I have been home sick for the past four days. There is only so much TV I can watch. Tonight I started looking up old songs on youtube. I have long been a big fan of Country Music. Some of (ok most) of my friends give me a hard time about it. I am not sure if it is because it is what I grew up on or if it really is the simple, genuineness of the songs that I like. The songs always tell a story. Many of the older songs take me back to when I was a kid and heard them for the fist time. Some were on an 8 track tape. Yes, I remember 8 tracks and records. We use to have a big stereo in our house that was as big as our couch! I still like today's country but there is nothing better than the country music of yesterday. Conway, George Jones, Barbara etc.
To me this man was one of the best....
Saturday, January 23, 2010
A joke??
Great just what we need...some jackass playing jokes at the airport!!
PHILADELPHIA — A college student returning to school after the winter break fell victim to a prank at Philadelphia's airport by a Transportation Security Administration worker who pretended to plant a plastic bag of white powder in her carryon luggage.
The worker is no longer employed by the TSA after the incident this month, a spokeswoman said.
Rebecca Solomon, 22, a University of Michigan student, wrote in a column for her campus newspaper that she was having her bags screened on Jan. 5 before her flight to Detroit when the employee stopped her, reached into her laptop computer bag and pulled out the plastic bag, demanding to know where she had gotten the powder.
In the Jan. 10 column for The Michigan Daily, she recounted how she struggled to come up with an explanation, wondering if it was bomb-detonating material slipped in by a terrorist or drugs put there by a smuggler.
"He let me stutter through an explanation for the longest minute of my life," Solomon wrote. "Tears streamed down my face as I pleaded with him to understand that I'd never seen this baggie before."
A short time later, she said, the worker smiled and said it was his.
The worker "waved the baggie at me and told me he was kidding, that I should've seen the look on my face," she said.
Solomon said she asked to speak to a supervisor and filled out a complaint, and during that process was told that the man was training TSA workers to detect contraband. Two days later, she said, she was told he had been disciplined.
PHILADELPHIA — A college student returning to school after the winter break fell victim to a prank at Philadelphia's airport by a Transportation Security Administration worker who pretended to plant a plastic bag of white powder in her carryon luggage.
The worker is no longer employed by the TSA after the incident this month, a spokeswoman said.
Rebecca Solomon, 22, a University of Michigan student, wrote in a column for her campus newspaper that she was having her bags screened on Jan. 5 before her flight to Detroit when the employee stopped her, reached into her laptop computer bag and pulled out the plastic bag, demanding to know where she had gotten the powder.
In the Jan. 10 column for The Michigan Daily, she recounted how she struggled to come up with an explanation, wondering if it was bomb-detonating material slipped in by a terrorist or drugs put there by a smuggler.
"He let me stutter through an explanation for the longest minute of my life," Solomon wrote. "Tears streamed down my face as I pleaded with him to understand that I'd never seen this baggie before."
A short time later, she said, the worker smiled and said it was his.
The worker "waved the baggie at me and told me he was kidding, that I should've seen the look on my face," she said.
Solomon said she asked to speak to a supervisor and filled out a complaint, and during that process was told that the man was training TSA workers to detect contraband. Two days later, she said, she was told he had been disciplined.
Captain America
As a kid I never really got into comics. I hardly even watched cartoons on Saturday morning. The only cartoons I can remember watching are Smurfs and Justice League. Not sure why but those were the only two that I watched. As a kid I do remember watching the TV show Captain America. I even had a little bath mat that had Captain America riding a motorcycle! As I got older a lot of my friends started to tease me about all the "America, red/white/blue" stuff that I had in my apartment and office. I am not sure just who it was that first called me "Captain America" but it seemed to kind of stick and fit. I guess I always like what Cap stood for. But then I read this and it made me like him even more!
Not all comic references to gays in the past were hostile. References to gay characters in the early '80's in mainstream comics (Marvel and DC) were practically nonexistent. The publishers were timid, the Comics Code was a weak but present barrier, and the medium was still focused on children, by and large. But despite this, It turns out Captain America had a gay friend.
