A recent Gospel reading focused on the Transfiguration. The Transfiguration was fabulous! Jesus and three friends simply dazzled on a mountain top. Just before this sequence, however, was Jesus’ first crucifixion pronouncement. Jesus had just rebuked Peter for not understanding this gift of sacrifice that must happen. Honestly, taking up the cross is no idle matter. It is not … [Read more...] about Take Up Your Cross – Part I
Opinions
Not Throwing Away My Shot!
I am fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. Now what? I had been on the hunt for an available vaccine appointment for some time. Someone suggested I visit the New York Department of Health website. I found the site in less than a minute and, with the blazing speed of experience, I filled out the same questionnaire I’d filled out dozens of times before, and without … [Read more...] about Not Throwing Away My Shot!
Emotional Well-Being: It’s All on Us to Keep It Strong
Our great city is beginning to open up, including bars, restaurants, stores, food trucks, and music, music, music! Another thing that seems to be reopening, or resurging for some, is a sense of anxiety about the very thing we’re so wanting to celebrate, which is that very same reopening. What a conundrum. There seems to be a little more restlessness, and a bit … [Read more...] about Emotional Well-Being: It’s All on Us to Keep It Strong
The Conflict With Religion
There is a new hit song, Montero, by Lil Nas X, whose controversial video has recently become the talk of Pop Culture. The song’s lyrics reflect the classic love story between a young gay boy who falls for a closeted guy. Lord knows that I have been there! Although many gays praise the young rapper for his catchy and relatable lyrics, others, both gay and straight alike, find a … [Read more...] about The Conflict With Religion
God cannot un-love you
Wow, they did it again! Not only that, they did some other things as well. A recent poll showed that Americans are increasingly becoming non-denominational and perhaps even secular in their world views. That same study showed that much of the exodus from "mainline Christianity" is a result of the political positions and threats of the Conservative Christian Right. That … [Read more...] about God cannot un-love you
Ass Cancer and Me – The Hole Story, Part 2
The result of my biopsy identified pre-cancerous cells, and treatment would be necessary. The cherry on top of this HPV sundae--I also had a fistula in the lining of my rectum. “A what?” I asked, immediately returning his call. In a rather pre-occupied tone, I was told: "A fistula is an abnormal passage that sometimes forms from the anal canal to the skin near the … [Read more...] about Ass Cancer and Me – The Hole Story, Part 2
Introducing Crowded Brain, 2021!
It’s March 2021, and here we are. This March, we may still feel stuck, tired of, or frustrated with limited socializing, no really safe playing, or less than regular physical connection. Sometimes, it may seem like there is a fog in your head and when you try to clear it, it stays a bit foggy. Foggy brain is now a thing, with the media and medical professionals … [Read more...] about Introducing Crowded Brain, 2021!
Ass Cancer and Me – The Hole Story
One morning, not very long ago, I woke up to discover that small growth clusters had begun to appear around the base of my penis and testicular area. I panicked and did what anyone with a medical mystery to solve would do – I ran straight to Google. There is a reason we should never self-diagnose ourselves using Google. Based on my findings, by late afternoon, I was almost … [Read more...] about Ass Cancer and Me – The Hole Story
A Commentary by Larry Bagneris
Are you thinking of skipping the Sat., Mar. 20, election for U.S. Congress? I hope not! I hope you’re carefully considering the candidates vying to represent us in the U.S. House as our representative. More so, I hope that you’ll consider voting for our friend Troy Carter. To explain why, let me take you way, way back to a lost age known as the 1990s. I want to introduce … [Read more...] about A Commentary by Larry Bagneris
Does Mayor Cantrell Hate the French Quarter?
For the last year and half, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell managed to rouse the ire of French Quarter residents and business owners. Her proposal to pedestrianize the neighborhood sparked immediate protests and her handling of the pandemic, while generally praised, has not been without its critics. Detractors point to inconsistencies in COVID regulations and an utter lack of … [Read more...] about Does Mayor Cantrell Hate the French Quarter?