An Ode to my Twenty's

After turning thirty-one years old, I realized that not only were my twenties were no more, but I was now steadily heading directly into my thirties...Only up from here (I guess). Now was the time to actually implement all the information I had gathered through those fun, tumultuous years of process, progress, regress, and constant impress and re-imprinting of my twenties. Feeling sorrow and nostalgia for those all those twenties, (wasn't twenty, and twenty-one fun?! Twenty-four too!) I decided that in memory of that decade of decision and drama, I would write a smartcastic, however, never insincere poem so I may remember all my realizations during the progression of the quick, and quickly increasing, numerical process of my twenties.

Into the 30's too much fun.
Not like 30 wasn't a shock.
Just by the digits-running the clock.
Into your twenties, quickly comes 24
(Early 20's bye-bye, try hard not to cry).
MID-twenties at 25, early 20's out the door.
But, the kicker comes at 26,
when the late 20's come give you a kiss,
In just two years, the early years leave,
and the "lates" come along.
"What?! At 26 I'm now in my LATE twenties?"
This is not really a sad song,
since now at 31...
into my 30's...
(sure to pass as quickly as my 20's...)
Soon to be long gone.

May I always remember my past, to proceed through my future with knowledge.

*This poem is dedicated to those who have also lost their twenties.

Jessicaz

I saw this picture on the wall of my friend Star's wall years ago. I thought it was a poster of a picture photographed then doctored by contrasting color, since it looked so much like Kurt from afar. It was actually a painting, painted by Jessica Sims, and given to Star for her birthday. This amazing painting is her rendition of the beloved Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. As well as photo images, Jessica has done some replica paintings like Picasso on a plate, or VanGogh on a vase. Besides her talent to paint photographs and replicas, Jessica also does original works, like her "Industrial Sunset"(below).

Jessica likes to paint with acrylic and spray paints.
"Spray paints?!?"
I asked her if she had her I.D., so she could buy the spray paint...taggers and such. Who knew a art supply store would have kids outside- like at liquor stores..."hey mister, buy me a can of paint...".?!?
Jessica likes to work with sound around, but doesn't really listen to music. Understanding the desire for some background noise I asked her what she likes.
"Television sometimes, but, like, when I was working on the Janis Joplin painting, I listened to her a lot". That's cool, like having the inspiration of the art and contribution that individual left, to create the visual likeness that individual.

Although a quiet spirit, Jessica's art visually speaks loud enough for her, and itself. Maybe that's why her two favorite sayings can begin, and sum up a whole conversation..."No thin'", and "You Know?." If you like her work, you too may have a Sims Original. Just remember, PAY THE ARTIST, so they all may thrive to strive to continue creating art to inspire and enhance the beauty in this world. Enjoy these amazing pictures, by Jessica Sims.


Clockwise from left: "My Jagged Little Heart", Picasso's "Starynight" on a vase, and "Face".
Check out more at the MySpace page of Jessica Sims

http://www.myspace.com/stingraytat.

Just Do It

"Carpe Diem", "Follow your dreams", and "Go Get'Em" are endearing phrases to represent the attitude of being a "go getter".

Here's the thing, doing something creates a reaction inherently...Example... Exercising more will change food cravings. My point is to start the process instead of lusting after it's positive benefits as the prize. The process will create necessary changes and will inherently be its own reward if the desire is true.

We will feel motivated to do something, and then follow through and be free, or we will remain stagnant, drooling over the rewards, in a prison of desire. So, Go Get'em!

Context?!? or Bad Interpretation?

Interpretations, deductions, connotations.
All independent to each individual.
All independent of actuality, but each own.
Previous experience of each individual will guide how any person is received or interpreted.

This can slowly be changed, but only over time.
Also, with implied effort to really understand...Ruth E.


I found this article is from the Internet weekly news. I clicked on it because it headlined that "Prince takes a stand against gay marriage."
"Posted Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:39pm PST by Lyndsey Parker in That's Really Week"

Really upset, I followed the link to see what Prince had to say... What I found was a poor excuse for a properly contextualized and interpreted quote.

"And on the controversial subject of same-sex marriage, two prominent music celebrities spoke out, albeit with very different points of view. On the con side, an article in The New Yorker reported that Prince does not believe that gay marriage is "right." Prince allegedly told the magazine: "[In the USA] you've got the Republicans, basically they want to live according to [the Bible]. But there's the problem of interpretation, and you've got some churches, some people, basically doing things and saying it comes from here, but it doesn't. And then on the opposite end of the spectrum you've got blue, you've got the Democrats, and they're, like, 'You can do whatever you want.' Gay marriage, whatever. But neither of them is right."

