A few hours ago, I learned of the sudden and very sad extinguishing of a light in the podcasting world.

The producer of this podcast is not dead, but his show definitely is. What's worse, due to the nature of his career--and people's ignorance--he stands a good chance of losing a job he has worked at for many years. Due to the sensitive nature of what is happening, and out of deference for this podcaster, his career, and his family, he must remain nameless.

As charged up as I was in the aftermath of a weekend that went far better than I imagined, this news has left me saddened and angered at the way that people choose to politicize a person's life. This guy was seeking the same thing that all of us are: to exercise his right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. What's more, he was exercising his First Amendment right of free expression. And now, due to a society that is tilting in favor of so-called "rights" of corporations and organizations and away from the rights of individuals, his right to free expression has been abridged.

I often question whether or not I should continue to blog and to podcast. It is no longer a question. I am committed even more to get my voice and my text out there on the internet. I am more determined than ever to be out, loud, and proud on the internet. I am dedicated even more to telling my story to anybody who will take the time to download and listen.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to this now-former podcaster, since his show gave mine a much-needed boost in listenership. Every time I turn on the microphone and record my voice for my podcast, it will be in tribute to this fallen colleague. Every time I type out a blog entry--and there will be more--it will be in tribute to this fallen colleague. As long as I have the means to do so, this blog and podcast will continue to be posted. It's personal now, and I can't afford not to do it.

Until the next time you can speak and write freely, I'll take up your fallen torch, my friend.

Sincerely,

David Byrd

aka, That Blue Jeans Guy.

Michael and I are back with another results show.

We both agree the dancers rule and the judges drool.

What did you think of the results?

Michael and I are back for the new season of So You Think You Can Dance.

In this post-results episode, we talk about the show's new format, the performances we liked, and of course, how we liked the results.

Join us as we celebrate dance and those who love to do it.

Visit Michael's blog at http://michaelallansage.blogspot.com

The link to the Dizzy Feet Foundation's National Dance Day (July 31, 2010) instructional video is:

http://bit.ly/crJXBG

The Dizzy Feet Foundation has declared July 31, 2010, to be "National Dance Day," a day in which everybody in America is encouraged to get up and dance!

In support of this, choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha have put together a simple hip-hop routine that they challenge everybody to learn and do on National Dance Day.

I have taken up the challenge. Who will join me?

Watch the video below, be sure to practice, practice, practice, and be prepared to dance July 31, 2010!

A little musical surprise.

Update on the ministerial search.

Helpful musical friends.

Pride 48.

As always, I welcome comments.

Also, don't forget that anybody who listens is invited to do an episode of "David's Salon" with me. Just have a topic--any topic--and get in touch with me to set up a recording time.

Music Today:

"Is This Really Necessary?" by independent artists David Byrd, Heidi Bethune and Todd Bethune

"Today" by independent artist artist Heidi Bethune-Featuring Todd Bethune on guitar

Intro Music:

"Deep Cycle Discharge" by Music Alley artists Simon James and Derek K. Miller

Thanks for listening,and Stay Powerful!

Tribute to Rue McClanahan.

My recent progress on the ministerial search.

The musical is finally moving from inside my mind into the world so that the rest of you can hear it. I'm loving the way the songs sound, and I look forward to getting the whole thing written!

The life theme for this weekend is my relationship with children and my regret that I never became a parent.

As always, I welcome comments.

Also, don't forget that anybody who listens is invited to do an episode of "David's Salon" with me. Just have a topic--any topic--and get in touch with me to set up a recording time.

Music Today:

"Amazing Grace" by Mevio Music Alley artist David Spak

"I Can Sing a Rainbow" by Mevio Music Alley artist Beth Burrows

Intro Music:

"Deep Cycle Discharge" by Music Alley artists Simon James and Derek K. Miller Thanks for listening,and Stay Powerful!