It was a banner year for news junkies. The death of a pope. The selection of a new one. BTK. Terri Schiavo. Katrina. Iraq. London bombings. Pakistan earthquake. White House indictments.
But how much attention were you REALLY paying? Here’s our 25-question, tougher-than-our-usual-weekly-news-quiz test — your chance to measure your news-junkie mettle (and a good excuse to avoid that holiday-time chin-wag with boring old Uncle Charlie).
2005 Year in Review News Quiz
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10531435/
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
The Gays Are Everywhere
Teachers, lawyers, doctors and now even neo- Nazi leaders - by God, we are everywhere!
Apparently the spokes-hole for a neo-nazi group is gay! Is this shocking? But in all honesty, can we really blame him?
Hot guys, shaved heads, rampant testosterone and big black boots, it's a gay man's fantasy. (Well one of them at least.)
To Bill, my d-sucking, a-eating, bend-over-and-take-it-like-a-man brother/sista' I say: You go fräulein!
Bill White - The gay spokesman for the neo-nazi, National Socialism Movement
http://sf.indymedia.org/news/2005/12/1723353.php
Friday, December 23, 2005
QOTW 12.23
"How many observe Christ's birthday! How few, his precepts! O! 'tis easier to keep holidays than commandments."
~ Benjamin Franklin
~ Benjamin Franklin
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Bush Pardons His Coke Dealer?
Having "demonstrated full acceptance and responsibility and remorse for their offense, and each has repaid his debt to society," Bush pardon some old friends this week.
One, was "a Denver lawyer for drug-related crimes she committed more than two decades ago."
Has Bush been dreaming of a white Christmas?
Am I crazy or does this look like Bush just pardoned his former coke connection? (Pure speculation ofcourse, I don't know what the nature of the relationship was of these two former cocaine users.)
For her appreciation to the President, she sent him an antique hand mirror once owned by Eva Peron and a Williams Sonoma spice grinder.
Bush Pardons Denver Attorney
http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_4331378,00.html
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
No Fruitcup for God-fearing Non-activist Judge
Their efforts have failed, despite Christian conservatives hopes to get a U. S. district ( or a.k.a. an activist in their favor) judge to support a repackaged creationism called "Intellegent Design" in public schools. This failure is the result of a decision by a well read, legally compentent, socially conscience judge who saw "I.D." as “ a religious view, a mere re-labeling of creationism, and not a scientific theory.”
And more telling... this judgment was issued by a God-fearing, chuch-going Republican appointed judge! Yes, he is one of their very own.
No doubt, he just lost his place in line for heaven. I have a feeling this year, this dark siding Republican judge will be eating at the little kids table during Christmas dinner to. And no fruitcup!
Again whats right wins over what's righteous. As it should be.
Judge Rules Against ‘Intelligent Design’
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10545387/
Thank You Terri
Terri Schiavo's death was not in vain. Her contribution to our society maybe impacting and immeasurable. We shall see in 2006 and more importantly in 2008. One thing is certain, Terri is at peace and the GOP is struggling with unrest.
For this I cannot thank you enough Terri.
Terri Schiavo Derails Social Agenda of Christian Right
http://pageoneq.com/rssfeedstuff/index.php?id=4964
Monday, December 19, 2005
Tom Cruise and the Right Path
This is an interesting LA times article about Scientology, Tom Cruise and an "evil tyrant named Xenu" who lived 75 million years ago and apparently is still impacting our lives.
Now, this posting is not meant as judgment. If Tom wants to believe in some accient bully, this is his right. This is his chosen path. If it helps him become a better man, I encourage it. I encourge doing anything that makes us better Beings. If reading Marianne Williamson, Gary Zukav or L. Ron. Hubbard or the bible for that matter lifts you to your higher self, do it. If attending church, weekend retreats or doing The Forum helps, do it.
We are all here, a part of evolution. Asking questions, learning more about the Universe, what others believe and finding out those things that we didn't know but now like to hear more about are what helps us evolve. This is what life is. Questioning, thinking, learning and evolving and hopefully becoming something greater than we imagined was possible.
Tom is doing it. He is on his right path and I wish him well on it.
In the future year, I would like to share more of my personal experiences and insights that I have learned on my path. And as they have helped me evolve, I hope they will help you.
