Month: October 2006

venting

this just in: top three threats to americans!!!

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TERRORISM!!!! (yikes!)

TAXES!!! (holy reform, batman!!!)

and…

wait for it…

SAME SEX MARRIAGE!!!!!!!!!!

ARGHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Scariest Halloween news, ever, right? Those gays want to marry? WTF? Don’t they know that is a sacred institution that we regard so highly that we only respect it our hypocritical selves 50% of the time???

Well, be that as it may, that’s what Bush is spouting about today. These are his three most pertinent issues for consideration in the upcoming elections. Now, I understand why he is on the terrorism bandwagon, we did start a little war over there in Iraq, and we did manage to stir up more shit than we could have ever even imagined, and we have no idea how we are going to fix it, or why we are even there anymore, so it does sound like something we should be concerned about. Not to mention the thousands of soldiers that have died over there (even one was too many).

As for taxes, well, we all know that dreaded death tax, and how it only affects .04% of Americans, so that is definitely something we should take the time to really sit and ponder. If you want a tax cut, you need to make money, you poor lazy fuckers!! Get jobs you hobos!!! And, don’t forget to vote for the Republicans that utilize these these tactics to win, because they will continue to make sure you live just barely above poverty, and continue trying their best to eliminate the middle class, all so they can keep their pockets overflowing with money while you pay for everything else!!! (remember the war just mentioned… that’s part of what you are paying for!)

But I, for one reason or another, just have a slight problem that no matter what, you can always expect the bigoted right wing to whip out gay marriage when things look like it might not slide their way. “I know, I’ll say same sex marriage is just as big a threat as terrorism (after all, isn’t it the same thing?!?!?), and people will make sure to keep us around if for no other reason, than to keep those ‘mos from ruining the sanctity of marriage (remember, 50%, yo!)!!!”. And so, before every election, it again looks like we can expect to have our personal lives drug through the mud time and time again, when all we want is the same civil rights as everyone else. Why is it that something that ONLY affects the two people that are doing it, is used as a wedge issues to drive droves of bigots to the ballot boxes (which are probably rigged anyway)?? Jeez, what a pussy ass way of conjuring up votes, ass.

If you vote for someone because they are against same sex marriage, you might as well be herded in with the other sheep, sheared, and euthanized; you follow the herd, you suffer the same fate. I for one am not going to follow the lemmings off the edge of that cliff… I am not so stupid as to believe that gay marriage is anything more than what it is; it is definitely a wedge issue… so stop bringing it up to win votes, asshole. Basically, it just paints you as a bigot and a sore loser, to be honest, because we all know that without those three aces in your pocket, you would be on a ranch somewhere in Texas instead of the White House… Oh wait, that is true… you do spend most of the year there anyway instead of on Capitol Hill working for your $400k salary that I HELP PAY.

(article)

UPDATE: I realize that this rant was written in anger, and that is a place I don’t want to live, nor represent. While I don’t hate anyone, nor begrudge them for their beliefs, I would like to see a place where we don’t get swayed by issues that are in place to do just that; sway us. I apologize to someone that was obviously offended that he thought I was referring to him; when I was in fact blanketing too many people incorrectly, and inconsiderately. For that I apologize, and hope that I can exclude from my life in the future.

all about me

I’m working on it.

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Most of you that know me know that I am very apologetic. I say “I’m sorry” more than practically anything else in my entire vocabulary. But, I have been trying to figure out why I do that, and I can honestly say, that I am truly working on it. I am working on not feeling so insecure, and instead focusing on how to trust that what people say is what they mean.

See, I was raised was in a house where what was said, and what was meant were often conflicting or totally different things. If asked, “Are you mad?” one might reply that they are not, but then show you that they actually are very mad; sending a conflicting message… one that this kid had no other example to learn from and translate into a way to interact with other people. As a result of this environment, I picked up a continual doubt and insecurity that people aren’t saying and meaning the same thing, and additionally, that there is something that I may have done which I need to apologize for in order to rectify the situation. I am constantly doubting if there will be a disconnect between what is being said and what is truly happening, and while it seems that I am doubting you, I am truly trying to find out if you really are indeed mad, or whatever.

Additionally, in my house, it was commonplace to be made to feel as if you were always doing something wrong, which led to this heightened need to please; hence my continual bugging people to make sure that everything is okay, and incessantly apologizing if I believe for an instant that they aren’t okay (thus taking much of the blame onto myself; and providing a need for me to apologize). I am working on catching myself before doing this, because for as long as I have been aware, it has been an unconscious response to interactions with other people, and many times, a detrimental reaction on my part.

