Booty, Beauty, Butterflies and Ugly Betty!

Yes, my alliteration is out of control this week. And I'm blissin' out on joy, which is not as easy as it sounds since I'm having a difficult week. Stomach and health issues, plus my dad just went into the hospital and may have cancer, and I can't seem to switch off the "monkey mind," as the Buddhists call it.

So last night I finally got around to watching the series finale of "Ugly Betty," and it was great. I will definitely miss this gem of a show. As the last scene faded, a song played that I had never heard before--and I instantly recognized the voice as that of Macy Gray. But the lyrics--at once funny and inspiring--stuck in my head. The song is "Beauty in the World," and it was the perfect ending for "Ugly Betty," and it's the perfect song for me to hear right now.

In the song, Macy sings about seeing the beauty of the world in spite of all the bad news, about noticing things like butterflies, for example. How fitting that the promos for the last season of "Ugly Betty" included butterflies, a symbol of transformation!

Just some excerpts of the lyrics:

All they talk about is
What is going down?
What’s been messed up, for us?
When I look around,
I see blue skies,
I see butterflies,
for us.

Listen to the sound and lose it,
Its sweet music,
and dance with me.
There is beauty in the world,
So much beauty in the world,
Always beauty in the world.

And you gotta love a song that contains this line:

Shake your booty, boys and girls,
for the beauty in the world!

Booty, Beauty, Butterflies and Ugly Betty!

Yes, my alliteration is out of control this week. And I'm blissin' out on joy, which is not as easy as it sounds since I'm having a difficult week. Stomach and health issues, plus my dad just went into the hospital and may have cancer, and I can't seem to switch off the "monkey mind," as the Buddhists call it.

So last night I finally got around to watching the series finale of "Ugly Betty," and it was great. I will definitely miss this gem of a show. As the last scene faded, a song played that I had never heard before--and I instantly recognized the voice as that of Macy Gray. But the lyrics--at once funny and inspiring--stuck in my head. The song is "Beauty in the World," and it was the perfect ending for "Ugly Betty," and it's the perfect song for me to hear right now.

In the song, Macy sings about seeing the beauty of the world in spite of all the bad news, about noticing things like butterflies, for example. How fitting that the promos for the last season of "Ugly Betty" included butterflies, a symbol of transformation!

Just some excerpts of the lyrics:

All they talk about is
What is going down?
What’s been messed up, for us?
When I look around,
I see blue skies,
I see butterflies,
for us.

Listen to the sound and lose it,
Its sweet music,
and dance with me.
There is beauty in the world,
So much beauty in the world,
Always beauty in the world.

And you gotta love a song that contains this line:

Shake your booty, boys and girls,
for the beauty in the world!

Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug" is a Shamanic Head Trip

This is what I get for turning to YouTube to help myself wake up on a dreary Tuesday. It's been said that poplet Ke$ha is the poor man's Lady Gaga because she keeps reaching in the same direction but never quite gets there. I would agree, but Ke$ha's songs are catchy and full of humor, so she can't be all bad.

But girl goes all shamanic in her latest video for "Your Love Is My Drug." (Couldn't post it so you'll have to follow the link.) It's obviously inspired by the 70s, too. For most of it, she jumps around in the desert (California, I'm assuming), but then there's a real elephant plus some chick with a tiger mask (animal totem?), so it could be anywhere (Africa, Asia?). She's with some guy who looks like Jesus, and they're both dressed hippie-like (no body glitter this time). More animal shape-shifting, and then Ke$ha turns into a mermaid before dancing around in some hippie net shawl thingy.

Watch carefully for Native American symbolism, and I think I caught Australian Aboriginal symbols, too. For a second, Ke$ha's even wearing bird feathers. Her shamanic "money shot," so to speak, comes when the lights go out and she's wearing glow-in-the-dark body paint with markings reminiscent of tribal peoples (Africa, maybe?). Then she dances around with a giant snake, a la Britney.

Yeah, it's a great big mish-mash and the song itself is mindless pop. Of course, I'm sure it was cooked up in a marketing meeting about "trends." Still, I like to see this kind of symbolism pop up, and I think it lodges in people's psyches and helps open them up to things that are ultimately more meaningful.

Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug" is a Shamanic Head Trip

This is what I get for turning to YouTube to help myself wake up on a dreary Tuesday. It's been said that poplet Ke$ha is the poor man's Lady Gaga because she keeps reaching in the same direction but never quite gets there. I would agree, but Ke$ha's songs are catchy and full of humor, so she can't be all bad.