At Inland Base, Scientologists Trained Top Gun
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-fi-scientology18dec18,1,278560.story?ctrack=1&cset=true
We Are The Stockholders Of America
A Letter from Marc, to America:
Hello to my closest Friends and Family,
I have never been politically active except as to read the news and vote. I have never felt as strongly as I do today that it is my responsibility to get involved and do something, even is it "just" writing letters. Who knows, someday it may turn into something more. But I' ll get to my point...
I am sick and tired of President Bush! I have had it with him. He has lied to me, mislead me, ruined my surplus, acted egocentrically, shown his lack of concern for the less well to do, shown a lack of leadership skills, displayed his lapse of morals on numerous occasions, shown his inability to articulate his thoughts in an intelligent manner countless times, and behave in a rational and caring manner during times of hardship, crisis, and disaster.
I am tired of him "talking down" to me and explaining issues to me as if I were in sixth grade. (You know what I mean by this.) This manner of speaking pretty much occurs in every one of his speeches that he knows a large percentage of the public will view or hear. Well, I say, "I am not stupid! You can not speak to me this way! Don't talk to me like I am stupid! No longer buddy, this must end!"
I am tired of President Bush's corporate, "good ole boy", "i'll scratch your back, if you scratch mine", treatment of The Presidency. The giving of favors to corporations in return for favors is not how to run a country. The running of this country demands the highest of standards. We set an example to the world and we bare much responsibility to it.
I do not feel safer, I do not feel better off, I do not feel more secure, I do not feel better prepared for my future life (except for what I have done) and I have seen the erosion of personal freedoms, I have seen the places in nature where I've been to and the places in nature I want to go be thrown into the back seat (the trunk for that matter), I do not feel like my heath care is a concern, I do not feel like children are given high priority (they should be given first priority, in my view), I have seen the religious right gain enormous power within this presidency, I have seen rational thinking come under attack, I have experienced a lack of respect for freedom of religions occur this Holiday Season, I have seen a surge in world dismay and dislike over United States Policy and actions, and I have seen the use of torture come into use. I have seen so many policies that I am not in agreement with, so many actions that I do not agree with, I have seen so many mistakes, over and over again, that it's time for me to say something.
It is high time for The People of The United States to take back their country. Take it back from the corporate funded politicians and give it back to elected government representatives that have The People's best interest in mind. I do not care the for running our country like a corporation as President Bush and his coterie have done. I get treated like "an employee" enough at work, I do not want to come home to hear and see that I am being treated in this same manner by MY government. At work we expect it. If we do not like the way we are treated at work, then we can leave and find a new job that gives us the respect we demand. My country, I can not leave. My country should work for me. We are the stock holders of these United States.
By this point you can clearly see that I am sick and tired of President Bush. This is not about Republicans versus Democrats or Conservatives versus Progressives, I definitely have some of each in me. This is about accepting responsibility (before you are made to!) with sincerity and by behaving accordingly for a person in this highest of positions. He is a world leader for God's sake! Act like it!
It is time to do something. I am tired of feeling powerless, that I can not have an effect on this great nation of ours and even the world. It is time for me to do something.
This evening, I sent out three e-mails to my two state senators and my congresswoman. I expressed my displeasure with the Bush Presidency. I requested that they do everything within their power to remove President Bush from office. I also asked for advice on what I could do to participate in removing this man from office.
The past two or three years I have been reading books on politics, listening to the news, and reading the news online (both sides and down the middle even!). I have educated myself about many things and have discovered how much more there I have yet to learn.
If you have not already done so,I suggest you to do the same. I think you might be suprised how interesting it can be. Listen, read, and watch! From the left to the right and then back again. Do some of your own writing to get your thoughts down and ask yourself what really, really matters to you. Revisit it over and over and over again, further clarifying each time. Are YOU being served with YOUR best interest in mind? Have you really taken the time to decide where your best interest lie, or have you come to rely on someone else to tell you? well, I'll let you decide to decide now, you know how I feel now.
This took me quite lot of courage to write, my first mass e-mailing of me sharing my thoughts with all of you. I hope it gives you pause for consideration. I do not intend to be offensive but to be honest and share my feelings.