His was Arnie Roth, a fellow WWII vet and childhood friend of Cap's. Roth had a 'roommate' named Michael, and the point was driven home that the two were lovers. At no time was Roth reduced to a stereotype. At one point, none other than the Red Skull - a Nazi of the blackest dye - captures and mocks Roth for his homosexuality. Cap's response:
"You're as good and decent a man as I’ve ever known! They can’t corrupt your love for Michael with their lies…They’re the pariahs! They’re the disease!”
This makes sense; while Captain America started out as an anti-Nazi trope in the '40's and headhunted Communists in the '50's, by the '70's, Marvel turned him into a broadly left-wing patriot who would still kick ass. He had reservations about Vietnam and partnered with a black superhero. This has been the case ever since. After 9/11 he emphasized not taking out American rage on all Muslims indiscriminately. And then kicked ass.
I'm straight. But with all the crap and lies that gets served up to kids in entertainment, it got my attention at age ten. After all, if the guy who punched out Hitler had no problem with gays, who was I to argue?
Not all comic references to gays in the past were hostile. References to gay characters in the early '80's in mainstream comics (Marvel and DC) were practically nonexistent. The publishers were timid, the Comics Code was a weak but present barrier, and the medium was still focused on children, by and large. But despite this, It turns out Captain America had a gay friend.
His was Arnie Roth, a fellow WWII vet and childhood friend of Cap's. Roth had a 'roommate' named Michael, and the point was driven home that the two were lovers. At no time was Roth reduced to a stereotype. At one point, none other than the Red Skull - a Nazi of the blackest dye - captures and mocks Roth for his homosexuality. Cap's response:
"You're as good and decent a man as I’ve ever known! They can’t corrupt your love for Michael with their lies…They’re the pariahs! They’re the disease!”
This makes sense; while Captain America started out as an anti-Nazi trope in the '40's and headhunted Communists in the '50's, by the '70's, Marvel turned him into a broadly left-wing patriot who would still kick ass. He had reservations about Vietnam and partnered with a black superhero. This has been the case ever since. After 9/11 he emphasized not taking out American rage on all Muslims indiscriminately. And then kicked ass.
I'm straight. But with all the crap and lies that gets served up to kids in entertainment, it got my attention at age ten. After all, if the guy who punched out Hitler had no problem with gays, who was I to argue?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
More on the prop 8 trial
If you watch the videos of the two witnesses it is easy to understand why those in support of Prop 8 did not call them as witnesses in the trial. It is also now easier to understand why they did not want any cameras in the court room.
Thanks to Ted Olson and his team for posting the videos of the deposition.From Independant Gay Forum...
Two things at the Prop. 8 trial today surprised me.
I did not expect to be able to actually see deposition testimony by Prop. 8 witnesses who would not be testifying in court, but the Olson/Boies team has posted videos, and there is no doubt why the defense did not want these two witnesses on the stand.
It is not because Dr. Kathryn Young and Dr. Paul Nathanson seem shy or afraid of anything. Instead, they appear to be forthright, well-informed, and engaged in the questioning.
To be fair, these tapes include only those parts of their depositions where they do say positive things. But their honest and unambiguous statements are devastating to the parties that called them into this case. Yes, homosexuality is just a normal variant on human sexuality. Yes, reputable studies clearly conclude there is no reason to predict harm when children are raised by same-sex couples. Yes, homosexuals, like heterosexuals, want to marry for reasons of stability and commitment. Yes, single lesbians and gay men raise fine and healthy children, and marriage would reinforce that.
The biggest surprise to me is that David Boies does not have to bully or trick them into saying these things on the record. That speaks well of the witnesses, and their view of professional ethics – or at least honesty.
But that’s why they had to be hidden from view. Even without seeing the rest of their testimony (which is presumably the reason they were called by the other side, not ours), there is no doubt that they would have helped our case, as much as, and maybe more than our own witnesses.
Thanks to Ted Olson and his team for posting the videos of the deposition.From Independant Gay Forum...
