Forever I Love Atlanta

Warm it up with...

2011-01-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

A Snowy Night…

2011-01-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

It is snowing hard and heavy outside. I am curled up on the coach, ipad in hand, a bowl of chili and cheese, watching Housewives of Atlanta. Like many queers, I love this show. I watch it every Sunday, while DVRing Brothers and Sisters. Atlanta, however, is not my favorite Housewives cast. I LOVE New York the most. I hope the new season is still good without Bethany.

I am so disappointed that the Colts are out of the playoffs, but luckily fellow blogger Raw Daddy gave me some photos to ease my pain. Check his blog out at http://rawleatherdaddy.blogspot.com/?zx=ef0276445dd94752.
Now, I am all about the Patriots. Yes, I forever love Atlanta, but I am not a fan of the Falcons. Since the Mick Vick Dog Eating incident and the team’s absolute condemnation of him, I lost my love for this franchise. This year will belong to Tom Brady and the Patriots!

Today, I finally got into Rupaul’s Drag Race. A marathon has been on all day. I am in love with Tyra Sanchez. She is beautifully delicious.

I am getting ready to read Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom. Anyone read this? Any thoughts?

Did you read it, yet?

2011-01-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

Each day, like some of you, I read blog after blog. While I often lack the time to post or reply to many, I have decided to post a blog of the week each Thursday. The blog of this week is Immanuel’s Confessions of a Downlow Brother. His most recent blog, located at http://downlowconfessions.blogspot.com/2011/01/tale-of-two-drug-users.html, provided an insight look into a world I have often heard of but never experienced.

Something Beautiful to Start the New Year...

2011-01-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

Pablo Neruda's "Ode to the Past"

Time
is divided into two rivers:
one
flows backward, devouring
life already lived;
the other
moves forward with you
exposing
your life.
For a single second
they may be joined.
Now.
This is that moment,
the drop of an instant
that washes away the past.
It is the present.
It is in your hands.
Racing, slipping,
tumbling like a waterfall.
But it is yours.
Help it grow
with love, with firmness
with stone and flight...

It's So Hard to Say Goodbye...

2011-01-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

And its hard to say goodbye my love...
Hard to open up that door when ur not sure wat ur going for
But weve got to grow
Weve got to try
though its hard so hard
-Lyrics from "Hard to Say Goodbye," Dreamgirls...

A new year means many things for many people. For some people, it’s about resolutions and promises. For others, it is an opportunity to start a new chapter.

While sitting at church for Watch Night Service, waiting anxiously for Tabernacle Baptist to get the show started, I checked my facebook and saw numerous posts admonishing 2010 in anticipation of 2011. While some people did not have a good 2010,
I can say with no doubt that 2010 was a great year. Yes, I was robbed at gunpoint and yes, I loss some friends and loved ones, but the goals I set and the plans I made came to fruition. I ended the year happy, healthy, and wiser than I would have ever imagined.

I think the year was good for our nation as well.

Universal healthcare became law and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell was repelled. The economy has started to rebound and the job market is slowly improving. Yes, the Republican Reich is in full swing and sadly, I remember the damage the GOP can do (why the rest of America forget is beyond me).

But after all is said, our world is better.

To be honest, I am afraid of the future. Things for me and so many I love are so uncertain. And I face this uncertainty with faith and with hope. I know tomorrow will be better than today, but I am still scared.

Auld Lane Syne...

2011-01-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

So what did you do for New Year’s?

I went to watch night service at Tabernacle Baptist Church.
I went to a party at the home of some guy I didn’t really know. The party was great, though. Live band, a basement with three levels, a dinner buffet followed by a breakfast buffet at 2 a.m… the party was hot.

Too bad the crowd wasn’t.

I didn't hang up... I just put you on hold...

2010-12-29T23:40:00.001-08:00

Writing has been my passion from the moment I was able to write. I remember buying tablets and filling them with my hard to read script. I remember drawing awful illustrations to go with my own versions of the Dick and Jane reader that I loved so much as a first grader. Writing is as essential to my existence as eating or praying. It took my ten year old niece to remind me of this.

For Christmas, she asked her uncle for a new diary because she filled out the last pages of her old one in November. When I thought about being ten and writing in a little diary, I remembered how important it was for me to write. The entire experience of buying her a new journal made me remember writing and blogging.

The entire experience made me think about why I started this blog in the first place. This blog is a chronicle of my life. Of loves and mishaps, of mistakes and missteps, this blog chronicles my imperfect stumble through life. It has been five years of writing for me as Corey and I realize that this is just the beginning of our long and special relationship.

I have missed you.

I didn’t hang up on you, dear reader…. I just put you on hold. I needed a break because life had taken me in a different direction. I completed my dissertation and my doctorate in August. After my trip to Chicago, I knew I needed to focus only on my dissertation, so that is what I did. After I finished in August, I thought I would go back to writing, but I needed a mental break. I still worked for two different schools, was busy applying for new jobs, and was focused on dating. I was so overwhelmed with life, that I was unable to write for pleasure.

In my time away, I have missed you so. But I am back and will continue to write as long as I have something to say… our time is now.

Mrs. Pewtersmith speaks... on Chicago!

2010-07-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I went to Chicago for the Taste of Chicago and black gay pride. It was an experience to say the least. I had a blast with fiends and family and thought about what to actually write in regards to describing the experience. I decided to use my newly deemed alter-ego (from NC Thomas), Mrs. Pewtersmith.

Mrs. Pewtersmith does not do mornings.
Honey, Mrs. Pewtersmith sleeps. And while some girls are up and at ‘em when the cock crows, at that time, Mrs. Pewtersmith is usually just turning over, dreaming about her cock crowing (um, is that a paradox?).

Now Thirsty is an early bird, and when those blinds opened at 8 and Mrs. Pewtersmith had just gotten in the bed at 8… oh no ma’am. That’s what 5 hour energies and other caffeine rich pills will do to you! Hmph. Mrs. Pewtersmith needs her beauty rest.

Mrs. Pewtersmith does not drive… she gets driven.
Okay, let Mrs. Pewtersmith clarify, honey. I was willing to drive, but no one allowed me to because they said I drive too slowly. Oh well. Some girls are just bred for chauffeuring.

Mrs. Pewtersmith was born for Michigan Avenue.
I loved (window) shopping in Chicago. The magnificent mile was amazing! And they had a huge ZARA. Mrs. Pewtersmith lived! She did not necessarily shop, but she did live…

Mrs. Pewtersmith will NOT have sex in the stairwell.
But someone else will. Hmph.

Mrs. Pewtersmith goes to Casinos to spend money… not win it.
Honey, some of the girls went to Harrah’s Horseshoe to get their bills paid (and cheers to you for your earnings), but Mrs. Pewtersmith goes for entertainment. I go in to play because I have money to play with. Hmph. And yes, I lost my 20 dollars, but hey, I had it to lose. No shade.

Mrs. Pewtersmith loves her friends!
Thanks so much to those old girls who went on the trip. I had a blast. Thanks to Thirsty for the invite, AJ and MJ for company on the road and in the room, Fee for always being the big brother and leader that he is, Fin Head for the laughs (Go to the wall, June. Go to the wall), Dees for the reads, Courtney for the memories, and Thomas for the entire experience. Ah… to be a Pewtersmith indeed comes with privileges.

Oh BET... you did it again...

2010-06-29T20:45:00.001-07:00

I know it's late but I am finishing a disseration so cut me a little slack...

So I was a little disappointed in this year’s BET Awards. While it was not as bad as last year’s, it was by no means as good as a few from year’s past.

It was too sweet of Trey Songz to bring his mom onstage with him when he won his award. So… did she have him when she was 12?

Nikki Minaj did a great job. She earned my respect. I still don’t like her. I feel as though she does not deserve her current props, but she really did a great job.

Puff Daddy turned it out! Great performance from a performer so played.

The Prince tribute was a fail and I was sooo looking forward to it. I have been listening to my Prince iphone mix for days. And what I got was this…

(Get yo fat a@@ off the furniture, ho!)

Patti is an icon. Icon’s don’t have to sing. It’s better we remember Patti not singing at the 2010 BET awards…

Oh, and am I the only one, but I thought El Dabarge was dead.

Oguchi Onyewu- It's men like this that make the World Cup worth my time!

2010-06-23T21:34:00.001-07:00

Just Another Weekend in the A...

2010-06-22T23:18:00.001-07:00

Professor Courtney and Thomas from North Carolina came to town for Thomas’ birthday. Our weekend went a little something like this…

Welcome to ATL… Let’s Have Lunch at Busy Bee Café

Busy Bee is an Atlanta soulfood staple. The fried chicken is legendary (in large part because it is soaked in a buttermilk batter overnight) and I wanted Courtney and Thomas to try it. Thomas loved the food. Courtney opted for healthier fare and ordered a plate of sliced tomatoes.

Friday Night at Blake’s
I am all about diversity and I have no problem partying with the white girls (and the black girls who love them). We hit up Blake’s, saw the awful drag show, and had a few drinks. It was a nice way to welcome guests to ATL.

Watching The Housewives of New York Reunion
Okay, so I totally missed out on this show but the reunion has me hooked. The season replays on Thursday and I plan to DVR each episode. Fee, Thomas, and Courtney were rolling at the sheninigans of the ladies. My favorites are Ramona and Kelly! They are a hoot and a holler!

The Greek Picnic

I skipped out on this bull$hit. I don’t believe in all this adult Greek garbage. I joined a NPHC organization to make a difference in my community, not to brag on letters and talk trash. Atlanta saw 94 degrees. To think I was going to be in a park with over 500 negroes strolling and hopping and screaming out calls is unbelievable. I was home taking a nap when those two were out somewhere crying skee-wee.

Michael’s Hot Birthday Pool Party
My friend Michael had a cute pool party in Lithonia. While Fee and the body girls got into the pool, I stayed in the cut and had a FEW drinks. Well, I got drunk. But it was a great time. I don’t know how much those six Hennessey and Sprites impacted it, but everyone seemed to echo my sentiments.

Saturday Night at Traxx
Okay… so Traxx is an Atlanta Icon! It really, really is… but it was an absolute mistake for us to go. Douglas, Fee, Courtney, Thomas, and I went… on my suggestion, but it was late as he!l. And I know.. I know… Traxx is for the young girls but in the new ATL, there is no other option for Saturday night fun.

Sunday Brunch at Chequers
We were supposed to eat at Pappaduex’s (and their New Orleans seafood brunch is Atlanta’s best) but it was father’s day (i.e. packed) so we (on Courtney’s request) ate at Chequers brunch. The food was mediocre. I was not pleased with the food or Courtney’s “I have not had a decent meal this entire trip” comment. Note when taken to Busy Bee he ordered a plate of got dam9ed tomatoes.

Sunday Night at the White Party

The annual Five Friends for Life White Party has consistently delivered a classy, upscale ATL event. This year’s party, held at downtown hot spot, Opera, was no exception. Great event and great end to a really enjoyable weekend.

I am thankful I am still here...

2010-06-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was held up at the ATM by my house. I was on the phone with Courtney when two black males (probably in their late teens, early twenties) ran up to my car. One ran to the front, the other to the back. Both had guns. I threw my hands up, and screamed, repeatedly, okay, okay, okay…

Only one of the thieves spoke. He took the cash I withdrew and snatched my phone out of my hand. He also took the phone charger. Then he told me to withdraw more money.

I put the atm card in but it was taking too long so he told me to give him my wallet, which was on the floor. I said, okay, and then he told me to get out of the car.

An avid Oprah watcher, I knew then that if I did that, it was over. YOU NEVER GET OUT OF THE CAR. I told him okay. My wallet, which was in my lap, had fallen to the floor. I bent over to get it, threw the car into drive and punched it. I stayed down and they did not fire. I made it away… alive.

You know your new guy is not a top when...

2010-06-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

So Courtney called me Monday to update me on his situation with his lover.
Courtney as you remember is my friend who teaches at a school in North Carolina and who was dating a student who attends the school.

Well, while he and the student still have sex (great, dirty, nasty sex according to his perspective), they broke up and he has recently met a new guy he is every excited about. They met in the barbershop and he had no idea the guy got down. They have had two dates and both ended with some hot scrounging around. Courtney is a top and he is convinced the new guy (light skinned, hot lips, and dreds) is a top as well.

Oh lil Courtney! Let Corey school you!
You know your new guy is not a top when his a$s smells like vanilla.
A top’s ass does not exude any PLEASANT fragrance other than the occasional BAR soap.

You know your new guy is not a top when he washes with a loofa and a bottle of soap.
Most tops (70% of them) use manly smelling bar soaps. While a few will scrub down with sponges, most acquire some pretty funky nuts and need a good old fashioned towel and bar soap for all those hard to reach places.

You know your new guy is not a top when his hands have top coat.
I know a pedi and mani is the thing to do every now and then. But, really… a top coat? That’s taking the metrosexual a little too far for most tops.

You know your new guy is not a top when he calls you daddy in the middle of sex.
I know Twista and Usher have re-popularized the old role play standard, but tops don’t go for daddies. They are the daddies. So if he calls you daddy, then you are the daddy (i.e. TOP) and he’s the mommy. PERIOD.

So I was telling Courtney this, while on the phone, at the ATM.
And then, I was held-up... at gun point… by two FU@KING goons!

Concert Musings... A Beatdown Badu!

2010-06-12T08:36:00.001-07:00

Last night I attended the Erykah Badu/Maxwell concert with my ex- Michael (who is on the path to heterosexuality). The concert was great, but Badu looked a hot mess! She wore a black coat, a tattered weave, rolled up yellow sweat pants (which were turned inside out), and a yellow tee-shirt that was a different shade of yellow from the bottoms. What’s the deal? Was she making a statement or just giving a huge “fu(k you” to the crowd?

And Miss Maxwell was great. Is he one of the “girls?” I’m wondering.

A successful Chris...

2010-06-01T20:19:00.000-07:00

Last week my old roommate Chris turned 25 and marked four years in Atlanta. Many readers don't remember Chris but he was one of the three reasons I started this blog. With four men living in a house I knew hilarity would ensue and it did. Chris was the baby in the group. A fresh college grad from the deep south Chris came to Atlanta full of bright eyed optimism and I am happy to say he is definitely an ATL success story.

