File Under: Hollywood Politics
Somehow, I think America's obsession with celebrity has influenced our political scene, namely the Democratic primary race for President. In one corner we have Hillary Clinton, a seasoned Senator, and Barack Obama, a first-time Senator. Barack talks a good game, he's charismatic and has a nice smile. He speaks of change and new ideas and the need for taking America in a new direction. Hilary talks about having the experience to get behind the desk on day 1 and begin to right the wrongs of the previous administration. She too has ideas but she also has the history to backup those ideas. Unfortunately many people are missing what she has to say because they've been blinded by Barack.
We put too much focus on celebrities. We have Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan under a microscope, watching every move. We relish the 'big story.' Celebrities are built up and expected to perform, and by perform I mean embarrass themselves, only so it can be caught on tape and reported by media outlets. I hate to think that Barack is another story made for Hollywood. Do I think he'll fail miserably as President? Probably not, it's doubtful that anybody could be worse than our current President. If he winds up being our leader, I hope he surrounds himself with top-notch advisers who will steer him in the right direction.
Have I given up on Hillary? No. I think she can do it. I wish more people felt the same way. It's time to turn off the Hollywood spotlights and focus on the issues and the experience. And it's time for Oprah, to just go away.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
OVER IT!
File Under: How much more can I take?
I'm not a fan of winter but I tolerate it because it can be pretty and I live in what I consider to be a really amazing city so when it's not winter, Chicago is lots of fun. It's the midwest so we have seasons. Summers can be sizzling hot, winters can be cold and snowy. This one has been particularly cold and snowy. The past few winters have been relatively mild, and without a lot of snow. We've had more than our share of both extremes and I have to say that I AM OVER IT. When it snows, people are assholes when it comes to parking. They are inconsiderate about the space they leave between the car in front or behind them, thus hogging two spaces. People don't clean their sidewalks. I rent and I get out and shovel my sidewalk. It's not even my property. Another neighbor in the building shovels too but the rest of them do NOTHING. And let's not ignore the fact that it's fucking cold. Tonight's low is -2. When it's that cold, I just ache. I'm tired of being sore and cranky. I want it to end!!
Okay, enough ranting. I'm going to change out of my fleece hoodie and jeans and put on my flannel pajamas, then crawl into bed under 3 blankets.
I'm not a fan of winter but I tolerate it because it can be pretty and I live in what I consider to be a really amazing city so when it's not winter, Chicago is lots of fun. It's the midwest so we have seasons. Summers can be sizzling hot, winters can be cold and snowy. This one has been particularly cold and snowy. The past few winters have been relatively mild, and without a lot of snow. We've had more than our share of both extremes and I have to say that I AM OVER IT. When it snows, people are assholes when it comes to parking. They are inconsiderate about the space they leave between the car in front or behind them, thus hogging two spaces. People don't clean their sidewalks. I rent and I get out and shovel my sidewalk. It's not even my property. Another neighbor in the building shovels too but the rest of them do NOTHING. And let's not ignore the fact that it's fucking cold. Tonight's low is -2. When it's that cold, I just ache. I'm tired of being sore and cranky. I want it to end!!
Okay, enough ranting. I'm going to change out of my fleece hoodie and jeans and put on my flannel pajamas, then crawl into bed under 3 blankets.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Ouch
File Under: Ouch
I'm having a back spasm right now. Actually it started about 45 minutes ago. Fun? Not so much.
I'm having a back spasm right now. Actually it started about 45 minutes ago. Fun? Not so much.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Question
File Under: Questions People Ask
I went out last night. I rarely sit home on a Saturday night. Especially now, when the weather has been so bad and the weeknights are spent home because I don't want to lose my parking spot, the weekends are my opportunity to combat cabin fever. I went to my local hangout, Jackhammer. It's a comfortable little bar, it's close enough to home that I can walk there, the crowds are interesting and I know some of the bartenders so they take care of me. Last night some new faces were in the bar and on two occasions, I found myself in a conversation with nice guys. In both cases, I was asked "Do you have a boyfriend?" I said no. Then THE QUESTION "Why?"
