HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. While most of the country is experiencing some type of dreary winter weather, I thought I'd be nice and let everyone know what the diva was thinking:

1.  First, WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW!  I received an e-mail from Dick, who is the creator, owner, and one man machine behind the website, "Dick's Diana Ross Website!"  I am still WOW!  Dick's website, which is on my blog roll, is THE website for fans of Miss Ross.  This man knows his Miss Ross history and is constantly providing updates on the lady's past, present and future career.  His website is a huge inspiration for my wayward ramblings.  Thank you Dick for the inspiration and e-mail.  Now, yall go read his website .. after you finish reading mine of course!

2.  OK, in case you did not know, the diva finally got cable this Christmas after a 2+ year hiatus.  The hiatus was due to moving, and then just being lazy.  Besides, I could always watch shows on you tube, etc.  But all of that is over ………. "Operation Repo," all the "Housewives, " "Tabatha's Salon Makeover," "Kell On Earth," Food Network, etc, here I come!  I now add to this mix, Mr. Andy Cohen [pictured above].  I am loving me some Andy!  He pulls no punches and states what everybody is really thinking .. hello, Taylor Swift singing with Stevie Nicks!  I've added Andy's blog to the roll.

You know, after re-reading the above paragraph, I realize I'm probably addicted to Bravo TV and will soon need intervention.

3.  THIS IS IT or That Was That!  OK, I finally saw MJ's THIS IS IT.  I know that I am going against the grain, but I was underwhelmed and hit the fast forward button a few times.  On a positive note, I was amazed by how good he still sounded live.  Proof that the man could still truly SANG!  However, you know me, I have some questions ……………..

-Did anyone notice how big his hands were?  Especially when he wore those tight coats.  What was with his hair?  Real or a wig, couldn't the man afford some barrettes or hair scrunchies to get those stringy bangs out of his face?  And to top if off, take off the sunglasses!  You are in a production meeting with regular light.

-Everyone acted like they were grateful he even showed up to rehease.  Or that he agreed to sing.  Why?  The man was badly in debt and needed a big hit.

-The dancers, musicians, producers, costumers, and lady at the snack table kept going on and on about MJ being an artistic genius.  This is where I beg to differ.  From OFF THE WALL to BAD, yes.  But the work after that, no.  He was performing the same dance steps, same themes, same, same, same.  You want an entertainer, you look for MJ or Miss Ross.  You want growing artistic vision, you look for Madonna.  You want to see an expensive show, when you should have just stayed home and listened to the CD, you look for Britney.  You want the VOICE, you …….. Sorry, got off track there. 

And finally for this blog entry …….. Per Miss Gina's Request

Last night, I received some never-ending grief from Miss "It's Always Negative 50 Degrees" Gina for not writing about Mr. Roscoe.  Therefore, for his legions of fans [all 10 of them] and Miss Gina, I took a picture tonight of Mister Man laid out on his pillow in the computer room.  That will be two doggie cookies Gina!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Class!  Time for some SHOUT OUTS!!

1.  HELLO!!  Where have I been??  I just found out that PROMISES, PROMISES is coming back to Broadway, starring Sean Hayes and Kristen Chenoweth!  I am so loving the mid 60's publicity poster.  The early to mid 60's is my absolute favorite era for fashion, art, furniture and course, to die for HAIR!  We are talking VALLEY OF THE DOLLS hair people!  I hope that the producers and director keep with the swinging 60's vibe!  And having Sean Hayes and that incredible Ms. Chenoweth voice ……..

2.  And speaking of voices, I want to send a huge shout out to my friend and vocal powerhouse, Sharon "Shae" Nesbitt, whose double single, "Write The Vision" and "Got To Move," can be found on i-tunes.  People, this woman can SANG!!  My "Sistah," keep the faith and I am ready for your upcoming album!

3.  Now you readers know how I hate to be late!  HA!  I'm not late, just making a well timed entrance!  However, I am late in sending a birthday shout out to my friend, Queen Cindi, Ruler of the Hackberrys!  Cindi's birthday was this past Monday, 2/1.  Happy Birthday Your Majesty!

And one final shout out for a Tired Old Queen:

4.  People!  You must check out Steve Hayes aka "Tired Old Queen At The Movies," on You Tube.  This man is a walking library regarding movies, actors, directors, and studios from the 1930's to the 1950's.  Steve recommends one movie and then gives you the entire dish on what happened backstage.  Besides Miss Ross, divas and the 60's, I love the "Golden Age of Hollywood."  Not only is Steve incredibly knowledegable, but he's also hilarious.  Check out his videos!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I've decided to ask .. IS IT JUST ME OR ..

