The future begins

So I swiped this subject line from the up and coming Star Trek movie.

What a crazy ride for all of us - but as we saw state after state vote in our new president, the change America wanted - needed - became real. And for the first time ever did a president-elect acknowledge the gay citizens of this country as of the same value as everyone else.

Yes, the Mormon-influenced efforts to defeat prop 8 won the battle, but not the war. Because now, the fight goes national. The rein of the Christian right is crumbling and with new, fresh change in DC - in all branches of government - will equality for all be recognized. Indeed, this is happening in our lifetime.

The Mormons should have left California alone because with a national fight, whether it's at the Supreme Court or the addition of "sexual orientation" to the national anti-discrimination law, they will see same-sex marriage and equality within sight of their temples and churches in all 50 states. Perhaps gay couples holding legal marriage certificates marching down the streets of Salt Lake City wasn't what they had in mind, but that is what they will get.

I am sad my immediate gratification for a legitimate and legal recognition for my relationship won't happen today. But I am encouraged that the future for all Americans - not just Californians - to see equal status is within reach.

What would be next?

Tomorrow we vote. Tomorrow the Castro, West Hollywood, Hillcrest and every rest stop along highway 5 will be gathering the locals to either celebrate or protest the outcome of proposition 8. Every conservative church from the Rick Warren's mega-church in Saddleback to the smallest mountain church in Lassen will either claim their prayers worked or what they have been predicting all along - Satan has control over the USA and the horsemen and locusts are next.

So this morning I ask- what if? What if prop 8 passes? Is that it? Does the fat lady sing "Amazing Grace" and our struggle is over? I am no expert on law, but I do have some assumptions. Assuming we have an Obama Administration, I predict the same-sex marriage issue to work its way to the Supreme Court, and in what is sure to be a bloody argument, the same-sex marriage bans will ultimately be deemed unconstitutional much like the sodomy laws in 2003.

What else I think could be brewing is an unintended consequence for the religious right - which is the ultimate battle between church and state. In the end, the traditional marriage viewpoint is rooted in a Christian belief that marriage is "sacred" (although the bible itself is fuzzy on the issue). However the bible doesn't set law in the country - the Constitution does and at some point I think we will see this battle on the hill. It will be emotional, it will be intense, but the state will win out.

If I were a pastor I'd see prop 8 as not a fight for so-called traditional marriage, but as a step toward legislating discrimination who's passage can set precedence for the next group of people to lose their rights. Could race and religion be next? That would be my message to my flock - "we might not agree with same-sex marriage, but we sure as hell don't agree with tampering with people's rights, because ours could be threatened next."

Vote. Come rain or shine or earthquake or work.

Tonight on SNL: McCain and more Fey as Palin

In case you missed it. McCain actually did better on this skit than he did in the debates.

Prop 8 margin narrows

No on Prop 8 still leads the yes posse in the polls, but it's gonna be tight. Get out the vote, donate (I have - twice), call your friends, e-mail Gov. Schwarzenegger who has stated he opposes Prop 8 but has yet to publicly join our cause. The LDS church is trying to change California and every person can make a difference.

Even Karl Rove says Obama can win

Remember this plump asshole? According to Karl Rove's website, Obama's lead is so far ahead of McCain (311 EV to 157 EV), that the old fart will need to pull every swing state and a few blue states in order to be president. Now isn't this the same puppetmaster behind the GOP machine? Interesting.

Yee Haw!

The Bible is a bad novel and Jesus isn't coming

There seems to be an increase these days on people chiming in on the opinion that the days of Christianbabble and the fools that run into burning buildings spewing such are losing the momentum they have enjoyed over the past 8 years. My boy Sam gave his opinion and I feel the need to express mine.

My name is Greg and I am a recovering Baptist. I have been clean and sober from the poison that black tarred my soul into believing myths made the world go 'round and that a simple tearful confession could guarantee one happiness in heaven for about 21 years. Yes, I was one of them. I was raised in a church fearin' family, went to Sunday school every Sunday and learned all about Adam and the sinful Eve, Noah and his ark of meat, King David doing something with someone, Jesus and crew and Mary (slut..!) and the disciples, the Apostle Paul (who was a whack job) always cumulating with the Revelation, the craziest acid trip ever.