While many are tempted by the big city and bright lights, too often the young fall victim to all that GAyTL has to offer. That did not happen to Chris. He has been with his firm for four years, and at 25, is a CPA. Chris really is an inspiration. I am proud of the lil cutie.

I wonder how Joe and Aaron are doing. I should give them a call. Maybe I should rent a room. With this economy, the extra coney defiantly wouldn't hurt.

Getting my house in order...

2010-05-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

It's time for spring cleaning and my house is out of control. Boxes, books, storage containers... I have some serious cleaning to do and I am so angry that I allowed my house and my life to become so cluttered. And as i am attempting to clear space, I realize the root cause of my inability to maintain an uncluttered home.

Growing up poor, I think I have an unconscious need to hold on to everything. I fear that I am one step away from being a hoarder.

I have stacks and stacks of lessons and teaching materials to file away. My study is littered with magazines and comic books. My spare bedrooms are full of boxes and junk that I need to throw away.

I am going to start the sorting tonight. My plan is to empty three boxes per day. The bulk of my trash will be thrown away.

My garage is fairly clean. I think I will use excess space to store boxes there. If only cleaning out the other clutter in my life was this simple...

The rain is ashes...

2010-05-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

While waiting on a lunch date, I decided to check my email and read about the passing of a friend, Dean Chambers.

The email read:
HEY GUYS I HOPE ALL IS WELL. JUST WANNA TOUCH BASE WITH YOU TO SAY ANOTHER FRIEND HAS BEEN CALLED HOME. I WASNT THINKING BOUT TELLING YOU GUYS CAUSE SO MUCH HAS BEEN GOING ON. SOME OF YOU KNOW HIM HIS NAME IS DEAN CHAMBERS. HE WAS CALLED HOME ON SUNDAY MOTHERS DAY IN L. A. DEAN MOVED BACK TO LA SOMETIME LAST YEAR I BELIEVE. HE ALSO HELPED OUT WITH THE FALLTACULAR YOU GUYS HAVE.

THE FUNERAL WILL BE NEXT TUES 5/18 2PM

Then, while patrolling the blogs, I read about the suicide of another friend, Jameel Smith.
Read Keith’s touching words at http://www.keithdjones.net.

My heart is broken for both losses. I have no words that can adequately express my shock and empathy for those who are hurting now but the poem Hum by Ann Lauterbach gives voice to the multitude of emotions I feel tonight.

Hum
by Ann Lauterbach

The days are beautiful
The days are beautiful.

I know what days are.
The other is weather.

I know what weather is.
The days are beautiful.

Things are incidental.
Someone is weeping.

I weep for the incidental.
The days are beautiful.

Where is tomorrow?
Everyone will weep.

Tomorrow was yesterday.
The days are beautiful.

Tomorrow was yesterday.
Today is weather.

The sound of the weather
Is everyone weeping.

Everyone is incidental.
Everyone weeps.

The tears of today
Will put out tomorrow.

The rain is ashes.
The days are beautiful.

The rain falls down.
The sound is falling.

The sky is a cloud.
The days are beautiful.

The sky is dust.
The weather is yesterday.

The weather is yesterday.
The sound is weeping.

What is this dust?
The weather is nothing.

The days are beautiful.
The towers are yesterday.

The towers are incidental.
What are these ashes?

Here is the hate
That does not travel.

Here is the robe
That smells of the night

Here are the words
Retired to their books

Here are the stones
Loosed from their settings

Here is the bridge
Over the water

Here is the place
Where the sun came up

Here is a season
Dry in the fireplace.

Here are the ashes.
The days are beautiful.

About Bow Wow's Dildo...

2010-05-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

After reading about Bow Wow and Kat Stacks on Mediatakeout, I went to http://katstacks.com and read her take on the dildo she used to please Bow Wow's booty:

The 3rd time I saw him he had just came back from club Liv at the Fontainebleau in Miami drunk & texted me to come over sense I only live like 5 mins away in Williams Island building 6000. I had brought my own Hennessy bottle & I sat down & drank as he was on Twitter on his Apple Mac Book talking about Youtube ( funny how he introduced me to Youtube LOL Bet he regrets that ) after like an hour of me drinking & talking shit he told me to come in his room so I followed, he sat on the black leather chair & I pulled his pants down & started sucking him up , as soon as it got hard again I shoved it all down my throat & slid it up & down without pulling it out , he was squeezing my hair hard & untied my silver top from the back & started playing with my breasts. Minutes later he took off his shirt & got up & laid on the floor, it was so funny ’cause my ankle bracelet started beeping in red so I had to get up & put it to charge which made his dick soft. I took off all my clothes & started sucking him off again , he told me to come up closer & started finger popping me & then switched to my booty hole , he kept fingering me it felt weird but I kept my mouth shut. While I was licking on his balls he told me to go get this vibrator under the red hat on his long counter table so I did & it was purple & egg shaped , I was expecting for him to ask me to use to in front of him but instead he said to put it back on the floor & keep giving him head , after a while he told me to pick it back up & turn it on & rub the egg shaped vibrator against his ass … I couldn’t believe what he was asking me but I didn’t complain cause as a stripper I’ve had alot of customers ask me to this in the Champagne Rooms. He closed his eyes & started moaning “keep sucking it” he ordered as he pushed my head down to his dick, I started licking his sides making symbols with my toungue ” Put it in” so I stuck it half way which made his legs shake & he pushed my head down even deeper as his dick choked me I almost gagged , then he got up with the vibrator still up his ass & told me to turn around so I did & he spread my legs apart & put it in hard & deep & started beating it hard for like 10 mins until he came. He was so drunk he didn’t do his usual routine to go shower, instead he laid on the floor releaved breathing hard with the vibrator still inside so I took advanage & laid on his chest since he always treated me as “Wham Bam thank you Mam!” I started asking him questions about life and I asked him if he was gay or if it was just a fetish & he said he was confused & didn’t know how to answer the question. So we just laid on the floor until we passed out.

This is the reason why Bow Wow called me & had a long conversation with me about not exposing him.

Parker needs a job...

2010-05-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Parker graduates in two weeks and has not found a job.

While we are both very aware of the economic climate, the reality of joblessness after graduation is still daunting.

Parker did everything by the business major textbook. He is graduating with a 4.0 from a reputable business school. He’s worked for two years in sales and interned for a year and a half in marketing. He joined several active and acclaimed business organizations and remained close to his professors.

When I graduated, students with less credentials had jobs being thrown at them. It is sad how the reality of our economy hits hard.

It is also hard to comfort him when he’s so dismayed. It is doubly hard to comfort him because I would feel even worse if the shoe was on the other foot.

Goodbye, Darian... I will miss you...

2010-05-03T19:18:00.000-07:00

One of the main impediments to my blogging has been the lack of convenient time. An attempt to remedy this has been my recent purchase of an iPad. I am hoping this device will allow me to not only update more frequently but it will also help me keep up with my fellow bloggers.

And speaking of favorite bloggers, Living Out Loud with Darian posted his final blog entry today. I cannot believe Atlanta’s most relevant blogger has decided to end his highly read blog. Nationally, renowned, Darian’s blog updated readers on not only Atlanta issues, but national issues that relate to the lifestyle we lead. Darian’s blog was consistently updated, always timely, and wonderfully written. I will miss it dearly.

And with that, I have a few questions…

Okay, I know I am late with this, but Emilio was robbed on Project Runway. What the f*ck was Heidi, Nina, and Michael Kors thinking?

Has anyone else in this blog world as obsessed with Lost as me? I have followed this show religiously for six years. I cannot believe it is slowly coming to an end.

Does anyone watch Glee? Does anyone else think the quality on the show has dropped dramatically?

Oh my God, I live for Wendall Lissimore! Thanks to LOL with Darian for introducing Model City and Lissimore to me.

Um… does anyone else watch porn? Um… Snowballerz 4 is off the chain.

Tyler Perry is a Homewrecker!

2010-04-11T19:51:00.001-07:00

My friend Courtney, 27, lives in North Carolina and is a professor at a private college. He has been in a relationship with a young man (yes, a student but not his student) for the past two years. In that time he has grown to love Amil and Amil, I think, loves him in return. Courtney has never had reason to mistrust Amil but after watching Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Two, he decided to check Amil’s blackberry. And he found some very questionable messages from a young lady.

Courtney confronted Amil and Amil confessed to an ongoing affair with his ex-girlfriend.

Hmmm…

A little background on Amil. He’s a 22 year old scorpio who has slept with men his entire life, but who has also slept with women. He claims he’s bisexual and can’t get pussy out of his system. That’s the excuse he gave Courtney for cheating.

Courtney called me for advice and I just listened. I am honestly baffled about what he should do. I never recommend breaking up. My motto is always “breaking up is not an option.” But in this case…

Any thoughts out there?

Can you really come home again?

2010-04-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

A number of bloggers wrote last week about their absence from this world and it made me think about the purpose we serve as bloggers. Bloggers provide news, updates, dish the dirt, and provide insightful entertainment and ready breaks from the mundane nature of the daily grind.

It also made me realize that not only are we missed when we don’t write, but our purpose stands unfulfilled.

Bloggers are becoming increasingly important in our society as print journalism continues to decline in relevancy. Atlanta’s two major gay publications, David and Southern Voice both folded. And while new publications attempt to gain their followers, consistency is still needed. Bloggers who are dedicated and passionate about their craft provide that consistency.

There are moments, sometimes days and sometimes months, when we have nothing to say. Moments when our professional lives take priority and we are unable to steal away the time to write something of worth for our readers.

There are moments when we also wonder if our writing is even worth our time and the answer that we should always come to is yes, it is worth our time. Yes, our readers care about what we have to say and about our lives and we have a responsibility to get up, get out, and write.

I missed you and I am happy to be home. And now… let me tell you about those cheating bisexuals…

The life of the party...

2010-03-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

Too often we take friends and experiences for granted. We rarely consider that on any given day, at any given time, a conversation with a friend will be our last.

The last time I saw Jesse Sims was at a birthday gathering for our friend Ray in late February and as usual, he was the life of the party. The last email was sent hours before
he had a heart attack at work. He never recovered and was laid to rest Friday.

The loss of Jesse has really made me realize some very important things.

Jesse was, be the way, the picture of health. He worked out, was active, and was WELL kept.
He was fashionable, immaculately groomed, and physically fit. His death came as a shock to everyone who knew him.

I regret not knowing him better.

I always intended to call him, to ask him about his partner, to find out how they had made it work for so many years. Now, I will never know.

His partner’s name was not in the obituary. No picture they had taken was included. This broke my heart. I refuse to allow this to happen to Parker or anyone I love, for that matter.

More celebrities coming out?

2010-01-13T19:38:00.000-08:00

Does Tiger Swing Both Ways?
By Hello Beautiful January 7, 2010

One of Tiger’s many mistresses, Loredana Jolie Ferriolo, is penning a tell-all book about the golf champion and claims that she witnessed him in gay encounters.
In the book, Loredana claims that Tiger has had sexual relationships with other men. Though this has never been said by any of his other mistresses, part of Loredana’s book goes into full detail about his love for group sex that “included incidents of Tiger with other men.”

As she is shopping the book around for $1 million, she promises that the pages will reveal all and talk about when Tiger “came about, his healthy appetite for arranged sex, threesomes, girls next door, girl-girl, and an answer to all the rumors surrounding Woods’ sexuality.

And Ray-J too? I would love to smash a homie!

Tales from My Hood...

2010-01-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

My friend Thirsty always comments about my living in a suburb of Atlanta s opposed to the actual city of Atlanta. Two events of the past week make me realize how right he can be.

I go into my cleaners to get my work clothes for the week and I am greeted by Salim.

“You don’t unbutton shirts, I don’t clean any more.”
“Excuse me?”
“You shirts, no unbutton.”

Okay. So I decipher that Salim is saying that I fail to unbottom my dress shirts. And he’s right. They aren’t unbottoned. I take the shirt off, pull out the tee-shirt, and throw it in the hamper or on the floor.

So basically Salim is saying that I cannot bring my dry cleaning to him any longer.

My response;
“Okay. I’ll just go across the street. Thank you for your work. Sorry for the inconvenience. Have a nice day.”

Mo’ Better Chicken is a hole in the wall, soul food restaurant located around the corner from my house. I probably eat there twice a month. The food is usually mediocre at best but for a quick vegetable plate, it’s good enough.

So I go in, survey the vegetables, and spy a bowl of potato salad. I love potato salad. I ask for a sample and my request is denied. When I ask why, I get-
“You aint gon’ go into Burger King across the street and ask for no samples. Why you gone ask me?”

“Well, a whopper always tastes like a whopper at each Burger King I may visit. However, everyone’s potato salad tends to be different. But no matter. I don’t want the potato salad. I don’t want anything in here. I would like to speak to the manager.”

“I’m the manager.”

“Oh, hell. Oh well. I don’t want a sample of potato salad or of anything else here today or tomorrow or ever. I’ll never eat here again.”

Sad the poor service in my hood. And was a small sample of potato salad worth the cost of losing a sale of $4.99?

Oh Atlanta! You disappointed so...

2010-01-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

So the New Year has come and I can say that last night was the lamest night Atlanta’s ever seen!

I was speaking to Uncle Dee and he commented that this was the first time we have ever been in want of something to do for New Year’s eve.

It’s hard to believe the city I love so much has fallen so low.

The house parties used to be plentiful. This year they were nonexistent. The clubs were open but they were far from popping. Well, the high prices that gradually increased as the night waned were popping for sure but defiantly not in a good way.

On a bright note, I did bring in the New Year at church. Tabernacle was off the chain last night! It’s just that after church was over, there was nothing to do.

I should have gone to New York with Monty and Thomas or DC with Douglas and Fee.

Oh well. Now I know for next year!

When love calls, you better answer... fool!

