Random Thought of the Day

New Solutions: When a minor is convicted of a crime, the parent must serve weekends in jail in addition to whatever punishment the minor faces. Let's see if that ends the "not my baby" denials.

R.I.P. E Lynn Harris

On July 24, 2009, E. Lynn Harris passed away at age 54. He's the author of 12 books in the African-American fiction genre. Of those 12 books, 10 of them were New York Times Bestsellers. Since his first book was published in 1994, Harris became known for breaking ground by writing about the fictional lives of gay and bisexual characters. Through the use of recurring characters such as Raymond and Basil in his books, he shed light on the inner conflicts that "down low" brothers experience trying to survive in a straight world.

On a personal note, E. Lynn Harris is greatly responsible for opening my eyes to the issues of the gay community and humanizing them when I was surrounded by anti-gay rhetoric (especially in the southern states of the U.S.).

I first started reading E. Lynn Harris' books as a young teen. I hid them from certain relatives because I suspected they wouldn't let me read them and that it would open up can-of-worms conversations. His skill at multi-dimensional character development motivated my inner activist to speak out on behalf of people and groups that experience discrimination, even if I'm not a member of the group. Before I'm black, female, a Democrat, a Bay Arean, etc, I'm a citizen of the world who believes in HUMAN RIGHTS for ALL HUMANS.

R.I.P. E. Lynn Harris. Thank you for opening my eyes to a world that I otherwise might never have entered and shining light on the necessity of safe sex. Your legacy is lasting.

Are you a fan of E. Lynn Harris? What did his work mean to you? Why is it easier to appreciate someone in death than in life? What does that say about the person? What does that say about US?

Politics vs. Politricks

pol·i·tics (pŏl'ĭ-tĭks)
n. (used with a sing. verb)

1. The art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs.
2. Use of intrigue or strategy in obtaining any position of power or control, as in business, university, etc.

Disclaimer: Since I turned 18 years old, I haven't missed voting in a single local or federal election. So my bias is that I'm a 100%-of-the-time voter. I vote for judges, amendments, propositions, myself, friends. Even when I don't like the available choices, I will do a write-in vote just in case someone reads it.

Between 2007-2008, I learned the difference between "politics" and "politricks" while campaigning for Barack Obama to be elected as President of the United States of America. Campaigning included participating in the Obama Organizing Fellowship program. In basic language, it's an internship for grassroots organizing for political campaigns. We were given manuals full of techniques/advice that President Obama learned during his years as a community organizer. With each passing day that I worked to persuade people to translate their caring about their community into fighting for their community, I gained more respect for the amount of dedication it takes for professional community organizers to deal with people who have been habitually and intentionally misinformed about their rights as citizens within a country that has laws with enough loopholes for anyone to succeed in...or get caught up in traps. The key difference between the two outcomes is knowledge.

My experience of traveling across the country and discussing politics with Americans was both enlightening and disturbing. Enlightening because I learned so much more about the operations of my country's upper-level political system. Disturbing because I also found out about the bottom-of-the-barrel techniques that people use to disenfranchise large groups of people (and not just the obvious ones). Most of all, I found out that politics is grimy as hell no matter at what level you're involved. And it takes a strong constitution to dive into the muck.

I joined the Obama Organizing Fellowship program as a cynical idealist and emerged as a hopeful cynic.

Becoming engrossed in the political process of campaigning opened my eyes to the difference between politics in theory (which I'm a big fan of) and politics in practice (which is very hard for me to swallow). Politics in theory is about the obtainment of power and the subsequent distribution of resources. Politics in practice is about willful ignorance, purposeful "mis-education" (aka "spinning"), insistent thievery, strategic backstabbing, and the intentional murder of people's idealism. And this flows from the bottom-up as well as from the top-down. I won't go into all of the details of my experiences, but suffice it to say that my eyes are now open. I'm less naive, but am no less idealistic.

The hardest, and yet most fulfilling, work of my life was informing and persuading people to ACT on their complaints. I'm a communicator by nature and nurture, but I found that I became more empowered the more I DID. Some of my more frustrating experiences involved speaking with people who acknowledged problems in their community and then thanked me for "fighting for them" because I knew that this was their subtle way of not acting with me. Oh she's got this so I don't have to worry about doing anything myself.

