Barack Your World!

Presidential Debate

I'm anticipating an interesting debate or conversation tonight. If John McCain doesn't show up, Senator Obama will hold a Town Hall meeting if McCain decides not to attend.

By current reports, Barack still has a lead over Senator McCain in the polls. Would he really be dumb enough not to go down to Ole Miss and debate his opponent? Seems funny to me McCain said he was suspending his campaign, but there were at least three McCain commercials on during Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy last night. What happened to no ads???

Tonight will be hectic. Between dividing my time celebrating with Tamodi's for her birthday, stopping in to see Arturo, and helping Miss T prep for yard sale tomorrow, I'll catch the debates. There's a feeling of anticipation in the air...Barack mesmerizes me. Like many other Americans, I sit in awe at his oratory skills, knowledge, and passion.

Barry Knows

"With respect to the debates, it’s my belief that this is exactly the time when the American people need to hear from the person who, in approximately 40 days, will be responsible for dealing with this mess. And I think that it is going to be part of the president’s job to deal with more than one thing at once. I think there’s no reason why we can’t be constructive in helping to solve this problem and also tell the American people what we believe and where we stand and where we want to take the country."

-Senator Barack Obama

Barry knows the deception! He's a smart individual, takin' care o' business, his and ours, not falling McCain aggressive distractions. Senator Obama had a 10% lead in the polls yesterday. Not sure where he stands today. All I know is I'm feelin' mighty anxious. My faith in America waivers, but never in God...If it's His will Barack Obama wins, then Barry will be our next President of these here United States. No ands, ifs, or buts about it.

"Yes, I'm Gay"

Was there ever any doubt? No big news here.

Now before folks get on the Clay Aiken bashing bandwagon, let me throw my two cents in. Clay Thank God, literally, you came to accept yourself as who you are.

As we all know, the road to self-acceptance for folks who sleep with the same gender usually ain't easy. Society, family, friends, hell, even the gay community makes it difficult. Remember the backlash N'stink boy band member Lance Bass was welcomed to when he came out?

Queer folks will bitch at you for being in the closet, then denigrate and hate when you finally do kick open the door, wondering why it took so long. Where's the happy medium? Is there any wonder why people stay in denial?

Whatever Clay's impetus to come clean, I only hope he can find peace and happiness. I'm not a fan, but now is the time to embrace his decision, welcome him into the fold, and show love. No chastising. No criticism. No dirty words. No negativity. Period. Now is the time for unity, support, and encouragement.

So from me to you, Clay...Welcome.

Thoughts Before Bed

I need to get my arse to bed, but I've got the midnight munchies. Shame, really, because there isn't a thing in the house to snack on. Yeah, I could eat a piece o' fruit, but my sugar tooth is screaming for chocolate! So to prevent myself from raiding the fridge, I hopped on to blog a thought or two. Not much is going on in my world in a few days.

As much as I love summer, I'm grateful autumn came. There's something titillating about Fall. The changing leaves, football games, cooler temps, apple cider, chili, my mum's homemade soups... makes me nostalgic!

Waking up the past few mornings, it's been crisp. My car was frosted over this morning when I left for physical therapy and rehab. While it's not cold enough to turn on the heat, temps dropped into the low 50s, high 40s, requiring heavier blankets. No more sleeping in just boxers and t-shirts; time to drag out the flannel sweats.

In other areas, Artie and I are still talkin'; finally got to meet up for our lunch date. That went well. He's a good guy, small, funny, intelligent, and from our short conversations and meetings, I can tell he gets me. I found out, though, Arturo discovered my (d'oh!) blog. Not sure what embarrassing confessions he's read, but I'm denying everything! Hehehe. I'm hiding all the bodies in the garage! Ha! No, I know he knows I'm just being real. It's a bit unnerving because he potentially knows waaay more about me than I him, but he still seems interested. And hey, if it doesn't work out, at least I gained a new friend, right?

Soooooo.... my discussion about Arturo will be limited out respect for his privacy. Not a problem. Actually, I've contemplated stop blogging altogether (at least on the Axe). Possibly might merge my two endeavors, Chocolate Salsa and Weilding The Axe, into one new blogging venture. Juggling two blogs is a bit tedious, and besides, not many people are reading. I feel obligated to write a post at least every other day, yet my life is too bland. My words too inept to express what's rattling around in my brain. Every time I go to blog about something in pop or political culture, somebody else has penned it better. I dunno. We'll see what happens.

