SUNDAY'S MESS-AGE

TALLULAH BANKHEAD

The hard living and drinking potty mouthed actress was born on this day in Huntsville, Alabama in 1903. The daughter of the speaker of the house of representatives and grand-daughter and niece of senators, Bankhead died at the age of 66 from pneumonia.
"Cocaine isn't habit forming. I should know, I've been using it for years."

MOLLY IVINS

Columnist, political commentator, humorist and best selling author Molly Ivins, who grew up in Houston, passed away on this day in 2007 from breast cancer. She was 62.
“Next time I tell you someone from Texas should not be president of the United States, please pay attention.”

CHRISTIAN BALE

The "American Psycho" was born on this day in 1974 to a pilot and a circus clown in Wales. Interesting tidbit - his stepmother is feminist icon Gloria Steinem.

JODY WATLEY

Happy 51st birthday to the Chicago born multiple award winning singer. Interesting tidbit - her sister is the multiple award winning adult film actress Midori. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gl8MrB7MlJ4

LESTER BLOODWORTH

Many of you know that Mess volunteers at San Antonio Aids Foundation. One day the SAAF volunteer coordinator, Susan Bradley, asked me if I would be a "buddy" to a fellow in Boerne, TX who was on home hospice care. Of course, said Mess, and drove up there fully expecting to spend the day bedside. Instead, I found Lester organizing the clearing of his yard and working circles around the teenage kids his church had sent over to assist him. Later that day, we drove up to the Home Depot in an old F-150 ranch truck for top soil to spread around his house's foundation.
Lester was, to me, the epitome of a tough old Texas buzzard, smoking and cursing and wisecracking and never stopping, his toughness however, belittled the extent of his illness.
One of his gifts that he shared with me was his music, he was a brilliant piano player. One day after lunch at his local Quizno's, he surprised me by stopping at a church and playing piano. We were the only people there. As I watched Lester play, he seemed to morph into a man of great health, and with tears in my eyes I thought what a loss it will be when has to leave us. I only wish it hadn't happened this soon.
Lester was 58. A long-time valued community leader and gifted musician, he is survived by 2 sisters and a brother. Services are being planned.

AN OLD CAT LEARNS A NEW TRICK

You all know Mess is an old cat, at least in the chronological sense. However, as a "journalist" and a blogger, Mess tries to keep up with the youth of the world. The other day Mess's niece Guiliana stopped by and mentioned a buddy of hers who was a gay furry. Now Mess is not inclined to drop his facade of hipdom that easily, so he said "cool" or some such other meaningless utterance. Well, Mess had to do some research. Seems this gay furry movement is some post-bear cult looming in the youth culture of all sexual persuasions. Locally the press, or what's sadly left of it, has been running articles about Sarah Rodriguez, an 18 year-old who thinks she's a wolf, so with the wolf moon and all that it all comes together, in a strange sort of way. Here's wikipedia's take on the "furry" scene. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furry_fandom
I have a feeling, though, that Guiliana and her furry friend can explain it better to me with some sake and a Djarum cigar. We'll have to make a date.

I SEE A BIG MOON RISING

Tonight's full moon will be the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. It offers anyone with clear skies an opportunity to identify easy-to-see features on the moon. This being the first full moon of 2010, it is also known as the wolf moon, a moniker dating back to Native American culture and the notion that hungry wolves howled at the full moon on cold winter nights. Each month brings another full moon name. Get on out there an howl a little tonight!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2w5kffJnq8

NOT EVERYBODY LOVES THE MESS

As most of you devoted readers know, Mess has been attempting to form some sort of kinship (or at least some sort of contact) with Q San Antonio. Mess has offered to sleep with the entire staff, including any mascots, vacuum the offices, clean the terlits, wash the staff's vehicles, all to no avail. All Mess wants is a free link on their site, as Mess has given them one. So, here is my latest attempt, sent yesterday.

Why have I not even been dignified with a response from you guys? So much for the queer community sticking together. I have had a link to Q San Antonio on my blog since its inception in March 2009. I repeatedly asked about a link on your site and have never ever heard back. No hello, no holiday greetings, nada, zip, zero. Why do y'all hate Mess so much?

Those of you out there with some time on your hands (Chiflado, maybe?) please e-mail Q San Antonio and give the Mess some props!

COLETTE

The scandalous French author was born on this day in 1873. Openly bisexual, Colette allegedly had affairs with Josephine Baker, her own step-son, and a slew of famous women and men. She also hid some of her Jewish friends during the Nazi occupation of France. Colette died in Paris in 1954.

WILLIAM LEVITT

Often called the father of modern suburbia, William Levitt died on this day in 1994 of kidney failure. He was 84. After Levitt returned from duty in WW II, he saw a need for affordable housing targeted mostly to returning veterans. In 1947, the first residents of Levittown, NY moved in.

