Karl's Corner (Sumpin' to Ponder)

A Rainy Day in Provincetown

2011-08-15T21:34:00.000-04:00

Well it rained all day in Provincetown. It was windy and a fairly steady rain throughout the afternoon and evening. Kind of a laid back day as a result. This is a good thing. Seems like you're always on the move during vacation, but a day like today makes you stop, relax, and just enjoy doing nothing.....primarily because you really cannot do anything. It was a good day to just catch up on True Blood on the computer. Couple cups of coffee. Quick walk to the store for a sandwich. Day to cook chili for another day. Still, all and all, a great day!

Quaint Provincetown

2011-08-14T08:38:00.000-04:00

Provincetown, Mass. is a quaint little fishing town......most of the time! However, during special weeks like this one, Carnival, things can get a bit crazy to say the least. Hard to tell from the photo above, but during Carnival week, a gay Mardi Gras is the only way I can describe it, Commercial Street (the street at the bottom of the hill) is lined with people for about a mile! People, all kinds of people! Gay, Straight, families, dogs, and on and on and on! That's what's so nice about PTown! Doesn't matter who you are, you are welcome, and welcome to be yourself!

But early in the morning, Provincetown is just like any other quiet beach town. Out for a quick jog and you find people walking dogs, riding bikes, and just enjoying the solitude of the beach atmosphere.

More to come from Provincetown in the next few days.............

Rick Perry v. Muslim Rally. Any Difference?

2011-08-07T22:24:00.000-04:00

Do you see any difference in the pictures above? Well, they are dressed diffently. The top picture is the Rick Perry Prayer rally held Saturday in Texas, and the bottom picture are Muslims praying in a prayer rally somewhere in the Middle East.

Does religion belong in the public, govermnent sector regardless of what religion it is?

Let the Wedding Bells Ring!

2011-07-24T09:37:00.000-04:00

For those of you that have been in the closet (no pun intended) and do not know it, New York became the sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage, and at 12:01AM today, it began. It's a day of rejoicing for same-sex couples and the many hetero people who believe marriage is a right that all couples should be allowed to enjoy....or not!

For the most part, I am sure the majority of couples will have your traditional wedding with a few exceptions. But some couples will choose to have weddings designed to show who and what they are really all about. Some critics of same-sex marriage will scream, "Look what those fags are doing to the sanctity of marriage!" But I remind them, from the photos above, it's not just same-sex couples that do some outlandish wedding ceremonies. (See more at Damn Cool Pictures).

My New Keurig

2011-07-24T07:48:00.000-04:00

Still getting used to my new Keurig one cup coffee maker. I have to say I love the convenience of using the Keurig. There's no clean up after and it makes things simpler. But I must admit, the coffee is not as delicious as I had hoped. I am still experimenting with different varities to find those that suit my taste.

I like a strong coffee. So far the Keurig does not seem to give that "jolt" I need from a good, bold coffee. Some of the varities, such as the Green Mountain Dark Magic, have almost hit the spot. I just ordered and received more of the Green Mountain Dark Magic and Green Mountain Black Diamond, both "Extra Bold" as Keurig advertises.

I tried the Chocolate Ecstasy hot chocolate. It's ok, but nothing to brag about. I have yet to try the teas. I currently have in my stock the half and half, half black tea and half lemonade, which the sales clerk at Macy's insisted was "out of this world!" I just received Celestial Seasonings Green Tea which I'll soon give a shot.

Overall, the convenience does outweigh the flavor so I am not yet ready to put my Keurig up on EBay! But I'll keep it for now.

Maybe The Feds Could Help State?

2011-01-22T08:40:00.003-05:00

There was an interesting article in this week's New York Times that spoke about States considering some form of bankruptcy to deal with their fiscal problems. Although
states are barred from seeking protection in federal bankruptcy court, many are seeking a similar alternative that would permit a state to alter its contractual promises to retirees, which are often protected by state constitutions, and it could provide an alternative to a no-strings bailout.

I have a novel (well not really that novel I'm sure) idea! Why doesn't the US Federal Government aid assistance to states in the United States of America? Instead of giving billions and billions of money to other countries, why not pull back some of that money and give it to some of our own states that need help? Instead of wasting billions and billions of dollars in country building efforts, why not "build" our own states?

Even if the Feds just gave the States a "loan" this would help a great deal. Guess not! The Federal Government would rather send the money overseas instead of helping those in our own country. I am totally in favor of giving aid to other countries, but when our own need help, the dollars should go to them first. If a relative needed some help, I'd give him the money before I contributed it to a non-familial organization.

Snowstorm December 26, 2010

2010-12-27T11:25:00.004-05:00

A blizzard hit the east coast from the Carolinas to New England the day after Christmas, December 26, 2010. These pictures were taken on December 27th, the day after the snowstorm. Despite being a pain in the butt, the snow truly is beautiful!

I really would miss the winter without snow! I know some prefer the warmer climate, but the older I get, the more I prefer the colder weather and the miraculous snow!

Any Regrets? Not At All!

2010-12-25T20:27:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow marks the passing of another year of life for me. I will enter another year since my birth some 52 years ago! (Damn that sounds so old)! As most of us probably do, I will think about what has happened over my years here on earth and wonder if there was anything I could have done differently. Of course there are things I might have done differently, but overall I HAVE NO REGRETS AT ALL!!! So I can honestly say, when I look at the picture posted here, that I would not change a thing! For if I changed anything, those 3 beautiful kids would not be in my life and I would be missing a blessing bestowed upon me!

I do not like to dwell of "ifs" because as I like to say, IF NEVER HAPPENS. If is such a small word in the English language, and if can never happen. So why think about it? Why spend time thinking about what life would be like if I did this or that rather than what I did?

The one thing I might have liked changed in my life is any pain I may have caused anyone in my "journey." I hope that I never "wasted" anyone's time by trying to figure out who I was along the way. It took me some 40 years to figure out who I am and what my life is all about. My journey has been a good one. And the blessings I have been given have been great!

My life today is good! I have what I need! I don't struggle with finances and I have never gone hungry or never had a roof over my head! My parents provided for me as a kid, and I was able to provide for myself as an adult. Fortunately I had lots of help along the way.

Since we cannot change what is, I won't contemplate what my life could have been like for too long! I am glad of the family I have, of the job I have, of the friends I have, and of the good fortune that has been with me as I journeyed this life!

What's It All About? Maybe Christmas Has Shown Me!

2010-12-18T11:14:00.008-05:00

I think we all from time to time wonder "what's it all about?" I know I do. I probably more than weekly just ask myself the question, "why am I here?" Events happen in the news, or I watch a tv show or read a story and I cannot help but dwell on why we are put on this earth, live how ever many years it is we live, and then leave. What is the purpose for this? What was my impact?

The world has many answers to this question. Some believe God puts us here to work for him to gain converts for some future kingdom we all go to. I can't see why an all-powerful, all-knowing God would have to use us for this reason. Why does God have to put an in between step into a process? Why not just put those who deserve to be in such a kingdom in that kingdom in the first place. Some believe are "aliens" transplanted here from some other society. If so, again, for what purpose; we are here for WHY? Some believe we are just a "product" of evolution or the natural life-production. But that too does not answer my question "why."

I often wonder what impact, if any, I have on others. Will my life have made any difference, and will anyone even remember me when I'm gone? It's pretty easy to see how a "famous" individual is remembered and made a difference. We all know the name George Washington. His time on this earth and his impact will be remembered a long, long time. We all know who Van Gough is! His works and his presence in this life will be remembered a long, long time. But me? Thus far in life I have not done anything that history books will write about! Like millions, no billions, no ka-trillions that have gone before me, I am not famous! (At least not yet).

So, why am I here?

I think I may have found the answer in a couple of lines written in Christmas cards I recently received. One card had this written: "Thank you for being a supportive, helpful, pleasant prescense in the office." Another card stated: "Thanks for being you and all your support." Both these cards particularly touched my heart, not because it was kudos to me, but because it really hit me: MAYBE THIS IS WHAT MY LIFE IS ALL ABOUT! MAYBE I'M JUST HERE FOR THIS REASON and nothing more!

We all walk pass through this life, and most of us will not be famous or well-known. But we all have a reason for being. We all have an impact on someone else! Perhaps it's just that simple and nothing more.

It's That Time of Year Again!

2010-12-11T11:03:00.003-05:00

As much as I complain about Christmas and all the commercialism that goes along with it, I must admit it's probably the most fun and exciting time of the year! For me it all begins at Thanksgiving, which is my FAVORITE holiday of all. I like the simplicity (well, not necessarily simple for the person preparing the meal), and just gathering with family and loved ones to spend a day just saying "thanks" even if you never really say "thanks" during the day at all. (You know what the day is all about and you feel the "thanks" in your heart. At least I do). Then, I am ready to begin the Christmas season.

I was at a lunch yesterday with colleagues and we all reminisced about past Christmases, especially traditions as children. I think that's one of the reasons Christmas is so enjoyable for everyone: we all think back to "simpler" times and the fun we had. We all wish for those times again, and although we know it won't happen, for just a few minutes, for just a few weeks, we are there! Traditions continue because of the comfort this time of the year brings. Christmas songs are so well liked for this very reason. The songs take us back to a better time.

We rush to get things all done before that big day! We rush to get gifts for those on our lists! Holiday parties are fun! What better time to have a party than at Christmas? All again to bring us into our "comfort zone."

Life is tough! All of us have tragedies and hardships througout the year, but this time of year makes us feel good. And we all like to feel good!

So Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!

Is It Really That Important?

2010-10-24T14:01:00.003-04:00

November 2, 2010 is only a little over a week away! It is Election Day, the Midterm Elections, as it is often called. Most people don't think it's very important! Most people say they only vote in the Presidential Election every four years! But this election is important!

Americans seem to be dissatisfied with the way things in this country are going. I am not saying all is well, but things are heading in the right direction, in my humble opinion. The stock market has been having much better days and weeks, manufacturing appears to be on the up rise, slowly but surely, and unemployment, although still way too high, is leveling off and slowly moving downward!

The Democrats, under President Obama's leadership, are moving this country forward. The recovery has not been as quick as many would like, but it is happening. And it's happening with real change! I know the mantra that Bush got us here is old, but it is TRUE! It took eight long years to get in the shitty shape this country is in, and it may take some time to get the US back out of trouble.

Many think the bailouts of the banks, auto industry, and other assistance cost way too much! I however, disagree! Imagine what this country would look like if the big banks and the big auto companies went totally under! Think unemployment is bad now? Imagine ALL of GM and Chrysler's employees being on the food lines! Imagine ALL the mortgages held by some of the largest banks going under! The Dems have put in place some real regulations on Wall Street! The Repubs want NO regulations! Just the thing that got us here in the first place!

Health Care in the US, often tauted as Obama-Care, is a PLUS for us! It did not go far enough, but it's a start! We cannot simply abandon it and go back! That's what the Repubs and Tea Party people want! "Leave mine alone! Don't fix it for the few!" That was some of the comments heard during the health care debate!

Bottom line: the Repubs don't care about anybody but themselves! The Repubs just want us to go backwards! That is why it is so important to vote on November 2nd! The vote is to move forward, or go backwards!

This One Got So Much Attention

2010-10-10T09:56:00.004-04:00

I thought I'd post it again!