Combining the two blogs will kill readership with my friends who read at work or who are straight guys. A merger with Chocolate Salsa would expose my straight counterparts to, gasp, penises other than their own! Oh the horror! Can't imagine my straight buddies, no matter how confident in their sexuality, dealing too well with perpetual displays of penises. While most of the women I know aren't preoccupied with seeing one, caring that it works and does the job right, I know they wouldn't be offended by a dick! So what to do???


-DT

Get Outta Bed!

A'ight fellas, it's Monday. There's no denying it. Time to get up outta bed and get ready for the new work week. I'm blessed this morning and have nothing to complain about. I hope your day goes just as well. Be well folks!

Just Because He's Black....

I caught a glimpse of McCain on CNN giving a speech blaming everything and anything currently wrong in the US due to Barack Obama.

"What an old, out-of-touch bastard," I thought to myself. Listening to his nasally voice whine how he'll do this so much better or do that so much more efficiently, I was disgusted.

McCain blatantly lied how Obama would increase taxes, worsen the economy, cause further unemployment, etc, etc, etc. I couldn't listen.

With 46 days left until the Presidential Election, my patience is wearing thin. The sad thing is I'm pretty convinced people are going to elect McCain as the next president. I'm losing hope! In addition, CNN also recently aired one McCain supporter sentiments about Senator Obama, "Well I could see myself voting for no colored man. What do they know about change? The only change they know about is the one in their cup."

Isn't that nice? Well if some folks are gonna vote for McCain because he's white, he's a reason to vote for Barack Obama, just because he's black....

Just Because He's Black.

A white man asked his black friend, "Are you voting for Barack Obama just because he's black?"

The black man responded by saying, "Why not? Hell, in this country men are pulled over everyday just cause they're black; passed over for promotions just cause they're black; considered to be criminals just cause they're black; and there are going to be thousands of you who won't be voting for him just because he's black! However, you do not seem to have a problem with that!

This country was built with the sweat and whip off the black slaves' back, and now a relative of those same slaves has a chance to lead the same country, where we weren't even considered to be people, where we weren't allowed to be educated, drink from the same water fountains, eat in the same restaurants, or even vote.

So yes! I'm going to vote for him!

But it's not just because he's black, but because he is hope, he is change, and he now allows me to understand when my grandson says that he wants to be president when he grows up,it is not a but a short term goal. He now sees, understands and knows that he can achieve, withstand and do ANYTHING just because he's black!"

brother 2 brother

Democratic Party

This little animated gif is cropping up all over the 'Net. I first saw it on Jasmyne Cannick's blog and most recently Greg posted it on his. I love it! Gives me the warm fuzzies inside everytime I stare at this little number. Course, Jasmyne had the accompanying music, Kool and the Gang's Celebration, tagging along with the gif.

certainly hope this is what Obama and company'll be doing on November 5th.

Hang Up That Phone!

OMG! Dontchu hate it when people call in for the $1000 Cash Call on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and don't know all three numbers????

If you don't know 'em all, don't bother to call, dammit! WTF!

Is He The Village Idiot?

Lawd have mercy! I shudder to mention this story about Dallas Maverick player Josh Howard and his latest controversy. In fact, I won't.

Do a Google or a YouTube Search for his comments... Dummy. Don't realize in the information and technology age, nothing stays quiet or hidden?

I Really Am Not Sure

Decided to display some raw emotion I'm going through tonight and publish an edited email I recently sent to a buddy. Normally, I wouldn't share my correspondence, seems a little disrespectful. Yet the following snippet been simmering on the back burner and I figure I might as well come clean with on The Axe.

Don't blast me outta water on this. I'm just feelin' my way through. I got mixed emotions over Arturo and where things could go. There's still unresolved business with Napoleon, our nasty friendship-ending break up, and all the ensuing drama he put me through. Plus, I put myself back on the celibacy wagon, and wouldn't you know there's an unattainable individual (not Artie) in my life who's makin' me horny as Hell.

The search for real sustenance in world that offers only fast-food relationships is not an easy one. This is the place where I'm at tonight. It's not a morose or maudlin place, just a quixotic one.