Two things at the Prop. 8 trial today surprised me.
I did not expect to be able to actually see deposition testimony by Prop. 8 witnesses who would not be testifying in court, but the Olson/Boies team has posted videos, and there is no doubt why the defense did not want these two witnesses on the stand.
It is not because Dr. Kathryn Young and Dr. Paul Nathanson seem shy or afraid of anything. Instead, they appear to be forthright, well-informed, and engaged in the questioning.
To be fair, these tapes include only those parts of their depositions where they do say positive things. But their honest and unambiguous statements are devastating to the parties that called them into this case. Yes, homosexuality is just a normal variant on human sexuality. Yes, reputable studies clearly conclude there is no reason to predict harm when children are raised by same-sex couples. Yes, homosexuals, like heterosexuals, want to marry for reasons of stability and commitment. Yes, single lesbians and gay men raise fine and healthy children, and marriage would reinforce that.
The biggest surprise to me is that David Boies does not have to bully or trick them into saying these things on the record. That speaks well of the witnesses, and their view of professional ethics – or at least honesty.
But that’s why they had to be hidden from view. Even without seeing the rest of their testimony (which is presumably the reason they were called by the other side, not ours), there is no doubt that they would have helped our case, as much as, and maybe more than our own witnesses.
He might be on to something
I have done exactly what this person describes - however I have done so because this President and this Congress -with a solid majority for the Dems have failed to do anything. They were so hung up on having 60 votes in the Senate (but even then could do NOTHING) Lets remember that GW Bush did not have the majority that the Dems have and he did whatever the hell he wanted. The Dems risk more results like Massachusetts unless they start leading on the issues they promised those that voted for them.
From The daily dish...
I'm a 24 year old Massachusetts resident. I plugged my nose and I voted for Martha Coakley. But that's all I did. In the months leading up to Barack Obama's historic win, I made phone calls, I drove up to New Hampshire and I walked door to door in support of a candidate who I knew could finally bring up positive change in this country. But I, like many young voters checked out after that.
Even though I knew the work had only just begun, I got complacent. I didn't even vote in the Massachusetts' primary. I stopped making phone calls, I stopped e-mailing friends and family and I stopped making my opinion heard. For me, it was enough to simply post a link on Facebook to one of your blog entries.
The Scott Brown win was enough to wake me up and I hope it was enough to wake up the millions of young Obama supports across the nation who have gotten lazy in the last year. Give up now? Are you kidding me? Now is the time to get fired up. Now is the time to write letters, make phone calls, and send e-mail. If we can get a skinny black guy with a middle name of Hussein elected, we can overcome an upset in Massachusetts.
From The daily dish...
I'm a 24 year old Massachusetts resident. I plugged my nose and I voted for Martha Coakley. But that's all I did. In the months leading up to Barack Obama's historic win, I made phone calls, I drove up to New Hampshire and I walked door to door in support of a candidate who I knew could finally bring up positive change in this country. But I, like many young voters checked out after that.
Even though I knew the work had only just begun, I got complacent. I didn't even vote in the Massachusetts' primary. I stopped making phone calls, I stopped e-mailing friends and family and I stopped making my opinion heard. For me, it was enough to simply post a link on Facebook to one of your blog entries.
The Scott Brown win was enough to wake me up and I hope it was enough to wake up the millions of young Obama supports across the nation who have gotten lazy in the last year. Give up now? Are you kidding me? Now is the time to get fired up. Now is the time to write letters, make phone calls, and send e-mail. If we can get a skinny black guy with a middle name of Hussein elected, we can overcome an upset in Massachusetts.
Focus on the family -buys superbowl ad
read this in the Denver Post
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Focus on the Family plans to air a 30-second television ad during the Super Bowl Feb. 7 featuring Florida quarterback and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.
The Colorado Springs-based ministry describes the ad airing before and during the game as "life- and family affirming." Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger said Friday the spot was filmed Tuesday in Orlando with Tebow and his mother, Pam.