Very poorly does this quote imply that Prince is against gay marriage. Plus, if the whole sentence is as poorly slashed as this poorly interpreted quote, communication between people really must need some clarification...

Still scratching my head from the way the conversation was going, it seemed that Prince did not really have a stand, except the two bickering extremes are not necessarily "right". No?

And then I see an article that was derived from this wrongly interpreted context. After reading the article for myself, it was clear that the journalist was digging, and not really listening or hearing the whole conversation. The premise of this quote used for the topic is unfounded, and branches of interpretation break off and grow like weeds.

"Prince slams gay marriage?"11/20/2008 3:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
courtesy of NME.com

"Prince has said that he does not believe that gay marriage is "right."

"The singer told The New Yorker that he disagreed with a liberal "Democrat" view of life, pointing to gay marriage as something condoned by the party that he disagreed with because it clashed with the teachings of the Bible.

"God came to Earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whatever, and he just cleared it all out," he said. "He was, like, 'Enough.'"
http://music.yahoo.com/read/news/61897387"
http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/thatsreallyweek/30734/nov-17-24-jackoparisaxlmadge/

All this is written based upon assumption that the previous, supposed quote by Prince was not seriously misguided and grossly taken out of context.

So after some digging, I found that the quote originated from an interview Prince did with the New Yorker. The article was written by Claire Hoffman November 24, 2008. Here is the whole quote in its full origination, which begins with a story he is telling,

"Recently, Prince hosted an executive who works for Philip Anschutz, the Christian businessman whose company owns the Staples Center. “We started talking red and blue,” Prince said. “People with money—money like that—are not affected by the stock market, and they’re not freaking out over anything. They’re just watching. So here’s how it is: you’ve got the Republicans, and basically they want to live according to this.” He pointed to a Bible. “But there’s the problem of interpretation, and you’ve got some churches, some people, basically doing things and saying it comes from here, but it doesn’t. And then on the opposite end of the spectrum you’ve got blue, you’ve got the Democrats, and they’re, like, ‘You can do whatever you want.’ Gay marriage, whatever. But neither of them is right.”

When asked about his perspective on social issues—gay marriage, abortion—Prince tapped his Bible and said, “God came to earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whatever, and he just cleared it all out. He was, like, ‘Enough.’ ” http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2008/11/24/081124ta_talk_hoffman

Alright, this is a serious infraction to reading, and the importance of context. I don't know if people are trying to misconstrue stories by mis-quoting, or are people just being misunderstood. As a writer, I find it extremely important for proper context and fair representation to be focus points in our craft of writing. If writers want to misrepresent, or make up stories, they should scrap journalism and focus on fiction. Prince is right, interpretation is the problem. Prince of all people should know; not only about being misunderstood, but also, the struggle to be one's own individual.

hair

My passion (besides writing) is doing hair. This is Jared, and I have done his hair many times. First, the consultation is the most important. I have established with Jared that he is a student, he likes "low-maintenance" hair, and he is very artistic.



While working Jared's shape, I realize that he has a natural cowlick that is pushing towards is left side. I decide to enhance that movement in my haircut shape.



I have just met up with Jared in West Hollywood on Robertson Blvd. I figure that now is as good a time as any to get an image of Jared's new shape.





http://www.youtube.com/ruthztruth

Friggin' Star

StarButt's most recent performance was made on the "MAIN" stage at a club in Los Angeles. This performance was after Proposition 8 had passed, and this tension was potent in the acts of the Comedians. Although the MC was a big bold black and proud "family" mama diva, this should not have been such a difficult night. Having many personal perceptions, the individuals took their feelings to the stage. The other comedians had added their versions of Proposition 8 and their stance on the marriage issue, and whether they were "for it", or "against it".

"At one point in the show". Star remembers," a group of older, white adults who were in the audience got up and left," but not without a last word. "Yes on prop 8" was their chant, as they disembarked the comedy club audience. The people, (52%) of you, can't hold on to their ignorance forever; we are everywhere. We are your fathers, your sons, your daughters, and your mothers. Also, your aunt or grandma that never had a husband, but lived with her "best friend" is most likely gay as well.

