This A Perfect Moment

THIS IS A PERFECT MOMENT
by Rob Brezsny

This is a perfect moment.
It's a perfect moment for many reasons,
but especially because you and I are waking up
from our sleepwalking, thumb-sucking, dumb-clucking collusion
with the masters of illusion and destruction.

Thanks to them,
from whom the painful blessings flow,
we are waking up.

Their wars and tortures,
their crimes against nature,
extinctions of species
and brand new diseases.

Their spying and lying
in the name of the father,
sterilizing seeds and
trademarking water.

Molestations of God,
celebrations of shame,
stealing our dreams and
changing our names.

Their cunning commercials
and blood-sucking hustles,
their endless rehearsals
for the end of the world.

Thanks to them,
from whom the awful teachings flow,
we are waking up.

*

Their painful blessings are cracking open
more and more gashes
in the shrunken and crippled mass hallucination
that is mistakenly called "reality."
And through the fractures,
ripe eternity is flooding in;
news of the soul's true home is pouring in;
our allies from the other side of the veil
are swarming in,
inspiring us to become smarter and wilder
and kinder and trickier.

We are waking up.

As heaven and earth come together,
as the dreamtime and daytime merge,
we register the shockingly exhilarating fact
that we are in charge
of creating a brand new world.
Not in some distant time or faraway place,
but right here and right now.

*

As we stand on this brink,
as we dance on this verge,
we can't let the ruling fools of the dying world
sustain their curses.
We have to rise up
and fight their insane logic;
defy, resist, and prevent their tragic magic;
erupt with our sacred rage and supercharge it.

But overthrowing the living dead is not enough.
Protesting the well-dressed monsters is not enough.
We can't afford to be consumed with our anger;
we can't be obsessed and possessed by their danger.
Our mysterious bodies crave delight and fertility.
Our boisterous imaginations demand fresh tastes of infinity.

In the new world we're gestating,
we need to be suffused
with lusty compassion and ecstatic duty,
ingenious love and insurrectionary beauty.
We've got to be teeming with radical curiosity and reverent pranks,
voracious listening and ferocious thanks.

*

So I'm curious, my fellow creators.
Since you and I are in charge of making a new world
-- not just breaking down the old world --
where do we begin?
What stories do we want at the heart of our experiments?
What questions will be our oracles?

Here's what I say:
In the New World we're creating,
We will ridicule the cult of doom and gloom.
We will embrace the cause of zoom and boom.
We will laugh at the stupidity of evil and hate;
we'll summon the brilliance to praise and create.

No matter how upside-down it all may appear,
we will have no fear
because we know this big secret:
Pronoia is real.
All of creation is conspiring to shower us with blessings.
Life is crazily in love with us --
brazenly and innocently in love with us.

The universe always gives us
exactly what we need,
exactly when we need it.

*

The winds and the tides are on our side,
forever and ever, amen.
The fire and the rain are scheming to steal our impossible pain.
The sun and the moon and the stars
remember our real names,
and our ancestors pray for us while we're dreaming.

We have guardian angels and thousands of teachers,
provocateurs with designs to unleash us,
helpers and saviors we can't even imagine,
brothers and sisters who want us to blossom.

Thanks to them,
from whom the blissful blessings flow,
we are waking up.

The roads they pave us,
the places they save us,
the tomatoes they grow us,
the rivers they flow us.

Their mysterious stories,
and morning glories,
their loaves and fishes,
granting our wishes.

The songs they sing us,
the gifts they bring us,
the secrets they show us,
above and below us.

Thanks to them,
from whom the blissful blessings flow,
we are waking up.


*

Postscript:

I'm allergic to dogma.
I thrive on the riddles.
Any idea I believe, I reserve the right to disbelieve as well.
But more than any other vision I've ever tested,
pronoia describes the way the world actually is.
It's wetter than water,
stronger than death,
and truer than the news.
It smells like cedar smoke in the autumn rain,
and if you close your eyes right now,
you can feel it shimmering
like the aurora borealis
in your organs and muscles.
Its song is your blood's song.