I have also provided links to the Senate and Congress so that you can find your representatives. I urge you to follow them and find out what they believe in and how they are representing you. Most importantly, let them know what you think. It will take 10 minutes or less to get involved and write them a letter by e-mail.
As you may or may not know, I am a gay male, 36 years old, in a long term, 13 year relationship. We have had our ups and downs and have come out all the stronger. I have experimented with drugs. I have questioned organized religion's intentions and beliefs. I have never been particularly outstanding. I'm pretty low key. I have my insecurities. I feel like those few things alone would make me one of the least "wanted to be heard from" voices that most of America would want to hear from. But here I am. I am going to make a difference in this world and I began tonight.
I urge you, beg you to do the same. Write a short letter and let your representatives know how you feel, even if you disagree with me! Get to know who they are and what they stand for. Get just a little bit more involved. It is your responsibility you know! Don't be like Bush and disregard it! (okay, that's enough guilt. No one will ever know what you do : )
Please feel free to distribute this e-mail as you see fit. Please use a cut and paste format instead of simply forwarding. This is my opinion only and do not wish for anyone else's name or e-mail to be associated with it unless they decide to forward it themselves.
http://www.senate.gov/ Find your Senator here!
http://www.house.gov/ Find your Congressperson here!
I wish you all the best and thank you for your time.
Marc
Hello to my closest Friends and Family,
I have never been politically active except as to read the news and vote. I have never felt as strongly as I do today that it is my responsibility to get involved and do something, even is it "just" writing letters. Who knows, someday it may turn into something more. But I' ll get to my point...
I am sick and tired of President Bush! I have had it with him. He has lied to me, mislead me, ruined my surplus, acted egocentrically, shown his lack of concern for the less well to do, shown a lack of leadership skills, displayed his lapse of morals on numerous occasions, shown his inability to articulate his thoughts in an intelligent manner countless times, and behave in a rational and caring manner during times of hardship, crisis, and disaster.
I am tired of him "talking down" to me and explaining issues to me as if I were in sixth grade. (You know what I mean by this.) This manner of speaking pretty much occurs in every one of his speeches that he knows a large percentage of the public will view or hear. Well, I say, "I am not stupid! You can not speak to me this way! Don't talk to me like I am stupid! No longer buddy, this must end!"
I am tired of President Bush's corporate, "good ole boy", "i'll scratch your back, if you scratch mine", treatment of The Presidency. The giving of favors to corporations in return for favors is not how to run a country. The running of this country demands the highest of standards. We set an example to the world and we bare much responsibility to it.
I do not feel safer, I do not feel better off, I do not feel more secure, I do not feel better prepared for my future life (except for what I have done) and I have seen the erosion of personal freedoms, I have seen the places in nature where I've been to and the places in nature I want to go be thrown into the back seat (the trunk for that matter), I do not feel like my heath care is a concern, I do not feel like children are given high priority (they should be given first priority, in my view), I have seen the religious right gain enormous power within this presidency, I have seen rational thinking come under attack, I have experienced a lack of respect for freedom of religions occur this Holiday Season, I have seen a surge in world dismay and dislike over United States Policy and actions, and I have seen the use of torture come into use. I have seen so many policies that I am not in agreement with, so many actions that I do not agree with, I have seen so many mistakes, over and over again, that it's time for me to say something.
It is high time for The People of The United States to take back their country. Take it back from the corporate funded politicians and give it back to elected government representatives that have The People's best interest in mind. I do not care the for running our country like a corporation as President Bush and his coterie have done. I get treated like "an employee" enough at work, I do not want to come home to hear and see that I am being treated in this same manner by MY government. At work we expect it. If we do not like the way we are treated at work, then we can leave and find a new job that gives us the respect we demand. My country, I can not leave. My country should work for me. We are the stock holders of these United States.
By this point you can clearly see that I am sick and tired of President Bush. This is not about Republicans versus Democrats or Conservatives versus Progressives, I definitely have some of each in me. This is about accepting responsibility (before you are made to!) with sincerity and by behaving accordingly for a person in this highest of positions. He is a world leader for God's sake! Act like it!
It is time to do something. I am tired of feeling powerless, that I can not have an effect on this great nation of ours and even the world. It is time for me to do something.