After a momentary blank stare, my answer was the same as it always is, "I have no idea."
It's not like I'm not trying. I go out, I'm social. I put myself in situations where I should meet people. Some may say that I'm going to the wrong places. If that were true, then the places I'm going to would be empty because some people are meeting others in those places. I signed up for match.com. Dr. Phil's guarantee was that in 6 months I would meet someone. That'll teach me to trust Dr. Phil.
I suppose eventually I'll meet someone. I'll admit that I have high standards. I'm not going to lower them. I see no reason to settle just for the sake of having a boyfriend. But until I meet someone, I would prefer not to be asked why I don't have one.
I went out last night. I rarely sit home on a Saturday night. Especially now, when the weather has been so bad and the weeknights are spent home because I don't want to lose my parking spot, the weekends are my opportunity to combat cabin fever. I went to my local hangout, Jackhammer. It's a comfortable little bar, it's close enough to home that I can walk there, the crowds are interesting and I know some of the bartenders so they take care of me. Last night some new faces were in the bar and on two occasions, I found myself in a conversation with nice guys. In both cases, I was asked "Do you have a boyfriend?" I said no. Then THE QUESTION "Why?"
After a momentary blank stare, my answer was the same as it always is, "I have no idea."
It's not like I'm not trying. I go out, I'm social. I put myself in situations where I should meet people. Some may say that I'm going to the wrong places. If that were true, then the places I'm going to would be empty because some people are meeting others in those places. I signed up for match.com. Dr. Phil's guarantee was that in 6 months I would meet someone. That'll teach me to trust Dr. Phil.
I suppose eventually I'll meet someone. I'll admit that I have high standards. I'm not going to lower them. I see no reason to settle just for the sake of having a boyfriend. But until I meet someone, I would prefer not to be asked why I don't have one.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Anti-Valentine's Day
File Under: "Holidays" I don't like
I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day.
I've been single for quite some time. The last time I dated someone when a V-Day occurred was 5 years ago. It was nice to be with someone, get the heart shaped box of chocolates, give him a gift, have a nice evening together and then wake up next to him the next morning.
When you've had a taste of it, you miss it. Maybe you miss it even if you've never sampled it.
The first two weeks of February, leading up to that day, it's all you hear about. Commercials showing happy couples in love, friends and coworkers talking about their plans for the day, even the romantic songs on the radio seem just a bit louder than the others.
I work in Human Resources. At work, festivities were planned and the memo said "wear red." I struggled to comply. I wanted to wear all black. I managed to wear grey, my turtleneck sweater had a red stripe around the collar and cuffs. At work I smiled and politely said "thank you" when I was wished a happy V-Day. One of my bosses gave me a card and a box of conversation hearts. That was nice. Another coworker made handmade cards that were holders for Hershey's chocolate bars. Mid-day I was finally feeling a bit festive and I sent one of my friends a text message wishing her a Happy V-Day. She called, she was happy to hear from me. Towards the end of the day, I felt pretty good about it. The anxiety of it was fading.
I went to the gym last night. My phone was at home charging. When I got home I had a text message from a friend. This is someone who, at one time I fawned over and had quite the crush on him. I consider him a good friend and I think he considers me a good friend. The message I received simply said "Happy Valentine's Day, honey." I about lost it. No harm intended on his part, just a sweet message. A message that put me back to the beginning of the day when I wished I had worn all black and didn't have to talk to anybody. So, I held true to tradition and played Belinda Carlisle's song "Valentine," shed a couple tears and called it a night. The chorus of the song says:
Valentine
I know that I'm
Fighting this love in vain
The sun's been shining for a week
but it just feels like rain.
Valentine
I know you're not mine
You're somebody else's flame
But when those hearts and flowers fade
Oh my darling, look my way.
One day later, I feel much better. It's Friday, it's been a long week and I'm going out for a drink. Alone, and okay with it.