While declining donations has forced the ministry to cut 275 jobs in recent years, Schneeberger says many donors gave specifically for the project. Schneeberger declined to say how much the project cost. TNS Media Intelligence estimates a 30-second slot that will reach an estimated 100 million views costs between $2.5 million and $2.8 million
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Focus on the Family plans to air a 30-second television ad during the Super Bowl Feb. 7 featuring Florida quarterback and 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.
The Colorado Springs-based ministry describes the ad airing before and during the game as "life- and family affirming." Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger said Friday the spot was filmed Tuesday in Orlando with Tebow and his mother, Pam.
While declining donations has forced the ministry to cut 275 jobs in recent years, Schneeberger says many donors gave specifically for the project. Schneeberger declined to say how much the project cost. TNS Media Intelligence estimates a 30-second slot that will reach an estimated 100 million views costs between $2.5 million and $2.8 million
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
More Dems should speak out on this
“Oh, I can’t get in trouble here,” Newsom said with a playful wince. “I want him to succeed. But I am very upset by what he’s not done in terms of rights of gays and lesbians. I understand it tactically in a campaign, but at this point I don’t know. There is some belief that he actually doesn’t believe in same-sex marriage. But it’s fundamentally inexcusable for a member of the Democratic Party to stand on the principle that separate is now equal, but only on the basis of sexual orientation. We’ve always fought for the rights of minorities and against the whims of majorities.”
He said the promise of Obama sparking an “organic movement” has faded and “there’s a growing discontent and lack of enthusiasm that I worry about. He should just stand on principle, put this behind him and move on.”
He said the promise of Obama sparking an “organic movement” has faded and “there’s a growing discontent and lack of enthusiasm that I worry about. He should just stand on principle, put this behind him and move on.”
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Looks like Gay Marriage will come to DC....
WASHINGTON (AP) — A judge in Washington, D.C., has thrown out a lawsuit by opponents of gay marriage against the city's elections board.
Plaintiffs led by a Maryland pastor, Bishop Harry Jackson, sued after the Board of Elections and Ethics refused to put their initiative on the ballot. The measure would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman. The board ruled it violated the city's Human Rights Act.
D.C. Superior Court Judge Judith N. Macaluso ruled Thursday in favor of the city. She said the board's action was justified because the initiative would in effect authorize discrimination.
The District of Columbia passed a bill in December that would let same-sex couples marry. Because the city is a federal district, the law is pending a period of review by Congress.
for those so inclined..the link to the decision is..
http://www.dccourts.gov/dccourts/docs/2009CA008613B.pdf
Plaintiffs led by a Maryland pastor, Bishop Harry Jackson, sued after the Board of Elections and Ethics refused to put their initiative on the ballot. The measure would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman. The board ruled it violated the city's Human Rights Act.
D.C. Superior Court Judge Judith N. Macaluso ruled Thursday in favor of the city. She said the board's action was justified because the initiative would in effect authorize discrimination.
The District of Columbia passed a bill in December that would let same-sex couples marry. Because the city is a federal district, the law is pending a period of review by Congress.
for those so inclined..the link to the decision is..
http://www.dccourts.gov/dccourts/docs/2009CA008613B.pdf
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Well, they do have a point.
This article is very much worth reading (I know I say that a lot )
click the title for the link
click the title for the link
Gays vs. Democratic Party
It's about damn time that we stop giving money and support to those that are clearly comfortable accepting it while at the same time giving us empty promises. Enough if Enough. 'We' helped get this president and this Democratic congress elected. Along the way we were given promises to end DADT, DOMA and pass ENDA etc. But not only have they not done a DAMN thing on any of this they can't seem to lift a finger or open their mouth so support very important issues in the states of New York, Maine, NJ. Also, when Iowa, NH, VT passed laws to allow gay marriage this President was Silent! The let pass a very important opportunity to move the debate on this issue around the country in a positive direction.