But girl goes all shamanic in her latest video for "Your Love Is My Drug." (Couldn't post it so you'll have to follow the link.) It's obviously inspired by the 70s, too. For most of it, she jumps around in the desert (California, I'm assuming), but then there's a real elephant plus some chick with a tiger mask (animal totem?), so it could be anywhere (Africa, Asia?). She's with some guy who looks like Jesus, and they're both dressed hippie-like (no body glitter this time). More animal shape-shifting, and then Ke$ha turns into a mermaid before dancing around in some hippie net shawl thingy.

Watch carefully for Native American symbolism, and I think I caught Australian Aboriginal symbols, too. For a second, Ke$ha's even wearing bird feathers. Her shamanic "money shot," so to speak, comes when the lights go out and she's wearing glow-in-the-dark body paint with markings reminiscent of tribal peoples (Africa, maybe?). Then she dances around with a giant snake, a la Britney.

Yeah, it's a great big mish-mash and the song itself is mindless pop. Of course, I'm sure it was cooked up in a marketing meeting about "trends." Still, I like to see this kind of symbolism pop up, and I think it lodges in people's psyches and helps open them up to things that are ultimately more meaningful.

What I'm Listening to Right Now: My Chemical Romance

Their music may be a bit frenetic (and "young," I hate to say it) for my tastes, but I do like this song, "Welcome to the Black Parade," from My Chemical Romance.

Groovy video: very Mexican-Day-of-the-Dead. Yep, I love the band's look. I need to start dressing like this every day...

What I'm Listening to Right Now: My Chemical Romance

Their music may be a bit frenetic (and "young," I hate to say it) for my tastes, but I do like this song, "Welcome to the Black Parade," from My Chemical Romance.

Groovy video: very Mexican-Day-of-the-Dead. Yep, I love the band's look. I need to start dressing like this every day...

Ricky Martin Is GAY?!

Indulge me for a moment--but, what?! He's homosexual?! You MUST be kidding! I'm SHOCKED! How could this be? I had NO idea!

Ok, I feel better now. In all honesty and sincerity, I'm pleased as punch that Ricky has decided to come out and tell us what most of the world has known, or at least suspected, for a long while now. So this isn't really news, but "yay" for him and his kids.

As a tip o' the hat to the ever-sexy Mr. Martin, enjoy a live performance of "Livin La Vida Loca." Damn, I loved this song. Even have to admit that I once danced to it with a client at a dinner/conference thingy. Could've been worse!

Ricky Martin Is GAY?!

Indulge me for a moment--but, what?! He's homosexual?! You MUST be kidding! I'm SHOCKED! How could this be? I had NO idea!

Ok, I feel better now. In all honesty and sincerity, I'm pleased as punch that Ricky has decided to come out and tell us what most of the world has known, or at least suspected, for a long while now. So this isn't really news, but "yay" for him and his kids.

As a tip o' the hat to the ever-sexy Mr. Martin, enjoy a live performance of "Livin La Vida Loca." Damn, I loved this song. Even have to admit that I once danced to it with a client at a dinner/conference thingy. Could've been worse!

Official "Telephone" Video by Lady Gaga and Beyonce Is Out!

And it is off the hook! It's really a mini-movie: think "Kill Bill" meets "Thelma & Louise." Click here to view it on YouTube.

Gaga has some fierce phone fashion for the gays, a lesbian prison fantasy for, well, the lesbians, and plenty of g-string dancing for the fellas. In one scene, she's wearing only strips of "crime scene" tape!

She also sports some sunglasses made out of--get this--cigarettes! And they're actually lit! Plus, the "Kill Bill" Pussy Wagon is back! Girl is crazy.

Gaga and "Honey-B"

Official "Telephone" Video by Lady Gaga and Beyonce Is Out!

And it is off the hook! It's really a mini-movie: think "Kill Bill" meets "Thelma & Louise." Click here to view it on YouTube.

Gaga has some fierce phone fashion for the gays, a lesbian prison fantasy for, well, the lesbians, and plenty of g-string dancing for the fellas. In one scene, she's wearing only strips of "crime scene" tape!

She also sports some sunglasses made out of--get this--cigarettes! And they're actually lit! Plus, the "Kill Bill" Pussy Wagon is back! Girl is crazy.