Despite the ridiculous passing of proposition 8, Star didn't let the audience get the best of her, she used the issue to her benefit. I also learned a lot from her comedy act. I have an addition to the information Star gave in her comedy act. I have heard that when giving a really good "hand-job", I hear the trick is to twist your hand as you move up and down the shaft of the penis... Really, that was what I heard. Also like Star, I have a terribly difficult time convincing the Gyno that truly, I will not be getting pregnant...really;) Mmmwaa



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWtsnW3qtKM

WOW, what a cr$ck'o s&it prop 8

November 4, 2008-I have not experienced such hate in my whole life. I have stood on the corner twice to protest against Proposition 8. Both times I experienced people yelling mean adjectives and lame chants and many fingers doing many naughty things, and I felt in danger. I heard: "fuck you faggots" "dykes" "queers" and a group of twelve-year-old boys riding by in a car were yelling "gay is not the way". I was flipped off, and as a group of kids drove by they taunted, in a derogatory menacing manner, by putting their two pointer fingers facing together.

First of all, proposition 8 is not directly about being gay. Proposition 8 attempts to open a door to the selective process of taking away rights. So what if two people want to get married. This is not the point. Proposition 8 changes (oh, pardon me, amends) the constitution. America is based upon common foundations. It has been found through time, money and process that discrimination based upon a "marriage" between two people of various genders from obtaining their basic civil rights. There are a strong few gay couples who have wanted to get married bad enough that have been fighting to be joined in "legal marriage". After failed battles, it was finally found that it is a violation of our basic human rights-to deny marriage to any couple. This sounds okay to me. These couples wanted so badly to become a "married" couple that they took the issue to the courts, and won. So what's so wrong with people wanting to form a bond of marriage? Now, this "controversy" is trying to be taken to the voting booths. In tomorrow's election, proposition 8 will be put to a total vote by its citizens. Starting this process of destroying rights is what proposition 8 intends to do.

Marriage is a funny thing, a personal thing, a significant thing, and it has changed its foundations many times. Marriage is used in many ways throughout the world. Polygamy, polyandry and other ways to unite people and property are used to make legal a bond. Marriage has even played many roles in the development of our American Society. Marriage has been largely used as a function to maintain a "high" social class, and property status. In "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin, the main character "Edna" was caught in a loveless marriage. Edna finally started to live on her own, and become her own woman, but she was so socially stigmatized and her freedom so smothered that her final action in an attempt to live free, was to commit suicide.

When women started to become independent and break out of a role of property and status (whether the woman had provided wealth or beauty in the acquisition), there was a new movement called Women's Suffrage. Remember, there was a time when women were not allowed the freedom to vote. It was a time when Women had to fight for their civil rights, to overcome for Freedom. Through time, marches, and effort, women have now been afforded the opportunity to vote.

So then, men and women were finally able to choose who they would marry. This allowed marriage to be for love, and not for wealth or property exchange. Although marriage is meant to be a bond of love, and represent a strong commitment to the other, "marriage" is that significant bond. Still, some do use marriage as something to do on a whim while in Vegas, or a reason to fuck, and maybe a possible solution to an unplanned pregnancy. For whatever the reason, the basic right to marry must not be denied to any California Americans- especially considering all the protection those who can marry have been preaching through their own practice including infidelity, divorce, and separations. To "Protect Marriage" is a lame reason to implement proposition 8, especially considering the foundations and uses of marriage by those who now enjoy the right to marry freely.

Freedom was restored yet again when the slaves were freed. Although "free", a common mantra of "separate but equal" was a poor excuse for civil freedoms. Signs in front of business that informed its patrons "Coloreds in Back" were not uncommon before some time, money, and battles were fought for basic "equal" civil liberties and freedoms to Black American citizens. It wasn't until more money, battles, speeches, assassinations, and many years later, the Black Americans were finally afforded the Freedom to Vote.

In all these processes, these are all situations of basic freedoms that have had to be fought for. These constitutional rights should not be denied...
Back to yesterday...

I saw a group of kids standing on the corner of where I live. I was curious because the prop 8 promoters were everywhere, and two days prior, 3 of the corners where I live were filled with prop 8 promoters. I checked to see what side was being honked for and I saw groups of signs for "No on 8", and a scattered few of the prop 8 promoters. I took an initial picture, and then decided to do video. Watch this little clip so you may see what I saw.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp-Mk6JMd8A


The sounding horn is from the white truck with kids yelling "Yes on Eight". It wasn't the obnoxious kids yelling "YES on 8", but the fact that on the side window was painted in blue, "No Fags" with two stick men x'ed out. There was a "yes on 8" sign taped to another rear side window, and someone was holding a yellow "yes" sign through the open front side window. I couldn't believe that anyone would let that be written on the car, and then have the balls to drive around with it painted "NO FAGS"?!?What the f...? Orange County?

