Germany To Ban Scientology

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Germany To Ban Scientology

Germany’s interior minister called the Church of Scientology "an unconstitutional organization" and said the nation is seeking to ban the group. What do you think?

Alicia Klaffky, Wedding Cake Designer "I hope the Germans can gird themselves to live in a world without Kirstie Alley."

Marcus Washington, Mortician "He sounds angry. Perhaps he'd like to meet with some nice friends of mine and explain his feelings while being hooked up to a fake machine."

Ted Berg, Systems Analyst "This is, without question, the worst instance of religious persecution Germany has ever authorized."

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Newest

My team mate's second son was delivered a little over two hours ago: “Our baby was born @ 7:25am. Mom & baby are doing fine. The baby is 6lb 4.75 oz and 19 plus inches.” So happy for him yet the tears are both happy and sad. I want one, dammit.

Boredom is Bad

Was trying to get pictures before and after my haircut to see if there was anything I could do when Hip Hop Hooray came on XMradio. For whatever reason I switched to movie mode. I really don't care for MySpace but for some reason I decided to upload it. I suppose it's an attention thing. It's really embarrassing but it's another way to keep me out of my shell.

It's Back

I had forgotten this, but when I'm over-happy or in love, I sing. Often there's a song in my head but this is out loud. And usually without realizing it until I get looks. Currently I'm randomly belting out Seal's Amazing and James Blunt's You're Beautiful. Wonder why? *snicker*

Fine, You Can't Have My Blood Then

From: Kelly 
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 1:44 PM
To: All Users
Subject: **Reminder** Blood Drive Thursday, December 13th 2007

The Memorial Blood Center will be here one week from today. There are still openings available. If you have any questions or have any issues signing up, please let me know. You may either email me or call me at ext. xxxx.

Thank You

Karen

From: Sean 
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:13 PM
To: Karen
Subject: FW: **Reminder** Blood Drive Thursday, December 13th 2007

Back in Utah I never signed up because my MSM status made them auto-reject me. Has that changed? Or is it different out here in Minnesota?

Sean
Senior Software Engineer

From: Karen 
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:21 PM
To: Sean
Subject: RE: **Reminder** Blood Drive Thursday, December 13th 2007

Hi Sean,

I feel stupid

I’m not familiar with this acronym.

Karen

From: Sean 
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:23 PM
To: Karen
Subject: RE: **Reminder** Blood Drive Thursday, December 13th 2007

Heh. Don't feel stupid, it's a euphanism. MSM = Men who have Sex with Men. =)

Sean
Senior Software Engineer

From: Karen 
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2007 2:24 PM
To: Sean
Subject: RE: **Reminder** Blood Drive Thursday, December 13th 2007

Ding, Light bulb is on. :) However this is still an auto-reject.

Thanks for checking.

Karen

Groove

I really don't use my XM-Radio much but sometimes it seriously kicks ass. Their DJ Armando guy is really tearing it up right now on Channel 81. Must find track list.

EDIT: Mmmm! Chris Cox in ten minutes!

Iran Gave Up Nuke Program In 2003

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Iran Gave Up Nuke Program In 2003

A new assessment by American intelligence agencies stated that Iran halted their nuclear weapons program four years ago. What do you think?

Jeff Hestetune, Septic Tank Installer "This is worse than I thought! They're only four years away from being 16 years away from an atomic bomb!"

Alex Burnstead, Arborist "This marks significant progress. Instead of finding out later, we know right now how wrong we'll be to invade a Middle Eastern nation."

Brianna Kupperman, Process Server "Hold on. Then who exactly can I count on to blow up the world in a not-yet-determined amount of time?"

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Another Nail

Eight men claim encounters with Craig
published Monday, December 3, 2007

Eight men say they either had sex with Sen. Larry Craig or were targets of sexual advances by the Idaho lawmaker at various times during his political career, a newspaper reported Sunday.

One of the men is the former escort whose allegations disgraced the Rev. Ted Haggard, former president of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Idaho Statesman reported.

The newspaper identified four men and reported details of the encounters they say involved Craig. It also reported the accounts of four other men who did not agree to be identified but who described sexual advances or encounters involving the conservative Republican, who opposes same-sex marriage and has a strong record against gay rights.

Craig pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after being accused by an undercover officer of soliciting sex at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport and later called a news conference to deny that he is gay.

The newspaper acknowledged that its report was not based on definitive evidence but said it also found no evidence to disprove the accounts of the four identified men. It said it reviewed the senator's travel records, which put him where the sex is alleged to have taken place, and did background checks on those making the allegations.

Craig and members of his staff declined to comment to the newspaper.

But in a statement e-mailed to The Associated Press on Sunday, the senator said the newspaper's report was "completely false" and he accused the paper of careless journalism.

"It is unfortunate that the Idaho Statesman has chosen to continue to lower itself to the standards of what can best be described as tabloid journalism," Craig said in the statement.

"Despite the fact the Idaho Statesman has decided to pursue its own agenda and print these falsehoods without any facts to back them up, I won't let this paper's attempt to malign my name stop me from continuing my work to serve the people of Idaho."

The report is the Statesman's latest on allegations about Craig's sexual background since his June arrest in an airport men's room sex sting operation was reported in late August.

Statesman Editor Vicki Gowler said the newspaper spent several months checking the backgrounds and details of the men's stories.

"We believe it's important for you to know what we've learned and to hear the men's own words," Gowler said.

Two of the identified men and one of the unidentified men told the newspaper they had sex with Craig.

One of the men identified in the report, Mike Jones, 50, described as a former male escort, was the focus of the sex scandal involving Haggard, the disgraced leader of Colorado's New Life Church.

Jones said Craig paid him $200 for sex in late 2004 or early 2005. The encounter took place at a studio apartment in downtown Denver, Jones said.

Jones told the Statesman that he did not recognize Craig until his arrest made the news. The newspaper reported that Jones went on the record after Craig appeared in a television news report in August to address the arrest and his future in politics.

Jones has written a book about his experience with Haggard and acknowledged to the Statesman that his allegation about Craig might help sales. A message left for Jones by The Associated Press through his publisher Sunday evening was not immediately returned.

Current phone numbers could not be found for the three other men identified in the Statesman's report.

Amid pressure from top GOP leaders in Washington, Craig announced his intent to resign from the Senate. He later changed his mind, deciding to finish his term, which expires in January 2009. He is also appealing in Minnesota courts to have his guilty plea overturned.

The undercover police officer who arrested Craig said the senator moved his foot next to the officer's foot and tapped it in a way that indicated he wanted sex. He also alleged the senator sent a signal by swiping his hand under the divider between men's room stalls.

Craig has said the officer misconstrued those motions. (AP)

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

My favorite story of 2007 continues to march forward with more juicy turns. They really are crucifying the guy at this point, but I'm willing (and happy) to see one hypocritical man's life ruined for “the cause.” Yes, I am a bad person. But I'm going to sleep well (with men) at night.

• Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.
  Will Rogers

Hey Shatner, how do I hurl bolts of lightning?

An intersection of Star Trek and WoW. *faints*

Kindle... Next Generation?

Got spam from three different sources yesterday when Amazon unveiled their Kindle reader. Even Adam sent me a note this morning, likening it to a PADD. I did check out the hoopla. In fact, by yesterday afternoon there were already 150+ comments from beta testers to general cynics.

I really like the idea. At the very least, it's a free Wiki browser thats has service anywhere you can use a cell phone. It doesn't try to do a lot of PDA bullshit, either. Really focused on what it's supposed to do. Color would be nice but that would also detract from the intent. Super long batter life on a highly readable screen. It does have an SD port for (much needed) additional space and you can connect it to the computer via USB so you don't have to pay to eMail things to it. Though it can't read PDF, you can convert PDFs to Mobi, which it will read.

The biggest reason I won't be buying one is the DRM. I absolutely hate not “owning” what I buy. A virus, software crash or hardware upgrade can destroy all of my purchases; I find that risk unacceptable. The only reason I have iTunes installed is because the stupid iPod requires it. I never go to the iStore except for album covers. Yet I know how to strip the Apple DRM off my songs. I'd have to find a way to remove it from the books I buy before I would ever consider this thing.

The next biggest reason is the price. It seems like a pretty extreme investment to be tied to a proprietary service. Granted, Amazon has some serious presence and will likely be around another decade. But that doesn't warrant a $400 price tag. If they pull an Apple and drop it to $200, I might be tempted.

For now, I'm still happy reading PDFs on the PDA. Definitely not as nice as what the Kindle ties together, but I'm stubborn and relatively content for now.

