"One of These Days"—Miss Moonlight might be approached by the Twilight movie producers. #LipstickPagesHolidayParty

DD Dagger performs @LipstickPages' Holiday Party! Thurs. Dec. 17 9pm @ Austin Moose Lodge. #HOT

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour – "The Golden Age". I've had this song in my head for days. Blame @ME_Television. #FollowFriday, #MTVsoldout

The Blow - "The Long List of Girls"—because we shouldn't always march or wait in line—in vain. *sighs*

RB @austinkleon: In 1974 Detroit, 3 brothers were 'Punk Before Punk Was Punk' http://bit.ly/dth74. #AfroPunk, #FunFunFunFest, #NYTimes

An Aretha Franklin song reminds me of a certain someone. I hope he stays safe, so "I Say A Little Prayer"...

"Eclipse" - Charles Mingus ventures along the horizon of experimental, free jazz. #CoolJazzSunday

World Saxophone Quartet's version of a Duke Ellington classic—"Come Sunday"—has become a classic. #CoolJazzSunday

I <3 scatting to Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't". (Yeah, I scat.) #CoolJazzSunday

Betty Carter—"Can't We Be Friends?"—makes heartbreaking disappointment sound cool. #CoolJazzSunday

Q: Are we having a good working lunch? A: "So Far We Are"- French Kicks.

Lots of Television between calls @ work. Currently: "Marquee Moon".

What I'm not doing: "Runnin'" - Heartless Bastards = great cardio cool down. #lunchladymix (Workout mp3 mix to be con't.)

Cardio workout track du jour: "Eat Your Heart Up" - The Blow. #lunchladymix

Pardon my online intrusion, but the music is moving... "Polite Dance Song" - The Bird and The Bee #lunchladymix

"Black Barbie" - Little Jackie. Infectious satirical pop. #lunchladymix

Austin, Texas U.S.A. has been a bastion for forward thinking, even while it practiced segregation of the so called races (see COA's past planning for the East Side). After moving from a still largely segregated city in Southeast Texas, I've always had conflicted feelings about moving to a city which professes liberality yet closes its doors of business to black, brown, tan and beige people in fear - even in 2009. The concept of race has always been a bit blurry for me - but when I look at it closely enough, I realize these differences are a result of revolution and migration (and subsequent oppression of people) over time - and have nothing to do with superiority or inferiority of ideas and ingenuity. Sure, there are differences in the way we look, talk and behave. But these are largely individual differences. The perception of race is all in our human heads - and so are the notions of religion.

When I think about Muslim American immigrants and descendants from the Middle East and Asia after the events of September 11, 2001, I don't think of hijackers or terrorists. I understand Islam is not a religion that promotes violence, and there are different sects within that religion, just as there are in Christianity and Judaism. Yet most Americans (black, white, brown, beige or yellow) don't seem to understand this concept or the fact that Muslim Americans were just as confounded and disturbed by the incidents that occurred on that late summer morning almost 8 years ago. Many Islamic youth in this country feel detached or alienated from the dual identity of being a Muslim born in America. Largely the children of immigrants, they must deal with misunderstanding from parents and their Muslim community, while being part of a larger community as a student and citizen. The larger community in turn misunderstands the Muslim community - out of ignorance or apathy. Sometimes both.

While booking one young punk band and tour mates, I encountered ignorance and apathy right here in Texas, the so-called friendly state. I had a tough time with a long list of venues I contacted in certain cities in Texas that I won't mention by name, and I seriously suspect some of them were leery about booking a band of "young Muslim punks", and not reading - or most importantly listening - with an open mind. The feedback from some of these "no way" responses were laughable and inexcusable. Fortunately, there were a few venues out of many I approached who seemed interested in the main touring act and honestly didn't have an available date. I'm still learning about the music scenes in other Texas cities. Heck, I'm still learning about the particulars (and prejudices) of Austin venues and in-house agents. Yes, the bottom line is important - but when you have a community of live music lovers who don't care what race or religion you profess if they love the music and the message - that should also take precedence. Assuming your patrons or community of music lovers will judge them otherwise perpetuates the misunderstanding of cultures. Now is the time to turn off the stereotypes and really listen to the music. Don't judge a song by its title, or the color or religion of its performer. Listen.

Many of the early rockers in Texas didn't have pale skin, contrary to the myth of popular music history. They weren't always welcome at certain bars, and couldn't sleep in certain accomodations while touring either. The situation has improved thanks to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, but since that day in September 2001 the road has been rocky for young Muslims who want to rock America. My hope is with this tour, Islam and the young people who share this culture and faith won't be treated with the same contemptuous misunderstanding.

