https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14404-night-work/

‘Night Work’ is one of my favorite albums of all time by my favorite band of all time. This review is basically saying that music by gay people for gay people is not palatable to a straight audience and therefor not inclusive enough.

This is why I’ve been so fucking pissed for 2017 and will carry that fire into 2018. This is why Living Single isn’t on Hulu. Because I have participated in fucking straight people culture without complaint and have had to pull teeth to get straight people to even consider coming to a queer event (other than the pride parade-- but who doesn't love a parade? I digress ). This is to me self evident of the fact that straight folk (especially, but not limited to, white ones) think their activities are normal, and gay folks activities are not. No wonder gay folk dont want y'all in their safe spaces-- folks act like theyre on safari or doing something lurid. No gurl, it's a fucking Thursday and the drinks are cheap.

You know who does come to queer events when I ask? My non-white female friends. They also know how to treat the space (ie, putting away any urge to behave in an entitled manner). You know who came with me to see the Scissor Sisters tour Night Work? Wanna know who watches Living Single?

This article, and this situation, is garbage. If this made your asshole pucler, then maybe now you know why your gay friends low key think you’re the worst and if you’re white, your non-white friends low key think you’re even worse than that. But Facebook is an echo chamber, so if you made it this far, you’re probably not the problem.

Back to the pitchfork review:

“If the cover of Night Work did not clue you in, let's just state the obvious right now: This is a very, very gay album. Whereas the first two Scissor Sisters records found a way to translate specifically gay subject matter into big-tent camp that opened up their appeal to anyone with a taste for colorful dance music and 1970s radio pop, their third album isn't quite as inclusive. They are no less tuneful, but their aesthetic and lyrical themes are more firmly rooted in gay culture, to the point that many straight listeners may find themselves feeling like outsiders looking in. Instead of presenting a queer pop sensibility for the masses, they've gone deeper into their subcultural niche."

Santa likes rich kids more and must of known that Rudolph was being bullied.

Reading Chelsea Handler’s “Uganda Be Kidding Me” and Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking” back to back was a great idea.

How the fuck did America elect that monster?

Thought you might like to see this.

Too many mosquitos to do a long headstand. Ugh.

My iyengar teacher told me not to cut my hair. Fine.

The moon hangs sideways.

Yassss Queen! "I want my money, I want my check!" Shimmy that dislocated shoulder back into place!

7 years. 7 lifetimes

Ashtanga Yoga is truly for every body. I'm proud to offer a new member special for those with no prior background in Ashtanga Yoga, with a sliding scale for three months to help best match financial need. Please send all inquiries my way.

Love you!

50% English and Irish... But there's enough Eastern European, French/German, Scandanavian, Ashkenazi Jewish, Balkan, and Iberian to be really interesting.

I forgot to mention I chatted with Rachel Lapidos earlier this year about the power of silence and meditation for Well + Good Magazine!

https://www.wellandgood.com/good-travel/silent-retreats-the-new-wellness-luxury/amp/

Anyone interested in doing 23andMe? They're having a family sale -- 2 kits for $50 each. Use this to get the discount (and I'll get $20!). https://refer.23andme.com/s/michaeljoelhall

🐙🐙🐙 nope nope nope 🐙🐙🐙❌❄️❌❄️❌❄️❌

Thank you for all you've done!

Submitting my DNA for testing to learn more about my ancestry and health predispositions -- excited enough Im telling y'all.

I was born on my phone number and I will not work with you.

So! Good!

Welp, the new Mario came and so did my Merman tights. Omg happy weekend.

Y'all still supporting that no-tax-paying, bigot enriching, minority oppressing, opiating organization?

k.

FTR: Im talking about the one that charges $9 for a bud light, not the one that asks for 10% of your income.

Britney's Blackout is 10. I was 24! Rollerskates, short shorts, eyeliner, and friendship. PUJA

A Chechniyan popstar was tortured and killed by his government for being gay. Too close to home for my tastes.

PSA: Chaka Khan's Granddaughter? Raven Symonè.

