HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I am just a little over and done with the over developed ego that a few people have for themselves these days.  But rather than suffer in silence, I have to ask, "Is it Just Me?"

1.  After catching an episode of his new talk show, I am more than just a little done with Tyler Perry and his whole bag of Oprah wannabe self importance.  I actually liked Tyler when he appeared on the national radar a few years ago.  I admired the fact that he was able to achieve great success with a product that he created.  I also appreciated the fact that he cast my friend Lauren in his first film, DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN.

However, times have changed and Tyler's success has only grown.  Besides his movies. including WHY DID I GET MARRIED 2, Tyler has two sitcoms, co-produced PRECIOUS with gal pal Winfrey, and now his own talk show?  I can't wait until the Tyler Perry kitchen collection arrives at Target!

PEOPLE!  A Tyler Perry talk show?  And all the guests are just besides themselves to be in his audience.  OK Tyler, if you are determined to have your own show, then lets get to some real questions.  Hey Tyler, why do your movies always involve the same two topics?  Man cheats on woman, loses woman, wants woman back.  Or, man abuses woman, woman learns life lessons from sassy grandmother, woman falls in love with sexy bartender, bus driver, or social worker.  Hey Tyler, why do you never hold advanced screenings of your films for reviewers?  Hey Tyler, why do the majority of your movies have big opening weekends, but are available on dvd within 2 months?

2.  What is with Jamie Oliver and his whole Food Revolution mess?  Jamie used to be a hot shot English chef with a cooking show and the usual product lines of cook books and knives.  Well, along came the sexy Rocco, Bobby Flay and Hell's Kitchen.  What's an out of work tv chef to do?

Incessantly complain that Americans are unhealthy eaters and only he can save the day.  Well, if he was elected queen, I do not remember voting.  What is with these food do gooders?  The food served in elementary, middle and high school has never been that great, why is everybody up in arms now?  Hey Jamie, why don't you visit a college cafeteria?  Is it any wonder that most kids who live at college and eat in the cafeteria exist on salads and cereal?  Honestly, there were whole semesters that I only ate cereal for breakfast and dinner.

3.  And is it just me, or was anybody else a little ticked that Pandora Boxx was sent packing on RuPaul's Drag Race?  What is wrong with Ru?  Pandora was one of two contestants [the other being Mystique] who had any personality!

I Had To Go To The ATM! 

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 …….. Today, I continued to see the above video on all of my favorite blogs, including Joe.My.God and Americablog.  So, I finally took a few minutes and watched the whole thing.  Then I watched the video again.  And again with another person.  AND STILL, I can not completely understand what these "tea-baggers," are upset about and more importantly, what message are they are trying to send?  

Apparently, these men, women and children do not approve of Obama; spend a great deal of time shopping at Wal-Mart; and are completely terrified that the country is going socialist, communist and fascist all at the same time!  According to one gentleman in the video, these ideologies are inter-changeable, which would have been big news to Stalin, Hitler and Hirohito.

Now even though I have watched this video several times [and still do not understand "the message"], I firmly believe in the tea-bagger's right to speak and demonstrate — peacefully.  BUT YOU KNOW ME, I have some questions ……..  

1.  Did Wal-Mart have a sell on t-shirts with printed messages?  Everybody is wearing some type of "statement" t-shirt, which they then cover with buttons, stickers, and lanyards.

2.  One of their slogans is "Stop The Insanity!"  I thought that cheer/slogan/logo was trade marked by fitness guru Susan Powter!  Remember ol' Susan and her Sinead O'Connor bald head?

3.  Why is there someone protesting abortion?  How do you mix in Obama, Healthcare, and Kanye's apology to Taylor Swift with abortion?

4.  From the video, there appeared to be many people that attended this rally in DC.  Probably not as many who attended Diana Ross' rained out concert in Central Park, but still enough for there to be a heavy rental bill on Port-O-Potties.  Anyway, couldn't the interviewer [who actually is incredible and patient] find at least 10 people who knew what is actually stated in the healthcare proposals?  No one seemed to know – and admitted to this!  Besides an over-riding "anger" at Obama [and a dismay, I'm sure, that Toby Keith was not performing], what are these people protesting?

5.  However, I did like the woman who worked in health care for many years.  The reporter should have just interviewed her .. maybe then I could understand what is going on.

