The soul has greater need of the ideal than the real for it is by the real that we exist, it is by the ideal that we live

Friday, February 26, 2010

Not Lazy! Busy...Busy I say!

The following posts are the laziest hgf i've ever done,(keep scrolling down) but I truly am very busy this week, and this morning I found out that I'll be even busier next week. My boss has to go in for cardiac issues and I have to cover his classes. 

I can use the money, but oy!

Have a happy HGF!  And a safe weekend. 

And so it goes:

IMG_2342-1


IMG_2342-1, originally uploaded by Gregg Michael Photography.

reminds me of 70's porn...in a good way mind you.

IMG_2730-1


IMG_2730-1, originally uploaded by Gregg Michael Photography.

ListenToYou!


ListenToYou!, originally uploaded by danimaniacs.

Christian (13)

hgf!

nicholas


nicholas, originally uploaded by Every Mag.

Happy HGF!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Sebastian


Sebastian, originally uploaded by JustTin.

Too busy this week.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

James '92


James '92, originally uploaded by asterion1.

Hiding from the universe today.

And so it goes:

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Define Charity Please

generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless

something given to a person or persons in need; alms

benevolent feeling, esp. toward those in need or in disfavor

leniency in judging others; forbearance
-Dictionary.com

Unfortunately, the spirit of such things does not dwell in all of us.  Apparently there was a home built in Chapman, Kansas for an Iraq veteran by Extreme Makeover (Home Edition), you know, that show where even Ty Pennington cries every single week.

The charity I agree with, the exploitation not so much.

However, now it seems that the couple has emptied out the house, put it on the market, and moved to Texas.  (personally I question anyone who'd voluntarily move to Texas, but hey.)

When asked why they thought the couple fled the house and the town one compassionate neighbor said,
"...that some residents were frustrated with the Tutwilers because they didn't want to give tours of their new home, and that came off as being ungrateful to those who helped."

(read)"We did for you, now we have rights and we expect you to honor them no matter how inconvenient they are to you."

Do we really think we're buying something?   Does charitable work, giving, benevolence buy us some power over the poor wretch we're supposedly helping? 

Do we now own Haiti?

The Tutwilers lived in a rural area.   Some of us entertain the notion of living in the country because it's private.  Apparently that's not always the case. 

Currently in my house there are Titleist golf balls, General Mills Cereal,  Nike shirt and shoes, and one of the things I'm saving for is a Tag Heuer watch.

Does this mean that Tiger Woods owes me something? (I'd like a condo in Maui please.) Does this mean that I own part of him?

No.

I sent $50 to Haiti relief, will I receive an honorary deed entitling me to own a square foot of what's left of Haiti?

No.

So, tell me, why do we think that when we help people, when we give to charity that we think the recipients owe us something?

Why can't we just give and be thankful that we're in a position to help?

And so it goes:
Love, cause it's all you got.

Monday, February 22, 2010

More Eldrick

I saw a picture in the local rag yesterday in which several women at some conference here were watching Tiger woods apologize.

Offensive.

I didn't see the guy who took a gun to his place of employment and pull it on a fellow teammate have to apologize on National TV!

I guess, as usual we're so inured to people killing each other that we don't think twice about guns. Dick!  Now that's another matter altogether. 

This country is so fucked up about sex it's ridiculous. 

Oh!  I also saw a great cartoon in the same paper.  It featured two people and a house.  The house was labeled "Tiger Woods Marriage" and all the blinds were closed.  One of the people who was using binocluars to peer into the house was labeled "The American Public" and the caption said, "Someone needs therapy." 
I'd have copied and published it here, couldn't find it.

Stay out of Tiger Woods business please!

Tundra

It snowed again yesterday.  Not the several inches that was advertised, but enough to make life miserable...again.

This winter is trying to send me a message I think. I didn't get it last year when winter came and stayed for a LONG time, but this year I think I get it.The universe is telling me I need to leave here.

And I'm ok with that.  All I need now is a job.  Oh, wait, that's been the hold up all along. Damn!

Well since I spent an hour yesterday on realtor.com looking at houses in a city in the southwest I think I'd like, especially since no one I know lives there anymore, and it'd be mine.  I can afford it, and it's gonna be 52 there today.  AND they have seen the sun this year.  I have not.  Honestly.  No sun since before the New year. 

But I obsess. 

Technology has conspired against me yet again.  My primary bank account is with an organization we all know   due to their inventive commercials about their name.  And as a result my checking account is completely electronic. 

Last week I finally got around to sending them the papers to change the name on the account and get a new card with that name.  That would be when all hell broke loose.

The day I sent the papers I tried to charge something online for $11.00.  It was declined.  This puzzled me since I had $11.00 in the acct and it shouldn't have declined.  I thought to call them on Monday and then promptly forgot about it.

Then on Thursday i tried to send my sister-in-law an ecard for .99.  Declined. 

This time I did call. I was informed that a charge had to be at least $1.00.  ok, well I don't like that, but ok. I asked the woman I was speaking to if they'd sent my new card reflecting the name change on it yet.  She obviously had no idea what I was talking about. After she caught up, she assured me that the new card would go out that day and to continue to use the card I had since the number would be the same.  Still needing to pay the .99 to hallmark  I used the other account and forgot about it.

Saturday I went to the office here to pay March's rent.  It did not go well.  After several attempts to get the card to take the charge, and several calls to the bank I was informed that yes, both cards have the same number, but not the same expiration date, so that must be the problem.   Also, just in case it's their machine in the opffice I should try the card elsewhere to see if it works, it should.

It didn't.

