Michael Richards
I have had many conversations about Michael Richards and they usually end with the statement, "we need to really let this one go." I'm tired of the "n-word" discussion. It's not even a discussion anymore. People are flat out telling me that I am not allowed to use the word nigger. Ever. Under any circumstances. And to that I say, "fuck them niggers." Yes, I know the historical context of the word. Yes, I know people died being called one. I have been hatefully called a nigger more times than I can count. Only once in the last ten years. The last time it happened I laughed at the man who said it to me. I thought, "We are in 21st century Chicago and you are calling me a nigger? This is the best insult you have for me? You must not be trying to hard." An actress friend of mine was on a Seinfeld episode and she thought Michael Richards was a bit of an a-hole. He put her down for doing Broadway theatre even though she had won a Tony for her incredible work. I think the racist in Michael Richards came out on stage. I think the a-hole in Mr. Richards appeared before the crowd. I think he got really angered at being heckled and just lashed out in the most asshole-ish way possible. And he did. He apologized. Lets move on. Or at least consider this argument by Frank Leon Roberts: Which Niggah Are We Talking About? Brief Notes Towards A Politics of Re-appropriation.

Holiday partying with Shirley Bassey and Twiggy.

I love Shirley Bassey. I saw her when I was in London back in 1998 but have been a huge fan since the womb. How much do I love this ad for M & S with Shirley Bassey singing Pink's "Get The Party Started."

What is Wrong with US?
South African Parliament Approves Same-Sex Marriages I read that headline yesterday while temping at the big giant advertising agency. The first thing that came to mind was , "we boycotted this country when I was in college because of serious human rights violations." Now, they have surpassed the United States in terms of equality for all.

The American hypocrisy is amazing. We think we are so much more advanced and enlightened than other countries yet we are so far behind. Here, we don't allow the same rights for all adult citizens. We don't even consider gays to be worthy of equal treatment. The far right cries out that we want special treatment. Is is so special to want the same legal benefits as our straight counterpoints?

The US Catholic bishops met recently to figure out what to do with the gays. They decided to handle it the old fashioned way, encourage us to be eunachs. You see, it is okay to be gay as long as you don't act on it. You could have sex if you are married but gays can't get married. It is harder to be a gay Catholic than a non-union actor.

The biggest joke, for me at least, is that I am so far from being proper marriage material. I don't have a boyfriend. I don't even have a job or property. I am moving in two weeks, so I'm in major transition. But dammit, let me at least have the opportunity.

Happy Sunday

Baby Voguers

I know, more You Tube but I just love watching the babies dance. While I'm talking about You Tube, I have to recommend that everyone check out any video by Ms Peachez. LOVE IT!

Best Birthday Gift 2006: Rumsfeld Resigns as Defense Secretary

Straight & Nappy are Back

NBC Stand Up for Diversity Showcase

One Night ONLY!

Wednesday, November 15th -8PM

The Second City e.t.c.

1608 N. Wells 2nd Floor (Piper’s Alley)

Free to Second City Training Center students and staff

$5 General Admission

Come see the TEN FINALISTS of Chicago ’s freshest, hottest stand-up comedians from the NBC Universal Stand-Up Comedy Search.

Help us pick a lucky winner and decide who goes to LA.

Sketch comedy will be performed by BrownCo and Straight &Nappy.

For more info email dgriffin-irons@secondcity.com

NBC Universal Stand-UP For Diversity Auditions are coming up soon!
Tuesday, November 14 at 10:00a.m.
The Second City Theatre
1608 N. Wells (4th Floor) Piper's Alley

* The best comics from NBC's nationwide search will be brought back to Los Angeles to be showcased for key Hollywood players in December.
*Two Stand-Up for Diversity comics will be invited to showcase as the NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) during their National Convention Kickoff
* One or more comics from standup for diversity may be chosen to participate in the semifinals auditions for the next season of "Last Comic Standing."
* All finalists comics will be seen by talent executives from "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
* One comic will be offered a one-year talent holding deal with NBC

AUDITION INFO:
Only the first 100 comics who arrive will be seen. Early atendance is strongly recommended.Comics will have two minutes at the initial audition. A handful will be invited back the next day(Wednesday, November 15th) for a three-minute callback and the top comics will be selected to performin the showcase that evening.
This open call is for diverse comics who are serious about being funny. You must have five minutes of polished material.

For more info, check out www.diversecityNBC.com

THE SHOWCASE
Wednesday, November 15 at 8PMCome laugh, cheer and see the 10 FINALISTS from the Chicago search!
Second City e.t.c. theatre1608 N. Wells (2nd Floor) Piper's Alley$5 General AdmissionFree to Industry professionals and Second City Training Center students

Email Dgriffin-irons@secondcity.com for additional info

VOTE TODAY

Don't Forget to Vote

I know. I know. You Tube again...but this is a smart and fun short created by the comedy group 313. These are friends of mine from Second City.

Straight & Nappy Is Online

Finally a video is available from our Straight & Nappy shows. This scene is called Mack Grandaddies. It is about two over-the-hill players trying to get "out of the game."

This video can be now be found on You Tube (of course), the Straight & Nappy website, and MySpace. I hope other videos will be up within the next week or two.

I Need Video Rehab

My You Tube addiction is insanely strong. Now a friend of mine has created a blog featuring the best of You Tube. It's called YouTube Killed the Video Star. I highly recommend it.

Tee Hee

Why do I love YouTube so much? Because people post great shit like this.

Finally
Neil Patrick Harris Says He Is Gay

Isn't Turkey the Traditional November Bird?
Freedom of speech apparently doesn't cover non-verbal signals. Sara Niegowski, a school bus driver was fired for an obscene gesture to President Bush. School bus officials say she wasn't fired for giving Bush an obscene gesture but for doing it in front of children. My favorite part of the story was after Ms. Niegowski's gesture when Bush turned to fellow Republican Dave Reichart and responded. "I don't think she's a fan."

Help Me Jeebus
Mom always told me that the truth outlives a lie. Thank God! And I really mean that, thank God that in his infinite wisdom he allowed Evangelist Ted Haggard's secret gay life to be exposed. Now maybe other hypocritical closeted "family men" will stop persocuting gays and lesbians with their hate speech, unjust laws, and prejudce. Right!

Florence Klotz 1920 - 2006
Florence Klotz, Tony-Winning Costume Designer, Dead at 86. I was fortunate to play two roles in the revival of Showboat directed by Hal Prince. Ms. Klotz won her sixth Tony Award for the 585 costumes in the show. Altogether, I wore 10 costumes created by Ms. Klotz. It was a great honor. There will be no funeral but donations can be made in Ms. Klotz's name to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Woman dies next to her own grave
Happy Day after Halloween.