Walk to Cool Down

If only people would leave their cars parked and walk or ride a bike instead whenever possible, we would not only reduce greenhouse gases but also stop the trend of being a nation that is over weight. It is a practice I do myself and it works very well. If I didn't have a 25 mile commute I would even ride my bike to work. I do carpool though - another thing more people could do.

Know the Cause - Find the Solution

President Bush said again in his State of the Union Address that the terrorists are motivated because they despise our freedom and liberty. Once again he misleads the American public. I think it’s more likely that they want us out of their countries and their business. Until we address the real reason for their angst, the terrorists will continue their mission.

Despite Iraq, President Bush didn’t start this conflict – it started many years ago. But the pre-emptive strike on Iraq and the continued occupation, has only added fuel to the fire. A lot of fuel.

Sitcom Drama

One of the biggest disappointments in my life – on the scale of Santa Clause and the Tooth Fairy – has to do with the reality of TV sitcoms I watched as a kid. It’s not that I ever thought those shows were real; I always knew they were actors in fantasy families. But I always imagined that they were happily doing so for the sole purpose of our entertainment. Now, due to TV shows like E! True Hollywood Stories and others, I learn about the business side of TV and the real dramas that happened behind the scenes on those shows. It makes me sad to know that Mrs. Evans on “Good Times” - the rock of that family - was really struggling with management decisions on her salary. And I don’t think I wanted to know that many of my favorite innocent TV characters were dealing with serious drug addictions, problems with the law, or other issues. Factor in the influence advertisers have on what content actually makes it to the screen and its almost depressing!

I guess that’s what they mean when they say ignorance is bliss.

Plant Him Already!

President Ford was 93 when he recently died. He will be 103 before they finally put him in the ground!

Past Century Marketing

I'd like to add another small request to this list:

TV and Radio commercials must remain at the same volume level as the rest of the programming.

The Gods of War

Beware of those who fight wars in the name of their God. In my opinion, there is no greater oxymoron than the words "Holy War". Are we really to believe that the the creator of life itself wants us to take take those lives in his name? What would be the logic in that?

During this Holiday season, many people celebrate different versions of their God. We need to understand that we all celebrate and worship the same Deity - the creator of life. If a person believes something that does not agree with what you were taught, it does not make them wrong - even if you have a book to "prove" it. They have a book too.

You do not need to believe what another person believes. More importantly, they do not need to believe what you believe. Faith in God is deeply personal and different for each of us. If only we could stop trying to force our beliefs on others, we might actually have a chance at Peace On Earth.

Properly Hung

As I've said in the past, I am against Capital Punishment. However, other countries seem to do it right. Tonight it is reported that Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging only several days after his trial ended. No feeding the accused for 20 years. And no living for 20 years with the knowledge that you will be executed.

If it has to be done - that is the way to do it.

Its The Little Things

Well the American people have spoken and they want change. I am delighted that the Democrats have taken over both the House and the Senate. I am confident we will see some positive change. It doesn’t have to be drastic – it just has to be positive.

If I had my way, I’d have a few little things changed like the following:

• Change the “Do Not Call” list to the “Do Call” list. It will be much easier to maintain.
• Similarly, change "Opt Out" to "Opt In" for special offers. It should never be assumed we want to be harrassed.
• I’d like to go back to being able to actually buy something rather than subscribe to it for the rest of my life.
• Software companies should be required to support their products well into the future.
• Software companies – especially operating systems like Windows, should be fined whenever someone is able to discover a gaping security hole.
• I’d like to know that my personal phone calls and e-mail are not monitored by the Government unless they have a darn good reason – and a warrant.
• And would it be too much to ask for free air for my tires at a gas station?

Dentistry still seems a bit barbaric to me.

The Good Book

There are lots of versions of the Bible – The King James version, a version for each language, and even one interpreted by the pastor of my Church. But I haven’t seen one written and signed by God himself. Therefore, every version of the Bible available to us was written by human hands and influenced by human bias, opinions and laws of the time it was written.

Add to that the fact that each person that reads the words of the Bible will get a different meaning from them subject to their own opinions, biases, and laws of the time it is being read.

Therefore the Bible can only be used as a GUIDE and not an absolute rule. And it should be YOUR guide only.

Happy are those that find salvation in their hearts and not in a book.

Pay Attention to Your Party

I hope Republicans are paying attention to how their political party is reacting to recent events. The rash of scandals in the GOP party may certainly be due to near election politics, but how the party is handling those accusations should be noted.

The Mark Foley scandal is a perfect example. Rather than owning up to the charges, which are most likely true, they simply whisked him off to rehab and tried to blame his actions on a drinking problem. Then, even worse, they broke the news that poor Mark was molested as a child by a Priest. If true, in either case, these are not excuses for Mr. Foley's actions. He is a grown man in a very powerful position and he should be held responsible for his behavior.

If I were a Republican (gasp!), I would be very concerned at how quickly and easily their political leaders can twist the facts to hide their misdeeds. Can they really be trusted at all?

The Republicans made a very big deal about President Clinton's sex scandal to the point of impeaching a very good President. Its time they own up - not cover up their own scandals.

A bizarre Theory

The more I look at the amazing pictures from orbiting telescopes like Hubble and some of the newer land based telescopes, the more I ponder what it is all about. Everything is swirling and circulating about in a manor that used to seem random, but the more we see the more organized it becomes. I think I'm going to officially declare a far-out theory (pardon the pun) which I have hinted at before. After all, many fantastic discoveries in the past began as a ridiculous theories - so here goes.

I believe that what we are looking at out in space is a flow of energy through a confined space - of which we haven't seen the boundaries yet. I think we are part of a "blood stream" of sorts for a much larger "organism". The energy from stars and galaxies feed this "organism" like our blood cells feed our bodies. Earth and it's inhabitants are rather insignificant to this total picture, much like a bacteria or smaller organisms are insignificant in our bodies - but all are needed to support the "organism" in some way.

This, of course, would be nearly impossible to prove with our current technology. But who knows, maybe someone will look back one day and say I was visionary. I hope it happens before we pass through the "heart" and get all mixed up.

The Ominous Cloud of AIDS - Part 3 of 3 "The Future"

In the first two parts of this series I discussed how the fear of HIV / AIDS has affected many decisions in my life. I also talked of how the disease itself has progressed from a certain death sentence to a “manageable illness” – at least in the United States. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to imagine a world without AIDS? Sadly, that prospect seems unlikely for several reasons. Normally I consider myself an optimist, but when it comes to this disease I’m not so optimistic about the future. While great discoveries have been made in the treatment of HIV, I believe political and social issues will keep us from having a real cure any time soon. Let’s explore each of those separately.

What does politics have to do with HIV? Plenty. In developed countries like the United States, many treatments are becoming available every day but these treatments are always quite expensive. Thankfully most people are covered by some sort of health insurance so their own costs are minimized. But this only makes the scandal easier to perpetuate. The pharmaceutical companies learned many years ago that there is no money in a cure. They know they can make an incredible fortune by just treating people with expensive drugs to keep them alive and somewhat “normal”. A cure would certainly cut into those profits. We live in what I call a “subscription society” these days in everything from electronic services to health care. People are actually renting their health. It’s sad.

Perhaps that view is a bit of a conspiracy theory, but the social issues are very real. You will notice that my discussion so far has focused on life here in the United States were people are living near normal lives with HIV. Such is not the case in most of the rest of the world. Less developed countries are experiencing AIDS in the worst way. It is spreading out of control and millions of people are still dying. Lack of education on safe practices and denial have fueled this pandemic to a point where entire generations of people have died – their children left orphans, their economies in shambles. The pharmaceutical company’s visions of profits do not apply in places where people can’t even afford to eat and so they are left to simply die.

Denial is even worse. AIDS is still considered a “gay” disease and many people in developing countries, and even here in the USA, don’t get tested because of that negative stigma. Not knowing they have HIV allows them to pass it along to their partners at an alarming rate. But this pandemic isn’t a gay disease anymore. It affects straight women more than anyone else these days and mothers can pass HIV on to their fetus. Until people get past this hatred of gay people and the disease still connected to it, AIDS will continue to spread out of control.

With these political and social issues preventing a cure for AIDS I think I am justified in being a bit pessimistic on the future. But it has been said that time heals all and I pray that a cure for AIDS will be made available to everyone in the world very soon. Until then the ominous cloud hangs over those infected and affected and the decisions they make – including me.

The Ominous Cloud of AIDS - Part 2 of 3 "The Present"

I thank God every day for my health and for keeping me safe from HIV / AIDS. But even though this disease is no longer the death sentence that it once was, the ominous cloud still hangs heavy over my life and my decisions.

After my last real relationship ended (suddenly and unexpectedly) I began to explore my new found sexual freedom. But STD's of all sorts, including the ever present HIV, are alive and well and I find that I am living in the middle of one of the highest risk areas in the United States. It’s still terrifying.