Bishops Urge Iraq Withdrawal

Friday, November 16, 2007

Bishops Urge Iraq Withdrawal

U.S. Catholic bishops described the situation in Iraq as "unacceptable" and urged the withdrawal of troops as quickly as possible. What do you think?

Jose Marinos, Scheduler "I'm impressed. Once they got over the earth moving around the sun, they caught up to current news really quick."

Anthony Cheswick, Associate Professor "As bishops, their outlook is always diagonal. They should understand that Bush, as a leader, can only move a little at a time."

Gloria Johnson, Personal Trainer "Now there's a Catholic withdrawal method we can all get behind."

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

The Culmination of Poor Oral Hygiene

First orthodontic appointment was this morning. I got the saucy hygienist Lisa. Ended up calling her a bitch and she warned me that, having a number of older brothers, she knows how to take down guys when she has to. At least that part is fun. When she finished, I asked, “Just you? I don't get to have the Doctor inside me this morning?” She giggled and said, “No, but next time you get him for two hours. Lonnnng time.” So I purred. *snicker*

Anyway. Have spacers around four upper teeth. Have to brush lightly there and no flossing. Stupid little plastic thingies that my tongue can't stop feeling every other second. Suppose I should enjoy this while it lasts since in two weeks it's going to be much worse.

Bush Gets First Veto Override

Monday, November 12, 2007

Bush Gets First Veto Override

For the first time in Bush's seven-year presidency, the Senate overrode a veto, for a water resources bill that would preserve wetlands. What do you think?

Carl Moleman, Systems Analyst "Well, it's not quite bringing the troops home, but I guess it's at least a fairly pointless expression of the people's will."

Cynthia Withers, Optician "I wouldn't get too cocky, I bet the president can still find a way to screw up those wetlands."

Frank Mahoney, Window Installer "While this might classify as a check, I don't think it quite balances anything."

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Resolved

Was chit-chatting with my cube neighbor after she stared giggling over something her husband had eMailed her. She does a lot of BA work and she's a grammar Nazi like me, so we get along well. The humor that triggered our conversation was something about a metaphor, so I commented, “The man that can handle you on a daily basis must be strong-willed.” As she described him I got all maudlin. Asked how long they'd been married—thrity-seven years. This definitely evoked a whimsical sigh as I thought about never be able to make a similar claim.

Pat Robertson Endorses Giuliani

Friday, November 9, 2007

Pat Robertson Endorses Giuliani

Televangelist Pat Robertson has endorsed former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani as Republican presidential candidate despite Giuliani's pro-abortion rights stance. What do you think?

Ashley Brennan, Systems Analyst "This makes perfect sense in light of his pro-Pat Robertson stance."

David Oppenheimer, Pewter Caster "I don't know whose credibility this ruins more."

Mike Hilleman, Fish Cleaner "Between an abrupt return to seasonal temperatures, the very real threat of no new episodes of Lost, and now this presidential endorsement, I am not exactly sure what the hell is going on."

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

New Trojan Horse Strikes Mac

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

New Trojan Horse Strikes Mac

A rare new Trojan horse that targets Mac users and takes over their computers has been found on pornographic websites. What do you think?

Bettie Farnsworth, Stocker "Before I answer I'd first like to know what the current societal views are regarding online pornography."

Rick Donnelly, Ground Crew "Though I know this Mac virus is undesirable, its rarity gives me an unquenchable thirst to possess it."

Dan Benincasa, Systems Analyst "Wait a minute. You can access porn on something that isn't a wall calendar? When did that happen?"

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

On the Backs of Annelids

Gene switch altered sex orientation of worms
Fri Oct 26, 2007 11:56 AM ET

By Julie Steenhuysen

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Altering a gene in the brain of female worms changed their sexual orientation, U.S. researchers said on Thursday, making female worms attracted to other females.

The study reinforces the notion that sexual orientation is hard-wired in the brain, said Erik Jorgensen, scientific director of the Brain Institute at the University of Utah.

"They look like girls, but act and think like boys," Utah researcher Jamie White, who worked on the study published in the journal Current Biology, said in a statement.

Researchers in Jorgensen's lab switched on a gene in female worms that makes the body develop male structures, but they only activated the gene in the brain.

As a result, the female worms still had female bodies, but they behaved like males.

"It suggests sexual behavior is encoded in our genes" and not caused by extra nerve cells specific to males or females, Jorgensen said in a telephone interview.

Animals such as nematodes, fruit flies and mice share many of the same genes as humans and are often used as models to understand human genetics.

But Jorgensen said the study is not likely to resolve the burning question about the genesis of sexual orientation in humans. "A human's brain is much more complex than a worm's brain," he said.

Many scientists think a host of factors such as genetics, hormones and environment may play a role in determining sexual orientation in humans, but this has not been proven.

Jorgensen said the study is interesting because it suggests rather than being caused by extra, sex-specific nerve cells, attraction behaviors are part of the same brain circuit.

The finding was part of a study looking at areas in the worms' brains involved in sexual attraction.

LIVE IN DIRT, EAT GERMS

Nematodes, or C. elegans, are tiny worms about one millimeter long that live in the dirt, chomping bacteria. They have no eyes and rely on smell for navigation and propagation.

There are few males, only one in 500, so most of these female nematodes are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female sexual organs. This gives the female worms the ability to fertilize their own eggs and produce offspring in the absence of a male.

"For the most part they are females," Jorgensen said. "It's really hard to tell that they are hermaphrodites, but they do make these few sperm."

When they do mate with males, female worms produce 1,200 progeny, compared with just 200 when they produce their own sperm.

The researchers were trying to understand the underpinnings of sexual attraction in the male nematodes.

They reasoned it could arise from four extra smell-related nerve cells found only in male worm brains, from four core nerves found in both males and females or from a mix of both.

When they systematically neutralized the male-only neurons, mature male worms still responded to the females.

The findings imply nerve cells common to both male and female worms are central to sexual attraction and sexual orientation.

"They have genes for both male behavior and female behavior in them," Jorgensen said. "It suggests the brain determines behavior."

The study expands on prior studies suggesting a genetic component to sexual orientation.

"This is one more observation. We've seen this in flies and in mice," he said. "The difference is we know what cells are involved."

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation.

© Reuters 2007. All rights reserved.

Another step forward brought to us by the NSF. Or wiggle, as it were. I especially like the fact this research is coming out of Utah.

Sixty

Happy Birthday Hillary Clinton! Hope you kick collective ass despite the electorate.

• I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of national emergency, even if I'm in a cabinet meeting.
  Ronald Reagan

TOS in the House, Represent

I was happily coding when the Project Manager dropped by for some insight. While I have enjoyed being “dealt back in” to some Architecture steering, it can be very distracting to switch tracks, losing momentum. I gave him a fiercely annoyed face. He laughed and the conversation went:

PM: “Do you remember the Star Trek episode where the kid projected a mean image?”
Me: “Naturally. That's The Corbomite Maneuver.”
PM: “No no no. This is the one with the kid from Gentle Ben.”
Me: *Spock arched eyebrow* “Unfortunately I'm not that old.”
PM: “Uh huh. Well, The Corbomite Maneuver had the Klingons in it where Kirk used a code the Klingons had already broken.”
Me: *eye roll* “Now you're mixing episodes. That could be Day of the Dove or The Trouble with Tribbles… or are thinking Next Generation? There's an alien child that uses holography to convince Riker he's been caught on a secret Romulan base.”
PM: “No. This was definitely the old series.”
Me: “Okay. You remember the crazy looking alien at the end of the credits, right before the Desilu logo comes up?”
PM: “Right! That's the image the kid projected.”
Me: “Yes. That's The Corbomite Maneuver. Now what the Hell do you want?”
PM: “Well, you just made that face at me when I walked up.”
Me: “...”

Thankfully Memory Alpha had an image of the alien so we were able to move on. Still, I love being right about the old stuff. Bitches need to not doubt.

Skin Deep

Very few people can scoop me when it comes to Star Trek news, but Adam has a few times. Being adorable makes it hard to resent him for it. Anyway. I like the fact that I have no idea who Chris Pine is, the guy just casted for Kirk. Hell, I only know two of the primary actors. Will be fresh, new, and all that. My biggest concern so far is that all the cast is hot. Really hot. Eric Bana, Karl Urban, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Zoe Saldana. Even that Anton Yelchin kid is cute. Stupid Hollywood.

You Go, Boy!

Sen. Craig says he'll appeal, lashes out at Romney
updated 5:52 a.m. EDT, Mon October 15, 2007

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Sen. Larry Craig says he will file an appeal Monday over a judge's refusal to allow him to withdraw his guilty plea stemming from his arrest in an airport bathroom sex sting.

In an interview Sunday with KTVB-TV, Craig repeated he will not resign his post in the Senate and said he will continue to work his legal options.