Yesterday I inadvertently pulled out that card to buy lunch.  "Invalid Card Number" was the response. 

Dear God!

So today I was informed that there was a 'glitch' in the system  (I've had that job,  this means that someone somewhere canceled the damn card, but we're not telling the customer that so he doesn't go insane) and that there are as we speak, geeks on the case attempting to make the card in my possession work, until the card in the possession of the USPS reaches me. (I'm no fool, I now this means that when the new card reaches me that it won't work as a result of all these machinations and we'll go round and round with this)

So technology has moved against me once again and I am forced to live off the largess of Capital One this week.  I so love charging my whole life so I can pay interest on a gallon of milk. 

Right now I have an appt with the chiropractor in an hour which I am not ready for, the have pottery, then I have to teach young people who are not very friendly how to work in a scene shop safely.  Meaning not cut off each others hands. last week one fo them told me that they were planning to build a shelf for some lumber and I said "ok." and one of them then said "We dont' need your permission, we just wanted to let you know what we were doing." I was underwhelmed by the respect I was being shown as their prof. So following an afternoon with those children, who, btw bring their children along with them,(little kids with poopy diapers running around all over the stage while their teenage parents don't pay adequate attention to them...yeah.) I then I get to teach acting all evening.  And since the schedule is so tight there's no time for Gin.  Oh Monday.

And so it goes:
 
Love cause it's all you got.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Ewan McGregor is the shit

In the event that for some stupid reason I haven't mentioned how much I  love Ewan Mcgregor lately, let me say so now.

I love you Ewan.

Coolest guy ever.


And George Stephanopolous, wow, that was surprising how utterly ridiculous he looked throughout that whole interview.

Tiger you owe me nothing!

I do not give a shit who Tiger woods sleeps with.  If he's not true to his marriage vows it's none of my business.

If he gets into a fight with his wife and she beats the shit out of him with a golf club, and then takes out the rear windows of his car while he's trying to escape it's none of my business.

Ironic and possibly a little humorous, but not my concern.

I truly hope he doesn't apologize today.  He doesn't owe us a damn thing, he's worked for every penny of that money since he was a little kid, leave the poor guy alone already. Why do we have to ultimately humiliate every single person we come to idolize?  It's a bad habit and the American people could stop that shit anytime.

And so it goes:


 
Love, cause it's all you got.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

This means war

Alright that's it.  I've had enough.  This picking on Toyota has got to stop.

I do not own a Toyota, I have never owned a Toyota, and until I can afford the one I want I won't own one.  BUT!  Every single person I have ever known that did own one loved it.

They loved it for it's quality, they loved it for it's reliability, and they loved for the fact that it never gave them unnecessary shit. unlike every American car they'd ever owned.

Get the picture? American cars can't cut it and  rather than play fair and make a better car, they'd rather  fuck with those that do. Fuck the big three I say.  Fuck them. It's so typically American to play the game unfairly.

Currently I own this car.
 

It's what one would call, ok.  Nothing  special but ok.  

Here's the list of problems and their "solution" from my dealer.

1.) Developed an incredible squeaking sound the first winter, when going over speed bumps in my parking lot every single morning.  Solution: None Second dealer replaced the sway bar bushings and the noise went away.  I've owned 40 cars and never had to replace those.
2.) Developed a creak in the seat when ever I leaned in any direction.  Solution:  None. Second dealer installed a kit from the factory and it stopped.
3.) Developed a hesitation on acceleration at 14k.  Solution: "There's nothing wrong with your car and we won't run the computer for updated software unless there is."  Second dealer flashed the computer, hesitation went away. Performance improved.
4.) At 15k all 4 Strut mounts went bad, clicking, popping, clunking. Solution: None. Second dealer replaced all struts and mounting hardware and problem was solved for 15k.  Due to shitty American parts it came right back and has been there ever since. Car is now out of warranty so the next set of struts is on me, and of course I'm underemployed so I get nada.  Chrysler on the other hand gets billions of tax dollars to produce more crap they can foist off on me and thousands of unsuspecting fools like me.
5.) Steering wanders.  Solution: Don't drive so fast, like over 70.  (I swear to god.)

The first dealer was Bob Hoss in Kansas city KS, as you can see they suck, and they're proud that they suck, and they want to suck for you, and they have no intention of not sucking. They'll never suck for me again I can tell you that. And I'll tell anyone who'll listen. The second dealer didn't survive the collapse of Chrysler.  But most importantly they simply do not give a shit. They've sold me the car, and now they're through with me.  I don't know if Toyota dealers are different, but I can say I know from others that their experience is different in that the damn cars don't HAVE to go back to the dealer. 

So rather than have a manufacturer that makes good cars, let's discredit them and make people buy our American pieces of shit. it just irks me that Congress is threatening to investigate Toyota, yet when Dodge puts out a POS they don't all jump up and schedule an investigation, they just say..."oh well."

Such an American way of doing things don't you think?  Sounds like politics in Washington.

And so it goes:

Love, cause it's all you got.


 

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

It doesn't belong to you

I have very littel time this moring to devote to a subject I really want to talk about for hours. Plagiarism.

A 17 year old girl has been accused of stealing as much as a full page of text from another authors work. She defends herself by saying she changed things and took the material into a completely different context.  WHAT?

Despite the uproar caused by this revelation, "Axolotl Roadkill" has been selling better than ever and has been nominated for the $20,000 fiction prize at the Leipzig Book Fair. "Obviously, it isn't completely clean but, for me, it doesn't change my appraisal of the text," a jury member and newspaper book critic told the New York Times, explaining that the jury knew about the plagiarism accusations when it selected the novel for its short list. "I believe it's part of the concept of the book."