2009-12-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

Today my friend Thomas from North Carolina was in town and after church and brunch, we were headed home and became caught up in a very combative discussion. I really thought about this topic and I already know that what I am going to share is not a commonly held belief and that many readers will not agree but I am going to say this…

Sometimes, when it comes to love, you really do have to settle!

So many single people emphasize that they will not settle for less than their desired expectations. Whether its education, career, or appearance, many of my single friends simply will not accept love from anything less than the ideal.

I believe that the ideal is simply that… ideal. It does not exist in reality.

When I think about love and the loves that matter the most, they were not choices that I made or great catches that I sought out. I did not pick my mother, my sister, or many of my friends. The loves that came to me were happenstance. And I do not love my mother less for not having a college degree or my friends less for not having ideal careers. Consequently, I would not love a lover any less for a deficiency in either of the above areas.

Some key points from the conversation:
If love calls, answer.
It may not be love at first sight, but it may be the love that is right for you. And finally, who are any of us to question the gifts God may place in our lives?

So what are your thoughts on this? If you have a minute, go ahead and let me have it…

School ain't gone help none!

2009-12-08T19:17:00.000-08:00

Oh my God! Today, I meet a real-life version of Mary Jones, the mother of Precious from Sapphire’s noted novel Push. It’s just that in this case, Precious is an underachieving sixteen year old male who is currently failing my class.

I have never in my life had a parent conference like this. She screamed at me, insulted me, and called me names. And all of this because her child made the choice to not complete course assignments.

The poor child has a very low average in my class and the cause of the low score is six zeros for unattempted work.

I don’t care about a student’s grades. That is not my concern or something I should be concerned about. I care about a student learning. If a student learns, their grade reflects that learning. However, in this child’s case, as seen in the very low average, learning has not occurred.

As I am sitting in the conference, I could not help but think:
Why are you having a conference with a week left in the semester?
Why did you act like I have not been calling you all semester to discuss the child’s very low average?

This Conjure (love you, Purveyor) had me sitting in that meeting feeling like Ms. Weiss (Mariah Carey’s character from Precious).

And you know you lying about that welfare!

I don’t think I can legally go into great detail (oh, I swear my education director reads my blog) but know that this Conjure gave me a headache and it is still lingering… although this glass of Marker’s Mark is making me feel slightly better…

My thoughts on the next mayor of Atlanta...

2009-12-01T19:55:00.000-08:00

The battle to be the next mayor of Atlanta has the city and the kids in an uproar. It has me in an uproar.

I do not live within the city limits of Atlanta. I actually live six miles outside of Atlanta proper in a house located in Dekalb county that will never sale. I cannot vote for mayor so my opinion does not matter but the election results will have far reaching effects on me and everyone who calls Atlanta (proper or metro) home.

At first I thought the idea of Mary Norwood as mayor was promising. I agree with a number of voters that the idea of Atlanta’s first white mayor getting elected in over forty years is refreshing. The election of President Obama proved that race is not a pressing issue when voters are given a qualified candidate. The problem with Mary Norwood is that she is not qualified.

A great article appeared in last week’s Creative Loafing. Read it at http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/our_pick_for_mayor_kasim_reed/Content?oid=1115613 .

Kasim Reed has worked hard to build connections within the city and state that will prove exponentially beneficial to all within and around Atlanta.

What? You mean I can go home? It’s been 72 hours already?

2009-11-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

Hello… I’m back and my life is still a mess.

Let me say right now that I am very sorry. I feel like a bad friend for abandoning your for an entire month. I am glad that you read this blog. I value your commentary and your input. It means a lot to me that you take time out of your day to read about my life. It’s just that lately, I have really been going through a lot and I needed some time away from introspection and revelation. But with the help of friends and first family, I am back and ready to blog away.

An update:
Hello. Have a seat. I have something to tell you, honey. Parker and I are not together but it does not mean that we do not love you very, very much. We do.

I thought that was funny. We are working on our relationship- I don’t know if that will result in a relationship that is a partnership or a friendship but it will result in two people who love each very much.

And now it’s time for the Atlanta’s mayor’s race…

Trying out new iPhone app...

2009-11-01T15:21:00.001-08:00

All good things come to an end... I'm through with it...

2009-10-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

I am single. It’s been four months of working it out to realize that it cannot be fixed. I really don’t have much to say other than this is not my decision even though it’s probably my fault. Life is hard and relationships are too. It’s hard to balance work and home and school and love. It’s a war and I lost. And not only did I lose the relationship battle, I’ve lost the battle with the bulge. I have been eating myself into oblivion. The worse I feel, the more I eat. Corey is such a mess. I don’t think I have ever been more of one.

There isn’t anything else to say, really. I am at home, listening to Stevie.

“Over time, I've building my castle of love
Just for two, though you never knew you were my reason
I've gone much too far for you now to say
That I've got to throw my castle away

Over dreams, I have picked out a perfect come true
Though you never knew it was of you I've been dreaming
The sandman has come from too far away
For you to say come back some other day

And though you don't believe that they do
They do come true
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed, over loved, over me

Over hearts, I have painfully turned every stone
Just to find, I had found what I've searched to discover
I've come much too far for me now to find
The love that I've sought can never be mine

And though you don't believe that they do
They do come true
For did my dreams
Come true when I looked at you
And maybe too, if you would believe
You too might be
Overjoyed, over loved, over me

And though the odds say improbable
What do they know
For in romance
All true love needs is a chance
And maybe with a chance you will find
You too like I
Overjoyed, over loved, over you, over you”

Momma Dearest?

2009-10-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

My mother and I have never been best friends. It’s not as though my mother and I do not love each other. We do. It’s just that we really don’t understand each other.

My mother always wanted a normal son and I was anything but normal. She wanted a boy who romped around, was funny and endearing, and who knew when to keep his mouth shut.

Nope. Not me. I didn’t romp around. I wasn’t very good with hand and eye coordination. I wasn’t funny or endearing. I was… me to put it simply. I belonged behind a book, not a baseball glove. And I never knew when to shut up. And nope, I still haven’t learned according to most people.

I was never the son my mother wanted but she learned to accept me. These are not things we have shared through conversation, mind you. There are some things you just now. And with this, I am now struggling to accept her.

My mother is dating a 36 year old. I am thirty. I know this guy. We went to the same schools. I just don’t know if this is okay, but I have diffantely made her think it was.

My mother accepts my love life so I think its only natural that I accept hers.

And if you ever wondered where I got my penchant for cute, younger guys… yup, I got it from my momma.

You may think you know, but you have no idea... (Read YBand DL first...)

2009-10-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Great bloggers inspire other bloggers to write. This weekend, while finally catching up on my blog reading, I ran across a great blog written by YBandDL where he made a number of great points regarding the nature of being a blogger. The post, which can be found at http://youngblackanddownlow.blogspot.com/2009/10/you-think-you-know-but-you-have-no-idea.html, stated that while we may read a blogger’s post daily, we actually don’t know who that blogger may really be as a human being. This really made me think. I agree wholeheartedly with YBandDL.

The reason I write this blog, the reason I started it in the beginning, was to be honest and provide a true window into my life for my friends, both far and near. I want people to know me for who I am and to accept me for who I am. Sometimes this happens. Sometimes it doesn’t.

As the months go by, however, I find that I do pick and chose what I post and what I reveal. Parker doesn’t want me to write about our relationship and I understand and respect that so I don’t. That is a given but in regards to the other areas of my life, I could definitely be more candid.

Some may say that I don’t owe it to anyone to reveal more aspects of my life, but I beg to differ. I owe it to every reader to provide a worthwhile and valuable read. That is my goal and that is my pledge. When you load www.coreyisamess.blogspot.com, it is my hope that you find something that can on days inspire, on others inform, but that can always enrich your blogosphere experience.

With that said, I am happy to bring back 21 Questions. Each reader is encouraged to ask three questions and I will answer each up to question 21, honestly and candidly.

Full disclosure?

2009-10-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

So my ex-lover Michael (www.) confessed that he has been dating a female since June and that they are getting serious. And as is the case whenever I express my opinion with Michael, a disagreement occurred.

I have had sex with women and the actual sex part is usually good. The other aspects, however, were not so good. Oral sex with a woman, however, can be a soppy, floppy mess and I have never been a big fan of big… breasts.

Michael thinks that he should not tell the woman he’s dating that he has lived a homosexual lifestyle. He feels that the past should remain the past and that telling her would only lead to insecurities for her.

I feel that not only does she have a right to know about his past, she has the right to decide whether or not she would want to date a man who has dealt with homosexuality. If she is unable to accept that, Michael should not be able to accept her.

And so was our disagreement.

Come away with me...

2009-10-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

Life can move so fast sometimes, that we forget what living is all about. Tonight, after two weeks of going at break-neck speed, I stopped, had a drink (courversior, tonic, and lime) and cooked dinner (pork chops and greens). I am sitting on my coach, enjoying my dinner and drink, and listening to Norah Jones’ Come Away with Me. God, that CD was amazing. She can never touch this, huh? No can either, huh?

It’s really about learning to just slow down and enjoy the moments that can so readily be passed over. I am learning to slow down. Every now and then. I think I am going to take a couple of days off next week for myself. Maybe just lay in bed and read E. Lynn’s new book or get a massage or catch up on this season of America’s Next Top Model. Hmmm. I wish I didn’t have to go to work tomorrow.

Oh well… things may slow down, but they still go on.

Tyson wants to TOP President Obama? Yes, Ma'am.!

2009-09-29T14:12:00.000-07:00

From Sweet Talkback:
I think model Tyson Beckford wishes he could take this comment back. Last night on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” with host Andy Cohen, Tyson Beckford got put in the hot seat. Andy asked Tyson “What man would he want to be with?” Tyson responded by saying “Well I’m not gay.” Andy then said “Well I know but if you were, what man would you be with?” Tyson then went for it hook line and sinker and said ” It would have to be Barack Obama, and I would want to be on top” he continued ….”well who did you think I was gonna say? Will Smith?? There is just something about Barack Obama.”

Oh, this is so my type...

2009-09-19T11:07:00.001-07:00

The world moves so fast...

2009-09-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Did you see Wendy Williams try to lure Whitney Houston onto her show? This late queen kills me. Girl, who cares if you were a coke addict? I don’t. I hate this show. I only watched because of the hoopla surrounding her admitted coke addiction and her attacks on Whitney. God, please cancel this show. And speaking of Whitney...

Oh Whitney, Whitney, Whitney, how I have waited for this day...

Whitney has not made a comeback, but I do think a comeback is in progress. When I first purchased Whitney’s album, I was disappointed. I expected a crystal clear voice (for which she is known), a poignant message (I am all about the lyrics), and the return of a megastar. I knew from first listen that I did not get what I expected from this album. Her voice was not crystal clear and her lyrics were not profound. But I have a new CD rule. I have to listen to the CD for two days, nonstop. And I listened to Whitney for two days. And then three. And then four. And I am still listening. The CD is in tray six and it is a constant stay in my car. I expect it will go through the summer and the fall. The CD has truly grown on me. I have to say I really like this album.

Kanye, I have loved your work. I really, really have. I have been a true fan. I am so sad to see you leave. It hurts me that you have decided to end your career so early. You will be missed but you will not be purchased by me ever again.

Are you in love with Trey Songz the way I am in love with Trey Songz? LOL :) indeed!

Gay Pride in Retrospect...

2009-09-11T19:19:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend is an event in Atlanta that is an annual trek for black gay men across America. For me, this pride was about fun, fellowship, and a renewed commitment to our community, but on today, an actual break from labor, it is a day to reflect on a year in the life of Black Gay America and on all the things for which I am proud to be gay and black…

Top 5 Reasons I Love Being Gay
1. A lover who makes me look forward to every day and every night
2. Friends who are family…
3. GAY SEX (anal, oral, and deplorable… mmm)
4. Parties and clubs that always deliver a great time (you know the straights just can’t do it like we do)
5. GAY LIFE (fashion, music, dance, and all the fabulousness that is our world)

What reason do you provide for being proud of being gay?

This Weekend...

2009-09-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

Saturday Sept. 5

ITLA Workshops and Marketplace
10 a.m. midnight at Grand Hyatt Hotel Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road, 404-237-1234
www.inthelifeatl.com

State of Black Gay America Summit
11 a.m. 4 p.m. at Renaissance Hotel
590 W. Peachtree St.
770-991-6929, www.sbgasummit.org

ITLA Community Luncheon
Noon at Grand Hyatt Hotel Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road, 404-237-1234
www.inthelifeatl.com

City Gym Boys Boot Camp
Noon-2 p.m. at Gold’s Gym
215 Peachtree St., 404-246-9000
www.wassupnatl.com

ITLA ‘See Us in the Life’ Film Festival
2:30-6:30 p.m. at Grand Hyatt Hotel Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road, 404-237-1234, www.inthelifeatl.com
ITLA Literary Café
2:30-5 p.m. at Grand Hyatt Hotel Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road, 404-237-1234
www.inthelifeatl.com

WassupNATL Pool Party
4-7 p.m. at Grand Hyatt Hotel Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road, 404-220-9600

Lion’s Den Wet Dream Pool Party
6 p.m. midnight at Renaissance Hotel
590 W. Peachtree St., 770-991-6929
www.thelionsdenatlanta.com

Legendary Traxx ft. Lil Kim
11 p.m. at Traxx at 1287 Columbia Dr., 678-368-6435

Belvedere Fashion Show
10 p.m. at Club Vita at 2110 Peachtree St.
404-246-9000, www.wassupnatl.com

Blackout & Block Party
11 p.m. at Club 91 (formerly Trademark & Palace)
91 Broad St., 404-839-8230, manhuntatlanta.com

Flava Men Blatino Awards
10 p.m. at Club 708, 708 Spring St.

Belvedere Fashion Show
10 p.m. at Club Vita at 2110 Peachtree St.
404-246-9000, www.wassupnatl.com

Sunday Sept. 6

ITLA Workshops and Marketplace
10 a.m. 7 p.m. at Grand Hyatt Hotel Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road, 404-237-1234
www.inthelifeatl.com

‘Finding Me’ DVD signing
1-3 p.m. at Brushstrokes at 1510-J Piedmont Ave.