"It is my right to do what I'm doing," said Craig, an Idaho Republican. "I've already provided for Idaho certainty that Idaho needed -- I'm not running for re-election. I'm no longer in the way. I am pursuing my constitutional rights."

In another interview, Craig's wife, Suzanne, said the senator didn't tell her about the arrest until the story was about to break in the media.

"I felt like the floor was falling out from under me. ... And I felt like almost like I was going down a drain for a few moments," she told NBC's Matt Lauer.

Sen. Craig told Lauer it was a "tough call" not to tell anyone about the incident.

"I didn't want to embarrass my wife, my kids, Idaho and my friends," Craig said. "And I wrestled with it a long while. ... I should have told my wife. I should have told my kids. And most importantly, I should have told counsel."

The senator also discussed his relationship with Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Craig was Senate liaison for Romney's campaign, a post he abandoned when the scandal came to light.

"I was very proud of my association with Mitt Romney," Craig told Lauer. "... And he not only threw me under his campaign bus, he backed up and ran over me again."

Lauer's interview with the Craigs will be broadcast Tuesday night on "Matt Lauer Reports" and Wednesday morning on "Today."

Craig pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct in August after he was accused of soliciting sex in a bathroom at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport in June.

After the matter became public, Craig tried to withdraw his plea. But a judge in Minnesota refused, saying Craig's plea "was accurate, voluntary and intelligent, and ... supported by the evidence."

This has to be the best GOP news I've heard all year. Senator Craig's reversal on his promise to resign has him back on CNN. Plus, he threw out some venom for Romney. What is this man thinking? Innocent or not, gay or not, public opinion has been set. His party has abandoned him. His political career is in free fall. Now he's just being vindictive; more power to him. *snicker*

Social Justice

Larry Craig enters pop-culture lexicon
published Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Among the most famous excuses ever given for questionable behavior, "I have a wide stance" must fall somewhere between the schoolchild's favorite "the dog ate my homework" and President Clinton's "I didn't inhale."

But Sen. Larry Craig's contention -- made just after his arrest in a restroom sex sting -- has permeated the public consciousness, showing up as more than just the punch line to late-night talk show jokes.

The online Urban Dictionary defines "wide stance" as a euphemism for a closeted homosexual. David Kurtz of the blog Talking Points Memo called Craig's wide-stance claim "The Best Legal Defense of 2007." And Beau Jarvis, who writes about wine, travel and food on the blog "Basic Juice," notes that the phrase has become less than innocent and proposes "cleansing" it by using it to describe a well-balanced wine.

Craig uttered the now-famous phrase after an undercover police officer at the Minneapolis airport arrested him on June 11, according to police reports.

Sgt. Dave Karsnia claimed Craig entered a neighboring stall after peering at him through a crack in the door, then slid his foot underneath the stall divider, tapping it several times before moving it so it touched the officer's foot. Then, Karsnia said, Craig waved his hand underneath the divider. Karsnia said he recognized the gestures as a coded invitation for gay sex.

During questioning, the senator said he simply has a wide stance when using the restroom and that the officer must have seen him reaching to pick up a piece of paper on the floor, according to the police report.

Craig pleaded guilty in August to disorderly conduct, then unsuccessfully tried to withdraw his plea after the incident became public. Though he initially said he intended to resign, Craig vowed last week to serve out the last 15 months of his term.

Will "wide stance" last as long in popular usage?

"You search the blogosphere or even newspapers and you'll find a lot of references to it," said Grant Barrett, co-host of the nationwide public radio show "A Way With Words" and author of several slang dictionaries. "People are toying with the words, seeing how it feels on the keyboard."

Craig's office declined to comment.

The question to any new slang is whether it will last five or 10 years, Barrett said.

"How can we not mention Watergate and the -gate suffix? That's the single most successful new political word ever," Barrett said. "Over time, the use makes the original meaning become diminished -- even curse words, with use, their value diminishes and they become ordinary."

So far, about six weeks after the scandal broke, the slang shows no sign of slowing down. The Oct. 8 edition of The New Yorker magazine featured an illustration by Barry Blitt called "Narrow Stance," showing Iran President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sitting in a men's room, looking down at another man's foot thrust underneath the stall divider.

In an Oct. 6 "Saturday Night Live" skit, comedian Amy Poehler remarked, "You do have a wide stance," as the punch line of a series of jokes about Craig. Late-night talk show hosts Jay Leno, David Letterman and others have also lampooned the senator's stance.

Still, another new slang term seems to be outpacing "wide stance" in the national lexicon, Barrett said. Unfortunately for Craig, it also stems from his scandal.

"Are you tracking the term 'toe-tapper?' That's gotten more traction than 'wide stance' so far," Barrett said. "They both have too much cachet. They're political, social, new, slangy and a little naughty."

Both phrases will likely make Barrett's short list of nominations for the most significant new word of 2007, as voted on by the American Dialect Society, he said.

"It's a whimsical vote that we do each year," said Barrett, who is a vice president for the society.

So what makes a new phrase last? It has to be useful, Barrett said, and it has to be able to stand alone, without a reference to its origin.

"There's a lot of political slang that hasn't lasted," he said. "The test will be when the story's old hat and then we'll know for sure." (Rebecca Boone, AP)

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

While I know it's wrong to derive pleasure from this man's suffering, I can't help myself. Like Dan Savage said in a podcast, incidents like this become a cutting retort. Whenever we're confronted with vociferous outrage or stinging rebukes from the religious right, we can counter with examples from within their own camp. "Oh! You are really making some noise Senator. You must be gay, too! Like that Craig guy. Or that Haggard guy." *jigs*

Britney Loses Custody Of Children

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Britney Loses Custody Of Children

A judge ruled Monday that Britney Spears must surrender custody of her two sons to ex-husband Kevin Federline because of her alleged substance abuse. What do you think?

Tessa Stokler, Taxidermist "Isn't there another relative or perhaps a perfect stranger the kids could live with?"

Sam Adkins, Systems Analyst "God, I hope there's some high-stakes poker game Federline could lose."

Chuck Strange, Clothing Inspector "At least now she'll have time to do more drugs and have more kids."

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Lazy

The only printed new media I consistently bother with anymore is the Advocate. Really don't have a gay network of friends and I hate it when str8 co-workers hear about things before I do, so I've had a subscription for years. When I got the latest issue a few days ago I was excited to see how the interview with Hillary went. I was disappointed enough to actually write feeedback to the editor for the first time in more than a decade of readership. Went something like this:

Finished the latest issue and am liking the impact Luke Hayman brought; the pace and content of Forward section was very engaging. Yet the cover story was disappointing. It was basically a personal essay by Sean Kennedy reasoning how it's safe for our community to love Hillary despite her stance on same-sex marriage. While I thought it was well written and basically agree, the big, bold, yellow letters on the cover say INTERVIEW. So… where's the interview? The one that Stockwell said, "marks the first time a presidential front-runner has sat down with the gay press so early in the campaign." I missed that interview.

Guess I'm going to have to actually research Hillary on my own. *sigh*

Senator Craig Arrested

Friday, August 31, 2007

Senator Craig Arrested

Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) was arrested for lewd conduct at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport for allegedly attempting to cruise an undercover cop in a public restroom. What do you think?

Liza Boors, Systems Analyst "I don't have any problem with his behavior, as long as he wasn't trying to marry the guy."

Tom Hawkins, Bus Driver "Are you thinking what I'm thinking? What was a senator from Idaho doing in Minnesota?"

Joe Palazzo, Meter Reader "This situation begs a much bigger question: Why is our police force so tempting?"

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Gays Under Rocks, In Shadows, Literally Everywhere

Senator Craig appears to be off of CNN's radar but the local and gay media are still tracking in. Currently Craig's counsel is making the last few attempts to get the original guilty plea rescinded. Funny how this is still dragging on. After his carefully worded “I have never been gay” press conference. And after his adopted kids stepped onto Good Morning America with redirection from the “ZOMG is Dad the Gay?1!?” to this being exclusively about an “accusation of a lewd, immoral, illegal act.” Whatever.

Giggling about this over dinner with a friend when she pointed out something I hadn't even considered: tapping your feet in a public restroom does not constitute a lewd, immoral, illegal act. A lot more than that must have gone on… but what? Wish I could get my hands on the police report since I don't believe the “wrong place at the wrong time” claims. Desperate defenses and outlandish assertions aside, Craig plead guilty. A college-educated man with over 30 years experience in the political system made a crap shoot and lost. Time to move on, Senator.