Some people argue that life is strife
and suffering is normal.
Others swear we're born sinful
and only heaven can provide us with the peace
that passes understanding.
But pronoia says that being alive
on the rough green and brown earth
is the highest honor and privilege.
It's an invitation to work wonders
and perform miracles
that aren't possible in any nirvana, promised land, or afterlife.

I'm not exaggerating or indulging in poetic metaphor
when I tell you that we are already living in paradise.
Visualize it if you dare.
The sweet stuff that quenches all of our longing
is not far away in some other time and place.
It's right here and right now.
Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning knew the truth:
"Earth's crammed with heaven."

Be Presiden Palin

YOU CAN PLAY THE GAME TODAY! BE PALIN AS PRESIDENT!

Then go donate to No on 8 in her name.

JHud Deaths, LGBT HATE Related?

Interesting. Jennifer Hudson's sister wrote today on her Myspace regarding the tragic turn of events:

"When I started my MySpace all of the above was true, now because I chose to do what was natural to me and love someone, it cost me my beautiful family," she writes.

"It cost me my beautiful, loving, supporting mother Darnell, my true blue baby brother Jason - I love you baby – and last but not never least, my only son Julian, my innocent baby..."

"[Julian's] soul is at ease," Julia writes. "I take comfort in knowing that Julian is with my mother and my brother and most of all the Lord, and now he's my angel, he's protecting me."

If you recall, back in the day when Dreamgirls came out, Jennifer Hudson clarified her comments regarding queerness saying:

I have said again and again that it was the gay community that supported me long before and long after AMERICAN IDOL, and kept me working and motivated. It is the gay community that celebrated my voice and my size and my personality long before DREAMGIRLS. Yes, I was raised Baptist. Yes, I was taught that the Bible has certain views on homosexuality. The Bible also teaches us not to judge. It teaches us to love one another as God loves us all. I love my sister, my two best friends and my director dearly. They happen to be gay." - Gawker, 12/07/06

I thought it was a great response, and I was really glad to hear that she was bringing the love. I can't imagine the pain of losing the majority of your immediate family to domestically related gun violence. I hope peace and love will settle around the Hudsons carrying them through this tough time.

Rashawn Brazell

I still think it's important to point out that these murders could be LGBT HATE related. Such things happen in the LGBT community when folks come out and live as they love. It's a sad truth in the lives of the African American LGBT, where violence and homophobia often mix to disasterous results (Sakia Gunn, Rashawn Brazell). I would rather this was a sad horrible senseless random act of violence, but if it is related to LGBT HATE it needs to be news. It could help save a life.

Sakia Gunn Memorial

For resources if you're living with these troubles or in fear, please contact The Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN). When I was growing up in a abuse filled household, RAINN got me help and even helped me get declared independent so I got financial aid allowing me to attend UCLA.

1-800-656-HOPE
http://www.rainn.org/

Remember to vote No on 8.

Be the forest, Gisele!

Gisele models for trees, the world sighs in relief.

"Roseanne" Celebrates 20 Years!

''I was a huge John Goodman fan before the show. When they cast him, I was agog; I was thrilled. He is a delight. But ultimately you're winding up and she's the crack of the bat. Her perspective was the one I was so grateful to see on the show. She was the reason I went. That character. People would say, 'So you're writing on Roseanne?' I was 24 at the time. 'Do you write Darlene's lines?' I said, 'Yes, I write Darlene's lines, I leave a space, then I write a rebuttal.' They assumed I wrote the young person.'' - Joss Whedon on writing for Roseanne

Lisa and Mandy are Against Prop 8

Lisa and Mandy are Against Prop 8
Originally uploaded by _Faith

My Very Good Friends Lisa and Mandy celebrate their 7th year anniversary today. They actually need a new toaster, but instead I've decided to post this beautiful ad they created. Their wedding was one of the best I've ever been to. All the grandparents, parents, step parents, cousins, family and friends were there and it was a celebration of love and the wonderful life these two women have built for themselves. MAZAL TOV!