Unity Ball ft. Jaimee Balenciaga & Kiron Prodigy
4-8 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel
590 W. Peachtree St., 678-368-6435
www.pureheatatlanta.com

E. Lynn Harris Tribute
7:30 p.m. at Outwrite at 991 Piedmont Road
404-607-0082, www.outwritebooks.com

Grown & Sexy ft. DJ Class
7 p.m. at Django at 495 Peachtree St.
404-246-9000, www.wassupnatl.com

Southern Explosion Ft. Keri Hilson
10 p.m. at Atlanta Peach at 3365 Buford Highway
770-991-6929, www.thelionsdenatlanta.com

Traxx ft. Keri Hilson
10 p.m. at Atlanta Live at 3595 Clairmont Road

Monday Sept. 7

All White Party ft. ATL Housewife Sheree
10 p.m. at Lava Lounge at 57 13th St.
678-368-6435, www.pureheatatlanta.com

The All White Party
10 p.m. at Lava Lounge at 57 13th St.
678-368-6435, www.traxxatlanta.com

Big Ass House Party
10 p.m. at Robby Rob’s Crib, 345 Sunset Ave.
404-839-8230, www.manhuntatlanta.com

Tuesday...

2009-08-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Did you see this picture of track star Usain Bolt?

I still miss Aaliyah...

Teaching Woes...

2009-08-24T19:57:00.001-07:00

OMFG! This is going to be one loooong year! I have some very low students!

What do you do when an AP student writes an essay analyzing the central question in The Scarlet Letter from the perspective that Nathaniel Hawthorne is a woman?

What do you do when a student refuses to give you his legal name? “Yo, man, you just call me Blaackk! My peoples just call me Blaaackk, man.”

What do you do when you give an assignment to assess student understanding and five kids just look at the paper? And what do you do when you reteach the material to the whole class, only to have the same five students just look at the paper on the retest?

What do you do when an AP student spells corner, curner?

And to think I am getting paid $900 less this year due to furloughs! And if anyone dares tell me that I am just lucky to have a job…

Caption this picture and let me get my life!

2009-08-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

A little voice, part two...

2009-08-20T21:27:00.000-07:00

It was not until the next day that I came to realize what I should have realized from the very beginning.

I woke up Sunday, down and out, and went to church and it was while in church that I realized that my life could be so much worse. Regardless of a bad day, I had no right to be down and out. My minister is battling leukemia and will have a stem cell transplant. He’ll be out for at least six months. Again, things could be so much worse. My grandmother is successfully battling her cancer and feels better. I have a house to live in and a boyfriend to help me make it a home. I have friends to support me and a career that I am passionate about. And that little voice was trying to remind me of that all along…

Inside of each of us is that same little voice and too often, many- just like me- ignore it. When I listened to the voice (taking money out of my account earlier in that day, checking the account before running up a tab), I was doing what God wanted me to do. When I ignored the voice, I was ignoring God’s voice in me. Simple really.

I am broke, but I am so blessed.

A Little Voice, Part One...

2009-08-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

We all have those days that just really can be unbelievably bad, but Saturday has to go down as one of my worst days of 2009.

The day started with my alarm not going off. I woke up at 7:46 and had an 8:00 class. (I did blog about being an adjunct at a local college, right? If not, I do that two days a week…) Oddly enough, last week was our first class and the majority of the students discussed how they hate late professors. The only thing that woke me up was some little voice inside of me that said, “Corey look at the clock.”

I made it to class, by a true miracle, at 8:10 and luckily the main student who complains on late instructors was absent.

Saturday evening, Parker and I went running around Stone Mountain. We were going to also hike up the mountain, but it started raining. Our workout was cut short.

Saturday night, I arranged for some friends to meet at Joe’s on Juniper for drinks and to celebrate Parker’s new internship. Uncle Mallory, however, sent a text instructing everyone to meet at Loca Luna instead. So we go there, arrive at 10, and on one else is there except for Parker and me. I go to the bar and get a mojito (my absolute FAVORITE drink) and a voice tells me to check my account balance. I do so to find that my account is under $200!

I call my bank to find out that I made massive purchases in Meridia, Mexico and Daoukro, Ivory Coast. Of course I have never heard of either of these citites, let alone visited them. I am told that I cannot do anything about these pending charges until Monday. Luckily, a little voice told me to take out $100 from the bank after I left class.

By the time everyone finally arrives at Loca Luna (except for Uncle Mallory, who oddly never showed), our table is gone and the wait is over an hour. We decide to just go to Joe’s on Juniper (my original suggestion to Fe Fe earlier that day).

We head to Joe’s and Parker and I get caught in the Paul McCartney Go Green Concert Traffic. A ten minute drive took us almost an hour. By the time we finally arrive, I am so perturbed, I am no longer hungry.

The story is not over, however…

Hey, you there...

2009-08-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the Soulja Boy Tell 'Em Song, "Hey You There?" I am wondering what this song is about... It seems bubbling with homoeroticism...

Any thoughts on Eminem calling Nick Cannon a faggot? He might win some, but he just lost one...

What becomes of the broken-hearted?

2009-08-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

Opening of Invisible Life:
“There is something poetic about falling in love. The tingling sensation lingers like the lyrical words of a Langston Hughes poem. There is something romantic about the changing of seasons. A romance reminiscent of an unending summer, or one as fleeting as spring and fall. Whenever I think back on the loves of my life, I am often reminded of the seasons. There are four seasons. I have been in love four times.”

My heart is heavy and I am remiss at the passing of E. Lynn Harris. Through his writings- the rich, varied and conflicted characters, the fast paced plots- I learned more about myself than any “American classic” could ever reveal.

Growing up in rural Mississippi provided few opportunities for exposure to black gay men. It was through Raymond and Kyle and Basil that I was able to see that tomorrow would be better than today. It was the first kiss the Raymond and Kevin shared that let me know that I was not alone. Whenever E. Lynn Harris released a new book, I was always in Barnes and Nobles on the release day, member card in hand, ready to purchase.

I grieved when Kyle died and I grieve now.

There is already a void in canon of black literature and that void just grew immensely. There are few black writers of note contributing to the cannon of American Literature. E. Lynn Harris carried the torch that James Baldwin lit.
Raymond taught me professionalism and Basil taught me passion. Zurich taught me that it was alright to love me for me and Yancy taught me to let go of the past so that I could embrace the future.

My heart is heavy.

Dare I say that E. Lynn Harris was the most well-known black gay man in the United States?

While Keith Boykin’s activism is more recognized within the black gay community and within the nation’s intellectual community, it is E. Lynn Harris’s name that echoes in beauty salons around the nation during the week one of his newest releases hit book shelves.

Today, as I remember this author, this torch-bearer, I cannot help but wonder who will pick up his torch and carry it? I cannot help but wonder if we will become invisible once more.

The death of author E. Lynn Harris ?

2009-07-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Author E. Lynn Harris has died while on a west coast book tour, Arkansas Sports reports:

"Harris, a best-seller whose work dealt with black, gay culture and delved into athletics, was a passionate Razorbacks fan. For the past eight semesters, Harris served as a 'visiting' professor for the English department...Most recently, Harris' wrote his 11th novel, 'Basketball Jones', which involved an NBA player and the player's gay lover. Before 'Basketball Jones,' Harris penned 'Just Too Good To Be True,' a novel detailing the life of Heisman Trophy candidate Brady Manning. Harris' novel focused on the pressures surrounding Manning and the support system the star athlete leaned on to help him through dark and troubling times."

There are no further details about the cause of death, though the Arkansas Times reported hearing the author suffered a "serious health setback" earlier today.

The Arkansas Sports site did not name a source. I will publish any updates that come in here.

Harris was the author of 12 novels, a memoir, and many stories.

OUTRAGED!

2009-07-21T07:09:00.000-07:00

BOSTON – Police responding to a call about "two black males" breaking into a home near Harvard University ended up arresting the man who lives there — Henry Louis Gates Jr., the nation's pre-eminent black scholar.

Gates had forced his way through the front door because it was jammed, his lawyer said. Colleagues call the arrest last Thursday afternoon a clear case of racial profiling.

Cambridge police say they responded to the well-maintained two-story home after a woman reported seeing "two black males with backpacks on the porch," with one "wedging his shoulder into the door as if he was trying to force entry."

By the time police arrived, Gates was already inside. Police say he refused to come outside to speak with an officer, who told him he was investigating a report of a break-in.

"Why, because I'm a black man in America?" Gates said, according to a police report.

Gates — the director of Harvard's W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research — initially refused to show the officer his identification, but then gave him a Harvard University ID card, according to police.

"Gates continued to yell at me, accusing me of racial bias and continued to tell me that I had not heard the last of him," the officer wrote.

He was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge after police said he "exhibited loud and tumultuous behavior." He was released later that day on his own recognizance. An arraignment was scheduled for Aug. 26. Police refused to comment on the arrest Monday.

Gates, 58, also refused to speak publicly Monday, referring calls to his attorney, fellow Harvard scholar Charles Ogletree.

Ogletree said Gates gave the officer his driver's license and Harvard identification after being asked to prove he was a Harvard professor and lived at the home, but became upset when the officer continued to question him.

"He was shocked to find himself being questioned and shocked that the conversation continued after he showed his identification," Ogletree said.

Ogletree declined to say whether he believed the incident was racially motivated, saying "I think the incident speaks for itself."

Some of Gates' African-American colleagues say the arrest is part of a pattern of racial profiling in Cambridge.

Allen Counter, who has taught neuroscience at Harvard for 25 years, said he was stopped on campus by two Harvard police officers in 2004 after being mistaken for a robbery suspect. They threatened to arrest him when he could not produce identification.

"We do not believe that this arrest would have happened if professor Gates was white," Counter said. "It really has been very unsettling for African-Americans throughout Harvard and throughout Cambridge that this happened."

The Rev. Al Sharpton is vowing to attend Gates' arraignment.

"This arrest is indicative of at best police abuse of power or at worst the highest example of racial profiling I have seen," Sharpton said. "I have heard of driving while black and even shopping while black but now even going to your own home while black is a new low in police community affairs."

Ogletree said Gates had returned from a trip to China on Thursday with a driver, when he found his front door jammed. He went through the back door into the home — which he leases from Harvard — shut off an alarm and worked with the driver to get the door open. The driver left, and Gates was on the phone with the property's management company when police first arrived.

Ogletree also disputed the claim that Gates, who was wearing slacks and a polo shirt and carrying a cane, was yelling at the officer.

"He has an infection that has impacted his breathing since he came back from China, so he's been in a very delicate physical state," Ogletree said.

Lawrence D. Bobo, the W.E.B Du Bois Professor of the Social Sciences at Harvard, said he met with Gates at the police station and described his colleague as feeling humiliated and "emotionally devastated."

"It's just deeply disappointing but also a pointed reminder that there are serious problems that we have to wrestle with," he said.

Bobo said he hoped Cambridge police would drop the charges and called on the department to use the incident to review training and screening procedures it has in place.

The Middlesex district attorney's office said it could not do so until after Gates' arraignment. The woman who reported the apparent break-in did not return a message Monday.

Gates joined the Harvard faculty in 1991 and holds one of 20 prestigious "university professors" positions at the school. He also was host of "African American Lives," a PBS show about the family histories of prominent U.S. blacks, and was named by Time magazine as one of the 25 most influential Americans in 1997.

"I was obviously very concerned when I learned on Thursday about the incident," Harvard president Drew Gilpin Faust said in a statement. "He and I spoke directly and I have asked him to keep me apprised."

This Mess I Call Life (Corey's Random Updates)...

2009-07-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was not a good movie. I am an admitted Harry Potter fan. I have read all of the books and Half Blood Prince was my favorite! I love Snape and Hermione and Ron and Luna and this book really delivered. I wish this movie would have done the same. So much of the nuisance and character building was missed from the film.

Bruno was a great movie! I laughed out loud, kicked the chair in front of me, and screamed several times.

Okay, first of all, I would like to tell all readers that there are real housewives in Atlanta with SICK amounts of money. The ladies on Bravo’s television show are clearly middle-middle class chicks. With that in mind, I watch the program to laugh at the antics and hysterics of these classless women. I am a Sheree fan. And while most of the girls love Miss Ne Ne, I hate her! Consequently, I am so looking forward to Kandi from Exscape being added to the mix to let this former stripper have it!

One of the funniest hours of television this summer is this week’s Kathy Griffin’s Life on the D-List. She is attempting to see if humor is color blind and attempts to be down with the black community. Catch it on a repeat if you have missed it.

And if you missed it, our sister Reco (Memphis native, Kappa Alpha Psi member, and Atlanta resident) was kicked off Bravo’s whack ass fashion show. How dare they allow Miss Anna and those rags she calls couture continue over Reco? I cannot wait until August 20! Please Heidi, come show these girls how it’s done…

He's cute but he knew better!

2009-07-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

DeKalb teacher arrested fondling student in parking lot
By Megan Matteucci

Police say they arrested a Stone Mountain Middle School teacher Thursday – moments before he was about to have sex with a 15-year-old student.

Charles Thomas McClendon, 29, is now being held in the Clayton County jail, charged
with child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes.

A Jonesboro Police officer was patrolling when he spotted two people in the back seat of a pickup truck, parked behind the El Tarasco restaurant around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Jonesboro Major Tim Jessup said.

As the officer pulled up, McClendon tossed a condom, jumped out of the truck and pulled on his pants, police said. The girl fumbled around the truck and put her clothes back on, Jessup said.

McClendon was in the act of fondling the girl, according to an arrest warrant filed in Clayton County Magistrate Court Thursday.

Officers intervened as McClendon was putting on a condom, according to the warrant.
“If Sgt. [Eric] Bradshaw came five minutes later, they would have been in the act,” Jessup said.

Once McClendon realized his visitor was the police, he tried to get back in his truck and drive off, Jessup said. But officers stopped him.
McClendon, of Decatur, initially told police the student was his girlfriend, but later admitted she attended the school where he teaches. Officers identified the school as Stone Mountain Middle School.