The overlap between being objectified by people of power and situations where assault of the sexual variety occurs runs the risk of allowing "me too" to be viewed from the cheap seats as a bit of a toothless tiger.

Sexual harassment occurs constantly. I have been sexualized and demeaned to some degree in every job I've had as an adult. I suspect almost every woman/gay men have, too. I know almost every gal in town has been catcalled, for sure.

On a hierarchical level we have given passes to strong men taking sex acts by force. The amount of people who voted for a man who literally propagated grabbing woman by their pussies and doing whatever he wants with them needs addressing. "They'll let me," he says.

At least 16 women have publicly accused Trump of forcibly attempting to kiss, grope and have sex with them. He is on the record saying he forcibly touches woman.

This is not sexual harassment-- this is sexual assault.

What kind of accountability do we reasonably expect men in power to have when we give them a "yes, but" along with a "me, too" So glad we're speaking up: remember this in 3 years, fam. The more voices we raise, the more potential we create.

Take that "Me, too" and talk to you husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, and kids.

Me, too.

On this new moon, I cleaned out my inbox.

Anyone got an extra kesha ticket they wanna sell me? 🙂

I wish Roxanne Gay had spoken with me before including me in her book "Bad Feminist." Maybe sent me a copy. I dunno.

I rely on mantra in so many different ways in my daily life, my yoga practice, and my teaching practice.

Regularly, the good Sis Britney is bringing me that patience and resolve to hold space in trying times:

Break it down, break it down, break it down
Break it down, break it down, break it down

This ain't no foolishness or fuckery
I'm handling my business (Business)
Holler if you hear me
Hey, can I get a witness
Preacher, preacher
I'm the teacher, you can learn
Watch your fingers, boy
You might get burned

If you've ever been to heaven, this is twice as nice. Break it down.

A favorite.

Double Duchess is very good. The visual album, Seeing Double, is too. Wow.

My home girl speaking real talk Truth right here.

New Killers, Jhene Aiko, and Cut Copy? Come through, Autumn!!

I need photos of my yoga practice that are not taken from the phone's selfie mode. Who can I recruit?

TFW every cell in your body is humming the song of the universe AND YOU CAN FEEL IT.

Vintage Selfie. 2009-ish?

Your studio is gorgeous. The art, the vibe, the picnic table. Thanks for creating something.

I hope your ears were burning.

Today, I will practice yoga. Then, I will go get into juggalo garb and also practice yoga.

When one of your best buds comes to town. https://instagram.com/p/BY06RIKHHhK/

New class times!
Tuesday @ 12- Hot Spot Dupont
Wednesday @ 6:30p- Vida U
Thursday @ 12 - Vida U
Friday @ 12 - Balance TC

My day, everyday (give or take), by the numbers:
3-3 1/2 hours in the Mysore room teaching
1-3 Hours Asana Focused Meditation & Pranayama
1-2 hours lifting, physical therapeutics, and internal research
2-3 paid corporate or group fitness classes 1/hr + commute & post class convo
1 Hour Mentoring
1 Hour Skill Development (singing, reading, business, personal development/self-help)
1 Hour bullshitting on the phone with a close friend (we'll call this my lunch break, and should count)

If you're curious about exploring something different, restorative, and scalable (as intense or light as YOU want!) come join me at hot spot. The room is 95, it's not Surya Namaskar intensive, and the format allows plenty of room for personal exploration... While overlooking gorgeous Connecticut Ave. See you at 12!!

Love you!! Miss you!!

My outfit from 2010, when I decided I wanted to go explore the teabagger events. Notes: 1) ive been wearing these cut up shirts for a long ass time. 2) how these politics have morphed!

I can't poke too much fun, as I looked directly at the sun more than once. Oops.

Woke up on this fantastic solar eclipse new moon day and baked sugar free low carb brownies. Welp, #thisis34

Had the good fortune to see him perform a few times. Came with humor and gravitas and somehow had a paradoxical attitude of no fucks given whilst also giving all the fucks.