Gaga and "Honey-B"

A River Runs Through My Life

 

The creek in Latham Grove, photographed in summer 2009

Funny how we overlook themes or connections--streams, if you will--in our lives. Then they sneak up on us and say, "Duh--hello!" That happened to me this morning on my walk. A large creek runs through Latham Grove, where I live, flowing north through the city until it empties into a larger river outside of town. The creek is one reason why I moved here, but it wasn't until about 30 minutes ago that I remembered an older connection I have to this creek.

It shouldn't be surprising, since I've always been drawn to water. Lakes in my childhood, an ocean and a major river while in college in Florida, the creek in Brandtlund Grove and now here.

My little revelation just hit me out of the blue, as these things do. The creek is part of 2 city parks, and my first connection emerged not quite 20 years ago when I got my first real job here. I had an hour commute since I was living elsewhere, and since I had little money, I would pack my lunch and leave the office to get some air. Just a few blocks away was this park and creek, what I now call Latham Grove. I could park my car and see the creek and lots of green space. I would eat, read and think. Now that I think back, it was a difficult time in my life since I was just coming to terms with being gay. This park--this creek--provided safety and rest along my spiritual journey.

I probably visited the park only for a year, maybe two. Now here I am again. I can walk from my apartment all the way to where I once parked my car to eat, read and think. I can look out my front upstairs window and see this same creek as it makes it way north. Once again it's a place of safety, rest and healing. So I stood by the creek this morning, taking this all in and feeling grateful, so grateful.

A river runs through my life.

With that in mind, here's "River of Love" by Sam Phillips, a favorite from my college days.

A River Runs Through My Life

 

The creek in Latham Grove, photographed in summer 2009

Funny how we overlook themes or connections--streams, if you will--in our lives. Then they sneak up on us and say, "Duh--hello!" That happened to me this morning on my walk. A large creek runs through Latham Grove, where I live, flowing north through the city until it empties into a larger river outside of town. The creek is one reason why I moved here, but it wasn't until about 30 minutes ago that I remembered an older connection I have to this creek.

It shouldn't be surprising, since I've always been drawn to water. Lakes in my childhood, an ocean and a major river while in college in Florida, the creek in Brandtlund Grove and now here.

My little revelation just hit me out of the blue, as these things do. The creek is part of 2 city parks, and my first connection emerged not quite 20 years ago when I got my first real job here. I had an hour commute since I was living elsewhere, and since I had little money, I would pack my lunch and leave the office to get some air. Just a few blocks away was this park and creek, what I now call Latham Grove. I could park my car and see the creek and lots of green space. I would eat, read and think. Now that I think back, it was a difficult time in my life since I was just coming to terms with being gay. This park--this creek--provided safety and rest along my spiritual journey.

I probably visited the park only for a year, maybe two. Now here I am again. I can walk from my apartment all the way to where I once parked my car to eat, read and think. I can look out my front upstairs window and see this same creek as it makes it way north. Once again it's a place of safety, rest and healing. So I stood by the creek this morning, taking this all in and feeling grateful, so grateful.

A river runs through my life.

With that in mind, here's "River of Love" by Sam Phillips, a favorite from my college days.

More of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance with ... SATAN!

Yep, more pop stars in league with Satan. Couldn't pass this one up. It's sinfully delicious! What makes it so funny are the misspellings throughout the video. I mean, if someone is bright enough to expose Gaga's dealings with Beelzebub, wouldn't you think they could also spell correctly? Maybe it's just me...

As far as I'm concerned, if the Haus of Gaga is really some kind of Satanic cult, well, sign me up! But it all reminds me of crap I used to hear about rock music while growing up in a Christian school. Look, if all of this were true, why hasn't Satan destroyed us yet? Guess even Lucifer himself can't get good help these days.

More of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance with ... SATAN!

Yep, more pop stars in league with Satan. Couldn't pass this one up. It's sinfully delicious! What makes it so funny are the misspellings throughout the video. I mean, if someone is bright enough to expose Gaga's dealings with Beelzebub, wouldn't you think they could also spell correctly? Maybe it's just me...

As far as I'm concerned, if the Haus of Gaga is really some kind of Satanic cult, well, sign me up! But it all reminds me of crap I used to hear about rock music while growing up in a Christian school. Look, if all of this were true, why hasn't Satan destroyed us yet? Guess even Lucifer himself can't get good help these days.