“I just got back in town and went to pick up my girlfriend. Then we came her to have sex. I’m sorry,” McClendon told the officer. The teacher’s statements are included in a police report.

The girl, who first lied about her age, told police McClendon was her boyfriend. She later told police that McClendon was her tutor at Stone Mountain Middle last year, Jessup said.

While patrolling the blogosphere...

2009-07-14T07:50:00.001-07:00

I found some hilarious photos. Check them out...

Don't worry baby... you don't need no beef to be with daddy!

Supposedly Media Take Out has a picture of a suspicious bump on Beyonce's private parts... She got a big ego and a bump to go with it!

Now that's a Home Run!

This Mess I Call Life (Corey's Random Updates)

2009-07-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

This past week was a beast. However, all was well that ended well. Here’s an update:

I took a really important test and score a 194 out of 200. The average score is 155. I studied.

I have been saving money only to turn around and lose it. I saved around four-hundred dollars last month but had to repair the upstairs central heating and air unit. Then I found out I have to get an editor to format my dissertation and a statistician to fix my data. That will cost $2100 over the final five months of my higher education debacle. Jesus is Lord!

I feel so slighted. This guy, who has regular parties, hosted a party last night and charged five dollars to get into his house (classy, huh…?). I paid my five dollars but Douglas, who rode with me, did not have to pay. Then, when I get inside, I found out no one else in the “First Family” had to pay either. F—in B—h!

I am so swamped with work. And it’s the summer. And I am a teacher. I am supposed to be chillaxin, not swimming in a sea of work. I am an adjunct at a local college and I take on additional courses each summer and I am FINALLY finishing my dissertation. Oh well. I will do what I have to do. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

I wish I could get alerted when people update their blog via phone. How can I make that happen?

I am excited about seeing Jasmine Guy’s “For Color Girl’s Who Have Considered Suicide.” She is directing this play, starring Nicole Ari Parker and a few other recognizable names. I am trying to get a ticket for Tuesday’s preview show.

Atlanta International Fashion Week is coming up. It is usually worth a coin. Check it out at http://www.atlantaintlfashionweek.com.

The first family is getting ready for our annual family reunion in Gatlinburg. It’s not really a family reunion, per se, but we went last year for whitewater rafting and had a blast and we are doing it again this year. I anticipate an annual trip. We only pay $100 to go and when we go, we get our life!

Thoughts on recent media outing of Tyler Perry Star?

2009-07-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ms. Anne's Snack Shop: A Culinary Adventure with Congorillas

2009-07-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

Before exploring this upcoming weekend, I have to admit that last weekend was quite an adventure.

My friend and fellow blogger, Turn me up a lil (Thad) and I made a commitment to hang out more. He was off this weekend and we met up for lunch to discuss his dating life (the Italian) and his professional life (choices to pursue which advance degree).

Thad is an amazing guy. He has swag and a pedigree.

So it was up to me where we went and I decided on Mrs. Annes.

Mrs. Anne’s Snack Shop is an Atlanta trademark. Since Thad has not been in the ATL a year, I figured he had to true Mrs. Anne’s at least once. Home of the famous Ghettoburger, Mrs. Anne’s was named the number three best burger in the United States one year by a program on Food Network and I think going to Mrs. Anne’s in an Atlanta “Rite of Passage.” Since Thad has been in Atlanta less than a year, I felt like I owed him this burger.

Well, we got the true Mrs. Anne’s experience.

The burger shack has only two workers…. Mrs. Anne and her son. She only serves eight people at one time. You cannot order in advance. You sign a list and wait to be called.

We signed the list and there was a group of eight being served and six people waiting. We thought we were pretty lucky. We could handle waiting forty five minutes (which is how long you wait to order and eat ONCE you make it inside).

So we sit outside, in the 100 degree heat, and wait. On cement benches. We talk and catch up and grow hungrier and hungrier.

Finally, the eight customers being served exit and the next group lines up. Two fat negroes (a CONGORILLA and his CONGORILLAETTE) jump up and are the first in line. They came right after us. And I’ll be damned if they were not seated.

I got hotter than wolf pu%$y! Thad told me I should have said something and looked as though he would hit me. He was really hungry.

We sat back down, on our cement bench, and watched those fat a##es eat our BURGERS! For forty five additional minutes, with our stomachs churning, we waited.

Finally, they finished and we entered. Thad said he was so hungry he didn’t even want to eat anymore. That is the worst hunger. But then the seasoned fried came and we ate. And then the burgers came, and we ate.

Thad said the burger was worth the wait and that he was pissed I had taken him there because he would have to come back and do the whole thing over again.

The end of Vibe Magazine? WTF!

2009-06-30T15:49:00.001-07:00

More reflection forthcoming...

Vibe magazine ends publication
By Alexis Stevens
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Vibe, the music magazine founded in 1993 by legendary producer Quincy Jones, is shutting its doors, Editor Danyel Smith told the staff Tuesday.

“We were assigning and editing a Michael Jackson tribute issue when we got the news,” Smith wrote in a memo obtained by Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The magazine blames its failure on the sagging economy and the collapse of print advertising, a common woe of other print journalism products, according to Steve Aaron, former CEO of VIBE Media Group.

“There are very few magazines with the richness of history and breadth of talented visionaries who created the powerful lens in which VIBE viewed and shaped urban music and culture,” Aaron wrote in a separate memo to staff members.
Revenue growth from its web site, www.vibe.com, was not enough to offset the magazine’s losses, Aaron said.

“It’s a sad day for music, for hip hop in particular, and for the millions of readers and users who have loved and who continue to love the VIBE brand,” Smith said.

This year's BET Awards were a...

2009-06-29T10:44:00.001-07:00

Yawn… This year’s awards were an official mess. The absolute worst awards ever. Girl, I could have watched Sookie Stackhouse and Lafayette instead! Blah.

But some random thoughts…

Keri Hilson gave the kids Grease, a la Olivia Newton John.

Tyra Banks hair was a mess. I tried to rationalize the disaster and said maybe she wanted her weave to match her hips.

Beyonce, once again, cheated her fans. Looking like the bride of Neptune, God of the Sea, she sang Ava Maria. Halo would have been so appropriate but I can just see this chick being like, I already practiced Ava Maria so that’s what I am going to do…

The greatest highlights of the night, however, were the tweets- I truly laughed aloud throughout the program.

Best Tweets of the Night…
Keith Jones: Did no one tell the extremely homophobic Mary Mary they were on stage with a lesbian? Guess not…

JG
Bey (Beyonce) sounds good. I love it… but has she abandonded pants?

Dees:
BET should have died and MJ should have done a tribute to them.

Kendal B
Is Deborah Lee considered a Cougar or a Mountain Lion?

PatrickIanPolk
How many BET employees does it take to screw up a tribute? Apparently hundreds…

Perez Hilton deserves another knock upside the head!

2009-06-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Celebrity fall out...

2009-06-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

I don't know where I have been but I just saw the picture of College Hill Atlanta's Dorian and just heard the hilarious (yet ridiculously inflammatory) interview with Wendy Williams' pet Charlemange. Check it out at http://www.zshare.net/audio/61708385cea44051/.

Also, I just heard about the Perez Hilton/Will i am uproar. Hilton's response was ROTF funny!

I have attached a copy of the Twitter messages-

perezhilton: oh my god you guys

perezhilton: oh. muh. GUH. i’ve been BRUTALLY SAVAGED. by SAVAGES.

perezhilton: will.i.am is a THUG and he HIT me. in my EYE.

perezhilton: i can see the booboo right now in one of the many mirrors i carry around with me at all times to make sure that the shaved lines and/or highlights in my hair remain subtle and artful and don’t have the effect of making me look like an angry fat woman who scrapbooks to distract herself from her sad life!

iamtherealwill @perezhilton: man, stfu. i just followed you out of the club to see if you’d want some of these Target coupons we got. 20% off smedium t-shirts and innocuous hooks! boom boom pow!

perezhilton: GET AWAY FROM ME WILL.I.AM! YOU’RE A THUG AND YOU DREW BLOOD FROM MY FACE WITH YOUR MANAGER’S HAND!
perezhilton in all my years of doing this, drawing semen dots on people’s faces has never resulted in my catching an eye jammie!

iamtherealwill @perezhilton: that’s not an eye jammie, man. what is this, Wreckx-N-Effect and Q-Tip in ’92? My manager was just swatting a fly away.

fergilicious @iamtherealwill: awwwww snap! u told him maing!

fergilicious @prerezhilton: u got LUMPED UP, ni**a!

perezhilton @fergilicious: …huh?

fergilcious: LMBAO!

iamtherealwill @fergilcious: quiet down, baby. remember what daddy said about being a good white girl.

fergilicious: *roger rabbits*

iamtherealwill @perezhilton: tell ‘em what you called me, man.

perezhilton @iamtherealwill: what?! i called you a faggot. so? i can DO that! CEASELESSLY BAITING PEOPLE WITH BORDERLINE LIBELOUS MATERIAL IS NOT GROUNDS FOR VIOLENCE. IT’S JUST SILLINESS! I’M HARMLESS AND CATTY AND SILLY AND HILARIOUS AND MY SCHTICK NEVER GETS OLD!

iamtherealwill @perezhilton: you’re lucky my man Taboo ain’t jump in that ass. right, Taboo?

taboo …

perezhilton: YOU SHUT UP TOO TABOO OR I’LL DRAW SEMEN DOTS ON YOUR FACE NEXT!

taboo: *does Easter Island statue impression*

iamtherealwill @perezhilton: Yeah son! Black Eyed Peas is too strong to be divided by your fuckery!

apldeap: That’s right fam! Apl de Ap is in the building!

SteveJobs *sends apl de ap cease & desist letter*

apldeap Scratch that! Non-Trademarked Personal Computr de Comp is in the building!

perezhilton someone call the police! i don’t know what else to do or how to get in touch with them! sent from Twitterberry, which if you weren’t too busy overreacting to notice is only available on a PHONE

fergilicious @perezhilton don’t bother! 911 is a JOKE, ni**a!

iamtherealwill @fergilicious seriously, pump the brakes for a second.

fergilicious @iamtherealwill whateva man.

fergilicious *does a b-girl pose*

fergilicious *slathers on shoe polish*

perezhilton @iamtherealwill Back off, Will.I.Am! I have 10 million people who read my site every day and are calling the police right now! especially since I already called the police and they didn’t really seem to care!

perezhilton I’m a music mogul and I support singers so fantastic and powerful you’ve never heard of them! And they’re all gonna be mad and boycott you! And I’m gonna keep hanging around them because I was unpopular in high school and now I exact my revenge via crude photoillustration!

perezhilton I mean, BECAUSE THEY LIKE ME FOR WHO I AM!

perezhilton *weeps gravy*

iamtherealwill @perezhilton that’s cool–mad people got my back too. i work with stars. stars! right, mike?

MJKingofPop whisper

iamtherealwill @MJKingofPop Really, man? That’s the best you can do?

MJKingofPop thank you i love you all god bless you don’t forget to tell your nephews i’m having a slumber party

iamtherealwill Sigh. Anyone else not out there not sufficiently repulsed by my sanctimonious and inane post-racial party anthems to vouch for me? I was on CNN, people! My hologram is the voice of the youth!

hologramwill Fuck yeah I am! I can talk about everything from voting for Obama to fixing the economy to the vagaries of cap-and-trade energy regulation! Except for the second one! And also the third one! Suck it, Rick Sanchez!

officialTila @iamtherealwill I got your back, baby! Talented people like us have to stick together, am I right?

officialTila *tries to turn head, topples over*

iamtherealwill @officialTila sure, why not.

iamdiddy @iamtherealwill I got ya back will! musical visionaries and cultural icons and future leaders gotta stick together too am i right? SELF-IMPORTANT BLOWHARDS WHO CONTRIBUTE NOTHING AT ALL TO THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION BUT CONSISTENTLY OVERSTATE OUR OWN SIGNIFICANCE LET’S GO!!!

WyclefJean @iamtherealwill You know I’m there for yoooooooooou! No one else I know has the stones to cross over and be thoroughly mediocre in so many other genres of music! THE WORLD IS MORE THAN HIP-HOP, PEOPLE!

WyclefJean *trips and crushes Canibus’ career*

officialTila you guys you guys you guys! will.i.am is in trouble! and for once it’s not the kind of trouble that my racquetball-hard fake breasts can float him out of!

MJKingofPop yikes breasts i’m outta here!

fergilicious Who said breasts? This sister got some fine breast lumps and humps her damn self! BLACKETY BLACK Y’ALL!

joshduhamel Jesus, not again.

joshduhamel @iamtherealwill Sorry, man.

joshduhamel *drags Fergie home*

fergilicious *tapdances the entire way*

Sexual Perversions... Part Duex

2009-06-19T15:59:00.001-07:00

On this weekend, last year, I posted...

"I am very interested in human perversions. What are your thoughts on these sexual aberrations? What’s the quirkest, freakest, most perverse sexual deviation you’ve heard of?

I honestly heard my greatest perversity today. Obie said a guy he knows likes to give head while the guy he’s with is taking a dump. Ew…"

A year later, I ask again... share your sexual deviations and fetishes...

The Celebrity Tea...

2009-06-16T19:02:00.001-07:00

When you have hours in the day to patrol the blogs...

We all know about the dissolvement of the Raymond marriage. Usher and Tamika are divorcing and I say thank God for that! I have loved Usher since we were 14 and I am so glad to have my other husband back in my arms. (P.S. Just because you divorced, girl, don’t you think I am going to join you. I told you not to marry that saggy cow!).

The author of Hiding in Hip-Hop, Terrance Dean has put two new NBA athletes on blast, promising to reveal their idenities in the upcoming weeks. He is accusing two players, who played on separate NBA teams, of getting on, on the down-low. While I give little creed to his claims, we can all dream. If you could have any semi-final b-ball, who do you covet?

Has anyone seen this recent picture of Kelis? I used to be a fan…

This Mess I call Life... (Corey's Random Updates)

2009-06-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Today it starts! I have the debt-diet plan prepared.