But as many people who I couldn't persuade to ACT with me, there were more people who I inspired to join me in making phone calls, knocking on doors, walking public hangouts, organizing informational meetings and voter registration drives, etc. One of my proudest moments happened while knocking on doors with a 5 year-old who wanted to help spread the word about civic action in GA. I loved knocking on doors with the 5 year-old because she kept me energetic when my late 20's body became exhausted and overheated from climbing steep hills in the hot GA sun. Another benefit of having a child with me while knocking on doors is it's very hard for adults to give excuses to a child about why they can't make time to help provide a better future for children...What adult can say no to a cute 5 year-old? Well, one day I found one...

A 40-something year-old black man opened the door suspiciously, answered our questions suspiciously, and tried to close the door on us without helping us in some way. What none of us knew is that his 15 year-old son was listening in on our conversation from behind the door and decided to join us in knocking on doors. He ended up being very instrumental in helping me spread the word that ex-cons could vote in GA as long as they were done with probation and parole. That led to many more satisfying moments of welcoming people who thought they had no voice back into The System in a productive way. I couldn't believe the stories I heard about judges informing people on their way out of prison not to listen to those of us who told them they have the right to vote. Ironically, it was always the ex-cons who became extremely emotional at learning they could participate in the voting process, which translated to them being able to help their community. Imagine that...the people who have literally been disenfranchised the most by the political system are the happiest to learn that they can vote.

People who claim that "voting doesn't really count", "they are just gonna do what they wanna do anyway", etc. are telling me that a.) they don't really understand the system they're railing against, b.) they are afraid of true change, c.) they are too satisfied with the broken status quo to bother trying to fix it. I have nothing but pity (and sometimes uncontrollable rage) for these people because they are a part of the problem and don't even know it.

If I wrote a story for each person who touched me or altered my world view in some way during the Obama presidential campaign, I'd be here all day. Hopefully, my following words will be able to summarize how I was forever changed by this process: "Politricks" is letting people who are not working in your self-interests govern you. Politics is actively making sure that the people who claim to represent you really do because...

We get the government we deserve.

Don't just talk about it. Be about it. And then ACT.


When you invest of yourself in the political process, you tend to keep a more watchful eye on your return.

What's your definition of "politics"? If you were the leader of a country, what would be your first 3 actions?

BONUS:
Here's some video that I recorded of the first Obama rally that I attended in Powder Springs, GA on July 8, 2008. Because I was an Obama Organizing Fellow, I got the chance to meet our president backstage. He was very appreciative of our hard work and dedication. :-)

Random Thought of the Day

Backwards thinkers are usually the most forward-thinking people. That's why I love the word "bass-ackwards".

Question of the Day: What type of employee would you be if you had a job with a lifetime appointment?

I'm watching the Sotomayor confirmation hearings and an exchange between Sen. Coburn and Judge Sotomayor intrigued me. As part of her response to Coburn's question about her view of..what else?..her ability to be impartial, Sotomayor asserted that she appreciates that he's doing his job but she's also doing her job...which she prefers to his. Coburn interrupted to say he prefers her job, too. In that moment, I realized that all of this nonsensical back-and-forth about one sticking point (her assumed lack of impartiality inferred by her "wise Latina" comment) is really about certain senators being jealous of her lifetime appointment. This becomes even clearer when almost every question thrown at her by the three stooges (Sessions, Graham and Coborn) is prefaced with "Since this is a lifetime appointment, I am concerned with (insert stupid point here)..."

The thorn in every Senator's side is an election year. In order to keep their jobs, they must run for - and win - election. Winning elections costs lots of $. How do they get this money? By begging. Some Senators beg from their constituents (the people they serve). Most Senators beg from special interest groups that represent corporations (aka lobbyists). Either way, whomever is footing the bill to run for election is the Senator's god. Some Senators end up "selling out" to keep the campaign money flowing...I imagine it's very frustrating to always have a puppeteer's hand up one's ass in order to maintain job security.

So a question popped into my head:

If I had a job that was a lifetime appointment, would that make me strive to do my job better or would I get complacent and lazy?

...After some serious thought, I believe I would do my job better if I knew that there is little to no chance of me being fired. I'd be able to relax and give 100% of my work self to my job, especially if it's a job that is my passion, as judging seems to be for Judge Sotomayor. I'd love to be in the position to test out my theory. :)

What type of employee would you be if you couldn't be fired? Do you think U.S. Supreme Court justices should have term limits? Why or why not?

Examples of the Senators' questionable questioning tactics of Judge Sotomayor:

Sotomayor Surprises Sessions with Cedarbaum Friendship

Lindsey Graham Bullies Sotomayor Over "Wise Latina" Comment

Graham to Sotomayor: "Do YOU Think You Have a Temperament Problem?"