Wanted: Job with the Illuminati or Other Well-Connected World Conspiracy

If you don't lurk in certain darkened corners of the Net like I tend to do, you may not be aware of the static being generated by a few pop stars and their videos, particularly Lady Gaga and Jay-Z. Seems people either think they're brainwashing us all with secret, sinister Masonic or Illuminati symbols. Or, like over at The Secret Sun, it's all just talentless pop stars being managed by more intelligent handlers who are exploiting said symbolism for money.

The Wild Hunt offers some good details, including this video--which proposes such sloppy connections that it's laughable.

But wait--that's their PLAN, isn't it!? To make us think they're foolish and harmless--that's how the brainwashing works!

Seriously, all I know is that Gaga and Jay-Z have gobs of money, so if the Illuminati or the Masons are looking for extras, call me. I'm available. Because whatever mojo you guys have seems to be working. Has for centuries, right? Use me, abuse me, make me rich! Or at least we'll have fun scaring all the Muggles!

Call me....

Wanted: Job with the Illuminati or Other Well-Connected World Conspiracy

If you don't lurk in certain darkened corners of the Net like I tend to do, you may not be aware of the static being generated by a few pop stars and their videos, particularly Lady Gaga and Jay-Z. Seems people either think they're brainwashing us all with secret, sinister Masonic or Illuminati symbols. Or, like over at The Secret Sun, it's all just talentless pop stars being managed by more intelligent handlers who are exploiting said symbolism for money.

The Wild Hunt offers some good details, including this video--which proposes such sloppy connections that it's laughable.

But wait--that's their PLAN, isn't it!? To make us think they're foolish and harmless--that's how the brainwashing works!

Seriously, all I know is that Gaga and Jay-Z have gobs of money, so if the Illuminati or the Masons are looking for extras, call me. I'm available. Because whatever mojo you guys have seems to be working. Has for centuries, right? Use me, abuse me, make me rich! Or at least we'll have fun scaring all the Muggles!

Call me....

Post-Thanksgiving Thankfulness

Because of the recent split with my partner, I was dreading the Thanksgiving holiday. However, things turned out well, in spite of all my worrying and fretting. My partner and I traditionally cook for my family--and he offered to do so again this year. I talked this over with some friends, and everyone said, "It's only lunch." Our counselor also suggested that, if we're serious about working on our relationship, we need to spend as much time together, especially during the holidays.

Well, Thanksgiving was great--good food, and no one had to get smacked with a drumstick! Also, the night before, I bought tickets for me and my partner to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert. Wow--way cool! Loved their Christmas show--and I think it made the heart in this ol' Grinchy Claus grow a whole 2 sizes that day!

Also managed to get in some leisurely, refreshing walks, a great motorcycle ride earlier today--and finished stripping wallpaper from one of the bathrooms. So much to be thankful for: good food, close friends and family, health, freedom to spend time as I choose, great fall weather, music and so on. There is still much in my life that is uncertain, but I can see that despite the uncertainty, I still have much for which to be thankful. I hope your holiday was as refreshing.

Post-Thanksgiving Thankfulness

Because of the recent split with my partner, I was dreading the Thanksgiving holiday. However, things turned out well, in spite of all my worrying and fretting. My partner and I traditionally cook for my family--and he offered to do so again this year. I talked this over with some friends, and everyone said, "It's only lunch." Our counselor also suggested that, if we're serious about working on our relationship, we need to spend as much time together, especially during the holidays.

Well, Thanksgiving was great--good food, and no one had to get smacked with a drumstick! Also, the night before, I bought tickets for me and my partner to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in concert. Wow--way cool! Loved their Christmas show--and I think it made the heart in this ol' Grinchy Claus grow a whole 2 sizes that day!

Also managed to get in some leisurely, refreshing walks, a great motorcycle ride earlier today--and finished stripping wallpaper from one of the bathrooms. So much to be thankful for: good food, close friends and family, health, freedom to spend time as I choose, great fall weather, music and so on. There is still much in my life that is uncertain, but I can see that despite the uncertainty, I still have much for which to be thankful. I hope your holiday was as refreshing.

Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"

I love this woman! This video is one of the craziest I've seen in a while. I'm sure you could analyze each frame to try and figure out what's going on in Gaga's head. It must take her forever to come up with these videos because there are so many details--it's like she's sending us an encrypted message! And I'm totally hooked.

Great ear- and eye-candy!

Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"

I love this woman! This video is one of the craziest I've seen in a while. I'm sure you could analyze each frame to try and figure out what's going on in Gaga's head. It must take her forever to come up with these videos because there are so many details--it's like she's sending us an encrypted message! And I'm totally hooked.

Great ear- and eye-candy!