07 July 2009

Today I Cried for a Man






I know networks are happy that despite the dry spell that is summer television, they've had a "story" like the death of Michael Jackson to sustain them but even with their continuing attempts to turn Michael Jackson's life into a circus, today's memorial service was a tasteful and uplifting remembrance of the man.

Yes there were missteps (Sen. Jackson Lee) and some questionable issues (a $4 million bill laid on the taxpayers of California, a bankrupt state) but all that was overshadowed by the powerful words and tearful good byes. Today I mourned Michael Jackson the man. Not how his music made me feel or what it reminded me of. I mourned a father who left behind three young children. I mourned a man who lived a life that was isolated and haunted by abuse. And most of all a man who despite the best attempts of those around him, maintained his childlike innocence and a dedication to help those around him. That's more than anyboday can say. And I agree that he was "the greatest entertainer that ever lived".



My favorite tribute from the memorial:

03 July 2009

The Truth About Cats

I've had my cats for about two years now. And although I've talked about the trials and tribulations of cat pregnancy, there's lots of things that people don't think about when getting a cat. So I thought I'd share some truths about cats.

1. Cats throw up ... ALOT: I've dealt with a lot of cat puke. While my cats were pregnant, they had morning sickness. If I change their food too drastically, they throw up. Basically every alternating Sunday, they find an excuse to throw up. Actually the throwing up doesn't bother me as much as the fact that my cats seem to go out of their way to throw up on the carpet. If they are in the (tiled) kitchen, they will deliberately go to the living room to vomit on the rug.

2. There is nothing worse than the sound of a cat hacking up a furball: It's the combination of a person dry heaving, wracking with coughs and old man with emphesyma. Nuff said.

3. If you have a cat that sheds, invest in a good vacuum cleaner: Seriously, if my cats have hairballs so do I.
There is hair everywhere and in the summer I might as well give up.

4. Cats scratch ... and it leaves marks: Every day I notice a new mark or a healing one. It doesn't necessarily hurt but it sucks. Cats especially scratch when you bathe them, ake them to the vet and generally try to make them do anything that they don't one hundred percent want to do.

5. Cats make THE BEST cuddlers: The only reason I keep my cats around. When it comes to cuddling they are number one. Sometimes I don't even realize they're there until a comforting paw wraps around me or I get a sweet lick on my hand. It's the best feeling and probably the only thing that gets them saved from being dropped in Lake Merritt.

02 July 2009

Death to AutoTune


So as the spring moves into summer (and I have some free time on my hands), I'm back here to blog and share.

It's been one week since Michael Jackson left this earth and it's become clear to me, mourning is almost never about the person who died. How else do you explain an entire world of people (including myself) who eight days ago probably couldn't say the words Michael Jackson without a snicker or derisive snort, crying and clamoring for that same man.

Will Michael be missed? Yes, of course. But I have to admit that my sadness (and it's still here, it has lingered) comes from all the great memories that I've associated with this man and his music. I want to say that it's all about him but that would be a lie and the time for lies is over. I am sincerely sad but moreso than for a man I'm sad for a spirit that was battered and broken by his family, by fame and probably never fully felt the joy that he brought to so many. That's what saddens me still, a week later.

I've been watching music videos since then. First the many tributes to Michael and then as music channels segued back into their regular rotation, I got a chance to "catch up" on what I've been missing and the sad fact is music is gasping for it's last breath. I won't deny the innovators but with them being so few and far between or in some cases unconsumed, what is the future for music? When people stand up and thank the people who have inspired them will they name a Young Jeezy or an Ace Hood? (Please, Jesus no) And even those that claim to be inspired by the greats are producing music as indiscernible and easily consumed and digested as popcorn.

Though I'm still mourning the loss of Michael Jackson and watch in dismay as the tabloids and 24-hour press tear him apart for the sake of a story, one tidbit did cheer me up. UsWeekly reported that while Michael's children were homeschooled, he himself tutored them in art, music and African-American history. I can't think of anyone better :)