I don’t know how many times I have seen people refer to sexual orientation as sexual preference, but each and every time it pisses me the fuck off. Whether you choose to rest on ignorance or not is no excuse; the word preference is indicative of choice, and being gay is NOT A CHOICE.
So therefore, if you CHOOSE to use the phrase sexual preference, I may CHOOSE to punch you in your fucking ignorant ass neck. I’m just saying.
all about me, friends, home improvement, venting
big fucking circle of dirt
by duane • • 5 Comments
So as I previously mentioned, I got a pool. It is an Intex above-ground, “EASY set” 15′ X 42″ pool. The reason why easy is in quotations, is because while it may be easy to set up, it is only easy if you have a level yard to set it up on. Well, we don’t. So, I decided that I could level it, because I was getting the pool goddammit, and shifting some dirt around would certainly not deter me.
On Saturday, my friend John helped me empty and spread the 500lbs of sand we bought on Friday, and while that was a difficult task in and of itself, it was then that I painfully realized that this was going to be a task that would be more intense than I was expecting. We discussed getting a truckload of dirt to level the yard, but renting a tiller seemed more realistic to me, so on Sunday, that’s just what I did. James and I got home about 3:30 with the instrument of death ahem, I mean, tiller, and we took turns tilling the ground until about 8pm last night.
EVERYTHING on me has been rattled to within an inch of completely falling off of my body. I am sore in places that I didn’t know existed, and the ground STILL isn’t level. While I am beaten, bruised, and certainly exhausted, I will NOT give up. When I am soaking in my sweet ass pool later this week, I want to be able to look back and think about this very moment, because it will make it seem even more amazing than I am sure it is going to be.
I hope that the ground will remain somewhat level for next year, or I making myself a promise here and now, that I will hire someone before I step behind a tiller again! Stay tuned for more, exciting pool news (that will actually include details ABOUT THE POOL!!!)!!
"pointless", all about me, blog on blog, five song friday, friends, home improvement
*cricket cricket*
by duane • • 1 Comment
Yeah, I know I didn’t post a 5SF for this week… but with good reason!!! I was looking for a pool all day, and as such, was pretty quiet on the internet. Then yesterday, I was busy most of the day with house stuff, and a party. Today, more house work.
So we’ll just have to wait and see what greatness I can come up with next week to make it up to you, okay? I hope everyone has had a great weekend, and wish me luck as I go and rent a tiller to level the backyard for my pool today!!
civil rights, listen up!, music musings, show the love, song of the day, that is so gay
sotd: Gossip – Pop Goes The World
by duane • • 4 Comments
Yesterday, I was talking with my friend Deb about Gossip’s new amazing album, and we totally agreed that Pop Goes The World is totally poised to be a new anthem for the gay rights movement!!!
I posted it in last week’s 5SF, and to be quite honest, I CANNOT get enough of this song!!! Have another listen:
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_626_gossip-popgoestheworld.mp3]
These are the lyrics, and I have highlighted my favorite “get out there and fight for our rights” parts:
Find yourself in a situation
Can’t talk your way out of
Stimulate the conversation
How do you rise above
You try to tell some one
But you can’t describe it
We’ll start a demonstration
Or we’ll create a scene
Make noise from our frustration
Newspapers, magazines
We’ll turn them on their heads
You can’t deny itFor once
We’ll do what come naturally
We’ll approach it casually
With no apology
For once
We will have the final say
Goodbye to yesterday
‘Cause we know we’re here to stayPop, pop, pop goes the world
New sensation
Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New creationGive every generation
A different set of rules
We’ll start with TV stations
The radios and schools
Just try to have some fun
And don’t get caught
We’ll capture their attention
We’ll make them quite aware
Of all of our intentions
We’ll make ’em stop and stare
They’ll take a second look
On second thoughtFor once
We’ll do what come naturally
We’ll approach it casually
With no apology
For once
We can have the final say
Goodbye to yesterday
‘Cause they know we’re here to stayPop, pop, pop goes the world
New salvation
Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New translation
Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New elation
Pop, pop, pop goes the world
New sensation
Their new album is AMAZING, and grows on me with each listen. Beth Ditto rocks my face off. Do yourself a favor and check it out if you haven’t already!
music musings, music suggestion, song of the day, you tube
sotd: Portishead – Roads
by duane • • 2 Comments
Sometimes, you come across a song that can only be described as purely brilliant, and utterly perfect. Roads, by Portishead is one of those songs.