Plagiarism as concept, there's a novel idea, no pun intended.  This child and anyone else who hasn't the fortitude to sit down and write what is their own and not steal from others need to be taught a lesson quickly, and early. This cannot be allowed to stand.

I had a my first plagiarist last semester and I sat on her as quickly as I could.  She turned on the tears and begged forgiveness.  I had none to give.

I did allow her to do the work over, and though I'm certain she didn't apply as much effort as she could have she at least turned in something else. I doubt she'll do it again.

Writing is tough.  It takes discipline, it takes imagination, and it takes the initiative to sit down and write every single day.  It's a commitment.

But when it's done there's no feeling like it, the accomplishment of finishing a work completely of your own creation. 

But if you don't do these things...It doesn't belong to you.

Ray gosling was arrested yesterday after confessing on air that he killed his lover who was dying of AIDS.

I haven't looked to see how much glee there is amongst the children who were so quick to judge yesterday.  I'm sure there'll be plenty.

And so it goes.

 
Love, cause it's all you got.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Fearing fall

Fall, autumn, whatever you prefer to call it may be a prophetic term this year. Fall may be exactly what the Democrats experience. I see today that the Tea Party, that newly founded bastion of conservative nuts who embrace the likes of Sarah Palin is about to begin an assault on American Politics that I think will truly embody the spirit of that ridiculous term, Shock and Awe.

With all the retirements, deaths, and those not seeking re-election for Congress everything is up for grabs. I have to wonder if the Democrats who ran out in huge numbers to vote for Obama will be there to keep the party in power. The only other option we've got right now is not viable for those of us who believe in social programs and taking care of each other. So unless we can get a new political party together and well-supported in less than a year we're talking the Democrats again. We'd better get started on rolling out the vote. Those preachers and reverends and priests who sent their faithful out to vote for Obama better warm up those pulpits for another election. Otherwise we're in for it for the remainder of Obama's one and only term. The Republican party wants power back badly, and the Tea Party wants it even more. I doubt the Democrats are prepared.

I'm joining other gay blogs today in a blogswarm to get the readership to call the HRC to demand that they demand that Obama demand the repeal of DADT this year. There is a significant lack of leadership on this issue and as we know, if we don't keep pressure on our "leaders" we'll never see any results. Obama said "Do this" and then went off to do something else, not minding what wasn't being done with his directive.

So contact the HRC, by phone email or snail mail and let them know how you feel.

HRC Front Desk: (202) 628-4160
TTY: (202) 216-1572
Toll-Free: (800) 777-4723

HRC website

I felt free to tell them that my dollars were looking for new homes since the democrats and HRC obviously couldn't deliver on their promises. Tell them what you wish.

I'm publishing this picture since there is often so much furor over desecrating the flag by burning or wearing as garments. Then there's this geezer in his flag shirt.

 
Is that candle plastic?  Was it made in China?

BBC News reporter Ray Gosling admitted last night on air that he killed a lover who was dying of AIDS.  An admission that was perhaps ill-considered.  We'll see what, if anything happens to him.
But the admission has lit up the comment boards of blogs. For my part I could have done it. If I had found myself in a position to end the suffering of a loved one I believe I would have done exactly what they wanted and ended their suffering. Should I find myself in a similar situation I hope someone has the courage and love to do the same for me.

It's  ironic that last night in a Boston Legal marathon on TVland that James Spader's character had occasion to address this very issue.  I'm paraphrasing but he said something to this effect:

"My best friend has Alzheimer's.  It hasn't begun to take him, at least not yet.  But when it does I believe that hell still have a long time to enjoy life, to fish, to smoke a cigar, to love.  The day will not come when he says to me, "This is the day I want to die." The day WILL come, he just won't know it.  It will be an unbearably painful thing for me but I know he trusts me to know when that day comes. But I will do it, because he trusts me to, and because it's my duty.  Some lives are taken too soon, others way too late." 

To love someone that much, or to be loved that much...wow.

I try not to comment on blogs since so many people out there seem to need their meds adjusted and have no other real source of entertainment except to post odd comments on blogs, but for this one I just couldn't keep quiet.   

Here's my response to the tirades calling for the imprisonment of this poor guy:

  "It is incumbent upon those of us who survived these last 25 years to educate those who came after about what it was like and that Gosling, I'm certain isn't alone in his guilt.
We neglected to do that job, therefore we get comments like "...but I have watched people I love succumb to cancer, spending their last few months in agonizing pain."
It's not the fault of those who weren't there, it's ours for not telling them about the horror. The responsibility for these comments is ours for not explaining what it's like to bury someone every week of every year for years on end.
Gosling, it's obvious, has been wracked with guilt for a long time, but his admission seems ill-considered.
There were 9 of us in my little circle of friends. I am the only one left. When that came to be I was 34. That was 18 years ago.
Live with that."


And so it goes:

 
Love cause it's all you got.






            



Monday, February 15, 2010

Regarding cynicism

Yesterday I was reading Men's Health Magazine. Yes, Yes, I know it's garbage and the proof was, of course, in the pudding, Paul Walker was on the cover.  Walker is one of those people for whom it is impossible to determine the origin of their success. He's completely talentless, he's not that good-looking, he's not ugly mind you, but seriously, he's no Adonis either, and though he stars in what would have been called B movies back in the day, they're frequently intolerable.

In any case, there was some discussion in a later article about an interview with Matthew McConaughey.  McConaughey seems like he's a nice guy, but I'm not sure he's the Dali Lama when it comes to living well.  Unfortunately, this interviewer portrayed him that way.  His philosophy of life was the hook of this story and they both managed to decry cynicism.