This evening, I sent out three e-mails to my two state senators and my congresswoman. I expressed my displeasure with the Bush Presidency. I requested that they do everything within their power to remove President Bush from office. I also asked for advice on what I could do to participate in removing this man from office.
The past two or three years I have been reading books on politics, listening to the news, and reading the news online (both sides and down the middle even!). I have educated myself about many things and have discovered how much more there I have yet to learn.
If you have not already done so,I suggest you to do the same. I think you might be suprised how interesting it can be. Listen, read, and watch! From the left to the right and then back again. Do some of your own writing to get your thoughts down and ask yourself what really, really matters to you. Revisit it over and over and over again, further clarifying each time. Are YOU being served with YOUR best interest in mind? Have you really taken the time to decide where your best interest lie, or have you come to rely on someone else to tell you? well, I'll let you decide to decide now, you know how I feel now.
This took me quite lot of courage to write, my first mass e-mailing of me sharing my thoughts with all of you. I hope it gives you pause for consideration. I do not intend to be offensive but to be honest and share my feelings.
I have also provided links to the Senate and Congress so that you can find your representatives. I urge you to follow them and find out what they believe in and how they are representing you. Most importantly, let them know what you think. It will take 10 minutes or less to get involved and write them a letter by e-mail.
As you may or may not know, I am a gay male, 36 years old, in a long term, 13 year relationship. We have had our ups and downs and have come out all the stronger. I have experimented with drugs. I have questioned organized religion's intentions and beliefs. I have never been particularly outstanding. I'm pretty low key. I have my insecurities. I feel like those few things alone would make me one of the least "wanted to be heard from" voices that most of America would want to hear from. But here I am. I am going to make a difference in this world and I began tonight.
I urge you, beg you to do the same. Write a short letter and let your representatives know how you feel, even if you disagree with me! Get to know who they are and what they stand for. Get just a little bit more involved. It is your responsibility you know! Don't be like Bush and disregard it! (okay, that's enough guilt. No one will ever know what you do : )
Please feel free to distribute this e-mail as you see fit. Please use a cut and paste format instead of simply forwarding. This is my opinion only and do not wish for anyone else's name or e-mail to be associated with it unless they decide to forward it themselves.
http://www.senate.gov/ Find your Senator here!
http://www.house.gov/ Find your Congressperson here!
I wish you all the best and thank you for your time.
Marc
Friday, December 16, 2005
QOTW 12.16
There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child.
~ Erma Bombeck
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Top Ten Signs You're A Gay Cowboy
10. "Your saddle is Versace."
9. "Instead of 'Home On The Range', you sing 'It's Raining Men!'"
8. "You enjoy ridin', ropin', and redecoratin.'"
7. "Sold your livestock to buy tickets to 'Mamma Mia.'"
6. "After watching reruns of 'Gunsmoke', you have to take a cold shower."
5. "Native Americans refer to you as 'Dances With Men.'"
4. "You've been lassoed more times than most steers."
3. "You're wearing chaps, yet your 'ranch' is in Chelsea."
2. "Instead of a saloon you prefer a salon."
1. "You love riding, but you don't have a horse."
Yes, I know it reeks of stereo-types, but come on... it is funny.
The Late Show with David Letterman - 12/13/05
http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/
9. "Instead of 'Home On The Range', you sing 'It's Raining Men!'"
8. "You enjoy ridin', ropin', and redecoratin.'"
7. "Sold your livestock to buy tickets to 'Mamma Mia.'"
6. "After watching reruns of 'Gunsmoke', you have to take a cold shower."
5. "Native Americans refer to you as 'Dances With Men.'"
4. "You've been lassoed more times than most steers."
3. "You're wearing chaps, yet your 'ranch' is in Chelsea."
2. "Instead of a saloon you prefer a salon."
1. "You love riding, but you don't have a horse."
Yes, I know it reeks of stereo-types, but come on... it is funny.
The Late Show with David Letterman - 12/13/05
http://www.cbs.com/latenight/lateshow/top_ten/
Monday, December 12, 2005
Brokeback Mountain
Read the original short story as it appeared in the New Yorker in 1997.
http://www.newyorker.com/archive/content/?051212fr_archive01
Friday, December 09, 2005
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Wallace Interviews Bush: I Wish
Hard hitting CBS newsman Mike Wallace has talked to everyone from Malcolm X to Johnny Carson, but he has never interviewed George W. Bush. Why is this?
