Am I Metro?

Decleor. No man in his right mind should know anything about this name. Essential oils? Eye contour crème? Special shampoos and conditioners? Real men don’t know of such things. Okie, I mean a man’s man doesn’t do this. Yet there is a category for such a man who walks that fine line between being considered a homosexual (because the stereotype is they take extremely good care of their looks) and a heterosexual (these men feel mirrors are for posing in front of in the morning and brushing their teeth). These men are called metrosexuals. I seem to have been bestowed the title of being one.

Mind you, I am balding and shave my head, but I do spend a little time in front of my reflection. I don’t pour over ever pore on my upper torso. The greys I could take or leave… except in the chest. That ain’t cute. I don’t stare at my shaved head and think about getting a wax or pluck eyebrows. No eyelash curling (this ish is natural… gotta luv me). Nope.

It’s those eye wrinkles, the puffy eyes and oily skin to dry skin thing. That’s what I look at. Now make-up is not an option. I do work at trying to make this things go away or at least lessen until I get to my 40’s or 50’s. It stems from a mild case of acne in my teens in which it was pounded into me I needed to take care of my face. Girls won’t talk to you if you pimples all over your face is what my father used to tell me. He didn’t mention the other little things like being too thin or wearing better clothes, but that’s another issue.

Then, my move to Fort Worth after high school had a subtle, but lasting effect. My grandfather was a sharp dresser in his time. Not pimp sharp, but business sharp. Creases and the whole nine. He tried to instill some of the values of looking decent, but my time in Austin had given me a slacker look with the balding in full effect at the time and wrinkled clothes to match.

One failed relationship a move back to Austin, another failed relationship later, and I began to take notice of things. I worked around people who were twice to more than twice my age. Some of the ones who were less than that (late 30’s) have wrinkles around their eyes. I later learned it was from their smoking, but it helped them look years older than they truly were. I didn’t want that. So how to fix that problem. Don’t smoke of course.

Then came the lines under the eyes of non-smokers. How does that work? I wasn’t about to run out and grab Oil of Olay. That just seemed wrong. In quiet talks with various women, I began learning of products. It’s not vanity, I just don’t like wrinkles on me yet. Grey adds character, I think. I was going to add glasses and re thought that one. I was just dying to get peach when I was a pre-teen. Now I have this coarse assed beard that starts re-growth shortly after a good shave. So the glasses thing… I’ll hold off on that one.

The manicures and pedicures are coming. As soon as my car is paid off, you’d better believe I’ll hit the school once a month. Yeah, the school, they hook it up for much cheaper than a salon. Besides, I don’t need perfection. I just want to wear sandals without being ashamed of my toes. My nails I won’t even discuss. Facials? Never had one. I toss on a few scrubs or make up removing soaps to get rid of the dead skin. Oils to moisturize and help get rid of the ashy look. Trim the goatee, nose hairs and try to get more sleep to get rid of the little bags. That’s it.

Am I really metro?

Obviously, not every mystery is going to be a Hitchcock-ish masterpiece. Along the same lines is it too much to expect a mystery to at least somewhat keep you guessing throughout until the end? Twisted is not that movie. Ashley Judd costars with Samuel L. and Andy Garcia in a police thriller. Someone is killing off men Judd’s character comes into contact with and putting her new job at stake as homicide detective.

The performances were good with Jackson coming off well as a nurturing foster father for Judd’s character as well as Garcia, the mysterious cop who everyone is leery of. The story itself is where the issue lies. I would like for a movie to not expose it’s self within the first 45 mins to an hour of watching it. Keep me guessing. I sat through Gosford Park and was left guessing what really happened up until the ending of that film. Of course, a friend of mine watched and she figured out who did what in the first 10 minutes, but that’s another story. Given a few minutes with this offering and I am sure would become an instant snooze fest.

I liken what this film did to a person who has exposed themselves and then tries to convince those around they didn’t see what they thought did. The rest of the film is spent trying to through you off with a twist here and a turn there. I hope the dvd … I wish the powers that be would stop worrying about “us” (the general public) and how long the movies should/shouldn’t be. I don’t like having to wait for the dvd to come out to see the deleted scenes that may have added more character or better explain the story. Also, if the deleted scenes are included, give me a version in which the deleted scenes are integrated rather than me trying to imagine how part “x” would have fit. Okie, I hope the dvd has added scenes, which make this a tighter movie. The only thing “twisted” about this film was my facial expression when I left the theatre. I give this a matinee rating.