The first comment on the original article still makes me smile: “Didn't I read this story yesterday and the day before and the day before that? Oh no wait those were all stories about other married republican conservative christians showing their family values to strangers in public bathrooms.” Politicians are going to be loosely representative of their constituency, which means a de facto 10% are homosexual. That 10% needs to fucking represent their minority. Hopefully (sic) there will be some decent human beings in the remaining 90% to back them up.

At a minimum, stop demonizing homosexuals and give us the civil rights we so richly deserve. Not as entitlement but as members of the human race. Regardless of what prophets or whores claim, we're normal people with jobs, dreams, hopes, CD collections, and all that life stuff. We're doctors, lawyers, baristas, grocery clerks, neighbors, friends and family members. Besides, we need room for hypocrisy in other, more pedantic areas… *snicker*

• Man is the only animal that laughs and weeps, for he is the only animal that is struck with the difference between what things are and what they ought to be.
  William Hazlitt

Current iCount: 1376 songs, 0 Videos, 2 Podcasts, 0 Pictures, 3 Games, 0 Contacts. (143gb free)

Madonna An 'Ambassador For Judaism'

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Madonna An 'Ambassador For Judaism'

Madonna, meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres, told him that she was an ambassador for Judaism, despite not being Jewish herself. What do you think?

Adam McCaulley, Marketing Executive "I hope Jews reject that claim. The economy of La Isla Bonita is still in ruins after her tenure as finance minister in 1987."

Jake Palley, Bouncer "I guess that explains why her private jet firebombed Lebanon on the way to Israel."

Shira Rosenthal, Data Secialist "As the self-appointed ambassador for Madonna, I will speak for her and say that she's lost her mind."

The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Mental, Drivel

Both Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Superman (Christopher Reeve) were born today. Coincidence? Or white supremacist conspiracy?

I'm 34 and only finding out today that confab is short for confabulation. This is distressing because a derivative of the root has different meaning in Psychology (confabulate: unconsciously synthesize or supplant fact with fantasy in one's memory). I never noticed the similarity.

• Trying to stop suiciders—which we're doing a pretty good job of on occasion—is difficult to do. And what the Iraqis are going to have to eventually do is convince those who are conducting suiciders who are not inspired by Al Qaeda, for example, to realize there's a peaceful tomorrow.
  George w. Bush, Washington, DC, 05/24/2006

End of the Five

The weather has been so temperamental. This morning the sun was out again like nothing happened. Yet it started getting dark again a little after lunch. Now it looks like it can go either way. Crazy. Will sneak in some kayaking this weekend if it stays bright for a few hours.

I have a few hours of work for sometime this weekend but I don't have many other plans. Tanning in a few minutes then seeing Jerome for bit. Then Junior Vasquez is spinning at the Saloon for $10 so I'm there. Other than that I'll be sifting music and gaming. Yay. Or something.

Current iCount: 373 songs, 0 Videos, 1 Podcasts, 0 Pictures, 3 Games, 0 Contacts. (147gb free)

Severe Weather

Apparently there were tornadoes out on the western border of the state this morning. Yet a little after lunch the sun was peeking through clouds occasionally. Driving home there were a few droplets on the windshield but it was really dark out west. Getting out of the car in the parking ramp I heard the siren. Kinda freaky but mostly annoying. Some old lady was in the foyer looking outside curiously.

The siren wound down but it just started up again. The rain has gone from sheets to near fog thickness. The radio is saying the tornado warning is for my county, but at the south. The occasional thunder sounds like car crashing in the streets below. Fun times! Sorta want to go out and walk around. Maybe later. =)

Money Well Spent?

Colby would be smirking at me right now, but thankfully he's a few times zones away.




It really is too expensive but I love ignoring cost when I want something. What started me iThinking was seeing RJ's alluring collection completely contained and how smooth the car-to-home transition is. My music tastes are finally maturing so there's a reason for all the space.¹ Not sure what pushed me over though. Being able to do the pictures and movies I suppose—nerd novelty.

The final barrier was my distaste for iTunes. The interface is too Mac plus I'm naturally adverse to anything that conceals data and enforces order. Yet I've been able to work with it in the past, even removing DRM with Colby's help.² It will do the album covers and lyrics, which are my minimal requirements so I'll acclimate.

Took six years to overcome my iPrejudice. Wonder if I'll ever get an iMac? Sure hope not.

Current iCount: 172 songs, 0 Videos, 0 Podcasts, 0 Pictures, 0 Contacts. (147gb free)

---

1. All of my music prior to 2000 ripped to just over 12gb. In the last seven years that has more than tripled.
2. Hopefully that process has gotten smoother.

Signs of Age

Hard to believe that Robert Jordan died yesterday. I remember picking up The Eye of the World when I first moved to Salt Lake. It felt almost self-contained but then I found out there were another five fat novels waiting for me. I was planning to reread them all when the twelfth, A Memory of Light?, was published. Guess I'll do the eleven and see what happens.

Does make me feel older… along with other things. As of the 5^th of this month I've been at my job twelve years. More and more of the songs from my youth are being covered or their melodies are stolen by hip-hop artists. The “hot” porn stars and waiters look so damn young. Guys younger than me have been in relationships longer than I've been single. It takes more than one hand to count the important people in my life that have died.

Now there's so much in my brain that its randomness can be startling. Like getting into work I found myself singing INXS's Disappear out of the blue. Or the way seeing or hearing things in everyday life take me back to places more than two decades away. Nothing to do but *sigh*.

Never heard of Pat Monahan until this morning, but I've really enjoyed listening to Last of Seven which went on sale today. Despite the age thing, it's nice that there are still surprises.

• I am barely stable
  I am afraid to be alone
  I am sorry that I always enable
  And every day I try to find another way to you
  
  I can't admit to my addictions
  And wish that I could be a better friend
  I am three kinds of crazy
  And every day I try to find another way to you
  Pat Monahan, Someday

Random Street Person

Pulling out of the garage I noticed a cute guy walking along the sidewalk with an insulated lunch bag in hand. I saw him look toward me but I looked away to check traffic. As I merged onto the street I met his still-lingering gaze with a smile. Still find moments like that validating, even though they're meaningless. Got my Monday off to a good start anyway.

Honesty is Its Own Reward

Coworker back in Utah got a promotion so I felt obligated to congratulate her. I loathe doing so because she's sweet, genuine, self-effacing, and easily engaged. It's impossible to disentangle my self abruptly as per my usual since it's akin to whacking an innocent, doe-eyed bunny with a 2x4. *sigh* In her appreciative reply she asked how I was and if I'd read any good books lately. My response was:

Doing well, thanks! Little dating, little drinking, and a good bit of sleep. Enjoying the last spurt of summery warmth with cold temperatures just a month a way! *cheers* How about you? Have you killed anyone yet?

Last book I read was James McGreevey's autobiography. Currently working through David Eddings' "How I Write Books" book. Probably not things you'd consider too exciting. What have you read? Is it K-12?

Hope all is well and not burning!

I'm so passive-aggressive with my spite. I would stop doing it if I didn't find it so amusing.

End of August Already

I've been pleasantly surprised with how the 35W redirection on I-94 and 280 have affected my commute. Getting in I've noticed no difference while going home is actually a little faster. West-bound on I-94 is a bit more confusing as one lane was destroyed, only to return when 280 merges. Then there's also a stretch where the shoulder is now a lane. It was all done pretty damn quick but looks like it will work until the bridge is rebuilt—currently slated for the end of 2008.

Today is the work outing to the State Fair. On the way in I could see the rotating arm of that huge whirly-thing I rode twice last year. While I wouldn't voluntarily go, it's fun taking a slice out of the work day to go with the team; the animal smells, hand-made knick-knacks, and screaming children will be diverting. Like last year, Tanya has offered to buy whatever food/drink/alcohol we come across so I'll likely be sick tonight. Already checked my camera batteries so I might have more shots this year.

• The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.
  Ralph W. Sockmanul

One of Three

Just read an article on BBC News that said Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki “called recent US criticism of his work "discourteous".” Then, “The White House was swift to respond, saying in a statement that Mr Bush still believes that Mr Maliki is the right person to lead Iraq.” I was immediately offended; what gives us the right to make such a statement? And what kind of government would tolerate it?

Sometimes I wonder how well our democracy really works, mainly in the executive branch. I agree it is important to have one central figure that can react quickly when the situation calls for it. Yet the election of that person is all about careful slander, mostly covert graft, and the bandying of patriotic words. After that, we have some asshole in there that's going to do what the hell they want, dance like mad for public opinion and a second term… making good on as many private promises are necessary while dodging the public commitments that got them there.

