HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I want to first send a HUGE birthday shout out my diva, my inspiration, and a "legend in her own time" …….. One Woman, One Voice, MISS DIANA ROSS!!  I know that I am technically a day late, since her birthday was yesterday, 3/26/2010, but I already put up a birthday posting on FB.  Happy Birthday Miss Ross!  I am so ready for you to visit Atlanta on 6/4/2010!  By the way, the term "legend in her own time" is not something I made up, but a recent compliment given to the lady by Miss Patti Labelle.

As part of the birthday celebration, the Hackberry's plus 3 renamed our Saturday pizza and trivia team, "The Supremes."  However. unlike the Supremes and their 12 number one hits, the ladies and I were not as lucky.  I think we wound up in our usual 5th, 6th, or 7th place.  I'd like to give another shout out to Vic's Pizza in Duluth, GA.  The food is great, the trivia fun and they played two Supremes songs tonight.

Now even during this time of celebrating, pizza and trivia, one of the Hacks had to create some drama.  I will not mention a name, but hers is spelled G-I-N-A.  The drama was due to some people having titles, while others were expected to wash the dishes.  Therefore, the Hackberrry plus 3 royal court officially consists Queen Mother Anne, Queen Mother Peggy, Queen Cindy, Princess Diana, Dame Maureen, The Court Jester Call Him Miss Ross [HAYYYYY!!], and the one and only Marchioness De Gina.  May their reign be long and fair.  

In honor of Queen Mother Peggy, and her adventures in Cherokee, the Hackberry plus 3 Royal Court has adopted a new saying that will help us persevere when someone accidentally spills the garlic puffs in our direction, or the answer at trivia is "goat," or when we have step out into the negative 50 degrees night air …….. "I Had To Go The ATM!"  Truer words were never spoken!

Before I go, one more shout to my friend Reed, who helped me obtain the album, WE LOVE DIANA – THE ALMIGHTY REMIXES!  This album was not readily available in the US.  Thanks Reed!

I Had To Go To The ATM! 

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 …….. 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 …….. 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 …….. For the past few days, I have found myself dealing with or talking to individuals who are just plain negative.  Don't like this, don't like that.  And when you note something positive happening in their lives, or in the world around them, the reaction you receive is blah, blah, blah.  **DIVA"S note here .. What I'm writing about does not apply to Carrie Prejean, who has been having a hard time lately .. 8 VIDEO TAPES!!  Carrie, who needs Playboy?  We'll just ask to see your video camera!**  But back to the negativity .. I'm reminded what a smart person told me recently, "there are some people who will always complain and think the grass is greener on the other side, when they ought to be thankful for where they currently stand."

So, to rid myself of these negative vibes, I wanted to list two things that have really made me smile today ……..

1.  Album / I-Tunes release of JONNY MCGOVERN PRESENTS: THE LEGENDS BALL – EAST VILLAGE MIXTAPE 2!!  If you've read some of my blog, you know that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jonny McGovern's Gay Pimpin' podcast which includes Jonny, Fantastic Linda James, Straighty Martin, soul bird Adam Joseph, and the divine creature pictured above, Miss Ericka Toure Aviance!!  Jonny's podcast is funny, trashy, sexy and just damn great .. all at the same time!

Along with the podcast, Jonny has released 5 albums, all of which contain songs performed by himself and the other podcast members.  Which brings me to Ericka's song on MIXTAPE 2, "My Pumps!"  I have played this song over and over since buying the album last Saturday!  It is the "Supermodel" for 2010!!  Ericka and Jonny – you are both genius and you're making me gag!

"My Pumps" contains a line that I want the Hackberry Divas to shout out loud – "We know that we're FIERECE!  We know that we're FLY! So bitch get out of our way!"

**Second DIVA'S note here – Janet Jackson just released a greatest hits cd called NUMBER ONES, and it contains 50 SONGS!!  Who told Janet that she had 50 number ones??  To my knowledge, Mariah is the only female artist with the most number ones [18 or so].  One what planet and whose charts were these songs number one JJ?? And how in the world does Mandy Moore have a greatest hits collection?? **

2.  My other positive vibe comes from talking with my co-worker C. Carter about his twin daughters.  These beyond cute girls are almost 10 months old.  The way that C. Carter described the daily rituals of dinner time / play time / and bath time ["with arms and legs just going everywhere"] was very funny!  So thanks to the Carters for the great stories as the girls start growing!

I feel a lot more positive now!

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I know what you are asking yourself right now noble readers .. was THE DIVA really able to meet and take a picture of Tilda Swinton in costume as the White Witch from THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE ??

NO!!  That is yours truly, A LA DIVA, under two blankets and a sweat suit, trying to keep warm and assist the fabulous Hackberry Girls, Miss Gina and Miss Anne, during our condo community garage sale on Saturday.  At least one carport on every street had a sale going!  Now, noble readers, grab your tissues, cause this is where you learn of the sacrifices your DIVA had to make: 1.  Had to be up and going at 7:40 am on a SATURDAY MORNING!!  2.  The temperature dropped from the 50's to the 40's.  3.  About two hours into the sale, the rain started.  I KNOW I should be immediately designated for saint hood .. I'm just waiting for my Fed Ex letter from the Vatican!

Anyway, although the rain cut down on the amount of potential buyers, Miss Gina was still able to make $50+.  

Sooooo, I want to send a HUGE shout out to Miss Gina, for letting us use her carport, her stickers, and keeping us awake; to Miss Anne for the company and hot chocolate [even though she did buy the Batman doll I had my eye on ]; to Deal or No Deal Miss Diana for the brunch goodies and Miss Peggy for the company and kerosene lamp!