Outdoor yoga class at 12 in Meridian Hill. I'm teaching. LGBTQ like woah. Come!

In the last few months, two different gay friends were assaulted. Both are over 50. Both in Washington, DC. One had an assailant yelling about being "in trumps America now." Y'all, we've been in this America.

Overheard today: "Remember the spiritual principal of persistence."

WHY WE SHOULD SEE THEIR NAMES: Freedom of assembly has an inherent imperative towards integrity that silent support does not: it invokes a willingness to stand behind beliefs in a public space and rally others to do the same. This effort at constructing and propogating means those that have asssembled are now responsible for standing behind their beliefs-- not just in the spaces they've chosen for assembly, but in all public spaces. The culture created by a successful effort at normalizing a belief has a far reach, and the responsibility for it doesn't lessen when the rally ends. We have a responsibility for the fallout of our actions, this is simple karma. When I march for queer rights, reproductive justice, or anything else I am also willing to answer and defend my beliefs when asked, and I don't get to believe these things part time. To call to action a community requires the ethical where-with-all to stand behind your belief when asked, and if one can't, perhaps they shouldn't be emboldening others to do what they themselves aren't willing to defend.

CALL A BIGOT A BIGOT.

Your silence is deafening.

Thick thighs save lives.

Who wants a Charlie lookalike?

Jimmy Eat World's Album "Bleed American" stands up as excellent. Wow.

No more talking about hating the internet or the phone.

I don't have a phone for a bit! You'll have to message me here or email if you need me!

My phone was stolen off of my scooter today (dumb story). It's still tracking (into anacostia, at yums). Filed a police report. Anyone want to go with me to retrieve it? I don't have a phone to call the police with or track it if I go!

I'm teaching at VIDA on U Street today at 5:30 and then at Metropole at 6:45. Fun stuff!

Like we do!

Keeping your trunk engaged and diaphragm working properly for an entire sequence/series/class is fascinatingly challenging. #notesfromyesterdayspractice

Most importantly : mom & dad

Bravery time: describe me in a gif.

A good morning to me!

That moment when you realize that the treadmill is in kilometers and not miles and you have a ways further to go-- o! Canada! 🙄

That time I got drew carey into down dog.

Chills. Riveting. Whitney. Wow.

Oh man this sounds good!

I love this.

Rent is still a treat to sing along to, 20 years later. Why no, I'm not crying and belting on south broad street -- keep. it. moving.

If you're interested in my Yoga related musings, I'd encourage you to follow Yoga with Michael Joel Hall. I want to share more, and that is where I intend to do it.

Fun from my insta.

I suppose id be better served to share more of the flash and sizzle and less of the drip and drizzle when it comes to these yoga videos... But the bloopers are so much more fun.

Relevant to your interests: https://m.facebook.com/events/763762737119473?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%223%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D&aref=3

Remembering the dead.

Is there such a thing as an outfit too slutty for a Pride warehouse party? 🤔

JUST IN
TIME!!

https://www.popjustice.com/thenews/scissor-sisters-the-bloody-scissor-sisters-are-back-with-a-new-song/

🌈Pride!!!🌈Pride!!!🌈Pride!!!🌈

Sitzler is my home girl. We yammer for hours: big picture, personal/intimate, Yoga, and life. I haven't listened yet, but sure as heck will, she always has something insightful to say.

On my way to Meridian Hill Park to teach a free outdoor class! See ya at 5!

Join me today for Yoga in The Park! 5pm at the top of Meridian Hill Park (bring a towel or mat!).

I *LOVE* practicing outside!!! Come play!! I'm an active member of the HSD community-- who also maintains a daily practice of Ashtanga Yoga-- if you know me from either community, I do hope you'll come out and say hi!

WE'RE HERE! WE'RE QUEER! GET USED TO IT!

I wish that the White House would have acknowledged the male spouse of Luxembourgs's male prime minister. I wish that 45 would have made a statement for June, which is Pride Month. I do not wish I hadn't been assaulted physically and verbally most days growing up-- told my voice, my body, my mind, and my capacity for love were wrong, ugly and loathesome-- because it has made me who I am today. However, I do not wish it on your children, my children, or anyone else.