I have long been a strong supporter of the Democratic party. I have given countless hours knocking on doors, making phone calls as well and lots of discussion with friends to get them out to vote. I have served as a state delegate and been on the platform committee, and the central committee. In the past 10 months or so I have replied to every request for money, for me to make phone calls or write letter in support of this or that with...NO, I will no longer support any other cause of this White House /Congress (health care, stimulus money etc) until there is movement on the issues this President promised the "gay community"
(you can click the title to get the article in Advocate)
I have long been a strong supporter of the Democratic party. I have given countless hours knocking on doors, making phone calls as well and lots of discussion with friends to get them out to vote. I have served as a state delegate and been on the platform committee, and the central committee. In the past 10 months or so I have replied to every request for money, for me to make phone calls or write letter in support of this or that with...NO, I will no longer support any other cause of this White House /Congress (health care, stimulus money etc) until there is movement on the issues this President promised the "gay community"
(you can click the title to get the article in Advocate)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Maybe we will finally get this done!
I have said for almost a year now that we should tell this President AND this Congress that we want ACTION on DADT. We are tired of speeches and promises. This President said in the campaign that DADT was wrong and he would repeal it. Well, what the hell is he waiting for and why the hell are more people that took this President at his word letting him off the hook on this! We are not asking for anything more than for this President to KEEP HIS PROMISE...not tomorrow, not next month, and sure the hell not next term..but NOW. Many brave men and women who are at this very hour fighting in the name of America need to know that they are respected for who they are. They should not be forced to hide!
Congressional negotiators and White House officials are moving forward with plans to add the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell to the upcoming defense authorization bill, Democratic sources tell the Huffington Post.
Congressional negotiators and White House officials are moving forward with plans to add the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell to the upcoming defense authorization bill, Democratic sources tell the Huffington Post.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sad...
Tonight I got a call from my former partner that his dog -Jeni - had died. She was a great dog and with my ex-partner for 14 years. I always enjoyed snuggling up on the couch with her or riding in the car with her. We had some real good times together. I have pictures of her on my other computer and will post them here later..
Opening statement
Today the Case for gay marriage began in Federal Court in CA. The trial was suppose to be broadcast on you tube but those supporting Prop 8 sought relief in the Supreme Court to prevent it. The Supreme Court then blocked the broadcasting of the trial until at least Wed.
Regardless, the opening statement is very much worth reading. I can't wait to hear or read more about the trial. The website for American Foundation for Equal Rights was giving updates from the trial all day and assume they will do same during the rest of the trial.
The plaintiffs are two loving couples, American citizens, entitled to equality and due process under our Constitution. They are in deeply committed, intimate, and longstanding relationships. They want to marry the person they love; to enter into that “most important relation in life”; to share their dreams with their partners; and to confer the many benefits of marriage on their families.
But Proposition 8 singled out gay men and lesbians as a class, swept away their right to marry, pronounced them unequal, and declared their relationships inferior and less-deserving of respect and dignity.
Regardless, the opening statement is very much worth reading. I can't wait to hear or read more about the trial. The website for American Foundation for Equal Rights was giving updates from the trial all day and assume they will do same during the rest of the trial.
The plaintiffs are two loving couples, American citizens, entitled to equality and due process under our Constitution. They are in deeply committed, intimate, and longstanding relationships. They want to marry the person they love; to enter into that “most important relation in life”; to share their dreams with their partners; and to confer the many benefits of marriage on their families.
But Proposition 8 singled out gay men and lesbians as a class, swept away their right to marry, pronounced them unequal, and declared their relationships inferior and less-deserving of respect and dignity.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
New Jersey votes NO
I love the quote below that I stole from Facebook.
Hey cowardly NJ Democrats who voted no or abstained on SSM...your local LGBT ATM is now officially closed. Your PIN number will no longer work. Your card will be declined & will be hopefully confiscated as a fraud alert.
Hey cowardly NJ Democrats who voted no or abstained on SSM...your local LGBT ATM is now officially closed. Your PIN number will no longer work. Your card will be declined & will be hopefully confiscated as a fraud alert.
Very well stated...