A majority of our country put Bush back in office. Now he and his appointed cabinet are making these statements and decisions on that majority's behalf. I certainly don't agree with Bush's stance in Iraq; I never wanted a Vietnam for my generation. Yet I have to wonder if the majority does. Maybe they were cattle. Lemmings led by the political maneuvering. Does it make them less culpable? Does it make me less culpable for what my country is doing?

The worth of our democracy will be shown in how we handle this debacle.

I Can Feel the Love

Suddenly, it all makes sense…

General, the military has been easing restrictions on enlistment in almost every area. On criminals, older veterans, even those with serious medical conditions. Why not gays? Gay people are different, Brandon. Under no circumstances can we put America's homosexuals in danger.
But homosexuals themselves are demanding the right to serve their country in a time of war. Gays of America are the only group left untouched by war. They're special. Pure and rare like a gleaming diamond or a snow white colt. We must protect them.
Has this always been the goal? It has been the solemn oath of every man in uniform to lay down his life in defense of America's precious, precious homosexuals.
How many soldier's lives is the life of one gay man worth? Seven.

'Gays Too Precious To Risk In Combat,' Says General

Introducing the new iMac and iLife '08

Introducing the new iMac and iLife '08


That is so true. In fact, I need to go purge now…

Idle Hands, Indolent Mind

Main project is going through an overhaul so half the team has been reassigned to mitigate budgetary impact. This basically means zero-traction coding and a dramatic increase in “WTF CLUE PLZ” meetings. So I got some illustrations started:

The Beginning of the End There must be a way to isolate and inhibit the breeding impulse. We must break through the 10% barrier.	Coming In for a Landing The mothership hovers effortlessly above the Travolta Prime Dome.

Anyone who has tried to create gradients with a ball point pen will forgive me. Not sure why I have Scientologists on the brain, but I was thinking Tom Cruise must have a kick-ass mother ship by now. I do know that stupid people are still breeding, so there should be some way to curb that. Unfortunately I didn't have time to sketch out ideas of what to attach the emitter to. Perhaps sea bass. Ill-tempered sea bass, if they're available.

Anyway. Back at my desk I'm losing all focus. I keep wanting to wave people away like Aughra parted vines… gesture indifferently while mumbling, “Boojai boojai boojai!” Heh. Yeah, I'm excited that The Power of the Dark Crystal is supposed to start shooting in a few months. *snicker*

"Click Click" Will Make Your Life So Much Better

In The Know: Should We Be Shaming Obese Children More?

A very poignant and insightful discussion…

• I think it can be a fun for the whole family. Get everybody involved. Show them a slide of an overweight man searching for his penis in the folds of skin that surround it.
• I don't know that the shaming thing really works that well. I've been constantly berating my handicapped son for years to no avail. He still can't walk.
• Running into a room, slamming a door, and crying your eyes out burns a lot of calories. I think the media really needs to step up to the plate in getting across how wonderful it is to be thin for children. They always show the corpulent person as the sassy, wise-cracking, funny sidekick.
• We need to stop glamorizing the fat and making fat people seem ultra-confident like that damn Camryn Manheim. That is a lie. That is a lie.
• We shouldn't even have characters on TV that are fat that have dates.
• You introduce a fat character, have that fat character die of heart disease before the season is over.
• We see public service commercials for orphans over seas that are always thin. They have no food. The message of those commercials is often that, "These kids are starving, let's help them." Why shouldn't it be, "These kids are starving, they're having fun."

In Passing

Came across another bumper sticker that I like. Turns out the company is actually based here in Minnesota:


One thing I think people find compelling about Christianity is the assurance of an afterlife. Whether there is or not, so what? Enjoy what's at hand.

• It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living.
  Terry Pratchett

Dental Glee

Nothing better than being in the dentist's chair at 7:30am. Found a grammar-poor site that described this morning's procedure:

The patient is numbed and an incision is made around the tooth needing crown lengthening. The gum tissue is gently peeled away from the tooth to show the supporting bone holding the tooth in place. Now the dentist can see that there is not two millimeters of tooth available to stick to. In the procedure the dentist removes several millimeters of bone around the tooth to expose the tooth that was previously underneath the bone. After the dentist is sure there is two millimeters or more of tooth sticking out of the bone, the gums are replaced and stitched carefully back in place. The surgery is now complete. The gums are allowed to heal six weeks and a crown can then be constructed.

There wasn't much gentle going on but I was on my way to work less than an hour after the novacaine had kicked in. Now I'm trying to ignore the little bits of drool threatening to escape the left part of my mouth and fighting the urge to tongue the soon-to-swell gums around the four stitches surrounding tooth #20.

Up to this point my dental insurance kicked ass but this 4249 procedure was completely excluded. By paying the full amount, I was able to get a 5% discount, so this mornings check was a mere $986.10. All in all I've actually gotten off pretty light considering that, before this year, I could count the number of dental visits in my life on one hand. Wish I'd gotten past the learned helplessness earlier.

Organizational Announcement

These little announcements always make my day:

Effective immediately, the Financial Systems team, formerly in the Finance Department, will be combined with the Business Information Systems team in the Technology department. [Hoop_Jumper_001] will lead the combined team in the role of Executive Director, Business Information Systems, reporting directly to [Big_Hoop]. The integration of these teams will enable us to develop and execute a strategy for providing stronger business analytics that will help us more effectively manage the company’s operations and drive business strategy while ensuring operational effectiveness for important financial, workflow, and sales support systems.

Fendi Bag, Bad Attitude

My sister sent me this and it made me laugh despite myself…




Naturally I replied, “They can have my purse!”

Both Sides

Was driving home from the gym when I got behind a car with three antagonistic bumper stickers. The first mentioned a Hillary Bucket but I couldn't make out the wording. After some Googling, I'm guessing it said “Contains two small breasts, two large thighs, and a bucket of left wings!” The second one had some faded images but the text was still clear: “Hillary Clinton: Outsourcing Blow Jobs Since 1995.” The final one in the middle read was:


cafepress.com
It made me laugh so I accelerated around the car then slowed down so they could read mine:


goats.com

Donna is Pretty Cool

Tori Spelling Becomes Ordained Minister
July 10, 2007 06:51 AM PDT

The "So Inn Love" star is serving others in matters of the heart! "I am now officially ordained," TORI SPELLING says on her MySpace blog. "Yep, that's right...Reverend Tori Spelling!"

Tori took a course online so she could officiate the very first wedding -- a same-sex union -- held at the bed-and-breakfast she runs with husband DEAN McDERMOTT.

"I was so honored when the couple asked me to officiate," Tori says. "It was so beautiful as I united Tony and Dex as life partners in love. They wrote their own beautiful vows and there was so much love surrounding them that there wasn't a dry eye in the driveway!"

Although she's used to performing for an audience, the "90210" alum admits she had butterflies throughout the service, saying, "I was beyond nervous though. I've done live theater and presented at The Emmys and this by far was my scariest moment simply because they had bestowed such an honor upon me and I didn't want to let them down."

In a final thought on the matter, Tori adds that "true love is the ultimate and pure love knows no age, gender, or race. I've found it, Tony and Dex have found it, and I wish love to all that seek it. Don't ever let anyone tell you who to Love. Only our hearts can dictate that."

The title of the article made me laugh, but the content makes me melt.

Happy 4th

Since the new thirty-six story condos no longer afforded me a view of the river I had to walk downstairs to see the fireworks over the 3rd Avenue Bridge. In some perverse sense of nostalgia I wore the Old Navy Fourth of July shirt a gave gave me five years ago while we were dating; normally it's relegated to the gym but I was feeling all reflective.

Stood against the street light with no one to hold my hand, no one to lean against me, nor anyone to make all those cooing “Ooooh!” and “Ahhhh!” sounds with. That was okay because there were plenty of people around me doing it. A small boy climbed on to the street light and apologized when his grasping hands hit my head. I smiled at his mother. When a police car lit up to head out somewhere a few feet behind us, the boy said, “I bet they don't like the fireworks much.” I laughed to myself as I heard his father agree.

Took a few weak-ass pictures with my cell phone. It was pretty nice having a perfect view after walking less than two blocks. I wasn't worried about getting home or making sure I found anyone, so my thoughts drifted to the reason why I was standing there. The optical effects weren't awesome enough to keep me rapt… I was actually thinking about patriotism and being American. The things I never think about. It's good being here. Where I am. Should not be taking it for granted.

But I do.

Shifting

Still not completely used to Minnesota weather. I noticed a noise when pausing my music to talk to a coworker… aggressive rain on the roof. Walked down to one of the meeting rooms to look out on the downpour. Turns out the menace in the recently darked skies warrants nearly state-wide Tornado Watch by the NWS. Was at lunch a few hours ago underneath nearly clear skies.