SAN ANTONIO TUNDRA PLANT IN A STICKY SITUATION

We got all excited when Toyota announced they were adding the Tundra to the mix at the local plant that now produces the Tacoma. Now the Tundra, along with 7 other models, is being recalled for sticky gas pedals. In addition, some insiders believe the huge Tundra is headed for extinction very soon anyway. Well, the good lord giveth, and the good lord taketh.

NARCISO RODRIGUEZ

The son of Cuban immigrants raised in Newark, New Jersey, the award winning fashion designer whose frocks are often worn by Michelle Obama, turns 49 today. He's shown here clowning around with Jessica Alba.

ANDRE THE GIANT

The French born 7 foot 4, 540 pound WWF wrestler died of a heart attack on this day in 1993. He was 46.

BROWNSVILLE'S IN A REALLY PISSY MOOD

BROWNSVILLE, TX. — Send the anger management troops to Brownsville! A food fight in there led to a cafe owner facing an aggravated assault charge over a customer allegedly whacked on the head with plate. Police say Maria Del Rayo Cordero was accused of tossing a tray of food and tea at the customer, who had complained he ordered a chicken dish, but was served beef.

In another Brownsville incident, two brothers — ages 20 and 22 — were arguing over who could use the bathroom first about 7:30 a.m. The argument became physical and relatives broke up the two men. Moments later, relatives told deputies, they heard a gunshot. Jeremiah Hooper’s 20-year-old brother had apparently shot him in the neck with a .357-caliber revolver. Hooper’s mother and brother — the alleged gunman — rushed him to Mission Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery and died.

SURREAL ESTATE: WHEN THE WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN

This was all over the national news! Dozens of Pulte built houses in The Hills Of Rivermist on the Northwest side are on the verge of collapse. Pulte is the parent company of Centex. The official report: "The hillside collapse yesterday within the River Mist subdivision that damaged several homes was a result of an improperly constructed retaining wall, as well as improper compaction of fill on which homes were constructed by the developer, Pulte Homes. The developer did not obtain the required City construction permits for the retaining wall that collapsed."
http://www.centexhomes.com/MasterNeighborhood.aspx?nbrid=46884

FIAT'S USA RETURN SHELVED

Fiat SpA, Italy’s biggest manufacturer, plans a two-week production halt at its five domestic car factories starting late next month after vehicle orders declined in January.Fiat’s orders for new cars this month are “even lower” than a year earlier, an official at the Turin-based company said today by phone, declining to specify figures. The plants will be idled the last week of February and first week of March under a government-funded program that guarantees workers are paid, said the official, speaking on condition that he not be named. Fiat, who bought the ailing Chrysler, was planning on bringing it's 500 to the USA in 2011.

SAAB SAVED FROM THE DEAD

AMSTERDAM – General Motors Co. said Tuesday it has reached an agreement to sell its struggling Saab Automobile arm to the small Dutch luxury carmaker Spyker Cars NV.GM has not specified terms of the deal, but a Wall Street Journal report citing anonymous sources says the sale price is roughly $74 million, and GM will retain preferred shares in Saab worth $326 million. Meanwhile, the fate of gas guzzler and penis substitute HUMMER hangs in the balance.

WHY WE NEED MORE SCHOOL SPENDING

Creative young minds such as this one must be encouraged!

LUCINDA WILLIAMS

The three time Grammy winning crooner turns 57 today.

CHRISTIAN BRANDO

The troubled son of Marlon died on this day in 2008 of pneumonia. He was 49. He made headlines in 1990 when he shot and killed his half-sister Cheyenne's boyfriend (Cheyenne killed herself in 1995 at the age of 25). In 2005, he was arrested for spousal abuse.

A POLITICAL ENDORSEMENT FROM MESS

Gov. Rick Perry is ignoring the real issues facing Texas to focus on things like passing the state’s 2005 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, former Houston Mayor Bill White told Stonewall Democrats of Dallas on Tuesday night, Jan. 19. Mess was supporting Kinky Friedman until he dropped out of the gubernatorial race. White is also extremely concerned with improving the education of Texas youth. Perry declined federal money for school aid. We'll be following the race, but it looks like this may be our man. http://www.billwhitefortexas.com/

ETTA JAMES

Happy Birthday to Miss Peaches! Jamesetta Hawkins was born on this day 72 years ago, and she's still tearing it up. If you ever get a chance, read her autobiography "Rage To Survive". You young folks might learn a thing or two!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r0QteIu_uA

JONATHAN LARSON

The Tony and Pulitzer prize winning creator of "RENT" passed away on this day in 1996 of an aortic aneursym. He was 35.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8iTeDl_Wug

SHARON TATE

Actress Sharon Tate was born on this day in 1943 in Dallas, Texas. She was murdered in 1969.

