Many of you -- yes, that means you, buster --are probably reading this while at work. But while some of us are counting the minutes as the day wears on, as Cyndi Lauper points out in a Q&A with Newsweek, things could always be worse.

The singer discusses some of the odd jobs she had before she became a successful recording artist: "I tried to work in an office. Apparently, my clothes weren't right. I was a Gal Friday the 13th. I would answer phones and people would call up very upset. Then they'd call back screaming and yelling because I had to go to the file room and I would get sidetracked. I used to fall asleep reading the mail. I didn't want to. But it was so boring to me and I hated it."

One job Cyndi might be more happy to do is collaborating with Colleen Jackson and New York's West End Intergenerational Residence to create the True Colors Residence, "a permanent supportive housing program for homeless LGBT youth 18-24 years old."

Lauper notes in an open letter: "In New York City, a very disproportionate number (up to 40%), of homeless youth identify as LGBT. Even more disturbing are reports that these young people often face discrimination and at times physical assault in some of the very places they have to for help. This is shocking an inexcusable... We'll be building from the ground up so our residents will have a brand new, modern building with studio apartments for each resident and both indoor and outdoor community space to socialize or attend education and recreation programs. Each resident will be responsible for paying affordable rent based on their income and will receive ongoing assistance in obtaining employment best suited to their individual interests and skills."

As well, Cyndi Lauper's first studio album of original material in 11 years -- Bring Ya To The Brink -- will be released in two weeks, from Epic. The first single, "Same Ol' Story," was added to iTunes last week.

In 2001, Lauper was set to release an LP called Shine stateside, but plans with the label fell through, and the album eventually only saw the light of day in Japan, while she self-released an EP of some of the tracks domestically a year later.

Cool!

I have heard about this epidemic and it's really awful. Cyndi really has a heart and puts her money where mouth is....(is that the expression). She is much better than some than the more famous one...
[Edited 5/13/08 22:21pm]

Cyndi is very beautiful inside and out. I am very proud of her.

She's great.

Just in time for the new album

PANDURITO said:

Of course.

rushing07 said:

rushing07 said:

Well that is the only reason to open an LGBT Youth center...Next time, Janet....take note!

VinnyM27 said:

wadda you mean next time?

no tour she's done.

Cyndi tours every damn year because she loves music and loves to perform.
[Edited 5/14/08 12:51pm]

Go Cyndi! Wish I liked anything she's recorded in the last 10 years, but if she's gonna milk her past power, this is a great use!
[Edited 5/14/08 17:10pm]

PANDURITO said:

Cyndi has been touring raising money for LGBT causes for at least the last ten years. Everything is not a publicity stunt.

VinnyM27 said:

That's what I'm saying.

Stymie said:

And even it is a little bit - it doesn't hurt the homeless childern
who will get some, if only but a bit of help.

Stymie said:

And I love her even more for that
I preordered her album from Japan the moment I knew about it not having listened to a single note