I've read the bible many many times, from cover to cover in just about every interpretation made - from King James, New American Standard, the Living Bible- all of 'em. Interestingly, the word "bible" itself comes from the Greek byblos which means, quite simply, "book." So if the ancient Greeks saw it as a simple book and it was written during their time, how did it become so fantastical? Seriously, if this published today, it would be dismissed as cheap fiction. Remember James Frey and "A Million Little Pieces" and that controversy? He tried to pass that off as fact and come to find out, he made most of it up. Hell, he even bragged on Oprah. Now if only the Apostle John would have brought the Revelation to Oprah - well, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

So now we are more than two thousand years past the time all of that was written. Incredibly I think Christian mythology has probably outlasted Greek mythology. I ask, what's the difference? It's the same in principle. People who are advanced in science and democracy on the one hand subscribing to fantasy and ridiculous ceremony (uh, circumcision? baptism? communion? killing people?) on the other hand. Are we really so different?

I think we are at a crossroad and at some point, this country needs to decide - the Bible or the Constitution. Clearly our forefathers intended the fledgling country to govern independent of radical bible-ism. The Jesusfolk holding an apple pie and a child's hand always like point out, "In God We Trust" blazed our history and we should always be a God fearing nation. Too bad for them the more relevant document, the Constitution, was also drafted and written by men -just like the bible, only with more schooling and experience- who were trying to bring order to chaos - just like the bible, which was, in fact, a cut and paste job by a fledgling Rome who need to bring order to their chaotic empire.

So as someone who used to bring people to Jesus I struggled with so many things. The gay part was just one of the pieces. I always was suspicious in the preachings and bizarre stories, but like most born-agains, didn't question it. Until I decided I wanted to find truth. Several hits of acid, a whole lot of meth, flirtings with kabbalah and Wicca later, I discovered, at least for myself, that the notion of Christianity wasn't valid. That if there was a God (or Goddess), then I could accept that and take faith in the not-knowing. That was when I became a born again agnostic.

So this is my rant. In 2008 America, there is no room for mythology any more since fact and the present are much more relevant. There is indeed the intent of the law for separation of church and state. I don't mind who or what they worship as long as they don't impose it on me. I want my choice and freedoms as guaranteed by my Constitution, the bible if you may of 21st century America, which is much more practical and applicable than ever. Especially as we assert our separation from church.

So I guess that makes me both pro-choice and pro-life. I want the choices for my life free from ancient myth.

Still more Fey as Palin

From tonight's SNL Special on the election. With Will Ferrell revising his role as W.

Republicans for Obama

Porn that is work-safe (sort of)...

http://view.break.com/577249 - Watch more free videos


I got this from Lil Sexy. It's quite funny.

This one is for you, Joyce...

One of my dearest friends lost her mother unexpectedly last week. Joyce Hodges Fielder died last Wednesday after experiencing a stroke. At that moment, a vacuum sucked some of the joy out of the world as clearly one of the largest personalities I have ever met was gone.

Joyce was one of those people who didn't just step, or even waltz, into your life. No. She came tearing in, with cigarette in hand, like a hyperactive dog who tears around you when you come home after a long vacation. The pic above is from my 40th birthday party where Miss Joyce made her way from lap to lap of all the gay men and even flirted with lesbianism before the night was over. Every one she touched somehow found themselves laughing with her about everything. I'm gonna miss you Joyce.

So as I thought about Joyce over the past few days, my thoughts turned to the finale of one of the finest television shows ever written - Six Feet Under. For those of you who were fans of the show, you remember the incredible last 6 minutes of the series. It was the perfect ending to the perfect story - and somehow, in my mind, this is what Joyce's passing is reminding me of: we all die but it's what we do while we are here is what matters.

Here it is for you all:





Goodbye, Joyce.

War is hell

Here is an vid in support to reelect Tom Udall, senator in NM, who secured funds to help our wounded soldiers returning from that clusterfuck in Iraq. It's an emotional commercial. I support our brave troops and wish all of our dedicated armed forces in harm's way, whether in the desert or sea, the best of luck. Let's bring them home.

Taken from Bill in Exile. His site is not always work safe.