I must take issue with their views.

First, I'd agree that cynicism can hold a person back from success, if they're seeking it. I'd agree it can create a mindset wherein one can end up bitter and unsatisfied and blaming others for their lack of success. Sure!  It can do all of those things. I've seen it employed by people who said they looked for success, yet always needed a bad guy to blame when it didn't work out.  Cynicism is not a tool to be used by apprentices.

It can also be a useful tool.

It can, you know, be used as a tool to keep people from getting too close.  To get them to leave you alone if you so desire.  Like everything else,. it doesn't always work, but most of the time it's very effective.

It can, in short, have nothing to do at all with one's desire for success, or one's fear of it either.  It can simply be a defense mechanism.

Since they don't know how to use it, they oviously haven't explored it's many uses. Poor things.

They also included this little magazine test in which one answers five or six questions to determine their level of cynicism.  The higher the score, the more cynical.  I scored a 9 out of a possible 28.

Pardon my use of the cyber-vernacular but ROFL.

One of the meager points they tried to make, which struck home, was a criticism of the education system. I believe the question went something like, "The education system is hopeless."  And their "constructive" way of rephrasing that was to say "What have I taught him today."

How touchy-feely.

The education system is broken boys.  It needs a complete overhaul.  Mincing around with semantics is NOT going to solve the problem. But it's what a certain ilk does. 

I by the way, bust my butt everyday to teach people something, so I earn my right to the cynicism I employ and my reasons for using it are my own.

Let's make a pact (that's pact, not pack), I won't judge you, if you'll return the favor. I doubt it'll be easy for either of us.

But that's how one learns.


And so it goes:
 
Love, cause it's all you got.

Friday, February 12, 2010

We have only ourselves to blame

What's happening to John Mayer is really not his fault. I mean, he's stupid most of the time when he speaks, yes. But this unfortunate use of the n word really isn't something we should be surprised over.

Should he be contrite and beg forgiveness of those he offended?  Well, yeah he should, but he talked about fags too, so it was an all-purpose offending interview. 

John Mayer doesn't have the sense to tell us he's got a big dick and that he's talented, handsome, and rich, he's got to prove to us that he's cool too with the outrageous  interview and the shocking quote.

We can only blame ourselves when we don't turn our backs on him and make him pay the consequences of his immaturity by ostracizing him.


So, though he's an immature little 32 year old boy, it's our fault when we don't treat him like one.

We turn to our celebrities for so much guidance that it really is our own fault when they prove to be nothing more than children with feet of clay.

And boy so it goes:



 

So thoughts become things huh?

I sure hope so, cause I'm thinking about something right now, it's possible, it's even feasible.  And I fantasize about it all the time.

I'd really like for it to come true, at least in some form, but I fear life, which, as they say, is what happens while one is making other plans, will have other ideas.  If I could make it come true with lots of help from the universe I could do it from now on with no complaint. 

It has several aspects, it depends a lot on outside influence, but it does make me happy to think about it. 

So, even if thoughts don't become exactly the things you want them to. I'm hanging onto this one.

And so it goes:
 
a handsome man with a hairy chest, talk about thoughts becoming things! 
Love cause it's all you got.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

problems everywhere

 
Scarlett Johansson bought this Hollywood Hills villa in 2007, about nine years after the "The Horse Whisperer" launched her career. At the time, she paid $7 million, according to data from Zillow. Now the 1931 home is priced to go at $4.59 million.
First of all, my problems should be so extensive that I have to sell my 4.5 million dollar home. 
Second, my problems should be so extensive that I have to sell my 4.5 million dollar home and still be married to Ryan Reynolds. (I understand he's a bit of a dick, but still...well...pretty)
Third, if one can afford a 7 million dollar home that is only really worth 4.5, why wouldn't one just sit on it until the price comes back up a bit so as to minimize the loss? 

One would think she'd have better advisors.

And so it goes:

 
Love, cause it's all you got.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

And away we go!

Richard Rothstein at Proceedatyourownrisk is of the opinion that America's Christians true desire is to have homosexuality criminalized.


Let's consider that for a moment.

Let's say that some state such as, oh, let's say, Alabama makes a ruling that the sodomy laws they have on the books should be enforced, thereby landing many homosexuals in the slammer.

Predictably this little peccadillo would wind up in front of the Supreme Court.  

Let's also say that Alabama makes a successful bid to have its ruling upheld under states right's considerations, as Richard points out is likely. 

Is there then a roundup?

Let's say that though I'm an openly gay man that I'm not at that particular time sexually active.  Does the open admission of my homosexuality place me in a position of suffering possible imprisonment?

Where exactly do they draw the line?

Am I afforded the opportunity o leave the country? And if so where in the hell will we all find a place that will take so many people?  

At that point what do I do for a job? How do I earn a living?

Let's suppose I am fortunate enough to find a place to where I speak the language, what skills do I have that will translate to another country?  Do I end up working till I drop dead? Suppose I get sick? Old people do that on occasion, what then?

Where is America's responsibility after having foisted my existence of on another country simply because of who I love? Am I still an American?  And these issues are just the tip of the iceberg; I'm writing down what comes off the top of my head here, there are a host of other issues to be considered.  Will Christian America consider them?

Let's say that though I stay in America that I am institutionalized./imprisoned for my "crimes." Does America take care of me in my old age?  Do I spend the rest of my life in prison because I refuse to renounce who I am, thereby incurring the wrath of the United States judicial system?   They do realize that they’d then be institutionalizing my health care for life, providing my living expenses for life, and though my liberty would be gone, they'd then be paying to keep me alive?  And I'd not be alone in there, there would be millions of us?  Will separate facilities be built for us all?