Times have changed and now a hot sexual encounter is only a click of the mouse away. In a person’s on-line profile right next to their age, height, eye color etc., you will also find their HIV status. The problem is that many people lie or simply omit that critical information because it cuts down on their prospects. My theory has always been to treat everyone as if they are HIV positive and hopefully that will help keep me safe. It’s a good theory but in practice it is not so simple. Oral sex has always been an area of question as far as safety goes. Many studies have proven that the risk is low – but it is still a risk. I find that I am much more likely to have oral sex with someone if I think they are a safer risk. If I know for sure that someone is HIV positive, I tend to omit oral sex. In fact I try to avoid sexual encounters with known HIV positive people as much as possible. It is not good logic – especially since people do lie – but it does help me mentally. Of course condoms are the rule for me EVERY time for other activities. I know people who actually believe they won't catch HIV if they are only a top, or if they stop before climax. They are fools.

The “ominous cloud” that I have been speaking of is heaviest and scariest when it comes to the HIV test. I take the test every year and typically more often. Thankfully we no longer have to wait a whole week or two to get those results. That was pure torture several years ago with the mind going in all directions while I waited for the results. It’s only been in the last year or so that we can have the result within an hour. Still the test is scary - very scary, especially when one is sexually active in a place like S. Florida. But it is important to know your status, weather or not you think you might have HIV. I pray God will continue to keep me safe.

After having a bit of sexual freedom, I think I am ready for a real relationship again. I’ve met a couple of guys that I thought might be right for me. But as luck would have it, I found out they are healthy HIV positive people. I’m again faced with the decision of having a relationship with someone who is already positive. Perhaps it is a bit selfish to only want a long term relationship with someone without HIV, but it is a heavy mental burden for both people when one is positive and the other is not. The risk is always there. If I do find someone I feel strongly about, I hope I will not let the fear of HIV interfere with that relationship.

Today in the United States, HIV has become a “manageable illness”. Great advances have been made in the treatments available. But they are expensive and come with many complications and side effects. We haven’t gotten to the point of living a “normal” life with HIV but its close. So what does the future hold for those infected and affected by HIV? I will cover those views and opinions in part three of this series.

The Ominous Cloud of AIDS - Part 1 of 3 "The Past"

Growing up gay in South Dakota was not easy. I couldn’t talk to anyone about it and there was the constant fear that I would be beaten up if someone found out. But despite all that, I ended up having one of those “love at first sight” moments in college. I’ll never forget the day I opened a door and almost ran into the most handsome man I had ever seen. I was obsessed with him and over the next 2 years I went out of my way to accidentally “be” where he was without looking too obvious. I was totally in love with him and I decided I wanted him to know. But just around that time news came out about this new “gay disease” called AIDS that was spreading fast. I decided I better wait until that whole mess was over before I declared my love for this guy.

It turned out to be one of the many decisions based around this new sickness that would affect my life well into the future. I never did tell that boy I loved him because AIDS was still a threat when I graduated. He later married a lovely woman and I think they are still married today. I’m sure he must have known I liked him – but he never said anything or tried to hurt me.

Not long after I graduated from college, I moved to S. Florida. I made lots of new friends, many of whom were HIV positive. Back in those days, if you had AIDS it was almost certainly a death sentence. I watched as many of my new friends fell ill and many of them died. It was sad and painful to watch them wither away to skin and bones especially at such a young age. Most were in their early 20s like me. I joined the MCC Church (a mostly gay diocese) and I remember a lot of sick people in church – some with oxygen tanks and tubes attached. Every week there was a list of people we prayed for, some who were sick and some who had already passed. It was all very sad – but mostly it was terrifying.

Soon I met another man that I was instantly attracted to – a very handsome Cuban guy. He told me right away that he had AIDS and I was faced with a decision on weather to date him or not. Do I want to give my heart to someone who might not be here long? Do I want to watch my loved one fall ill and die? And what about my safety – it was a very serious decision. I decided to love the man and try not to think about the sickness. We had a very brief but passionate romance and of course we were extremely careful when it came to sex. We broke up before too long because of personality conflicts – but I still loved him. We lost touch after a while and I found out about 6 months later that he had died. I still think of him often to this day.

I decided it was a very bad time to be dating and I prayed I would find one nice guy I could settle down with and live happily ever after. Eventually I did meet a very nice man and we quickly set up house together. There was safety in a monogamous relationship. But it wasn’t long before I realized that I wasn’t really in love with him. I loved him – I just wasn’t “in love” with him. He said we should just stay together until we found someone else. It seemed like a good idea at the time because again – there was safety there. We became very comfortable in our life and 10 years quickly went by before either of us found someone else. I eventually found someone I was totally in love with and I thought he felt the same for me. It turns out he didn’t love me the same way – and that is another story. But I ended the 10 year relationship for him and by this time it was devastating for my partner. It’s been almost 5 years since we broke up and I still think he hates me. I can’t help but think if I hadn’t been so scared of AIDS, I may have ended the relationship much sooner and it would have been less painful for him.

Suddenly I found myself a single man for the first time in a very long time. And that brings us to the present time where I will continue with Part 2 in this series.

He talks too much.

I am quite surprised to see that I have written nearly 100 articles in this Blog. Oh I'm not really surprised at the number 100, Most of the topics that I have in my head go unwritten due to the fact that another topic of greater importance comes up. The Bush Administration has certainly given many a Blog writer, and comedian, plenty of material. Of course time is always a factor so many things go unsaid. Still, 100 is a big number and worth noting.

To celebrate this milestone, I think I will do a special series on a very personal topic that has dominated most of my life. I thank God every day that so far I have been spared HIV / AIDS. But even though I am not infected by this pandemic virus, my life has certainly been affected by it. I think I will do this in a series of three articles dealing with my past, the present and the future.

Please stay tuned as it may take me a little while to get all three done.

Fix it - and they will come (back)

I've waited several days to write this article because I wanted to see if my opinion changed. It hasn't.

The topic is New Orleans, and the fact that they managed to re-open the Super Dome. I ask myself many times this week which is more important - to bring commerce back to support the city or rebuild the homes destroyed by hurricane Katrina? I suppose it would be easy to say commerce is more important if you can afford a $100.00 ticket to the game and then drive or fly home to your own comfy bed. But ask someone who is still living in temporary housing, their families separated and spread across the USA, some without a home at all, and I bet the answer would be different.

Millions - possibly billions - were spent to repair the Super Dome. No doubt the sold out crowd generated millions of dollars as well - but how much of that went to help restore the community? Did the players donate part of their multi-million dollar salaries to the cause? Imagine what could be accomplished if the thousands of people who attend the game worked just a couple of hours before the game to help rebuild.

In my opinion, the poor people of New Orleans have been let down yet again. I understand the importance of fixing the Super Dome so it could possibly be used as a shelter again. But lets get our priorities straight. First get people back in their homes. Then have a big grand event to celebrate - and invite those people!

United We Stand - Divided We Fall

On this 5th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 I'm reminded of the irony that the terrorists actions united this country - and our President managed to divide it again.

We started a war we can't win.

Anyone who reads my Blog knows that I have been against the war in Iraq from the beginning, but while I do not support the war itself, I do support the troops fighting the war. Further, I believe that since we started this horrific war, we must complete the task. I think it would be extremely dangerous to simply pull our troops out without gaining stability in Iraq first.

But while watching "Real Time with Bill Mahar" the other day I realized what a huge problem this war has become. It has developed into nothing less than a civil war between the Sunni, Shi'ite, and Kurds and therefore America has been put in a very delicate situation. The only way to really "win" this war is to pick a side - but we simply can't do that. So what do we do?

I'm afraid I don't have the answer. I'm also afraid the Bush Administration doesn't have the answer either. I pray, for all the people involved including our own troops, that someone will come up with an answer very soon. And I pray that answer doesn't involve dropping more bombs.

You Think You Are Better Than Me?

Organized sports, along with beauty pageants, wars, and so called "Reality TV" are all examples of what I believe is a very bad human characteristic flaw. Why are people so obsessed with proving themselves or someone they like to be better than everyone else? Sports fans are the most interesting to me. "We Won!" the fans will scream when in fact "we" didn't do anything but pay a lot for a seat in a stadium while "they" actually played the game. And worse yet - many of those folks didn't even get up off their couch! The hatred against the opposing team is most disturbing. You are considered nothing less than a traitor if you support a team your friends don't like. Fights or even riots break out when the "other" team wins. But what does any of it really matter? Have the World Series Champs or their fans (of any year) saved any lives? Did the Super Bowl Champs or fans (of any year) help feed any hungry people? Did the NBA Champs or fans (of any year) cure a disease?

I have to admit I am not a sports fan and I'm often considered an outcast because of it. How is it possible that "The Big Game" is on every weekend? I just don't get it. In my opinion, sports should be for exercise or socializing with your family or friends. But it is very hard to be a gracious loser or a modest winner. Winners always gloat and losers always feel depressed.