Coburn to Sotomayor: "You have lots of 'splaining to do"

Shining the Spotlight on Black Summers' Night (a review)

DISCLAIMER: I'm a huge Maxwell fan. I know he has a lot of fans who are all huge Maxwell fans...but I'm a huge Maxwell fan. Yes, he's sexy. And I appreciate his sex appeal, but I appreciate his music even more. I don't know what it is about his music...the actual melodies...that gets to me so. I kept my laminated V-card in my back pocket for over 20 years, but "Whenever Wherever Whatever" was integral in loosening my grip enough to cash in that preciously guarded treasure. Maxwell doesn't know it, but he was right there with me on all of those late-night cramming study sessions right before a big test. Only he could help me loosen up enough to digest what I was reading. So I have Maxwell to thank for my higher education, as well.

It's been a long 8 years since the release of Now, his last studio album. To say that his return is highly anticipated would be a serious understatement. During the past 8 years, whenever I met an R&B singer, I'd show my appreciation by asking whether they know Maxwell and can coax him back into the studio for his fans' sake. Rude, I know. But I didn't care. Anything to get my musical muse back...

REVIEW: And finally, after many broken promises, he has released the first CD in his Black Summers' Night trilogy. Simply put, it's beautiful. (Yes, I'm biased. But I think I'd be able to give him a honest review if the CD actually sucked. Good thing it doesn't.)

1. Bad Habits - A delightful slow-grind ode to persuading a lover to forgive after an argument using...below-the-belt tactics. Literally. :-) This has an old-school vibe. And I mean that in the best way possible. Are those real instruments I hear accompanying Maxwell's beautiful voice?? Yes, yes they are. This isn't rare for a Maxwell CD, but my ears just aren't used to hearing those anymore...Marvin Gaye would be proud of this musical "Sexual Healing" successor. Warning: Put the kids to sleep before pushing play on this one.

2. Cold - Sounds like Maxwell mined some of Curtis Mayfield's Superfly jam sessions. It's a solid mid-tempo but not one of my favs. I have come to expect at least one song on a Maxwell album that sticks out like a sore thumb and this is it for Black Summers' Night. (Whoever decided to sandwich it between Bad Habits and Pretty Wings should get a demotion.) Cold would have fit in nicely with his Now album, but it feels out of place here. Maybe that's preventing me from liking it more...But even Maxwell's worst efforts are better than 90% of other R&B singers' best efforts, so I'll let him slide on this one. It's not a bad song. It just doesn't move me like the others.

3. Pretty Wings - This is a great choice as the album's first single. It's a very pretty song...and sounds as angelic as the title implies. The song's lyrical meaning can easily get lost in the lushness of the horn arrangements: setting someone you love free because you both deserve better than each other is one of the hardest things to do. Maxwell once explained his long absence by saying that he needed to take time off to experience life to have something to write/sing about. Well, when Maxwell screams "Someone's gonna love you!" near the end of this song, it's clear he experienced a painful relationship during his hiatus. I hate that he went through it, but thank the person who provided the inspiration for a great song.

4. Help Somebody - this is an upbeat jam that would have went better after Cold instead of the introspective ballad Pretty Wings. There's a bit of rock guitar here, so it definitely gets filed under "funky". Lyrically reminding us to look out for our fellow brothers and sisters over a bunch of dueling instruments, Help Somebody reminds me of the best of Prince's late 90's work.

5. Stop The World - this should have gone right after Pretty Wings. But whatever. A mid-tempo love song about how Ms. Rightness makes Maxwell feel like cocooning with her while the world spins (or stops) around them. Maxwell's lyrics have become more grounded (and understandable) as he's matured. This song is a good example of that maturation. Beautiful instrumentation, as always.

6. Love You - And here's one of my fav songs off this album. When I first played this CD, I put this one on repeat and listened to it at least 5 times in a row. I'm listening to it right now as I type this....It's a great blend of up-tempo (including his signature up-tempo churchy organ!) with I-Love-You lyrics. And Maxwell begging to love "me"? Perfection. ;-)

7. Fistful of Tears - Yea, this ballad is in the vein of 80's-era Prince circa "Beautiful Ones", especially the opening piano chords. Just like Prince discovered over 20 years ago, Maxwell is finding out that the beautiful ones always hurt you...everytime. I feel his pain.

8. Playing Possum - Maxwell showcases his beautiful falsetto throughout this ballad to beg some random chick for forgiveness. (She's obviously deranged, Maxwell, so I think it's best to move on to the next woman who will appreciate you. *smile*) It might be the album's slowest joint so the lyrics stand out here. They're bare but meaningful: "Come back from the dead/You left my, my heart here..." sets the right tone for a begging session that will make other men relate instead of cringe (read: no Babyface-style begging here).