Talk about deficit spending!

Let's lock up  several million of our citizens just because we don't like their sexual orientation, and then care for them the rest of there lives.  And let's do that to every successive generation until we wipe them out. Since it's not a choice to be homosexual (you morons) how exactly would you wipe us out?  Would you then blame the costs on the liberals?

Another typical example of the short-sightedness of conservative thinking.

I have long said that the next civil war won't be over terrorism, or money, it'll be over morality and religion. The nutbags in the Tea Party are showing what they're made of, and Amedeo Obici's successors want to talk to them. 


And so it goes:
 
Love, cause it's all you got.

 

Monday, February 8, 2010

Que es mas peligroso?

Well?

I'd love to sit here and proclaim that the Tea party is the most dangerous organization in the U.S.

It's filled with people outraged over their inability to express their bigotry and irrational hatred wherever and however they wish.  It's an organization determined to prevent and social progress in this country.  It's an organization that promotes fear. It's an organization that irrationally assigns labels to Obama like Nazi, and the dreaded Socialist. It's apparently being led by Sarah Palin.(notorious for bulldozing anyone who gets in her way) It's everything I hate.

But sadly, though I think it's is muy peligroso do not think it's the most dangerous organization.

I say the most dangerous organization is the Human Rights Campaign. And though I think the HRC suffers from a lack of good leadership, I think the real problem is its membership.

The HRC benefits from a host of people who have not done their homework.

I have recently seen more HRC bumper stickers than ever before. Though I believe these stickers are proudly displayed by people who believe the ideals the name of the organization  bring to mind, they have no idea what the organization is really doing.

Problem is that none of the rest of us do either really. Not only don't we do our homework, we really can't since they organization isn't very transparent.

Joe Solmonese, the obsequious leader of the HRC frequently tells us all how much progress is being made and how the Obama administration loves us.  This is likely only partly true.

The Obama Administration, along with the Democratic Party loves our money. They, like all political parties thrive on our donations.  They take some of that money and endow themselves so they can continue to exist should our largess suddenly end. But mostly they live on free money that we voluntarily give them.  And we give it to the HRC under false pretenses.

Now, let us not make the incorrect assumption that I am a gay conservative.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  But let's not look at the organizations created to further our civil rights movement through rose-colored glasses.  Let's dump their dirty laundry out on the table and go through it in full public view. 

I read this morning, and article on cnn.com about this very subject which obviously sparked this diatribe, and at the end John Avton, the author, quoted Eric Hofer who said in his book "True Believer" that "Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business and eventually degenerates into a racket."

He was referring to the Tea Party movement, and though I hope he's oh-so-right about them, I'm dismayed that it applies in triplicate to the organizations created decades ago through the blood sweat and tears of those of us who were trying to accomplish something by marching in the streets when it was unfashionable and very disruptive to do so.

The HRC was born out of a struggle to save lives in a time when no one believed those lives were worth saving.  The memory of those lost should not be trampled upon to simply pay lip service to our civil rights. The HRC is not accomplishing much on our behalf, and we should stop paying them to do so.

And so it goes:
 

Love, cause it's all you got.

Friday, February 5, 2010

You do not talk about fight club!!!

As if made to order a couple of morons currently working in education at P.S. 65 in Queens New York made my case about the incredibly sorry state of education for me.

They started a fight club in class.

Apparently they, in their teeny tiny little minds decided that the best way for two kids to settle a dispute was to wrestle it out in the classroom.

And parents still don't revolt.

I am a responsible teacher. (mind you I'd never teach elementary or secondary)

But I think of the students first. I treat them as though they were there to learn and not be taught to act as though they were simple-minded fools who need to resort to physical violence to solve differences.

They seem to respond to that.

Why do you suppose that someone would think the opposite was true, especially for elementary students?

Why do you suppose someone would hire these two morons?

That's the person we need to find, the simpleton who thought hiring these two musclebrains was a good idea.

Fire the dummies, and flog the hiring manager in the town square. HR is universally fucked up and it's showing all over the employment spectrum. Do we know that? nope.

Almost every person I know who has to deal with HR departments to hire staff complains that not only do they get idiots for applicants, but they later learn that perfectly qualified people are turned away at the door! Why?

Do you suppose that HR is being run by people who are taught, as are those in education, that the lowest common denominator comes first? That the Johnny who can't read needs to get the first job or he'll end up selling cigarettes at a convenience store?

Well, heaven forfend! Let's put this guy in front of a classroom instead!

I'm posting the video here cause the administrator is a picture perfect example of exactly the root of this problem.


Everything that doesn't involve steak is incomprehensible to this guy.

at least we have HGF!
And so it goes:


Love, cause it's all you got.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Gray again!!!

You are: The Nurturer (ISFJ)

In general, ISFJs are sympathetic, loyal, considerate, and conscientious. They will go to any amount of trouble, when it makes sense to them, to help those in need. ISFJs operate most comfortably in situations where the rules are well defined and where traditions are to be upheld. They focus on providing practical help and services for others, and for the organizations they serve. They are often self-effacing in getting the job done, and they are willing to make necessary sacrifices, especially for their families. They are at their best quietly providing assistance and making sure things are in proper order. Read more about the ISFJ life, the ISFJ at work, or the ISFJ in love.