I'm not a fan of Valentine's Day.
I've been single for quite some time. The last time I dated someone when a V-Day occurred was 5 years ago. It was nice to be with someone, get the heart shaped box of chocolates, give him a gift, have a nice evening together and then wake up next to him the next morning.
When you've had a taste of it, you miss it. Maybe you miss it even if you've never sampled it.
The first two weeks of February, leading up to that day, it's all you hear about. Commercials showing happy couples in love, friends and coworkers talking about their plans for the day, even the romantic songs on the radio seem just a bit louder than the others.
I work in Human Resources. At work, festivities were planned and the memo said "wear red." I struggled to comply. I wanted to wear all black. I managed to wear grey, my turtleneck sweater had a red stripe around the collar and cuffs. At work I smiled and politely said "thank you" when I was wished a happy V-Day. One of my bosses gave me a card and a box of conversation hearts. That was nice. Another coworker made handmade cards that were holders for Hershey's chocolate bars. Mid-day I was finally feeling a bit festive and I sent one of my friends a text message wishing her a Happy V-Day. She called, she was happy to hear from me. Towards the end of the day, I felt pretty good about it. The anxiety of it was fading.
I went to the gym last night. My phone was at home charging. When I got home I had a text message from a friend. This is someone who, at one time I fawned over and had quite the crush on him. I consider him a good friend and I think he considers me a good friend. The message I received simply said "Happy Valentine's Day, honey." I about lost it. No harm intended on his part, just a sweet message. A message that put me back to the beginning of the day when I wished I had worn all black and didn't have to talk to anybody. So, I held true to tradition and played Belinda Carlisle's song "Valentine," shed a couple tears and called it a night. The chorus of the song says:
Valentine
I know that I'm
Fighting this love in vain
The sun's been shining for a week
but it just feels like rain.
Valentine
I know you're not mine
You're somebody else's flame
But when those hearts and flowers fade
Oh my darling, look my way.
One day later, I feel much better. It's Friday, it's been a long week and I'm going out for a drink. Alone, and okay with it.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Hillary's Message to LGBT Americans
File Under: Hillary for President!
(note, this was found on another blog but I think the message is so important, I'm posting it here.)
A Message to LGBT Americans: "I Want To Be Your President"
On the eve of Super Tuesday, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton offers up a message of support for the LGBT community. Read the New York Senator's guest post below.
By Senator Hillary Clinton
As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what I sensed in my heart has been confirmed – America is embracing its LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as never before. On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask about ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. A woman will ask why she can be discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to everyone.
Let me tell you what I have been telling voters across America. I am fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans. For seven long years, the Bush Administration has tried to divide us - only seeing people who matter to them. It's been a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.
I will change that. The best evidence of what I will do as President is what I have already done.
I am proud of my record as First Lady, as a U.S. Senator and as a candidate for President in working toward the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans.
· I am proud that as Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in 2006, I worked closely with LBGT community to develop a smart strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment. I am proud of fighting the FMA as divisive wedge politics at its worst.
· I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act which would grant the same benefits (including health insurance) to domestic partners of federal employees that are currently offered to employees’ legal spouses.
· I am proud to have authored the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, and fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act.
· I am proud that I hired a National Director of LGBT Outreach within a month of announcing my candidacy for President and to have openly gay and lesbian staffers serving at all levels of my campaign.
· I am proud to have a National LGBT Steering Committee of over 130 that includes openly LGBT elected officials, Board members and opinion leaders on issues ranging from transgender rights, to HIV/AIDS, to “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”.
· I am proud to have marched in Gay Pride parades as both First Lady and as Senator and to have spoken in front of so many LGBT audiences ranging from the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, the Hetrick Martin Institute, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
· I am proud to have fought Republican efforts to demonize and marginalize the LGBT community, and I will continue to do that as President.
We have so much work to do. When I am President, we will work together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to expand our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and assure that they are both fully inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice – the traits that define our men and women in uniform – have nothing to do with sexual orientation.
