Last night, I hooked up with Beth of HearingPeopleSuck for the whole night. Suffice to say, we pretty much talked about everything else.
On our way to Better Burger, something odd happened. Always something happened to me in New York. It was on 8 Avenue and 18th Street, Beth and I was yakking and as we croseed the street, we realized that the cars has not stopped rolling down the street so we paused just a feet away from the rolling cars.
No big deal, right? Beth and I attempted to continue chatting as one man in his 40s attempted to speak with us whether if we needed some help crossing the street. I tried to fuck him off by waving him off and focusing my attention on Beth. Beth was on me as well. This guy walked in the middle of the road raised his hands to halt the cars from moving and ordered me and Beth to come across the street.
I could not believe what he did. I quickly turned to Beth who were surprised at his antics. Lots of people winced, flinched and were confused as this man ordered us to come across the street as he held up the traffic just for us! Naturally, we went across the street and rushed as fast as can be so that this weirdo will not follow and help us on the next street.
Later, we went to XL, The Urge and yes, The Cock Bar. The Cock Bar is now at The Hole instead of its old 12th Street and Avenue B. The Hole ceased to exist and underwent a month of renovation before coming to open as The Cock -- You could say that it is now "The Cock In The Hole" Bar.
Shortly, I was greeted with my good and dearest friend, Corey Tut. I hadn't seen him in months and it was absolutely electrifying just to see him once again. He did a lot of good things to me during my stay in New York. DJ JonJon Battles and I chatted about few things. Introduced Beth to few people. Beth and I witnessed a physical fight between the stripper and some guy. Later, JonJon said something about repeated gropes. I'm not sure if I get the exact drama in that moment. But who cares? I could not believe Keisha still remembers me -- some of you may not realize that Keisha danced in several Broadway plays and one music on TV.
To quote what Beth said on her blogsite, "a hot stripper who gave us free drinks (as if RT needed any more freebies)", I may be Deaf Gay Militant but I value friendships with anyone else that has character and of course, courtesy. Corey exceeded that and more. When I first entered The Hole, I was by myself. Corey was working as the DJ -- he went out to pull me aside and chat with me. Not many hearing persons would do that. Then from there, Corey introduced me to people like Richie Rich, Amanda LePore, JonJon Battles, Nita Aviance and so on.
DJ JonJon Battles recently won the HX's Fan Favorite DJ of the Year. Did not surprise me at all. JonJon also could sign all right but his receptive skills are badly in need of tune but it is not his priority -- his priority is DJ which is his thing to do. I was bit surprised when JonJon said that he googled his name and found it on my blog. He could not find his name on my blog (I mentioned him twice or thrice in the last two years, I believe) but thought it was interesting blogsite. Gee, thanks, JonJon!
After being inundated with lots of drinks, I was pretty wasted, Corey and I embraced hard because I knew it will be a while for me to see him again. Seeing him smiling so hard when I come in The Cock makes my night very pleasant one. After bid everyone else I knew good bye, Beth and I cracked a joke after a joke until we got to our pads. Literally, we make fun of everything else, really.
It was just another great night in New York.
Oh, yeah, I finally slept at 6 AM.
Confidential to Carrie: Thanks for the pictures. About time I get this! In time, I shall see what I can do with it for my blog!
As Of Now! I'm back to where I am right now -- and tomorrow, I shall regroup and work out at the gym. Yay. I'm so looking forward to build my muscles. And to have pains in my back and legs -- boy, am I so excited about this?!
Cheers,
R-
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Monday, November 28, 2005
New York, Sarah Pack, New York!
Okay, this has been a hectic weekend for me. I told a friend that it seemed to me that coming back to New York is not a visit for me. I think I had been adopted by the city in the first place. Each time I came to visit, there are errands for me to do when I'm here in the city.
The city is dynamic as always. Of course, there is always some spots that could make you taste bad but life is like that, really.