ISFJ Life
ISFJ children are conscientious, diligent, and rarely a behavior problem to their parents or teachers. They like to know what is expected, and then they will dutifully and quietly follow through. In some respects, ISFJs behave like "perfect children" because they try to please their parents, teachers, and those in authority. They work to meet others' requirements, if they are in keeping with the ISFJs' value system, even if this involves a sacrifice on their part.
Security and routine are very important to ISFJ children. For some ISFJs, this means knowing exactly who is going to be there after school to take charge or who will be invited to play games with them. This need for security and order also applies in school. ISFJ children like to know exactly what they are supposed to do in school and like to feel certain that they have the skills before being called upon. ISFJs need gentle nudging to move beyond their comfort level.
ISFJ children often want to practice their skills individually before showing them to others. This is especially true if they will be evaluated on these skills, because they want to be sure they know what they are doing before they demonstrate their skills to the world.
ISFJs may worry a lot about any number of things. This is apparent even in young children. ISFJ children are particularly introspective in the face of adversity. Because of their inward focus, it simply does not occur to them to share their problems with others.
ISFJs usually have a few close friends whom they are likely to keep as close friends for a lifetime. They often belong to at least one social group. They avoid center stage and contribute willingly in quiet, practical, behind-the-scenes ways. When comfortable, ISFJs can radiate their feelings and thoughtful values outward to others. They are often accepted for their kindness and quiet friendliness. They typically select a few special friends and nurture these friendships over long periods of time.
ISFJs shy away from disharmony and try to maintain cooperation at all costs. They may be more cautious and conservative than many of their peers. ISFJs can often come up with good excuses for what they do.
As young adults, ISFJs set goals with a variety of time frames, ranging from daily goals to long-range ones. If ISFJs have goals of summer vacation trips, they begin to save their money months in advance, gather accurate information on costs, and make lists of what to take. Few details are left unattended to. Because their focus is on the actual and the real, they know their plans can change. They accept this as "life", even though they would prefer to have things work out. They try to have things in order each day so they will not have to worry too much about tomorrow.
In their careers, ISFJs are often likely to take what comes along; for example, they may accept the first job offer, rather than continue to look for something else and remain in a state of flux. Once in a job, they generally try to make the most of it, since the known is preferable to the unknown. If the ISFJ is not in a job that provides intrinsic satisfaction, he or she feels uncomfortable. yet may be slow in looking for anything else. ISFJs are loyal employees who diligently work at whatever tasks are given to them.
ISFJs are likely to have done some retirement planning. Since they tend to save money throughout their lives, they often have the financial resources to live comfortably in retirement. In their retirement days, ISFJs focus directly on their families and carry on family traditions and histories. The ISFJ delights in encouraging grandchildren and other family members in projects that continue the family's customs and heritage.

ISFJs at Work


At work, ISFJs contribute loyal, sympathetic, consistent, and considerate service to others. They are known for their kindness, and for their willingness to go to any length to help those in need. They take the practical needs of people into account when they do their work, and their strong follow-through skills allow them to carry out organizational goals. They do at least what is expected of them, and oftentimes more, without attracting attention to themselves. They are painstaking and responsible with detail and routine, and feel it is important to have the right things in the right places at the right times.

Work Setting
ISFJs prefer an occupational setting that is attentive both to peoples' needs and to getting the job done. They like peers who are as conscientious, precise, and accurate as they are. They feel most comfortable if the organization provides security and if their work is clearly structured with practical service-oriented outcomes. They are calm, quiet, and efficient in their work habits. They prefer a work space that allows for privacy, since they like to concentrate deeply on their work and avoid interruptions. Because interruptions make it difficult for ISFJs to recover their train of thought, they need to plan time alone in order to be most productive.
ISFJs like to have everything organized in a manner that they have decided is appropriate. They cannot work when things are out of order. Everything has its place, both at work and at home. Their offices and their homes may contain special knickknacks and mementos that have personal meaning to them. Usually these knickknacks are put in a special and definite spot.
When things are in disarray, ISFJs like to reorganize them immediately and often cannot leave their work until order is restored. They become distracted by disarray, finding that before a project is started, everything must be in its place. ISFJs enjoy ordering and structuring the small things of life; they may overorganize.
ISFJs tend to organize around their values. They will often set their priorities in terms of the people who are most important to them, usually putting their family's, and then their boss's or their organization's, needs first. ISFJs do what is required to serve their key values.

Occupations
To perform well at work, individuals may need to use all of the eight preferences at the appropriate time and when required by the situation. Knowing this, people tend to select occupations that allow them to use the preferences that are most natural to them.
ISFJs are attracted to occupations that require dedication to others, service, attentiveness to details, and thoroughness. They would rather work with things that they can see-the tangibles that result in something worthwhile for people.
While ISFJs can and do enter all occupations, some are more appealing to them than others. According to available research, some occupations (in alphabetical order) seem to be especially attractive to ISFJs: bookkeeper, clerical supervisor, curator, family practice physician, health service worker, librarian, medical technologist, nurse, preschool and elementary teacher, typist, and other occupations that allow ISFJs to provide practical and helpful service to others. These occupations are not meant to be an exhaustive list, but serve to illustrate some areas that an ISFJ might enjoy. If your specific occupation, or one that you are interested in, is not listed here, think instead of its general characteristics and ask yourself how those fit with your type.

