Penny For Your Thoughts With … KYM RAGUSA
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS WITH … KYM RAGUSA
In 5 words or less, what do you think about…
George Bush?
A very dangerous man.
Bill Clinton?
Devouring ego.
Malcolm X?
Lived a profound spiritual journey.
Oprah?
Impassioned promotion of reading/books.
What is your airplane ritual? IPod? Sleep? Sweat Pants? Alcohol? Spill the beans.
Ambien, because I don’t like to fly and “In Style Magazine” as a guilty pleasure.
What is your favorite tune to sing in the shower?
“Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk,” Rufus Wainwright.
What do you think about unidentified flying objects and people who see them?
Why shouldn’t they exist? I take comfort in the fact that we don’t know everything. It must be pretty exciting for the people who see them – I hope I see one too someday…
What is your favorite American city?
I love cities in general. I’m from New York, and there will always be a soft spot in my heart for it, but it’s changing beyond recognition, gentrification and huge condos steamrolling neighborhoods, communities, languages, small businesses. This is happening all over the country though, and in fact all over the world. The things I might love about a city might not exist tomorrow. But what remains inspiring is the energy of cities, and the creative strategies people devise to thrive in them.
What do you think about the war in Iraq?
I think it’s a crime and a disgrace.
Tell us about your tattoos.
I have one tattoo, a word (which I won’t disclose) on my shoulder. I like the idea of words on skin.
What do you think about interracial relationships?
I’m the product of an interracial relationship, and I’m in an interracial relationship. I think people should be free to love whoever they want.
Who was your celebrity crush growing up?
Michael Jackson and Scott Baio – makes sense, since I’m black and Italian.
Who is your celebrity crush now?
Don Cheadle and George Clooney.
What song and artist would people be surprised to know you dig?
Maybe people would be surprised that I like all kinds of music. I appreciate the creative and spiritual impulse that music comes from, wherever it comes from. So I like Bach, Nina Simone, “Fanfare Ciorcalia,” “TV on the Radio,” early David Bowie, Townes Van Zandt.
What’s your favorite late-night snack?
Pizza or Chinese food straight from the fridge.
Who is the biggest influence in your personal life?
My husband and best friend.
What is your favorite scene in a film?
I love film, so there are so many it’s hard to say. Maybe the moment that David Bowie pulls off his cloak and reveals his bright orange hair in “The Man Who Fell to Earth.” Or when everything turns to color in “The Wizard of Oz.” Maybe there’s a theme here…
What is on your Tivo right now?
“Law and Order.”
Obama or McCain?
Obama – Michelle!
Name one book that you consider a must read.
“This Bridge Called My Back.”
What frightens you?
Apathy.
What is your favorite article of clothing?
A yellow flowered rayon dress I got in a discount store around 10 years ago. It’s a little too big, hangs off my body, but it feels silky and a little princessy.
Shout out the website for a cause/issue that’s close to your heart.
Just Food (www.justfood.org) - they do so much good work, helping urban communities create gardens where they can grow their own food and begin local farmer’s markets. This promotes agency and choice for people who have previously been denied access to healthy, affordable, culturally connected foods. Community gardens and urban agriculture strengthen communities, build a sense of connection to the land, provide income and other economic and creative opportunities for community members, and supports educational programs for youth.