As the Chinatown Bus rolls in Manhattan at break of Saturday Dawn, I could observe the riders being energized -- they were ready to roll off the bus and head on their own. To avoid the stigma of being a tourist, act like New Yorker!
Needless to say, I hit the subway train and crashed at my friend's pad. Saw DefBef of HearingPeopleSuck! She looks radiant as ever.
Later in the day, I went to Sarah Pack'ss Memorial Service. Lots of people came out for her second service in Manhattan. I saw many faces -- bloggers and friends. Julie Feldman, Kaybee, KD, Jade, Katie Roberts, Joseph Rainmound, Boris, Svetlana ... and naturally, her brother, Chris. I finally met the parents of Sarah.
Chris, as always, looked good. In fact, Sarah once told me that she knew Chris to be my type but warned me that he's straight as an arrow. She was right when I first met Chris. Anyway, Chris lost few pounds and was looking very well considering the circumstances that he lost his sister.
The service went very well. There are moments that I welled up with my tears. There are moments that people asked me who the persons are in this seating area. Why always me? Sarah Pack once said that I am the Information Center.
Chris Pack delivered a somber message. Melissa Yingst, another friend of Sarah, was not able to show up so she had someone come in and give her few words. I declined to share comments because I think it is not appropriate for the Church. Sarah and I had many, many good memories and the Church would crumble if they ever knew ...
It is not easy for me to hold my tears -- inside, I can feel the pains. But after listening to people who communicated with Sarah until her last hour, I am genuinely convinced that she may knew that her time was done for. But like Jade said, "She is on a long-term vacation. We'll see her again."
Truer words were never spoken, Jade!
Words cannot describe how I feel when people came to me and told me that my entries about Sarah Pack helped them in any capacity to surpass the shock, denial and grief. One former girlfriend of Sarah gave me several pictures for me to remember by. Thanks, Vicki.
Chris Pack is working on plans to set up the scholarship for Sarah Pack at New York University. I thought it is what she would love to have. An impact on people unfortunate in life. Truer to her wishes, her ashes will be sprinkled in the open sea. She once swam near the group of whales and she said it was one of the most amazing things she experienced.
Later in the evening, we went to Pinna II restaurant, an inexpensive Indian restaurant which is a favorite target of Sarah Pack. In fact, Sarah contemplated about coming to Pinna II Restaurant after her recovery from the illness. But that was not to be so we decided to complete her goal by going to that restaurant.
It was good to see many faces. Green, Perlis, DefBef, Kaybee, Jade, KD, Roberts, CMK and Surdus.
After that, Surdus and I went to Doc Holliday for a drink before we split to meet Manny and Merritt which is the story of another, for sure.
Note: Last night, I got to chat with Perlis who told me two outrageous experiences on the subway system. I laughed so hard that I had to ask her to write up the story for the world to read what really happened in New York Subway. These tales has to be the ones I called: Only In New York!
Sarah & Ridor Conversing In New York
Cheers,
R-
The city is dynamic as always. Of course, there is always some spots that could make you taste bad but life is like that, really.
As the Chinatown Bus rolls in Manhattan at break of Saturday Dawn, I could observe the riders being energized -- they were ready to roll off the bus and head on their own. To avoid the stigma of being a tourist, act like New Yorker!
Needless to say, I hit the subway train and crashed at my friend's pad. Saw DefBef of HearingPeopleSuck! She looks radiant as ever.
Later in the day, I went to Sarah Pack'ss Memorial Service. Lots of people came out for her second service in Manhattan. I saw many faces -- bloggers and friends. Julie Feldman, Kaybee, KD, Jade, Katie Roberts, Joseph Rainmound, Boris, Svetlana ... and naturally, her brother, Chris. I finally met the parents of Sarah.
Chris, as always, looked good. In fact, Sarah once told me that she knew Chris to be my type but warned me that he's straight as an arrow. She was right when I first met Chris. Anyway, Chris lost few pounds and was looking very well considering the circumstances that he lost his sister.