Go visit Lisa over at obscanity.com!

The Bi Is Back!

I asked a question, in desperation. Like sand skipping unnaturally back into the sea, bisexuality is disappearing. A famous celeb declares love for a woman, as she has for men before and a biological reality isn't even broached. Tila Tequila cements bisexuality as a culture, as a way of living and not a life. Words Matter and I'm screaming them from the proverbial rooftops.

I'm really thankful Ted C. of E! Online posted my question in the first place and sparked up a conversation, kicking some folks into gear within our own bisexual community. To me that is the work of an ally. An ally is not necessarily me, they don't always say it the way I would want but they help get us closer. Use the chance to educate and invigorate! Sure, we attack ourselves and allies before rushing out the door in the right way, but eventually righteous fire finds it's true mark. Perhaps some saw the poll as a last straw, but I think that's an unconscious way to look at it. The poll represents reality, what are you doing to change someone's mind about that if you disagree? Folks, including Ted C. I might add, worked years to help change opinion on same sex marriage and the need for visibility (have you forgotten Toothy Tile?)

Bisexuals have to and are doing the same, and we must keep trying.

In response to the poll, and with great love I sent this to Ted:

Sorry that my half hearted attempt to question the lack of "bisexual option" for La Lohan turned some bisexuals on the wrong way.
"or as "out & proud" Sheela Lambert notes ". . . there is one for haters and two for heteroflexible girls. I dont want to sign up as either an experimenter or dating a girl until I meet the right guy. I have been out as bi for over 30 years and have dated both guys, women and transgender people" - Bialogue

So how about it Ted, feel like adding a button? There's No and Maybe, but no definitive Yes is there? Remember we're not exactly a highway from one orientation to the next, but more of a welcome mat of goodness. Step gently?

He replied in the affirmative, respectfully and warmly so. Folks out there may not know E!, may not have spent the years chilling with Talk Soup, adoring Anna Nicole, or incorporating a good amount of TEDSPEAK into their vocabulary. Personally, I'm proud that Ted is one of my biggest influences as a writer, all that casual wit and sarcastic sweetness in a shiny hunk of a package to boot. He's like the Douglas Adams of Gossip and lucky for US, he came out years and years ago. He got married and has held the queer flag in high profile for plenty a day. I think that should count for a damn lot.

Me, myself, I consider myself a bisexual activist -- I reclaim the word, and see myself as two and whole at the same time. STILL I'VE NEVER BEEN ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO ENTER A CHURCH THAT DON'T LIKE QUEERS, HAVE YOU?


This is some horrid stuff, cants believe it would happen in October of 2008. Wait, I can.

From Lauren Parke*,

The Director of Safety from Palm Beach Atlantic University read a statement as we gathered outside the school's chapel on Monday, October 13, 2008. "You are unwanted guests." Fully aware that handcuffs were waiting, six of us then stepped forward, persisting in our intention to attend the morning service there. Arris and Lindsay, two students whom we'd spoken with extensively the day before, had been so certain we would be allowed in that they even promised to sit with us. Tears streamed down their faces as the police slipped zip-ties around our wrists and loaded us into their van. Our fellow Riders held hands and tried to hold back their own tears as they sung, "Just As I Am."

What are you doing today? When's the last time you made a stand? Sent an email, took action, let someone know how you feel and/or made a ruckus?

Do Something. Today. Stand for bisexuality, for same sex marriage, for Obama, and healing the world as we recognize all of the diversity still striving within.

*(disclosure:Best almost-a-date I ever had)

Vote! On Bisexuality!

So...now E! has a poll on bisexuality, please go vote! I'd feel a lot better about stirring the pot if 20% of respondents hadn't said "Not a chance, it's a stop on the way to homoville"...

http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/the_awful_truth/b63567_polling_all_body_parts.html

Bi Now, Gay Later?