So I will offer a final apology for incessantly saying “I’m sorry”, and let you know that I truly am working on ways to control that seemingly uncontrollable ingrained response that is ever present in my head. You’ll probably hear it from time to time, and I will probably still bug you a little about how you feel, in an attempt to make everything go right as rain, but just know that I am working on it, and it is going to take me some time. I have to reverse over 20 years of ingrained thought processes, and it isn’t going to be easy.

But I am at least going to try.

music musings

continuing musical awakening

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It is like I have suddenly been jolted from sleep; I have one of my biggest and best hobbies back in full swing. In fact, it is like I am making up for lost time!!! Here’s some of the great stuff that I have uncovered lately:

— Shayne Ward – Shayne Ward: Winner of X-Factor in the UK… (hottie in the picture left) teh hotness; and a BEAUTIFUL singer. Seriously, my knees get weak when I hear some of those songs. He commands a powerful voice, and sings some seriously beautiful songs. Lots of covers too, but it is to be expected.
— Ronan Keating – Bring You Home: He’s back!!! A few covers (to be expected), but overall a good show from a good singer/producer. Pop goodness.
— Shiny Toy Guns – We Are Pilots: A terribly fun throwback to 80s synth-pop, with a more modern feel. Really good stuff. I usually don’t like something instantly, but for some reason, I really like this.
— Hellogoodbye – ZOMBIES! ALIENS! VAMPIRES! DINOSAURS!!: I mentioned them before, but I am officially in love. LOVE. Seriously, I want to see them at Masquerade on Nov 9. Anyone in?
— Anastacia – Pieces of a Dream: I FINALLY got her greatest hits (damn you US and your silly music “import” crap!), and I must say, I still don’t understand why she isn’t super famous here. Seriously.
— JoJo – The High Road: This is a cute little pop-hip-hop CD. She definitely can sing, and definitely works hard for the money. I LOVE that she sampled Africa by Toto… awesome.
— Paris Hilton – Paris: I know what you are thinking, Paris Hilton?!? But seriously, she did snag some hot producers, because they turned out some hot tracks for her. I don’t like everything, but of what I do like, I really like. I know, I know, I should be ashamed, but I am not. Deal. It’s not like I said “Fergie” or anything. Bleck!
— John Mayer – Continuum: I haven’t gotten to listen to this as much as I would like to, but I really like what I have heard. I felt like I sold it short initially, because I was all, “eh”. But a deeper listen reveals that Mayer is definitely growing. I think this could even be better than his debut.
— Jem – Finally Woken: It couldn’t be more appropriately titled; because where the hell have I been, asleep? Those of you that know that I love Imogen Heap should have told me about Jem. Shame.
— The Backstreet Boys – Never Gone: Um, I know what you are thinking (again), but why did this CD not do better? Seriously, it’s good! Trust me! (If you like BSB, that is)

I find that as I am getting back into music, I am getting very lucky in having a friend that shares my music tastes, and is constantly introducing me to more and more UK pop that so many have made so much fun of me for such a long time. Yes, I own every Westlife album, and now I can wear that badge with pride (at least around him). As a result, I ordered some pop albums I missed out on:
Hear’Say – Popstars AND Everybody
S Club 7 – 7
Girls Aloud – Chemistry
Sugababes – Taller In More Ways
H & Claire – Another You Another Me
Liberty X – Thinking It Over
Now, if you are wondering who these acts are… go wiki them, they are/were all famous UK pop acts in the past few years, and I have fallen in UK pop love. I am just glad that I have a friend that has shown me where I left the path, and how to get back on. Thanks Stu!

I have also been exposed to/am currently in the process of checking out some Da Buzz (who knew they had multiple albums and not just one fantastical song???), Atomic Kitten, Clea, new Ben Folds, Delta Goodrem, and new Damien Rice (finally).

that is so gay

maybe there’s hope after all

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In light of today’s NJ supreme court decision to recognize same-sex unions, I would like to think that this is just one more symbol of hope that one day it will really happen for us in this country. I know that it has happened and subsequently been overturned in other states, and is still up for discussion in others (including NJ, pending further legislature decision), but even baby steps give me hope. And hope is a big thing, no matter how small it is.

Also, given that I did end up disagreeing with many people about the billboard (even though I do agree they deserve their free speech, just as long as it doesn’t attempt to spread hate… but then again, that is my opinion, and I am fine with people not sharing it), it is good to see that there are some positive things happening for the gay community in this country; even in the presence of those attempting to denounce and change us. While I know that it is definitely the minority that continually try and push us down and feel inferior by demeaning us and taking away our rights, we can keep striving for equality, and sometimes see a glimpse of it. And that is hope, no matter how many times it comes around, or how small it is; just so long as it does.

I just want there to be a time in my life where I can hold my partner’s hand, walk down the street with wedding bands on, and truly be recognized as a legitimate couple. I want us to be able to see each other in the hospital without a piece of paper giving us the right to. If one of us dies, I want our property to be passed to that person without them having to pay taxes on it, because our union would recognize that it was theirs to begin with. That is my hope.