The service went very well. There are moments that I welled up with my tears. There are moments that people asked me who the persons are in this seating area. Why always me? Sarah Pack once said that I am the Information Center.
Chris Pack delivered a somber message. Melissa Yingst, another friend of Sarah, was not able to show up so she had someone come in and give her few words. I declined to share comments because I think it is not appropriate for the Church. Sarah and I had many, many good memories and the Church would crumble if they ever knew ...
It is not easy for me to hold my tears -- inside, I can feel the pains. But after listening to people who communicated with Sarah until her last hour, I am genuinely convinced that she may knew that her time was done for. But like Jade said, "She is on a long-term vacation. We'll see her again."
Truer words were never spoken, Jade!
Words cannot describe how I feel when people came to me and told me that my entries about Sarah Pack helped them in any capacity to surpass the shock, denial and grief. One former girlfriend of Sarah gave me several pictures for me to remember by. Thanks, Vicki.
Chris Pack is working on plans to set up the scholarship for Sarah Pack at New York University. I thought it is what she would love to have. An impact on people unfortunate in life. Truer to her wishes, her ashes will be sprinkled in the open sea. She once swam near the group of whales and she said it was one of the most amazing things she experienced.
Later in the evening, we went to Pinna II restaurant, an inexpensive Indian restaurant which is a favorite target of Sarah Pack. In fact, Sarah contemplated about coming to Pinna II Restaurant after her recovery from the illness. But that was not to be so we decided to complete her goal by going to that restaurant.
It was good to see many faces. Green, Perlis, DefBef, Kaybee, Jade, KD, Roberts, CMK and Surdus.
After that, Surdus and I went to Doc Holliday for a drink before we split to meet Manny and Merritt which is the story of another, for sure.
Note: Last night, I got to chat with Perlis who told me two outrageous experiences on the subway system. I laughed so hard that I had to ask her to write up the story for the world to read what really happened in New York Subway. These tales has to be the ones I called: Only In New York!
Cheers,
R-
Saturday, November 26, 2005
The Queen Is Back In The City
Damn The Gophers! Minnesota 69, Virginia 64. Close but no cigar. I guess Sonny is going to be relieved that he did not have to suck my cock.
The Dawn of Manhattan: Getting back to the city by Chinatown Bus is something that is nothing new with me. But this morning, it was bit somber to watch the slow dawn that blankets the skyline of New York. Nothing beats this town, man.
The Memorial Service: So many people showed up. More on this subject later, fellas. It was beautiful and somber.
Everyone Else! Man, it is nice to be back in the city.
Cheers,
R-
The Dawn of Manhattan: Getting back to the city by Chinatown Bus is something that is nothing new with me. But this morning, it was bit somber to watch the slow dawn that blankets the skyline of New York. Nothing beats this town, man.
The Memorial Service: So many people showed up. More on this subject later, fellas. It was beautiful and somber.
Everyone Else! Man, it is nice to be back in the city.
Cheers,
R-
Friday, November 25, 2005
For Sonny ...
Category: Women's BasketballIn St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia Cavaliers has routed Alabama Crimson Tide 69-48 and will play in the Championship Game of Paradise Jam Tournament tomorrow afternoon.
Virginia is now 3-0.
Meanwhile, for Sonny Wasilowski's Minnesota Golden Gophers, they struggled to get by Nevada by 8, 83-75 in the first round of Paradise Jam Tournament.
Naturally, tomorrow, Virginia will play Minnesota for the Championship Game.
I'm hoping that the third time is the charm for Virginia Cavaliers! (Virginia lost two games to Minnesota in the last two years.)
Sonny, be prepared to weep and suck my cock when Virginia ransacked Minnesota, okay? ;-) I'm sure your wife, Lisa, does not mind that, though.