The EVIL Catholic Church's History

Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer (Sunday, September 25, 2005) contained a front page story about the recent scathing grand jury report incriminating priests, and providing evidence of cover up by many high ranking officials The jist of the article , called Faith strong despite scandal, was that “Area Catholics are angry, but some call the idea of leaving the church unfathomable.” Many Catholics, the article stated, are disappointed, and even mad, but with a faith in God that is still strong, many would never think of leaving the Catholic Church.
I’ve got news for the many Catholics in the world. The Catholic Church, not to mention other churches as well, has had scandal and blood on its hand since its beginning. This recent sex abuse scandal is just another in a long line of embarrassing and illegal atrocities of men who call themselves Christian, and “men of God.”
Remember the Crusades? Remember the Inquisition? Remember the silence and even support of Hitler? Remember the many peoples conquered by the Catholic Church in the name of God? And now, think of the many children abused by the Catholic Church.
I do not understand how a “strong faith in God” equates to support of the Catholic Church, or any church that commits such heinous atrocities. God is God. He is not any one denomination or man-made institution. I have to say I know my Bible pretty well, but tell me where it says that God is the Catholic Church? Where is this “once a Catholic, always a Catholic” thing written? The God I believe in doesn’t require me to belong to any particular church group.
Would a God-fearing Christian continue to hold fast to any other organization that conducted illegal activity? If one belonged to a civic organization that decided to engage in criminal activity to increase its budget, would one think twice about leaving that organization? If a group a God-fearing Christian belonged to had several members committing sexual abuse, would that group still be supported?

The Beauty of Fall

2010-10-10T07:36:00.004-04:00

Fall! Probably my favorite time of the year! The summer heat and humidity are gone! The days days are warm, but not unbearable, and the nights cold, but not bitter! There's a smell in the air that is clean!

I reached out for my morning newspapers today, and the cool air hit my body! I took a deep breath to feel the coolness inside my lungs! AHHHHH!!! I love it!

President Obama: Please Stop Tiptoeing Around the Repubs

2010-07-23T12:26:00.003-04:00

By now I'm sure everyone has heard the story of the firing of Shirley Sherrod from her position at the Department of Agriculture this past Tuesday. This was followed by an apology from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and eventually President Obama himself. Ms. Sherrod has been offered a new job at the Agriculture Dept., but she has not yet accepted.

This entire incident came as a result of a conservative blogger, Andrew Breitbart's posting of her speech on the web and a showing on the Bill O'Reilly show on Fox. Mr. Beitbart's motive was to get back at the NAACP's claim that the Tea Party had racist elements.

I think the reason for most of the controversy is that the Obama Administration has so far been afraid to stand up to the conservative GOP, and in doing so, felt they needed to react immediately to claims of racism without getting the entire picture. I say emphatically that I support President Obama, but it's time he stop worrying about hurting the feelings of the GOP and just do what he was elected to do! President Obama needs to tell the GOP to go pound sand and move forward with his agenda!

Please, President Obama, learn from this experience!

Is It Worth It?

2010-07-11T14:23:00.005-04:00

September 11, 2001 is a day that will live in our memories forever! It was a tragedy, none that the US has ever experienced on its own soil! More than 2,700 people lost their lives in the attack on the World Trade Center.

That event 9 years ago began the entrance of the US into Iraq and Afghanistan in a fight against terror, one which the US as also never seen! Since the US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, over 6,000 men and women have died!

Has it been worth it? I do not mean to belittle that tragic 9-11 event, but how much longer does the US continue to lose lives fighting this "war"? The US is fighting terrorists? How? What will be the victory signal? How will the success be measured?

We are fighting the terrorists over there so we won't have to fight them here. We've heard this since George W. got us into this mess in 2001! The US is about to leave Iraq, and has increased it's battle against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Are these the terrorists we are fighting? What if the US is successful in wiping out the Taliban in Afghanistan? There aren't terrorists in other countries? Yemen it appears, may be the newest hangout for Al Qaeda? Don't forget Somalia, the Philippines, and all the other places in the world Al Qaeda flourish. Maybe even in parts of the US?

So we fight in Iraq and then in Afghanistan, then where next? It is a never ending battle. Will the US move from one country to the next in the war on terror? What a waste! As I hear almost everyday of another casualty in Iraq and Afghanistan, I cannot help but wonder what a waste!

Bring the resources- men, women, and money- back to the US and really make our borders safer. Put the resources into overseas intelligence and truly fight terrorism. Bill Maher has said it time and time again, and I'll repeat it: You cannot fight terrorism with war! It just won't work, and more and more lives will be lost!

No Support Until They Support Me

2010-07-08T20:21:00.003-04:00

If you're like me, you get mailings from your political party all the time. Today I received a mailing again from the New Jersey Democratic Party Victory Fund. Because of my impatience with the Democratic Party recently, both on the federal and state level, instead of contributing to a party, I will decide which individuals I will support. Also, I will return the mailing with not only no contribution, but an explanation of my disgust.

The following is a letter I returned to the New Jersey Democratic Party Victory Fund:

July 8, 2010

New Jersey Democratic Party Victory Fund
PMB 1992
1977 North Olden Avenue
Trenton, NJ 08618-2193

To whom it may concern,

When the NJ Democrats get some backbone then perhaps I will contribute to a “victory party.” When the NJ Democrats stand up to the bullish Governor Christie then maybe I’ll contribute to a “victory party.” When the NJ Democrats fight for marriage equality for all NJ citizens, then, and only then will I give my hard earned dollars to support a “victory party.”

NJ Democrats had a recent opportunity to stand up to Governor Christie’s ridiculous 2.5% budget cap! Instead, they caved and gave in to the Governor’s idea. You can call it a compromise! I call it Giving In! The NJ Democrats could have held firm on the 2.9% cap by not allowing any amendment vote to go to the people as the Governor wanted. The NJ Democrats could have forced the Governor to the 2.9% or no cap of any kind. However, they gave in!

Months before the November 2009 election and the defeat of Jon Corzine, the NJ Democrats were poised to institute gay marriage in NJ. As soon as Corzine lost, the Democrats lost their backbone and gave up! Marriage Equality died in NJ because of the cowardice of the NJ Democrats!

I will only support those individuals who stand up for what Democrats believe in: equity for all, compassion for all, and justice for all!

Thank you.

If you feel the same way I do, I ask that you do something similar. I don't always type up a formal letter, but most times just jot down a few words on the return contribution form.

My Weekend Conference

2010-06-07T14:28:00.003-04:00

I spent this past weekend at the American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association (AAAI/ISMA) "2010 One World" Conference in Atlantic City. The conference was comprised of various "stars" in the health conditioning field such as Rob Glick, Shaun "T" Thompson and Leslee Bender. (Sure, I have never heard of these people either until recently. Rob Glick is a star trainer on "Exercise TV" and has many fitness videos. Shaun "T" has appeared on numerous TV shows and danced with Mariah Carey. Leslee Bender is the founder of the Bender Ball Method and The Pilates Coach, and also stars in over 25 DVD's and infomercials). My training for the weekend mainly took place in a classroom setting with Todd Bezilla, DO, who specializes in personal training. He was an excellent speaker and very full of knowledge.

In addition to learning where the Flexor Digitorum, the Soleus, and the Vastus-Intermedius muscles are located (the forearm, the inside of the calf, and the thigh), we studied how the brain sends signals to the muscles to do their thing, how to design strength and conditioning programs, and client assessment methods among other things. I also picked up some of those more interesting facts along the way. Here are just a few:

1. I heard the word, "homunculous" spoken again. A homunculus is a "little person", a miniature, fully formed individual. One of the diagrams we viewed was a homunculous. The first time I heard this word was just a few weeks ago on "The Big Bang Theory" when Sheldon, the brainiac, referred to Leonard as a HOMUNCULOUS!

2. According to Dr. Bezilla, the best remedy for most ailments we face is the CTHD Prescription, or better known as the Calm The Hell Down method! Most of the problems of most of the people walking around is they are too stressed and need to learn to Calm The Hell Down!

3. Muscle cells develop through what is known as Hypertrophy, they thicken, as opposed to hyperplasia, which would be an increase in the number of cells. (This is generally not a good thing as cancer is caused by hyperplasia). Fat cell, however, grow both by hypertrophy and hyperplasia; they increase in thickness and number. Then the increased number will continue to increase in number as well!

4. Taking one's pulse at the coratid artery, the pulse you feel in the neck, can result in a lowering of one's blood pressure, and if one pushes too hard on the coratid artery, one can cause passing out!

5. Muscle is not grown during a workout! It is grown during sleep! So anyone who brags about always working out and never sleeping is a fool! How much sleep do we need? Depends on the individual. One should feel rested after waking, and be able to make it through the day. If you're falling asleep at 2PM, you probably did not get enough sleep. Some people need alot of sleep, some only need a shorter amount, and some need naps throughout the day.

6. Buddy got Back! It's better to have a big butt than a big belly! Proud of that beer belly, you know the big, hard belly alot of people have! That is a sure sign of trouble brewing down the road. It's a sure indication of heart problems to come!

7. You can indeed blame your parents for alot of your abilities and weaknesses. Genetics plays a major role in the muscle fiber types we have. There are fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are needed for those sports/activities that require quickness and bursts of speed. Then there are slow-twitch muscle fibers that are better for endurance type activities. Your ability depends on these muscle fiber types. No matter how hard you train, depending on the type fiber your body is mostly comprised of, you will not excel if you don't have the correct muscle fiber type!

8. There are 2.2 pounds per kilogram! Good info to know.

9. Overtraining does nobody any good! As a matter of fact, it causes just the opposite desired effects. Again, if someone brags because they work out 8 hours a day, they are probably overtraining and doing themselves no good whatsoever. They also are at risk for injury. Moderation is the key.

10. I am left-eye dominant. We did a little test to find this out. Ask me sometime and I can explain it to you.

That was my exciting weekend!

Summer Certainly Has Hit South Jersey

2010-06-04T11:17:00.005-04:00

If you like Summer, it's already here in Southern New Jersey! Or so it seems! I realize Memorial Day came a bit late this year, but the temperatures have been very much over the norm. Hurricane Swartz commented the other day that we were 13 degrees above our normal temperature for this time of the year. That's fine, but if in July we are 13 degrees over the normal temperature, it's going to be HOT!! I say, "Just enjoy it while you can!" Think back to December, January, February, and March when South Jersey had record snow and you'll appreciate the heat!

SEX AND THE CITY 2: My Review

2010-05-31T10:36:00.004-04:00

Went and saw Sex and the City 2 last night. It was light, enjoyable, and funny. Definitely not as good as the first movie, but fun nonetheless. Will it win an academy award? Definitely not! The girls, still soul mates after all these years, start off at the gay wedding of Standford and Anthony. Liza Minnelli definitely steals the show with her rendition of Single Ladies. Then, it's off to Abu Dhabi for a stay in a luxurious, and I mean luxurious $22,000.00/night resort. But The Arab Emirates culture eventually gets the best of the girls and home they return, not too happy. (There has been controversy among the arab and Muslim world, and after seeing the movie, I understand why). But all ends well as is to be expected, and the lives of the ladies continues.

I believe the real meaning of the movie, from beginning to end, is that every relationship is unique! Every relationship, whether it be that of a same-sex couple, a single, sex-crazed female, a childless couple who consider "days off" from the marriage, or working mothers who find it extremely difficult, has its own rules. Each couple, or individual, must make up the rules that best fits their lives and circumstances. Also, families are unique and individual as well.

In our society, fortunately, we see the uniqueness of relationships and families everyday. The blurring of the past traditions is somewhat confusing and hard for some to grasp. Tradition is important, but we cannot stop the hands of time. No matter how much one dislikes it, society is in constant change and evolution. Nothing can remain the same. We have to realize this and move on with society as it changes.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

2010-05-31T10:02:00.002-04:00

To the men and women of the US military I say, "Thank you! Thank you for the freedoms that I have!"

Now, repeal DODT!! And then end DOMA!! Marriage equality for All!!

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day celebration everyone!

Find Me Here Too

2010-01-20T17:02:00.001-05:00

I can also be found here..................

Yes, I Am A LIBERAL!

2010-01-18T15:09:00.005-05:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately and I have come to one conclusion: I AM A LIBERAL!

I believe that one of the most important roles of government is to create a fair playing ground for everyone, regardless of background. It shouldn’t matter if you were born to parents living in a mansion by the lake, or a shack in the Hood. All should have the same opportunity to make it in this country! If that makes me a Liberal, then I am a Liberal!