I am on a $100 per week budget, with $50 discresionary dollars allocated for weekend emergency use only.

I will update my spending every week. I am doing this because it will provide a visual reference and will force accountability. I am also allowing Parker daily access to my online account so that he can also hold me accountable for my spending. So far, I have spent no money today!

I have a twitter account! Check me out: http://twitter.com/foreveratlanta.

Q made me indulge in one final splurge before the debt diet started. I purchased a bottle of Creed’s Neroli Sauvage. As stated by the creed website, Neroli Sauvage is “a symphony of tangy citrus notes including Orange Flower (Neroli), Bergamot, Petitgrain, Lemon and Grapefruit married to the earthiness of Sandalwood and Ambergris.” The cologne smells great but it simply does not last long enough. When I combine it with a spray of Imperial (a sixth generation Creed fragrance that was originally made for the King of Saudi Arabia), the blend is wonderful and definitely endures.

I picked up a copy of the first two episodes of True Blood from Blockbuster and watched them on the plane when leaving Puerto Rico. I have fallen in love with this show. HBO has created yet another great show. Any other True Blood fans out there?

Kyle: South Beach B@*chAs$edness

2009-06-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have not been a faithful follower of BET’s College Hill franchise, but this summer have caught a couple of episodes. I just caught last week’s episode (the one where Kyle is contemplating leaving) and I must say I was impressed by this slice of reality television. Clearly Kyle realizes he has issues and has embarrassed himself and his family. It is also clear that his over the top behavior comes from insecurities and a strong dislike for himself. That is sad. Oh well. Like Parker said last night: They need to let that ratched-assed messy queen go!”

I am not sure I spelled “ratched” correct. This is a “new negro” term, I believe.

Personally, I have hated Ms. Kyle from day one. Too much mouth, too much drama, and too food. Yes, it is clear Kyle hates himself. Kyle also needs to grow up and be a man. It’s one thing to be a gay man, but he is still a man and attacking females is never appropriate.

Kyle thinks he is a diva. The diva. Don diva. A hot mess. If Kyle was really a diva, he should take some notes from Milan. She gives you face, body-oddy, and poise too boot.

Hell, he could even take notes from Ms. Brandon. With all of the nasty cattiness she’s been throwing towards Milan, it’s clear she is She’s clearly a diva as well.

Corey Keith and the Debt Diet...

2009-06-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Parker and I went running.

His day actually started with spin class. My day started with me frowned up screaming at him to get out of our bedroom so I could go back to sleep. He was trying to get me up to go with him to spin class. I didn’t go. I stayed in the bed.

While running, Parker and I had a long talk about finances. He is excellent with money. He is budget conscious and frugal. I am spend happy and a glutton.

This summer I am attempting to trim the fat from my lifestyle. Unfortunately, this process is becoming a lot more about how and why I spend instead of how much money I make.

The thing that bothers Parker the most about my spending habits is the waste. It’s things like Whole Foods. I love this store. I love the fresh fruit, the fresh flowers, the wine selection, the hot bar, the salad bar, the cake selection… the list goes on. Unfortunately, so does my receipt when I leave the store. Last Thursday I grabbed lunch from Whole Foods… for $17. Yikes. Last Thursday was a debt diet failure day.

Dees is always telling me that I will never save money. He swears that I will never downgrade my lifestyle so that I will save money. He may be right. I hope he is wrong. I am in prayer about the discipline I need. Maybe I should join the military. I hear it helps build the discipline I am so clearly lacking.

2009 Tony Award Highlights

2009-06-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

In case you missed it... the two best performances from last nights Tony Awards. I have not seen either of these shows but will be hitting NYC in September to catch one of these performances...

Our moment in the sun...

2009-06-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

Like great sex, our vacation came way too fast. Before we knew it, we were coming home (pun intended). Here are some pictures and some highlights!

We spent the evenings at the Atlantic Hotel Beach drinking three-dollar cocktails, watching the waves crash.

We visited Old San Juan and ate monfungos.

Parker swam and I splashed in the ocean.

We discussed our futures and our lives together.

We drank mojito after mojito and gambled at the casinos. We did not get lucky.

A pale, blond mechanic from Madison, Wisconsin wanted a wet and wild threesome at the beach. He did not get lucky.

We saw a cabaret show that was GOD- AWFUL.

We had a wonderful vacation.

Corey Keith wants you to get it all out...

2009-06-04T22:13:00.000-07:00

For Parker and I, its vacation time! For you, dear reader, it’s POST SECRET TIME! Post your secret, but please adhere to the following….

1. Please post only anonymous comments are allowed... if you post under a name, it may be deleted.

2. Anything goes (just like an online hook-up in Atlanta) but please avoid anything that would result in a warning from blogger.

3. Don't comment on anyone else’s secret.

4. One secret per comment. Feel free to post multiple comments though.

Remember, confession is good for the soul.

Corey Keith's plan to get out of this mess...

2009-06-03T19:42:00.000-07:00

On the cover of this week’s Newsweek, Oprah smiles and professes the need to live your best life and I agree. This summer I plan to work towards living my best life. It’s time to diet and I am not just referring to food. Debt diet like Ms. Suzy said… Read the article at http://www.newsweek.com/id/200025... It’s not really about Oprah but it kind of fit into this entry… kind of…

I have a lot of work to complete this summer. Teaching a couple of adjunct classes and completing requirements for an advanced degree, but I am committed to find time for the gym. I am committed to find time to read and grow spiritually. I am also committed to saving money…

I am currently planning my plan for better health. And by better health I am referring to physically, mentally, financially, and spiritually.

I will keep you updated each step of the way.

Mr. Keith is...

2009-06-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

It’s summer and damn it, it could not have come soon enough. This school year was so long and so difficult!

Rarely do I write about my life as a teacher. Mr. Keith is nothing like Corey.

Mr. Keith is strict.
Mr. Keith is serious about the teaching of writing.
Mr. Keith does not believe in excuses.
Mr. Keith rarely agrees with his school’s administration.
Mr. Keith is either loved or hated by co-workers.
Mr. Keith is brutally honest with students and peers.
Mr. Keith hates missing work.
Mr. Keith makes students laugh everyday, every period.

I love being a teacher- grading essays, discussing novels, helping develop future leaders. But I hate the politics of education. I hate how unqualified people complicate your job and how you have very little say in school policy or school-wide decisions (this may be isolated to my building and my school’s leadership).

Again, I am ready for the summer and the chance to not only recharge, but to reconsider the path my career is taking.

Turned out?

2009-05-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

Has Frankie been turned out?
These pictures were taken during Houston’s Gay pride, Splash.

“Frankie is crazier than a fish wit titties…”
-Momma Kenneth

Memorial day in the ATL...

2009-05-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

Atlanta is not where it is at during the Memorial Day holiday. Memorial Day belongs to Miami. The vast majority of ATLiens spent the holiday in Miami at Sizzle or went out of town to visit family.

I spent the holiday at home. For me, this past weekend was filled with grading and preparing final exams.

I did see Star Trek (and I loved it).

I spent some quality time with Parker (we are deciding what we are doing with our lives, together).

I ate some barbecue and drank mojitos with Dees and Douglas (and laughed myself silly).

I spoke to Thirsty (finally, after three weeks, we are letting bygones be bygones).

And I bought the new Chrisette Michelle album, Epiphany. I think I like it.

Bullying not to blame for suicide?

2009-05-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a judge ruled that the suicide of was not a result of bullying.

What are you thoughts concerning this ruling? Was it a matter of the press not having enough facts initially or has the LBGT community been done a major injustice?

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution
Updated: 9:05 p.m. May 20, 2009

DEKALB SCHOOLS
Over protests, district review denies boy was bullied
Former Atlanta Councilman Derrick Boazman one of two protesters arrested at press conference
By KRISTINA TORRES

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Eleven-year-old Jaheem Herrera got into one fight, maybe two. He had a dust-up with a friend over a pencil he took without asking. And on the day he killed himself, he got into a disturbance on the bus with another boy that got them both in trouble.

But Jaheem was not repeatedly bullied as his family claims, according to an internal review made public Wednesday by the DeKalb County School System.

Jaheem’s family and supporters immediately denounced the review, shouting “Shame!” as his mother, Masika Bermudez, wept into her hands.

Jaheem hanged himself at home April 16.

Bermudez has insisted he killed himself after being constantly bullied at Dunaire Elementary School in Stone Mountain and that she had complained to school officials several times.

Teachers have disputed those claims. On Wednesday, retired Fulton Superior Court Judge Thelma Wyatt Cummings Moore, brought in to lead the review, said the school’s principal and other witnesses also disputed those claims.

Instead, Moore said, Bermudez indicated in brief conversations that she planned to move her family back to their native St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands and that she did not like how children treated each other here.

The review shows a boy dealing with complex emotions and a shifting home life.

And he attended a school with its own troubled dynamics â€” one in three students is chronically homeless; more than two-thirds don’t stay enrolled the whole year; and almost all qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.

“My conclusion is there is no evidence of bullying at Dunaire,” Moore said. “There is name-calling and teasing, but it is almost always done outside of any adult [being present]. There is a code of silence among the students.”

Moore said the teasing directed at Jaheem came the Monday after Spring Break â€” April 13 â€” when he brought a pink bookbag to school.

Students told him “that’s gay,” Moore said, although several students appeared confused about the word’s meaning. It was a word they used because everyone else did, although they told her their teachers it meant “happy.”

Jaheem got into some physical altercations at school but not repeatedly. The most serious came during the school’s holiday party in December, when he and another boy fought in a restroom. The boy got Jaheem into a “sleeper” hold and he passed out, just as Jaheem’s friend, who was aiming for the other boy, accidently kicked Jaheem in the head.

A staff member found out about that fight in January from other students. Both boys were suspended. Moore said the school’s principal held assemblies that month to reinforce the school’s code of conduct.

Moore said the principal also asked school police to talk to students. Police officers gave a presentation in February.

By most accounts, Jaheem seemed well-liked at school, had a B average in class and loved to draw, dance and do back flips.

He attended four schools in as many years, including stops in Gwinnett County and, last year, at a school on St. Croix.

He enrolled at Dunaire in August. His family had moved to an extended-stay motel within its attendance zone. They moved again in March to an apartment complex in unincorporated Decatur.

The death of his grandmother in October hit Jaheem hard. He also told a police officer during the presentation in February that his uncle had been a gang member and “died right in front of him.”

It is not clear whether school officials followed up on that claim. Moore said during her presentation that she would not discuss some details because of student privacy laws.

More than a dozen family members and supporters came to hear Moore make her presentation. Their reaction was swift and harsh.

The judge’s conclusion “makes her [Moore] a liar,” said Dunaire parent Monique McMiller, who complained that her son was bullied at the school last year and that Moore interviewed him for her report. “To come to a conclusion there’s no bullying, to drag that family underneath like that, is embarrassing.”

Police arrested two men on criminal trespass and obstruction charges: Derrick Boazman, a former Atlanta city councilman, and a man identified as Abdullah Jihad. It was not clear how either man is affiliated with the family.

The family’s lawyer last week filed an intent to sue the school system for “a substantial amount,” alleging negligence by Dunaire school officials.

Day 26 eats that...

2009-05-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

One word to sum it all up...

2009-05-18T20:30:00.001-07:00

Today, while running at the track, I realized something horrible. I have changed and it has not been for the better.

The word many of my college classmates would have used to describe me- ambitious. The word many of my college friends would have used to describe me- passionate. The word that came to mind today while sitting in church yesterday- directionless.

I graduated from high school third in my class, STAR student (designation for the student with the highest SAT/ACT in a graduating class), graduated from college with a 3.82 (4.0 in my major) and was named an inaugural Gates scholar and earned the highest GPA of any minority student in my graduating class in my perspective college. I earned my master’s degree in a year, completed a specialist degree in a year and a half (while working full time), was named teacher of the year, STAR teacher (designation for the teacher who had the most influence on the STAR student- see reference above- in a graduating class) and today I realize that I have absolutely no idea about where my career is headed.

I once had focus… real focus. I once had a clear plan for my life. I wanted to be a teacher and then become an administrator. I thought the sky was the limit.
What makes this directionless conundrum even more problematic is that the sky is still the limit. I have the degrees, the experience, the accolades and the certification to do a number of things. What I lack, however, is the plan... the direction... to be honest... the ambition.

I have some decisions to make.

She was my queen in 1998...

2009-05-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

I was just a little girl
Skinny legs, a press and curl
My mother always thought I'd be a star
But way before my record deal,
The streets that nurtured Lauryn Hill
Made sure that I'd never go too far
-Lauryn Hill's "Every Ghetto, Every City" lyrics

I just saw this picture and I was shocked. Have you guys seen this? Any thoughts?

Three years old but still hilarious...

2009-05-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Broker than Mattie Michael...

2009-05-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

I just paid my bills for the month and I am so broke. I feel like Mattie Michael from The Women of Brewster Place.

Has anyone else seen this movie? It was so sad, but so funny.

The film, which starred Oprah Winfrey and a virtual who’s who of late 80’s early 90s black stars (Jackee, Cicely Tyson, Leon, Robin Givens), was about the various women who lived in a Chicago housing projects and featured two of television’s first lesbian women of color (roles played by Paula Kelley and Lonette McKey).

My favorite scene reads:

Theresa: Lorraine, you're a lesbian. Do you understand that word? A butch, a dyke, a lesbo, all those things that kid was shouting. Yes, I heard him! And you can run in all the basements in the world, and it won't change that, so why don't you accept it?

Lorraine: [angrily] I have accepted it! I've accepted it all my life, and it's nothing I'm ashamed of. I lost a father because I refused to be ashamed of it, but it doesn't make me different from anyone else in the world!

Theresa: It makes you damned different!

Lorraine: [jerking open bottom drawer of her dresser and pulling out her underwear] Do you see this? There are two things that have been constant in my life since I was sixteen years old: beige bras and oatmeal. The day before I first fell in love with a woman, I got up, had oatmeal for breakfast, and put on a beige bra. I was no different the day before or after that happened, Tee.