ISFJs in Love

For the ISFJ, love means security and commitment. Again, like other types, ISFJs tend to fall hard when they fall in love. Because they place a high value on marriage and family, they seek out a partner and feel unfulfilled without one. Marriage and family give ISFJs appropriate outlets for their love. In addition, they provide opportunities for them to meet their need to be of service to others. Because they are willing to give so much, they tend to expect the same sort of response from their mates and may be disappointed when their partners do not comply. However, they are realistic enough to know that they may not get exactly what they want, and sometimes must accept their fate quietly.
ISFJs tend to stay in relationships that may not be in their best interests. Because ISFJs are responsible and dutiful, unless they are careful, their partners may take advantage of them. ISFJs are likely to stay in such relationships, because their values of commitment and stability are more important than their individual needs and wants. They may be taken for granted by the very people for whom they care and do so much.
In love, ISFJs tend to epitomize people who radiate warmth and good feeling. While ISFJs may not verbalize deep love or the underlying sense of security and commitment that they feel, their contented facial expressions and demeanors illustrate their inner thoughts. The ISFJ will do whatever is necessary to maintain this state. When the spouse or family of the ISFJ does not meet his or her expectations, the opposite facial expression or demeanor may occur. They are unlikely to talk with others about their disappointments.
When ISFJs are scorned, they are likely to be disappointed, angry, and bitter. However, they keep their feelings inside and often focus on themselves.

Your Personality Traits


You are an
You scored 11% in the direction of Introversion, which means you are an Introvert. Introverts are more reserved, quiet, and contemplative than most. While they enjoy socializing, they also can become absorbed in private thought and enjoy time alone.
YOU MyType
Average

You are a Sensor

You scored 12% in the direction of Sensing, which means you are a Sensor. Sensors are sensible and grounded, focusing on the concrete and the here and now. They learn through experience and are cautious with untested ideas. They appreciate tradition, but are open to new ways of doing things if they can see tangible benefits.
YOU MyType
Average

You are a Feeler

You scored 3% in the direction of Feeling, which means you are a Feeler. Feelers are caring, supportive, and appreciative. They naturally reach out to other people, preferring to cooperate and agree rather than argue over who is right. They are comfortable with emotions, both their own and those of others.
YOU MyType
Average

You are clearly a Judger

You scored 57% in the direction of Judging, which means you are clearly a Judger. People who are clearly Judgers love to make decisions. Organized and thorough in their work, they make and stick to plans. One of life's small pleasures for them is checking off items on their to-do lists. Every thing in their lives has its place, and they are diligent about putting it there.
YOU MyType
Average

IMG_2011, originally uploaded by Gregg Michael Photography.
I've tried three times to write a post this morning.


So-





For immediate release-


***DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE GRAYNESS OUTSIDE, THE TOYOTA RECALL, AND A GENERAL LACK OF INTEREST ON MY PART I'M NOT DOING THIS TODAY. RANTS WILL RESUME AS SOON AS I GET PISSED OFF ABOUT SOMETHING. REGULAR READERS KNOW THAT WON'T TAKE LONG.***



And so it goes:






Love, cause it's all you got

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

How do I say this delicately...

The importance of repealing DADT can't be underestimated.  It will have enormous effect effect in our culture.  Perhaps once and for all we can put behind us this myth that difference means wrong, means evil, means bad.

Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council, noted in an interview yesterday that, "Homosexuality is associated with higher rates of sexual promiscuity, sexually transmitted diseases, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, and child sexual abuse..." Sprigg, in an interview

Really?

I'd go into more detail on my opinions about this kind of ranting hatred, but it always comes from someone who professes to love Jesus Christ, and "fear God," (a thing I'll never understand) but usually in truth it comes from someone who hates themselves and who they are so profoundly that they can't face reality. So why wheeze on about people who don't live in the real world?

The repeal of DADT is important, yes. But at the same time I think we're pinning way too much hope on it.  It's not going to cure our ills.  No more than integration did in 1948.

A much more iportant news item was that I learned that a local school district that I used to work for is considering even more budget cuts, to the tune of $14 million.

They can't afford it.

They're the worst school district in the area. They graduate students every year who can't accomplish the simplest of tasks and now they want to make more cuts.  Whittling away at education to keep th stupid and ignorant just as stupid and ignorant as always.  When will we learn?

I can't go into specifics on ethical grounds, but I do have to say that i am forced to pronounce words daily that a high school graduate should easily be able to identify.  It's shameful really. But apparently the leaders of this particular school district can't spell the word. They'd find a whole host of ills to blame the plight of their students on, but in the end they've accepted the responsibility of educating the citizenry and they're failing miserably at it.

I heard a rumor last week that the mindset for a long time in that district was that if a student came to class and didn't make any trouble they'd graduate.  But now they're trying to make improvements in their educational modalities.  I see no evidence of that so far.

And so it goes:
 

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

OK, now I'm mad!

I was about to have a little discussion about how angry I see people are over what little we're going to get when it comes to civil rights.  a la DADT hearings this week.

Yes, we need ENDA, and we need DOMA repealed, and we need the prop 8 trial to end in our favor so the Supremes can, hopefully, then validate it and we can move on.

However, I think what we're going to see is that George W Bush stacked the Supremes against us.  There's no way, especially once Ginsberg dies. And trust me, that'll happen about ten hours after Obama loses his next election and  we have a new conservative President. We're going to see, not only Prop 8 validated by this trial, but the ensuing Supreme Court battle uphold the verdict. 

So, though they're crumbs that we're getting, we might just have to be happy with them this time.  This guy just doesn't have the fortitude to make it happen. Well, fortitude might be the wrong word.  He might not know how to work the other side of the aisle, and that my friends is critical to success in Washington and we all know it. It's been said that they ran "into a buzz saw" over health care reform.  They gotta buzz right back and make things happen or they never will, I don't know why they don't understand that.