I believe that the US Constitution provides the same rights to all the People of this great land, regardless of whether or not I agree with anyone’s position on an issue! I may not like what someone is doing, or I may not agree with how someone lives his life, or who someone loves, but he is entitled to the same rights to life, liberty, and happiness as I am! If that makes me a Liberal, then I am a Liberal!

I believe that this country needs to take care of the less fortunate! I do not believe in simple “hand outs,” but if someone’s situation has placed them in a less than optimum position to succeed, we need to give whatever assistance we can! If that makes me a Liberal, then I am a Liberal!

I believe health care in this country is a right, not a privilege of the few! I believe every US Citizen is entitled to affordable, or free, healthcare! There is no reason whatsoever that a country as rich as the US does not provide the necessary health care for it’s people! If that makes me a Liberal, then I am a Liberal!

I have read a lot recently that mainstream America is more like the Sarah Palin’s Rush Limbaugh’s, and and Dick Cheney’s of the world, than the Ted Kennedy’s and Bill Clinton’s, but I say that the majority of Americans believe in justice and equality for all! I believe the majority of Americans feel disenfranchised and have given up hope that what they feel means anything. The majority of Americans doesn’t think they can make a difference.

Yes, I have to admit that I AM A LIBERAL! And I am DAMN PROUD of it too!

The Battle For Marriage Equality Continues

2010-01-12T19:11:00.005-05:00

The fight for marriage equality continued yesterday, this time in California, as a court case challenging the Prop 8 vote banning same-sex marriage in California, began. Geoff Kors, from California Equality, gives his position on the debate.

Essentially what the challenge is trying to prove is that Prop 8 is Unconstitutional. Yes, Federally Unconstitutional. The opponents of Prop 8 who brought this lawsuit, contend that the US Constitution does not allow any single group, racial, religious, or a particular sexual orientation, to be discriminated against. Prop 8 discriminates! Regardless of what the Court in California rules, this will likely be appealed to the US Supreme Court, which could make all state laws forbidding same-sex marriage invalid.

Keep up the fight!

What A Disappointment!

2010-01-07T21:10:00.004-05:00

In November, when Jon Corzine lost the NJ State Governor's race to Chris Christie, the Democrats in the legislature lost their balls! The Democrats have decided to forget about doing what is right and are now more concerned about what they need to do to get re-elected and continue their political careers.

This became evident today when the State Senate voted against marriage equailty in NJ. The Senate, by a vote of 20-14, just one vote short of a victory, defeated the Gay Marriage bill that would have move NJ forward in providing all its citizens equality.

I would like to thank those Senators, Democrat and Republican, that voted for marriage equality, and inform those who did not support marriage equality that the time will come, with or without them, that NJ will have marriage equality. The NJ Supreme Court ruled that NJ must allow full marriage equality, and Civil Unions do not afford that! This battle will now be fought in the courts, and the LGBT will prevail! Lambda Legal is already preparing the fight!

NJ.Com reported how they voted. I am particularly saddened by Van Drew's vote! He of all people should understand the wishes and desires of the LBGT community. Thanks Senator James Whelan! And thanks Senator Bill Baroni for crossing party lines and supporting this measure!

Happy 2010. Wishing You The Best!

2010-01-01T08:58:00.003-05:00

Welcome 2010! A new decade! The start of a new beginning. Here's wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

While I watched the revelry in Times Square on television, I wondered how and why a date in time is important! What makes January 1st all that? After all, it's just a date. Why not June 1st or some other date? Duh! It's more than just the turning of a new page! It's the "getting a new calendar" time! (By the way, I still haven't bought a 2010 calendar for home and it's driving me crazy. Hopefully I can find one 1/2 off at the mall this weekend). June 1st or any other first day of the month is just turning page, not taking the entire calendar down and putting it away or throwing it in the trash. I guess January 1st represents a new beginning! A time to put away the old and bring in the new! A symbolic gesture, to say the least, because after the celebration of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, the clock just continues. Has anything really changed? Come Monday January 4, 2010, I'll go to work and continue in the same routine that I did just the week before. But the new year year brings a new hope that things will be better, or even better if you had a good last year.

I wish everyone a very Happy New Year and a prosperous 2010. I am not only speaking in terms of money, which we all could use a nice boost in, but health, family, personal decisions, etc., etc., etc. I don't know what tomorrow brings. It could be my last day! But we as humans, for the most part I believe, have that tendency to hope that tomorrow will be better. And for everyone, I hope it is too!

Goodbye 2009

2009-12-26T15:29:00.002-05:00

Last week CNN had a poll asking if readers thought 2010 would be a better year than 2009. When I looked at the poll, 53% said that they believed 2010 would be better than 2009. Despite what 2009 brought us, most still feel the coming year will be better. I am not surprised by that.

I think Americans, for the most part, are an optimistic people. We always hope for the better. We may have had troubles in the past, but we like to think the future will be better. I personally don't know what 2010 will bring, but I too can't help but think, maybe hope is a better word, that 2010 will be better than 2009.

2009 surely did bring alot of financial challenges, not only personally but nationally. Hard to believe that companies which excelled throughout our history did, or almost did, collapse. I think of Ford and Chevy. I think of the banks. Hard to imagine that some of these bit the dust and are no longer. Hard to believe that I too had to take furlough days and lose money. Hard to believe that I got no raise in 2009. I realize that I still have a job, which many don't have at the end of 2009.

As I prepare for 2010, I am optimistic. I am hopeful that a career change will be on the horizon. I really feel the need to make a change! Not that I hate my job, but I am tired of doing what I am doing. There are not too many days that I look forward to going into work, and that's a sad commentary. I realize all of us at times "hate" our jobs, but there should be something more to look forward to than 5 O'Clock and the weekend! Our jobs should challenge us and make us feel as if we're accomplishing something. My job makes me feel like a hamster on a wheel, going nowhere, but wasting alot of energy getting there.

So that's what I look forward to in 2010. That is my goal. I am optimistic that I will accomplish it. I still don't know quite how or when exactly in 2010, but I am putting my plan into action!

Healthcare Reform: A Huge Victory!

2009-12-21T18:47:00.003-05:00

President Obama stated that the Senate vote to move health care reform forward is a "big victory for the American people." The US Senate is poised to approve the bill before the end of the year. According to Obama, the bill will be a major help to those without health insurance as well as be good for those already have health insurance. The bill will prohibit insurance companies from exempting certain pre-existing conditions and advance health care for all US citizens.

I say this is a huge victory for President Obama! The Republicans, none of whom are expected to vote for the bill, have tried their hardest to stop health care reform! You can say what you want, but the bottom line is the Republicans do not want Obama to succeed and this is another victory for Obama. From the day Obama took office, the Republicans have done whatever they can, lie, distort, incite the people, to stop any advancement of Obama's agenda! However, looks like the Republicans are going to fail with health care and Obama will win.......once again!

I do not think this is the best health care reform bill. I would rather see a public option! I would rather not see women's reproductive rights lessened. But I think this is the best bill that we can get right now! Changes will certainly be necessary as the health care reform progresses over the years. This is a start!

I applaud President Obama once again for his strategic moves! Americans will one day thank him for his agenda!

On The Way To the Post Office

2009-12-19T11:40:00.004-05:00

Enjoy It! There's Nothing You Can Do Anyway!

2009-12-19T08:22:00.003-05:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful....But guess what? There's not a darn thing you can do to change the weather, so just deal with it and enjoy it! Yes! There's lots to do today, but relax! It will just have to get done another time!

My Two Cents on Tiger Woods

2009-12-16T22:47:00.004-05:00

For what it's worth, let me give my opinion of the Tiger Woods' situation. I have yet to weigh in on it. I am sick and tired of hearing about it! But it seems to be the topic of news everytime I turn on the television or open the paper or listen to the radio. Someone told me today that in the past two weeks, Tiger Woods has been in the media as much as the tragedy of 9/11 was in 2001! What a shame! Not only "tabloid" media shows, but so-called "news" media has continued to put Tiger Woods in the headlines! I for one, think it's time to GIVE IT UP!

I have never viewed Tiger Woods as a person who sought the status of a celebrity. He plays golf, is damned good at it, and has become famous because of his talents on the golf course. Thus, Tiger Woods has become a celebrity. And yes, he has "cashed in" on his status as a pro golf celebrity, but so what! Tiger Woods is not like Kim Kardashion or Paris Hilton, or even Jon and Kate Plus Eight! These "celebrities," and other like them, have sought out the media to become celebrities. What have any of them done to deserve the fame or status as a celebrity? NOTHING! I truly believe that Tiger Woods did not ask for this status!

Therefore, what has occurred in his life, is his business. If he has been unfaithful to his wife, it's nobody's business but Tiger's and Mrs. Woods'. The media has conducted polls as to how favorable people feel about him, just like the polls taken on presidents. Who cares what anyone's favorable rating is toward Tiger Woods? I know I don't. And the talk of "taking away Tiger's children" is absolutely ridiculous! What has Tiger Woods done to put his children in jeopardy? Again, NOTHING! His children are not at risk of neglect or abuse! There are parents seriously neglecting and abusing their children, but the Woods' situation has not placed the children in any harm! The Woods children are very well cared for!

So I for one am damned tired of it all! I wish I could just once turn on the 6 o'clock news and not hear anything about Tiger Woods!

So Much Discussion

2009-12-14T21:44:00.002-05:00

The following post was posted on September 25, 2005, and has received much discussion:

The Evil Catholic Church

Ten Years Later

2009-12-13T19:13:00.006-05:00

Can you believe it? It will soon be 2010! That means we are 10 years into the 2000's! Everyone remember the bruh-ha-ha that was made of us going from 1999 (pre-iPod, iPhone, GPS, and FaceBook) to 2000? Some thought the world would end! The world's computers wouldn't be able to handle the change! Wallstreet would collapse! Nuclear weapons all over the world would go haywire! What would happen?

ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! I believe I was at a friend's New Years Eve party that night. We jokingly, but with some seriousness, waited for midnight to arrive. This year though, it wasn't only to ring in the new year, but to see what actually would happen when the world went from 1999 to 2000! Would the devastation occurs in stages as various parts of the world greeted 2000, or would the destruction of the world happen when the first clock struck 12:00AM and the year 2000 was here!

Wallstreet did almost collapse, but that was several years later and it had nothing to do with the calendar. It had to do with greed and mass disregard for any rules. And it wasn't the year 2000 that brought much grief, but it was 9-11-2001 that brought tears to the U.S.

We've seen alot in the past 10 years! 10 years into the 2000's! I wonder what the year 3000 will bring!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!

2009-11-29T08:29:00.004-05:00

Finished the turkey! Put up the decorations! Started the shopping! Been listening to the music of the season!

Not sure why the Christmas bug has hit me earlier than usual this year, but it has! So I am wishing you, "Seasons Greeting!"

Not Ready Yet

2009-11-28T10:46:00.005-05:00

Firstly, let me say from the beginning that I am a gay man, and that I believe any couple in the US, regardless of sexual orientation, should have the right to experience full marriage equality! These same marriage rights that straight couples can have should be afforded to same-sex couples as well. Do I want to get married to my gay partner? I do not know, but if I choose to, I should be able to do so! Full marriage equality should be the goal of any LGTB Organization.

However, I think the majority of people in the US have shown that America is still not ready for Gay Marriage at this time in our history. We have seen too many times recently where, when put to a vote, the people of the US are still too uncomfortable with changing the meaning of “marriage” from a union between one man and one woman. The majority in the US are accepting of “civil unions,” giving what they perceive as full, equal “marriage” rights to the LGBT Community. However to change the perception that marriage is some sacred bond between a man and a woman will take some time.

