on the most famous and colorful neighborhood in the world.
Nolen is 36 now and Sesame Street is 40. Both hard to believe. OMG!

I admit it. I along with my mom watched Sesame Street before Nolen was born. We loved the Count and Roosevelt Franklin and even the mean Oscar the Grouch.

Nolen had a terrific crush on Susan, one of the non-muppet Sesame Street residents. Marshall Field's here in Chicago, had a Sesame Street show in the downtown loop store, featuring Susan. My sister and I took 3 year old Nolen. More than 100 kids sat on the floor in front of the stage with the parents seated in the back edges of the kids circle. At one point while Susan sang Nolen stood up and began making his way to the stage. OMG! Out of more than 100 kids, why us? We waved and motioned for him to sit down but he simply waved back and continued on to the stage. My sister whispered to me "go get him", I said "no way, you go get him!" Susan waved us back and went to meet him and held his hand on stage for the rest of the song. Nolen's eyes were so sweet and big to see Susan in person and he seemed oblivious to being on stage. He got a big kiss from Susan.

Who are your favorites or your kids favorites? Maria, Mr. Hooper, Bob, Cookie Monster, Gordon, Elmo, Luis, Ernie or Bert? Personally, my favorites are the childlike know-it-all Elmo and the wannabe super-hero Grover. Shut up.




First Lady Michelle Obama teaches Sesame Street Muppets how to plant vegetables for the first episode of the show's 40th-anniversary season, which aired November 10, 2009.

Sesame Street's 40th season aims to educate children about the wonders of the
natural world and teach them about concepts such as habitats, hibernation, and migration.
Here are some other favorites.
Remember Susan's hubby Gordon (Roscoe Orman) who also played a pimp on All My Children? His sister Olivia played by Alaina Reed also portrayed Rose Halloway on 227.



Through Mr. Hooper, kids learned about Jewish traditions and customs. When actor Will Lee died, it was decided to allow the beloved Sesame Street store owner to pass away too. It was a first for TV in teaching children about death and grieving.


Kermit was the star of Sesame Street and the Muppets.




Oscar tried to exemplify the hard NYC attitude. He succeeded and then some.






Sunny day
Sweepin' the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet
Can you tell me how to get,
How to get to Sesame Street....

Idol This

American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert has released his official album cover for his first CD For Your Entertainment. What do ya think? Glam-glam-glamorous. Or too much?




I vote for Glam. Well, it's Adam, and I can't wait to hear it.

Maine-stream America

This 86 year old man testified at a Maine hearing on marriage equality. He gives his true American creditials as well as his all American family man creds. Phillip, an 86 years old veteran, widower and father of four sons is amazing. He is America. He is trying to teach Americans what America is suppose to be about.



Yes, he is a lifetime Republican. No, you don't have to be a backward thinking, name calling obstructionist to be a Republican. You can be like Phillip and be a human being with respect for other human beings. Phillip gives no hedges on his humanity. You know the, I respect all people but....

(Hat tip to Eric)

Sporting Bodies Beautiful

October 9th, ESPN the Magazine premiered something new they call The Body Issue. This is to be an annual issue that will showcase the physical attributes of athletes from all sports. ESPN says it will all be very artfully and tastefully done. Well, from what I've seen of it so far, they have some talented photographers that have achieved that goal.

There will be six covers out for this issue featuring three female and three male athletes; Serena Williams (tennis), amputee triathlete Sarah Reinertsen, Gina Carano (Mixed Martial Arts), Adrian Peterson (NFL), Dwight Howard (NBA), and NASCAR’s Carl Edwards.

In the section "Bodies We Want" top athletes either pose in the buff (with private parts strategically covered) or with minimal clothing. The section is "essentially ESPN's version of the best bodies in sports."

In another section called "Exposure," groups of athletes from the LPGA, the U.S. Women's Softball Team, the NHL's Edmonton Oilers, Major League Soccer's D.C. United and even a group of poker players pose.
Poker is a sport? Getouttahere.

Gorgeous, talented Serena Williams. Here is her mag cover.



Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones decided she would be in The Body Issue if she could take a tasteful picture that would send young girls the message they don’t have to be skinny or starve themselves. The 5 foot 9 inch Jones says she weighs 160 pounds. She knows that number surprises people, but muscle weighs more than fat, and Lolo has a lot of muscle, and next to no fat.

There’s something to be said for a naturally athletic figure untainted by bad nutritional habits. A Buck sixty that works.



Adrian Peterson of the MN Vikings. Wow! How would you like those guns coming at you?


Just beautiful.


Nascar's Carl Anderson has the six pack needed to cross that finish line. Damn.


Australian professional surfer Claire Bevilacqua


Orlando Magic star center, 6'11" 265lbs Dwight Howard does indeed look like his nickname, Superman.


Gina Carano is the biggest female mixed martial art star.