Well, according a recent interview, Wallace was asked if he could interview President Bush, what he would ask. This is what he said:
What in the world prepared you to be the commander in chief of the largest superpower in the world?
In your background, Mr. President, you apparently were incurious. You didn't want to travel. You knew very little about the military. . . . The governor of Texas doesn't have the kind of power that some governors have. . . . Why do you think they nominated you?
Do you think that has anything to do with the fact that the country is so [expletive] up?
That's why. Not the usual softball questions the president regularly answers. Apparently G.W. is smarter then we thought by declining to be interviewed by Wallace. Hate that!
Holiday Shopping: Remember to Buy Blue!
BuyBlue.org supports businesses that share progressive values and ideals.
They believe in atriple bottom line: people, planet and profit.
BuyBlue.org uses its power as consumers to vote with our wallets, supporting businesses that abide by sustainability, workers' rights, environmental standards, and corporate transparency. At the same time, BuyBlue.org focuses sharply on businesses that violate the essential values of a sustainable, fair and profitable society through their policies and the politicians they support.
BuyBlue.org will become a powerful tool used by a community of millions. They hope to form strong coalitions with stockholders, shareholders, corporations, small businesses and communities which share our values to gain strength through numbers. We will influence the political landscape, stimulate economic growth among participating businesses and industries and use the American dollar as an incentive for corporate transparency and responsibility.
In the wake of the recent Ford Motors pull out in gay mags advertisment and of homo events , buying blue is more important than ever. A complete listing of local/national businesses to support are located on the website. Black, white, gay or straight... green is green and it adds up!
For your holiday shopping this year (and every day,) rememeber to buy blue!
www.buyblue.org
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Bush Is Not My Pope
Christian conservatives are now waging war to put Christ back into Christmas! Like he ever left. Just because we call it a "holiday tree" now does not mean that it does not represent Christmas day, the day of Jesus' birth.
Conservatives are upset that the President is sending out "holiday cards" not "christmas cards." Hello! The president is being inclusive to all those who don't believe in Christ, per se but still have the spirit of the season. In other, words those who are being Christ-like.
Apparently, that is not enough. We must all drink the Kool-aid from the Christian's punch bowl!
Come on folks. He's the president of the United States. He is a president for ALL the people, he is not the American Pope. This is not a christian oligarchy.
Maybe we worry less about keeping Christ in Christmas, and worry more about keeping democracy in our Democracy.
Bushes' 'Holiday' Cards Ring Hollow for Some
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10355980/
Friday, December 02, 2005
QOTW 12.2
"The question is not: Do I have the capacity to change the world? The question is: Do I have the commitement to change it?"
~ Me
~ Me
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Wisdoms From My Friend Shawn
I was diagnosed HIV+ 18 years ago when I was 22 years old. It was my first act of making love with a man and I was very naive and young. It was 1987. I was living in Newport Beach, California. I have been blessed with relatively good health and medications have kept me going all of these years. I have had numerous opportunistic infections and of course the one that almost killed me this year. I survived and I am a very fortunate man.
Today, I will remember those who have gone before me.
Today, I will rejoice that I am still alive and healthy,
Today, I will reflect on my life and where I go from here,
Today, I will participate in my own health recovery,
Today, I will express gratitude to all of those who have helped to keep me alive,
Today, I will help someone else who is living with HIV/AIDS,
Today, I will love myself, I will love life and I will love those in my life.
Please take some time today to reflect on what this epidemic has done.
Shawn
_________________________________
Shawn writes a column for HIV Stops with Me.org called "Positive Encounters." He has been a dear friend for nearly ten years. I love you Shawn.
To read Shawn's articles and adventures:
www.hivstopswithme.org
Worlds AIDS Day 2005
Today I remember quiet, shy Mike Strome, a former coworker who lost his battle to AIDS last week.
And to all those who have gone before him, I rememeber you to and pray God's love and peace surround you and your families today and forever.
God help and bless us everyone.
Log on to www.LightToUnite.org and light a virtual candle.
For every candle lit, Bristol-Myers Squibb will provide a $1 (up to $100,000) donation to help support community based organizations in the U.S. in their efforts against HIV/AIDS.
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