I'm ready to go out and play in the rain…

Very Specific

Since it's past noon on the one hundred eighty third day of the year, we're now into the latter half. Crazy. Have this feeling of standing still while the days tick by.

Went by Rainbow to grab lunch pieces. That picture of Paris on the front of People makes me giggle. I mentally put a caption bubble aside that said, “Hard time has turned my life around… accept this new me! I promise to never touch another penis nor say a word in anger.” Bitch please.

Lindsay Lohan turned twenty-one today. Haven't caught any of the headlines lately so I'm not sure if she's celebrating in rehab, jail, or what. Hopefully it's a wake up call wherever she woke up this morning.

Hrm. Why did I wake up this morning?

Ex-Nonsense

Ex-"ex-gays" apologize for "bringing harm"
published Thursday, June 28, 2007

Three former leaders of a ministry that counsels gays to change their sexual orientation apologized, saying although they acted sincerely, their message had caused isolation, shame and fear.

The former leaders of the interdenominational Christian organization Exodus International said Wednesday they had become disillusioned with promoting gay conversion.

"Some who heard our message were compelled to try to change an integral part of themselves, bringing harm to themselves and their families," the three said in a statement released outside the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center.

The statement was from former Exodus co-founder Michael Bussee, who left the group in 1979, Jeremy Marks, former president of Exodus International Europe, and Darlene Bogle, the founder of Paraklete Ministries, an Exodus referral agency.

The statement coincided with the opening of Exodus' annual conference, which is being held this week at Concordia University in Irvine.

Exodus' president, Alan Chambers, said the ministry's methods have helped many people, including himself.

"Exodus is here for people who want an alternative to homosexuality," Chambers said by phone. "There are thousands of people like me who have overcome this. I think there's room for more than one opinion on this subject, and giving people options isn't dangerous."

Founded in 1976, the Orlando, Fla.-based Exodus has grown to include more than 120 ministries in the United States and Canada and over 150 ministries overseas. It promotes "freedom from homosexuality" through prayer, counseling and group therapy. (AP)

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

This admission was very nice to see. I have little patience with these reformation groups, as I liken it to a group of people asking individuals to cut off an arm or a leg since it offends their God. It's no better than an abuser feeding on their victim's denial. The next article, that I somehow missed, is a perfect example of such abuse:

Dad of boy in 'ex-gay' camp speaks out
Larry Buhl, PlanetOut Network
published Friday, July 15, 2005

The father of "Zach" -- a gay teen who sparked outrage after stating on his weblog that he was sent against his will to a camp to change his sexual orientation -- has come forward to defend his actions.

In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network, Joe Stark ended speculation about whether the 16-year old, known on his blog simply as "Zach," actually existed. The PlanetOut Network verified Zach's identity last month but did not disclose his last name or hometown to prevent unwarranted attention on the youth.

Stark told CBN he did nothing wrong by forcing his 16-year-old son to attend Refuge, a two-week live-in gay conversion camp run by Memphis-based Love in Action (LIA). The Bartlett, Tenn. dad said he wanted Zach to "see for himself the destructive lifestyle, what he has to face in the future and to give him some options that society doesn't give him today."

"Until he turns 18 and he's an adult in the state of Tennessee, I'm responsible for him," Stark told CBN, a media empire founded by the Rev. Pat Robertson.

The interview drew condemnation from Alex Polotsky, of the Memphis-based Queer Action Coalition, which organized protests against LIA and served as liaison between Zach, his friends, his family and reporters.

"Joe Stark coming out to CBN is personally offensive to us," Polotsky told the PlanetOut Network. "We tried to protect Zach as much as possible. I thought that his parents were loving and caring, but just misguided. But by granting an exclusive interview to that network, Mr. Stark has sold his son out."

Love in Action drew fire last month from gay rights groups as well as parents and psychologists, who denounced the organization for its efforts to convert gay adolescents to heterosexuality.

The protests and allegations of mental abuse sparked an investigation by the Tennessee Department of Child Services, which last week found no evidence of abuse.

However, LIA is still not off the hook from the Tennessee Department of Health, which is attempting to determine whether Refuge is operating illegally. The department will issue cease-and-desist orders if it is found to be offering unlicensed drug and alcohol treatment onsite, said Andrea Turner, a spokesperson for the department.

"If they are teaching only from faith-based materials and they send the participants offsite for drug and alcohol treatment, then they are not required to be licensed," Turner told the PlanetOut Network. "But if they are counseling onsite then they are required to be licensed as a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Tennessee."

Turner said that LIA can either ask the department for assistance in obtaining a license, if one is required, or provide documentation to support their dispute for a need to be licensed.

On Friday, the Love in Action Web site was down, and 365gay.com reported LIA's executive director John Smid and the organization is attempting to head off government scrutiny by changing the organization's Web site's wording and directing clients to established, off-site drug and alcohol counseling services.

Turner told the PlanetOut Network that Smid had not informed the department of those actions and had not yet responded to the department's inquiry.

LIA is also under scrutiny from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities to determine whether they need to be licensed as a mental health provider. The department sent a letter inquiry to LIA last week as a first step in deciding whether the state will launch an official investigation into any mental health services provided at the camp, according to Rachel Lassiter, a spokesperson for Gov. Phil Bredesen.

Though I'm a strong proponent of the sanctity of the family, it's hard not to seethe. By involving the public to flaunt his sense of morality he has exploited his son. I find it beyond shameful… somewhere in the realm of morally reprehensible.

Tuned

Crazy how behind my music is right now. Was totally surprised to hear Suzanne Vega's newest single, Frank Ava, off her soon to be released Beauty & Crime; this will mark twenty years of her music that I've loved. Also heard Belle and Sebastian singing The Blues Are Still Blue, a single from an album (The Life Pursuit) that's been out for more than a year now. Liked A-Z but still haven't checked out Tracey Thorn's second solo album after eight years, Out of the Woods. Never heard of Mika until three weeks ago but love the two videos I've seen of Grace Kelly and Love Today. Need to find better ways of discovering these things than the random stumbling I've been doing for the last few years.

The Gharkad Trees of Gaza Offer No Shade

CNN published an article a few minutes ago: “Palestinian leader dissolves government amid infighting.” While I'm still pretty ignorant of the social and political powder-keg that is the middle East, even I can see the dark tidings. Some twenty years since inception, it apears Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya will succeed in controlling the Gaza strip; hard to believe the whole grisly series of events have unfurled in my lifetime. I can hardly wait for responses from the State Department. Not sure where Rice is at the moment, but I'm sure she's happy.

Civil, Domestic

Massachusetts Keeps Marriage Ban From Vote
published Thursday, June 14, 2007

Massachusetts lawmakers Thursday blocked a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage from reaching voters, a stunning victory for gay marriage advocates and a devastating blow to efforts to reverse a historic 2003 court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.

The narrow 45-151 vote means Massachusetts remains the only state in the nation to allow same-sex couples to marry. The question needed the approval of 50 of 200 senators and representatives to advance to the 2008 ballot.

Both sides pumped thousands of dollars into television, radio, Internet and telephone campaigns. Amendment supporters accused Gov. Deval Patrick of trading job offers for votes, something Patrick denies. Democratic heavyweights such as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have local leaders, fearing a nasty marriage equality fight could detract from the presidential race.

Much has changed in Massachusetts since the last vote, when lawmakers narrowly backed the amendment.

Last session, two of the state's three top political leaders, then Gov. Mitt Romney among them, opposed same-sex marriage. Now all three, including Patrick and new Senate president Therese Murray, who presided over the joint session, support same-sex marriage. (AP)

Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Wow.

I Can Do What She Can Do So Much Better

I remember being in our Salt Lake server room years ago when coworkers were talking about Paris Hilton. Having no idea that was a person, I asked them, “Is there something special about the Hilton there? I believe the one in Nice is actually more amazing.” After the disbelief wore off, one of their responses was something to the effect of, “I know you're gay and all, but surely you know who Paris Hilton is.” I just shrugged; ignorance is such bliss.

'Spose I should admit to having one of her tracks on my daily playlist¹ and I did enjoy watching her die in House of Wax.² While she can be sexy, I don't think her body is that great. That skinny versus emaciated thing. Then there's something seriously wrong with her face. Yet that's all subjective. When you step back, she's just a play girl making the most of it. Hell, if I'd been handed everything I'd be having all sorts of fun, too.

My internal sense of justice was pleased to see some personal payment. Beyond that, the whole debacle has been further proof of how annoying the media is. NPR had three blurbs: going to jail, sheriff snuck her out, she's going back. That's all anyone needs to know. Yet even CNN still has the Paris Hilton buzzword on their front page.