Ted Olson, the same Ted Olson that represented G.W. Bush in Bush v. Gore states why he took the case against CA prop 8. His article is very well worth reading. He makes the case as good as anyone I have heard. I think it is even more compelling because it comes from a Conservative, who worked in the Admn. of two Rep. Presidents. Perhaps it is a sign of things to come and maybe not. But either way I do believe that because of who is making the case some that would otherwise dismiss it might just pay attention. And perhaps even change some minds.
No matter what you think of homosexuality, it is a fact that gays and lesbians are members of our families, clubs, and workplaces. They are our doctors, our teachers, our soldiers (whether we admit it or not), and our friends. They yearn for acceptance, stable relationships, and success in their lives, just like the rest of us.
I understand, but reject, certain religious teachings that denounce homosexuality as morally wrong, illegitimate, or unnatural; and I take strong exception to those who argue that same-sex relationships should be discouraged by society and law. Science has taught us, even if history has not, that gays and lesbians do not choose to be homosexual any more than the rest of us choose to be heterosexual. To a very large extent, these characteristics are immutable, like being left-handed. And, while our Constitution guarantees the freedom to exercise our individual religious convictions, it equally prohibits us from forcing our beliefs on others. I do not believe that our society can ever live up to the promise of equality, and the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, until we stop invidious discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
No matter what you think of homosexuality, it is a fact that gays and lesbians are members of our families, clubs, and workplaces. They are our doctors, our teachers, our soldiers (whether we admit it or not), and our friends. They yearn for acceptance, stable relationships, and success in their lives, just like the rest of us.
I understand, but reject, certain religious teachings that denounce homosexuality as morally wrong, illegitimate, or unnatural; and I take strong exception to those who argue that same-sex relationships should be discouraged by society and law. Science has taught us, even if history has not, that gays and lesbians do not choose to be homosexual any more than the rest of us choose to be heterosexual. To a very large extent, these characteristics are immutable, like being left-handed. And, while our Constitution guarantees the freedom to exercise our individual religious convictions, it equally prohibits us from forcing our beliefs on others. I do not believe that our society can ever live up to the promise of equality, and the fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, until we stop invidious discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
A bunch of sheep..
I love that they can raise this kind of money for themselves!.....
Evangelical pastor Rick Warren's plea for donations to fill a $900,000 deficit at his Southern California megachurch brought in $2.4 million, Warren announced to cheers during a sermon at the church on Saturday.
Evangelical pastor Rick Warren's plea for donations to fill a $900,000 deficit at his Southern California megachurch brought in $2.4 million, Warren announced to cheers during a sermon at the church on Saturday.
Friday, January 1, 2010
A great way to start 2010 and I hope a sign of more to come...
Kris Alingod - AHN Contributor
Concord, New Hampshire, United States (AHN) - Gay advocates in the Granite State ushered in the new year with weddings at the state Capitol on Friday, when New Hampshire's same-sex marriage law took effect.
The Freedom to Marry Coalition and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation led celebrations in Concord on New Year's Eve, counting down the minutes until the state performed its first gay marriages just after midnight.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch signed a same-sex marriage bill into law early June despite his opposition to gay marriages and only after state lawmakers had complied with his requirement to include provisions in the legislation protecting religious institutions. The state Senate had voted 14-10 and the state House 198-176 to pass the measure.
Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7017404928#ixzz0bQ5PMKE4
Concord, New Hampshire, United States (AHN) - Gay advocates in the Granite State ushered in the new year with weddings at the state Capitol on Friday, when New Hampshire's same-sex marriage law took effect.
The Freedom to Marry Coalition and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation led celebrations in Concord on New Year's Eve, counting down the minutes until the state performed its first gay marriages just after midnight.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch signed a same-sex marriage bill into law early June despite his opposition to gay marriages and only after state lawmakers had complied with his requirement to include provisions in the legislation protecting religious institutions. The state Senate had voted 14-10 and the state House 198-176 to pass the measure.
Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7017404928#ixzz0bQ5PMKE4
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