6.  I think that Nancy Reagan will be greatly, greatly hurt, that all of her hard work on the "Just Say No" Campaign was wasted on these protesters.  Why would Nancy feel this way?  Because no one knew Ronnie had appointed a Drug Czar!  Nancy was pressured into choosing some "cause" during her second term — she couldn't just lunch with Frank and wear Galanos everyday — and relunctantly agreed to champion kids away from drugs.  Does anyone remember her appearance on DIFFERENT STOKES, when she warned Arnold?  Meanwhile, Patti Reagan posed nude for Playboy.

7.  As I watched the video one last time, a key phrase became crystal clear, "You know this how?"

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I just finished "watching" THE WATCHMEN.  Some interesting concepts, somewhat of a downer, and a few questions and comments come to mind:

**However, please note that I have only seen this film once, and never read the graphic novel.**

1.  Why did the "masks" / vigilantes suddenly fall out of favor?  They obviously survived the McCarthy era.  Why did they have to retire?

2.  When I read the wiki article on WATCHMEN, Dr. Manhattan was supposed to be only true hero with "powers."  However, why was Ozymandias able to move so fast?  Was this due to his incredible brain?  Since I have brought up Ozymandias, could the producers have picked a more wooden actor than Matthew Goode?  He was just boring to watch, and his never ending speeches ……..!

3.  Am I the only one who though Silk Spectre's outfit was just stupid?  What was the point of this character?  Ok, her mother was the first Silk Spectre, and she is connected to the Comedian .. but what is her purpose?  And what does Silk Spectre mean anyway?

4.  In the "alternate universe, " they have had "masks" for 40+ years, and there are no black, hispanic or asian heroes?  Where are the sidekicks?  There has to be some type of Owlgirl, who became a crimefighter due to her crush on Nite Owl.

5.  Now I did like me some Nite Owl!  I liked "Archie,"  I liked the suit and REALLY liked me some Patrick Wilson!  DAMN!!  I have to start paying more attention to Mr. Wilson.  BUT, BUT, BUT, am I the only one who thought Nite Owl's fur lined cape was just a little too precious?

A HUGE Happy Birthday to my friend Reed, who just happens to share his birthday with MADONNA!

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I'm just full of questions today Barbie!  Do you have the answers?

1.  I read an article here, I read an article there.  I listen to this commentator and check out that blog.  And still, I can not understand the health plan that Obama is trying to create.  This plan will be an option, but in the end, will ultimately hurt those whom the insurance companies do not want in the first place?  All I know is that my premiums seem to be increasing every six months!  Why Barbie?  And while you are answering that question, can you explain this new health plan in 4 or 5 sentences? Remember that I'm not dumb [after all, I did see The Da Vinci Code], but need a little help.

2.  I finally saw Kathy Griffin's recent episode of MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST, the one where she protests Proposition 8 in California.  Kathy's outspoken stand re-confirmed my feelings of why she is such a talent and DIVA!  Love her!  But I was amazed at the young people she interviewed, who had little to no idea who Matthew Shepard was, let alone events like Stonewall.  Matthew was killed less than 11 years ago, and these kids had no clue.  Oh Barbie, what is going on with these youngsters, 29 and younger, who have no sense of history, style, or understanding why Nellie Olsen was such an important character on tv?

And Barbie, before you act like you are above such a question, NEWSFLASH FROM THE PLANET OF DUH, fewer and fewer little girls are playing with you nowdays.  Your current lifestyle and that dream home will depend on the loyalty of gay men!

3.  Oh Barbie, Empress of Style .. who told the world that it was ok for the return of 80's fashion?  When I was at the mall last week, I walked past store window upon store window with mannequins wearing LEGGINGS!  What is next?  White sequined gloves [oops. already seen those] and headbands!  The only good thing to come out of the 80's was Madonna and Miss Ross' EATEN ALIVE, SWEPT AWAY AND WORKIN' OVERTIME albums, leave the rest to history.

4.  And before I go Barbie .. Who do you think would win in a cage match? Mariah or Eminem?  Will Michael Jackson's autopsy results ever be revealed?  And finally, why is there some type of cable cord across my front yard?  And I don't even have cable!

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. While the Jackson ceremony was going on and on and on at work, and while I was making some constructive "comments," a co-worker suggested that I might be a little insensitive.  ME??  Insensitive??  What are you talking about??

BUTTTTTTTT, since we are on the subject of the Jackson ceremony, I had a few questions:

1.  Besides Mariah, Janet, and maybe Usher, where were all the BIG names?  I know that Madonna is on tour overseas, but what about Prince?  Oprah?  Bill and Hill Clinton?  Elton John?  That guy from Webster?  Not to mention, MJ's diva trio, Miss Ross, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza?  I think it is very telling that Miss Ross, of all people, was not there.