I guess that's why I prefer non-competitive sports. Bicycling is my main form of exercise and I also enjoy kayaking, roller blading, gym training and swimming. I can do all of these things on my own without competing with anyone. When I'm done I feel great because I did the work, I got the exercise and I didn't have to prove myself to anyone.

Free To Be

Last night at the dance club I saw a "normal" looking dude descend a staircase in such a way that Dianna Ross might be proud - and he didn't even know anyone was watching. I guess I'm glad I'm not that gay, but God bless him for being himself.

Playing God

Personally I have not yet made a firm opinion on Stem Cell research because there is a fine line between science and morals. But President Bush's recent veto of a bill to allow federal funding of stem cell research makes that line kind of "wiggly".

He made his announcement of this veto at a gathering of families with children born of invitro-fertilization. Somehow, in our Presidents twisted Christian logic, it is ok to dig an embryo out of a human, manipulate it and put it back in order to create life - but it's not ok to do nearly the same thing to save a life. In my opinion this is exactly the same thing.

As technology continues to evolve there are going to be many times when we as humans will need to consider the question "because we can - does that mean we should?" That answer will always be deeply personal for everyone and based on their own set of circumstances. We must always remember that what is right for me might not be right for you. However, we should at least try to be consistent in our decisions - especially if we are creating laws that affect many other people.

I consider myself deeply Spiritual but also very scientific. Even writing this article was difficult because I'm torn in both directions. But, in my (not yet firm) opinion, death is a natural part of life and both should be allowed to occur naturally and in due course.

Another Reason I Hate Marketing

Toothpaste was on my shopping list and my supermarket has decided that I will have Colgate this time (I always buy what is on sale). But why are there so many versions of Colgate Total? Shouldn't "Total" include everything? They had "Total Whitening", "Total Tartar Control" etc. And I hate the fact that I have to choose between tartar control or whitening or fresh breath etc.. I want it all - Totally! Honestly, I don't believe any of this marketing nonsense anyway.

They should call it "Colgate Almost Everything with Whitening"

So What About Those Ports?

I for one have not forgotten about this very important issue - but it seems the rest of America has. And why not? After all, our President assured us it would be taken care of. But the fact is that NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE.

I did some Internet searches and the most recent article I could find on this topic was from June 19th. It was a transcript on Lou Dobbs Tonight (this topic is in the middle of the transcript). In short, the Dubai company has assumed management of the ports since March 6th, Congress has removed provisions that would prohibit the approval of that purchase, and the American public has been duped again. Our President assured us that this would be taken care of - most of us believed him and the subject was dropped. But the President was in favor of this agreement from the beginning so it's no surprise to me that he is quietly letting it continue.

America - WHERE IS YOUR RAGE?!

Every day I read some heated article on gay marriage - yet this topic of National Security is quietly brushed aside. People please get your attention out of my bedroom and into the Oval Office where the real important issues are!

Save Yourself First!

People need to concentrate on their own salvation and leave me alone to worry about mine.

Misdirected Consequences Continue

I can't help but think that had John Kerry been elected instead of "W" we would have concentrated on North Korea, a real threat to world peace, rather than Iraq.

Wait, Wait, Wait, Wait, Woo-hoo!

Vacation is a lot like an amusement park ride. You stand in line forever waiting and when you finally get on the ride it only lasts a few seconds.

How Long Is "Eternity"?

Why is it OK to dig up and open ancient tombs? The people of that time spent many hours - some their entire lives building elaborate tombs so that their beloved dead could rest in peace for all eternity. But after only several hundred or thousand years we just dig them up and open them to study. True, the information we gather about our past is invaluable - but it just seems so irreverent to me.

Maybe we should just leave them as they are until technology allows us to scan them without disturbing them. But perhaps an x-ray would be rather annoying to a mummy as well.

Personally, I don't believe the human body has much value after the Spirit has left it, but obviously some cultures do. Perhaps we should show more respect for them.

Stupid Terrorists

Today President Bush expressed his disgust over the leak in the press regarding tracking of financial data in the "war on terrorism". He said the leak to the press gave away our secret plan to foil the plans of the terrorists.

Now I do agree that we should keep some things secret in order to stay a step ahead. But does President Bush really believe that the terrorists didn't already know we were tracking their financial moves? Of course they already know that - and quite frankly I think most Americans already knew we were doing that. Our gripe on this matter is that they MUST operate within the law or they are violating our basic rights.

Terrorists are not stupid. If the President really believes that then it's no wonder we can't seem to get the upper hand. I think that Iraq has clearly proven that arrogance does not win a war.

Not Just a "Gay" Thing

As an openly gay man, I find that I often end up having to do both the "boy" chores and the "girl" chores when it comes to family gatherings. But wait - my sisters were helping load the trees on the truck too. And those steaks and Philly sandwiches prepared by my sister's husbands were just delightful!

Maybe it's not a "gay" thing after all!

Thirsty?

I am really not the vengeful type, but I have to admit a certain satisfaction watching all these huge SUVs pulling up to the gas pump. Most of the people who drive these beasts are the ones that voted for Bush / Cheney. More importantly, most of those SUVs are driving around with one person in them. Surely a smaller vehicle would suffice in most of these cases. Its this type of selfish behavior that has caused a shortage of supply - if indeed there is a shortage. If there isn't a shortage now, there certainly will be one in the near future if people don't stop driving these wasteful monsters.

Homemade Hooey

While out driving just now I saw a truck with a large logo painted on the side that read:

Working Cow
Old Fashioned Homemade Ice Cream

Am I supposed to believe that this product was not made in a factory of some sort? I just find it hard to believe that someone at home made a whole truck full of ice cream. In my opinion, the word "Homemade" is one of the most incorrectly used words in our culture.

Overkill

There is too much technology in toothbrushes and tennis shoes.

Be Careful The Company You Keep

I had jury duty this week and was selected for a trial. I can talk about it now because the case is over but I will still be vague as to the complete nature of the crime. However, I feel the need to share this valuable lesson I learned while working on this case.

The Defendant in this case was what you would consider an accessory to the crime - although they used other terms in the actual proceedings. The person who committed the actual crime was a friend of the Defendant and they hung out together a lot. I don't doubt that the Defendant in our case probably knew that the other man was of questionable character but they remained friends none the less.

We the Jury listened to all the evidence in the case and there was a lot, but it dealt almost entirely with the main person who committed the crime. In fact there was not one piece of evidence presented to us that proved that the Defendant knew anything about the crime before it happened. It appeared to us that he had the misfortune of being asked to drive a car to the scene to pick up the other person who actually was committing the crime. Having no evidence presented that he knew of the crime before hand, we found the Defendant innocent of the charges.

Here is the kicker: We found out after the case was closed that the Defendant in our case had spent the last three years of his life in jail. He was arrested at the scene and it took 3 years for his case to come to trial. Three years!! That is very upsetting to me and I'm sure even more upsetting to him. But it did send a wake-up call to me, and hopefully anyone who might read this.

Be mindful of the people you associate with. If you feel a person is of questionable character, listen to that voice in your head and always think twice before you offer to help them.

If you can't say anything nice.....

Oh my, it's been almost a month since my last post where I promised to try to be more positive in my Blog. Either I don't have anything good to say or I have just been very busy. Truth be told it's a little of both. But let's give this positive attitude thing a try.

I've noticed that since gas prices have gone out of control that my commute to work is much smoother! It seems there is not as much traffic since people can't afford the gas. And perhaps the carpool idea just might be gaining some new respect which is great news for the environment.

Some more good news, the Presidents poll numbers continue to plummet which means that people are finally starting to realize, after only 5 years or so, that our nation is not headed in the right direction.

And here is some good news in nature: Every year in April my huge mahogany tree drops all it's leaves and grows a new set within a week. This process is usually a huge mess for the whole block. However, since Hurricane Wilma took a big chunck out of the tree - the leaf drop was very manageable this year. And only half as many leaves ended up in the pool!

Well, nobody can say I didn't try. But I'm pretty sure that sarcasm does not equal a positive attitude. I'll keep trying.

Let's Try Something More Positive

I created this blog a while back to vent my frustrations about things that are happening in the world - mostly in politics. The Bush Administration has given me many reasons to be frustrated. But I've found that "venting" doesn't really help me and I'm not sure it helps anyone else either. I get more frustrated writing the article and then it makes me think of more things that bother me that are mostly out of my control. I find myself driving home at night thinking of blog articles I want to write (most of which I forget later) and by the time I get home I'm all stressed out.

Today I was reading my Sister's blog which is a collection of positive, self help type articles. It made me realize that what I need to do is stop complaining and try to create change by positive thinking. This will probably not be easy for me to do at first but I'm going to give it a try.