Meet the Parents

This past week and weekend, Sam and I ventured East to his hometown of Woodstown, NJ to surprise his Mom for her birthday. It's a quaint, colonial town with beautiful homes built in the 1800's settled within rolling hills and the trees were all bursting in the autumnal colors. Every other home was either decorated with harvesty/G-rated Halloweenesque scarecrows or McCain-Palin signs (just about as many Obama signs as McCain ones are in SF).



I saw his high school, the main street, the bedroom he grew up in (if those walls could talk), watched his dogs go Michael Vick on each other, but the best part was watching his Mom's face when Sam walked thru the door. She had no idea we were coming and she was so happy to see him for her birthday. It was a moment. Sam's parents are just as charming and witty as their son. Did anyone have a doubt? His Dad, by the way, makes a mean Shepherd's Pie.

Woodstown is part of the woodsy outskirts of Philadelphia. I have never been to the city of Philly so it was a treat for me to take in the history. Being from Los Angeles, I have no real concept of American history that dates back beyond the 1940's. We did a few touristy things, did some shopping, mingled with the natives before squeezing into our Useless Airways flight back home. Another great trip, fun time.



Pictures are here.

The red and the blue

For those of you who like to follow the polls, here is a great website: Real Clear Politics. As of this morning, they have put Obama with 313 electoral votes, clearly more than enough to win. it's an interesting site to dig through. Notice what color Florida is.

Viral ad: No on Prop 8

Clever. Send to everyone and donate. Now is the time for all Californians to stand up for equality.

Dog Show

Dog Show!


This old SNL skit cracks me up. Real stupid, but funny nonetheless. I hope you enjoy!

We have Canada, but where would the GOP go?

Slate has a humorous take on the often threatened move to Canada that us left-leaners promise when presidential elections spiral to the right.

But public opinion is shifting blue - Obama has broken 50 in the national polls. So Slate muses Where can republicans go...?. Suggestions include Israel, Poland and the Cayman Islands. But as they say, "it ain't over till it's over."

So what will the fat lady sing? Will it be Hatikva for the GOP expats, or Oh Canada for those who simply cannot stomach another term of the right wingnuts?

Welcome Home

Swiped from Bill in Exile. A solider returns home after 14 months in Iraq.



This is how I want to be greeted every time I come home. Hee hee

Milestone

The love of my life reached a milestone today: one year of sobriety (well, technically, one standard year and a day - 366 days. Leap year). I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of him.

One year is not just 366 days of not using chemicals - but also a symbolic achievement. As for me, it's been a great almost-nine month journey with Sam. I have seen him grow, evolve, and embrace his sober identity. I'm so fortunate to be part and bear witness to his ongoing growth. Hand in hand, I look forward to the milestones ahead.

So raise a glass of ginger ale and join me in celebrating Sam's one-year emancipation from sweet lady H and her posse.

I love you, Scampers.

Icebreaker

Not necessarily headlines, but something noteworthy nonetheless: the land of Bjork is collapsing. Iceland, once heralded as having the highest standard of living in all of Europe, is on the brink of financial ruin. Today the government seized control of the largest bank and still, the country faces national bankruptcy.

Sadly, none of Reykjavik's friends came to the rescue. Clearly they have their own financial messes to sort through. So it seems Iceland is turning to Russia for financial assistance. If the $5.5 billion loan goes through, the country can stabilize it's currency but will still be in the woods.

Russia? I'm not sure how I feel about that. They claim not to have any interest in the abandoned USAF base there, but...

So what happened? Well Iceland relied heavily on cheap foreign financing to boost up ambitious entrepreneurship and mortgages. As the world economy started to falter the debt piled up and the tiny Atlantic nation started it's, uh, meltdown.

Very sad. But this is just the beginning, in my opinion. The financial stability of the planet is shaking down - is it rightsizing or collapsing? Does anybody really know?

I wish our Icelandic friends good luck. Sam and I are thinking about going next year for this. Maybe it will be inching it's way back up, or the krona will be exchanging at bargain basement rate. Who knows.