In November 2008, California voters passed Proposition 8 which stated,
“Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” This vote overturned a ruling by the California Supreme Court giving same-sex couples the right to marry. Just a few weeks ago, the voters in Maine overturned the right of gay couples to marry. In that state, the legislature and Governor approved marriage equality for same-sex couples, but the voters rejected that law. In New Jersey, which currently has Civil Unions for gay couples, polls showed both the majority of citizens approve of gay marriage, but that 49% of voters in NJ oppose a law to allow same-sex marriage. In total, 40 US States have laws forbidding gay marriage in some form or another.

Only 5 states in the US allow marriage rights for the LGBT Community. Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, and Vermont currently permit marriage between same-sex couples, and New Hampshire will begin performing gay marriages in January 2010. It was NOT by the vote of its citizens did these states begin marriage equality, but mostly by the Court issuing a ruling that the State Constitution did not prohibit gay marriage.

I don’t like it! I don’t think it’s fair! But it is what it is! I think that instead of continuing the fight for “marriage” equality at this time, that the LGBT Community needs to focus on furthering Civil Union rights, not only in individual states, but through the Federal Government as well. Firstly, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), along with “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” needs to be repealed. President Obama has supported this, but so far done little to promote the repeals. Secondly, Federal regulations should provide same-sex couples joining through Civil Union the SAME rights, totally and fully, as straight married couples.

Marriage Equality for same-sex couples will come one day in the US! It is only a matter of time! Unfortunately we have to take one step at a time, starting with each state and then the Federal government.

Just Answer The Question

2009-10-12T10:54:00.004-04:00

This weekend was a tremendous show of support for Gay Rights. The National Equality March and rally in Washington, DC was very inspiring.

However, on Sunday morning I watched CNN's State of the Union with John King. I watched in awe as two US Senators, both Democrats, Senator Debbie Stubenow, Michigan, and Senator Bob Casey, Pennsylvania, could not answer a simple question put to them by John King, "Would you vote to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which state marriage is between one man and one woman. Neither Senator could answer the question! Watch:

I guess neither Senator can take a stand because they don't want to ruin their chance of re-election! Such politics!

Reason # 11 (Why I Cannot Vote For Chris Christie)

2009-10-10T15:01:00.006-04:00

Reason number 11 why I cannot vote for Chris Christie in the race for Governor of NJ: He opposes Marriage Equality for the LGBT Community and will do everything in his power to stop it! Christie said he will do all he can to block the state from allowing gay marriage, possibly even pushing to amend the state constitution. Christie believes marriage equality for Gays and Lesbians should be put to the voters for approval or disapproval. (Wonder if Christie believes the US should have put to a vote a woman's right to vote, or a black person's right to vote, or whether or not we allowed slavery to continue?).

Jon Corzine on the other hand, has acknowledged that Civil Unions in NJ have not gone far enough and that couples, regardless of their sex, should be treated equally as determined by our courts. Corzine has vowed to push for marriage equality in the next year if reelected.

Chris Christie has drawn the line in the sand for the LGBT Community! Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transgendered in NJ need to support Jon Corzine! And if by some chance Christie is elected, I am confident the People of NJ will not support a ban on gay marriage. I'm not afraid of that fight, but I hope it doesn't come down to it!

Ten Reasons I Cannot Vote For Christie

2009-10-06T10:33:00.003-04:00

After reading Chris Christie's proposals if elected Governor, here are the reasons why I cannot vote for Christie:

1. I will run our state government like a business. Heard that one before, time and time again. Heard it throughout much of the past 8 years!

2. I will save taxpayer dollars and end political cronyism by eliminating political patronage jobs. Right! Christie's patrons will replace the political cronies now in state government.

3. I will lower overtime costs by reducing the number of state holidays and eliminating those not recognized as federal holidays. State employees have a contract and any change needs to be negotiated.

4. I will increase efficiency and lower costs by changing to a single, unitary approach to state public employee compensation, benefits, and work rules – ending the separate statutes governing health benefits, antiquated civil service rules, and the collective bargaining agreements. Ok. Again, let's mess with State employees!

5. I will increase fairness and reduce costs by bringing the compensation and benefits for the New Jersey Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) back in line with employees who have defined contribution plans (such as federal government employees) by closing defined benefit plans for new employees, and replacing them with defined contribution plans.

6. I will eliminate pension and health benefits for all part-time employees and political appointees. Only full-time employees should qualify for a public pension. Part time employees are important to the function of state government and they should get some pension for their work.

7. I will require all new state hires and state employee retirees to contribute to their health insurance costs. WE already do to the surprise and misunderstanding of many!

8. I will devote more resources to assist parents and educators attempting to start new charter schools by utilizing my revamped Department of Education (DOE) to encourage and nurture those seeking to start a charter school. Good use of taxpayers money! Use it for Private schools instead of bettering Public Schools.

9. Christie will take away state mandates on health insurance companies to allow "bare-bones" policies that could limit coverage. This despite what he says.

10. Christie is about 150 pounds overweight! Can't take care of yourself, how can you take care of the State!

I don't know about all State employees, but I take pride in doing a good job providing care for the Developmentally Disabled of our state. Don't fix the state's financial woes on my back!

You Go, Barney!

2009-08-19T15:08:00.003-04:00

It's about time Democrats start defending their position on Healh Care Reform and tell it like it is about these opponen

The Church That Preys...

2009-08-17T13:20:00.003-04:00

Article in the New York Times about ministries that preach God-to-riches philosophy. Specifically mentioned is the ministry of Gloria and Kenneth Copeland. These “prosperity gospel” preachers delighted the crowd with anecdotes about the luxurious lives they had attained by following the Word of God. The message of this ministry and others like it, simply put, if you have sufficient faith in God, and donate generously, God will multiply your offerings a hundredfold — is reassuring to many in hard times. Guess these preachers do not know too much about Jesus Christ, do they?

Jesus had nothing! He gave up everything he had to live a life of committment and helping others. Jesus did not show people how to become rich. Jesus led the life of a pauper for the sake of others. He did not ask God, His Father, for riches and kingdoms. If you believe what Jesus said, "...If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." ( Matthew 19:20), then Jesus preached just the opposite of the Copelands and those like them!

Shame on you, Gloria and Kenneth Copeland!

A Day In The Life of a Middle Class Republican

2009-08-14T08:27:00.003-04:00

I do not take credit for this. My work buddy, RM, gave me this story about A Day in the Life of Joe-A Middle Class Republican. I will not go through the entire story, but it goes something like this:

Joe gets up at 6:00AM to prepare his morning coffee. He fills his pot full of good clean water because some stupid liberal fought for minimum water quality standards. He takes his daily medication with his first swallow of coffee. His medications are safe to take because some dumb liberals fought to ensure their safety and that they work as advertised.

All but $10.00 of his medications are paid for by his employer's medical plan because some thick-headed liberal union workers fought the employer for paid medical insurance.

Joe gets ready for work, and steps outside. The air he breathes is clean because some tree-hugging liberal fought for laws to stop industries from polluting our air.

Joe begins his work day. He has a good job with excellent pay, medical benefits, retirement, paid holidays and vacation because some filthy union members fought and died for these working standards, along with an 8 hour work day and Child Labor Laws).

Joe is home from work and visits his elderly father later that evening. He arrives at his boyhood home, financed by Farmers Home Administration because bankers did not want to make rural loans. The house did not have electricity until some big government liberal stuck his nose where it didn't belong and demanded rural electrification. Joe is happy his dad is retired now. His dad lives on Social Security and his union pension because some liberal made sure he could take care of himself so Joe wouldn't have to.

Joe leaves his father and turns on talk radio. The show's host keeps saying that liberals are bad and conservatives good. The host doesn't tell Joe that his beloved Republicans have fought against every protection and benefit Joe enjoys throughout the day. Joe agrees: "We don't need those big government liberals ruining our lives. After all, I'm a self-made man who believes everyone should take care of himself, just like I have."

THINK ABOUT IT, JOE!

AARP Tries To Set The Record Straight

2009-08-12T10:19:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine (Thank you, Mommanator) recently sent me an e-mail from AARP trying to break some of the myths about Health Care Reform as it relates to Seniors. Here's some clarification from AARP:

1. Your choice of doctor and hospital is protected under all three major bills under discussion.

2. Drugmakers will voluntarily cut in half the cost of name-brand drugs provided for those who fall into the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole" or coverage gap.

3. Both the Senate Finance Committee and House "Tri-Committee" plans eliminate Medicare copayments and deductibles you currently pay for preventive care services, such as cancer screenings.

4. Current versions of health reform legislation require your health insurer to pay you back if they spend less than 85 percent of premium dollars on the care of patients -- in other words, if their overhead and profit costs exceed 15 percent.

The AARP goes on to state, "When opponents of health reform talk about Medicare "cuts," here's what they point to: Provisions now before Congress currently would reduce taxpayer-financed subsidies paid to some private insurance companies to provide care under the Medicare name. (Here's a Families USA study on these plans.) These plans currently get paid extra to provide the same care as traditional Medicare provides. That's a fact that health-reform opponents never mention."

Maybe Not What We Expected

2009-08-09T10:27:00.004-04:00

So nobody miscontrues my meaning here, let me start off by stating that I still support President Obama completely! I trust him completely! I favor what he has done thus far. Howerver, the latest edition of The Advocate contains an interesting article about Barack Obama, the candidate, and his promises to the LGBT community, compared to President Barack Obama's actions thus far on those promises. I admit President Obama has failed thus far!

On the main issues facing the LGBT community in reference to the federal government here is the scorecard:

1. Federal hate-crimes legislation: Candidate Obama pushed this. President Obama has promised to sign the current bill....A+;
2. Employment Non-Discrimination Act: Candidate Obama wanted gender identity to be included in any non-discrimination law. President Obama has not clearly been lobbying for the bill....B;
3. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell": Candidate Obama said he would repeal this. President Obama has resisted lifting DADT by executive order. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has been given the task of reviewing DADT, but President Obama has not done much....C-;
4. Defense of Marriage Act: Candidate Obama stated he wanted to do away with DOMA and that LGBT individuals should be provided the same benefits as hetero-couples. President Obama has only mentioned a DOMA repeal while signing his memorandum granting same-sex federal employees benefits. President Obama has done little to lobby for the repeal of DOMA, and a Justice Department brief filed in June indicates the President will support DOMA until Congress takes legislative action to repeal DOMA.....F.

It's about time President Obama do more for the LGBT community that supported him! It's very disappointing thus far!

Two More Victories For Obama!

2009-08-06T17:43:00.003-04:00

Two more victories for Obama! The Senate today confirmed Judge Sonia Sotomayor as US Supreme Court Justice. The Senate debates more money for Cash For Clunkers; it looks like it will get the funding needed to continue!

Next: UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE FOR ALL!

Olbermann Exposes Critics of Health Care Reform

2009-08-04T08:06:00.005-04:00

Keith Olbermann slammed and exposed the critics of Universal Health Care, Republicans and Dems alike! It was great! Give it a look-see.

Give Us A Break, Dr. Orly Taitz

2009-08-03T12:41:00.004-04:00

Here's the leader of the "Obama's Not An American" campaign, Dr. Orly Taitz. Despite all the evidence that Barack Obama was born in the US and is fully qualified to be US President, Dr. Taitz continues to insist Obama is not! Clarence Page gives us some of the arguements to the contrary. Give us a break Dr. Taitz! There's alot more important things to be concerned about!

Isn't It Time To Legalize Pot....And Prostitution?

2009-08-02T19:51:00.004-04:00

Activists in California are launching a campaign to have the issue of legalizing marijuana put on the 2010 ballot. The proposal, if passed, would allow people 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of the drug and also would allow property owners to grow a certain amount of pot. One big positive would be taxing it as a way of generating needed revenues for the cash-strapped state. I say it's about time! Every State in the Union will hopefully follow suit.