A little while ago, I was turned onto British dramas. I had already been a fan of the comedies, but never really paid much attention to the dramas. They seemed too staunch and tight lipped. All of them seem to look as though they were filmed in the 70-80’s. Thus, when it was suggested I take a look at Suspect, I balked at the idea. Yet another police show. I have to admit, I am a Helen Mirer fan. My Netflix account is full of her work now. I watched the first season in disbelief as it takes you into the inner-workings of a British police station and the chauvenism within a male dominated department. I liked that this show walked you through the case instead of showing you everything up front and allowing you to watch the police fumble their way through until they miraculously pull it together in the end. Not at all. This show only shows you what it wants you to see and allows you to make the discoveries along with the police. Now, you will know who the killer is within the first few moments. It’s not perfect. What you do get/receive is the manner in which the police have to go about putting together the evidence to nail their suspect.

Season One was my introduction to the “ball busting” hard-nosed detective Mirer plays. She’s ice cold outwardly, but quietly caring. She just wants the lads to accept and respect her as a detective, not just a female. She is driven and occasionally steps on some toes to get what she wants. What matters is she gets results. This first is the introduction. It was pretty darn good. A serial killer loose in Britain. However, it is the second season, which struck me. Colin Salmon co-stars in the installment as a Black Sergeant Detective who is assigned to work with Mirer’s troupe on a racially sensitive case. Racism plays a major role along with the normal sexism associated with this show. This time.. ahh.. this time, we may NOT know exactly who the suspect is. This time, we do follow around Mirer on her investigation and the various discoveries. The question in this installment is less of a who done-it, but what do they know?

I had a dream last night. I was at a theatre and there was time between shows. I decided to pop out into the deserted mall to find a place to get a bite to eat. There was a hamburger stand open. A flame-broiled piece of meat was about to be served to me lathered with mayo and cheese, with a side of fries and a shake?? I was set. All I needed to do was sign the credit card slip and it was on. Declined. That was the response from their little machine. I was declined. My burger was taken away and the person behind the counter gave me an apologetic look since I didn’t have any cash on me.

It will be a cold day in hell before I lift an eyebrow to JT. I am not sure what the details are behind the stunt he and Janet had for the Super Bowl halftime, (see, who’s still talking about this dead horse anyway??) but I have to say I am unimpressed with his actions in the following days. He first reportedly laughed it off, yet turned around and sincerely apologized under mounting pressure. Fine. Why turn around on the Grammy Awards and apologize again? At some point a person needs to make a stand. To apologize again just to be able to perform at this year’s Grammy’s is weak. What one is saying is to me is it is not worth sticking to your principles. Janet didn’t bow to the arrogance of CBS and issue another apology. That it has cost her at least one movie opportunity (Lena Horne.. please…) and a television appearance is unfortunate. One should not have to sell their soul to recover from a mistake.



Where is Osma Bin Hiding? There are no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Hussein is gone. The Iraqi’s should be able to elect the govt they want.. without the assistance of American tax dollars nor military. Are we still threatened by terrorists from Iraq? Wait.. the Sept 11th terrorists were primarily Saudi. Mmm.. our ally. Gas prices are high. Are the oilfields we’re protecting still in trouble? Why am I not paying less now? Why do I feel less secure since our militia built up and deployed overseas? Why are they still there? Is the Iraqi army just waiting in the sand for them to leave so they may re-take the throne for.. Saddam?? Do we really have him? If so, why are we still there? We? Sorry, our soldiers. Janet’s breast is really an outrage compared to the money Iraq is draining from this country. Education president? Where is he?

Song Of The Day: I Ain’t No Joke – Eric B. & Rakim
Netflix Suggestion: Cracker (series I & II)

I have been away, but I wanted to start coming back to this little spot. I'll restart this by posting a little something I was asked about one day, a soundtrack of my life. Just a top 5 songs that are of importance to your life and how. Well, 5 was impossible and 10 wasn't exactly cutting it so I upped it to 20. There sooo many more songs I could have used, but these 20 reflect my feelings pretty well, for now. The soundtrack always changes, ya know.

Soundtrack Of My Life

1) Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
I think this is pretty self explanatory. It relates alot to my
brother and father whom I truly wish were here in the flesh and
not just in spirit or mind.

2) Optimistic - Sounds Of Blackness
I have a never say die attitude. There is always a silver lining
in things to me. It may be dark, but ultimitly I know I can
Make it work out. Just have to stay positive.