*ugh* Why did I even bring this up? *snicker*

---

1. Nothing in This World is a fun song. It's mostly the Dah dah, dah dah da-da-dah-da that gets me, but the video is cute
2. On a date with a bisexual… what can I say?

Slip

Last night was the company picnic. It took the form of BBQ/Tail-gate party followed by a trek to the nearby Saints game. It was the quintessential nightmare; coworkers with significant others and children in tow. Felt so lonely. Ate a hamburger while catching up with people I knew. Fled a little before 6pm.

Was exhausted so I crashed on the couch, starting up some TNG. Watched two episodes then went into the bedroom for a nap. That turned into ten hours of sleep—hate doing that. There were some people I need to call and random things to catch up on. Woke up around 6am to get a few things done.

On the way into work I got caught behind a slow-going red Topaz. The driver was some college-aged chick with a long, mousey-brown ponytail who would hyper-turn when checking her blind spot. There was some dorky plastic animal on her rear-view mirror and a bunch of hippie bumper stickers lined up in front of me. Did enjoy one of them: “If you don't trust me with a choice, how could you trust me with a child?” Adoption is the obvious answer yet it was still a good observation.

Despite the initial bouts of summer heat I brought a jacket in today. While my BMI is still unfavorable, I've lost enough insulation to where the over-zealous air conditioners give me a distracting chill randomly throughout the day. I would venture this is some sort of Karmic retribution after all those years of teasing skinny friends in the winter.

Plans Awry

On the way into work I pulled up behind a green Acura at a stop light. Had a nice bike racked and the guy looked pretty hot from his side-view mirror. Until he start digging vigorously in his left nostril. Was giggling to myself as he released whatever he found out the window; liked his watch.

UPS tracking confirms that roughly $1000 of computer hardware has been delivered. The concierge might be dropping boxes off in my apartment right this minute. In my prime I was building three computers an hour but this one will probably take all evening. That's okay. It's rainy outside anyway. Plus there's laundry and I'm only half-way through Season One of TNG.

Chalk, Ghost, Powder

Mother Nature, ever the bitch, continues to vex me. Recovering from the drinking this morning it was bright outside. I stayed in bed to finish watching Aeon Flux on the PSP under the darkened safety of the sheets. Caught up with some eMail after making breakfast. Was heading out after noon with as little clothing as un-embarrassingly possible to soak in the sun. So it was cloudy.

Felt good to drive so I headed south to Calhoun anyway. Got within a mile when it started to sprinkle lightly on the windshield. *sigh* I knew damn well if I got out to walk the National Weather Service would announce a flash flood warning, so I decided to spare the others at the park and go shopping. Neverminding the blazing white skin I was flaunting, it was mildly uncomfortable as the shorts I wore had no pockets. Made me get through faster though.

As I was putting away the groceries, I could see bright streamers of sunlight cutting through the blinds onto my computer chair. *grrrr* I will be forever white.

Last night was definitely entertaining. Will have to recount that later as Charley has a dance recital at 4pm. Haven't visited Tony and Nikki in over a month so there was no way to dodge it, even if I wanted to.

Someone Heard Me Complaining

eHarmony sued in California for excluding gays
By Jill Serjeant
Thu May 31, 7:10 PM ET

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The popular online dating service eHarmony was sued on Thursday for refusing to offer its services to gays, lesbians and bisexuals.

A lawsuit alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on behalf of Linda Carlson, who was denied access to eHarmony because she is gay.

Lawyers bringing the action said they believed it was the first lawsuit of its kind against eHarmony, which has long rankled the gay community with its failure to offer a "men seeking men" or "women seeking women" option.

They were seeking to make it a class action lawsuit on behalf of gays and lesbians excluded from the dating service.

eHarmony was founded in 2000 by evangelical Christian Dr. Neil Clark Warren and had strong early ties with the influential religious conservative group Focus on the Family.

It has more than 12 million registered users, and heavy television advertising has made it one of the nation's biggest Internet dating sites.

The company said the allegations of discrimination against gays were false and reckless.

"The research that eHarmony has developed, through years of research, to match couples has been based on traits and personality patterns of successful heterosexual marriages," it said in a statement.

"Nothing precludes us from providing same-sex matching in the future. It's just not a service we offer now based upon the research we have conducted," eHarmony added.

According to the lawsuit, Carlson, who lives in the San Francisco Bay area, tried to use the site's dating services in February 2007. When she was denied access, she wrote to eHarmony saying that its anti-gay policy was discriminatory under California law but the company refused to change it.

"Such outright discrimination is hurtful and disappointing for a business open to the public in this day and age," she said.

Carlson's lawyer Todd Schneider said the lawsuit was "about changing the landscape and making a statement out there that gay people, just like heterosexuals, have the right and desire to meet other people with whom they can fall in love."

Carlson's lawyers expect a significant number of gays and lesbians to join the class action, which seeks to force eHarmony to end its policy as well as unspecified damages for those denied eHarmony services based on their sexual orientation.

Too funny! I'd have to search for the entry, but I remember commenting in my journal years ago about being disappointed that the heavily-advertised, hope-inducing, seemingly ubiquitous matching service wasn't keen on my orientation. Never occurred to me that legal action might be possible.

What an interesting case. Naturally I want this to be a winnable class-action to see Civil Rights trounce anything associated with Focus on the Family. I wonder at the merits of such a precedent; legislating online presences always saddens me as I see it akin to barbed-wire and the open plains of the Old West.

What would the court order? Would such services have to announce that they are discriminatory hatemongers yet still capable of finding your soulmate? And what would restitution be? If I can establish they denied me three years ago, I can put a pretty big price tag on the emotion pain and suffering from prolonged loneliness. *snicker*

Best Cities for Singles

AOL had a nice summary of ideal cities to live in based on an article in this month's Kiplinger's. Keeping the singles' cities here because they surprised me:

1. Washington D.C.: The nation's capital boasts a diverse cultural scene, plenty of young singles and a large and growing creative class. From the hip grit of Adams-Morgan to urban villages like Bethesda, Md., and Alexandria, Va., Washington offers the best of both worlds. And don't think opportunities are just in government jobs. The area is a Mecca for tech, engineering and many other professions.
2. Denver: Denver will always be a Mecca for skiers, but there's plenty to do in all seasons: listen to jazz in City Park with the Rockies as a backdrop, check out the city's performing arts center, kayak on the Platte River, or bike the city's 450 miles of trails. City-center neighborhoods offer car-free, loft living and plenty of nightlife choices.
3. Austin, Tex.: Beer, music, tacos and barbeque add up to a laid-back scene in the capital of the Lone Star State. Young singles who stay out too late can shock their systems awake at Barton Springs Pool, the city's natural-and naturally chilly -- swimming hole.
4. Raleigh, N.C.: Raleigh offers young singles cheap housing, a variety of nightlife and southern charm with just the right mix of northern bustle. It is one of the "points" of the Research Triangle, and with three major universities in the area, Raleigh will never want for recent college grads.
5. Lexington, K.Y.: Lexington, although relatively small, offers young singles plenty of things to do: bars that cater to anyone from sports fans to gays to young socialites; live entertainment most nights of the week; art gallery hops; an opera house that brings in Broadway shows; and, of course, horse racing. Plus, the cost of living is a heck of a lot cheaper than in bigger cities.

Sensitivity to Something

Leaving the leadership meeting Theo asked me why I was carrying a camera bag. *sigh* Saw a nice man bag at Bloomingdales, Kenneth Cole I think, but White Trash reared its head and balked at spending the $150. Wanted to see if the general idea worked for me before spending that much. Apparently the $15 one from H&M has no style. Will try the Mossimo one tomorrow.

The team foolishly asked why I wanted a purse so I went into details, basically that I want to wear tighter jeans and slacks. When there are bulges and curves, they won't be keys or a wallet. *snicker* Liking the idea though. Would be nice to have my PSP around more along with the PDA. Maybe even get one of those little digital ELPHs.

Yesterday I downloaded an original song Madonna put together for the Live Earth hippies but haven't been able to get into it. It's so contrived and bland. The chorus is irritating. Wonder if it's me. Maybe I hate the Earth. And whales. And spotted owls. And shit.

It's About to Get Really Warm

Despite yesterday's chill I was pretty stubborn about being in lighter attire. A nice lesbian at Target even commented, “You are really ready for summer, aren't you?” I laughed with her, agreeing that I was ready for more days like Saturday. Capitulated today as I'm back in long-sleeves.

I'm going to try to make the most of the warm weather this year despite how it still annoys me. Not wearing clothes around the apartment becomes necessity instead of comfort. The noise of an air conditioner in both rooms. The random sweat lines. No 7-11s for Slurpees. Such a whiner.

