Disaya Monaee Smith, Black Trans Woman, Murdered near Chicago

Disaya Monaee, a 32-year-old Black transgender woman was fatally shot near Chicago, Illinois on September 6. Disaya was from Chicago, but died about 25 miles away in the village of Dolton, Illinois. Disaya grew up in the Near North Side neighborhood of Chicago. Officers were sent to the Prestige Inn and Suites at 1335 E. Sibley Blvd. […]

The End of the Road for the Cat Car

Honda CRV Pittsburgh

Remember the Cat Car? It was painted to promote the AMPLIFY project, but quickly dubbed ‘The Cat Car’ – the original artists were Kai Devenitch, Sam Thorpe, and Jason Sauer. The following year, Kai and Jason updated the paint job. This 2000 Honda CRV was a beauty – a cassette deck, for example. I bought […]

They value me more when I am literally diminished or why I’m not talking about my unexplained weight loss

Sue Kerr

t I’ve been keeping something from you and most people. I’m struggling with ongoing symptoms related to a potential GI disorder. That’s not the piece I held back – I’ve written about those experiences. The part I haven’t mentioned is that I’ve lost 25 pounds since the spring. <waits to see what you say> <– […]

Phoebe Bridgers Tour Coming to Stage AE in September With Strict COVID-19 Protocols

I asked my wife and musicophile how she would describe Phoebe Bridgers’ music- idie? Alt? She’s rock and roll, reminding Laura of Chrissie Hynde, Pat Benatar, and Joni Mitchell. That’s the benefit of being a nearly 60 year old fan – perspective. Phoebe Bridgers brings her tour Pittsburgh in mid-September, stopping at the Stage AE […]

Lesbian Finalist in Three Categories for City Paper ‘Best of Pittsburgh’ Poll #BestofPgh

It is a nice year to be a contender because we can potentially actually visit the winners – maybe, depending on how well we follow the guidelines. That’s progress! I am honored to be a finalist (the top ten vote getters) in three categories. Best Local Blog – so this isn’t all me and I’ve […]

Help Find a Sick Cat on the Northside

I don’t have a photo because this little one is artful at the dodging. BUT there’s a little kitty on the Northside who is on her own and needs to be trapped for veterinary care. She’s clearly underweight according to those who have seen her. There’s no visible colony near where she lives. We have […]

Caturday Update – My Community Cats Slowly Return to Colony After Their Home Demolished

Feral Cats

It has been a tough week. The house that was home to my community cats and in face, many generations of cats, was demolished after the roof collapsed. That was a necessary action, but it brought to light the systemic failures that compromise the City’s own laws. But that’s a post for another day … […]

Tour a 1900 Manchester Home the Night Before It Is Demolished

Travails of the Yinzer

My friend Ed wrote this on his blog Travails of the Yinzer. This house has been empty for 20 years and home to many, many generations of cats and groundhogs and possum and some humans here and there. Miss Maryjanes haas. They are tearin dahhn Miss Maryjanes haas today. I stopped in for one last […]

20-Year-Old Black Trans Woman Taya Ashton Shot Dead in Maryland

A 20-year-old Black transgender woman, Taya Ashton, has become the latest victim in the violent epidemic of murder targeting the transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming community. Tavahn Ashton of Suitland in Prince George’s County, Maryland was pronounced dead on Saturday, July 17, 2021. On July 17, 2021, at approximately 9:55 pm, officers responded to an […]

Reentry

This week, my wife officially returned to her offices. She had been working from our kitchen table since March 18, 2020 with some occasional trips to her workspace. I hate it. I’m glad she’s working, obviously. Also glad it’s safe enough to return. And I should be glad I can watch streaming things without headphones […]