2.  I'm sure that kid who was a finalist on Britain's Got Talent, is incredibly gifted.  But what happened Tito??  Was Sanjaya busy?  Besides Mariah, didn't the Jacksons know anyone more famous to perform?  No Justin Timberlake.  No Miley.  No Beyonce [maybe since she is on tour, but you could have at least gotten Solange!].

3.  And speaking of Miss Mariah …….. Am I the only one who thinks she looked suspiciously pregnant in that dress?  Remember how J-Lo [why wasn't she at this shin-dig] denied she was pregnant, while wearing loose fitting, high waisted skirts?  And once again, was I the only one who was worried that Jennifer Hudson might have her baby on that stage today?

4.  Another co-worker asked a golden question ……. who is paying for all this hoopla?

5.  But all these questions and concerns are just petty thoughts when we come to LaToya.  Toy-Toy, Toy-Toy, what is with that hat?  I know the video above is about MJ's daughter, but this is one of the few pics I could find of LaToya's hat.  Do not get me wrong, I love this hat.  I WANT this hat.  But Toy, what have you gotten hid up under there?  And why can we only see half of your face?

In my opinion, LaToya is the ultimate Jackson!  If you want a truly moving and life affirming read, rush to your nearest second or third hand bookstore [because no library is going to be seen with this book] and purchase her autobiography, LATOYA.  Prepare to be moved many times!

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I just watched Gov. Sarah Palin's resignation speech twice [thanks to the incredible website/blogger Joe at http://www.joemygod.blogspot.com/].  I watched Sarah twice and still could not understand what she was talking about.  I heard her mention the word "resigning," but everything else was all over the place.  Naturally, this led me to ask some questions:

1.  Sarah was once a vice-presidential nominee, and the current governor of Alaska.  She is resigning as governor for unknown reasons.  She holds a press conference in her backyard, and when the camera pans the rapt audience .. there are only 20 to 25 people!  What Sarah?  No Twitter?  Where was everybody?  Heading for MJ's funeral?

2.  She went on and on about some basketball analogy that I could not understand.  Did anyone in Alaska know that this woman REALLY wanted to play for the WNBA?  Maybe Sarah is really a Sappho Sister?

3.  Will her resignation ruin her contract negotiations with Lens Crafters?  Or those people that sell that hair pony tail thingy on TV around 2:00 AM?

4.  On a personal note, what will happen to Todd Palin?  Because Daaaaaaaaam!  He could have a new career as the Brawny paper towel man, or the new Diet Coke guy!

5.  Will this ruin the modeling/cover story/shoe-in for a reality series career of Bristol Palin's boyfriend, and the father of Sarah's grandchild, Levi Johnston?  And you know some child talent agency needs to give Piper Palin her own Disney series!  What was that child wearing at the press conference attended by 10?

6.  Did you notice that Sarah never thanked her staff?  Besides talking about basketball, she went on and on about her kids.  Did she not have a staff?

7.  And the question that I'm sure is on La Toya Jackson's mind, as well as mine .. why exactly is she quitting?

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Time for some soap box words of wisdom.

In the past month, I have seen or heard three Atlanta theatres make pleas, either through curtain speeches or e-mail blasts, for immediate assistance to their budgets.  The plea may be presented differently, but the message is the same .. we understand the economy is lousy for everyone, but we need money now, and please keep theatre alive in Atlanta.

These dramatic requests for money are made with as much emotion as the Olsen twins walking into Lane Bryant with a gift card.  I felt like the theatre staff suddenly realized, "oh crap, if we want to receive a paycheck that will not bounce next week, we need some immediate cash flow!"

However, my question has always been WHY?  I have served as stage manager [and production manager] for theatres small and large, for profit and non profit, well organized and fly by the seat of your pants.  But I still have questions when it comes to how theatres manage their money:

1.  For the non profit institutions, why do you need a staff of three that only tries to go after a decreasing amount of grant money?  Why not use those same people to market shows, to locate your target audience, or to actually determine shows that an audience member will pay to see?  

I have never understood this "need" to rely on charitable organizations for hand outs.  HELLO!  News flash from the planet of Duh .. why not grow and expand at the rate of your audience?  If your whole budget comes from ticket sales, then you will know what works and what does not. 

