LoveNDino

I've been on an Aretha bender... Two of my favorites, ever...

In the best sense of the word. One can imagine her walking into a room, and everyone will just have to stand up and applaud, because...Aretha. If she has a demand, the only response is, "Of course, Ms. Franklin. Anything else?"

I hope it doesn't sound like a back-handed compliment, but the following was an honorable, and quite ballsy, tribute to one Ms. Aretha Franklin...

Joy Luck Club!

I’d be a fluffer in a heartbeat - does that count?

Ms. Aretha Franklin On respect: A common theme for Aretha has always been the title of one of her most famous songs. “Everybody wants respect,” she told Rolling Stone in 2014. “In their own way, three-year-olds would like respect, and acknowledgment, in their terms.” In a 2016 Elle piece about “Respect,” an Otis Redding cover that quickly rose to the top of the charts, Franklin told Sheila Weller, “As women, we do have it. We have the power. We are very resourceful. Women absolutely deserve respect. I think women and children and older people are the three least-respected groups in our society.” The Independent in a 2011 interview. “It’s a lot easier putting it on than taking it off.” On aging and retirement: “Always semi-retire, never retire. Who wants to just sit somewhere?” she told the AARP Magazine. I’m a people person. And I love performing. It’s the way it is and the way it’s going to be.” On staying grounded: On her 1968 single “Think,” Aretha sang: People walking around everyday Playing games, taking score Trying to make other people lose their minds Ah, be careful you don’t lose yours. On overcoming obstacles: From a 1964 Ebony interview: “It’s the rough side of the mountain that’s the easiest to climb; the smooth side doesn’t have anything for you to hang on to.” On the transformative power of music: When Franklin was told in a 2016 Elle interview that songs like “Respect” inspired Harmony Grillo, an advocate for sexually exploited girls, to leave the man who had exploited her, the singer responded, “That makes it all worthwhile, just to know I uplifted another person — I wouldn’t be doing anything else. In terms of helping people understand and know each other a little better, music is universal — universal and transporting.” On female independence: From “A Rose Is Still a Rose” (1998): A rose is still a rose Baby girl, you’re still a flower He can leave you and then take you Make you and then break you Darlin’, you hold the power. On appreciating every day: At her 74th birthday celebration in New York City, Aretha told People, “Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.”

“I am deeply saddened about the passing of the Queen of Soul and my sister in song, Aretha Franklin. Today the world has experienced a tremendous loss. Aretha was a rare treasure whose unmatched musical genius helped craft the soundtrack to the lives of so many. My sympathy, love and prayers go out to her family, loved ones and fans around the globe.” Patti LaBelle

So perfect... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw2hjXDCM6k

Not very, but worth it. I don't really see the "My Fair Lady" reference because, she didn't need an "upgrade" nor did he need to find his "heart." Also, they were very much in love from the beginning. More fish out-of-water than anything else... In the meantime, a Chinese version of "Yellow."

Happy Birthday Mr. @purplekow - many joyous returns (of your favorite men...)

I just saw and it was fluff but it was everything. Representation is a powerful thing!

I am giddy with anticipation. Viola Davis' acting is everything!

Correction, Silver Medal = First Loser;)

Oh I would be happy just doing my part in thanking our men in blue...

Here's Ms. Aretha Franklin honoring Carole King and making President Obama tear up... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHsnZT7Z2yQ

Despite being a cover, this is the song my mind goes to when I think of Ms. Aretha Franklin.

Clearly, both of you have bigger balls than me.

just say no...

and this one...oy vey... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz5nJX3sbbM

Just watching had my balls in my throat in some of these...I doubt I can do them in real life...

oh, and Ricky Whittle... Pass the vapors, please and the obligatory leaked naked picture...

Another nice Barcelona apartment!

Audacious and inventive. The performances are beyond excellent, especially, Pablo Schreiber's and Gillian Anderson's. I am peripherally aware of Mr. Neil Gaiman and his novel, and this show has made me want to read his books. I just finished the 6th of 8 episodes of the first season (and it's renewed by Starz for a second). You would want to watch it if only for the very steamy man-on-man action in the 3rd episode. Game of Thrones is now my second favorite TV show...