"I'm OK, I suppose.. been feelin' out of the game for a few days, but I'm fakin' it until I make it, you know? Loneliness is a real bitch. When I asked you that stuff the other week about D****, I was curious if you felt real love or if it was just love Jones through the dick. To be honest, the more I question it, I don't think a sustaining love between two men is possible. Flings are all that we truly can have. Men are too disloyal or not willing to invest in one another emotionally. I'm not talkin' masculine or feminine roles, just I don't think we're designed or adept to be that real with one another like we are with the sistas. Love can be between a man and a woman, or between two women, but with us? Men {seem to be true respect, honesty, commitment and} wanna mark their place and be the Alpha male. Even fem guys want to be the "Queen Bee" so to speak.

Nah, you don't wanna know what's up, cause unfortunately it involves a tiny bit a drama (and I feel ya on the whole drama thing, it ain't worth it!) Just at a crossroads where I want to drink and eat at the same source... have my good sexin' and lovin' from the same person...

Is that possible?"

Catchin' Up With Life

Well, the weekend flew in and flew out in a moment's notice it seems. Why do weekends go faster than the weekdays, huh? I'd seriously like to know!

Most of my plans went awry...had to cancel out on Arturo due to lack of money, postponed seeing the "Family That Preys" for the same reason, and I ended up housing sitting, but it's all good! God got me to church and Artie and I rescheduled lunch for later this coming week. It'll even be his treat. I'll take that!

I also managed to catch up with my blog reading. Thanks to Greg, I subscribed to Feedly Blog Reader, which gathers all your blog posts in one convenient place. It cuts down time significantly.

Damn, I was way behind. Y'all shared some intriguing thoughts and situations! Your eloquent way of writing makes The Axe come across as juvenile prattle. Toddy, Darius, Greg, Corey, Darian, Chet, Aaron, Vince, and Cocoa Rican... I'm speechless. The ups, downs, triumphs, break-ups, heartache, the joy... just the feeling each of you put into your blogs. I'm envious, given my current circumstances (pure and unadulterated boredom) with life, a little drama, good or bad, would be appreciated.

Three posts stand out in the forefront of my mind, Corey's piece on Fathers and Gay Sons and two bites Darian did; one on Bobby Blake's stance on effeminate men and the other a snippet from Southern Voice reporter Ryan Lee's article on Katt Williams "outing" Dorian Wilson. If you haven't caught up with either Corey's or Darian's posts, go check 'em out, then come back.

I'll comment on Corey in forthcoming blog, later. I'll say this much for now, Corey brought home the message and it caused reflection on past issues in my own life. (Yo! Brother I didn't forget about my assignment either. I'm still workin' on it.) For the moment though, I'm compelled mostly to sound off on Bobby Blake and Katt Williams.

First, Bobby Blake has to be the ugliest man in creation! He's just a big ole piece of meat (and not the good kind). He ain't sexy in my opinion. Not even hardly! I watched the clip attached with the post and brother didn't come across too powerfully masculine to me. While not flaming, brother has a gay vibe. I'm not interest in shit this ugly mofo has to say.

Second, Katt Williams. OK, he's somewhat funny, I'll admit that. But excuse me for a second if I call him out and question his own sexuality. Doesn't it strike you odd he's pointing fingers? He seems a little "family"-ish at times, in fact, I just assumed he was "acting" straight to advance his career. I don't know if Katt is married or has kids or anything, but we all know that shit doesn't mean nuthin' in this day in age. It never did.

Maybe Katt's "queer" vibe is a part of his routine meant to enhance jocularity. Whatever. I've only seen a handful of his specials, so I'm not sure what his shtick is. Katt's sexually questionable role in "First Sunday" came across too convincing, so who the hell is he to assume on any one's sexuality? I realize he's acting, but I still get the "vibe." Just my thought.

When are folks gonna stop hatin' on other folks for being different then themselves? I did go to church today, so lemme shut up 'fore I negate my own argument. There's nothing else pertinent on my mind, so I won't waste more words by rambling.

If You Only Believe

Friday is finally here folks. Thank God is right. For some reason this week seemed incredulously tedious and long. But it's a'ight cause we made it through and endured the storms, didn't we? Praise God!

You know I need to take my butt to church this weekend and give proper thanks for His Blessings. Amen!

Weekend plans are underway. This afternoon I'm meeting up with Arturo for lunch, tomorrow I'm plannin' on seeing Tyler Perry's "The Family That Preys," (the spelling "Prey" is correct, as Tyler emphasized this morning on Tom Joyner, while promoting the film) and as mentioned, Sunday will find my butt in a church pew. A'ight now!