Debate

When the pollsters finish counting their scores, I think it will be clear: Obama won tonight's debate. The man spoke as a leader, addressed the questions, had awesome stage presence and charisma. His opponent? Looked awkward, ornery at times, and dodged questions. His attempt at humor was embarrassing. He referred to Obama in one response as "THAT one." Shameful.

Andrew Sullivan of The Daily Dish summed it up nicely:
This was, I think, a mauling: a devastating and possibly electorally fatal debate for McCain. Even on Russia, he sounded a little out of it. I've watched a lot of debates and participated in many. I love debate and was trained as a boy in the British system to be a debater. I debated dozens of times at Oxofrd. All I can say is that, simply on terms of substance, clarity, empathy, style and authority, this has not just been an Obama victory. It has been a wipe-out.It has been about as big a wipe-out as I can remember in a presidential debate. It reminds me of the 1992 Clinton-Perot-Bush debate. I don't really see how the McCain campaign survives this.

See his blog of the debate here.

Creepy old advertisements

More here.

Smear Campaign

What is this bitch winking at us for? Flirting for votes? A nervous tic? I wish it were that easy.

Today this infected piece of tampon stated in Burlingame that the campaign against Obama-Biden is going to get tougher (read: slanderous and nasty). Would we expect anything less from this sleazy Jesus freak and her cantankerous running mate? I find it interesting that they are in essence stating, publicly, that their campaign has failed on it's merits and that they will resort to bashing and attempting to discredit the opposition. Yeah, I know - Politics 101 .

I am so done with her and her folksy winks and her glib, moronic syntax.

It's all about the love

Yesterday was the annual Lovefest. It was a packed scene of DJ's, electronic music, hippies, shirtless dudes, boobies, pixies, and fairies all mashed against each other thumping to the beats and feeling the groove on a sunny San Francisco afternoon. It was fun, but very crowded - and very young. I felt old - kind of like the same way I feel when I walk into an Abercrombie & Fitch. Regardless, Sam and I shook our butts to the beats.

Pics are here.

More Fey. More Palin.

Logic?

I received this in my e-mail inbox from a friend today:

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....


* If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different."
* Grow up in Alaska eating moose burgers, a quintessential American story.


* If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
* Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.


* Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.
* Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.


* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.
* I f your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.


* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.
* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.


* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.

* If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.


* If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's
* If you're husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.


OK, much clearer now.

A sobering video

Posted on The Daily Dish, an eye opening video about the rash of foreclosures in Socal.

More Palinbabble

A few chestnuts of wisdom from the GOP candidate-of-choice for the second most important job in the world. Is it just me, or does it give you the creeps to hear the phrase "when John McCain tapped me..."??

If you were on the fence about her now, here's hoping you jumped clearly to one side.

A republican ad to defeat prop 8

Sure they state the republicans need to get a woman in the White House, but they also clearly support marriage equality. Will the message fall on deaf ears?

Girl, Interrupted

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Turn up the sound. This is way cool.

More musings from Palin

Watch CBS Videos Online

Now I know why the McCain camp is keeping her away from the press. She just rambles nonsense.

Fey as Palin 2.0

In case you missed it last Saturday night. Honestly I do not know how Tina and Amy get through the skit without cracking-up.

Master Obama

As seen on the streets at the Folsom Street Fair yesterday. I am not sure if this is Shepherd Fairey's work, but it's pretty damn cool nonetheless.

Folsom Street Fair

Yesterday was the Folsom Street Fair - part fetish, part Renaissance. Sam was working so I attended solo - but I was hardly alone. There were about 399,999 other people, including a handful I knew: Dave and Eric, Ken and Nick, Donovan, Steve Macissac, Bart and the rest of the naked drawing crew, Master Noah, Jeff and Zeke, Charlie and Jason, Kirk, and Thomas in his opaque wrestling singlet. I had a good time - it would have been a great time if Sam wasn't laboring up and down the coast.

After the Fair, I headed to the Lonestar with Donovan, Jeff and Zeke and there, saw Paul, Gabriel, FTP and about 1,000 other shirtless bears. By then though my gay tank was running on empty and I called it a day.

My Folsom pics are here. As with all things Folsom, use your discretion - may not be entirely work-safe.

Political test

No surprise here.