Proposition 8 is about taking Civil Freedoms. No Freedom must be taken away. No more hate. What is moral and right is to vote "NO" to not pass a proposition that has to change the constitution to take honest and legal civil rights. Proposition 8 is not great.

November 11, 2008-Since 8 has now passed, it is now time to work together to get back our civil rights with more time, and more money... maybe a unified boycott...?

*This article referenced "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin*

Elated Sob Story's- Star- The Comedian

True to the chameleon that Star is, she is multitasking; job, music, and comedy. Although still working on her "Elated Sob Story" music, ironically, Star is testing her taste for comedy. Star's first performance was her comedy class graduation with an allowance of 5 minutes, in a theatre filled with supportive friends and family. This location was at a little theatre in Santa Ana. Here is a note via Star:

"The show went well considering our sound guy never showed up and there were some technical difficulties, so we had to go on without using a microphone. I was so extremely happy once it was all over with and look forward to my next show at The Comedy Store in Hollywood on, Saturday, September 27. Please come out if you can, because last night the support from my friends made all the difference in the world. I truly appreciate everyone that came. I love you guys so very much! Here's the link if you want to watch it on YouTube. Thanks again for your support! :)"
~hugs~

Star has also had a second performance which can be viewed via the link-a la Star: "Here's the youtube of my performance at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles last night. It was a lot of fun even though I only had about 4 minutes of stage time. Still, I had fun! Thanks a lot to those that came to see me. I REALLY appreciate it! HUGS!!!! :) Best wishes." I have gone to the link for your convenience-enjoy.

Watch this performance, Star is in a unbias atmosphere which means that they can completely boo her without any guilt if she is not funny. This was her first performance without complete support from only friends or family in the audience, yet she shines as she continues to get funnier:). Rip'em stiches girl!! If you would like to see Star do a comedy routine live, she is performing November 7 on the Main Stage at The Comedy Store. The address of this Comedy club is 8433 Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90069. Please call(323)656-6225, the location phone number, and reserve tickets and let them know you are interested to see Star perform. Also, at the door, let them know why you are there, to see Star Dell'Era. Be sure to mark Friday November 7th on your calendar and be at The Comedy Store by 7:45pm for more funny with Star Dell'Era.

Graduation

Graduated. Now I am in the middle vortex of still not there yet. The grades, the official paper; neither of these things are processed yet. I have finished my finals, and turned in papers and portfolios. Once grades are sent, and the certification (diploma) is sent, then my graduation is final. Until then, I am without name.

So now what? I have my diploma. WHoop whoOp, and again; Now what? Do I go into an office and become another worker in an office environment? The thought of that makes me sick to my stomach. I am glad that there are individuals who are willing to go do mundane tasks that complete a larger process that seems never ending?

I prefer a tangible, and significant outcome of my efforts. I like seeing a completed haircut and color that I have done, days or weeks later, and it still looks fierce. I like to feel belly-full satisfaction after receiving a good meal. I like to wear the bracelet or the scarf after making it.
Where ever I choose to work, or where I choose to be, that is where I put myself. I am not my graduation anyway. I am my process, and not solely my completion.

Now I have my grades and I ended up with an A+, two A's, and a B. 3.16 is my cummulative GPA, and it really does not matter. I haven't yet gotten a job yet,where my GPA was even requested, let alone my job resting solely on it. College drew the best work and the best grades for my whole education experience. I got B's and C's in High School, but I was also in sports and in band. I guess showing up everyday to avoid reprecussions from teachers was a good motivator. If I got a detention, I would then be berated by a coach for being late to practice, or possibly missing a bus to an away game. I was a fairly compliant teenager, and I avoided getting in trouble just by being where I needed to be, when I needed to be there.

Just like high school, I need to enjoy the process in one way or another.

"Life is a journey, not a destination"
-One of the guys whose hair I've cut while working at Buzz Stop told me this saying. It's funny, after he told me the quote, I did forget it. I was trying to remember it so I could write it down in my book, and he showed up exactly at that time to reitterate it for me. That was a beautiful occurance.