Do you think true bisexuality actually exists?

• 29.4% Not a chance, it's a stop on the way to homoville.
• 19.9% Sure, I'm a little Anne Heche. I've experimented with both sexes.
• 50.7% Angelina Jolie dabbled with a woman and found her way to Brad Pitt. Works for me.

Bisexuals Make Ted's Mailbag: Lindsey Lohan

WooT! My letter re: LaLohan's potential bisexuality made it onto E!'s Awful Truth!



Thanks Ted for including a link to the Words Matter piece by LindaSusan!

VOTE NO ON 8!

Brad Pitt Homes Survive Hurricane, Celebrates with Hugs from Fam

FROM ONTD BY WAY OF JUSTJARED
BOLD BY Hot143chocolate
As mentioned earlier last week, there was good news from of the Make It Right NOLA camp that Brad Pitt’s green home development project in Lower 9th Ward had successfully beaten back Hurricane Gustav. At that time, the organizers had only heard via people on the scene and had not yet taken an in-depth look at any possible damage. Now, one week later, the results are highly encouraging.

According to the site, the homes — which are designed to withstand a minimum of 130mph winds — suffered little to no damage. Most interesting, none of the designs were boarded up to protect against debris or glass blow-out. From the site,

“In the construction of the first houses, we are evaluating two window protection technologies, impact resistant glass and “hurricane fabric” to protect windows and doors. The use of these technologies negates the need to board up doors and windows. We hope this will reduce the preparation time needed to prepare for a storm, in addition to protecting the contents of the houses, so that residents have more time to evacuate for future storm events.”

Very cool. To protect against any potential looting, the organization also hired a private security company to patrol the six homes under construction. Apparently, that security will remain “until the homes are occupied as part of our commitment to the families who own them.”

No updates yet on how all those pink fabric homes faired. I imagine those were removed ahead of the storm.

Check out the official Make It Right site for more information — or to help donate to this fantastic cause. Currently, of the 150 homes expected to be built, 10 are slated to be finished by the end of this year.

Go See The Changeling!

It's so lovely to see Angelina Jolie back and looking beyond beautiful for a mother of 6.

Sarah Palin, No.

Sarah Palin is a sharply dressed moron. OK, a compassionate moron. For the first time a Red candidate has indicated the need for fair rights and responsibilities for the LGBT community. I'll give her a single kudo for that, it's a big deal for her to think compassionately of those who "choose" different. Still her intellect, experience and the hot load of shit she's shilling for should be questioned.


In fact Norad agrees...

Whenever Russia near US airspace, Sarah Palin's phone does not ring, despite her claims.

NORAD has slammed GOP VP Candidate Sarah Palin's claim to CBS' Katie Couric that she has command authority over US space guardians.

Spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command, Air Force Maj. Allen Herritage told the NY Daily News. "She doesn't have any role in that process."

"The authority to launch and respond to a Russian incursion lies with the Alaska NORAD Region commander" solely.

Moscow's bombers have skirted Alaskan airspace 20 times but have not violated it during Palin's tenure.

And when interceptors scramble from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Sarah Palin is not speed-dialed.

"The commander does not call the governor," Major Herritage clarified.

Debra Winger and Nicole Kidman are gorgeous!

Debra Winger returns in the highly hyped Rachel Gets Married starring Anne Hathaway.
Read about her new book and feisty return in the LA Times.

Nicole Kidman rocks the cover of Elle, hella fierce!

THANK YOU FOR SHOWING THE BEAUTY OF AGING, WE WANT MORE!

The Many Faces of Obama

2 photos caught my eye this week Obama wise.

First, this atrocity.


Second, this sweet photo of Obama buying roses for his wedding anniversary.

Everlast is Back!

I consider Everlast to be one of the most underrated lyricist and musicmaker of all time. He may break out again with his Johnny Cash cover. Oh Sweetness!