I would like to continue to comment on things that I find of concern, but there must be a better way to word it so that they are based on positive thinking. I'm excited by the concept - let's see what I can do!

Steps to a Successful Murder / Suicide Plot

Step 1. Suicide

End.

How Democrats Can Win

I watch two political comedy shows that I find very funny, entertaining and even informative. They are "Real Time with Bill Mahr" and "The Daily Show" with John Stewart. Both of these shows have political guests that are mostly supportive of the Democratic party.

A central theme has developed on these shows since the last presidential election. They suggest that the Democrats need to get some "balls" and become more like Republicans in their political strategy. This is a bad move in my opinion. Republicans are better at politics true - but politics is a dirty game. Republicans win because they twist the truth, have more money to spend and as our current investigations are proving, are corrupt and fraudulent. That's not what the Democrats are or what we should become.

The Democrats are fine the way they are. We actually are what the Republicans claim to be. We are a kinder, gentler group of people. We have actual faith in God rather than blind religion. We believe in less government and personal privacy and true freedom. We are not Hippocrates and thieves. We believe in equal opportunity for all - not just a certain group of people. We are pro-people, not pro-corporation. We do not need to change these good values.

So what do we need to do to win elections? One thing - get people in our party to vote! For all the positive characteristics I mentioned above we have one mighty flaw. So many in our party expect someone else to get things done. But the job is up to each of us. We must ALL get out and vote.

I believe that the number of people who support the Democratic theology far outnumber the conservative Republicans. John Kerry, while not my first choice, would have made a fine president and I think a lot of people supported him. The problem was not a weak candidate. The problem was weak voters.

That is where we need to put our effort and money - to get people in the Democratic party to get out and vote. Of course we also need a good strong person to vote for - but not one who acts like a Republican.

An Army of None

President Bush has said that to question the progress and/or motivation for the war in Iraq sends the wrong signal to the troops who are over there fighting the war. I have another question. What kind of signal are you sending to potential recruits when people that should be fired are not? Several retired top military officials are calling for Rumsfeld to resign and President Bush ignores those suggestions saying he believes he is doing a good job. Rumsfeld is clearly a failure in his position and should have been fired years ago. He continues to lead in the wrong direction and apparently that is just fine with "W".

If I were a young man / woman considering a future with the military, I'd have a big problem with that.

Imagine if Enron were still around with the same management, doing the same wrong things with the same bad results. How many executives would be lining up to join that company? How many stockholders would support that? Of course that can't happen in business because once people know - they won't buy that stock. If that were true in politics Bush would have never been re-elected.

Port Hole

Any word yet on which American company is taking over the Port management we didn't allow the United Arab Emirates to buy? Anyone?

Why isn't the media asking this question? Are we better off now? Are we safer? Who is it? I want to know.

"Gay" By Any Other Name

I had an interesting e-mail conversation with my good friend Toine tonight regarding the term "Same Gender Loving". It's a phrase that is being accepted in the black community rather than the word "Gay". I first commented on this in my article called "The Other List". Toine, being black and at least partially Same Gender Loving is a good person to have this conversation with because he sees the other perspective. Here are some excerpts from our conversation:

D - I’m reading the newsletter from the Bishop . (a local e-mail list) I’m irritated that the blk gay folk now want to use the term “Same Gender Loving” as if “gay” only refers to wht folk. I also found that term being used in Clique magazine. I hate all these labels and acronyms.

T - I read the newsletter. I don’t know why/when blk gay folk started using that term. I don’t think Same Gender Loving people think "gay" refers to wht folk. I think they may be trying to make the point that when the term is used, is mainly associated with wht folk.

D - I thought it was associated with gay folk.

T - Not according to some Same Gender Loving folk.

D - Well homosexual is homosexual no matter what word(s) you use. It’s difficult to be politically correct when the terms keep changing. And the terms keep changing because people don’t want to be who they are. But you can only change the term – you can’t change who you are.

T - The point is that it probably has more to do with race and being accepted into the larger "gay" society than it has to do with sexual orientation.

D - If a dude got more than one dik in him – he gay. LOL

T - LOL I think you’re still missing the point. It’s not about being just gay. It's about being colored and being accepted into the larger gay, i.e. white, society. There is a distinction.

D - I don’t think there should be a distinction (even though I agree there is one). But if there is a distinction – it rests totally on the side of the blk folk in my opinion. No wht person would say you can’t be gay because you are not wht. Why can’t everyone use the same words? It doesn’t really make sense to me. Further – if gay blk folk are Same Gender Loving – then so am I and all those other gays. Will the blk gays get offended if we also use that term?

T - Everyone says that they don’t think that there should be a distinction but yet there still is. Go figure. I don’t think its accurate to say that the perception lies solely with blk folk. Something perpetuates the distinction. If you don’t think so, consider this as an example. Why is it that a wht guy can be "ok" with having sex with a blk guy, as long as his friends don’t know, but not be comfortable dating a blk guy? I know the opposite is also true but the root cause of that is based on race and what the larger society thinks.

D - Well all that I can agree with 100%. So do you think using “Same Gender Loving” instead of “Gay” breaks down that distinction or perpetuates it?

T - I don’t think its meant to do either. I think one of the points was to come up with something that allows Same Gender Loving folk to not have to look to the larger gay society to define themselves. However, I wasn't at the Same Gender Loving People meeting so that's only my best guess.

No Hero

As I've said before, I am against Capital Punishment, but there is a better reason not to execute Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person being charged in this country in connection with 9/11.

Right now he can be viewed as a failure because he did not complete his mission of terror. If we were to execute him for his crimes he could then be viewed as a martyr by those who support his cause. Being alive is worse than death for this type of terrorist. We shouldn't help him complete his mission.

The Straw

You're slightly past over weight, you appear to be trans-gendered, and you chose to wear a thong bikini to the beach. I can almost forgive all of that. But did you have to wear it inside out?! My OCD won't let me past that little tag.

Netflix Sukz

When Netflix first came out I thought it was the coolest thing since microwave ovens. Pay $19.95 a month (at the time) and you get 3 movies to watch whenever you want - keep them as long as you want - and when you are done send it back and they will send the next one on your list. It was easy, fast and convenient. I raved about the service and got several family members and friends to join the service as well.

Several other companies got into the business and Netflix decided to lower their rate by several dollars in order to compete. Great! Only I started to notice that the movies were taking longer to get to me than they were in the past and I wasn't getting my first choice very often. For a while I chalked that slowness up to the post office until I read an article about a practice Netflix was using called "throttling". Netflix decided they could make more money if they slowed down the amount of movies you receive because they would save the postage. They do this for people who view a lot of movies. They prefer those customers who pay the membership dues and then only rent 1 or 2 movies a month. How's that for customer service?!

Well I think it SUKZ! I canceled my membership and joined Blockbuster.com instead. Pretty much the same deal but hopefully they won't manipulate my account in such a way. I'm guessing Blockbuster values their best customers and will treat their accounts with respect.

Netflix had a good thing going - but their greed will be their ruin.

Republican Slavery

The new immigration policy which would (eventually) allow some illegal immigrants to gain citizenship seems an unlikely cause for the Bush administration. But it's totally Republican if you read between the lines. Bush argues that these people are needed in this country to do the jobs Americans are unwilling to do.

Here is the real motivation. Big business does not want to pay a rate that would make Americans willing to do the job. It is in the interest of business to let illegal immigrants stay here and work for terrible wages while businesses increase profits.

There is no job Americans are not willing to do - for the right price.

Schplop!

My friend and I (both new car owners) are convinced that birds simply love the sound their droppings make when it hits a vehicle. After all, how often do you see bird crap on the ground?

You Can't Win If You Don't Play

True - You can't win if you don't play.

But it only takes one to win. I always buy two - one for me and one for my spouse. Since I don't have a spouse right now I guess that's two for me!

I get so irritated waiting in the line for my two lottery tickets. There is always someone in front that is ordering every type of ticket they have. They are spending more on their tickets than I was hoping to win!

Ports Saved?

Well it seems a lot of people thought the Dubai Port deal was a bad idea. We have all been assured that the port management will now be bought by an American company. But why will nobody say who that company is? Something smells fishy.

The managment of the ports is only a minor part of this issue. The real issue that came up once again is that very few containers are ever inspected which is a huge national security risk. But for some reason the Bush Admin. doesn't seem concerned about it. That's just plain stupid.

God Help Us

I sincerely hope I am being an alarmist with this post.

The world is in a really bad spot right now. It seems we are teetering on the edge of a world war. I don't think a lot of people here in America realize how bad the situation is. The Muslim community is very large and already seriously mad at the United States due to the problems in Iraq which is on the verge of a civil war. Now the fury grows with the Danish cartoon that brought offensive to the Muslim beliefs. Tensions are rising and the situation grows worse every day. Something needs to be done fast to avoid a potentially terrible situation.