There are nice things. All this weekend I was noticing guys everywhere. In the parking garage, along Washington, grocery stores, departments stores… good times!¹ The lakes around here are really great. Hell, there are more activities in general. Got no choice, I spose. Yay heat.

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1. I asked Pancho where they all hide during the winter and he had no idea.

Can Only Get Better

Had to take some pictures for another … project … and sorta liked this one. I love that shirt. Reminds me of my hardcore raving days and Thayne calling me a tank. I suppose there's some war over-tones. Wonder if people think I'm an activist. If so, what am I trying to say?

Yesterday was almost warm, so I was looking forward to heading down to Lake Calhoun. Get in some reading, writing, and photo-snapping while soaking in some much needed sun. So naturally it was cloudy. Like all day. *sigh* Traitorous Mother Nature. Keep flashing back to showering with Jerry; with his excellent tan I looked like a ghost.

Got a lot done today, which feels really good. Hopefully enough to carry me through this week. Work will be ramping up only to be punctuated by visits to all forms of dentistry: root scaling and planing on Monday, orthodontia consult on Wednesday, and three wisdom teeth are leaving on Friday. Popping Vicadin will make the long weekend so enjoyable. *sigh*

A Little Less Time in the Steam Room

Brought the new swim suit I bought at H&M yesterday to the gym. After I was done lifting I figured I could work in some laps. Turns out the European cut that didn't look so bad in the dressing room was not so hot out in the real world. Oh well. Motivation Through Embarrassment is my new motto, so I took the plunge. Thought I was going to die after the first lap.

Granted I was a little tired and it's been an eventful weekend, but this was plain sad. Gave up, plunking my fat ass down in the steam room. Forgot how nice that was. Stretched out and gave my muscles some much-needed attention. They have two huge jacuzzis so I got to stretch out there for a few minutes, too. I was feeling quite relaxed when I headed back to the women's locker room.

It was eerie. There was a little buzzing warning in the back of my head but my body was sort of on autopilot until I came up to the showers. They were on the wrong side. And they had dividers. When did they put those in? I continued forward again and the lockers seemed closer than I remembered. Then I smelled a delicate floral scent. Perfume?

The buzzing finally pushed to the forefront as a scream, “GET OUT YOU STUPID FUCKER!” I was confused and slow. I walked back to the exit door, but then turned back around to check on the showers. They really had dividers. The screaming was thankfully contained in my head, but my body was still befuddled.

Common sense kicked in finally and I went back to the exit door, opening it. Sure enough. There was the women's sign. Dress and everything. I didn't even stop to see if anyone was watching me or if the police had arrived. I shambled out as if it was the most normal thing in the world to open and enter the door next to the one I just left.

As I walked into the correct shower area an older, well-hung/trimmed guy was flapping in front of me as he was drying off. Excellent! Everything was right with the world again. Except… why do women get to shower in relative privacy and the men are back in Junior High? Something I'll wonder about privately.

*shudder*

Clean Up on Aisle Sean

Couple of weeks ago GopherGrocery set up a kiosk in the lobby. There rep was shoving animal crackers and a flyer at everyone coming home from work. I had my hands full but he was cute, so I said I'd be back down. Asked him some a few questions that ended with, “Are all the drivers as cute as you are? It could make a difference.” He laughed and said, “Thanks! I'll let my wife know you send your regards.” I couldn't help but giggle. I wanted to high-five him but I had the decency to thank him for his time, then slink past to grab my mail.

So last night I thought “What the Hell” and signed on. As geeky as I am, it still felt wrong ordering groceries online. Letting strange people pick my vegetables and meats. Everything was a bit more expensive, but the convenience and novelty made it okay.

Got a call from downstairs and beeped the delivery guy up. Opened the door and sure enough, it was him. He recognized me instantly. First words out of his mouth were, “The regular driver was out tonight so you got me!” I couldn't help but hang my head while muttering, “God, I'd hoped you'd forgotten about that.” Such a sweet guy.

And he brought me food! The garlic cloves are fine. Lettuce clean and fresh. The chicken looks good but I'll know Sunday when I grill it. There were a few things they didn't have so I'm not sure I'm going to adjust or not. At least they carry the sugar-free Edy's ice cream I so adore.

Vroom Vrooooom!

My auto co-worker is making me crazy. Not sure when I told him I intended my next car to be a BMW. Plus, I've wanted a convertible for a while but have steered away since they seem like targets for vandalism and speeding tickets. Hell… now that I'm in Minnesota, there's more cold time than warm. But all this practicality aside, he found a 1997 Silver Z3 1.9L Convertible for $9k. It's making my brain itch.

While I've loved the look of them since they were first introduced in 96, buying new was not an option. I might have been able to afford it but I would not allow myself to. I can't justify spending that kind of money on a method of transit. So I hadn't looked into the real criteria I would need to actually buy one until now.

While the 97 1.9L is a pretty solid performance machine, the 99 moved up to six cylinders with a 2.5L. Thankfully Thayne isn't around to be whispering M-Series in my ear. I really don't want more than 200hp in such a small chassis. I'm still worried about having the power it does have in the winter. My friend insists that the traction controls will compensate, but I'm dubious.

Anyway. As for the other practicalities… checked on the insurance bump for the 97 and it's actually less than the Celica. My exact words to the agent were, “Shit! That's for the convertible, right?” *snicker* For the money, I have resolved to never finance a used car. While I can write a check for $9k today, there's still the Celica to deal with. Kelley says I should be able to get around $6k for the Celica if the dealer is nice.

This is damn tempting. It's a Bond car!!

Smoke Free, Liberty Free

So Pawlenty signed the smoking ban already. This is the first time I've been really disappointed in a political direction this state has taken. Utah was actually less restrictive. I understand the public health issue, but this was plain vindictive. They're all gum-flapping about saving our children and such, but they're targeting areas children are not allowed. Bars and the like.

While I am not really a smoker per se, I do enjoy the cloves on the weekends. It won't be that big of a deal to give them up. But I don't like the eerie feeling of a bunch of people looking over my shoulder and wagging a finger at me. Especially when I'm responsible and indulging in a socially acceptable venue. But unlike me, there are plenty of addicts that this will really impact. I wonder if it will hurt the bars or not. Apparently patios are still okay so long as local restrictions aren't in place. We'll see come October.

New Moon, Fate, Deepest Meaning

Wladziu Valentino Liberace, Pierce Brosnan, Janet Jackson, and David Boreanaz were all born today. What is the universe telling us?

• The trouble with facts is that there are so many of them.
  Samuel McChord Crothers

Rev. Jerry Falwell Dies at Age 73

While I will rant, I don't really wish death on anyone. Out of respect for the pain their relations suffer, if nothing else. In trying to say something positive… I will miss having such an easy target.

I've often deferred my hope of social equality to the grim specter. By raising awareness in the younger generations, we only have to wait for the old guard to pass.

• I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America, I point the finger in their face and say 'You helped this happen.'
  Jerry Falwell commenting on the September 11, 2001, Terrorist Attacks

Wardrobe Prevarication

Sometimes I think I'm awfully clever. I finally have the prettiest straight man in the building saying “Hello” without prompting so I decided to step things up. Was staring at his ass while following him back from the break room when I noticed he was in chinos. Chinos! Not only that, they were trendily un-ironed; one of the pocket covers was all bent even.

Guess I should explain. This guy is crazy with the formal dress. Always in slacks with the Oxford button down. Everything pressed, colors consummately tuned. All of this covering a taut little 5’10” body with the dark hair/dark eyes that I so often lust over. While he will get a little foxy with the product, it's never enough to look unprofessional.¹

So anyway. I overtake him and say at his shoulder, “Are those the most comfortable pants you own?” Got me the laugh I was looking for. Scrunches up his face with a little chuckle—so adorable. Made me want to lift him up by the waist and shake him while making cooing sounds. Instead I continued with, “You're always showing everyone up with your attire. Do you even own jeans?” He tilted his head a little and said he occasionally wears some on Friday nights.² Suppressed other comments since the fork in our path was fast approaching.

Love doing this shit though. I commented on his pants which clearly says, “Dude! I'm checking out your ass!” Or does it? Though my voice was accusatory I was actually saying, “I watch how you dress that hot body of yours, My Little Ken Doll.” Or was I? It all comes down to construal when walking a tight rope over our HR department's gaping maw.

I'm going to draw this one out. Savor it. *snicker* This rejection junkie stuff gets old but at least it keeps me in practice. For without equivocating, life would boring.

• Rejection is the greatest aphrodisiac.
  Madonna, Forbidden Love

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1. Fucking metrosexual cock teases. Hate them all.
2. What his ass must look like in jeans. *shudder* Though he'd have me arrested, it'd be worth it.