Theresa: And what did you do when you went to school that next day, Lorraine? Did you stand around the gym locker and swap stories with the other girls about this new love in your life, huh? While they were bragging about their boyfriends and the fifty dozen ways they had lost their virginity, did you jump in and say, 'Oh, but you should have seen the one I gave it up to last night?' Huh? Did you? Did you?
[grabbing Lorraine's underwear]

Theresa: You with your beige bras and oatmeal! Why didn't you stand in that locker room and pass around a picture of this great love in your life?

Lorraine: [quietly] Because they wouldn't have understood.

Theresa: That's right! There go your precious 'theys' again. They wouldn't undertand, not in Detroit, not on Brewster Place, not anywhere! And as long as they own the whole damn world, it's them and us, Sister! Them and us. And that spells different!

(you better say it!)

And right now my bank account spells broke!

Do you watch MTV's Taking the Stage?

2009-05-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

I limit my television viewing to an hour a day throughout the week. One program that I always catch on DVR is MTV’s Taking the Stage. While this is a reality program (with probable reality backstage rigging), I actually find each episode really entertaining.

Featured on the show are two out kids dating, Malik and Matthew, and on this past week’s episode, their relationship drama unfolded and ended in their break-up.
I was really happy to see the actual dynamics of a gay relationship unfold.

Also featured on the show is this really cute kid, Tyler who is trying to show America the real definition of a player. Any thoughts on these attempts by Tyler?

Does any one else watch this show?

Do you think Tyler is a total drama queen (but not in a gay way)?

Do you think Mia can sing or is she just an Adele, Joss Stone, Amy Winehouse wannabe?

Do you think Malik is gay because of those pink walls in his kitchen or are the walls in his kitchen pink because he is gay?

I want my lemon custard...

2009-04-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

So I am leaving one job and headed to another. I start craving a lemon custard ice-cream cup from Marble Slab. I pull into the Marble Slab parking lot and park. I walk inside and to my delight there was two lines open, one of which had only one customer waiting. It was a man and his two daughters (around 6 and 4) and they were placing their order.

I wait.

When the line to my left moved two customers, I decided to see what could be the problem. I started to listen.

“Honey, what do you want?”

The customer, dressed in his suit, was allowing his two daughters in plaid school girl uniforms to decide what they wanted to order. It’s great when kids can make choices, but this ten-minute decision process was getting ridiculous.

At six, my mother would ask me what I wanted and she would place the order for me. If I did not know, I had better decide quick and in a hurry or I would not receive an ice-cream.

“Does the ice-cream cake has cake in it, cause I don’t like cake in it…”
“Well, it does have cake because it is pre-made…”

What? The manager was talking to the little girl as though she was an adult.

SHE IS SIX YEARS OLD!

It is great that she is being taught to make decisions, but the line at Marble Slab is not the place for her life long lessons in fiscal or physical responsibility.

Give these girls a vanilla cone and keep it moving…

In frustration, I left, with out my lemon custard. I guess come ice-creams are simply not meant to be.

Happy Anniversary, My Queens...

2009-04-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

"Everybody line up
The show is about to start
Places, the show is about to start
You have to show a look, have a look, or give a look
Faces, beautiful
No one ugly allowed..."

Monday nights in Atlanta belong to the small but tight knit group of drag performers known as “The Stars of the Century.” For ten years, these performers, who once included Miss Sophia, have presented a drag review that may be the best in black gay America.

What makes them “stars” are the numerous titles each cast member has assembled throughout his/her career in entertainment. Last night the Monday night show celebrated it's tenth year and I was in the house.

The creator and artistic director of the show is Mississippi native and drag icon, Niesha Dupree. Miss Niesha really is the drag empress of Atlanta and she is to be commended on making and maintaining what has become a mainstay in the black gay community.

I never thought I would enjoy drag shows but the performers with the stars of the century give one hell of a show. Those ole girls turned it last night.

Congratulations ladies…

Spring in the ATL...

2009-04-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

New Yorkers love New York in a way that is unmatched by any other city. I feel that kind of love for Atlanta even if I have not been expressing it lately. Atlanta is a great spring city.

With the recession in full bloom (not to mention the pollen), I have been really down on this city I love. This weekend, I had the chance to reconnect. The First Family went to The Dogwood Festival and we had a time. Turkey legs, corndogs, and art that was as high as giraffe’s pussy (not to mention more pollen than I could stand) are all signs that spring is in full spring in the ATL.

If you missed The Dogwood Festival, this weekend the Inman Park Festival occurs. I will be there with Parker, Dees, and a corn dog.

I love YB and DL and Que (equally of course...)

2009-04-20T19:18:00.001-07:00

“A year has come and gone so fast, I think I might be dreaming…”

Happy Anniversary, YB and DL!
For the past year, this blog has continuously provided entertaining and enriching stories of one young man’s hot, torrid, and enlightening affairs. The honesty is unbridled and the growing pains can sometimes be all too real. Always a great read, YB and DL does not hold back and is never short with words.

From hot road trips and baby mama drama to tawdry hook ups with sexy older dudes, YB and DL keeps it real. He’s on a journey and he’s taking us with him, each step of the way.

A quote:
“Here's the deal, I have gotten with...well my share of dudes, but I wouldn't consider, not the first one of them a friend, or someone I can talk to about my love life or sex life. I guess perhaps, that might be on me, but the truth is I really don't see any of them as friend types or potential friends.”

Well, YB, we are your friends. We, your readers, love you and accept you for who you are and are thankful that you are allowing us on your journey as you grow into the man you are meant to be.

I cannot wait to see what the next year holds for you and Von and all the men and women we have not met yet.
Get down low at http://youngblackanddownlow.blogspot.com/

Happy Anniversary Que!
Not only do I laugh at loud every time I read the Purveyor of All Things Appropriately Inappropriate, I can’t stop laughing throughout the day.

Caption for a random chick on a bus…
“The only reason I'm putting this cunt on blast is because she walked pass me and hit me with that tired ass vinyl bag of hers. She looked at me, and realized that she knocked the shit out of my head, and didn't say excuse me. Begin Read: Her fake ass Dawn from Danity Kane ass had on the cheapest pumps I've seen since Wild Pair closed. “

Caption for recent episode Making the Band…
I know you guys watched 'Making The Band' last night. I just don't get it. What the hell is wrong with Ms. Q? She has been throwing temper tantrums, snapping her fingers, ringing her neck around like a hula hoop, and rolling her eyes like dice. What a fucking queen! I'm so sick of her and her cunty ways.
It's okay Q, the GLBT community will accept you with open arms. Just stop picking fights with the trade and running into corners. Last night he even had the nerve to tell Brian to "suck his dick". Brian couldn't see licking that queen's man clit. What a BITCH!!!!

Que consistently tell the girls to live and baby I do… I live for this blog and if you get into, honey, you will too.
Read Que at http://quincyjones66.blogspot.com/

Great Sex (Inspired by Ryan Lee)

2009-04-15T19:55:00.000-07:00

In many ways, great sex can be likened to a great journey. Imagine the wise and mature Odysseus sailing the Aegean Sea, in search of his beloved Ithaca and his beloved Penelope. Imagine brave and young Inman battling his way across the civil-war torn south to his beloved North Carolinian plantation and his beloved Ada. Now, imagine Odysseus fucking Inman and you will have an idea of what constitutes great sex.

Great sex is a place we all seek. At some point in our lives, we finally arrive at the desired destination of great sex and for I arrived at the ripe age of twenty-five. It was then that I had the best sex of my life.

I met Johnny online. Yes, like many, I too searched the net for love and suffered loss. Johnny was a nineteen year old college student at a local all male college. He was shorter, (5'8), compact (a full six-pack complete with a 31 waist), and dreaded (not my first preference, but hey, they worked on him.)

When I met him, he gave me nothing but attitude. He constantly ran his mouth, flapped his jaws, and complained. I laughed at him and shrugged it off because I had no intentions of doing anything more than beating his back up.

And boy did I ever beat it up.

The first time we fucked, it was good, but not great. It was by no means the best sex. But I realized even then that the potential was there. Johnny was a well-endowed auditory bottom. He crooned and moaned and begged while fucking and I loved every single sound. When he called me "daddy," I melted. When he begged me to fuck him harder, I tried to knock his back out. And the harder I hit, the more he wanted.

The second time we fucked, he asked me to slap him in the mouth.
The third time we fucked, he asked me to pull his hair.
The fourth time we fucked, he asked me to hit him harder.

I slapped him playfully, but it was not what he wanted. He asked to be hit and that is exactly what he wanted. Again, I slapped him harder, this time with more force, but he wanted more. I punched him softly, yet he wanted more. I punched his back, his stomach, his thighs, his ass, and still, he wanted more.

This brutal fucking continued for several sessions. He would scream and cry and beg for me to pulverize not only his ass but his body as well. And yes, I loved every minute of it. I would cum loudly, giving into the bestial and guttural sex. It was the after-minutes that I did not love.

I felt horrible about the things I was doing to this "kid." He routinely begged to be demeaned and hurt and I fed into his need for debasement. Worse than that, I was enjoying his debasement. When I confronted Johnny with my concerns, he laughed, told me to get a condom, and then asked me to fuck him inversely (um, not sure if this is the right word, but it consisted of him on bottom, me on top, my head at his feet, and his feet at my head). He wailed in intense pain, and came all over my sheets like never before.

Johnny and I stopped messing around after a month. I met him towards the end of a semester and he ended up flunking out of college. We instant-message each other infrequently on yahoo every now and then. He once asked to move in with me so he could make his way back to Atlanta, but I told him that would be a horrible idea.

The best sex of my life took me to a place I had never been and would never like to return.

Inspired by Ryan Lee...

2009-04-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

David Magazine editor, Ryan Lee, wrote a great article in this week’s issue. The article was so good that it inspired me to write an honest sexual exploration about a great sexual experience pre-Parker.

http://davidatlanta.com/2009/4-8/city/city/2608.cfm

Read this piece and check me out tomorrow.

P.S. Crazy Diamond- Saw you in Wal-Mart on Saturday, headed over to speak, and “swoosh, you was gone…”

Customer Service with a Smile?

2009-04-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

I have become addicted to Checker’s hot dogs. I know, I know… don’t judge me.

So I go to the drive-thru and order three hotdogs (they are just 99cents). I am greeted by a rude, ghetto worker.

Checkers Worker: Yeah.
Corey Keith: Excuse me.
Checkers Worker: Yeah, can I take yo order.
Corey Keith: Three hot dogs, please.
Checkers: Three chili dogs?
Corey Keith: Three hot dogs.
Checkers Worker: Huh? Nobody orders hot dogs. $3.21. Drive around.

And I drive around and wait ten minutes while the car in front of me gets three bags of food. When I finally get to the window, I am greeted by weave all over the place and two gold teeth blinging hard.

Corey Keith: How much is it?
Checkers Worker: Huh?
Corey Keith: How much is the order?

Checkers Worker: I told you 3.21.
I hand it over and take the bag.

Corey Keith: Excuse me. Can I have some ketchup?
Checkers Worker: We ain’t got no ketchup.

How can a fast food restaurant not have ketchup? I am almost sure there was ketchup in the back but she did not want to get it.

Why? Why can I not get decent customer service in my neighborhood? I know, I know… don’t tell me… some one already said it in response to my Shirley Franklin post.

Win, lose, or draw...

2009-04-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, life can be quite a gamble. This weekend, that was definitely true. Early Saturday morning Parker and I were awakened by someone banging on our window. It was Thirsty. He wanted to go to the Casino in North Carolina. With no plans other than cleaning on the agenda we figured why not... what did we have to lose? As it turned out, quite a bit.

The casino was a mess. The place reaked of smoke and foulness. Coming from Mississippi, Casinos are nothing new for me. I am used to all you can drink, all you can eat, and slots that hit frequently. The casino in Cherokee was dry… no alcohol PERIOD. The food was a reheated mess and we did not hit. Not Parker, not Thirsty, and not me. Within two hours I lost 120. Parker lost 40 and Thirsty lost 240.

I should have listened to my first instinct. I did not want to go in the first place. I should have stayed at home and mopped.

For Thirsty, this was his fourth jaunt to Miss Harrahs. She's a horrible ole girl and we should have avoided her the way I avoid Virginia.

Shiny, Happy People...

2009-04-01T19:29:00.000-07:00

In our world, we value positivist. We appreciate positive comments, a positive outlook, and an overall positive approach to life. Rarely do we want to hear negative comments or negative feedback, regardless of how constructive they may be.

Tonight I spoke with my cousin Monty and he told me he was moving to D.C. I gave him my opinion of the move and he got really pissed.

I think D.C. is a great city… if you have money.

Monty accused me of being negative… all the time.

I thought about what he said and took his words to heart. I don’t think I am negative. I view myself as a realist. I see things as they are and if someone asks my opinion, I tell them how I feel. However, I can see how someone can see me as negative.

I am analytical and strategic. I look for problems and I look for solutions.

A co-worker told me a couple of weeks ago that she was complaining to much about our boss and that she had decided to read book entitled A Complaint Free World. It sounded like a good idea at the time, but now I realize the value of complaints. Without complainers we would not be as aware of problems. Without problems we would not find solutions and without solutions our world would never get better.

Post Another Secret...

2009-03-26T20:23:00.000-07:00

After reading The Reason, aren't you ready to share some memories and secrets? Post Secret, Part II!

The rules are as follows:

1. Only anonymous comments are allowed... if you post under a name, it will be deleted.

2. Anything goes, but please avoid anything that would result in a warning from blogger.

3. Don't comment on anyone elses secret- just confess your secret.

4. One secret per comment. Feel free to post multiple comments though.

Shirley Franklin helped ruin this city...

2009-03-26T01:02:00.001-07:00

The Atlanta Convention and Visitors bureau announced last month that declines in tourism were so drastic that they were cutting major contributions to employee retirement benefits. This affected one of my friends and made me think about why so many people had stopped flocking to the ATL. While the economy is a fool, the girls still drop coins at the drop of a dime. There is more to it than simply hard times and that something more is Shirley Franklin.