I urge everyone to pray for peace. Pray for understanding and tolerance. Pray that tempers will be cooled. Pray to whatever God you were thought to believe or choose to believe. Despite my rants on extremists, I believe in prayer. Without some divine help, we are all in serious trouble.

Port Deal - Bad Deal

I am all for free trade and a global marketplace - but this deal sends red flags in my head.

The Bushes, Cheneys and other people involved with big oil companies may be good friends with the Unites Arab Emirates, but I don't believe the UAE are friends of the American people - they literally have us over a barrel with oil prices. So I was shocked when I read last Sunday that 6 major ports in the USA were sold to the UAE. But I am absolutely stunned by the fact that our President and Congress didn't know about the sale until after it was already approved. I am further flabbergasted that the President supports the deal. And as details come out it seems more and more of a secret deal that is possibly illegal and bypassed proper checks and balances.

Personally, I had no idea that the ports were already run by a British company. Doesn't it just seem odd? But regardless of that fact, it just seems really unusual that of all the companies in the world, a UAE company would be the new buyer.

These major ports are the back door - maybe even the front door to the USA. The fact that these ports are already poorly regulated and shipments seldom inspected was one of the main focus points of John Kerry's presidential run. It is an extremely vulnerable area to the United States security. And now our President thinks it is just fine that they will be controlled by an organization that has specific ties to 9/11.

Unbelievable.

Mother Earth Has the Flu

Mother Earth has been infected with an invasive virus that is making her mighty sick. The name of the virus is called Humans. The infection can be seen as sort of a rash made visible especially at night.

Her natural immune systems are working hard to fight this infection. She has a slight fever which is setting into motion other disease fighting actions - storms, floods, fires, droughts - all in an effort to rid herself of these invasive pests.

It's a far fetched theory - and one I did not think of - but it does make sense. If we want Mother Earth to stop fighting us, we need to learn to live in a non-invasive manner. Protect Mother Earth and she will protect us.

Healthcare is Big Business

Today while on the treadmill at the gym I watched the President give a press conference where he spoke on the problems with our health care system. He spoke of cuts that need to be made to make the system work better. But this is the wrong approach in my opinion.

Here is the problem with our health care system in a nutshell. The pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals seriously over charge for their products. The insurance companies refuse to cover it - so they pass those extra costs on to the patients in higher co-pays or simply refuse to cover certain things at all. By not covering certain things they deem as overpriced, they are second guessing the physicians and now the patients are not getting the care their doctor recommends. Those are big problems and making cuts to the patients benefits is not going to solve the problem.

The problem needs to be addressed at the top - not the bottom. These giant corporations should be regulated much like an electric utility is. If the cost of drugs and physician care would come within a reasonable realm, the rest of it would likely fall into place. But don't expect that to happen while the current administration is in power. These huge corporations are big supporters of the GOP because they support big business. So, as is always with the republican philosophy, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer and the sick get sicker - or die.

The Arrogance of Cheney Astounds

Today Vice President Cheney took full blame for accidentally shooting his friend while hunting. A nice gesture but totally not necessary. I don't think anyone is blaming anyone for what was clearly an accident. But the Vice President continues to stand by his delayed reaction to reporting this accident to his boss and the American people.

I'm not at all surprised. This man is evil. He clearly lives by a policy held by a lot of top ranking Republicans that they can do no wrong - no matter how wrong they are. But standing firm on your bad decisions does not make them right.

These officials need to realize that they were elected by the American people (not me) and as such, we are their employers. They DO need to report their actions and they DO need to follow the will of the American people - at least the ones that voted for them.

This arrogance has got us in a heap of trouble in Iraq (remember "shock and awe"?), the Abu Gharib prison scandal and a (big) list of other issues. It needs to stop now!

Response to "Lost"

I never knew my oldest sister was so wise, but she has done a lot of research to support her book "Directed Dreaming" and Blog on how to achieve success in life. When she read my last posting "Lost" she had the following to say about the power of positive thinking:

-------------------

Here's your problem. You need to QUIT worrying about that "thing" you think you should be doing (and even telling yourself there is a thing), it's driving you nuts, and how do you know you're not already doing it? You help tons of people each day in your job, so maybe you are already making a difference and doing that thing.

Change this thinking to: I know that I am doing exactly what I need to do to make a difference. Word it so that it makes sense to you in a positive way.

----------------------------------


Every night before I go to bed, I say a few things, I won't tell you all of them, but here are the most important.

I believe that I am Divinely Guided
I believe that I will always make the right decisions.
I believe that God will make a way where there is no way.

------------------------------------


Try these for once, and stop stressing!

Lost

I'm nearly 41 years old. Shouldn't I have some idea what I want to do with my life? I've always had a feeling that I have something important to do in my lifetime - I just wish I knew what that was. Oh - and I hope it pays well.

Use Your Turn Signal Every Time

Even if - no - Especially if you don't think anyone will see it.

Tax the Churches

Religious conservatives don't understand the importance of seperation of church and state and I've touched on this topic before. It's a very important concept to understand and one only needs to look at the horrors in other countries that do rule by their concept of God's will to see exactly why it is important (think suicide bombers as martyrs).

Our country seems to be swiftly marching down that same destructive path and it needs to stop. However, if these religious conservatives don't understand the concept then it's high time we start taxing the churches. Churches shouldn't get to run the country and also remain tax free. Imagine how that would help the deficits!

Seriously though - it simply can't work. Which church should make the rules? Ask 10 people in 10 different states and you will probably get 10 different answers. And possibly one of those would agree that suicide bombers are an excelent way to make a point. Another would agree that everyone should have 5 wives.

Let Law be Law and God be God.

Humans as Microbes

Did you ever notice that it doesn't matter if you are using a telescope, or a microscope you can see nearly the same thing? At the atomic level you see electrons rotating around a nucleus which are rotating around even smaller particles. In space we see moons rotating around planets rotating around stars rotating around black holes etc.

As a child looking into the dark sky of South Dakota I was amazed to be able to see our own Milky Way galaxy overhead. I couldn't imagine there were so many objects in space! In my adult life I've learned that our galaxy is only one of millions of other galaxies that are rotating around their centers and around other objects.

It seems the further we can look out into space the more there is to discover! Will we ever see to the end of it? I doubt we ever will. But the idea of the similarity between really tiny objects and ever increasing larger objects make me think that it could be possible that the earth might be only a part of a much larger object - like an atom is part of a larger object. Maybe all those galaxies are really something like electrons providing energy to this larger object.

It's really mind boggling to think in this manner, but it occurs to me that the "big picture" might be way bigger than we typically think. I only hope that when we die we get all the answers to these questions. And I also hope we are part of something really cool. But then that cool thing will probably only be part of something else.

Headache.

My Car Supports Bush/Cheney - But I Don't

It took only a hint that a hurricane might hit to send gas prices soaring even before the storms stuck. But the storms have passed and most of the damage has been repaired, high driving season is over and yet gas prices continue their rise. Surely there MUST be a reason for the high prices - right?

There is. Your President, Vice President and a cast of political friends are in the business and profiting greatly. There really is no good excuse for the out of control prices - there certainly is no shortage. The oil companies have reported record profits in the billions. It's revolting.

I'm sure glad I didn't fall into that SUV trap.

I'm no economist so I invite discussion if you don't agree.

What's in a Word?

Words are very powerful. Just one can make a big difference. Extremist politicians like to change a word to benefit their cause and sometimes it takes only one. By changing the word "Equal" to the word "Special" they have gained a big following because nobody thinks homosexuals should have "special" rights. Neither do I.

The truth is that we want EQUAL RIGHTS - nothing more and certainly nothing less.

Mutts are People Too

This is sort of a follow up to my entry entitled Put the Children First, only this time it deals with pets.

My Ex invited me to visit the other day and see the new puppy he had given his boyfriend for Christmas. It was a beautiful Boston Terrier that was just delightful and fun. But I was surprised that my ex would spend that kind of money on a pure breed dog. Back when we were together we always considered rescuing a dog that was homeless instead - or maybe that was just me.

Pure Breed dogs are wonderful and I have nothing against them. My only point is that there are so many pets in shelters every day that are put to sleep for lack of homes. I wish more people would consider adopting one of these animals rather than paying big money for the pure breed animal.

I'm proud to say that in my adult life I have rescued 3 mixed breed dogs who have been wonderful companions that I wouldn't have traded for the world. Thankfully even gay folk can legally adopt a pet!

Preaching to the Choir

I'd like to make a positive difference in this world - possibly through my Blog. But it occurred to me that people really only read things they already agree with. So I decided to make a point of reading something that differs with my point of view. My Supervisor at work, who is the political opposite of me, had this book carefully placed in her office so I thought I'd take a look. The name of the book is "The Enemy Within" by Michael Savage.

I only got about 20 pages in and couldn't continue. What a Nazi that dude is! I sincerely hope all Republicans are not that off base.