2.  I understand the need for new works, and the opportunity to expose up and coming playwrights.  But PEOPLE!  Let's get the audiences in the door with what they want to see.  I do not care if it is the 150th version of STEEL MAGNOLIAS or THE ODD COUPLE, get them in the door.  Then expose your audiences to newer works on off nights or limited matinees.  Your work may have the best actors and an incredible director, but what good does it do with no audience?

Remember, the time to experiment without the fear of failure [or no audiences] is during college.

3.  Do any of these theatre companies actually understand the word budget?  I was told about one company in Atlanta that had a $100,000 budget for a show, but ended up spending $130,000!  How do you do that? An overspend of $30,000 is not just a simple. "oh we bought too many cans of paint at Home Depot."  I always think it is funny how theatres will go on and on about their need for money, but are very reluctant to provide a yearly budget for public view.  A small or medium sized business that went $30,000 over budget would face some serious problems.  Why should these theatres be exempt?  HELLO!  You are not AIG or GM!

4.  When the AJC ran an article about one of the theatres needing $10,000 immediately to meet their expenditures for the month, one of the readers responded with, "and what about next month, and the month after that?"  For some reason, the company never responded to that question. 

To quote the very astute businesswoman Dolly Parton, "there is a reason it is called SHOW BUSINESS!"  Yes, the SHOW part comes from the heart and the need to create and entertain.  However, you need butts [ie .. BUSINESS] in those seats or you might as well stay home and perform in front of the bathroom mirror.

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Due to a busy work schedule, I have not posted in a few days, but since I had a "running" question, why not share with the rest of the class?

What is with the large number of gay men and women [especially gay bloggers], who are acting so surprised and hurt that Obama is not running around the White House with a rainbow flag?  After the Department of Justice's brief opposing the repeal of DOMA [Defense of Marriage Act - go to Joe.My.God or America Blog if you want more details], and the White House's support of this action, many GLBT folks are screaming fraud, boycotting dinners, refusing to dress Michelle, etc.  Ok, I threw that last one in.  I actually love me some Mrs. O .. finally a first lady since Nancy who could dress!  And now she's a close friend with Queen Elizabeth!

But back to Obama .. PEOPLE!  What did you think was going to happen?  The man is a politician.  He will tell every group anything for the vote!  Do not forget that many of the same African American pastors who shouted Obama's name to the rooftops last November, …….. ARE THE EXACT SAME pastors who dislike most gay people!  Are the EXACT SAME pastors who are against marriage equality …….. ARE THE EXACT SAME pastors who still think Kelly Rowland is still in Destiny's Child!

I personally believe that most changes for GLBT folk will occur at the local and state level, either through the courts or state houses.  Therefore, Joe Solmonese and Marty Rouse, both from the Human Rights Campaign, don't make a big fuss over boycotting a fundraiser!  Instead, why don't you concentrate on the everyday people you claim to represent  .. how about working with organizations on the state level, or helping with the incredible rise in umemployment, or asking why the media is so focused on Heidi and Spencer when Iran is falling into civil chaos?

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK ……..

SHOUT OUT #1 .. goes to my friend Heather, who was just offered [and she accepted] her first "official" job since graduating from college.  And Miss Thang received an offer less than a month after she graduated!  Bring It To The Runway Miss Heather!!  Major Congrats!!

SHOUT OUT #2 .. goes to a fraternity brother who I just reconnected with, Danny!  Danny was one of the first people I ever came out to [I think he was number 2 or 3] as a young diva at HSU.  Danny was in graduate school, had his own apartment, and just seemed like the "picture" of smart gay sophistication to a little ol' me.  

Nowdays, Danny is Director of Operations at Safe Horizon, a drop-in center for homeless and street oriented youth in New York.  And you know what, he still seems like the picture of gay sophistication! 

AND NOW TO MY QUESTION .. With the killing of Dr. George Tiller today, I come back to my same question about people who want to ban all abortions .. Why aren't they offering to help the mothers?  You never hear of an anti-abortion / pro-lifer saying, "if you will not have this baby aborted, I offer to pay all the pregnancy costs, and then adopt the child at birth."  Why is that?  It would seem to me, that the pro-lifers could better spend their time .. one, making better signs, cause someone in their group always misspells something, .. two, search the farmers almanac for the weather, because they always seem to protesting in the rain [And don't any these people have jobs?  How do you ask for the day off to protest a family planning clinic?], .. and three, find out how to help these mothers who are making a choice, that in truth, only they will have to live with.

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