I just want us to keep moving forward. And the joy in the picture that CNN used in the article discussing the decision says it all; we just want the opportunity to be together, and to honestly be left alone. I just want a life with my partner, and for he to have a life with me… hell, we may even increase the marriage success rates!!! (we hope, right?!)

that is so gay

should there be some regulation on things like this?

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I was driving up 85 North yesterday, and much to my dismay, I saw a billboard with the words “Questioning Homosexuality?” in bright white judgemental letters emblazoned for all to see. Needless to say, I was quite offended, because I knew that this ad references a “cause” that attempts to “save” homosexuals from themselves, by showing us that we don’t have to be gay, that it is a choice. But beyond my frustration that people actually still think that homosexuality is a choice, and beyond my fury and rage that this hatred and bigotry is plastered in huge display on such a major highway, was that it was even allowed to be put there in the first place. Shouldn’t there be some regulations on what can be advertised? The reason I feel this way, is because if ads like this are allowed without regulation, ANY ad that condemns a certain group of people, by offering “conversion tactics”, should also be allowed. If I had the money, I should be able to advertise a “de-Christianization” camp, shouldn’t I? But we all know, that my ad would be considered hateful, and would never be allowed. So why is the aforementioned ad up there for all to see? I just don’t understand how one-sided things can be so widely advertised as a true “alternative”, when it is really a message of ignorance, judgement, and worst of all, hate. Also, why does the city of Atlanta allow such a blatant display of discrimination, slander, misinformation, and bigotry against homosexuals in a such a conspicuous place? Why doesn’t the city have regulations on what can and cannot be advertised on billboards (or anywhere else), and if they do, why don’t these regulations contain language that would protect people from being targeted and subsequently hurt by slanderous messages?

I just don’t understand it. I don’t understand why there is this mission to “save” us. There is nothing wrong with homosexuality, and if you believe that there is, then don’t have gay sex, thus making yourself homosexual. Don’t have gay thoughts, then you won’t have to worry about being homosexual! BUT, DO NOT take your ignorance out on the rest of us, and preach hate and disguise it as “religious love”. I feel sorry for anyone that truly believes this filth.

Here is an image taken from the website (link below) of the company that has paid for this billboard:

if you want to see the hateful billboard yourself, it is on 85 right around Freedom Parkway. I for one hope this billboard is taken down immediately, because advertising that homosexuality is a choice, and offering programs to “de-program” us is shameful and hateful. This is why we are moving so slowly forward in our quest for equality; there are people that are still on a quest to change us, and if we don’t conform, they deny and hate us. I just don’t get how being gay can be so threatening to anyone other that oneself (being that, it is harmful to oneself, only if they remain internally closeted and hurt themselves, which is unfortunate, but does occur.)

Here is the website for the hateful company that is responsible for this billboard. Here is the hateful, slanderous event that they are advertising, which will happen on Nov. 4. I for one hope that anyone that does attend this event doesn’t believe the lies that they are spreading about homosexuality.

What are your thoughts?

the catch-all-egory

just some thoughts on a friday…

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— For some reason I am in a really great mood today. I am not going to analyze, just (as my friend Byron said) “ride it til the wheels fall off”. I think that a good weekend is on the horizon. Now, if only I could bottle this feeling and bring it out for a drink whenever I am not having the best day. Hmm… I do think that perhaps I am coming to a point where I finally want to start taking those next steps towards changing the things in my life that are stagnant. It will be a trek, but the first step is the hardest. Here’s hoping I can get my foot un-stuck and make that step soon.

— Netflix is throttling me again. Check this out:

This is a picture that I took of 3 return envelopes of 3 movies that I received at the same time. Perhaps sending all three in at the same time, and receiving 3 more at the same time pisses them off, so they make sure you can’t do it again. Too bad for them that I put all 3 in the Duluth envelope and sent them in. You may be tricky, but I am smart, Netflix. HA! (in case you can’t make it out in the photo, one is Duluth, GA, one is Santa Ana, CA, and one is Honolulu, HI (!!!!!!!))

— I know that I didn’t say anything yesterday (because I really wasn’t feeling up to blogging for whatever reason) but the Scissor Sisters concert was easily the best concert I have ever been to. I am certain that this concert experience has not only elevated the Sisters into the upper echelons of my favorite artists, but it has convinced me that they are one of the most talented bands out there right now. I still don’t understand why they aren’t on the radio. Oh well, those that go without are missing out… more for me. I took a ton of pictures at the concert, and here’s a good one:

You can check out lots (LOTS!) more here. I am pretty happy that so many came out pretty good.

— I am going to see the Nightmare before Christmas in IMAX 3D tonight. That should be fun! I will be popping my IMAX cherry tonight; with Jake Skellington. Nice.