I am in no way condoning the misuse of drugs! Pot is no different than alcohol that is served in every State. Some would argue it might even have less ill effects on society than alcohol does. If legalized, pot would be controlled by the State just like alcohol. It would be taxed and the revenues would be tremendous. If you drive while intoxicated by pot, just like a DUI, you'll pay the price!

And while we're on the subject, prostitution is something that also needs to be legalized! I'm not suggesting it be legal everywhere, but there should be certain areas, Atlantic City for example, where prostitutes could legally carry out their business. It too would be controlled. The "girls" would need a "license" for which they would have to be disease checked. If the prostitutes do not have a "license" they are busted!

With both these issues, just think of all the money that could be generated. Also, think of all the money that would no longer be wasted. How much money is wasted having cops make silly little arrests for both pot and prostitution? In the case of prostitutes, they are arrested today and back out on the streets tomorrow! This is a business that has been in existance since the beginning of time, so why try to stop it! Control and regulate it! (OOOPPPPSSSS....That's a bad thing to say to any Republican)!

So Much To Think About

2009-08-01T07:54:00.003-04:00

My last post here was July 4th! WOW! I can't believe I've been on "vacation" for so long. Guess I've been doing most of my venting/thinking on http://www.facebook.com/home.php. Believe me, there has been so much on my mind the past 4 weeks, but I just have not felt like writing it all down.

The healthcare battle in the US has been something I have thought often about. My confusion lies in "what is the problem with getting healthcare to all our people?" The US has so much money that it wastes elsewhere in the world, why oh why can't we just spend a small portion of it here! Why is it that the people who seem so opposed to any kind of Universal Healthcare (if that's what you want to call it) are those that have good health insurance? Why is it that those who oppose Universal Healthcare in the US are those that are so afraid it might cost them something?

The budget crisis of the US states has also been something I've thought about. NJ's budget is a mess, but PA's is even worse. The poor State employees in PA didn't even get a pay check yesterday! Can you imagine working your week or 2 weeks only to find out you get no money? Can you imagine having sent out that mortgage check a day or 2 before payday expecting the money to be in the bank by time the check gets to the mortgage company, only to find out there is no money in your bank account? NJ might be in bad shape, but we are not experiencing what some other states are going through. Which again makes me think (this thought was brought to me by a coworker, RM): why does the US send out so much foreign aid and not give some to its own people that need it?

The race for NJ Governor has been on my mind. I know Jon Corzine maybe hasn't been the most productive Governor, but the economy situation isn't his fault! He's been holding NJ together and believe me, I am totally afraid of Chris Christie! I saw this interesting commentary yesterday abut the race for NJ Governor: http://blog.nj.com/njv_paul_mulshine/2009/07/nj_race_for_governor_why_i_can.html

So even though I haven't been writing, there's been alot on my mind. I will try, try hard, to keep everything posted here. (Even though nobody reads it).

Happy Fourth! Let Freedom (Of Marriage) Ring

2009-07-04T08:52:00.005-04:00

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

These are words contained in the Declaration of Independence signed on July 4, 1776. I find the words, "...the pursuit of happiness" of extreme importance when it comes to the efforts to attain the right to marry for same-sex couples. ALL men and women should be given their "certain unalienable rights" granted by "their Creator," including the right to marry whom they wish!

I'll never forget the words of Seth MacFarlane, the creator of several animated television shows, on Real Time With Bill Maher. I don't recall his exact words, but MacFarlane said something like this: Any group that has fought for its rights, has eventually gotten them. So why when it comes to the gay marriage, does there continue to be this fight against it. Gay marriage will eventually become reality. Instead of fighting it, embrace it, accept it, and move on. That has stuck in my mind ever since I hear MacFarlane say it.

We are slowly seeing gay marriage become a reality. There are six states now in which gay marriage is legal, and there will be more by year's end. NJ, which now has Civil Unions, I hope becomes one of the states that moves to full marriage rights for same-sex couples. (Am I getting married again? I have no idea! But if someone wants to, he/she should be allowed to). I've said it before, and I'll state it again: YOU DON'T HAVE TO AGREE WITH GAY MARRIAGE! YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIKE GAY MARRIAGE! BUT IT IS A RIGHT! ACCEPT THAT!

So HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! LET FREEDOM RING!

Great Time in NYC

2009-06-30T09:45:00.003-04:00

Saw 2 really good shows while in NYC this past weekend, SHREK, THE MUSICAL and GOD OF CARNAGE. Two completely different shows, one a musical, the other a play. But both very entertaining and enjoyable.

Waited in line at The Times Square ticket window for half price tickets on Friday. Got tickets to see SHREK. The show is not just for kids. As a matter of fact, there's lots of inuendos that children would not get! The main theme is that people should be allowed to be who they are, no matter what. One of the biggest "hit" songs is Waive Your Freak Flags High. You see, the Lord of the land has banished all the Fairy Tales, Pinocchio, the Wolf, and the likes to Shrek's swamp, and Shrek wants his swamp back! The Big Bad Wolf, who ends up being a cross-dressing wolf (that's why he dressed in granny's clothes), is one such Fairy Tale that in the end let's his Freak Flag fly!

God of Carnage is a play about 2 couples trying to make amends for one of their sons hitting the others' son in the mouth with a stick during a playground altercation. The couples start off very congenial toward each other, then begin to argue not only with the other couple but each other. Of course the men would just as soon drink rum and smoke cigars!

The Gay Pride Parade was on Sunday in NYC. It starts at 52nd Street and 5th Ave. and proceeds through the heart of NYC. Thousands line the streets to celebrate PRIDE!

Hope In NJ Or A Political Move?

2009-06-22T15:43:00.005-04:00

NJ Governor Jon Corzine has promised to bring gay marriage to NJ if reelected in November. Corzine says gay marriage is a “fundamental right” and has promised to back a gay marriage bill, after he's elected to a second term. Corzine has not always been a fan of same-sex marriage. In 2005 he held that marriage should be between a man and a woman, but he has since :evolved on the issue." Corzine's opponent, Chris Christie, has moved his position closer to the center, but believes civil unions are sufficient for same-sex couples.

One has to be wary that Corzine's move may just be a political maneuver, but one has to also hope that he truly believes in his position and will fight for the right of same-sex couples to have full rights in NJ. Corzine has said previously that has a "progressive record" in regards to NJ.

Going To The Fundraiser?

2009-06-18T12:27:00.003-04:00

Next Thursday, June 25, 2009, there's a big Democratic National Committee fundraiser in Washington, DC for the LGBT Leadership Council. VP, Joe Biden will be there as the honored guest.

Seems like not all the LGBT leaders will be present. Many, angered over President Obama's lack of support, and more specifically the Department of Justice's legal brief against gay marriage filed last week in federal court, is keeping them away. The brief,which it compared gay unions to incestuous ones and that of an underage girl argued that states have the right to not recognize marriages that are legal in other states or countries. One such LGBT leader, David Mixner, former advisor to Bill Clinton big supporter of Obama, is boycotting the DNC's fundraiser. Also not attending will be Andy Towle and Alan Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda and Foundation. David Arvosis, of Americanblog reports that"this rather ill-timed and inappropriate Democratic effort to milk money from our community at the same time Democrats are equating us with incest and not lifting a finger on any of our legislation priorities in Congress or the White House. It's not awfully clear why any gay person would give a Democrat a dime ever again.”

Will you be going to the Fundraiser?

It's PA's Turn; What's NJ Waiting For, Obama?

2009-06-14T10:17:00.005-04:00

Pennsylvania State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-17th Dist.) introduced a bill last week to legalize same-sex marriage in our neighbor state. Although the bill faces tough opposition in the Republican-controlled Senate, at least someone had the courage to introduce the bill.

What's NJ waiting for, Obama's blessing? If so we can forget it!

Another Snub By Obama?

2009-06-12T21:14:00.007-04:00

Gay rights groups are furious over President Obama's apparent support of DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act. DOMA is the federal law that states that no state (or other political subdivision within the United States) needs to treat a relationship between persons of the same sex as a marriage, even if the relationship is considered a marriage in another state, and the federal government may not treat same-sex relationships as marriages for any purpose, even if concluded or recognized by one of the states.

As a presidential candidate, Barack Obama claimed "we need to fully repeal the Defense of Marriage Act..." However, today the Department of Justice, the President's attorneys, submitted a brief to dismiss a law suit filed by two California men who are married but claim it is unconstitutional for their marriage not to be recognized by other states. Although it's true that the Justice Department is generally tasked with defending acts of Congress, DOMA being such an act, Obama could speak up!

Come on Obama! It's about time you stood up publically for gay rights!

UPDATE:

Today, California Attorney General Jerry Brown filed a brief in support of the federal lawsuit seeking to overturn Proposition 8 and restore marriage equality to California. In response, Equality California (EQCA) Executive Director Geoff Kors released the following statement.

“In stark contrast to President Obama's Justice Department filing a brief defending the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act, California's Attorney General Jerry Brown today filed a brief in support of a federal challenge to Proposition 8. Equality California is extremely appreciative of the Attorney General's continued leadership in opposition to Proposition 8 and in support of ending discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Californians. Governor Schwarzenegger is expected to file his brief soon. We urge him to take the same principled stance and tell the Court that Prop. 8 violates the Constitution.“The time has come for all elected leaders to follow Jerry Brown’s example and stand up for equality for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Equality California will continue our position of not endorsing or supporting any candidate for any level of public office who does not completely and unequivocally support total equality for our community.”

Interesting Observation From New York Magazine (June 15-22, 2009)

2009-06-10T21:30:00.003-04:00

Obama is more conservative on gay rights than Dick Cheney now that the ex-VP has come out for same-sex marriage.

Last week, Cheney gave his support for gay marriage. Obama does not support gay marriage, but favors civil unions.

Interesting and disturbing fact!

Newt, Huckabee, Religious Nuts Perfect Together

2009-06-09T21:19:00.003-04:00

Newt Gingrich and Mike Huckabee spoke at a a "Rediscovering God in America" forum at a church in Virginia Beach, Va. They both attempted to mock President Obama's claim that he is a citizen of the world, something then candidate Obama remarked in Berlin. Newt said, "I am not a citizen of the world. I am a citizen of the United States because only in the United States does citizenship start with our creator." Huckabee said he was concerned about Obama's recent comment in Egypt that one nation shouldn't be exalted over another. Huckabee proclaimed that, "The notion that we are just one of many among equals is nonsense.... The United States is a "blessed" nation, he said, calling the American revolutionary defeat of the British empire "a miracle from God's hand." Huckabee pointed to the availability of abortion, the spread of gay rights, and attempts to remove religion from school history books as threats to Christian values, and went on to claim the same sort of miracle-working was at hand in the defeat of California's gay marriage amendment. Huckabee suggested voters "did it because some things are right and some things are wrong and they had to make a stand.''

I got news for both Newt and Huckabee. They are only in the US because by chance they happened to have been born here. Neither of them chose to be a citizen of the US. These two men display what I call the "arrogance of Americans." They think they are better than any other being on the planet because they happened to be born in the US. They feel God has blessed this nation and that every other nation in the world is at the US's beckon call to follow in our footsteps because this is God's will. No other nation on earth is blessed by God like the US.

Newt and Huckabee need to get a life and realize we are not the only people on the face of the earth. I am glad to live in the US, but I realize there is not a DAMN THING I DID TO GET HERE! I was just lucky enough to have been born here!

Gay Pride 2009

2009-06-07T07:57:00.004-04:00

Just so you don't forget: HAPPY GAY PRIDE month! June is the celeration of Gay Pride! In NJ, Asbury Park celebrated Gay Pride on June 7th. Some upcoming events in our area:

Philly gay pride on June 14th.

NYC gay pride on June 28th.

Get out there and show your true colors!

Politics In New Jersey

2009-05-31T11:21:00.005-04:00

This Tuesday, June 2, 2009, is the Gubernatorial Primary. The projected Republican winner is Chris Christie. Jon Corzine, current NJ Governor, is running unopposed. New Jerseyians are not happy about the state of the economy in NJ. I cannot blame them for being upset. There is a great deal of talk about ousting Jon Corzine in hopes that a new leader can get things out of the red.