I have been a huge fan of Portishead for many, many years, and I was more than pleased when they released a new album last year. While it was different from their previous material, it reinforced the simple fact that Portishead is still an innovative band, who is out there changing the face of music for the better. Roads is by far my favorite song of theirs, and it is one of those songs that seems perfectly poised for an intimate scene on the soundtrack of your life (which is why it fits so well on shows at the “right moment”). Additionally, it is one of those songs that really makes me appreciate good music, because it sets the bar so incredibly high with its arrangement, raw emotion, and overall brilliance.
I couldn’t post this video without commenting on how strikingly similar Beth Gibbons looks like a cross between Emma Thompson and Kristen Scott Thomas; it’s freaky, don’t you think!?!
all about me, happenings, home improvement, mixed media, school
june’s ending, so here’s a list
by duane • • 2 Comments
There have been several little things going on with me lately, but nothing big, so I figured a list would do the trick. Here we go:
- As I mentioned a few times, we got a PS3 earlier in June. Yesterday, I noticed that they had a bundle with Little Big Planet (the game I bought the same day I got the PS3) and Wall E included (for the same price I paid for just the system). I went to Best Buy and asked for my copy of LBP and Wall E, and they said I’d have to return the system; so I did. I got $65 store credit for my opened copy of LBP, $30 store credit for Wall E, and a new PS3. Saving almost $100 was well worth me going back home, packing up that massive system and taking it back in. I think sometimes that I probably pay too much attention to ads and deals, but when things like this happen, I just pat myself on the back for being so aware.
- After some discussion at brunch yesterday, I decided it was time to whiten my teeth again. I have the custom trays, but they hurt my gums, so I have been avoiding them for quite a while now. The Crest White Strips were recommended to me, so I picked up some of the Pro Effects strips today. I hope they work, as I have been feeling like the bright white smile I used to have has been a little dull lately.
- On my ongoing attempt to become a nurse: I applied to Georgia Perimeter’s associates program again, and this time, I actually had the appropriate Transfer student status!!! If I get in, I am jumping on that opportunity, and definitely starting that program. I also applied to Kennesaw AGAIN, and was able to fix the whole “out of state” situation (which, as it turns out, was just a mistake). So here’s hoping I get in there; because going straight for the BSN would obviously be ideal (I would probably transfer the classes I take at GPC, if I get in there, to KSU). Either way, the baby steps are still being taken, and I hope that some big kid steps are in my near future.
- The bathroom (I know, I know) is like 99.7345% done. Pictures soon, I PROMISE. Part of the problem, was that I decided to paint the other one, and get a new medicine cabinet for it too; which has obviously meant way more work for me.
- James doesn’t like the idea, but I am definitely thinking that we need to get a pool. It is too fucking hot, and I think that our friends would want to come over and swim! I LOVE pools, and even if it is only a ~5ft deep pool, it would make summer so much more fun. It may also motivate me to get to gym more often and be less of a fat fuck. (I recently started back at the gym, so I am hoping that dream will become a reality).
- I think that’s all for now.
music musings, music suggestion, song of the day, you tube
sotd: Robyn – Be Mine (live acoustic)
by duane • • 3 Comments
I gave it some thought, and I feel like the 5SF may introduce some great music to you guys, but every once and a while, I really want to focus on a particular song. So, every once and while, I’m going to do a post about a song of the day (sotd), and I hope that you will find it just as enjoyable (if not moreso) as the 5SF. It will also give me a chance to feature a song that I feel like deserves more than a one time posting in the 5SF; for you see, I don’t repeat songs in the 5SF, no matter how many times I play them on my ipod.
For the first sotd, I wanted to post this live, acoustic version of Robyn’s AMAZING song, Be Mine (h/t Arjan):
What an amazingly beautiful version of the song! I still remember the first time I heard Be Mine, and still to this day, it is a song that I truly love. A friend of mine gave me a copy of her fourth, self-titled album, and I instantly fell in love with it. At the time, it was an import, and it took like 3 more years for it to finally be released here in the US; and I had been enjoying it immensely that whole time. The whole album really highlights how incredibly talented Robyn is, and songs like Be Mine show the massive contribution she is giving to pop music. I can’t wait for a new album from her, and I hope that the wait isn’t too long.
five song friday, mixed media, music musings, music suggestion, school
5SF: june 26
by duane • • 0 Comments
JESUS it is hot. HOT HOT HOT!!!! I can’t get over how hot it already is this year; it just makes me want to stay indoors at all times. Other than the heat, I got some good news today: I filed for residency at KSU, and it was accepted!! Now… to get into the nursing program… baby steps… But enough about that; it’s time for today’s five songs!