— I am so glad that I have gotten back into music. I am loving it. There is so much new stuff that I have been checking out (Sugababes, Girls Aloud, Hellogoodbye, Rachel Stevens, the new Scissor Sisters (LOVE THEM!), Robbie Williams (not so much), and the new John Mayer), and I am so freaking glad that I have been able to get back into one of my biggest hobbies. See, perhaps the road to happy is getting a little shorter. At least I have some new tunes to listen to on my trip. =o)

— I posted about it briefly on my LJ, but I am really shocked Jeffery won Project Runway. I seriously thought it was going to be Ulli (as I said earlier), solely based on her collection, and throughout the entire episode, they talked her’s up the most, only to give it to Jeffery in the end. That didn’t make sense. It was like they gave her the trophy, then took it back. Whatever. There’s always someone to root for next season. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long (like they did between season 2 and 3). Either way, good for him (his collection wasn’t that bad), but we all know that Michael and Uli have nothing to worry about; they will find work. I still wish Uli had won, but I will quit complaining.

— Alright, now I am going to enjoy the rest of my afternoon. Hope everyone is having a great day, and hope that you can have a great weekend too!

concerts, music musings

I’m coming Babydaddy!!!

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Guess who I am going to see tonight?

Yup, that’s right, the Scissor Sisters!!! I know that they “don’t feel like dancing”, but I certainly do, and I cannot freaking wait. I am going to take my camera again this time, and hope that I can get some really great shots of the band. Especially of the hunky Babydaddy… as I loves me some him! Expect some sort of talk about the show tomorrow. Time to go and get ready to shake my booty to groovy music! YEAH!

blog on blog

“this kool-aid is delicious… I’m sorry, what were you sayi…”

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So I did it. I have joined the cult, and it is time for me to come out of the LJ closet. I know that there is a lot of animosity against LJ out there, and in fact, I have in the past made fun of it myself, but as of now, the boredom got to me, and I have too many friends that regularly use it to ignore it any longer. That’s right ladies and gents, I am actively using LiveJournal. And believe it or not, it is actually quite fulfilling.

See, I haven’t been feeling like blogging much lately. Just nonsensical things, or happenings. Nothing is really going on that I am giving that much thought to, and is, in my opinion not worth a whole blog post on its own. But, on LJ, I can post anything I want, because that is what it is designed for. So, it fulfills that void that the blog never did. I can make plans, say hi, see how everyone is doing (on LJ that is), even say a simple line about how I am feeling, and I feel good about it. It isn’t going to change the blogging; I am in this for the long haul, so don’t worry. But, I will be posting there when I am bored, or have some nonsensical statement to make about whatever, because, well, that’s what it is for, really.

I also have it set up to have my flickr pictures I post from my mobile go directly there, which is something I thought about doing here, but have long since talked myself out of. I hope that I will not be strung up as a traitor, but I do realize that I have joined, and drank the kool-aid, so I am sure I will get some statements about it. But, I don’t really care, I just feel bad for making fun of it before. Ain’t nothing wrong with taking part in something that cures your boredom in my opinion… And there aren’t many things that can cure my boredom like LJ does! Here’s the link if you care to check on it from time to time. I am still unsure if I will add it to the link 80x15s to the right. If I do, you will see it, if not, you won’t.

Happy day, to all of you. I will have something fun and important to say one of these days. The nonsensical stuff is over at my LJ. All is right in the world.

happenings

tattoo session today!

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I can’t wait! I am very excited about it! I don’t like the pain, but I love the results!!!! Pictures forthcoming. Hope everyones Saturday is rock awesome… booze it up, and have some fun!!!

Kathy Griffin was EXCELLENT last night. I could not be happier. I absolutely LOVE HER, and she was fucking hilarious. HILARIOUS. I am SO glad that we went and I know that if I get the chance to see her again, I will jump at the chance. She is just as funny in person, in fact, definitely more-so!!! The picture here is the best one that I got, it was really dark, and they didn’t allow cameras, so I pretty much had to sit in my seat and take it. I have to say though, that all of the seats were excellent, even though we were close to the back of the auditorium, the picture doesn’t do our view justice at all.

Also last night, as we were pulling into the parking lot, Lori noticed that her tire felt weird, and says, “I think my tire is flat!”. And sure enough, it was. So we parked, went to the show, and decided to change it when it was over. After the show, we came out, I changed the tire, and we went on our merry way. Good to know I can do manly things when necessary. I hate that Lori has to get a new tire, but I am extremely glad that we were with her so she didn’t have to call someone or anything like that. All in all, it was a dirty situation, but it was totally funny in the end. James took a funny picture of us with a tire iron, and when she posts it, I will be sure to link to it. Here’s hoping I don’t have to change any tires any time soon… even though I totally could…