After the nail biting high drama of the garage sale [ie .. Miss Diana stating, "When you're ready to work with me, I'll be back!], I decided to visit a calmer environment .. Target on a cold Saturday afternoon, two weeks before Halloween!

30 minutes later I escaped from the madness with some household items and a costume for Mr. Man.  Below is a sneak peek:

He looks beyond thrilled!  Bring that attitude to the runway, my little super model!

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. After yours truly, Call Him Miss Ross, was harshly scolded by Hackberry Diva-In-Training, Miss Gina, for not posting more pictures of Mr. Roscoe, I decided to let Mr. Man [pictured above on the floor, with his buddy, Peabody, who is in the chair] give the birthday shout outs:

1.  A Huge HAPPY [and belated] BIRTHDAY to our Real Estate Diva Supreme, Miss Peggy!  I hope that you had a fantastic birthday, and enjoy the new tv!  Thanks for letting my dad be a part of your birthday celebration with Miss Anne and Miss Gina.  And remember, if you get an i-phone, Daddy will be glad to talk your ears off.

2.  Super Size with a chocolate milk HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my friend [and Doobie's Mama] Jennifer, whose birthday is actually on Tuesday!  Happy number #29, although you don't look older than 21!  My Dad says, "Thank you for the great dinner .. with red velvet cake [he loves, loves, loves some cream cheese icing]."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADIES!

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. If you have read more than a few entries on my blog, you know I LOVE ME SOME Kathy Griffin!  The woman is incredibly talented and will not back down for anyone!  LOVE HER!  Anyway, in case you have not heard, guess who was Kathy's guest at the Teen Choice Awards??  None other than Bristol Palin's baby daddy, and "she's not a quitter" Sarah Palin's continual nightmare ….. LEVI JOHNSTON!!

Now dear readers [of the 2 or 3 that are out there], did I not mention that Levi is doing his best to extend those 15 minutes of fame?  His pairing with Kathy is just one more step toward his own reality show!

And as for Kathy .. PURE GENIUS to show up with a guy who is 19 years younger, and from a family that she tears apart on Larry King Live!

In other news, and this may only be important to me, but has anybody realized how many big music DIVAS have new recordings that come out in September?  Whitney Houston [from what I've heard sounds damn good], Mariah [you're on fire!], Streisand [going the standards / jazz route], Madonna [releasing her big greatest hits package, before jumping to Live Nation] and Colton Ford .. ok I added that one, but one look at that body and DAMNNNNNNNN!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. It has been almost a week since my last post.  BAD Miss Ross!  BAD Miss Ross!  But, I have an excuse, .. work has been wearing my supermodel who turned their celebrity into a non-existent singing career OUT!!  Hear that Naomi Campbell??

Anywhoo, I know it is time to get back on the blogging wagon.  And I want to start off by giving a HUGE SHOUT OUT to my new neighborhood friends, "THE HACKBERRY GIRLS!"  HAYYYYY to Gina, Anne, Cindy, Peggy and honorary Hackberry, Diana!  Of course, Gina had to give me some lip about not mentioning the Fourth of July party the Hackberrys threw a few weeks ago.  Just who do these ladies think they are??  All that and a bag of chips .. Cool Ranch Doritos??  Soooo .. Yes, the ladies threw a great Fourth party, that was actually held on the third.  Apparently, I live in a town that likes to defy nature and celebrate our nation on a date different from the rest of the U.S.A.!  Once again, a huge HAYYYYY to the Hackberrys!

As you can see the photo above, Mr. Man is relaxing after a busy morning of get up daddy, go out, eat breakfast, get back into bed with daddy, continue the destruction of one of his new toys, back out again, and then an afternoon treat!

QUESTION! .. and I know that I have talked about this before, but not sure if I have shared on the blog, but how many of your neighbors or acquaintances know you due to your pet and not your name?  I have met so many of my neighbors due to Mr. Man's nightly walks.  This has been a great way to meet my neighbors, but, now I am known more as .. "Hey, there's Roscoe!  Hey Roscoe!  And hey to YOU.  Yes, YOU, who are holding Roscoe's leash.  I know YOU have a name and probably a soul, but what is it?"

Yes, my identity has been reduced to, "hey there's that guy that walks Roscoe," or "hey, that's Roscoe's owner."  No wonder Judy was so ready to get rid of Toto after returning from OZ!  But I love my Mr. Bossy Pants!

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

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Major Shout Out to the True Colors Theatre Company, for their incredible production of FOR COLORED GIRLS ……..!  I had the opportunity to see the show tonight with my friend A.B., and after the curtain call, we were both left with "WOW!"

In addition to the performance, we stayed for the talk back with Jasmine Guy and all the actresses.

I had heard monologues from FOR COLORED GIRLS .. for many years, but never had the chance to see a production.  True Colors' decision to have Jasmine Guy direct was truly inspired.  The actresses [four of whom had worked with Jasmine before] knew the women they were portraying, not just reciting lines in order to get through the Sunday night performance.  I have to mentioned Nevaina Rhodes and Crystal Fox as the two actresses that stood out the most.  These ladies KNOW HOW TO ACT!!

During the talk back, someone asked if they thought the message of the play had changed since the original production in 1974.  Two of the actresses remarked that subjects such as rape and abortion were no longer issues that people did not acknowledge [but everyone knew existed].  However, another actress stated that the play was not written during the time of AIDS and lesbianism within the African American community.  So, Ntozake, we need FOR COLORED GIRLS part two! 

This is the second production I have seen at True Colors .. and both times, I have left very impressed.  People in Atlanta!  This is a theatre company with some incredible talent!  AND they have the best damn Marketing Director in town, Jenn Dwyer!

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