Tyler Perry is a brother in action. Go on TP! Didn't realize Tyler is only a coupla months older 'an me. He mentioned his 39th birthday is this weekend. Damn, 39? OK, so if Tyler Perry can make his dreams come true, what's my excuse? Huh!?! Time to get off my ass and get in motion! My dreams of starting my own restaurant can be a reality if I only apply myself. There's still time.

Speaking of motion, this morning is movin' fast! Whew. I lost track of time when I sat down for coffee, started blogging, and listened to Barack speak on the TJMS. Talk about gettin the day started off on the good foot. I could listen to Barack speak all day long! Somehow, some way, this man needs to win the November election. Barack has got what it takes to be President! Brother is full of passion, faith, hope, and conviction! Preach it B!

Did anyone see Sarah Palin's interview last night? I caught parts of it. Lemme tell you, she was a dear caught in the headlights. Oh God help us! Open your eyes America. Don't be swayed or misguided. Please people! Hear Barack's message. Know he has a plan that will put our country back on track! But you know folk gonna do what they gonna do! Some people won't be convinced, no matter what, and'll continue to fall for the same old same old.

On a side note, my thoughts and prayers go out to my friends in Texas who need to evacuate as precaution for Hurricane Ike's arrival. I'm hearing this storm is gonna pack a wallop and is possibly nastier than Katrina or Rita. Ike has left a path of devastation and life lost in it's wake, so you know this one ain't no joke. E-mailed the French Fry Guy to keep me apprised on his sitch. Prayin' him and his will ride out this storm, literally.

My thoughts are with ya brotha! Hold on tight and holla soon!

9/11/2001

Where Is You? Where Is You At?

I've become too complacent with life lately, like I'm not living up to the challenge.

I'm not sure how to put into words what I'm thinking, I just know something seems to be missing. Perhaps it's time for a change of venue? Do I need to move to the big city again? Not sure. I do better in smaller communities, but living in New York, DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, some place large, would definitely put forth new opportunities. However, this would require stepping out of the box, outside of my comfort zone.

In order to grow and further expand my horizons, I need to be prepared to do difficult and uncomfortable changes. I'd like a better relationship to the communities I connect with and in my current situation, I'm left wanting. I don't like changes though. Yet life is too short to live in fear. And on that matter, what is it I'm afraid of? True independence? Success? Being alone? Ridicule for failure? Maybe all the above.

Change is necessary. Change is good. With God all things are possible if we truly believe, right? Perhaps this is a test of faith? Something to think and pray on in the days ahead.

My Concern

A few months ago I posted the picture to the right of Hill Harper wearing a Barack the Vote t-shirt. Photogreg loved the shirt (and Hill Harper) so much he ran out and got one for himself.

Not until recently did I know Hill Harper and Barack Obama are actually close associates. Found that out from watching the CNN special on Barack last weekend. Small world.

So, Barack is under fire for his "lipstick on a pig" comment? Sigh. More subterfuge! Everything and anything Senator Obama saying is being taken out of context and being used against him. I'm sure he in no way inferred the statement about Ms. Palin. However, it's enough controversy for the news media to jump all over the story and further stir the pot.

Sarah Palin agitates me for a number of reasons. She comes off as very sanctimonious and a bit of a religious zealot at that. I've been reading about her beliefs, some of which are very disturbing. Neither she or McCain are supporters of gay rights or equality.

Is there anyone within the LGBT community going to vote for a McCain-Palin ticket? I imagine there are a handful, but I implore those voting for McCain to know the issues. Know what they're bargaining for...no gay marriage, an attempt to undo Roe v. Wade, no gay adoption, further involvement in war... yadda, yadda, yadda. I don't trust John McCain or Sarah Palin. For those looking for a Hillary substitute in Sarah Palin, you're barking up the wrong tree. Senator Clinton is far removed from Governor Palin. I'm sure Palin relishes her gun-toting, anti-feminist, anti-homosexual, anti-religious diversity, right wing conservative politician status.

Palin has too many skeletons in her closet for my tastes.

More than a few folks in my circle are worried about Barack's chances gaining the election in November. While it's a concern for me, I've also told myself that McCain is going to win, so if Barack loses, then it won't be so much of a let down. However, I have faith. I've prayed the best candidate will win and hopefully that's Barack H. Obama. Regardless who wins, history will be made. And who knows? If the old guard gets the Oval Office, maybe McCain will enact on his new found "change" message.