As a child, that kind of violence almost killed my spirit. As an adult, it almost killed my human form.

The silence is deafening and the message is clear. Systematic erasure. You want to help? Know that it's pride. Know when black history month is. Talk frankly and openly about sexuality and race. If you can't, ask for help. Im talking frank conversation from your cohort. If you don't have anyone you can have this conversation with, I'm here. Get real. Get woke. GET LOUD.

I assure you, WE aren't going back in the closet-- we won't die to the pages of history. Tell your friends.

Are you interested in practicing in community with other LGBTQ folks and their allies? I am-- thats why I'll be teaching a session this summer! Stonewall Yoga is all about inclusivitiy, good vibes, and community.

Today and tomorrow, use offer code LASTMINUTE and take $10 off (you know how we mysore folks are, just showing up whenever).

https://virabyoga.regfox.com/summer-registration

Options!

Happy Birthday, homie. xx

Happy Birthday, Tim! <3 wishing you all the love, and looking forward to seeing you sooner rather than later 😉

The rug burn on my chin is from yoga, thank you very much.

Practiced under a tree. The rain came and went.

Maybe the cicada is my spirit animal? Some of y'all are monarchs, others painted ladies-- that's well and good.

"They have an exceptionally loud song. Most cicadas are cryptic, singing at night to avoid predators. The periodic cicadas spend most of their lives as underground nymphs, emerging only after 13 or 17 years, which may reduce losses by starving their predators and eventually emerging in huge numbers which overwhelm and satiate any remaining predators.

Cicadas have been featured in literature since the time of Homer's Iliad, and as motifs in art from the Chinese Shang dynasty. They have been used in myths and folklore to represent carefree living and immortality."

Being able to begin a sentence with "My teacher says..." is one of the greatest privledges I have in this life. So much of what follows is from Pattabhi Jois-- I'm so grateful for his lifelong dedication to teaching, teaching my teachers. 1915- May 18, 2009.

I bought myself a jumpsuit and a Nintendo switch for my birthday. Basically, a romper and a video game... I'm, like, 8.

Relavent from 2014

Class picture day At DC Ashtanga was a resounding success!! Thank you Jonny Asfour for the work and Maggie Lively for the encouragement!

I had turned 18 the month before. bb-mjh

This hits home.

A gentle reminder for me, today.

I get an awful lot of ads for this hot yoga dudes strength series. Its cause I linger at the salaciousnesa of it all, isn't it?

Had whiskey and a kiki -- came home and ordered snail mucus 🐌 -- this is 34 (almost!)

So, wikipedia says that bull sharks are responsible for most near-shore attacks in rivers. Charlie, the paddleboard, and I are all nervous. Which sharks like to be pet-- I am trying to shake these shark bigotries, I swear!

DC Ashtanga has extended it's hours! We're open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11-1 🙂 Come join us! dcashtanga.com

Reading: American Gods

This is worth a reshare..

It's a perfect day for Lady Gaga's first album.

A bird pooped on me while I practiced.

Spotted: my fantastic apprentice @Whitney Paterson at the gym doing pullups. All the feels!

Mysore at Kali: Tuesday & Thursday 11-1. Open practice 9-11. Interested? Inbox me!

I'd like to make mysore style yoga practice more accessible for those that can't come in the early mornings! I'm looking at expanding hours-- vote for your choice: https://beta.doodle.com/poll/4acuas8zh7pyi84t

It took me 6 hours to convince myself to go to the gym.

Two afternoon classes, both with newbies, seasoned vets, and friends of friends. Attentive, brave, and kind. <3

I wonder if mysore from 12-2 would be a hit 🤔

Five days in the south and "jalepeño" becomes "halahpeenya"

(⭐️⭐️⭐️) giving myself gold stars for practice and lifting.

New Orleans, man.

Ran into two other guys doing ashtanga in the circle. First time thats happened. Fantastic.