1.  No surprise, but I love, love, love me some RuPaul's Drag Race.  The Logo channel replayed Season One so many times, I know the episodes by heart.  However, Season Two looks like it will walk all over the original hopefuls.  Ru's got a bigger budget, a bigger workroom, a fancier stage and 2 times more gauze over the cameras to hide the fact that he will soon be turning 50.

So far, my two favorite ladies are Atlanta's own Nicole Paige Brooks, and Mystique Summers Madison.  I am so loving Miss Mystique!  Any big ol' drag sistah who can walk into a room of size negative 4 barbies and proclaim, "big girls are gonna represent this year," is my type of diva!  Bring it to the runway Mystique!

2.  Does anybody else watch that show 19 KIDS AND COUNTING?  The one about Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 400 and something children?  I usually do not watch this lovely family, but somehow got hooked into an episode on Sunday night.  This was the cliffhanger from last season, where Michelle had her 19th child, and yet 7 or 8 of her oldest still managed to go on a mission trip to El Salvador [I guess TLC is footing the bill].

Does anybody remember when this family first appeared about 5 years ago?  They only had 16 or so children at that time.  Now is it just me, or has anyone noticed that the family has gone all Hollywood?  When we first met the Duggars, all the girls wore blue jean smock dresses and had their long hair pulled back on each side.  Not anymore!  Someone has exposed the Duggars to Old Navy and the Gap.  The girls are wearing jeans, ugg boots and, and, and they all have perms!  Including Momma Michelle!  Thank goodness she got rid of those mushroom bangs!

Now, you've got 19 kids!  19!  You just know that one of them is going write a tell all book in a few years.  We'll find out which kid ran away at the first opportunity for freedom [probably the one writing the book]; we'll find out why "Cousin Amy" never had any brothers or sisters; and we'll find out that Jim Bob's siblings secretly hate his success.

One more thing .. "Jim Bob!"  Jim Bob you are a grown man, drop the "Bob."  The only person I knew who answered to "Jim Bob" as an adult was on THE WALTONS.  And you saw what happened to his life .. never got a chance to leave that mountain, stayed with the show until it was cancelled, only career is attending conventions where spectators can "meet" the cast of THE WALTONS. 

Is It Just Me?

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I'm a few months behind the rest of the food and movie critics, but I finally saw JULIE & JULIA.  I have to be honest and say that while I thought the first half was funny and worth all the "acclaim," the second hour seemed a little predictable and stale.

Yes, Meryl was able to "inhabit" her role and make me believe she WAS Julia Child.  However, her mannerisms, speech pattern and voice almost bordered on charictature.  I say "almost" only because of those emotional scenes where Julia contemplates not having children [which I wanted the movie to explain why - could she not have children?  Was Paul Child unable?].

Amy Adams, bless her heart, just got on my last nerve.  I love that the real "Julie Powell" was able to create a blog that changed her life, as well as others.  But if "Julie" is anything like Amy's whiny "I hate my life while I have to walk past Ground Zero everyday to work" portrayal …….. no wonder her friends walked all over her!

I felt that the screen writers had written themselves into a wall, and decided to rush the ending – Julia works for years on the book as she and Paul are transferred throughout Europe; At the same time, Julie has a fight with her husband, realizes she is a better person due to Julia, whips up the monumental duck recipe and WHAMMO, she's a food network star!  All within the space of 10 minutes!

However, there is one catch that the movie does not address .. Julia Child told a reporter that she thought Julie was making fun of her.  What happened after that?  Did they meet and make up?

At The Same Time, I can not get "The Voice" out of my head!  I have been listening to Mariah's music constantly since last Tuesday's concert.  Huge thanks to The Pink Diva for sharing the above picture!

Therefore, I have decided to create The Diva's Special Voice Playlist: 

**Disc One: Mariah – The Pop Star** 

1.  Fly Away [Butterfly Reprise]; 2.  Someday; 3.  You're So Cold; 4.  Emotions; 5.  Make It Happen; 6.  I Don't Wanna Cry; 7.  Love Takes Time; 8.  To Be Around You; 9.  Can't Let Go; 10.  Honey [So So Def Remix]; 11. Now That I Know; 12.  Without You; 13.  Open Arms; 14.  One Sweet Day; 15.  Anytime You Need A Friend; 16.  Sweetheart [Duet W/ JD]; 17.  Butterfly; 18. Fantasy Remix [Duet W/ O.D.B.]. 