This short literary adventure didn't change my mind or make me lean any further to the right. But, despite a bad choice here, I still want to read things I don't necessarily agree with - and I hope other people do too.

A Personal Message to Pat Robertson

Dear Pat,

Since you are always looking for signs from God in ordinary events, How about this one:

Hardly any church steeples survived the winds of Hurricane Wilma. Most of them are not back up yet. Isn't that interesting?

Why do Hospitals have to advertise?

Sticks and Stones

You may have noticed on my previous post "Racism on the Flip Side" that I did not use politically correct terms. Actually, I did start to put them in but it got weird so I change it back. Native American Reservation just didn't sound right to me having grown up there and I've always been against the term African American because a lot of people of color do not come from Africa and may not even be Americans.

In most cases I do try to be politically correct but it can be quite difficult and frustrating. I think people today have just gotten too sensitive. Others have gone completely overboard trying not to offend anybody. Plus, the proper word or phrase changes too frequently. In my opinion, as long as you try your best not to offend someone, stay away from the obvious hurtful words, and chill out when someone makes an honest mistake it should be ok.

A gentle reminder of the word or phrase you prefer is ok too, but keep in mind that your word might not fit everyone. Also note that any word can hurt if used in hate. It's really more about semantics than words.

A previous co-worker's young child once said something that I found very amusing. Why do white people call us colored she asked, when they turn red when they are mad, pale when they are sick or blue when they are cold? I love the way children think!

Racism on the Flip Side

I'm against discrimination and racism in any form and I often speak out about it. But I'm not only an activist - I'm frequently a victim and I've dealt with these situations my entire life. I guess it's because I'm often found in places that people like me usually are not.

I grew up on an Indian Reservation and was the only full blood white male in my graduating class. I endured a lot of situations and name calling that some of my younger sisters were not able to tolerate. For me I think it was a good learning experience. But that was years ago and I no longer live there.

My current situation is worse - because we are now adults. You see I am a gay man who happens to be mostly attracted to black men. I also go to gay hip hop clubs because I love the music and of course I like the guys that go there. Most of the guys in those clubs don't speak to me because they are interested in other black men and that is fine. But occasionally I will run into someone I've met previously in another setting - some of them I've known for a while. But when they see me in the club they want to act like they don't know me. I guess it's sort of "un-cool" to be associated with the white guy in a mostly black club. I do have a problem with that. I usually try to find a way to point it out to the person later on, which they usually deny. But it has happened so frequently to me that I know it is real and not imagined.

It's sad to me that people who have also dealt with racism and discrimination their whole lives would take part in it themselves. We ALL need to get past this and I urge people to speak out when they see things like this happening. Bringing it to the surface makes people think and could possibly bring about change.

Cliche Phrases I Try to Live By

• Today is the first day of the rest of your life
• Live life to the fullest
• All things in moderation (it's not a contradiction to the one above)
• Take nothing but pictures - Leave nothing but footprints
• Waste not - Want not
• What comes around - goes around
• Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
• Love thy neighbor
• Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today (unless it's a sunny beach day)
• A sunny beach day takes all the work away (ok - I made that one up)

And occasionally:

• Eat, Drink and be Mary (it's not a typo)

Put the Children First

I've said before that God works in mysterious ways. But sometimes its not really that mysterious and makes perfect sense - if we look at the situation with an unbiased mind.

Doesn't it seem probable that God created childless couples - both straight and gay - to take care of the children that are unwanted by other people? Why do people go to such extremes with fertility clinics etc. when there are so many children that need a good home? Everyone wants a child of their own and I think that is a bit selfish.

Furthermore, the adoption process in this country is overly complicated and slow. Nobody spends that much time interviewing teenagers or other married couples before they have a baby naturally. I agree care should be taken not to put a child in a situation that would be harmful, but the process should not be so strict and lengthy. Each day a child spends without a loving home makes a negative impact on that little life.

Finally, not only should gays be allowed to marry like every other citizen of this country, they should be allowed to legally adopt children if they qualify. And those qualifications should be exactly the same as any other person or couple who is trying to adopt. I personally know several gay couples that have raised children as foster parents from infancy to young adults. Those children are well balanced, intelligent, and no different than children raised by straight parents. Yet I live in one of those backward states (Florida) that could remove those children from their foster parents at any time. That is not only unfair - it's cruel.

We need to think about the children and put them first - not our own selfish desires or political or religious hang-ups.

Patriot Act BS

The White House is twisting reality around again to promote their agenda. I'm referring to the current debate over the Patriot Act.

I would like to remind my gentle readers that numerous probes and inquiry's have proven that there was no lack of information that lead up to the 9/11 attack. There were plenty of clues. The problem was the lack of communication between various Government agencies - through several Administrations. We need to resolve those communication gaps in order to prevent another tragedy.

The Patriot Act, on the other hand, does not rest well with me. Personally, I have always been the type of person that has nothing to hide. But the provisions of the Patriot Act are seriously invading a person's right to privacy. And what will they do with all this personal information? I can only imagine it will somehow help big business pad their bottom line. This administration has used 9/11 as an excuse for many political gains and I think the Patriot Act is just another example.

The Government does not have the right to know every detail of our lives. And despite our seriously off balance administration, I hope our good Politicians can recognize that fact and edit the Patriot Act into a useful but non-intrusive article.

Happy 2006!

I can tell it's a new year - not because I woke with a headache or flipped the calendar - the evidence is at the gym. I hate going to the gym right after New Years. It was packed today with people who had clearly made resolutions to get back in shape. Sadly I know that in a couple of weeks I won't be waiting for machines anymore.

I applaud those that made a resolution to get back into shape, I only wish people would stick with it. Having done a little traveling to other countries, I can report that Americans are by far the most out of shape. In my opinion there is nothing more important than taking care of your body - you simply can not live without it.

Good health should not be a resolution that fades after a couple of weeks - it should be a lifetime commitment. However, a resolution is a good place to start and for those who may read this with that resolution in mind, I wish you a lifetime of good health. If you can stick with it regularly (that is the key) for at least a month, you will more than likely be hooked.

I wish everyone a Blessed, Happy and Healthy 2006!

Peace On Earth

It seems like Peace on Earth is a far off fantasy and that human kind are incapable of getting along with each other.

Well I don't believe that. I believe it is an obtainable goal if people could learn to put their differences aside and celebrate diversity rather than try to force other people to be like them.

We should try Peace - for a change.

I'll have 2 eggs over easy with ham and a new car please.

Can someone please explain how these three Senate items got grouped together?

• Money to support our troops
• Money to help Hurricane Katrina victims
• Approval of the Arctic Oil Plan

This is not only crazy but reeks of dishonesty. The only way I can think of for grouping these three items (and more) together is to try to pass something that would unlikely pass on its own. This practice has to stop and should be outlawed - especially for big ticket items like these. Each of these items should be voted on separately. To group them together is wasteful and political BS.

I applaud our Senators for (narrowly) defeating this bill.

Bad Cord Luck

I suffer from a condition I've decided to call "Bad Cord Luck". Let me explain:

Whenever I go to pull a garden hose, extension cord or anything else that could possibly get caught on something - it absolutely will get caught. It is no longer a question of "if" it will get caught but more likely what will it get caught on? There have even been times when I'm winding something up and there clearly is nothing around that could impede my progress. In that case the item somehow gets caught up in itself. Tangled messes are a daily occurrence for me.

This is especially evident during the Holidays with all the light strings, extension cords, garland, and don't even get me started on tinsel. After realizing this pattern in my life I've decided to find it "interesting". It also extends to other parts of my life. Traffic lights - always red. Checkout line at the store? You can rest assured the tape will run out or they will change shifts just as I approach.

I only have myself to blame for all this. Some years ago I prayed for patience. I've heard that God works in mysterious ways and I guess bad cord luck = lots of patience!

Vote for President Bush?

Today I saw a bumper sticker that read:

Support
PRESIDENT BUSH
and the Troops

Interesting how a President in his second term would need to continue to campaign. Personally, I think there should be a law that says a president may not be elected unless they receive 2/3 of the vote. It's dangerous (and a little sad) that half the country doesn't support their own president. We need to elect people who are more politically "middle of the road" instead of a person who aligns hard right or hard left.

A Life Of Death

Today the state of California executed Stanley Tookie Williams after over 20 years on Death Row. His execution is surrounded by controversy and rightly so. But I'm not going to comment on his guilt or weather he was rehabilitated or not. Rather I'd like to comment on the length of time he spent with a sentence of death on his head.

As I've said before, I do not support capital punishment - but if our laws support it why should it take so long? It makes sense to me that no one should be sentenced to death unless they are absolutely, 100% without-a-doubt guilty. In that case, it seems inhumane to keep a person waiting over 20 years for that eminent execution to occur. In my opinion, once the sentence of death is given - it should occur with 24 hours.