One can only hope a McCain Administration won't take our country back to a time where gay men and women go running back into the closet, where women are getting back alley abortions, and other faiths have to worship in secret... Palin belongs to a Christian denomination who's key tenet is everyone of the world SHOULD BE Christian. As a Christian, I believe it's important to spread the Gospel, however, religious freedom is a fundamental right at the foundation of United States ideology. No one should be forced to accept Christianity.

McCain as President scares me. Palin as Vice President and a heartbeat away from the Presidency terrifies me!

Evening's Song

Listening to the chirping of crickets, grasshoppers, and other things that go bump in the night, I ponder where summer went? 2008 seems to be making a beeline for the history books, doesn't it? But as the old folks used to say, "enjoy each moment, each day while you're young. Life will start to go by quickly as the years pass." True.

The evenings are often my most reflective times. Winding down from the day, everything I coulda and shoulda done haunts me. I suppose everyone else gets like this too, huh?

Now it doesn't mean I get all maudlin or morose. No, not at all, but I might chastise myself for missed opportunities. But as my friend Marv is often fond of saying, "Regret is like peeing on yourself. It's messy and it serves no real purpose." Again, true. So true.

This evening, I'm thinking of Grace and Providence. Instead of being too wrapped up in things I cannot control, I accept the things I can, and thank God for blessings He has given me. The situation could always be worse. Life turns on a dime and nothing is guaranteed. I'm learning to be thankful for what I have right here, right now. When I stop and think, I have everything I need right now. Yeah, I might not have all that I want, but God has provided everything I need.
Besides, to quote my mum, "You're old enough to not let your warns hurt you."

I can tell I'm getting older. I keep quoting the wisdom that irritated me as a youth! Perhaps it means I'm on the right path after all. My daddy used to say"Tomorrow is never promised to anyone. Live for today, save for tomorrow." Meaning take advantage of what you have in the moment. Don't wait for that magical someday for everything to be perfect...

Yeah, I'm rambling, but it makes sense in my head. Maybe you catch my drift and understand where I'm comin' from tonight? If so, these words are meant to inspire you as much as myself.

T.J. Holmes

This post goes out to the French Fry Texan, as promised....

Perhaps one of the best news anchors in broadcast media (in my humble opinion), T.J. Holmes is one damn fine-ass looker. You can catch him on CNN Weekend Morning Edition Saturday and Sundays. Two of the photographs below picture T. J. with his weekend co-host Betty Nguyen and also interviewing actress Victoria Rowell.

T.J. had been dating Chili from TLC awhile back, not sure if they still are or not, and I read he has a daughter. Who care's if he's straight?!? While it may cause some sexual frustration, it never hurts to look. Or fantasize. Right, Fry-guy?

Now I can hear Hester's voice in my head even as I type this. She'll read this tomorrow and accuse "Oh God, Not another pretty boy!" Given her tastes for rough looking dirty boys, our tastes in men differ significantly. Yet, I challenge my sister to catch T.J. this weekend, listen to that smooth as silk voice of his for 10 seconds, then form an opinion. He's the total package, baby!

What say the rest of you about Mr. Holmes?

Absence

Despite historical markers these last two weeks, there was no significant contribution I could blog. Quite honestly, desire faded and I got a serious case of "lazy." My new health regiment started and when I get home in the afternoon, all I wanna do is sleep. In many ways, I feel like I went back to work!

So how y'all been? Haven't read anybody's blog in days and am behind in your thoughts. Thanks go out to a couple buds who keep in contact through email when they don't hear from yours truly in a while. Biggest thanks go to a certain French Fry lovin' Texan! Gotta special post for you later bruh...

Wow! Weren't the last two weeks inspiring? The Democratic Convention, Barack's acceptance speech, McCain picking a woman for Veep, the Republican Convention...so much going on in the country. The political battle is on! Last night I watched a rerun of CNN's special Barack Obama Revealed. It gave clarification to a few things, made me question a thing or two, but over all gave more depth to the man...very insightful.

A question to anybody who watched both the Dems and Reps Conventions. First is it me or did Michelle Obama's brother Craig seem like "family" to anyone else besides me? I got that vibe. Second, Lindsay Graham...no more need be said! Creep factor indeed. I'll digress on comment about Sarah Palin. Let it be known though, folks, she's no Hillary substitute!

Regular blog posts resume as of today. I'll try to catch up with my opinions on current events, including personal life moments, soon as I can.