**Disc Two: Mariah – The Emancipated Voice**

1.  Last Night A DJ Saved My Life; 2.  Heartbreaker [Duet W/ Jay-Z]; 3.  X-Girlfriend [With Kandi Burrus on Background Vocals]; 4.  How Much [Duet W/ Usher]; 5.  Against All Odds; 6.  Boy (I Need You) [Duet W/ Cam'ron]; 7.  Clown [Song supposedly about Eminem?]; 8.  Migrate [Duet W/ T-Pain]; 9.  Touch My Body; 10.  It's Like That; 11.  Get Your Number [Duet W/ JD]; 12.  Shake It Off; 13.  We Belong Together; 14.  Fly Like A Bird; 15.  I'm That Chick; 16.  Betcha Gon' Know; 17.  Standing O; 18.  Obsessed [Jump Smokers Radio Remix]; 19.  Up Out My Face

It's Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. She started an hour and a half past the ticket time of 7:30 pm; some of her comments and audience chatter was hard to decipher [either because of the Fox's poor acoustics, or was she just mumbling]; and she appeared to have some trouble balancing on the 3 inch stiletto heels.  HOWEVER, the woman and the voice were INCREDIBLE!  BRING IT TO THE RUNWAY INCREDIBLE!!

From her opening number of "Fantasy" / "Shake It Off" [on a swing no less, wearing some huge hot mess tutu skirt], which Jermaine Dupri made a surprise appearance to my personal fave, "It's Like That," to "Obsessed" [huge crowd reaction], Ms. Carey simply strutted from one side of the stage to the other.  No overbearing sets, no high concepts of artistic expression, and NO lyp-syncing Britney and Janet; just a band, great background singers [including her duet partner on the "I'll Be There" cover, Trey Lorenz, and two beautiful big divas], a goofy but loveable demeanor and THAT VOICE!

Mariah also paid a special tribute to Diana Ross by performing Diana's "Love Hangover," and then mixing it in with her own "Heartbreaker!"  She even mentioned the diva's name. 

And when Nick Cannon's wife performed "Fly Like A Bird" and "We Belong Together" [which she announced was named Song Of The Decade 2000-2010 by Billboard Magazine], we went to church yall!  There was some SANGING!  Not singing, SANGING!

A huge shout out and thanks to THE PINK DIVA for purchasing the tickets, and asking me to attend.  So far, we've seen Madonna, Tyler Perry and now Mariah together!

It's Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK, ok …….. I know that the Diva has not posted since 12/31/09, but I have a good reason – sort of.

From last Sunday [1/10] thru last Friday [1/15], I was travelling thru southern Cali-Forn-I-A for business!  The home of movie stars, swimming pools, and papa, papa, paparazzi!  These days, however, all the Californians discuss the bankrupt state government, immigration and the unbelievable cost of living.  Yes, San Diego is nice, but $1500 a month for a studio apartment?

The weather? Great!  San Diego? Great, would love to go there on vacation.  Move to California?  Not on your life!

Anyway, what has been going on during my little blog break ……..

1.  HAITI – My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti.  But you know me …….. This country is experiencing massive destruction, lack of water, homelessness AND STILL neither Anderson Cooper [CNN] nor Bryan Williams [NBC] look like they working in third world conditions.  How is this possible?  How did the tv crews get into the country with relative ease, while the relief efforts are taking forever to land?  And why do the newsmen ask the stupidest questions?  "Excuse me, you just lost your home and family, how are you feeling?????"

2.  I have stated many times that my favorite i-tunes podcast is GAY PIMPIN WITH JONNY MCGOVERN, starring Jonny, Linda James, Martin Beauchamp and Erika Toure Aviance.  These fantastic creatures of underground New York nightlife have made me laugh and feel proud since 2006.  In fact, I recently wrote to Jonny about his great new video, "Bossy Bottom," and the diva received a response back!  

Well, last Tuesday, Jonny and the crew announced that they would be ending the current podcast.  Jonny [who is a regular on THE BIG GAY SKETCH SHOW] is moving to LA, Linda is going back to school, Martin has work and family commitments, and Erika is riding the waves of "My Pumps."  Gang, I'm going to really miss you [although I can go back and listen to the 175+ free episodes].  In this pre-packaged pop world, you brought back individuality!

3.  Thanks to the encouragement of my neighbor, Lady Diana, I decided to join a gym near work today.  In the past, I've had success and failures with gyms.  However, the fee is very small, there was no long term contract, and many of my neighbors are members. 

4.  In less than two days, The Pink Diva and I see THE VOICE, Ms. Mariah!

New Year, New Attitude, New Desire to Blog More …………………

It's Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. A short, simple, and to the point blog entry …….. I'M GOING TO MARIAH'S ATLANTA CONCERT ON JANUARY 19th!!!!!!!!  Bring it to the freaking runway!!  I am beyond excited and still can not believe I have a ticket.

This excitement is due to THE PINK DIVA, who knew I wanted to go as much as she did.  Well, we were talking today …….. and now we both have tickets to see THE VOICE!  Of course MISS PINK has a few concerns that she may become injured due to my singing, dancing and screaming [we both saw Madonna for the first time together, so she has an idea of how the Diva acts at a concert].  I'll try to keep my excitement under control, but no promises.