Today, I guided a two and a half hour Primary series to a focused group. Watching them unbox and unpack is a highlight of my week. Wow.

Today, I guided a two and a half hour Primary series to a focused group. Watching them unbox and unpack is a highlight of my week. Wow.

On my scooter: I exited the city via the 9th street tunnel and returned on the 14th street bridge. Saw my favorite paddle board/canoe spot from a different vantage point. I love this city.

Today at 1, at Mind The Mat-- a tour of primary series.

https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/main_enroll.asp?studioid=5362&tg=&vt=&lvl=&stype=-8&view=day&trn=100000218&page=&catid=&prodid=&date=4%2f8%2f2017&classid=0&prodGroupId=&sSU=&optForwardingLink=&qParam=&justloggedin=&nLgIn=&pMode=0

Primary with my peeps. Maybe the fastest led primary ever (we listened to Sharath) -- clocked in at 66 minutes.

💖

Lifted and got my heart rate up. Bye-bye bad mood. It's so simple, and yet...

Potomac Pirate.

Domestic Violence Resource Project #DVRP at @PurplePatch today. Get some @hotbuttonissues buttons and support a great cause.

Thank you to all the brave seekers who turned up to mine their depths and press against their comfort zones with me. An honor and a privledge.

Yoga & veggies best practice: when you can, go local, go organic, go unmodified from the seeds of origin when you can. Heirloom tomatoes and yogas with lineage. I'm into it.

Dropped in on an old friends lovely class-- so glad Stonewall Yoga is creating safe space for exploring yoga. Thanks, Luke! Thanks, Craig! Thanks, Pasquale!

Pranayama tomorrow at 9! Bandhas at 10! Led Intermediate at 11!

http://kaliyogadc.com/2015/05/01/mysore-ashtanga-workshops/

Yoga heals the green thing.

Lifting solo, again.

At least once a week I think of you as I ride my scooter up the hill. xx.

It's been 17 years since David Brooks' "Bobos in Paradise" was published.

"...the bourgeois bohemians--"Bobos"--an unlikely blend of mainstream culture and 1960s-era counterculture that, according to David Brooks, represents both America's present and future."

"Learn to mock convenience"

7 years since my last marathon.

7-11 gets it.

"The origin of truth is love."

Best drag show in Ybor City this Saturday?

Nuff said.

I'm so glad Gus let us chat.

Thoroughly enjoyed "Champion," an opera in Jazz based on the real life experiences of a 50's champion welterweight fighter who just so happened to be queer... And killed a man in the ring. http://m.kennedy-center.org/home/event/orosd

My scooter tires are supposed to do great in snow. I did not intend to find out today.

Will someone come over and do a little yoga practice for me? I'm sleepy and lazy and still want all the benefit. Thanks in advance. zzzz

I'm a small cog in a big wheel, but: is it time to give up cell phones & smart appliances? (My screen is cracked and my dishwasher is broke, so it might save me some coin)

Had sardines and an avocado for lunch (while thinking of you, of course).

Word. Except sometimes men.

Workshops and continuing study opportunities:

Sunday, March 26:
Kali Yoga
8-9: Intro to Mysore ($45)
9-10: Pranayama ($20)
10-11: Bandha ($20)
11-12: Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama ($20)

Saturday, April 8:
Mind the Mat
1-3p: Tour of Primary Series ($30)

Sunday, April 9:
Kali Yoga
8-9: Intro to Mysore ($45)
9-10: Pranayama ($20)
10-11 Bandha ($20)
11-1:00: Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama ($20)

Saturday, April 22:
Ashtanga Nation
11:15am-12:45am: Intro to Pranayama Techniques ($30)
1:00-2:30: Deconstructed Vinyasa Patterns: The Psoas ($30)
($50 for both)

Saturday, May 6:
Mind the Mat
1-3: Tour of Intermediate Series ($30)

Sunday, May 7:
Kali Yoga
Intro to Mysore 8:00-9:00 ($45)
Bandha Workshop 9:00-10:00 ($20)
Pranayama Workshop 10:00-11:00 ($20)
Led Intermediate and Ashtanga Pranayama: 11-1:00 ($20)

Friendship!