Gossip – Pop Goes The World
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_626_gossip-popgoestheworld.mp3]
Holy song of the summer, Batman! Seriously, this one is going to make the hot months much more bearable. I have posted about the Gossip in the past, because I absolutely love the unique and powerful voice of the amazing Beth Ditto. Well, they released their newest album, Music For Men, this week, and so far, this is my favorite track on the album. This song is almost impossible not to dance and sing to; I love the tribal drumming and sticky sweet backing synth. I LOVE the crescendo the song grows to at about 1:25 in; it is epic!
Wave Machines – I Go I Go I Go
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_626_wavemachines-igoigoigo.mp3]
Another free song offered on the UK iTunes, I Go I Go I Go is a fresh, and hip dance rock track for summer as well. It really reminds me of awesome bands like Vampire Weekend, and even the Lightning Seeds. This track is as fresh as recently laid out produce, and I have been loving it more and more with each listen. I LOVE when I find random, awesome tracks like this. Thanks UK iTunes (even though I couldn’t buy it/get it for free like the other UKers)!
Safetysuit – Annie
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_626_safetysuit-annie.mp3]
This one is a “discovered while my ipod was running on shuffle” track. I added Safetysuit’s album, Life Left To Go, a while ago, but I hadn’t gotten around to a real listen. This track really stood out to me during the shuffle, and hearing talent like this really confuses me even more why people still love bands like Nickelback. If you like their “style”, Safetysuit is doing it, only better, and without the repetition (admit it, all of Nickelback’s songs are the same!! Stop the madness people!). I, for one, am glad that I found Safetysuit, and this great track (which really reminds me of what I LOVE about Our Lady Peace; the story telling, unique male vocals, and blaring distorted guitars). I only wish Safetysuit were getting the publicity that NB is.
Michael Johns – Heart On My Sleeve
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_626_michaeljohns-heartonmysleeve.mp3]
I’m going to be totally honest: I didn’t care very much that he was even in the top 10 on American Idol. Yes, I thought he could sing beautifully, but since he wasn’t a “front runner” in my eyes, it was easy for me to ignore him. However, being that I definitely think AI has gained a really credible means of spotting true talent over the seasons, I wanted to check out his release when I saw it on iTunes earlier this week. Well, this song, the first track off of the album, has all of the vocal grittiness of Daughtry, with a tendency to lean more towards a Take That style (not to mention that it sounds A LOT like their amazing track, Rule the World). Overall, if for no other reason that I found this great track, I’m glad that I gave Michael another chance.
Alexisonfire – Burial
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_626_alexisonfire-burial.mp3]
At this point, there really shouldn’t be any surprise to any of you how deep my love for Dallas Green (aka City and Colour) runs. Be that as it may, Dallas sings in Alexisonfire, a post-hardcore band, which, I have to say, is NOT my cup of tea. After hearing City and Colour, it is almost a shock that Dallas is even a driving force in Alexisonfire at all. However, they released a new album this week, and with the last track on the album, Dallas injected a MAJOR dose of his folk sensibility into the record, and I couldn’t be more elated, as it is a gorgeous song. I’m glad that Dallas tenderized at least one track on the album, because it gives folk lovers like me a chance to love something about a band that I probably wouldn’t otherwise listen to.
Well, there you have it! Five fresh tracks that are definitely music to my ears; what about to yours? Let me know what you liked or didn’t like, and as always, please tell me what you are listening to.
I feel compelled to say, that no, I did not feel the need to post any Michael Jackson songs, as I am not what I would consider, a fan of his music. I liked some songs, but nothing to the level of “love”, so I didn’t feel any need to stretch that, just because of his death. Anyway, there really isn’t anything that I could “introduce” you to about his music, which is kind of the point of the 5SF in the first place, so there we go.
Have a great weekend, and STAY COOL!
funnies, hotness, mixed media, show the love, that is so gay, you tube
somethingwithatrickinit
by duane • • 3 Comments
So last night, I was watching one of my favorite shows, Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List, when a startling revelation revealed itself before my very eyes; Paula Deen is a fag hag!!
Now, I LOVE Paula Deen. Seriously, something about her just makes me smile all over the place, and her laugh is one that I could just listen to all day long. I could be in the foulest of moods, and Paula ALWAYS makes me smile. Seriously, she is the definition of a down home, beautiful, and amazing southern lady. She has always seemed to me like the type of woman who couldn’t have a mean bone in her body, but I will say that I was honestly shocked that she has a gay assistant, named Brandon Branch! The fact that a lady that so born-and-bred southern, like Paula Deen is, and that she embraces gays just makes me love her so much more. Being from, and living in, the south myself, I know personally that there is so much hate for gays in the south, and it is a delight to know that we have a friend in someone as fabulous as Paula.
