MikeSpeaksOut!

I Love you MBP!

Okay...so my posts have been a little "ranty" lately. In my defense, that is kinda what I created this blog for. As an outlet for whatever was on my mind at that moment

So...I am going a little "light" this morning. I was "blessed" to receive anew MacBook Pro yesterday at a workshop for whdich I am a trainer. You see, I meet with teachers about once a month through this project "Project SMaRT to train them on macs and how to integrate technology in the classroom (Vodcasts, PodCasts, ComicLife, etc.)

Our program leader is retiring.  She pulled me aside at the end of the meeting and asked me if I would be willing to take her computer -- which is much cooler than the mac I have.  She told me "this is not instead of your computer....I want you to have this--you are tough on computers...but I know that is only because you use them."   I was very honored.  I have known her since I was a 9th grader 20 something years ago in her 9th grade class.

I had a good day yesterday.  Sometimes they don't happen too often.  I love you MacBook Pro!  Love you, Teresa!

Real or Real Awful? Katelyn vs. JD....DON'T BLOW YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

First, I have to applaud the Real World for their continued effort to support LGBT people. Whether it be Pedro Zamora (RW Miami), Chris (Chicago), or Danny....my personal favorite (RW New Orelans).  With that being said, I am rather dismayed at this season of the Real World "Real World Brooklyn.  Really dismayed

Pictured above is Katelyn, a transgendered M-F Woman.  While I aplaud MTV for including a a trans person, I question either (1) the editing or (2) the pesron herself.  She is either being portrayed as or is the biggest B#tch that MTV has ever had on its series.  If I were to use three words to describe her on the series, they would be:  angry, mean, and clueless.  Angry because even when asked to do simple chores.....like "help with cleaning up her messes" she makes it seem like such a huge issue...often with attitude that does not portray her in the best of light.  I am catching up on past episodes today an dher "I move at my own pace (in cleaning) and if you don't like it....you can kiss my a#s"  Really?  Such crassness from a lady? Call me old fashioned, but this "street thug persona" does nothing to portray her in good light.  She is always arguing....fighting (thus, angry)....sweety, the entire world is not after you!  Trust me.  As for mean....well....if you are going to forward a movement, you shoud at least support your LGBT bretheren in the House....JD

 I actually like JD.  I think he is logical and tries to verbally work things out.  I think, though, that he has been met with resistance from his female roommates.  I think, in the end, he will be the person who moves forward the LGBT message on the Real World.  His character -- albeit argumentative at times -- is passionate and really seems to want to make a difference. I would hope that both Katelyn and JD end up being stellar models for LGBT youth -- let's face it....the kids are watching. 

This brings me back to Danny...he is in a close race with Pedro as my favorite character.  Why? Well, he was HUMAN....everyone could identify with this young man ... with the boyfriend in the army who had to hold a secret...he made us question "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"  Like Pedro (who finally made many Americans face the brutal agony surrounding HIV/AIDS) , he would continue to forward the LGBT movement.  I guess in the end, I am not asking Katelyn to be a flag barer for the movement.  I would ask, though, that she not provide material for a false impression of the transgendered community.  Like it or not, she is one of the first visible indivuals in the movement.  As of this moment, she has let that movement down.