TINA CHOW

Model, fashion icon and socialite Tina Chow passed away on this day in 1992 from AIDS related complications. She was 41.

SUNDAY'S MESS-AGE

FAMOUS SAN ANTONIAN - GUESS WHO!

He's on the left!

MARISKA HARGITAY

The Golden Globe and Emmy winning actress turns 46 today.

JOHNNY CARSON

The television talk show legend and six time Emmy winner Johnny Carson passed away on this day in 2006 at the age of 79.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWFhCE4ekqA

A WORD FROM ONE OF OUR SPONSORS

MCCAIN'S GIRLS HATE PROP. 8

The latest celebrities to "come out" in defense of gay marriage are none other than the wife and daughter of former presidential candidate John McCain. Maybe these two can change Mr. M's anti-gay marriage stance. Cindy needs to put the old guy on va-jay jay lock down until he does! As Madea says, "clink clink!".
Click here for the NoH8 poster of Cindy. http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/1/21/1264077834077/Cindy-McCain-001.jpg

HEATH LEDGER

The Australian born actor was found dead in his New York apartment on this day in 2008. He was 28.

MICHAEL HUTCHENCE

The Australian rocker and lead singer for INXS was born on this day in 1960. He was found dead in a hotel room at the age of 37.

GOAT BREAKS INTO STRIP CLUB!

Before it even opened, a Coachella, Calofornia strip club had a horny goat banging down its doors. The 150-pound goat smashed two large glass doors at Lynx Gentlemen's Club over the weekend, causing roughly $2,000 in damage, the owner said Monday. “I would never believe it if I didn't see it myself,” said the club's owner, Hank Piecura. “It must have been mesmerized by its reflection in the door, so it rammed it.”After staring at its reflection in the doors for hours, Piecura said the goat reared up on its hind legs and smacked the glass. The goat hit the door repeatedly until he smashed it.

RICHIE HAVENS

Happy 69th birthday to Woodstock's opening act, Richie Havens. When Mess was growing up, his older brother and sister wore the damn vinyl out on this dude's LP's. That was pretty much all you heard in our house. http://www.richiehavens.com/official_site/home.html

BILLY TIPTON

Billy Lee Tipton (born as Dorothy Lucille Tipton) December 29, 1914 – January 21, 1989) was an American jazz musician and bandleader who lived as a man for nearly 50 years. Tipton found modest success as a professional musician, but until his dying moments, the fact that Tipton had been born biologically female was known only to two female cousins and perhaps some of his paramours as well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YY52m2EadA

LORENZO LAMAS

Mess is eternally grateful to Arlene Dahl and Fernando Lamas for pressing their stuff together and creating this, born today in 1958.

AUDREY HEPBURN

The Belgium born actress and style icon passed away on this day in 1993 from colon cancer. She was 63.

SURREAL ESTATE: THE WORK OF ROGER RASBACH

Featured in the September 1961 issue of House Beautiful, this modern marvel was designed by the renowned architect Roger Rasbach http://www.sbsbuilders.com/architects.htm and is listed for sale at $1,500,000 by Yvonne Mauro of Phyllis Browning. The 6553 square foot home has 5 bedrooms and 7 baths and features a 2000 square foot guest house. The listing is here: http://www.homes.com/listing/81500690/9022_Callghan_SAN_ANTONIO_TX_78230

JANIS JOPLIN

Janis was born on this day in 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas. She died in 1970 from an overdose at the age of 27.

WILSON PICKETT

That wicked wicked Wilson Pickett passed away on this day in 2006 from a heart attack. He was 64. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nZ24rl4FVk

MARTIN LUTHER KING

"A right delayed is a right denied"- MLK

SUNDAY'S MESS-AGE

STEVE EARLE

The singer, songwriter, actor and anti death penalty activist grew up in Schertz, Texas. He turns 55 today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qyi6mFZv9SI

ROBERT EADS

Robert Eads (18 December 1945 - 17 January 1999) was a Georgia born American transgender man, whose life and death was the subject of the award-winning documentary Southern Comfort.

DEBBIE ALLEN

The star of television's "Fame", producer, dancer, choreographer and Emmy and Golden Globe winner was born on this day in 1950 in Houston, Texas.

DR. STANLEY BIBER

The pioneer of transgender surgery passed away on this day in 2006 at the age of 82. His Trinidad, Colorado clinic became world famous due to his work.

THE SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES

What's missing from the upcoming CD? Uh huh. Natalie Maines. The new Dixie Chick effort will feature the sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison. We don't know the whole story, but we'll see what unfolds. Meanwhile, Mess promises to shut up and blog!