Mariah Carey YALL!

Here is the video for one of my favorite Mariah songs that many people do not know about .. "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life!"

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!  Roscoe and I just wanted to send out a quick Christmas week catch-up / blog entry.

First, Roscoe's First Annual Holiday Open House was a great success last Sunday!  Almost everyone that I invited came [many with gifts for myself and/or Roscoe .. I did not anticipate this - nice surprise], stayed, mingled and ate, ate ate!  The party was far more successful than even I thought it would be.  HMMMMM, maybe this could be an annual holiday tradition?

I have to give a HUGE shout out to my Mom and the Hackberry Divas [Miss Diana, Miss Gina, Queen Cindi, Miss Anne and Miss Peggy] for the food they brought and the great words of encouragement.  I seriously could not have had this party without them!

Besides my family and friends who helped to make the party a great success, I was also thankful for the party itself, since I finally begin to get into the holiday spirit.  For some reason, it has been very, very hard to get out of the "blah" mindframe I had for Christmas this year.  And nothing seemed to improve my mood .. shopping, Christmas music, parties, etc.  However, if you read my last post, KATHY B's hat began the transformation!

I don't know why my mood was blah.  I am extremely thankful and had been looking forward to the season, but it just seemed like a "spirit" that was just out of my reach.  As a hint, watch THE CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS SPECIAL – it works everytime! 

Anyway, the Christmas work week was short, Christmas Eve at my parents was the typical craziness and laughter, and then came the best part, a relaxing Christmas Day .. Roscoe and I laying around my parent's house watching old movies [LITTLE WOMEN - The 1949 version with Elizabeth Taylor as Amy, Margaret O'Brien as Beth and June Allyson as Jo.  WHAT WAS MGM THINKING??  Amy is the youngest, and yet Elizabeth Taylor looks older than all the girls, and with more make-up??], and eating leftovers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I already know what you're thinking!  "What a fantastic Christmas hat, that looks like it was made to be worn by a true DIVA!!  And I'm so jealous that I don't have one!"  Well, you should feel a little tinge of Christmas Grinch envy, but not much since it is the season!

This INCREDIBLE hat was given to me by my friend KATHY B, who thought I need a little holiday pick me up.  I LOVE THIS HAT!!  Not only is it beyond stylish, but it also plays music [hence the little "press here" sticker], lights up AND the tip goes up and down!

THANK YOU again Kathy B!  I needed this little Christmas reminder!

WHY?

Well, for those who do not know, Uganda is in the process of passing legislation that would allow for the death penalty of known gay men and women, as well as the incarceration of those who knew of gay people and did not alert the government within 24 hours.  Naturally human rights groups and some European governments [but not our President, only Hillary] are making public statements, but to no avail.

So, you think to yourself, who actually visits Uganda?  Why should I care?  That is just one country in Africa.  But now leaders in Rwanda are putting forth similar laws.  On top of these developments, the BBC actually held an internet debate with the title, "Should Homosexuals Face Execution?"  Due to an outcry, the title was changed to, "Should Uganda Debate Gay Execution?"  Ever heard of the domino effect?

PEOPLE!  This is really happening in the world.  A sad and very scary gay hatred that is beginning to show up everywhere.

I really needed this hat today. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. It has been a busy weekend of par-tays, par-tays, and more par-tays!

First, this past Friday, 12/11, was Mr. Roscoe's second birthday!!  My little man is growing up!!  For the past few weeks, Mr. Man and I have been getting up way to early, in order to walk 2.5 miles with my boss.  Well, when Roscoe and I arrived at my boss's home on Friday, there was a surprise birthday party!

Roscoe's birthday is on the same day as my friend, JT's beagle, Doobie [who also turned 2].  So Roscoe and Doobie were each given a "rope monkey" [wrapped I'll have you know] and a peanut butter lollipop!

My little guy is now 2 .. we are either going into the terrible twos or the twisted teens depending on how a dog ages.

Later that night, my parents were having there annual Christmas open house.  The divine Miss Gina [who gave Mr. R a great squeaky "Christmas Tree Light" for his birthday] graciously accepted my offer to attend the party as my guest.  The place was packed for a while there.  Of course, everybody just loved Miss Gina, while I had trouble remembering which face went with which name.

The next night, it was off to my office Christmas party held at my boss' home.  Great food – I ate so many of those deep fried, cream cheese filled, jalopeno poppers!  Damn those things were good!  Unlike previous years, we did not start pumping the music.  Alas, the dance floor was not brought to Duluth! 

And here we are on Sunday night, December 13th!  Less than 12 days until Christmas, but more urgently, less than 7 days until I throw my own open house!  What was I thinking ??

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ……..