Triathlon and Amazing Race athlete Sarah Reinertsen


Sarah was the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. How 'bout that!


Natasha Kai of the U.S. Soccer team believes in body art on her artfully athletic body.


U.S. Olympic Softball team members; Natasha Watley, Cat Osterman, Jessica Mendoza and Lauren Lapper.


Jessica Mendoza posed while eight months pregnant. "I try to get young girls to see themselves as beautiful and to not feel insecure about their bodies," she said. "The more we can get more realistic bodies in front of them, the better."
“I am excited about this issue because it is unique and shows the beauty of the athlete’s most powerful tool: their body. Rather than having the stereotypical bodies that we are used to seeing through the media every day, the bodies in this issue vary from super buff, to lean, to stocky … all exemplifying beauty in their own way. I was proud to be in this issue at a unique time of my life. I felt that by showing athletes in every shape and form, including those of us who have children and continue to play, ESPN the Magazine is trying to break those stereotypes. I hope those who see this issue see it as a refreshing and celebratory view of the athletic body in all its beauty and forms, influencing women and girls in a positive way to appreciate their own unique, athletic bodies.”

Healthy, strong and successful men and women. What can be more beautiful. What do you think?

Jazzy Chicagoans, Listen Up!

The 3rd Hyde Park Jazz Festival will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2009.
Over 100 musicians including jazz headliners Garaj Mahal, Ari Brown, Von Freeman, Jon Faddis, Richie Cole, Willie Pickens, Dee Alexander, Maggie Brown, and Orbert Davis will be performing along with local emerging artists for 15 hours of FREE, non-stop jazz.
Yes, I said FREE!

Venues and Schedule
The Hyde Park Jazz Festival utilizes 13 creative and unexpected, indoor and outdoor venues in Hyde Park.
The Festival begins in two places at 11:00am -The DuSable Museum with The Awakening and the James W. Wagner Stage on the Midway with the U-High Band. The Festival closes Sunday, September 28, 2009 at the International House with a Slam Jam that begins at midnight and ends at 2AM.
All venues are identified on the Jazz Festival Venue Map.

Tickets
I told yall, all performances are FREE and open to the public. Please note because some venues have a limited seating capacity, seating will be available on a first come first served basis. At the Midway Plaisance there will be seating but, you can certainly bring your lawn chairs.

Dining
Hyde park has anything you could possibly want to chow down on. From a variety of ethnic fare to great burgers and pizza to fine dining to Micky D's. So grab something to bring to the Midway or dine in style before or after a performance.

For special needs access, transportation and all info on the fest go here.

Hyde Park Jazz History
This area in Chicago had at one time been known as the home of the great Chicago jazz scene.
In 1995, James W. Wagner formed the Committee to Restore Jazz to Hyde Park with the goal of returning Hyde Park to its glory days as a mecca for jazz musicians and fans. The committee enlisted the support of the past two presidents of the University of Chicago, Hugo Sonnenschein and Don Michael Randel, which resulted in the relocation of the Checkerboard Lounge to Harper Court in Hyde Park.

The Committee to Restore Jazz to Hyde Park reconstituted itself as the Hyde Park Jazz Society in 2006 and resulted in successfully sponsoring CheckerJAZZ, a Sunday night jazz series at the "New Checkerboard Lounge for Blues and Jazz," and supporting performance by high school jazz musicians with a Sunday afternoon school series. The Sunday night jazz series is now being held at Room 43 on 43rd Street.
Sadly, we lost Jim Wagner this year. But his great smile and love for jazz will be felt all over Hyde Park on Saturday. The James W. Wagner Stage on the Midway will host the James Wagner All-Star Band and every note will celebrate his spirit and dedication to jazz. I am proud to have known Jim.

So, come on out with you jazzy selfs and celebrate the first weekend of autumn by enjoying a diverse list of artists known in Chicago and around the world as the best in traditional and progressive jazz.

Archie's Choice

Hey Boomers, remember Archie? Did you know that Archie Andrews got Married. My friend Monica Roberts the TransGriot is a true griot who never lets anything historical pass by us, reports that Archie finally popped the question and did the deed. Perhaps Beyonce's hit Single Ladies put the right pressure on him. (I'm sure guys will be ECSTATIC when that song fades down the chart.)

Since 1941, Archie comic books have been telling the adventures of teenage angst at Riverdale High. It was sort of the Saved by the Bell of it's time.
Archie is the cute, nice, freckle faced, redhaired teen caught in a love triangle that lasted 69 years. Damn!


The rivalry for Archie's affection was famously between Veronica (Ronnie)Lodge the rich, spoiled, manipulative, raven haired beauty, and Betty Cooper, the beautiful, down to earth, girl-next-door.




Which one did he finally choose?



VERONICA!


Reggie comforts Betty. The rich and devious Reggie liked Ronnie too.



So, Archie grew up and married Ronnie.

Betty was in the wedding. How 'bout that. Did he pick the right girl?