You are a Social Liberal (70% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (38% permissive) You are best described as a: Democrat Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid.com: Free Online Dating Also : The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

It's been a long week

Thank God it's Friday.

I don't know about the rest of you, but this past week, the first week of autumn 2009, was a long and intense one. I started the week on a 6:00AM flight Monday morning for a work trip to Indiana. Getting on a 6:00AM flight on a Monday is borderline criminal - and suffice to say I was loopy by the time I reached my final destination. The next three days were non-stop meetings, meetings and more meetings. All of this cumulated to a mega-merger by the end of the week which will, in the long run, be good for me, my team and my employer - but at the expense of more work. It's good - but as for today, I am glad it's the weekend.

I heart Heart

I love this. And you probably will too.

Ann and Nancy Wilson, the sisters from the group Heart, have sent a letter to the John McCain camp about his usage of their hit "Barracuda" in his promotion of his running mate.

It's quite self-explanatory. I have nothing else to add.

Magical Thinking

According to this video, Jesus has imprinted his image.....on the ceiling of a woman's workout facility. Watch as the chubstas do their leg presses while a vague Lord looks lovingly down on their dimpled legs and multiple chins.

What...?

This clip demonstrates that Americans find such events as newsworthy - and we all know there will be a population of those who actually believe that the Jesus himself pressed his face on that ceiling in giving us some sort of divine sign of.....of.....some sign to....to... fat ladies?

We like to think our ourselves, the American collective, as a higher thinking group, with that cowboy swagger as if to say we know all the answers and if we don't, well golly, listen to us anyway cuz we're God-fearin', carb-eatin' Americans. Don't get me wrong, I am proud to be an American embracing my freedoms and exercising my rights to critical thinking and expression. But there is a growing segment of the populace who goes apeshit when Mary, Jesus (but how come we never see Joseph?) smudge their likeness on ceilings, dry wall and grilled-cheese sandwiches. Why is that? People want the miracles of science to give us heart pills and Tang and the internets but still put one leg in the superstitious as if truth and fact were determined by the same process as delusions of faith.

It's just a watermark created by the rain, folks.

Now I ask you, if the divine was all knowing as Sunday Skool teaches us, then why doesn't Jesus appear at MIT, Stanford or Harvard instead of the trailers, Wal Marts and Curves' that are reported?

Seasons change

Anybody else noticing the days are getting shorter?

I woke up at my usual 5:45AM today and it was dark as dark gets outside. Naturally the nights have been progressively longer since we passed the solstice, but it didn't resonate with me until this morning. I actually had to put on a sweatshirt and switch on the heater today as I bumbled thru the kitchen to fire up the java and start my work day.

Fall is in the air. Not that we had much of a warm summer, but clearly the autumnal train has left the station. Two weeks from today we will be in October. Personally autumn is my favorite time of year - I love the sunnier but cool days and crisp nights. October is my favorite month too - karma (or is it Jesus?) usually heaves change into my lap during October. Not that change is always easy to deal with, but I have learned to adapt. Even so, I love the vibe from October. After Halloween, I usually hide out until after the holidays, my least favorite time of year.

London pics

Are here. I know you wish you were with us.

Tina Fey does Sarah Palin

SPHC
by Hishighness

Tina brings it as Gov. Palin. Amy Poehler is hysterical as Hillary.

Goodbye, London

Well our London trip is over. We had an amazing time, met some cool blokes, did some shopping - correction - did a lot of shopping, walked until our feet liquified, and now after the transatlantic flight back to the states, we are waiting for the final leg from Boston to San Francisco. Even though we got first class across the pond, we are tired and ready to come home.




It was an amazing trip with my amazing boyfriend whom I fell in love with all over again. Indeed we passed that crucial traveling together test. No arguments, lost tempers and fussiness (which is usually me when I don't eat) was kept at a minimum. I am already looking forward to our next trip.

Once I am home I'll post more pics.

Sticky and Sweet and 93,000 people

Day #2 in London wrapped up with Madonna at Wembley Arena. An impressive building built to hold over 100,000 people - mosty men given the fact there are virtually no W/C for women and rows of troughs to piss in. Even with the stage set-up on one side, there were 93,000 people there to see Madge. Our seats were not very close (the pic above? 10X zoom) and the sound did not match the screens or the stage - clearly the speed of sound let us down. From what we can tell, it was a great show.