3) I Am That I Am - Peter Tosh
Maybe I am getting older, but this song appeals to me more and more
as time goes by. It has to do with people trying to get me to fit
their image of what they feel I should be. I am that I am as Mr Tosh
says.

4) Redemption Song - Bob
Again, my brother and father. There not words to express how invaluable they
in my growing up into.. umm... me.

5) Ride On - AC/DC
It's a slow song. To me it's a person who is drifting through life.
The recounting of the lower points, the state of being alone, yet
still keeping their chin up.. looking to improve things for themselves.

6) Home - The Wiz (soundtrack)
This is the humbler. It reminds me of family. With all my travels, this
always helps put me back in Austin.

7) Time - Pink Floyd
I have an issue with Time. Never seem to be early. I am always
battling time. Either to be on time or not too late. More time
would be great, but I look back and see the time I have wasted.
Depressing song when reflecting.

8) Man In The Mirror - MJ
MJ in the last of his great days. I look at myself in the mirror
on a daily basis and I still see the 6 year old, the 13 year old,
the 24 year old with his dreams and thoughts, but no actions.
Everyday, I say I am going to make that change and set the world
on fire... sigh.. sometimes I do. But each day, I look in the mirror.

9) On The Road Again - Willie Nelson
My theme song!! I love to travel. There is something about seeing
places away from where I am and learning new things which grabs me.
I love Texas, but I hate the thought of not getting out of state
and taking in new things. Within state as well I should add.

10) Strange Relationship - Prince
My birthday mate wrote a song that seems to fit a number of my
relationships to a "T". I have some odd moments which I could
never truly explain. This song does it for me.

11) Spain (I Recall)/This Time - Al Jarraeu
A number of my earlier memories are based upon hearing music.
Al Jarreau was what my father played when driving my brother
and I to Austin in the old Datsun 710 (?) station wagon. We
loved to hear George Benson, but he normally would play Al and
these two songs just sounded cool and were always my favorites.

12) Tommorrow - Annie (soundtrack)
It *IS* a kiddy song. I was in the school play in 5th grade and
missed out because of the freakin chicken pox. As depressed as I was
I knew I would get past the stupid condition and be able to play during the
summer if I kept looking ahead and not get stuck on what was on me.

13) Oppurtunities- Pet Shop Boys
Hmmm... now this is a strange inclusion. To the point, it's me. The song
is about team work. Partners. I do my best work when I have that partner.
I get things done. Not another mother, but someone who wants to work towards
a common goal or goals together. Normally, I like to think of myself as the
brains and the looks.

14) I Ain't No Joke - Eric B & Rahkim
My "Monday" song. It gives me that take no prisoners attitude I need to get
through the day. Talk about walking in with a chip on your shoulder. I try
to play it on those "special" Mondays and Wednesdays.

15) Blues Medley - Little Milton
This is a 16 minute song which combines the soulful playing of a guitar
and the pitty filled voice of a bluesman telling about his lady leaving him
and his struggles (actually three songs meshed nicely into one). It just strikes
a chord with me.

16) Voyage To India/ Secret Life Of Plants - Stevie Wonder
Picture a spring morning in the late 70's. A father and his two young sons are
walking around a store trying to find a perfect Mother's Day gift. The boys
continually pick out toys they know their mother would love to have (as well
as ones she would let them play with as well). The father picks this new record
with a faded green front and green writing. The boys make fun of it but the father
says mnother will love it. The weird sounds from this record plays through the house
for the next few years and it becomes "THE" Stevie Wonder album to you. Years later
You present this cd to your mother on Mother's Day (LP's having become a thing of the past)
and all those memories from the day you shopped for this as a kid comes back.
This is just that cd that makes me think of my family when I hear it.
Voyage To India I chose because it is like taking a journey... A journey somewhere
exotic. Great answer...

17) Soon Forward - Gregory Issacs/ If I Didn't Love You - Dennis Brown (Reggae Sunsplash '81)
These two songs are the ones which take me back to landing in Montego bay and to laying out
by the pool or the sea drinking rum punch. They are Jamaica to me.. just relaxed, perspiring
under the occassional sea breeze. No worries mon, no worries.

18) Silent Night - The Temptations
Christmas can not happen w/o egg nog and the Temps version of this classic. I do not make it a
season without it. Again, the memories from it. Looking at Christmas lights in the
back of a cold car wishing never to have to go back to Timberline Drive. The
worst part of growing up was listening to it in the car alone and thinking about
how it once was. How Christmas was once a wonderful time for four people and a dog.