So I was all set to talk a lot about that.  Then I read the latest blasphemy from that hypocritical son-of-a-bitch Nazi Catholic Bastard, Benedict 666. (actually I take exception to the bastard label, he gives us a bad name)

As you probably know England is very inclusive when it comes to the equality of their citizens.   666 has inserted himself (pun intended) into english politics by insisting that though Parliament has exempted priests and other clergy from these laws, that it's not enough.  He wants them to allow churches in england NOT to hire people because it's against their exclusive, conservative, hypocritical,  "religion" (read hate) to hire homosexuals therefore the law should be changed so they can discriminate.

Dear 666:

Fuck you in hell eternally.

Love
The New Me

I'd laugh if I didn't think this guy was so serious.

What hypocrites!  The Priest who married my adoptive father to his second wife was gay.  How do I know this? Seven years later I was standing in a gay bar with my Sophomore English teacher on my left, and my Junior Spanish teacher on my right, while my friend whom I had come to the bar with danced with said priest.

The priest who officiated over the mass for my stepmothers funeral some 30 years later was so mortified over the fact that I knew he was gay that he refused to look me in the eye for the rest of the meeting. Notably, he stepped away when I came up to the altar to read the scriptures.

Shortly after the funeral he left that parish to move to Rome where he'd been accepted into some program or other.  So today he's likely cruising the halls of the vatican. 

What kind of hypocrisy is our culture founded on?  How can we seriously look to these people who not only deny the existence, and the rights of the very people who in many cases run their organizations, they actively seek to exclude them based on what I can only assume is some sad form of self-hate  which they expect the entire world to embrace simply because they say it's so.

Hillary in Raised in Captivity by Nicky Silver says it best I think.

"I went to the church near my house and told the priest I was bad and wanted to make a confession.  I said "Father, I am bad.  I am pocked with the mark of Cain."  He asked me when I last made a confession and I told him never. He said he was unclear as to what, exactly, my sins were. And I told him that I couldn't be any clearer right now, but that my spirit was spent from shouldering a tremendous nameless guilt.  Then he asked me if I wanted to buy a chance in the church raffle.  The grand prize was a microwave. I told him no.  I wouldn't feel comfortable buying a raffle and supporting an organization that refuses to recognize women as priests.  I couldn't contribute because I believe a woman has the right to control her own body.  I feel condoms should be distributed in the public schools because of the AIDS plague, and I don't think everyone who uses birth control pills goes to hell.  He told me to get out and return only after I'd rethought my positions.  Apparently the price of absolution is the sacrifice of one's own moral code."

And so it goes:

Monday, February 1, 2010

talk talk talk

Lip Service is all we get these days and not in a good way.

There's apparently some runing debate this past week over CBS's refusal to air an ad for "Mancrunch" a gay "dating" site during the super bowl.

Hello?!?!  I can attest to the fact that I am not the only man who ever got on one of these sites cause I've met men from there.  So I can't be the only one to know these are hookup sites for closet cases and guys on the dl.

I get that CBS should be inclusive, but why the brouhaha over this particular site? 

I don't think their financials are the point here though they get mentioned often in the discussion.  It's about what's best for us overall.  And this is not it.

Gods know I am not embarrassed by anything gay, but seriously why this?  I have to qualify here that I'd be having this same conversation with you if it were an ad for the suburban bridge club that advocates we all get married have 2.3 children buy a Subaru and join the choir. 

The word diversity gets used in all these discussions right up until it's really needed. 

Let's see some action.  Some action that allows that we're all different. That we want different things in life and that the diversity is exactly what makes us a vital part of the culture.  Not some lame-ass guys making out and grinding each other on national tv. 

I don't want to see PDA's at any time, so why would I want MANCRUNCH to spend several million dollarsw to make and air an offensive commercial.

Missing the point is often the point in these discussions.

I recently had a fantasy come to a sort of real world fruition.  I used to ride my bike on lunch when I worked at the library. My route took me past the place of employment of a straight guy I used to know (and lust after) and one day I did indeed run into him while passing his office.  Time had grayed his hair, yellowed his teeth, and bowed him just a bit. (he was shorter than I remembered him)

He wanted to get together and have a drink which I did a couple weeks later. During the course of the conversation we talked about relationships, life in general and what we're doing now.  He's married with two kids, a predictable end for such a one.  But he brought up the subject of his church, which, to my understanding is a christian church. He specifically mentioned twice that the pastor there is intent on doing community outreach and the gay community is one of his specific targets.  "He wants to be inclusive." was the way my friend put it.  And suddenly I remembered why I hadn't seen him in almost 15 years.  His air of superiority.  It was as if he felt that us poor old fags needed a spiritual home and they were going to reach out to us poor wretches and bring us in from the cold. 

This is the ilk that will be watching the super bowl and I do not wish to feed their air of superiority by making them think that all we do is hook up and screw. 

Rob Brezny at freewill astrology is telling Gemini's this week that:

"It's time for you to fly away -- to flee the safe pleasures that comfort you as well as the outmoded fixations that haunt you; to escape at least one of the galling compromises that twists your spirit as well as a familiar groove that numbs your intelligence. In my astrological opinion, Gemini, you need to get excited by stimuli that come from outside your known universe. You need fertile surprises that motivate you to resort to unpredictable solutions. "


Have I ever mentioned how much I love this guy?


But just once as I age I'd like him to say :


"Don't worry about a thing goyem. make a fire, put your feet up, read a book,have a little nosh."


But no! He's telling me to go out and have adventures.


Shit!


I'm tired and I need a nap.


And so it goes:


Love, cause it's all you got.