Simpson Convicted

Not gonna lie, this photo is better than the tears of Paris.

A couple of years ago, Simpson's youngest daughter rolled up to my dad's house to fight some of my sister's friends. She was 20 and out of high school, the kids were 16 or so. I called her ridiculous, but I felt really bad for her tragic tale of wrong place, wrong conception.

John Barrowman is my hero, basically

John Barrowman is my hero! Great article over at the Daily Mail (wonders never cease!) on the Torchwood star.

Fav bit:

'Actually, they couldn't have been better about it. They had a pretty good idea that I was gay, of course. Parents so often do. But I do remember my dad saying to me at the time, "Your mother and I don't discuss what happens in the bedroom with you, so why should you with us?"'

Most touchingly, his parents - deeply Christian churchgoers - publicly defended him against their gay-hating friends, even choosing to leave their church because of its inherently homophobic approach.

'My mother stood up in church once when someone said that all gays should be put on an island and left there. "How dare you," she said. "That is my son you are talking about." My parents walked out. They lost friends. I admire them so much for taking that stand. I never had a problem with being gay, but their acceptance made it so much easier.'

Plus he's got a great music video! Who knew?

Jack + Karen = LOVE IT

Reports are surfacing that Jack + Karen are getting a Will & Grace spinoff. OH ME OH MY OH AWESOME!

Have I ever shared that story about the first time I visited Numbers in Weho? Me and my friend, theMVP decided to see if it was as smarmy as folks said. It was. As we drifted past the young guys dining with old guys we happened across Leslie Jordan and a young guy who said: "...well, I know I'm only 18 but I have to make money somehow."

Dear Leslie left that alone as we saw the kid an hour or so later in his platforms sitting dejectedly on the corner of San Vicente and Santa Monica. This in turn reminds me of the time, me and theMVP were venturing into Hollywood for some party or another. On a Sunset Blvd. corner sat a boy at a bus stop. Clean looking fellow, simply dressed and wearing a handmade sign. At first I thought it was one of those "disabled vet with 3 disabled kids on wheels begging for change" signs. It wasn't. The block printed sign said very clearly, "RENT ME". We burst into laughter and decided to go back and ask how much, as a lark of course ;)

Less than 3 mins later we're on the same corner, and "RENT ME" is gone...

Brandy's Looking Good

I had the pleasure of interviewing Brandy last year at a charity event in NYC. She was gorgeous, happy, and really kind. I know she's been through hell 'cause of her car accident and I hope her new album is full of sad ballads geared towards making others feel better.
(Photo from www.jonnyalisblog.com/)

The Hills Are A'Lying

Hmm, Lauren Conrad posts to her official blog and The Hills drama runs the gossip mill this weekend? Are ratings down again?

"Today you are the reason people are saying mean things about me. You asked me if I did this and I told you I didn't." - LC's Myspace

Admittedly, I don't watch The Hills. I like to ruminate on their place in pop culture and see the cast as a great gauge of MTV's infection of the mainstream.

Dreaming of Palin, a nightmare

the politics is getting out of control
last night i had a dream that i ran out of gas, went to a house for help and it was sarah palin's
and she wouldn't let me leave right?
so i was using my phone to text msgs of help to twitter
weirdest dream ever

Meanwhile Leno and Letterman make me laugh!


"Republicans are blaming Nancy Pelosi for the bailout not going through. And Democrats are blaming it on an incomplete proposal by the Republicans. John McCain is blaming Barack Obama. Barack Obama is blaming John McCain. And Sarah Palin is praying nobody asks her what's going on."-Jay Leno, NBC's "Tonight" show

"How about this — yesterday the stock market ... suffered its biggest one-day drop in history, 777 points. Whoa, I mean, that's straight down. Stock market dropped 777 points. And, I mean, I'm telling you, boy, it's a good thing John McCain blew me off to go save the economy." -David Letterman, "Late Show."