She started with some numbers from her current album, Hard Candy, which isn't one of my favorites. But as the show went on, the concert took into its own. She hit my favorites, including Ray of Light (above) and Hung Up and sensing she was wrapping up, we left....along with a few thousand others. Word has it once she finished her finale apparently way past the neighborhood curfew, people queued for two hours to get on the tube back into the center of town.

Overall, a great experience - but we were too far away to get the most of it. Either way, we can say we saw Madonna at Wembley. Next time, we'll go for a game and pack it in with 99,998 screaming drunk sports fans, giving "sticky and "sweet" a whole new meaning. Booyah.

London, day #1

Well, we wrapped up day #1 of our trip to London - on Sam's 29th birthday no less. So far it's been an exciting and awesome trip.

First we were able to fly in first class (thanks David!) to Heathrow. And the hotel, the Hilton Waldorf (thanks hotel points) is in the center of the mix - within walking to Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. We celebrated Sam's birthday by shopping at Fred Perry, Harrod's and Ted Baker. Way gay, right!





Tonight we wandered around Soho and mingled at Compton's, on Old Compton Road.

Tomorrow - the London Eye and we'll be even gayer by seeing Madonna at Wembley.

Having fun! I know you wish you were with us!

In the beginning...or is it the end?

If you marvel at science - given you believe such things like facts undeniably proven through the scientific method and other valuable metrics (unlike this bitch), then there is something utterly amazing about to take place.

The world's largest particle accelerator located underground between Switzerland and France, is being switched on this week - September 10th to be exact. The Large Hadron Collider will examine the way the universe works by colliding particles which will recreate conditions a millionth of second after big bang. That is, if you believe in big bang.

So what if? What if science proves with fact that big bang was big bang and that the universe wasn't Play-Doughed into existence by Yahweh?

This demonstration also can create evidence of multiple dimensions and reveal theoretical particles that could explain why mass is mass. Again what if? How does Genesis fit in to all this? Clearly science has prompted church elders to re-examine their theology (remember Galileo?). But here we sit on the ledge about ready to look the divine in the face and realize it's all a twisted orgy of mass and energy. Is there a way to reconcile the two? Can faith and fact coexist? We live in fantastical times as science and discovery is moving us forward at supersonic speeds. The non-believers need to keep up.

On the flip side, the accelerator could also create a black hole, which according to some, could suck in the planet. If it happened on day 2, Sept. 11th, that would be poetic - not that any of us would be around to notice the irony.

Holiday

Tonight Sam and I go on holiday. We'll be redeyeing to the East Coast and then to London. Fuckin' A.

It's been a long time since I have travelled intercontinental. The last time was in 2005 with David to Peru. That was an awesome trip but tonight will be Sam and I's first international wandering together. And even though the trip will be a short one - we are back on Saturday - we'll have plenty of fun.

On the agenda - we'll not only try and spot the queen above, but also this queen when we see her perform at Wembley Stadium. She will probably be extra-British that night. Aside from that, I'll be dragging Sam all over town - Earl's Court, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Harrod's, Soho, Covent Garden....

Any suggestions?

Nine Inch Nails

Last night was Nine Inch Nails at the Oracle Arena in Oakland. The show was fucking amazing. Let me say that again - fucking amazing. So much better than any concert I have ever been to. Even way better than Celine Dion - A New Day.

Opening act was Deerhunter, a waify emo-ish band who was lost on the large stage which was shrouded by black cloth during their set. They were ok I suppose, but were about to be forgotten when Trent and crew took the stage. From the first downbeat to the last note the show was non-stop, mind boggling music without a break. The perfectly mixed music with stunning visuals (I can't even being to describe the light effects) made this am amazing experience. A sweaty, buff Trent Reznor and his band of magicians delivered an awesome show.

They are coming back Dec. 12 to Sacramento.

My pics are here.

Weekender

I love three day weekends. The intent is to rest up. The reality is - it never happens.

This weekend was a busy one too. Friday I checked out lofts and went to the City with David. Saturday I played tour-guide with my 20 year old nephew in town on a north-south road trip. We did Pier 39, the Golden Gate Bridge, and after getting Sam, we ended up watching Pineapple Express. Hysterical.