Cheers,
R-
Remember Vonetta Flowers?
In Salt Lake City, Utah where the 2002 Winter Olympics took place ... something cool happened. An African-American from Birmingham, Alabama dreamed of winning Gold Medal in Track & Field but circumstances led her to something daring, something new. She tried out for bobsledding. By doing that, Vonetta Flowers became the first African-American to win the Gold Medal in Winter Olympics. Perhaps you remembered the famous snapshot of her hugging her teammate, Jill Bakken with tears rolling down her face?
However, Vonetta Flowers is attempting to win her second Gold Medal in that sport in the next Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.
But something interesting came up today in USA TODAY.
Vonetta has twin sons, Jaden and Jorden. And Jorden is deaf. In fact, the article went on to explain that he has undeveloped ears due to the premature births. But nevertheless, I am happy to know that Vonetta is communicating with Jorden through the sign language. Jorden, at the age of 2, knew 50 to 60 signs. That is great.
Most parents would not communicate at all until the deaf kid gets to school -- Vonetta seems to take the initiative to do something about it. Good proactive on her part.
Interesting ... and yes, I am the fan of Vonetta Flowers.
About her son, check this.
About her, check this.
Cheers,
R-
Post-Thanksgiving Tidbits
Ewww! I just learned that Nick Lachey's birthday is on November 9. Just like me. I never liked Nick. His smirks has to be nuked. He is getting away with everything just because he's good-looking guy. Disgusting.
Thanksgiving Stuff: McFly asked me last night about my Thanksgiving moments. My worst, favorite or most memorable Thanksgiving dinners? It is not easy to think something like that.
The worst one was the one after my Drandma died, the Thanksgiving Dinner was very somber and surreal. Later after the dinner, the siblings ended up arguing about insignificant things. It was absurd. But I guess we were frustrated in some ways.
The favorite one? I hosted my own Thanksgiving Dinner with some help from Westbury and Manny at our Morris Place -- Carl Denney. We issued many invtations to many people -- so many people showed up. It was great. I believe Toby, Larry and KT were there as well. It was simply wonderful and impromptu dinner. We just go with the flow. And did it very well. Plenty of leftovers for days! Ugh.
The most memorable? Last year at Sarah Pack's. Sarah got in touch with me and made a threat on me to show up for her Thanksgiving Dinner. I did not want to offend her so I showed up. Turns out to be one of the most interesting evenings as we had tons of food to choose and chat with different faces. Wait! There is more. There was a group of Deaf Europeans that followed Sarah's friend to the dinner party about an hour after the dinner ended! So many of us gets to meet these fellows from Europe for few hours.
Suffice to say, when I was done with the party, I headed down to The Hole (now known as The Cock Bar) in East Village for these $10 All You Can Drink all night. Just perfect Thanksgiving for me, really.
Let's Face Music: Who Wants Elton John? I'm not a fan of Music. I can enjoy it. I can rock my head back and forth like Christian Burke do. But do I know the words? Not really. I do not think Elton John is attractive. I think he's like Liberace and Richard Simmons. I do not know why David Furnish finds him so hot. Anyone care to tell me WHY?! Anyway, it was announced that Elton John will marry David Furnish -- they had been together for 12 years.
George Clooney's 2005 Perspective: Actor George Clooney said that 2005 has to be his worst year. I kinda agreed. To me, many adversities has occurred. That is to be expected. But with the death of Sarah Pack, it may confirm what I already said all along -- that 2005 is the worst year to deal with. I so am ready for 2006.
Mr. Miyagi Is Dead: As a kid, I used to have HBO. And it showed "The Karate Kid" too much. My brain was saturated with the comments and antics of Mr. Miyagi in 1980s. And that Pat Morita who portrayed Mr. Miyagi has died as well.
Who Appointed Him As Fashion God? Former FEMA Head Michael Brown is opening his own consulting business on how to handle the emergency planning. This is the same person who wrote an email to his secretary, "I got this from Nordstroms. You'd vomit at it. I'm a fashion god!"
