Two Dads

This HAS to stop!!

http://www.ny1.com/content/top_stories/126800/seven-arrested-in-connection-to-attacks-on-three-gay-men

Advocate Top 17

http://advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/Internet/The_Best_of_It_Gets_Better/

My 'It Gets Better' video was selected for the Advocate.com Top 17 list.

It Gets Better

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Judge orders lesbian reinstated to Air Force

.:via AP Mobile:.

Judge orders lesbian reinstated to Air Force

Lady Gaga

The Monster Ball

Islam controversies cast shadow over 9/11 events

The last paragraph says it all. The younger generations of the country are the hope for the future of peace and tolerance. 9 years ago we were attacked by members of a radical faction...and today, radical conservatives are acting in much the same way by trying to take rights away and discriminating against a group of people because of their religion.

.:via AP Mobile:.

Islam controversies cast shadow over 9/11 events

Safety concern for Fla. gov. over 9/11 Quran burn

Terry Jones is a disgrace to the human race. And certainly shouldn't be considered a man of God. All his 'supporters' are simply selfish bigots who care nothing for the safety of those fighting for this country, or for the image of America in the rest of the world.

.:via AP Mobile:.

Safety concern for Fla. gov. over 9/11 Quran burn

Faith/Voice

Snookie Stackhouse-NSFW!

nook

So, yesterday I ventured to Barnes and Noble to purchase a nook. I hemmed and hawed about deciding between the Kindle, nook, and iPad. Finally landed on the nook because...I can check out books from the New York Public Library eBook website to read on my nook. Free books?!?!? Case closed! My first book is The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown...been wanting to read it, but didn't wanna pay the price for the hard copy and lug around that brick of a book. Glad I waited. Any book recommendations? Leave em for me in a comment.

Peace!

Verrry Interesting

A very compelling read.

http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/2-mommies-are-better-than-a-mom-and-dad-combo/

Iraq war ends as last American combat troops leave country

Who can honestly tell me now that Obama hasn't done anything?!? He's been having to clean up the messes left by W.

.:via Daily News:.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2010/08/18/2010-08-18_troops_out_of_iraq_cross_border_drawing_war_to_close_50k_remain_to_advise_train.html

Sarah Palin to Dr. Laura over N-word controversy: 'Don't retreatreload!'

Both of these women need to shipped off to a land far far away where they can live in their ultra-conservative ignorant bliss for the rest of their lives.

.:via Daily News:.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/08/19/2010-08-19_sarah_palin_supports_dr_laura_schlessinger_over_nword_controversy_dont_retreatre.html

Investors urge Target to look at political giving

Perhaps all the boycotting is doing some good! If the stocks go down, shareholders get sad!!! Keep it up everyone. Hit them in the pocketbook and things will change!

.:via AP Mobile:.

Investors urge Target to look at political giving

By the way...

The quote yesterday was from Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Strange, eh?

Kathy on Prop H8

Guess who said this...

"I am not ultra-ultra-conservative on every issue. I actually support gay marriage. … I think the gay marriage thing would definitely surprise people. I mean, for some people, it will surprise them to the point that they won't want to hear it. "No, that can't be, I really want to have this sort of idea of her in my head," so I sort of rain on their parade there. I am a person that does believe that life begins at conception, but I also don't believe that the government should tell women what to do with their bodies. So I'm torn there in terms of supporting laws [for or against abortion]. I always say I would rather change a heart than a law. I think it has to start there. Always trying to mandate, mandate, mandate this or that is not the way that I believe this country should run."

Lindsay Lohan may get out of rehab early: prosecutor

Must be nice to be famous. 14 of 90 days...AND getting bounced from rehab?!? That rehab stint might be the one thing that's gonna keep her alive.

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/08/12/2010-08-12_lindsay_lohan_may_be_released_from_rehab_early_says_prosecutor_actress_may_need_.html

Schwarzenegger: Let same-sex weddings resume now

.:via AP Mobile:.

Schwarzenegger: Let same-sex weddings resume now

Thank goodness

Ugandan anti-gay bill loses steam.

http://www.minnpost.com/globalpost/2010/08/06/20341/ugandan_anti-gay_bill_loses_steam_after_local_and_international_opposition

Goodbye corporations

http://mellowtigger.livejournal.com/162111.html

Marriage and the economy

The statements by the first lady of Iowa at the end of the article make this a great read!