I was just saying to a friend at work the other day that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to elect a new governor. Can it really get any worse? Maybe someone new might just have the answers. However, the more I read about the Republican candidates, the less likely I am to vote against Jon Corzine.

I do not blame Jon Corzine for the budget problem in NJ. Almost every other state in the US is facing budget deficits. The entire US economy is in turmoil, although it appears things may be getting better. Other states have had to take drastic measures to balance their budgets. NJ is in the same boat. I do not like the fact that Corzine seems to be trying to solve the State's budget problem on the backs of state employees, most of whom are suffering with the economy just like everyone else. State employees are facing further "temporary layoffs" (unpaid furlough days), a wage freeze and possible permanent layoffs. But is Chris Christie the answer?

Chris Christie has already stated that he would cut the State workforce to help solve the budget situation. It's not the "workforce" that's the problem. It's the "non-workforce," the political hacks that exist in State government, every party's appointees that never leave, that is part of the problem. Chris Christie has said over and over that he will cut NJ's taxes, increase employment, and make NJ a better, less expensive place to live. However, Christie has offered very little specifics on how he will achieve these goals. It's very easy to say what you're going to do until you're actually in office trying to do it! I can make the same promises Christie has made, even though I have no idea how to get it done.

On a more important issue for me personally, Christie has already said he would veto any law allowing gay marriage. Corzine, on the other hand, has supported gay marriage rights. NJ has come so far in granting equality to same-sex couples that NJ should not take two steps back on this issue. NJ has to move forward and grant total equal rights for gay couples.

So do I really think NJ needs a new leader? I am not so sure at this point. I truly believe Jon Corzine does have NJ's best interest at heart. I do believe he supports State employees and I know he supports gay rights. It is going to be a very interesting next few months in NJ politics.

Chalk Another One Up For Obama

2009-05-29T19:58:00.005-04:00

Republicans are all in a tizzy because they do not know quite how to fight the nomination by President Obama of Sonia Sotomayor for the US Supreme Court.

Why the FIRST response of the Republicans has to be how do they fight the nomination before they even begin the hearings is beyond my comprehension, but the Republicans are very divided on how they unite against a woman they presume will be a reliable vote for liberal causes. If they launch a no-holds barred attack on Sotomayor, the first Hispanic to be nominated to the court, they risk alienating a growing minority they want on their side in the voting booth.

What a quandary!

Lest We Forget

2009-05-25T13:48:00.002-04:00

I'm so glad George W. Bush is out of office! He had to have been one of the worst presidents of our time! I wish Dick Cheney would shut up! I don't really like Republicans in general! I am proud to be GAY!

All the things I said above, and many other rights and freedoms I have, are mine because of the sacrifice of many men and women throughout history. I am in no way a war-monger! I hate war! It should be avoided at all cost! However, there are sometimes it's necessary because there are simply put, evil people in the world!

Thank you Men and Women of our military. Thanks for the service you provide! Thanks for putting aside your own well-being, and that of your families, so that I can live freely! Thank you even when you go to conflicts that are not just, but you go because of your service!

Thank you.

Republicans Will Grab At Anything

2009-05-17T10:14:00.005-04:00

First it was Sarah Palin! Now it's Ms. California! Lest we forget Dick Cheney. Seems the Republicans are trying to grab hold of anyone that speaks out for old, outdated conservative "values." Give it up Repubs.........get with times or continue to fall behind!

Glad To Be Able To Celebrate Without Fear

2009-05-16T15:09:00.004-04:00

June is a month filled with Gay Pride celebrations throughout the US and in other parts of the world. June is the chosen month in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots that took place in NYC on June 28, 1969, 40 years ago. It was on that night that gays and lesbians, while enjoying a night out at at the Stonewall, were again harassed by the police. The police raided the bar,but this time the police got more than they bargained for. The drag queens fought back! The patrons had had enough! Even though the police got control of the scene, this event marked the beginning of the gay rights movement in the US.

We in the US today can attend gay pride parades and festivities without fear of reprisal. Fellow LGTB Community members elsewhere in the world don't have it so fortunate. In Moscow today, riot police broke up several gay rights demonstrations.The police hauled away scores of protesters hours before the capital hosted a major international pop music competition. Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has drawn international criticism by describing homosexuality as "satanic" and seeking to justify official discrimination against gay people in Russia by claiming they help spread the AIDS virus. I certainly hope President Obama voices his disgust at what has happened in Moscow!

Even though the US still has a long way to go to give LGBT people FULL equal rights, we are a great deal better off than elsewhere thanks to the men and women, like those at Stonewall, that have fought a hard fight for the rights we do have. As we celebrate Gay Pride, I hope we in the US remember those around the world who live in fear each and every day.

Keith Olbermann Talks About The WTF Moment

2009-05-14T21:21:00.001-04:00

A Tribute To My Mother

2009-05-10T12:53:00.005-04:00

My Mother left this world in 1985, just 3 days past her 47th birthday. She left behind a husband, five children, two of whom were less than 12 years of age, and a handful of grandchildren.

Barbara A. Frank exemplified the word Mother. Everything she did in her adult life was for her family. I can remember her sitting out in the freezing cold watching me play Midget League Football. She took me to any and all youth activities. She did the same for my sisters and brothers, never once complaining about the role she played. Even when she was about to leave this world, I remember her only concern was for my Father and his kids. My Mother never once put herself first.

My Mother wasn't an educated woman. She made it through highschool, but that was about it. She was a stay-at-home wife and mother, but every now and again, when finances made it necessary, my Mother would get a small parttime job and help. Despite those times when she was employed, her family still came first.

My Mother never lived long enough to see many of the grandkids and great-grandkids that over the years were added to our family. She never lived to see some graduations or marriages. At every family birthday party I attend, the thought always runs through my mind how much my Mother would have loved to see her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids celebrate their lives. She loved children and my Mother would have been in her glory to see her family grow.

But it wasn't meant to be! Unfair? Damn right! Life isn't fair! That's the way it is! On this Mother's Day, I give my Mother all the tribute she deserves!

Gay? Not Gay? Does It Really Matter?

2009-05-09T08:02:00.005-04:00

Ever since this year's American Idol began, speculation about contestant Adam Lambert's sexual preference has been swirling. Like it or not, questions about Adam's sexuality will not go away. I ask: does it really matter?

Does it really matter if Adam is straight, bi, or gay? Does it really matter if anybody is straight, bi, or gay? Americans are so hung up on this issue that it sometimes irritates the hell out of me! Does a person's sexual preference make them better or worse? Does a person's sexual preference make them any better or less a performer?

Americans are so hung up with pigeon-holing people into boxes! Someone's sexuality is only a small part of the person! Who really cares? What difference does it really make? Should anybody be identified by who they sleep with?

By the way, as far as I'm concerned, Adam Lambert could be Martian! He's still NUMBER 1!

ADDENDUM (2 hours later):

OK. Yes, I admit that I am curious at to whether or not Adam is gay! But does this have to be the focus of the media on Adam or anyone else? When Adam gives an answer, accept it! Remember Clay Aiken? He said he wasn't gay and that was what the media should have stopped with the questioning at that point. The truth always has a way of coming out anyway. Perhaps if a celeb does come out, it will give someone else the courage to also come out, but if nobody can come out until he is ready.

Old Tricks

2009-05-05T08:33:00.004-04:00

President Obama is doing pretty well! The economy is showing signs of recovery. The US is gaining some respect in the world once again. The Republican Party seems to be in shambles, ready to collapse, but the Republicans are back to their old tactics! "After weeks of concentrating their attacks against President Barack Obama on the economy, Republicans are branching out. They're taking aim at his anti-terrorism policy."

It isn't working anymore, Republicans!

Karma's A Bitch!

2009-05-03T08:15:00.005-04:00

Yesterday at the Cherry Hill Mall, I was trying to find a parking place as the place was mobbed. (By the way, the CH Mall has been refurbished and it looks GREAT! Still alot of empty stores on the new section, which is anchored by Nordstroms, but it is very nice). I did the "trolling" technique of trying to find a parking space. You know, where you spot someone coming out of a store and you follow them to their car then wait for them to leave. (I don't like doing this because it sometimes puts my car in an awkward position of blocking the lot, but because it was so crowded, I did it anyway).

Well, I followed two women to their car, saw them get in, and waited, with my left turn signal on, for the car to pull out. I waited close to five minutes for the car to finally back out of the slot. The car was coming toward me, so I wasn't able to immediately pull into the parking space until the car pulling out got passed me. All of a sudden, this car with a girl in her late teens, early twenties comes toward me and swings her car into the spot I was waiting for. I beeped and she just looked at me with what some would call "a shit-faced grin." I was furious, but what was I going to do? I sat their for awhile, more out of disbelief than anger. Finally I pulled away, seeking another parking space.

As I looked for another parking space, I came upon the young lady (strike that because she was far from being a "lady") walking in the parking lot. She had her back to me, but it was definitely her. I rolled down my window and said, "Excuse me! Karma's a bitch!" She turned around, giving me that same, "shit-faced grin." I said, "Karma's a bitch, and you'll get yours, believe me!"

The arrogance of this BITCH! It wasn't as if she did not realize I was waiting for the parking space and accidentally took it from me! She knew exactly what she was doing, and her smirk let me know she was damn proud of it! Not only was she arrogant, but STUPID! This is the kind of thing that causes road rage reactions. I could feel the rage come up in me! This girl was alone in her car, and had I been someone else, I'm sure the reaction wouldn't have been so kind! I thought to myself, if I was a person with anger management issues, or a group of peers, they would have gotten out of their car and kicked this girl's butt! Worse yet, if whoever's spot she stole had a gun or knife, this "parking space thief" could have been seriously injured!

Yes, Karma's a bitch, and I believe this young lady will get what's due her. I only hope it's nothing too bad. Maybe just a flat tire, a fender-bender, or a nasty break up with a boyfriend. I only hope when Karma does pay her back, she'll remember the parking space she stole at the Cherry Hill Mall on 5/2/09!

What Would Jesus Do? He'd Torture?

2009-05-02T09:02:00.008-04:00

A recent CNN survey showed that the more often Americans go to church, the more likely they are to support the torture of suspected terrorists. The survey, conducted during April 14-21, 2009, was based on a Pew Research Center survey of 742 American adults. (The survey, by the way, is not without controversy. Many evangelicals say it is not correct, but I don't believe that for a minute).

Surprised? I'm not the least bit! I used to attend evangelical, mostly conservative churches! One of the things that I always questioned was why most of the fellow congregates, including one pastor I knew, were so supportive of the first Gulf War and the Second Gulf War. So accepting torture is nothing I wouldn't expect. Remember the Inquisition? Remember The Crusades? Look back throughout history and look at the pain and suffering, along with some good I will add, the Church brought on people. Someone summed it up best saying, "When you have God on your side, anything is ok."

As I have matured in life, I have often wondered why it is so-called Christians who are the most Un-Christian-like people around? I'm sure surveys have been conducted amongst Christians that show the majority support capital punishment as well as war and torture.

I'm certain Jesus supported none of the above, torture, war, or capital punishment! So if Christians are supposed to be Christ-like and follow His example, why don't they? If Jesus were walking the earth today, I don't think he would be a member of his Fan Club!

And Connecticut Makes Four

2009-04-26T09:34:00.002-04:00

The little state of Connecticut has become the fourth state to legalize gay marriage! (Massachusetts, Vermont and Iowa are the other three). Come on New Jersey! What's the holdup?

Dick Continues His Assaults

2009-04-21T08:29:00.002-04:00

Dick continues his bashing of President Obama. Does the man have nothing positive to say? Miserable, old man!