Gallaudet Women's Basketball -- A Joke? It is distressing to note that ever since the Golden Era of Ronda Jo Miller & Touria Ouahid, the Gallaudet Women's Basketball team has not fared very well in the last 5 years. The wins has decreased, the losses has increased. And the team roster has gone down to 8. The tallest player is only at 5'9. The current team is 1-2 as of now.
It means what? It is time to replace Head Coach Kitty Baldridge with someone else.
Taking Gallaudet to NCAA Tournament twice in 29 seasons are not successful. It is dismal failure. Bill Finney coached Women's Basketball team at Marymount University for 22 years, taking the Saints to the NCAA Tournament 12 times, winning 9 CAC titles -- Bill Finney routinely recruited the local players. Gallaudet can recruit anywhere else in the country and we only can get 8 players at its best?
The evidence is there -- we needed a better coach. Kitty Baldridge is done for. Let's just retire her and put someone else in. If she refused to surrender the position, the alumni and students reserve the right to fire her from the position.
I am aware that there are several students at Gallaudet who are capable of playing basketball but chose not to because they do not want to play for Kitty Baldridge.
C'mon, let's do something to preserve what is left of the program. E-mail James DeStefano to do something about the dismal failure of Kitty's teams. Don't let Kitty run the program into the grounds. If she does, it will take years to rebound from this. Do it now.
Leaving for New York: I'm leaving for New York tonight for obvious reasons.
Cheers,
R-
Thanksgiving Stuff: McFly asked me last night about my Thanksgiving moments. My worst, favorite or most memorable Thanksgiving dinners? It is not easy to think something like that.
The worst one was the one after my Drandma died, the Thanksgiving Dinner was very somber and surreal. Later after the dinner, the siblings ended up arguing about insignificant things. It was absurd. But I guess we were frustrated in some ways.
The favorite one? I hosted my own Thanksgiving Dinner with some help from Westbury and Manny at our Morris Place -- Carl Denney. We issued many invtations to many people -- so many people showed up. It was great. I believe Toby, Larry and KT were there as well. It was simply wonderful and impromptu dinner. We just go with the flow. And did it very well. Plenty of leftovers for days! Ugh.
The most memorable? Last year at Sarah Pack's. Sarah got in touch with me and made a threat on me to show up for her Thanksgiving Dinner. I did not want to offend her so I showed up. Turns out to be one of the most interesting evenings as we had tons of food to choose and chat with different faces. Wait! There is more. There was a group of Deaf Europeans that followed Sarah's friend to the dinner party about an hour after the dinner ended! So many of us gets to meet these fellows from Europe for few hours.
Suffice to say, when I was done with the party, I headed down to The Hole (now known as The Cock Bar) in East Village for these $10 All You Can Drink all night. Just perfect Thanksgiving for me, really.
Let's Face Music: Who Wants Elton John? I'm not a fan of Music. I can enjoy it. I can rock my head back and forth like Christian Burke do. But do I know the words? Not really. I do not think Elton John is attractive. I think he's like Liberace and Richard Simmons. I do not know why David Furnish finds him so hot. Anyone care to tell me WHY?! Anyway, it was announced that Elton John will marry David Furnish -- they had been together for 12 years.
George Clooney's 2005 Perspective: Actor George Clooney said that 2005 has to be his worst year. I kinda agreed. To me, many adversities has occurred. That is to be expected. But with the death of Sarah Pack, it may confirm what I already said all along -- that 2005 is the worst year to deal with. I so am ready for 2006.
Mr. Miyagi Is Dead: As a kid, I used to have HBO. And it showed "The Karate Kid" too much. My brain was saturated with the comments and antics of Mr. Miyagi in 1980s. And that Pat Morita who portrayed Mr. Miyagi has died as well.