.:via Iowa Independent:.

http://iowaindependent.com/40304/outlawing-gay-marriage-will-improve-economy-activist-says

Love her!!!

Last Carnegie Hall resident forced out of towers

Sad story of history lost.

.:via AP Mobile:.

Last Carnegie Hall resident forced out of towers

Lupica: Palin shows she lacks real courage

Pretty great read.

Lupica: Palin shows she lacks real courage

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/08/02/2010-08-02_toughtalkin_sarah_in_any_language_she_lacks_real_courage_and_hasnt_a_clue_about_.html

Another view

Bargain of the Day

Picked up these navy blue topsiders today for $22.75! They were on MEGA clearance, and I couldn't pass up that bargain!

Pantsless Saturdays

Head over to GQ for a peek at Pantless Saturdays

http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201008/scott-pilgrim-stars-pantless-saturdays

Lohan's release from jail imminent, but may head straight to rehab

It's amazing how fast 90 days pass when you're a celebrity.

Lohan's release from jail imminent, but may head straight to rehab

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/08/01/2010-08-01_lindsay_lohan_expected_to_be_released_from_jail_at_midnight_but_head_straight_to.html

Spencer Pratt: Marriage to Heidi Montag was an act

This is truly disgusting! Wake up America!!! These fucktards can get married and loving gay and lesbian couples can't?!? I'm embarrassed to say I'm a US citizen sometimes.

Spencer Pratt: Marriage to Heidi Montag was an act

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/07/31/2010-07-31_spencer_pratt_marriage_to_heidi_montag_was_an_act_for_mtv_begs_network_for_anoth.html

Pizza

Just had dinner with my folks at the first restaurant that served pizza in my hometown. Love the retro look of the sign!

Daily Dose of Crazy 'Christians' in America

Anne Rice has the right idea. I, myself, love God, but am increasingly terrified of 'Christians'. The church has turned to justifying hate and prejudice 'in the name of God'. It's scary!

.:via CNN:.
http://edition.cnn.com/2010/US/07/29/florida.burn.quran.day/index.html?hpt=T2#fbid=DXF4_hmuDNO

Heidi Montag files for divorce from Spencer Pratt

So, Heidi and Spencer can get divorced after 15 months, but WE'RE going to destroy the sanctity of marriage?!? WTF?!?

.:via AP Mobile:

Heidi Montag files for divorce from Spencer Pratt

Letters to Target

MY ORIGINAL LETTER

For being a company who seemingly used to support the lbgt family, I am ashamed to learn of your recent contribution that goes against all of that. Please know I will not step foot in another target store until you offer an apology and retract the donation.

I don't support hate, and thus can't support your supporting of hate.

TARGET'S RESPONSE

Target has long believed that engaging in civic activities is an important and necessary element of operating a national retail business. What's more important than any one candidate's stance on a particular issue is how we nurture thoughtful, long-term growth in the state of Minnesota.

To continue to grow and create jobs and opportunity in our home state, we believe it is imperative to be engaged in public policy and the political process. That is why we are members of organizations like the Minnesota Business Partnership, the Chamber of Commerce and many others. And that is why we decided to contribute to MN Forward.

MN Forward's objective is to elect candidates from both parties who will make job creation and economic growth a top priority. We operate best when working collaboratively with legislators on both sides of the aisle.  In fact, if you look at our Federal PAC contributions year to date, you will see that they are very balanced between Republicans and Democrats. For more information please visit www.target.com/company, and view the Civic Activity page.

Target has a large stake in Minnesota's future, which is why it is so important to be able to provide jobs, serve guests, support communities and deliver on our commitment to shareholders. As an international business that is proud to call Minnesota home, it is critical that we have a business environment that allows us to be competitive. Our guests, team members, communities and shareholders depend on Target to remain competitive. 

Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. 

Sincerely,

Jennifer Hanson
Target Executive Offices

MY RESPONSE

This is unacceptable to me. To be fiscally responsible is one thing. Claiming to be supportive of your gay and lesbian, bi and transgender employees, then making donations in support of a candidate with ties to a group that supports the jailing and killing of those exact people is apprehensible. And to think, you used money that I, a gay man, spent shopping at your stores across the US to make that donation. For that, I am sorry and wish to apologize to your lgbt employees on YOUR behalf. 

The fact that your form letter PR response bears no mention of the lgbt community speaks volumes for your true colors. You're dodging the issue. You cannot say one thing, then act another way...because, as we're taught as children...ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS. 