But that’s not all!! Not only does she have a gay assistant, but he’s a sassy, funny, and down home country gay that had me laughing so hard I was in stitches! First off, he starts in with the drunken description of trichotillomania (declaring that it is “somethingwithatrickinit”), and then tries to help Paula put her fake eye lashes back on, and declares her a “gaytastrophe” (*adding that to my vernacular*). Then, he says, “we need a gay miracle, we need a gearacle”. The best, is probably when Paula asks who wants some of her “delicious fruit cake”, Brandon chimes in without missing a beat, “I guess that means I gotta cut it.” Needless to say, I bet Paula uses that fabulous laugh of hers VERY often, because 10 minutes of Brandon had me laughing my head off. It goes to show, a little gay in your life can make things way more fun!
The fun is just too good to not show you first hand; the hilarity starts at about nine minutes in:
It keeps on coming:
An interesting, albeit nosy, theory was floated around on twitter last night when I was talking about how much I enjoyed this episode, apparently one that the internets have been asking for some time: Is Bobby Deen gay? Lord knows he’s a cutie (just like his hunky brother Jamie), and with a mama like Paula, I’m sure he’d have no problem coming out to her, (if he hasn’t to her already); that is, if he’s even gay. HOWEVER, I do want to say, that whether he is or isn’t, is none of my business, so long as he’s happy; and my guess is that he is, because who wouldn’t be happy with a mama like Paula Deen!? I say let sleeping dogs lie; gay or not, it’s none of our business.
Thanks again for making my night, Kathy Griffin. I love you; and I love you too, Paula Deen!
blog on blog, civil rights, is it just me?, listen up!, near and dear, politics, that is so gay, tragic, venting, well?, wtf?!
with a “role model” like this…
by duane • • 5 Comments
Who needs enemies? ESPECIALLY when this particular “role model” is nothing but a non-celebrity that is using his crass, bitchy, and bitter attitude to do nothing but bring the rest of us down to his level. Unfortunately, the person I am speaking of, is faux-celebrity blogger, Perez Hilton, and his latest stunt that is bringing even more shame on the gay community.
Yes, the dumb ass got punched in the face by someone he refers to as a “thug”, and I will go on record as saying that I personally do not approve of anyone being assaulted for any reason. However, one must account for the fact that he has made a career out of exploiting and making stuff up about other people (as well as continued betrayal of our community from within), and in this instance, he escalated the situation himself, even though he claims he would never resort to violence (Um, Perez, dear, violence can definitely be verbal; perhaps you need some education on that subject?). While I may not think that it was right for him to get assaulted, I hope that this incident can give him some foresight into just what he is doing to the gay community as one of its representatives (even though I am sure I am not alone in saying that we don’t want him).
With people like Perez Hilton being just one of the many faces of the gay community, we are completely going backwards in helping our struggle of gaining acceptance and credibility in this world. We can never expect to be taken serious about equal rights, especially with regards to the diminished use of hate speech, when loud mouthed hypocrites like Perez continually throw around the very hate speech that we are fighting to stop.
So I say:
Perez, from one gay person to another, can you PLEASE SHUT THE FUCK UP and go away, for the sake of the VERY community that you SAY you are so concerned about? Your incredibly long 15 minutes of fame has done nothing but shine a bad light on our community, and your continued self defamation has not been, nor will no longer be, welcome; especially from me.
Do I need to remind you that this month marks the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots; which is rightly regarded as the first time gays and lesbians took a stand and fought back, which in turn, became a symbol of the beginning of the fight for gay rights? Do I need to point out that 40 years in, and representatives of our community, such as yourself, are continuing to bring us down? Is this how you honor the fight, and the anniversary of our struggle this month?
I’m not glad that you got punched in the face, but the fact that you, a gay man, got punched in the face because you antagonized someone (whose sexuality is irrelevant), by calling him a faggot is beyond reprehension. You should be deeply ashamed of yourself. If you truly care for your community, as you say that you do, why not be a good example, instead of continuing to be a thorn in our paw? Your behavior has consequences, and continuing down the road of ignorance you so willingly travel just is not acceptable.
YOU are causing harm to our community, and YOU need to stop it. Calling out others, like Ms. California, was a “nice gesture”, but you are doing far more damage by continuing to fan the flames of your incredibly self-unaware hypocrisy.
I want equal rights, Perez, I really do. I believe in my heart that you do to. So why not be a voice for the gay community that is anything but utterly destructive? Do you have it in you to be anything other than hypocritical and bitter? For the sake of our public image, I certainly hope so.