Who Appointed Him As Fashion God? Former FEMA Head Michael Brown is opening his own consulting business on how to handle the emergency planning. This is the same person who wrote an email to his secretary, "I got this from Nordstroms. You'd vomit at it. I'm a fashion god!"
Gallaudet Women's Basketball -- A Joke? It is distressing to note that ever since the Golden Era of Ronda Jo Miller & Touria Ouahid, the Gallaudet Women's Basketball team has not fared very well in the last 5 years. The wins has decreased, the losses has increased. And the team roster has gone down to 8. The tallest player is only at 5'9. The current team is 1-2 as of now.
It means what? It is time to replace Head Coach Kitty Baldridge with someone else.
Taking Gallaudet to NCAA Tournament twice in 29 seasons are not successful. It is dismal failure. Bill Finney coached Women's Basketball team at Marymount University for 22 years, taking the Saints to the NCAA Tournament 12 times, winning 9 CAC titles -- Bill Finney routinely recruited the local players. Gallaudet can recruit anywhere else in the country and we only can get 8 players at its best?
The evidence is there -- we needed a better coach. Kitty Baldridge is done for. Let's just retire her and put someone else in. If she refused to surrender the position, the alumni and students reserve the right to fire her from the position.
I am aware that there are several students at Gallaudet who are capable of playing basketball but chose not to because they do not want to play for Kitty Baldridge.
C'mon, let's do something to preserve what is left of the program. E-mail James DeStefano to do something about the dismal failure of Kitty's teams. Don't let Kitty run the program into the grounds. If she does, it will take years to rebound from this. Do it now.
Leaving for New York: I'm leaving for New York tonight for obvious reasons.
Cheers,
R-
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Last Night ...
Last night, before I hit the gym for a Wednesday workout, I rushed to Appomattox Regional Library. That library was the place where I usually go during the summertimes when I'm extremely bored at home.
Since I graduated from high school in '91, I had not been to that library in 14 years. Until last night, that is. I was delighted to learn that the Appomattox Regional Library is going to move in a new building with everything that seems to be all-new right next to the current library. The current library would be demolished, I believe.
The new building will feature a 17th century ship in its Children section. About time if you ask me. If you're wondering about the boat, you can cruise this link.
However, there are some images that I cannot forget out of that library. Among these are The Presidents of the United States by John and Alice Durant, Volume One: George Washington to William McKinley.
In George Washington's section, you should see this image where you can see George Washington smiling a little, extended his right hand to Martha Custis Washington as Martha's daughters and granddaughter watched in bliss. The picture has been somewhat stuck on my mind for years.
Here is the image, click on the picture to enlarge if you would like to.
The Washington Clan at Mount Vernon
And last night, I was searching for the name of the person who drew the portrait of George Washington, Martha Custis Washington, her daughters and her granddaughter.
Believe it or not, I cannot find the name and I'm stumped. Anyone knew of this?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
R-
Since I graduated from high school in '91, I had not been to that library in 14 years. Until last night, that is. I was delighted to learn that the Appomattox Regional Library is going to move in a new building with everything that seems to be all-new right next to the current library. The current library would be demolished, I believe.
The new building will feature a 17th century ship in its Children section. About time if you ask me. If you're wondering about the boat, you can cruise this link.
However, there are some images that I cannot forget out of that library. Among these are The Presidents of the United States by John and Alice Durant, Volume One: George Washington to William McKinley.
In George Washington's section, you should see this image where you can see George Washington smiling a little, extended his right hand to Martha Custis Washington as Martha's daughters and granddaughter watched in bliss. The picture has been somewhat stuck on my mind for years.
Here is the image, click on the picture to enlarge if you would like to.
And last night, I was searching for the name of the person who drew the portrait of George Washington, Martha Custis Washington, her daughters and her granddaughter.
Believe it or not, I cannot find the name and I'm stumped. Anyone knew of this?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
R-
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