My father was a conservative Republican, who held very traditional views for much of his life. Yet in his last years, it was a gay couple who lived next door who provided much of the compassion and comfort he and my mother needed as he grew ill. And it was that same neighbor who held his hand as he died. If my father can move, America can move.
To each and every LGBT American, I say this. You have done so much to help this country understand your lives by simply being open and honest about who you are and living your lives with dignity. Thank you for your courage. It is time that we recognize your hard work. I know that this country is ready for changes in the law that reflect the evolution in our hearts.
America deserves a President who appeals to the best in each of us, not the worst; a President who values and respects all Americans and treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they love. I want to be that President. I want to be your President.
(special thanks to www.ourchart.com/the_hookup , the source of this post.)
(note, this was found on another blog but I think the message is so important, I'm posting it here.)
A Message to LGBT Americans: "I Want To Be Your President"
On the eve of Super Tuesday, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton offers up a message of support for the LGBT community. Read the New York Senator's guest post below.
By Senator Hillary Clinton
As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what I sensed in my heart has been confirmed – America is embracing its LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as never before. On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask about ending Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. A woman will ask why she can be discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to everyone.
Let me tell you what I have been telling voters across America. I am fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans. For seven long years, the Bush Administration has tried to divide us - only seeing people who matter to them. It's been a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.
I will change that. The best evidence of what I will do as President is what I have already done.
I am proud of my record as First Lady, as a U.S. Senator and as a candidate for President in working toward the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans.
· I am proud that as Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee in 2006, I worked closely with LBGT community to develop a smart strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage Amendment. I am proud of fighting the FMA as divisive wedge politics at its worst.
· I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation Act which would grant the same benefits (including health insurance) to domestic partners of federal employees that are currently offered to employees’ legal spouses.
· I am proud to have authored the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals living with HIV, and fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act.
· I am proud that I hired a National Director of LGBT Outreach within a month of announcing my candidacy for President and to have openly gay and lesbian staffers serving at all levels of my campaign.
· I am proud to have a National LGBT Steering Committee of over 130 that includes openly LGBT elected officials, Board members and opinion leaders on issues ranging from transgender rights, to HIV/AIDS, to “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”.
· I am proud to have marched in Gay Pride parades as both First Lady and as Senator and to have spoken in front of so many LGBT audiences ranging from the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda, the Hetrick Martin Institute, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
· I am proud to have fought Republican efforts to demonize and marginalize the LGBT community, and I will continue to do that as President.
We have so much work to do. When I am President, we will work together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to expand our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and assure that they are both fully inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice – the traits that define our men and women in uniform – have nothing to do with sexual orientation.
My father was a conservative Republican, who held very traditional views for much of his life. Yet in his last years, it was a gay couple who lived next door who provided much of the compassion and comfort he and my mother needed as he grew ill. And it was that same neighbor who held his hand as he died. If my father can move, America can move.
To each and every LGBT American, I say this. You have done so much to help this country understand your lives by simply being open and honest about who you are and living your lives with dignity. Thank you for your courage. It is time that we recognize your hard work. I know that this country is ready for changes in the law that reflect the evolution in our hearts.
America deserves a President who appeals to the best in each of us, not the worst; a President who values and respects all Americans and treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they love. I want to be that President. I want to be your President.
(special thanks to www.ourchart.com/the_hookup , the source of this post.)
Friday, February 8, 2008
Snow
File Under: Gnome's Winter Vacation 
It has snowed three times since Sunday. We're supposed to get more tonight, more tomorrow and more Monday night.
I'm over it.
Gnome is too.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Tuesday
File Under: VOTE!
Today is "Super Tuesday." 24 states are having primaries or caucuses to elect a Democrat and a Republican candidate for President of the United States. I was out the door at 6:45 this morning, casting my ballot for Hillary. While it's evident that Senator Obama will win in Illinois (he's already been projected as the winner), it was important to go and vote so that she would get a share of delegates. GO HILLARY!