Over There

Once again, President Bush said in a speech today : "Our short-term objective is to stay on the hunt and bring the killers to justice before they hurt us again." "I'd rather be defeating them there than face them here at home." (excerpt from USA Today)

Meanwhile, earlier this week the 911 commission gave the USA a failing grade on their effort to combat terrorism here at home.

There is a HUGE problem with this theory: Where is "over there"? Currently, I suppose, it is in Iraq, or some other middle eastern country. But they are not the only country with disrespect for the United States. That list changes all the time and is growing very fast under the direction of our current Administration.

Republicans are always saying that Democrats "just don't get it". Here is what they don't get: If you focus on protecting our country OVER HERE, then you are protecting the country from ALL the threats. The number one priority in this country should be protecting us from terrorism right here - right now.

Empty Alters

So the new Pope thinks that homosexuals shouldn't be priests. Good luck with that! Personally, I don't think the problem is with homosexuals, I think the problem is with celibacy. It is un-natural for a human being (or any being) to suppress their sexuality. Doing so only creates sexually frustrated people who will eventually act on that frustration - regardless of their sexual identity.

This is a clear case of treating a symptom and ignoring the cause.

Just for the record, I do have a theory on why there are so many homosexual priests in the Catholic Church. The church teaches that homosexual conduct is not acceptable and so homosexuals must remain celibate. If a person is condemned to a life of celibacy, why not just become a priest? I can speak on some authority about this topic because it nearly happened to me. I thought of becoming a priest once for just that reason. Thankfully I realized that celibacy is a ridiculous notion and so I didn't become a priest. However, I was an alter boy for many years and never once was inappropriately touched by a priest - many of whom I'm sure were homosexual. So either there are many good homosexual priests, or I was just a really unattractive alter boy.

What's the Plan?

I find it hard to believe that most of the people who supported the Iraq war from beginning are now the ones screaming that we should pull our troops out immediately. It is a ridiculous notion that we could turn a country upside down for whatever reason and then just leave while they are still in turmoil.

No. Now that we have started this mess, we MUST finish it. While we do not need an abrupt end to the support from our troops, what we do need is a plan, or more specifically - goals. I think setting a timetable is a very good idea.

A timetable of some sort will help everyone understand where we are headed. It would help the troops feel like they are not fighting an endless war. And it would help the Americans (and the world) see what progress is made toward that particular goal. But this is where I think President Bush has a problem with the concept.

The President does not want to put a timetable on our actions because it could look very bad for him if we do not accomplish that goal. He has admitted no fault up to this point, but putting a timetable in place and possibly not meeting it would clearly show a failure of sorts. He can't risk that. And so it goes on and on and on with no end in sight.

Goals are good. The President should swallow his pride and set up a timetable for our actions. Doing so would not mean we would suddenly stop supporting Iraq at the end of the stated time, but merely give us all something to shoot for (pardon the pun).

Santa Is a Jew

I saw Santa Clause today. Well I thought it was him anyway - he certainly looked the part. He wasn't wearing his usual Holiday attire, in fact he was in normal business clothes, but he looked exactly like Santa - except for the yamaka.

I guess it makes sense. After all, Jesus was Jewish so why not Santa Clause? The fact that Jesus was Jewish is a fact most people ignore, along with the fact that he was also Middle
Eastern. The ironic part is that if Jesus were physically alive today most "Christians" wouldn't want to associate with him. They would more likely ask him to get off the plane.

I'm not sure if I even have a point in this post. These thoughts just occurred to me today after I saw Santa in a yamaka.

Chicken Soup for AIDS

It will be very interesting to see how quickly they can develop a vaccine for the possible Bird Flu pandemic. A lot of money is already being spent on the mere possibility that it could happen. Meanwhile, AIDS continues to kill thousands of people every day. These viruses cannot be that different - except for the fact that the Bird Flu threatens white heterosexuals as much as those "other" people.

Screw the Poor, Old and Sick

As if in an immediate response to my entry yesterday http://denbec.blogspot.com/2005/11/billion-here-billion-there.html, The Senate approved a budget today that cuts 36 billion in spending. Surely they cut some frivolous spending on minor programs - right?

Of course not. Here is what they cut according to USA Today On-line:

"The bill, passed by a 52-47 vote, makes mild cuts to the health care programs for the elderly, poor and disabled, but leaves the food stamp program untouched. "

That is incredibly revolting.

Power to the Man

Power was finally restored to my house today - 11 days after Hurricane Wilma. What a blessing!

A Billion Here - A Billion There

Spend, Spend, Spend - The Bush administration seems to be very good at it. Got an endless war? Throw 80 Billion a year at it. Earthquake overseas - throw some billions there (we should of course). A possible bird flu pandemic - it's ok - we got billions! Spending is easy - but where is this money coming from? Certainly not from increased taxes - perish the thought! There is an easier way - just borrow it!

I wonder what would happen if I quit my job and just charged everything? That's basically what the Bush administration is doing to this country.

Ask anyone who is trying to recover from serious credit card debt how their life is - they will tell you they are miserable. No one will give you any new credit and you pay outrageous fees on all the debt you do have. You can't get ahead because every time you try to buy something - you have to pay such a high interest rate. Plus things start to break and can't be fixed. It's not fun at all.

This country is in the same situation and will be for many years to come. America needs to get a better job! Either that or win the lottery. But that never worked for me.

A very big THANK YOU

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who is helping out down here in South Florida trying to get us back to a functioning city(s). It is a tremendous task and I see a lot of people working long hours in all parts of the effort.

Your work has not gone unnoticed!

Hard Habits

Ten days without power following hurricane Wilma and I'm still hitting that bathroom light switch every time.

Total Misunderstanding

I took offense to governor Bush's statement that we should have been better prepared for the storm. He is correct that we should all have enough food and water for several days - and some people don't prepare as they should. But I did. I had enough food and water and gas for about a week and so did most people that I talked to in the lines. But the number one priority within 24 hours of the storm is ICE! Without it - everything in the refrigerator and freezer spoils within about 24 hours. We simply can not store ice. FEMA should be aware that food and water are very important - but time is of the essence when it comes to Ice. Make helicopter drops if necessary.

How sweet it is!

My roommate picked up a couple of hurricane relief packs [presumably] distributed by FEMA. Thankfully, we have had plenty of food so far but he was curious, and so was I, what were in them.

As it turns out - nothing that would support life for long. Juice, Jello, sugar, sugar and more sugar. There was a can of raviolies, but that was the only thing that an adult might be able to eat - especially one with blood sugar issues like mine (hypoglycemic).

Is this what is considered proper nutrition? Even in an emergency - no - especially in an emergency, people need proper nutrition to help get through the mess. How many fallen trees can I cut up on a sugar buzz? It wouldn't last for long.

If the food packs were not from FEMA - I thank those agencies that did supply them. Even if they were from FEMA - thanks are in order. But some consideration should be given to what goes in them. Real nutrition is what disaster victims need to get through the ordeal.

Some Hurricane Wilma questions from my sister and answers

Sisters questions:

Oh boy, thanks for the update, those trees look really bad! That would definitely be hard to wait 4 hours for ice -- I can't even imagine.. . Wasn't that a Category 3 by the time it got to you? I thought the others were much higher, but it seems like this one did more damage. Things are probably just getting worn down with all the thrashing they've taken this year. You must have electric at work huh? Why don't you just bring a cot in and stay there -- if you're being forced to work anyway -- just a thought.

Love You!

Glad to hear you're hanging in there! Mom said you could always move back in with her :-)

Answer:

There is some debate about how strong the storm was here but the general consensus is that it was a Cat 3 when it went over us. Katrina and Rita were both Cat. 1 storms when they hit us but were much stronger in the gulf coast. I hope I never see a cat 4 or 5. This one was very scary.

We are on generator power here at work. No AC and our building had extensive roof damage so the carpets are wet in most of the building. They have the doors open to try to dry them out. We have minimal lighting etc. but at least we have the Internet!

After we got the mess cleaned up around the house it's actually been not too uncomfortable for us since we have cool weather and a gas grill with a side burner - a wise purchase I made this spring. We've been eating all the food that was in the freezer so we have been eating pretty good. But most of that is gone now. Some stores are open now so that won't be a problem any more. Gas lines, however, are a big problem. Lines are miles long and cars are running out of gas waiting in line (no electricity to pump the gas). I have about 2 days worth left (I filled up before the storm) so I'm hoping to get some out here in Coral Springs where where I work. They have power restored out here to some parts because the power lines are underground. My roommate was actually able to find ice and food rations before I even got up this morning. That saved me a lot of time today. Looks like them Bush folks are finally getting their act together. We have another one of them as our governor you know.

I actually wouldn't mind moving back in with Mom, except the cold and total lack of gay folk. LOL I'm attaching a couple of pictures that were in the newspaper.

Wilma was a bitch!