9. Phoenix Rise - the album closer is an upbeat full-on instrumental with funky drums! That left me angry/disappointed at the album's shortness (I've listened to the entire album 2.5 times while writing this)...

...and inspired me to write this senryu:
Phoenix Rise fallen/on open ears and touched soul/to be continued...

I can't wait until the 2nd part of the trilogy. I'll try to be patient...as long as we don't have to wait another 7 years.

SUMMARY: A more earthy-sounding Maxwell with more mature lyrics. Featuring a real BAND in the studio instead of one person pressing buttons on a machine to simulate "music". Good mix of beautiful ballads and a few funky uptempos. Sonically inspired by Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield, and early/late works of Prince. Two thumbs up!

Please share this review with other fans of R&B/Soul because Maxwell deserves to have an album that sells well after such a long break. We don't want him (or his record company) thinking we don't appreciate the music, riiight?

FYI: According to the interview on the extra Deluxe Edition DVD, Black is the first in the trilogy set and was meant to be "darker" than the next two albums because it represents his past. Summers is more of a hopeful party record. Night is an all-instrumental record. Just going off of those descriptions, I think Black features a little bit of all three records in one, so it's a nice preview of what's to come.

Have you heard the CD? What do you think? What's your favorite Maxwell song or album?

If you haven't heard the CD, you can hear the full songs below by clicking on the links (or copying and pasting the URLs into your browser). You're welcome b/c you'll surely thank me later. ;-)

Bad Habits http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuzRtalasxQ
Cold http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brnHRhHWcOw
Pretty Wings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mLfC2kkvPw
Help Somebody http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzepz62Cbqw
Stop the World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp-7z3l8zkY
Love You http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU9-t4viOKY
Fistful of Tears http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZMyB1iZtQ8
Playing Possum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A-3-ZbbGjA
Phoenix Rise http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7jgFLLr6j0

Buy Maxwell's Black Summers' Night audio CD here: http://bit.ly/bmJne
Buy Maxwell's Black Summers' Night audio CD/DVD Deluxe Edition here: http://bit.ly/QQdHS

"The Mask (Part 2)"

Note: This is an update to "The Mask (part 1)"

It's been eras since I first noticed you're around...while in distress,
You helped me through pain without making a sound...a silent protest.

While others were oblivious, and no complex questions were asked,
You provided customized therapy - a specialized task.

You go by many names: a healer, a protector, a purpose of living,
Now that I'm wiser, I deeply value your gift that keeps on giving.

Not every nuance is meant to be learned by the casually curious,
You are how I differentiate between the genuine and the fictitious.

Walls that were built on pain and fear reformed into natural grace,
Now you smile with knowing and ease instead of as a guard over my face.

I overstand you, I claim you, I embrace you and I name you my...best companion,
Because you cherished the beauty without enough to magnify...the beauty within.

© Jara 2009. All rights reserved.

"The Mask (Part 1)"

There's something covering the skin
Can you see beneath, below, beyond the surface?
Or only on the outside of what's within?

You may need X-ray vision to see past this exterior
And if you catch a glimpse,
Will you find what's inside to be inferior?

It's securely in place, hiding more than it reveals,
But the expressions underneath
Articulate what it's too ashamed to feel

It intrigues the curious and challenges the adventurous
But when it cracks,
Will the unveiling be perilous?

Its purpose is to keep outsiders from knowing
It's there to prevent the scars from showing
Rushed to heal too soon,
It formed as an ugly scab, but is still prettier than the wound

It has good intentions, but is a heavy burden to carry
And the treasures it vows to protect? It mistakenly buries

Now an annoyance, it persists to exist
Like an uninvited visitor that just won't catch a hint
Yes, it has outstayed its welcome as a guest of this host
It needs to invert and revert into before when it was needed most

There's something covering the skin
Selfishly hiding the beauty within
There's something covering the skin
Because it fears parting ways with an old friend...

© Jara 2003. All rights reserved.

If you liked this poem, check out the six-year-later follow-up: "The Mask (part 2)".

NonWords 1 RealWords 0

I love making up words. I love when other people make up words (as long as they know they're making them up). Today, I celebrate the inclusion of my favorite made-up word into the dictionary. Update your inner vocabulary, people. This is a victory for linguistic rebels everywhere! *confetti*

Main Entry:	conversate
Part of Speech:	v
Definition:	to socialize and chat; to converse with another
Etymology:	back-formation from conversation
Usage:	slang

Online Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/dic?q=conversate&search=search