How lovely the bus is for attention on the breath.

Retweeted Katie Couric (@katiecouric):

#MissingRichardSimmons podcast host: “If you're thinking you’re going to help me find Richard Simmons, please don’t" https://t.co/d5XJ17UdFW https://t.co/9pvrqtIQv3

I was asleep at 7:30pm on Friday. Woke up briefly at 10:30-- and made the executive decision to go back to sleep.

There is unlimited potential for solidarity, connection, and compassion inside of each and every one of us. The loneliness you feel, the sorrow of disconnection, is the inner voice telling you to plug in and wake up. Might I recommend Ashtanga yoga? It's very simple and incredibly effective. DCASHTANGA.COM

One of the greatest things about a circle of lifelong best friends is that they will keep your darkest secret – – except from each other. In that case, you're just on blast

City Center DC is really just not to my taste.

Eh?

Not the only one, Fam.

Wanted to fly around on my mat today... wanted to do the biggest work.

Nope. "Not today," said this body of mine. So, a snuggly practice up to Janu A, and some extra purvotanasana. Fine by me.

Tara called me "kind of a bro." Now she's on blast.

Anyway.

15000 contact hours.

Self practice Sunday's!! Off to see which birds are chirping at DC Ashtanga!

"In Trump's America, even the roses are white!"

Goa ✈️ Delhi ✈️ Doha ✈️ Dulles 🚀 DCA(as in DC Ashtanga)

I'm excited to hold hands. To put on a sharp suit. To wear glitter. Probably not together, but I'm not here to set limits.

Oh, just 16 years ago.

Best Podcasts of the last bit: Christopher Sommer on the Tim Ferriss Show; Adam Conover on What's The Tee with Rupaul and Michele Visage; Rupaul on Anna Farris.

Goal setting.

I think I have a book in me.

Yes!!

Ru's suit game is my life-spiration.

Also: I'm the only American and they are playing video Gaga on repeat.

I have spent the last four hours picking jewelry and malas hand made in Tibet. They are Quartz and yak bone. If you want one, they are $25. Please tell me.

Gagasana: When you know there's no practice in the am and suddenly you've lost your keys and your phone. What's the name of this club? Just dance.

Tomato Onion Cheese Uttappam in Mapusa after the market.

Guys! Please help!

Finished the "Cut & Run" series. So thoroughly enjoyed all 9 books!

This is from 2012... And it's accurate in 2017 😲

Ru's new album "Remember Me" is peeeerfect for sitting outside in the sun.

I'm having an incredible time, don't get me wrong... But I'm so ready to be home. I love and miss my friends and blood/yoga/work family. xxoo

In fact, this is almost 16 years ago.

Missing Charlie.

presented without comment

Oh hey yogi.

I've failed at adulting today. Trolling trolls is not activism.

I swear to Allah, if the price of my tequila goes up 20% I will have a bathtub agave jihad.

Stupid, sad, sad sad. This fuckery.

Stair says it better than I can.

Woke up with Mickey Avalon's "So rich, So pretty" in my head ("best piece of ass in the whole damn city...").

Kristen and Me, five years ago! Feels like a lifetime!

2017 Travel List: Tampa, Austin, NYC, LA, Toronto

Finished book 5 (of 9) in the "Cut & Run" series, and now I'm starting to fear finishing... and not spending time with these characters anymore.

Anyone need a rad place to live in DC?? http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/apa/5964622559.html

My bitch face never rests.

I'll just be over here lookin' & likin" these March posts-- keep 'em coming, y'all!

13 years ago-- the march for women's lives.

Thank you for the last time we had to March for women's lives. xo.

Thank you for last time we had March for woman's lives. xo.

Sending all of my heart and soul home to the citizens of my beloved District. Be strong, be kind, and take no shit. ⭐️⭐️⭐️