I encourage friends and readers of this journal post to consider reading the following to learn more about Muslim punk culture in America (that finally found a loud voice after 9/11/01):

Taqwacore: The Real Muslim Punk Underground

I also encourage friends and readers to experience The Kominas live, with Sarmust and Propaganda Anonymous at Red 7 in Austin, TX in two weeks - Sunday, August 9th. Hardcore favorites Coma in Algiers headline the local event, with The Cocker Spaniels opening at 9 pm. Transmission Entertainment and Anti-Gravity (a.k.a. DIY ATX) present a don't miss rock show You can learn more about the touring performers via my website:

http://diydanna.com/DIYATXBooking&Promotion/USTourEPK_TheKominas.htm

(Addendum/Note to NPR: If you're in need of a new copywriter for your website, please let me know. ;-)

There have been a lot of people annoyed by the so-called media blitz about Michael Jackson, These are probably the same people who were annoyed my the media blitz of two trials and speculation of his guilt, and the screaming, crying fans who adored him worldwide. I really never understood why the people who were annoyed by him and/or media coverage and hated him so much (aside the rumors and litigation) or why early fans later shunned the celebrity of Michael Jackson. The man had undeniable, inimitable talent - and their resentment seemed so... extreme. Of course, the screaming, crying fans seemed a bit over the top too.

After the 90s, I moved on to different styles of music, but his music (with the Jackson 5, The jacksons, and solo) was the soundtrack to my early life, and I agree with many fans that he really had a wonderful gift to share with the world - the talent of music and dance. As one LJ friend put it (via Twitter): "Notice to anyone h8ing on MJ right now: DO THE MOONWALK RIGHT NOW. TRY IT. DIDN'T THINK SO BITCH!" LOL. So true. My eldest niece, who is an excellent dancer in training, did an OK version on carpet in the living room earlier, and she exclaimed, "Whoa - this is tough. How did he do it?!"

Farrah Fawcett was and will always be a style icon and symbol of courage despite a devastating disease. Here's what I wrote on the SU2C (Stand Up to Cancer) wall on Facebook in her memory:

I watched Charlie's Angels religiously on TV as a kid. Besides Wonder Woman and Maude, this was the the only time girls got to see women in action, taking charge and solving problems. Charlie's Angel Jill Munroe was hot, funny, smart and bold. In real life, Farrah Fawcett was a Texas cheerleader, a trend setter, an underrated actress (see The Burning Bed) and a delightful celebrity. The Angel's fight with cancer was a valiant one, and she will be missed.

I haven't even watched the news or video channels today, but heard about the deaths of two unique celebrities at the YMCA, after the kids' swimming lesson and before my 30 minute walk on the treadmill. I mourn the loss of both, because both celebrities entertained me for many years, and both had family and friends that will miss them terribly. Michael Jackson's children and Farrah Fawcett's closest loved ones will especially be in my prayers tonight.

My usually dull dreams have been more like cool movie scenes lately.

Last night I dreamed I was at a nice reception in a place that looked more like a studio than a hotel. All the caterers and servers were female, and so were most of the guests. The faces seemed unfamiliar, yet everyone was having a good time and I felt really at ease. (This was how I became very cognizant that this was dream. Unfamiliar places and faces make me anxious sometimes.) The servers exited before the last guests, ripping off some of their clothes and putting on motorcycle gear. All of sudden there was a long row of cool ass cycles, and the ladies rode off, one by one in a perfect line and the remaining guests said thank you and goodbye. I told the closest person next to me that I wanted to get a motorcycle like that, pointing to a white one with royal blue stars. It looked like a Harley.

What's weird about this dream is that I should've had it last Friday or Saturday night, when the ROT Rally and all its motorcycle glory came to town.

In reality, I don't want to get a motorcycle, although a scooter to get around would be cool. But when I was a kid, I rode on my cousin's motorbike when I'd visit Louisiana during the summer, and I loved it. I also remember, just 10-15 years ago that I wanted to buy a leather jacket (well, more like a blazer) and have Harley-Davidson patches sewn on the elbows and front pocket/breast. I didn't want to spend the money for an actual Harley-Davidsn jacket, but something about that idea of sewing on patches seemed like a good fashion choice at the time.

Now I don't think I'd look so cool in that blazer. But I wouldn't mind taking a ride on a motorbike again.

Instead of streaming a movie before bedtime, I'm preparing for a Juneteenth poetry reading @ Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 7 pm Fri. 6/19.