Copied from an e-mail to my family:

Hey all,
Just a quick FYI as I am at work today (not sure why - but my boss insisted). We survived reletivly intact but it was very a very scary storm this time. I really thought we would lose the roof for a while but thankfully, it appears to be OK. I'm sure you have seen pictures on TV on the damage down here - and it's all real. It looks like a bomb went off - especially downtown. Entire sides of buildings are missing. All the trees have been stripped of their leaves and many are not standing at all. It's almost like someone took a buzz saw and chopped everything down to house top level. Fences are down everywhere and it's weird to be able to look right through to other people's yards.
With all the leaves off the trees it looks like winter - but of course it isn't winter here in S. Florida. However, directly after the hurricane we had record low temperatures in the low 50s. That usually doesn't happen until December - but the storm was so powerful that it brought all the cool air from up north down here. It's actually a welcome change since we don't have electricity to run our AC.
The power is off to almost the entire S. Florida area, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach. The Star viewing at night has been very nice though! They say we may be without power for a month - and I believe it. Lines are down everywhere. Traffic is very complicated with blocked roads and no traffic lights at any intersections. It's not just that they are off - they are not there anymore.
I waited in line for 4 hours yesterday to get ice. We have plenty of food and water, but without ice everything spoils (and the beer sucks). You can't plan in advance to store ice because it just melts as soon as the power is out. We were also without running water for 2 days - but thankfully that has been restored. A boil order is still in effect.
I'm including some pictures - mostly of my big tree in the front yard. Keep in mind that it was whole and full of leaves just days ago. The pool has taken 3 days to get the debris out - including lots of shingles. We got it mostly out now but without electricity, it won't get cleaned up for a long time.
All in all - it's a huge mess. But, despite it all, we are in much better shape than those in Cancun. I can't imagine having to go through 3 days of a storm like that.

Maybe I'll throw the first stone.

Um........Mr. Pope? Do you really think that Jesus meant communion to be only for those that think they are without sin? Seems to me it should be the other way around.

We don't build hospitals for people who are already well. Why do we build churches for people who think they are already perfect?

King Tut's Bird Flu

Sometimes I wonder where all these new viruses and diseases come from. One theory I have is that they are not new at all - but very old aliments that we keep digging up. Whenever we open a tomb, or dig up a body for whatever reason, we expose ourselves to whatever it was that killed those people.

Of course I think it is important to explore history by exhuming ancient tombs etc., but perhaps we should be a bit more careful on how we do it. I think each find should be treated as a possible health risk, until it is determined how the person, or animal died.

God is not playing golf.

Is it possible that God spoke only once and we wrote it all down in the Bible and God has never spoken again since? Doubtful. I believe that God talks to us all the time. God guides us and helps us each and every day. If people would look up from that one book and open their minds - they would realize that there is so much more God wants us to know - and it's changing all the time. Listen - God is still speaking

Is it possible that God created the Heavens and the Earth - and then was done? I think it's unlikely that God is enjoying an early retirement. The Heavens and the Earth are changing in big and little ways constantly. How can Christians dismiss the idea of evolution when it is happening right before their very eyes? Watch - God is still creating.

Welcome! You're Late!

I've enjoyed watching Andrew Sullivan on "Real Time - with Bill Maher" several times over the last few years. After all, a gay Republican is always sort of an oxymoron. (he is gay - right?) Anyway, on the last show he clearly has seen the light about George W. Bush, and he is not alone. With the Bush approval rating below 40 percent it's clear that W's base is slipping.

But what did it take to make this change? An endless war without a plan? A slow economy and un-imaginable deficits? Record gas prices? A painfully slow response to a major national emergency (several of them)? Failed policies? Failed proposals?

Nope - none of that. The straw that broke the camel's back seems to be the latest Supreme Court nomination. Republicans don't care for her much - even though she is one of W's close friends. Now they are starting to take notice that George W. isn't quite the steady leader they thought he was.

But lots of us knew that long ago - even before the first time he was selected. And it became so very obvious to even more of us during that first term. Yet Bush supporters will follow - without question - no matter what. Only now are they beginning to realize what a huge mistake it is to have this leadership (or rather lack of leadership) in the White House.

So welcome Andrew. We are glad you, and those like you, finally see the light. But you are a little too late. Your vote in the last election would have changed history in a very positive way. And just for the record, you can still be a Republican (even if you are gay), but it's always wise to vote for the best person for the job, and not just for your party line.

Large Grade "B" Eggs

I've looked through the entire egg case at the supermarket and no Grade B eggs. Only Grade A.

They must be hanging out with the B batteries.

I'm still in "Shock and Awe" over Iraq

Top 10 celebrities I'd like to be naked with for at least 30 minutes

**Not necessarily sexually**
I'll update this list periodically.

Eddie Murphy (Because I've been infatuated with him since High School)
Blair Underwood (sexiest man alive in my opinion)
Brad Pitt (because who wouldn't?!)
Will Smith (Another very sexy man)
R. Kelly (because I already saw him naked - allegedly)
Taye Diggs (very hot!)
Ja Rule (Also very hot - I like his style)
Sean Paul (a new infatuation)
Madonna (because it would just be fun)
George W Bush (because it would make him seriously uncomfortable)

Partial Birth Murder

Ok - I guess I have one more comment on the abortion issue. The practice of the "Partial Birth Abortion" is barbaric, inhumane, and truly revolting.

Life support - Part 2

The subject of abortion is a complicated and hot topic because, like most issues, there is no cut-n-dried answer. It is a topic that is both religious and political, can be deeply personal and their are many ways to look at it.

As stated in my previous post I believe life is precious - born or unborn. Part of the difficulty in discussing this topic is the question of when life begins. Personally, I believe that life begins at conception. In my opinion, after that point we are dealing with a human life.

I believe that birth control is something that needs to be considered before, not after. But what about the "exceptions"? Is it ok to take the life of the unborn child in order to save the mother? What about rape victims, teen pregnancy, incest and the other complicated issues? Well they are all very good questions and ones I don't have an easy answer for. It might be easy for someone who is not dealing with one of those situations to give a firm answer, but in the lives of the people actually affected it is never quite so easy.

My biggest issue is with the phrase "a women's right to choose". In my opinion, this is completely ignoring 2 other lives involved - that of the father and that of the unborn child. The child cannot speak for its self, but the father can and should be able to. Many women take this life without ever even telling the father. It's quite possible the father could raise the child and would be traumatized to learn that he didn't even have the option. Of course I realize the huge commitment it takes to carry a child to birth - but a decision like this should not be made without considering all the many alternatives. Too often abortion is considered a first resort rather than a last resort.

The other big issue is the political side. In the last presidential debates, John Kerry was asked a very difficult question about abortion and I think he did an excellent job of answering it. I will close this topic with his response.

Q: Some Catholic archbishops said that it would be a sin to vote for a candidate like you because you support a woman's right to choose an abortion and unlimited stem-cell research. What is your reaction to that?
A: I completely respect their views. I am a Catholic. And I grew up learning how to respect those views. But I disagree with them, as do many. I can't legislate or transfer to another American citizen my article of faith. What is an article of faith for me is not something that I can legislate on somebody who doesn't share that article of faith. I believe that choice is a woman's choice. It's between a woman, God and her doctor. That's why I support that. I will not allow somebody to come in and change Roe v. Wade.

Life Support - Part 1

How many people voted for George W Bush, despite his obvious issues, simply because he is "pro-life"? Yet this man has a lot of death on his hands both as a Governor and as a President. Thousands of lives have been lost at the hand of this one man. How can that be considered pro-life? And it's not just him - there seems to be a clear double standard with the religious conservatives on this issue.

Abortion? No! Capital Punishment? Of Course! They also have no problem dropping bombs killing thousands of innocents "over there" in order to accomplish some political goal. So apparently "pro-life" to them really means "keep the ones we like". Its one of the many hypocritical beliefs of these conservatives that should keep this blog going for years!

I believe that all life is precious - born or unborn. The topic of abortion is complicated and I will discuss that in part 2. However, if you are going to call yourself pro-life, and cast your vote in the name of life, try to look at the big picture. I'm thinking far fewer lives would have been lost under John Kerry than George W.

I Scream

I try to choose my battles carefully - I like to fight for the little things I find unfair. But apparently I'm no good at it and here is an example.

I work in a warehouse facility that also has a corporate office in the same building. I used to go out to the warehouse vending area to get ice cream because the machine in the office didn't have the kind I like. Several weeks ago they replaced the machine in the office with the same type machine and it had those drumsticks I like! But the price was $.50 more than the warehouse. I sent an e-mail to HR asking why and they said they would check with the vendor and have it taken care of. You can almost guess what happened - they raised the price in the warehouse!

I was re-assured that the vendor had intended to raise the price anyway but I still feel it was my fault they now have to pay more. It brings new meaning to the jingle "I scream - you scream".