Sunday was the Hairrison Street Fair - a day of mingling with our friends and making new ones.

Today was the official day off. We attempted Grey Whale Cove but high tide blocked access to the clothing optional side of the beach. Tonight I am resting up for the week ahead - have a business trip. Next week- London.

History repeating itself?

Three years ago this week that bitch Katrina flooded New Orleans and demonstrated how weak our current administration really is in disaster preparedness. Now, here comes Gustav. If he continues his lumber northwest, he show what we have, or have not learned in the past three years. Are we ready? That remains to be seen.

I have not been to New Orleans in 20 years. But a recently my job includes duties in the state of Louisiana, so the impacts of the 'canes are even more relevant to me now. As a native Californian and a resident of the Bay Area, I am not accustomed to dealing with routine, but intense, weather patterns. Sure I have lived through my share of earthquakes and a few rainstorms, but have never experienced the immense energy of a hurricane. The only weather I have had to endure in the last 6 months has been this annoying fog. So I have no expertise on the subject - I am just a spectator watching it unfold on CNN and the Weather Channel. I have no idea what evacuating is like. I wish everyone well.

Good luck to New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast. There are those who are there for Southern Decadence. Finish the hurricane and get the hell out before the real one hits.

Californication indeed

The hottest guy in sci-fi, David Duchovny, is in rehab for sex addiction. Damn.

Agent Mulder of the X-Files checked himself in to a some sort of facility which offers treatment for sex addiction. Not to diminish the critical nature of addiction nor to make light of it, but I find it somewhat stimulating that such a hot man as Duchovny find himself in treatment for too much penis play. With irony only Hollywood can provide, David's character on Showtime's Californiacation is a sex starved struggling writer. Even so, maybe he is just hard wired like so many men to be uber-friendly (i.e. slutty). It's not to take away from the love of a partner, but the "cruise" (as we 'mos like to call it) provides a hormone rush. But clearly there needs to be a balance and obviously it became an obstacle in his life warranting treatment. I wish him the best of luck.

Interesting quote from his ex-wife actress Tea Leoni: "Men are like bulls," she continued. "They gotta get the new cow. Maybe you've got to get the bull after he's had a lot of cows, so you might just be the last new one."

Rocky Mountain High

Did you watch it?

Barack Obama gave quite possibly one of the finest speeches in contemporary political history at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado. His words were stirring and more pro-American than any of the bullshit we have been fed ovder the past 8 years from the current White House factory. I am glad he was blunt against his opponent without being nasty, which at one point, praised his military service. In spite of such, if this country really wants to look forward, Barack is the man. Get out and vote.

Clusterfuck

Here is a pic of air traffic movements from today. Mindboggling how many planes are in the sky at one time. The system is also quite fragile, as today an electronic communication failure prompted delays across the nation.

Yay!!

Today Sam and I have been together for 7 fantastical months!! Hooray for us!

Down with Tuesdays

What is it about Tuesdays? I hate them. My least favorite day of the week, even more despised than Mondays. They are that part of the work week hill that is the steepest I reckon. Ugh. Here we go.

Insomniac

Today is Monday, August 25, 2008 and I woke up at 3:30AM. Not that groggy, ugh it's Monday type of wake-up; rather that I'm on zulu time zone and eyes-open, hyper-alert type of wake-up.

Ugh.

I hate not getting my required 8-hours of sleep, especially on a so-called school night. I don't think I'm preoccupied or stressed although I am juggling some personal projects which have been consuming lately. Even so, I've never not slept because of internalized chaos. The boy sleeping beside me didn't keep me up either, in spite of his occasional snoring.

So here I am now, at a few minutes before 5:00AM. I would normally have another hour of sleep left but instead I am on my second cup of coffee even more alert than before.

It's going to be a long day.

What happened to VH!?

This morning while making love to my coffee, I flipped on VH1. There on the screen was I Love Money where people named "Toastee", "Real", "Bootz" and "White Boy" screamed and flexed for some purpose that still eludes me. The obvious would be for money (hence the name of the show), but there wasn't any mention of it in the vapid dialogue I watched. Up next? The Cho Show. Now I won't be critical as I love Margaret. Her show is a riot but unfortunately she is plopped in the middle of VH1's campy line up.