19) My Love, Sweet Love - Pattie LaBelle
This song was played at my wedding. This was my favorite song on the Waiting To Exhale
soundtrack. When it is played, memories of the wedding preperation and short
lived union fly through my head. Just that one song makes me think of that time.
Oh well..

20) Could You Believe - Al Jarreau
This song stirs sadness for me. It's a beautiful song, especially the live version. The lyrics
"could you believe in a dream if I tell you that it's true" hits home with as I think
back to that Datsun and my child dreams of one day becoming an adult who could drive
with his brother and dad in the car to someplace. Just the men going someplace. Now,
it happens but only in spirit. It's just very haunting for me... I miss the guys.

They play Sportscenter in da club. Da Club being the gentleman’s club. Where the name is derived from I am not sure and truly have not taken the time to figure out. I just know amidst the various types of topless thong clad (or sometimes nude) women is the face of Kenny Mayne. Stuart Scott. Whoever the personality may be. Why is this? Why are sports playing? Why are sports playing? I could understand if some stripper contests played. Something that showed us what we should be seeing in entertainment. Rather, the “strip tease” part of the show has been taken away. In its place is the strip and now tease. Tease many a man with what you think you could buy with a $20 lap dance. Some with disinterested looks, attitudes or just no true skill. So why come? The best explanation I have come up with is this. For a $10 cover, a drink or two, and a couple of dollars tips, a person can look at live nekkid women. They can touch without being told not tonight. They can look at a variety of skin types and compare bodies. Their favorite body parts on display in a variety of flavors ala Baskin Robbins. A wink. A smile. A little flirting. For 10 dollars?

I went through a few years of not clubbing. I wouldn’t step foot into one, much less throw a hint of being interested in going to one. A trip to see my friend Allie took care of that. It was her birthday and though being a hetro woman, she did like to indulge with friends and go to da club every now and then. So I flew to see her and her new beau as well as hang out with her birthday gang. The name of the club escapes me now and it did not immediately impress me. Yet, after I left, I had hope. Hope that going to the club just every once in a while would provide the right amount of tease and fun.

So I am off the stripper thing. It’s the first day of my month. June. For those with cold ass January & December birthdays, eat your hearts out. Please take note of the greenery, shorts, and sunshine. Christmas should be moved to a warmer month. I don’t know? I think there is room in June for it. So I am looking at heading back home to Austin in 24hrs. I love that place. Familiarity I think has a lot to do with it. Or maybe those parts of it are still cozy and folksy. I swear I am not country. I love the Plex… errr… I love what the Plex has to offer… damn. Okie, okie, I just live here cause DFW cuts down on the amount of connections I have to make when I travel. There, I said it. That and real estate is cheap. Anyway… I like large cities and what choices they have to offer. However, my “little city” (as Pickle calls it) has just the right choices for me. So there is not a good Caribbean spot or radio station (Sister Irie does spin some vinyl on KAZI on Sundays.. Much respect!). Houston is a little jaunt and Miami… oo.. that’s another discussion. Rambling. Shady Grove, Artz, Matt’s, I Luv Video, Dreamers, driving on Enfield, West 6th street, MoPac in the wee hours… I do miss home now and then.

Song of the day: Dennis Brown – Sitting & Watching
Latest Movies Watched: Cinema Paradiso (directors cut) & The Law – review coming later

The Mavs have just lost!! Come fishing with my Lakers. Thank you, thank you. I do love it. I am currently on the phone with Pickle talking about the Amazing Adventure. I love being on CDT and talking to her about things I missed on prime time. She suggested I write this blog thingy, so here it is. Ja in 7 days. Ocho Rios. The sand. The sun. Mmm... My birthday. Right now I am pissed at the company I went through for the reservations. It seems transfers are not included in the price I received. So I am shopping for that little bit and looking for a way to seat this processor. I am building a computer and it's turning into a mightmare for me. why couldn't all computers be Mac? I wish I could write better. I wish I had a recorder for Pickle's questions. "You know what, I can't wait until i get a yeast infection so I can try out this new medicine." She is taling about why there are commercials for yeast infection meds on tv. Sigh.. I just know it is not the most appetizing thought when digging into some steak and mashed potatoes. Maxwell is playing now.. not what you need when you're alone on a Sunday night before work.. okie, Wed is normally my Sunday. Rum punch.. can't wait... Headed to bed. Enough rambling for one night

Song of the day: Shine On You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd
Next movie to watch: Nemo and The Italian Job