Another Good Job By Obama

2009-04-19T08:38:00.003-04:00

I give President Obama an A+ for his endeavors at the Summit of the Americas. Isn't it time we learn to listen and work with our neighbors instead of trying to dictate to them how things are going to be?

To Union Or Not To Union?

2009-04-13T09:27:00.004-04:00

I am Pro-Union, but not a Union Fanatic! I am also a State of NJ employee, and union member State employee! I DO NOT BELIEVE THE STATE OF NJ BUDGET SHOULD BE BALANCED ON THE BACKS OF ITS WORKERS! My job is to serve the public, a particularly vulnerable part of our citizenship. I believe that MOST state employees work hard to support and serve the people of NJ. We keep the disabled, the mentally ill, children, and the general public safe. I also believe that most of the public hasn't a clue what NJ State employees do to make their lives better.

This is, in my opinion, what the Union should be publicizing on a daily basis. The Union should be informing the public on a routine basis of what it is NJ State employees are doing for the people. However, the Union usually reacts to situations rather than being proactive. Last week, the Union asked its members to participate in a lunchtime picket over forced furloughs and wage increase give-backs. Does this work or does this make the public even angrier at State employees? I'm not sure, but the following is one response from one reader of The Press of Atlantic City to the lunchtime protests that occurred last week:

How arrogant for state workers to fight furloughs
Published: Monday, April 13, 2009

" Regarding the mass demonstrations last week at our state colleges by workers protesting furloughs:
I'm blown away by the arrogance of these folks. These are all state employees who believe they are exempt from any type of personnel cuts when the state is suffering a sharp revenue decline. Why should the state act any differently from a private business?
Most of these folks make the same or more than private business employees and should have to undergo the same as any other business. With the governor finally doing his job by cutting expenditures and standing up to the demands of the state's employees, we taxpayers will finally slow our rate of increase in our property taxes. New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation due to the demands of these employees, and it has to stop now.
DENNIS MAHON"

Unfortunately, when the Union reacts this is the image that is portrayed.
Northfield

TIme In NYC

2009-04-12T10:04:00.004-04:00

Spent a few days in New York City last week. A few wet, cool days! I gotta say NYC is still a great place to be even in the wet and cool! Picture here is from Soho, but not "Soho in the rain." Fortunately we did have some good days as well.

The Obama Success In London

2009-04-02T20:24:00.004-04:00

Well it looks like President and Mrs. Obama were successes in London this week at the G20 Summit. President Obama was declared, "Obama was the star of the meeting," and Michelle Obama "dubbed "Mighty Michelle" and the "new Jacqueline Kennedy" by British media."

It's great to see the American President received so well in a foreign country after 8 years of being embarrassed by Presidential trips to other countries. President Obama was not dominate the summit, but in my opinion, showed what true diplomacy and cooperation is all about. He did not dictate what the US wanted, but rather worked with the leaders of the other 20 nations to accomplish his goals.

Maybe this is just a small sign of things to come. There is strength in listening and thinking, not just boastful gloating and demanding.

Maybe There Is Hope For The Republican Party

2009-03-31T21:47:00.002-04:00

Meghan McCain on Larry King Live

More Involvement?

2009-03-28T09:06:00.005-04:00

President Obama seems fixated on widening the US involvement in Afghanistan to defeat the Taliban. This is causing some, particularly my fellow left-wing democrats, to question why put more troops in Afghanistan. Isn't that, after all, just following Bush's lead? Isn't that what we did NOT want to happen?

Believe me, I am not happy about more US troops being deployed anywhere. I want them all home. But I still trust President Obama (with this and the economy). I think he must have strong evidence that the Taliban or Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan are definitely planning more attacks on US citizens here and abroad. I do not think President Obama is just putting more US troops in harms way because he's a power hungry, war-obsessed person.

Unlike George W. & Company, that were bent on World Domination, I truly feel President Obama is doing what is in the best interest of the US.

You've Heard About The Big One That Got Away....

2009-03-15T08:26:00.004-04:00

We've all hear the story from the fisherman about the big one that got away. But, in Virginia, a hunter was was fined $400 and jailed for hunting violations after he bolted antlers to the head of a dead doe and posed for a photograph. Marcel Fournier, 19, shot the doe at night and then used glue and long bolts to affix antlers to its head before checking in the deer. In Virginia it's illegal to kill an antlerless deer, and it's also illegal to hunt at night. Guess we all like to brag about our conquests.

In another rather comical news story, a driver in Washington State received a summons when a police officer stopped him driving in the carpool lane with a passenger who was not wearing a sealtbelt. Turned out the passenger was a dummy, literally. The driver was using the dummy as a second passenger to access the carpool lane.

Texas Gov Rejects Stimulus Money

2009-03-12T22:29:00.003-04:00

Texas Governor Rick Perry said "No Thanks" to $555 Million in Federal Simulus money. Perry, an outspoken critic of President Barack Obama's $787 billion stimulus bill, did accept most of the roughly $17 billion slated for Texas in the plan.

Other Governors have threatened the same action, but to date I do not think any have actually turned down the money. Now I guess the People of the State of Texas will have to decide if Perry is thinking of them or his own political gains.

Again I ask: Is This 2009?

2009-03-09T20:24:00.004-04:00

As reported by EQUALITY CALIFORNIA, this sign, "Dan White Hero. Killing A Queer" was sighted at the Prop 8 hearing last week as the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments against and for the Prop. For those of you that don't know, Dan White was the man who shot San Francisco Mayor George Mascone and City Supervisor Harvey Milk in 1978. Both men were killed by White's bullets.(Dan White's attorney at his trial argued what is known today as the Twinkie Defense). This poster should be one of outrage and disbelief!

Is this 2009 or is this 1809? To believe that some people still feel this way about any group is unbelievable! That anyone would feel this much hate as to call a killer a hero is beyond my imagination! But unfortunately, some things never change as sophisticated as we think we are.

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh

2009-03-06T20:47:00.001-05:00

The Freak Is Back?

2009-03-05T21:53:00.001-05:00

March 5, 2009; A Big Day For California Gay Rights

2009-03-04T17:18:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, March 5, 2009, is a very big day for gay rights in California. Tomorrow, the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments as to why Proposition 8, a Constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages in California, is unconstitutional. If you recall, voters in California approved Prop 8 by a slim margin in November. The approved amendment stated that marriage is between one man and one woman, thus making same-sex marriage invalid. This after the California Supreme Court had previously ruled that the California Constitution did not prohibit same-sex marriage. With an amendment, the Constitution would now specifically declare same-sex marriage null and void.

The day after the November election, three lawsuits challenging Prop. 8 were filed directly in the California Supreme Court. On November 19, 2008, the Supreme Court agreed to hear those cases. The court directed the parties to brief and argue the following issues: (1) Is Proposition 8 invalid because it constitutes a revision of, rather than an amendment to, the California Constitution? (2) Does Proposition 8 violate the separation of powers doctrine under the California Constitution? (3) If Proposition 8 is not unconstitutional, what is its effect, if any, on the marriages of same-sex couples performed before the adoption of Proposition 8? The court will issue a written opinion within 90 days, or the beginning of June.

This amendment added to the California Constitution essentially legalizes discrimination. A specific group, the LGBT community, is singled out as that group. Let's say for example, that a state wanted to prohibit African-Americans from voting or owning property. Could a State simply vote on an amendment to do so? I don't think so! So we shall see what happens in California and what ramifications it has on other states in the Union.

Realize The Dream

2009-03-01T12:02:00.004-05:00

Check out this video from
The Equailty Forum

Step Aside Republicans and Pundits

2009-02-28T11:42:00.003-05:00

Barack Obama has been President of the US for a almost 6 weeks now. Already the Republicans and right-wing pundits have tried to derail his agenda! The right-wing have been doing nothing but complaining about this strategy and criticizing the agenda of President Obama. They really want to see President Obama fail!

I say to them: "Step aside. Get out of the way! Watch as President Obama turns this nation around with our help!" The Republicans had the past 8 years to mess everything up. The Bush Administration had the last 8 years to let the important things facing this country like the environment, health care, education, take a back seat to their wordly domination philosophy. Now it's a Democratic President that has to step in and make some hard choices. The people of this nation put Barack Obama in office to make change, to start a REVOLUTION, and that is what he will do.

President Obama has my total support! He has done more in the past 6 weeks to try and restore the greatness of the US than George W. & Company did in the past 8 years! Get move up to the front of the bus or take a back seat, but don't let the change the people want stop!

Why Is SOCIALISM Such A Bad Word?

2009-02-22T11:49:00.002-05:00

The "in" word of this past week seemed to be socialism. The Conservatives and Conservative Media have been using this word to describe President Obama's agenda, particularly his economic agenda. I ask: what is so wrong with socialism anyway?

Wikipedia defines the term as, "Socialism refers to a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating public or state ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equal opportunities for all individuals....Socialists mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital, creates an unequal society, and does not provide equal opportunities for everyone in society."

Socialism has its beginnings many times throughout history during revolutions. The People get tired of being left with nothing and being treated with inequality, and revolution brings about change. Did the American people begin a revolution with the election of Barack Obama? Did the people in this country finally get so sick of the wealth being distributed unevenly amongst the rich, that they said, "Enough is enough!" Isn't it said that 1% of the US population has 95% of the wealth?

I ask again, "What is so wrong with Socialism?"

A Warm Welcome For Obama

2009-02-21T11:43:00.002-05:00

I thought it was great to see the warm welcome President Obama received earlier this week in Canada. More than 3000 people withstood freezing temperatures and snow on Ottawa's Parliament Hill to watch as the US President waved to the crowds during his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Lesley Marshall, a university student, said, "We came for the Bush protest here (in 2004). There were just lines of police officers with gas masks because there was so much anti- American sentiment. It was horrifying..." What a difference!

It made me proud to be an American to see this welcome of our President! Even during the campaign, I felt a tingle of pride when then Candidate Obama met with other world leaders. To see the crowds then come to see OUR future President was awe-inspiring. I remember Obama being criticized for taking this trip during the campaign, but other candidates for US President would not have received the same reception!

It was actually embarrassing to see George W. visit other countries! Nothing but protests and scenes of police in riot gear were seen on TV. The world hated Bush, and the world hated US Americans! Now maybe we will be seen in a different light!

Early Signs of Spring

2009-02-14T11:48:00.002-05:00

The bulbs are starting to pop!

It's Criminal And Someone Should Pay

2009-02-14T08:47:00.006-05:00

In January, China sentenced two men to death and imposed life in prison on Sanlu Group Co.’s former head for their involvement in the tainted-milk scandal that claimed the lives of at least six babies, Xinhua news agency said. If you recall that incident, at least six babies died, and 294,000 suffered kidney ailments and urinary problems after drinking infant formula tainted with melamine.

In the US, we have had our episode of food poisoning as well. Our culprit, salmonella-laced PEANUT BUTTER! One of my favorite foods (excluding the salmonella)! Now the president of a peanut company and a plant manager are accused of knowingly distributing contaminated food. During a grilling by a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee, these men refused to answer many of the questions posed to them. At one point, Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon, displayed a container sealed with yellow "caution" tape and said to Stewart Parnell, president of the Peanut Corp. of America, and Sammy Lightsey, manager of the company's Blakely, Georgia plant, "In this container are products that have your ingredients in them, some of which were on the recall list, some of which are probably contaminated....It seems like, from what we've read, you were willing to send out that peanut base [that] went into these ingredients. And I just wonder, would either of you be willing to take the lid off and eat any of these products now, like the people on the panel ahead of you, their relatives, their loved ones did?"

Nine people in the US have died as a direct result of the peanut butter contamination and many others have been sickened. This is criminal and someone should pay, and pay with more than just a monetary fine, which will come out of an insurance company. I am not suggesting these men, if it is they that are guilty, be executed like the case in China, but the guilty in the US peanut butter case are guilty of murder and should be sentenced for such a crime.