After our favorite Korean is New York Goes To Hollywood (actual quote: "What do you know about Japanese Culture?" New York: "Well, I love Thai food.") followed by Glam God with Vivica A. Fox, then Brooke Knows Best. Essentially, one tragic woman making a fool of herself after another for our amusement and like a bloody train wreck, I am hooked.

Does anybody remember when VH1 played music? Now we can say the same of the other music channel, but once upon a time, VH1 showed the vids for those who outgrew the poppy shit on MTV. Seemingly overnight VH1 switched to reality camp. Did I sleep through that memo?

MTV's first video played was the Buggles' Video Killed the Radio Star. Time to remake this song?

Outside Lands is out...

It sounded so promising. Radiohead. Beck. Jack Johnson. Primus. Wilco. Cake. Rock and roll meets eco-festival in Golden Gate Park. Sam and I looked forward to this for months.

It was a bust.

Outside Lands, SF's first crack at a music festival in Golden Gate Park failed on so many levels. Sam and I went tonight and got there early to size up the grounds and make our way to one of the stages to see Beck. What happened was that Beck's stage was on a downhill slope so nobody could see him perform. The masses started to moan and as we made our way toward the main polo field, the crowd of thousands who were trying to move from the Beck stage through a narrow path started to push down fences and scattered to get away. It was a bitchfest and clusterfuck.

Things looked up when we positioned ourselves for Radiohead on the main stage. They started promptly on-time but periodically the sound would simply go out. After this happened a few times, we decided to call it a night. We weren't the only ones - there was a steady stream of disgruntled fans all agreeing with us that the festival wasn't really planned out all that well.

It's too bad too. I scored on parking - two blocks from the park. We won't be returning for the rest of the weekend.

Ever have one of those days?

I hope everyone has a great Friday! Yay!

Sign O The Times

Hallmark announced today that they are adding Gay Marriage cards to their selection. The message will tend to be more neutral to cater not only to marriage but commitment ceremonies as well. Let the next phase in the wicked gay agenda commence.

I am pleasantly surprised and pleased that Hallmark is taking these steps. I have always viewed Hallmark as a conservative business with banal greeting cards. The most taboo punch lines usually revolve around being prehistorically old or farting. Granted I don't expect them to develop messages such as "Two hands, two cocks" or "Poppers - The new marriage accessory", but they are making a positive step forward. Naturally they are taking the stance that they are "responding to market conditions" instead of bowing to political pressure. Hallmark's competitor American Greetings, on the other hand, announced they had no plans to roll out the same.

I am sure the Jesus Crew might get their granny panties in a bunch over this and I sure hope they do. I love watching feisty Christians make even bigger fools of themselves. Have any of their boycotts ever been successful? Disney, Ford and Donna Summer all seem to be doing fine.

Alas, we have corrupted another American institution. What's next? Hee hee hee....

Oh hell yeah...

Yes please.

Fay Pride

Hurricane Fay just won't leave Florida alone. She's here, not-so-queer, and apparently not going anywhere. And gave this dude one hell of a blow-job (check out the rump on the dude in the grey striped board shorts):


You all know my opinion on naming storms after people. When I become Supreme Ruler (I'm a commander already - see below - so I am almost there) I will keep human names to the humans and leave storms and wildlife with their proper names, such as lion, tiger and hurricane. Until then, I guess I'll call the big windbags their market given names.

Here's another shot of Fay as she staggers off to sea resembling a Trannyshack wig. She might boomerang back and hit Northeastern Florida.




Too all the folks in her path, I wish you luck.

I'm the commander

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

HBDS - The Commander

Humanity, Background, Detail, and Shape

You perceive the world with particular attention to humanity. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that is affected by the details of life. You are also particularly drawn towards the shapes around you. Because of the value you place on humanity, you tend to seek out other people and get energized by being around others. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are highly focused on specific goals or tasks and find meaning in life by pursuing those goals. You prefer a structured environment within which to live and you like things to be predictable.

The Perception Personality Types:

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