Shame On California!

Today is a sad day for many Californian's. The Supreme Court has decided to uphold Prop 8, banning same sex marriage in the state of California. Here we are again! 

To say that this angers and upsets me is an understatement. This is an embarrassment to our state. Our cool, hip, "in the know", liberal state! The state that, in my opinion, pioneered the gay movement (or whatever you wish to call it) with San Francisco. 

The fear of our conservative inhabitants astounds me. People that say we need to uphold the teachings of traditional marriage in our schools are using the "kid card". What schools are these people sending their kids to??!!! I don't remember learning about marriage, of any kind, in school. 

Furthermore, I have news for these parents...your kid is still going to be gay! A teacher can illustrate a man & a woman in class, but your child is destined to be his or her true, beautiful self. Sexuality is not a wild card. The wild card is how a parent decides to handle it. And banning same sex marriage does not help us get any closer to a unified humanity.

In a time where we are trying to regain hope and unity, this teaches intolerance! What world are we living in when people think having more happy, loving couples is a bad thing? What world are we living in when we deny someone their rights?

There is so much to say about this issue & I am preaching to the choir. And oh how I love you, my liberal, open minded, tolerant friends! Some of you fought the fight. I thank you. 

Many songs come to mind today. All the freedom fighters of the 60's said it well. And the music that bloomed from those times touches me deeply. But for whatever reason, I keep going back to the song, "One" by U2. I want to recommend the version by U2 and Mary J. Blige, for something a little different. "One" is a song we all know & love. This version cuts to the heart of the matter. And Mary J's vocals are exquisite. 

And these lines in particular:

"Love is a temple

Love a higher law"

"One love

One blood

One life

You've got to do what you should"

Love IS a higher law! The one thing the Supreme Court cannot take away is the amazing love these couples share. I have seen it in my friends. Some of whom have been together for over 20 years! Tell me we cannot learn something from them! Tell me they would not provide a stable, loving home for a child! I dare you!

Keep fighting.

RIP Dolla

If you live in Los Angeles, you most likely heard that young rapper, Dolla, was shot yesterday outside The Beverly Center. He was 23.

Stories are swarming as to why he was the victim of this brutal murder. I read that he was involved in a fight at a club in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. Rivalry, money, fame? It made me think about Tupac and Biggie Smalls and all the controversy surrounding their murders. 

Many of you may be surprised to know that I am a huge fan of hip/hop. I am, truly! From "pimpin", to "frontin" to "swagga", I have been there. And yes, I wonder about myself as I sing along to songs I won't be able to play once I am a mother. But I love the deep, driving beat. I love the sound. And I am mystified and intrigued by a lot of what these artists are singing about. 

When Sean and I were watching the news about Dolla I said, "It's really so sad." Then he said "It's everything they sing about." Which is true! Life cut short, deadly rivalry, trying to escape their former lives.

So this week I am recommending "My Life" by The Game. It's raw, honest and tough...all with a plea:

"Take me away from the hood like a state penitentiary.

Take me away from the hood in a casket or a Bentley."

"Dear Lord, you've took so many of my people. 

I'm just wondering why you haven't taken my life.

Like what the hell am I doing right?"

I know this isn't for everyone, but after yesterday's news, this seemed fitting. Whatever your music taste, sample the 30 seconds on itunes, if only to hear The Game's soul filled voice...he knows of what he sings! 

 

Finding A Focus

It has been a week since I started this blog. I keep telling people, "I started a blog!". Their response, nine times out of ten..."what's it about?" I have realized I don't have a focus. I cannot rely on the simple fact that I love Los Angeles. That really does not set me apart in any way. 

Not to bring my friend Carl into this again, but ages ago, when he told me to start a blog, he insisted that I fill it with my music recommendations. He wanted to know what I was listening to, new finds, the soundtrack to my daily life. Because those of you who know me, know how crazy I am about music. You are the proud owners of CD's by Mer. You have stayed at our parties until 3am, just for the music. You tolerate my radio channel surfing. And you won't laugh when I tell you that I just downloaded the theme from "Hill Street Blues"; because A) that is one fantastic 70's groove. And B) one day when I get my turn tables I am going to mix that track with some Kanye & none of you will know what hit you!

So, a week into my little blog I have found my focus. 

Stay tuned for a look into the soundtrack of my life...

My First Attempt

I will be the first to admit, I am not the most "qualified" person to blog. My dear friend, Carl, put the idea in my head months ago and so now..here I am. I have steered clear of Facebook, MySpace and cannot quite grasp the concept of "Tweeting". This seemed like the best way to stay in sync with the ever expanding web culture. 

I am hoping to find some interesting things to share. Sometimes an observation, other times a recommendation. I do not promise wit or anything Earth shattering, just a little glimpse of a girl who loves her life in LA.