“China pays great attention to food safety and product quality,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a press briefing today. “In the Sanlu case, China is strictly handling the case according to the law,” she said, adding the country has strengthened its rules and regulations after the scandal. The US should be following the same standards! After all, aren't our standards so much higher than the rest of the world's?

Really Hoping Obama Fails

2009-02-12T14:02:00.003-05:00

Has anyone else noticed how hard the right-winged media and others (Republicans) are trying their hardest to get negative reactions to everything Barack Obama says and does? Rush has said he hopes Obama fails, then tried to clear it up by stating that he only hoped Obama's stimulus plan failed. The other day some newscaster asked a "blog" question something like, "If the stimulus plan does not work, will you still support Obama? How much time will you give the stimulus plan to work?" The expected answer in each of these and many other questions/polls is a negative response against Obama.

Obama has been in office about four weeks now! He inherited a mess and it will take a lot longer than four weeks or even four months to fix it! So how long will I give him? I would say, FOUR YEARS maybe! George W. and his party took eight years to screw things up so badly, I think FOUR YEARS is enough to give Obama to start turning things around!

Are the Republicans just jealous that Obama still has such a favorable rating? Are the Republicans going to continue their hardest to try and change peoples' feelings about Obama? I hate to tell them,but I believe the American people are tired of the BS that the Republicans have fed them for the past eight years! I think, and I am hoping, that the Republican strategy will backfire on them and make people dislike the Republicans even more.

Get on board, Republicans! You and your strategy has failed this country. Get on board and give Obama an honest chance to turn things around. Guess what? He's going to do it with or without you anyway!

Freedom To Marry Week

2009-02-08T11:43:00.003-05:00

Today is the first day of Freedom To Marry week. Across the nation, there are activities being planned in churches, homes, schools, businesses, government offices and community spaces. Please visit the site for more information.

"I think I screwed up"

2009-02-04T08:28:00.004-05:00

"To err is human..." Barack Obama never said he wasn't human! He made a mistake! I think there is nothing better than to admit it and move on................That's exactly what Obama is doing. When was the last time we heard a President say, "I think I screwed up"?

Michael Phelps-You Don't Need To Aplogize To Anyone

2009-02-02T18:30:00.006-05:00

By now I'm sure everyone has heard about the photo of Michael Phelps smoking a pot pipe that surfaced in a British tabloid. Michael response to this was, "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment.... I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”

Yes, Michael, you acted in a "youthful" way. Maybe that' because you are a youth! (Or "yoot" as Pesci would say). You need not apologize to anyone for being "youthful!" Enjoy your youth while you can because it will be gone all too soon! Sure you're a role model, but that doesn't mean you have to be perfect for the entire world! It's ok to cut loose and lighten up once in awhile!

Joe Windish, The Moderate Voice, wrote an interesting "interview" with Michael Phelps in which Phelps says, "Dear America,
I take it back. I don’t apologize.
Because you know what? It’s none of your…business. I work my ass off 10 months per year. It’s that hard work that gave you all those gooey feelings of patriotism last summer. If during my brief window of down time I want to relax, enjoy myself, and partake of a substance that’s a hell of a lot less bad for me than alcohol, tobacco, or, frankly, most of the prescription drugs most of you are taking, well, you can spare me the lecture."

How great would that be? And Michael, don't worry about your sponsorships and commercials, I'm sure Budweiser will give you a nice contract.

Mistakes or Get-Overs?

2009-01-31T08:55:00.003-05:00

What is it with public officials that do not pay the taxes they should? Is it really just a mistake on their part? Is it they are trying to get over in hopes that they don't get caught, and if they do, they claim "IT WA JUST A MISTAKE, AN OVERSIGHT!"?

Tom Daschle, President Obama's nominee for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, is now facing confirmation by the Senate and he is facing tough questioning about his failure to pay more than $128,000 in taxes in the three years before Obama nominated Daschle. A few weeks ago, it was Federal Reserve Bank nominee Timothy F. Geithner, who claimed it was just an oversight, a mistake, that he did not pay all his taxes due for several years. Time and time again, we have seen in the past public officials plagued by the issue of not paying taxes.

I don't know about you, but when I file my income tax return, I am extremely cautious and even a bit nervous about reporting ALL my income! I don't want to mess with the IRS because I know that can end up in high fines or even jail time. (Remember Al Capone? Wasn't he eventually brought down because of tax issues, not murder or other crimes?).

Is it because the public officials in question are dealing with a lot more money than someone like me? Or is it more like they know exactly what they are doing and hope not to get caught? If caught, claim idiocy?

Barack Obama: A Racial Stepping Stone?

2009-01-18T08:36:00.006-05:00

As we all know by now, Tuesday, Inauguration Day, brings with it an historical moment in US history, the first African-American President. Before the election, and since, we have seen African-Americans across this land and even in other countries smile with pride as they await this history-changing event. I too watched the night Obama was elected, and I felt a little bit of that pride. Every time I saw the camera pan to an older African-American person, I would think to myself, "What joy must be coming to that person." When I saw the camera pan to a young African-American child, I thought, "What hope must come to that child. He can now really believe he can be anything he wants to be." I admit, being a White American, I DO NOT understand the true feelings that go on in a person of color's mind and being! I can't! I grew up in a middle class white household, and I realize the advantage I have because of that; not necessarily because of my own doings, but because I just happened to be born in the family I was.

One of the things I have heard time and time again from the African-Americans interviewed on TV is that they never really thought this day would come. Donna Brazile said the other day on CNN that even though her parents told her as a child that she could grow up to be anything she wanted, Brazile said as soon as her parents left the room, she and the other children knew they were lying. They were Black, and could not really be anything they wanted. An African-American coworker and I were discussing the "patriotism" that is pounded into American children from the time they are very young that the US is the best country in the world and that nobody compares to Americans. She stated to me that in her culture that was not the case. She was told first and foremost that she was Black, American second. I hear this quite often.

So, why was Barack Obama, an African-American, not told this? Or, if he was, why did Barack Obama not believe it? What makes Barack Obama different, and why is his time now? Could it be that Barack Obama grew up in a White household? Perhaps, much like my life, Obama was not told he was black first, but he was an American. Maybe Barack Obama, like me, was told he could be anything he wanted, and Obama believed that. What if Barack Obama had been raised by two African-American parents with African-American grandparents? Would he be where he is today?

Is Barack Obama a racial stepping stone? Is the fact that Barack Obama, part African-American, and part White American, what has put him in the position historically he is in? Would America have been ready to elect an "all African-American" President? There have been other African-American individuals try to be elected President, but they never made it very far.

Will Barack Obama pave the way for a future African-American President. I hope so! I hope that by electing Barack Obama, all White Americans will finally realize that color is only skin deep!

Good Luck To You, President Obama

2009-01-17T12:28:00.004-05:00

As I watch the Obama Express head from Philadelphia to DC, I can only wish President Obama the best of luck! I am excited and very proud of what this country has done by electing a President that promises change to the American system. I am hopeful that equality will finally come for ALL Americans, not just the privileged.

President Obama is asking for our help. He has created Organizing for America and is asking us to join and fight with him to change America.

GOOD LUCK, PRESIDENT OBAMA!

Bye, Bye George

2009-01-15T08:08:00.003-05:00

Every time I come to my blog, I look at the Bush counter to the right. Four days and counting! That's all that's left of George W. & Company's reign! I can hardly believe that day is just about here; it seemed like it would never come!

I've bashed George W. & Company enough over the years, so I'm not going to do so here. I am just going to say with great pleasure:

GOODBYE MR. BUSH!

Is This Really 2009?

2009-01-10T14:51:00.006-05:00

Sometimes it's hard to believe we are really living in 2009! Every now and again, stuff happens around the world, or even in the US, that makes me believe we are still in the Middle Ages.

The one picture, I'm sure most of you have already seen, is the hanging of two boys, yes boys, for being gay. This took place in Iraq, and is one of the punishments meated out to gays there. This despite the Iranian President declaring several months ago that there are no gays in Iran.

Just the other day I read about a woman in Papua, New Guinea who was burned for being a witch.

And just yesterday, right here in the good old US of A, Congress passed two bills, one which would help women get equal pay for equal work.

Is it really 2009?

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T08:24:00.002-05:00

Out with the old and in with the new! HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! May 2009 be a much more prosperous year for us all!

Surprise, Surprise....Abstinence Only Sex Ed Doesnt' Work

2008-12-29T17:55:00.003-05:00

Surprise, surprise! According to a recent study released today, teenagers who pledge to remain virgins until marriage are just as likely to have premarital sex as those who do not promise abstinence. The only difference, those teens that pledge not to have sex are significantly less likely to use condoms and other forms of birth control when they do. "Taking a pledge doesn't seem to make any difference at all in any sexual behavior," said Janet E. Rosenbaum of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, whose report appears in the January issue of the journal Pediatrics. "But it does seem to make a difference in condom use and other forms of birth control that is quite striking."

As much as parents or educators or whoever hope kids don't have premarital sex, fact of the matter is they do! We are sexual beings! Sex is one of the strongest driving forces in humans. I know there are some people that are not driven by sex for whatever reason (medication decreasing the libido, a painful past sexual experience, etc), but as long as humans have been in existence, sex is a very strong motive for their behavior.

So for those who think abstinence-only education must be the rule in schools, hopefully this study will help shed some light on our educators and politicians: kids need to know the facts, all the facts! Teens need to be given total insight to contraceptives available, the possible negative side effects of sexual behavior, and condoms need to be made available wherever possible for teens!

A Face Only A Mother (Or Grandfather) Could Love

2008-12-27T09:28:00.003-05:00

I'm not a REAL dog lover, but here's my new Granddog, Caesar. Ain't he cute?!

Today's The Day

2008-12-26T14:26:00.005-05:00

OMG!! IT has finally happened! Half a Century! Damn, I'm old! "Old as Mold." "It's the BIG one!" "If you were a horse, they'd shoot you!" "If you were a car, you'd be an antique!" "Over the Hill!" These were just some of the sayings that waited my return from lunch the other day at work. To my surprise, the clerical staff got me! I thought because I'd be off on my actual birthday, I would be spared the tradition that has awaited staff in my office for a few years now: the "trashing" of the office/cubicle with the announcement of "THE BIG ONE!"

But it was inevitable. And as I always have heard, "Age is just a number." Believe me, most days I don't feel 50! On some I feel 150! However, most times I feel pretty damned good! Thank God I don't look 50!

50 years of learning! Patience has been one of them! I got a new computer about 2 weeks ago, and guess what? It's still sitting right here next to me in the box! In my earlier years, I would have torn the thing open and thrown it together, cursing and screaming the whole time because it wasn't fitting together just right! Not this year! I will probably set the computer up tomorrow, taking my time, reading the directions, and hopefully making the entire process much simpler and easier. Besides, I needed a new computer desk for this one too. So before I even attempt to take it out of the box, everything needs to be ready. I will be setting up a wireless Internet system also, so I have to do it right this time!

"Don't sweat the small stuff!" That's another thing I've learned over the past years. Life is too short to be worrying about the little stuff that happens. Sh** happens and there's nothing we can do about it anyway, so why let it bother us? It is what it is! Move on and leave it behind. There's too much important stuff happening to sweat the small stuff. The trick is to learn what is the small stuff and what is the big stuff. Everyday I run into people or situations that help me realize the difference between the small and big stuff. Someone battling cancer; that's a BIG thing! Someone who can't walk; that's another BIG thing! Someone who's house just burned down and all their belongings were inside; that's a BIG thing! Whether or not I'm going to get to the party on time; that's a very very small thing! What will I eat for dinner tonight; another small thing! See, it's not that hard to distinguish BIG from small.

Now that I am 50, I guess I can start to say whatever I want. I can tell people what I am really thinking! Nah! I won't be ignorant with people, but I am 50, so I'll do what makes me happy! Just watch out next 50 years!