In other "Super Tuesday" news, Chicago is under a Winter Storm Warning. Depending upon which forecaster one listens to, the city and surrounding areas to the north and west could be blanked under anywhere from 4 - 15 inches of snow. FUCK! My approach to weather is this; I listen to multiple forecasts and pick the one I like best. Tonight's winning forecast was told by Jerry Taft on Channel 7. His forecast sounded most favorable for the city, 4-5 inches. I can deal with 4-5 inches. I'm no size queen, I'm fine with an inch or less. Snow really hasn't begun falling as of this writing. I guess we'll just have to see how much is on the ground when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Today is "Super Tuesday." 24 states are having primaries or caucuses to elect a Democrat and a Republican candidate for President of the United States. I was out the door at 6:45 this morning, casting my ballot for Hillary. While it's evident that Senator Obama will win in Illinois (he's already been projected as the winner), it was important to go and vote so that she would get a share of delegates. GO HILLARY!
In other "Super Tuesday" news, Chicago is under a Winter Storm Warning. Depending upon which forecaster one listens to, the city and surrounding areas to the north and west could be blanked under anywhere from 4 - 15 inches of snow. FUCK! My approach to weather is this; I listen to multiple forecasts and pick the one I like best. Tonight's winning forecast was told by Jerry Taft on Channel 7. His forecast sounded most favorable for the city, 4-5 inches. I can deal with 4-5 inches. I'm no size queen, I'm fine with an inch or less. Snow really hasn't begun falling as of this writing. I guess we'll just have to see how much is on the ground when I wake up tomorrow morning.
Wow I'm Gay!
File Under: Observations
Okay, looking at my previous few posts, there's no question about my gayness. Not that there was, prior to that series of posts. Dan could vouch for me just in case some of you are doubters.
Okay, looking at my previous few posts, there's no question about my gayness. Not that there was, prior to that series of posts. Dan could vouch for me just in case some of you are doubters.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
COMPLETE
File Under: Television Faves
One of my favorite television shows, Gilmore Girls, ended last year. It ran its course, the last season just wasn't the same without the original producer at the helm. Back in November the final season was released on DVD. Best Buy had it on sale and now my collection is complete!
What remains incomplete are other favorite TV shows:
Friends - I have seasons 1-4, 6, 8 and 9. For some reason I started buying them out of order.
Will and Grace - I have seasons 1-4. I don't think they're all out yet so I'm safe.
Mad About You - I loved this show but managed to only buy season 1. I don't even know if they're all out, yet.
Seinfeld - Seasons 1 - 6 are in my collection. Almost done with that collection.
Nip/Tuck - Um...well, I wasn't really a fan of this show until I saw a clip of an episode involving a hot scene between a doctor and patient and then I knew this was a series I should own. The stories are good, the sex is really good (as far as cable goes). I have seasons 1-3. Season 3 is where that hot scene I described above appears.
There are a couple others, I can't recall right now, they're buried in the stack. Maybe I'll discuss them in another post.
One of my favorite television shows, Gilmore Girls, ended last year. It ran its course, the last season just wasn't the same without the original producer at the helm. Back in November the final season was released on DVD. Best Buy had it on sale and now my collection is complete!
What remains incomplete are other favorite TV shows:
Friends - I have seasons 1-4, 6, 8 and 9. For some reason I started buying them out of order.
Will and Grace - I have seasons 1-4. I don't think they're all out yet so I'm safe.
Mad About You - I loved this show but managed to only buy season 1. I don't even know if they're all out, yet.
Seinfeld - Seasons 1 - 6 are in my collection. Almost done with that collection.
Nip/Tuck - Um...well, I wasn't really a fan of this show until I saw a clip of an episode involving a hot scene between a doctor and patient and then I knew this was a series I should own. The stories are good, the sex is really good (as far as cable goes). I have seasons 1-3. Season 3 is where that hot scene I described above appears.
There are a couple others, I can't recall right now, they're buried in the stack. Maybe I'll discuss them in another post.
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