Yep. Shirley Franklin ruined the city of Atlanta. There, I said it. I have been thinking it for a month and I finally got that out.

I know you girls out there love this ole girl and honestly, I do as well (she’s like a big brother or an old uncle). She and those flowers are beat, but she really has a lot to do with our city’s current economic decline.

Franklin and the Atlanta City Council bet the future of our city on condos and real-estate. Beloved clubs and nightlife staples like Club Visions (formerly Club Khia) and Backstreet were forced to shut down so that condos and retail properties could be built. The thinking was that taxes and the revenue generated from the retail shift would take the city to the next level. Instead, it took the city down, and I mean way down.

The lack of sell-out crowds for the ACC championship game two weeks ago was blamed on the economy, but the blame lies with Franklin and elected Atlanta city councilmen.
Why would any spring-breaker have come here? Honestly, why would anyone want to come to a major US city that provides nothing to do in terms of nightlife? We have no French Quarter, no magnificent mile, no Times Square. Atlanta lacks anything even remotely resembling night life.

So thanks, Shirley! Thanks for ruining the downtown of the city I love so dearly.

Get into...

2009-03-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

The new bookclub selection- Basketball Jones!

March madness is all around us and you need to indulge it with the brothas well read March book club selection, E. Lynn Harris’ Basketball Jones. The meeting will be held on Saturday, at 4:00 p.m. at a member’s home. Cocktails will be included with discussion so why not make it an afternoon stop as you enjoy the unusually pleasant spring weather? Meetings usually last about an hour.

Email me at foreveratlanta06@yahoo.com if you are interested in this great read and fun chat.

Today Parker and I celebrate two complete years. And while you may not realize it, you guys have been there each blog of the way. I appreciate your time and your support.

We both had long days but ended things with quesadillas and Queer as Folk (what a great show… we got it for Valentine’s Day and watch it together).

The Reason, The Conclusion

2009-03-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

When we started 12th grade, Chanel and B.J. had been dating for four years. As crazy as it sounds, they had been a couple since 8th grade. I was often the third wheel or along as a double date (I had girlfriends throughout high school and college).

I realized in 12th grade that I loved B.J. in an inappropriate way and that I was making myself miserable by pining over him. He was spending more and more time with Chanel, leaving me alone and jealous. And that’s when I meet Michael (http://coreyisamess.blogspot.com/2008/09/you-will-always-be-my-first-love.html). As Michael and I started spending time together, I noticed B.J. was the one getting jealous. He did not understand why I was spending so much time with a freshman.

We drifted apart. We graduated. Before we all left for college, a group of us got together and went out. There, at our last time together before going our separate ways, B.J. punched me in the face and gave me a black-eye. He had been picking a fight with me the entire outing and it ended with me punched in the face. I did not hit him back. I remember sitting in our friend’s Sasha’s car, holding my eye, looking out of the window, crying tears that hurt my face and my heart. I promised myself that I would never speak to him again.

And I kept my promise. I started college with a black eye that lasted weeks. I was embarrassed and hurt.

B.J. and Chanel went to college at one of our state’s HBCU’s and I went to our state’s biggest university. We rarely ever saw each other. He never came home (he and his aunt also had some problems) and when he did, I avoided him.

When B.J. was a sophomore in college, he had a mental breakdown. He was actually diagnosed as being bi-polar. I was sad for him. I was hurt when I found out, but in some ways, it made sense considering his behavior during our junior and senior year of high school.

He was institutionalized for six months and during this time, he wrote me several letters. He apologized and asked me to be in his life, to be his friend again. He told me that I had helped his faith and that God had placed us in each other’s lives for life. I did not respond to his letter. I ignored him.

This is hard to admit and this is hard to write.

Chanel asked me to forgive him, to visit him. I told her I would. She and I had remained friends, but I did not keep my word to her. My promise to myself meant more to me then.

B.J. was released and returned to school. He had several other episodes and did not finish college. He did finish barber school. He married Chanel and they have two beautiful children.

And this takes us to the reason for the entries. B.J. and Chanel’s divorce became final on Friday and B.J. called my mother to tell her about the divorce. He cheated and has two other children. They talked about everything and in the course of their conversation he told her why he hit me. He had heard that I was gay and was dating Michael. He told her that the thought of me being gay all those years had made him really mad.

Why he was telling my mother this is beyond me and really made us both angry. My mother knows I am gay and she supports me and my relationship with Parker. We both wonder who else he has told this too. Michael is married now with kids of his own, after all.

I thought about what could motivate him to call my mother and tell her this and I think it is because he needs a friend now. I am sure losing Chanel is hard for him. And I want so badly to make amends for not being there for him years ago when he asked for my forgiveness but I know I will never call him or speak to him. And while it might be the right thing to do, it is not the thing I am going to do and I have to live with this (the fact that I am this kind of person) for the rest of my life.

The Reason, Part Three

2009-03-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

B.J. was not gay.

Often, while walking to the lake, we held hands.
Many nights, we would fall asleep on each other or in each other’s arms. Hard and sticky with sweat, we would just be together on the couch on in the bed or on the floor, wrapped inside of each other. Usually when we fell asleep, we would have on gym shorts and no shirts.

B.J. was not gay.

He always smelled sweet, strong, comfortable. He radiated masculinity and sex. He was taller than me, slightly over six feet in high school. He was lighter than me, a reddish brown complexion. He had a square jaw, strong neck, broad shoulders. His hair was reddish, blondish on his body and abdomen. His dick was thick and long when soft. I never saw it any other way. That is how I know.

B.J. was not gay.

While my dick was always hard as a rock whenever I smelled him, saw him, touched him, thought of him, his never was. Not when I laid on him, wrestled him, skinny dipped with him, his dick was never hard.

B.J. was not gay. And he had fallen in love with Chanel the way I had fallen in love with him.

The Reason, Part Two

2009-03-18T19:35:00.000-07:00

During the summer before High School, I wrote B.J. every week. He wrote me back twice, but it did not matter. He had beautiful handwriting but did not have beautiful words (he barely made it out of middle school). My mother allowed us to talk on the phone once a week and his father did the same.

In retrospect, those letters and those calls should have sounded so many alarms. However, my mother claims, even to this day, that she never thought I was gay.

Two days before ninth grade started, we got the news that B.J. was coming back to start high school with us.

I was elated.

Throughout high school, we were inseparable. We were leaders in our church’s youth group and choir. We were active in sports (I played football, he excelled at basketball, we both ran track), in extracurricular (SGA) and one could not be seen without the other.

We even worked at the local grocery store together. We shared everything, including underwear (um… I know… but I am going to be honest here… I am sure that is where my underwear fetish started.)

I loved him deeply, in a way that I cannot describe. It was familial but more- a lot more.

And with love comes pain- sometimes as deep and as mad as the love I felt for him. There was a dark side to our friendship. We fought- a lot. We were jealous of each other. We both vied for attention from other people. He knew how to hurt me (emotionally, mentally) more than anyone else. He knew just the right time and just the right way to make me lose it.

Once, in 11th grade, in front of everyone we hung out with, he asked me if I was gay and stopped me cold in my tracks. He had never done that before and it hurt me to my core. I could not believe it. And the fact that he was saying it in front of our friends made it worse in the eyes of others because we were always together.

The problems we had always blew over, though. No fight could keep us apart because we were more than friends- we were brothers.

But I did not want a brother in him. I wanted a lover.

And that is where it all went wrong.

The Reason- Part One

2009-03-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

Some stories are really hard to tell. Sometimes its because the story, how it started or ended, makes you ashamed of yourself and what you have done. Sometimes it’s because you want to let the past remain in the past. This is a story that definitely fits all of the above criteria. I am going to tell this, or attempt to, as coherently as possible. I am writing this in one sitting, beginning at 12:21, because I cannot sleep until I get this off my chest, and shared with you- because I owe this part of my life to you. I am going to break the blog entry up into multiple entries so as not to overwhelm you because I want the story read… I think.

Should I begin with the most recent end or the beginning? I think the beginning would be best.

It’s 1992 and I am in middle school. I knew I liked boys because I jerked off to some “boy friend” each night. I had long term crushes and usually was faithful to only one boy at a time. Sometimes it was the tallest, biggest boy in my grade, Gary, or the cutest, prettiest boy in my grade, Devon. It was never, ever Benjamin, or B.J. as everyone called him. B.J. had moved to our small town at the beginning to seventh grade and smelled like old people. He reaked of mothballs, wore lame-tired clothes, and always looked unkempt. His hair was knotty, his skin was an oily disaster, and no one, especially me, wanted to be his friend.

Somehow B.J. managed to weasel his way into every (and I mean every) aspect of my adolescent life.

B.J. attended my church and my mother took an interest in him immediately. She asked me to be his friend (I refused) and told me that he had moved to our town to live with his aunt because his father had just been awarded custody of him. Apparently he was coming from a very bad home life in Detroit. But being the Corey that I was, I felt no sympathy.

A year went on and he and my mother continued to bond and I continued to ignore him. I did this until it became almost impossible to ignore him. He started “liking” my best friend, Chanel. Chanel and I had been best friends since second grade. I loved her. I was the focus of her life and she mine. Suddenly, that all changed because of B.J. This troll had taken the two most important women in my life- my mother and now my best friend. I did not like this guy, not one bit.

Until the summer after eighth grade when I learned he was moving back to Detroit.

He spent the weekend at my house because his Aunt was going out of town. It was his last weekend in town and it was the best weekend of my life (well, it seemed that way.) We stayed up late talking about his life- about being abused and seeing drug deals and seeing people get shot in drive bys. We woke up early and walked to the lake (my family lives by a large lake that is not heavily visited most of the year). We swam and played basketball and wrestled.

When he left, I felt like my world was coming to an end. I had fallen hopelessly, madly in love with the troll who was not a troll any longer. He had learned how to cut his hair (later he would cut mine every weekend- sometimes because I needed it, but most times because it was an excuse for me to see him), had purchased new clothes and Noxzema (with my mother’s help), and had become more popular than me (he was the start guard of our middle school basketball team).

I realized that I would never jerk off to any other boy besides B.J.

Only in Atlanta...

2009-03-15T15:51:00.000-07:00

ATLANTA -- Brandon Young of Norcross says he will never forget what happened to him last Tuesday inside a room at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Young, a former convention center employee, told Channel 2 Action News reporter Eric Philips that an officer with the Georgia World Congress Center Police Department crossed the line by inquiring about his sexuality and forcing Young to perform sexual acts while Young was being questioned on suspicion of having a stolen cell phone in his possession.

“I really didn't know what to think, because for one, I was never prepped on anything like that as far as an officer coming on to me,” said Young, who told the officer he was bisexual when questioned.

Young said the officer indicated that if he complied, he would not go to jail.

"It happened so fast it was like very disturbing, going to jail over something you didn't know about," said Young.

Young's attorney, Michael Harper, said his client has DNA evidence and text messages that implicate the officer. Harper also said medical tests showed Young tested positive for oral gonorrhea from the incident.

“The question is if you say no, what will happen, and that's a result he [Young] didn't want to take, so he complied with the officer's request,” said Harper.
Young is set to file a $5 million lawsuit against the state because of the alleged sexual assault.

The officer in question has resigned from the Georgia World Congress Center. Convention center officials said they will not comment, nor would officials with the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office because the investigation is ongoing.
“It plays, it constantly plays over again in my head,” said Young.

Some hot smurf action...

2009-03-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

So are you missing the 80's?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LArVQOr-vGU

I wish I knew how to upload youtube links.

Where is my Gatorade?

2009-03-07T22:43:00.000-08:00

The week was long, my workout was longer and all I wanted was an ice cold bottle of Gatorade. When I went into the store, I could not find my Gatorade. It did not matter what flavor. I would have enjoyed orange or fruit punch or the blue one equally. I just wanted Gatorades. What I got instead was a mini-bottle of Gator piss!

What did they do with my Gatorade?

There are two new brands of Gatorade, G2 and Tiger and they both taste similar to vitamin water. Supposedly the original Gatorade is still in stores although the logo and packaging has changed. I could not find the original in the QuickTrip by the track. All they carried was the Gator Piss.

What was wrong with the original Gatorade? If I wanted Vitamin Water, I would get Vitamin Water. I should not have to play guessing games with my Gatorade.

Why can’t things just stay the way they are supposed to be?

Happy Endings?

2009-03-03T21:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Endings by Margaret Atwood

A.

John and Mary fall in love and get married. They both have worthwhile and remunerative jobs which they find stimulating and challenging. They buy a charming house. Real estate values go up. Eventually, when they can afford live-in help, they have two children, to whom they are devoted. The children turn out well. John and Mary have a stimulating and challenging sex life and worthwhile friends. They go on fun vacations together. They retire. They both have hobbies which they find stimulating and challenging. Eventually they die. This is the end of the story.

Snow Day!

2009-03-02T17:55:00.001-08:00

Snow day! Finally, I had a full three day weekend to catch up on my work. It felt like the world was getting away from.

I started reading E. Lynn Harris’s newest book, Basketball Jones. Read it with me and my book club… check out www.brothaswellread.com and get ready for a great discussion.

Has anyone heard the Adele CD? It’s not that great. I am a little disappointed, actually. While Chasing Pavements is a great single, the rest of the CD leaves a lot to be desired

Recession means that I also need to recede, especially with new familial demands on my finances. I am DVR’d Oprah today. Hopefully I can gain some new tips on saving. I have already eliminated several of my favorite splurges (Starbucks, Whole Foods, Atlanta Cupcake Factory)… Well, I am in the process of eliminating.

I hate my iphone 3g. It constantly drops calls and freezes.

My grandmother’s cancer is as bad as I feared but I have faith that this will pass (the cancer, not my grandmother). She’s unbelievably strong and I believe in God’s grace. What is meant to be will be. The cancer will never be cured, but it can give us a little vacation with radiation. Again, I have faith.

I made lasagna on Sunday. Last week Thirsty took me to the DeKalb Farmer’s Market and now I am in absolute love.

For Valentine’s Day, I bought Parker the first season of Queer as Folk. We are enjoying each episode.