I will not step foot in another Target store until at least $150,000 or more is donated to HRC or another advocacy group of similar interest, an apology is made, AND a promise is made to include lgbt issues in further thought before donations are made.

I thought target was a better company than this. Clearly, you'll take anyone's money then turn around and stab them in the back!

American Idol

Today, Ellen announced that she wouldn't be returning to American Idol next season. Smart move, Ellen!!! With Simon and Ellen gone, who's going to continue? Randy and Karen? Please. Fox should announce the cancellation of the show. It was terrible this year anyway. Quit while you're ahead, I say, before the ship sinks.

Sign this petition against MTA fare hikes

The MTA just outdid itself. Today, they announced another round of fare hikes -- including a plan to make "unlimited" monthly MetroCards limited starting January 1st.

Translation: Even as the cost goes up to nearly $100 per month, monthly MetroCards will only get you about 3 rides per day next year -- the 4th ride will cost you extra. (Or you can pay even more for a truly unlimited card).

This "limited unlimited" is just the most outrageous part of a new round of fare increases announced by the MTA. But we're sick of this ridiculous cycle.

The MTA has to get the message that they can't keep using more and more fare hikes as a short-term fix -- they need a real long-term plan to restore the finances of New York City's transit system.

Will you sign our petition opposing the fare hikes?

http://action.workingfamiliesparty.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2155&tag=MTA710

Beautiful Rainbow

Target Corp. defends Minn. political donation

Target has long been one of my favorite places to shop; however, I will be trying to take my gay dollars elsewhere. A company that says it has no political agenda and unwavering support for gays and lesbians, yet then donates $150,000 to a candidate against equal rights is speaking out of both sides of it's mouth. I urge you to curb your spending at Target and let our money do the talking. 

.:via AP:.

Target Corp. defends Minn. political donation

Becoming a Villain

Great American Road Trip 2010

Last year I made a cross country road trip from Portland to NYC. This year, I'm driving from Dallas to NYC with a stop in Indiana to visit the family.

Today's drive was a fairly quick 8 hours from Dallas to West Memphis, AR (not quite as bad as East St. Louis, but it's still pretty ragtag). Thankfully I made it to the motel (yes...I can only afford a motel) before the storms hit. It's been thundering and lighting all evening. Hoping it clears up before I hit the road tomorrow morning.

It's wonderful to be alone and relaxing in the room. I love staying in cheap motels along the way...it adds to the experience of road tripping I believe.

Gay Lutheran pastors to join church roster

.:via AP:.

Gay Lutheran pastors to join church roster

This is amazing! Finally a church being open and accepting to gay people!

Target Takes Manhattan: Opens East Harlem Store

After years of flirting with Manhattan, the bull's-eye has landed in East Harlem. Target's first store on the New York island officially opens Sunday.

http://www.edgeonthenet.com/?108339

Amish teen leads police on horse and buggy chase

The best part of the article is: "no word on whether the horse was a white Bronco."

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20010971-504083.html

Gay couple attacked inside NYC fast food restaurant

Richard Vieira suffered cuts to his face, a black eye and bruised shoulder and continues to experience headaches and dizziness after three men attacked him and his partner inside a White Castle near their Staten Island home early on July 7.

http://www.edgeonthenet.com/?108384

Take Me Back To Manhattan

My show closes Sunday, and I will be road tripping back to NYC with a stop over in Indiana to visit the family. Really looking forward to a few weeks off to enjoy the city in the summer. It's my favorite time to be there. Tank tops, shorts, flip flops, margaritas at Blockheads, sunbathing in Central Park, bike riding on the Hudson greenway, day tripping to the beach. Summer in NYC feels like the world is at your fingertips.

Greetings from....Texas

I pondered and pondered what to name this blog. I wanted something that reflected who I am and where I'm from. I was doing a google image search for New York, and came across the inspiration for my blog header. I'm attaching it, so you can see where it came from.

I have a soft spot in my heart for the nostalgic look of these postcards, and I thought that would be the perfect look for my new blog.

It's Back...A&F Quarterly

The Abercrombie & Fitch Quarterly has returned after a two year absence. I never understood why it caused so much controversy. The images are stunning!

Ten years ago when I was living on a cruise ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, my roommate and I decorated every inch of our tiny cabin with pictures from the Quarterly.

So...I, for one, am thrilled to see its return.