It's a Beautiful Day for Civil Rights!

Spain OKs Gay Marriage, Defying Opponents
By MAR ROMAN, Associated Press Writer
3 hours ago

MADRID, Spain - Parliament legalized gay marriage Thursday, defying conservatives and clergy who opposed making traditionally Roman Catholic Spain the third country to allow same-sex unions nationwide. Jubilant gay activists blew kisses to lawmakers after the vote.

The measure passed the 350-seat Congress of Deputies by a vote of 187 to 147. The bill, part of the ruling Socialists' aggressive agenda for social reform, also lets gay couples adopt children and inherit each others' property.

The bill is now law. The Senate, where conservatives hold the largest number of seats, rejected the bill last week. But it is an advisory body and final say on legislation rests with the Congress of Deputies.

After the final tally was announced, gay and lesbian activists watching from the spectator section of the ornate chamber cried, cheered, hugged, waved to lawmakers and blew them kisses.

Several members of the conservative opposition Popular Party, which was vehemently opposed to the bill, shouted: "This is a disgrace." Those in favor stood and clapped.

The Netherlands and Belgium are the only other two countries that allow gay marriage nationwide. Canada's House of Commons passed legislation Tuesday that would legalize gay marriage; its Senate is expected to pass the bill into law by the end of July.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero noted this in debate before the vote.

"We were not the first, but I am sure we will not be the last. After us will come many other countries, driven, ladies and gentlemen, by two unstoppable forces: freedom and equality," he told the chamber.

FREEDOM IS FOUND IN CANADA!!!

It's sad when Canada gives more comprehensive rights to me than my own country. Very, very sad.

Canada House of Commons Passes Gay Marriage Bill

By BETH DUFF-BROWN
.c The Associated Press

TORONTO (AP) - Canada's House of Commons passed landmark legislation Tuesday to legalize gay marriage, granting same-sex couples legal rights equal to those in traditional unions between a man and a woman.

The bill passed as expected, despite opposition from Conservatives and religious leaders. The legislation drafted by Prime Minister Paul Martin's minority Liberal Party government was also expected to easily pass the Senate and become federal law by the end of July.

The Netherlands and Belgium are the only other two nations that allow gay marriage nationwide.

Some of Martin's Liberal lawmakers voted against the bill and a Cabinet minister resigned Tuesday over the legislation. But enough allies rallied to support the
bill that has been debated for months, voting 158 to 133 to approve it.

Martin praised Tuesday's vote as a necessary step for human rights.

"We are a nation of minorities," Martin said. "And in a nation of minorities, it is important that you don't cherry-pick rights."

There are an estimated 34,000 gay and lesbian couples in Canada, according to government statistics. Before the measure passed, gay marriage was legal in seven
provinces.

Alex Munter, national spokesman for Canadians for Equal Marriage, which has led the debate in favor of the law, was triumphant after the vote: "The genius of Canada, almost unparalleled in the world, is built on shared identity, out of respect for each other."

Martin, a Roman Catholic, has said that despite anyone's personal beliefs, all Canadians should be granted the same rights to marriage...

"We know that it has been somewhat contentious in Canada, but at the same time the Canadians have largely approached this issue in a rational and democratic way and are providing a very positive model for the rest of the world," Sklar said.

Though hundreds of foreigners have come to Canada to seek civil ceremonies since gay marriages were first allowed in Ontario and British Columbia in 2003, not
all countries or states recognize the unions. While a slew of Israeli men were married in Toronto City Hall earlier this year, for example, the Israeli Interior
Ministry does not recognize those unions.

In the United States, the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriage and most states refuse to acknowledge marriage certificates from gay and lesbian couples, regardless of where they wed.

Canadians for Equal marriage

IT'S A GIRL!

Born on June 27 by C-section
at 10:18 pm
Weighing 7 lbs 8 oz
Measuring 19 inches
With Bright Blue Eyes and tufts of Black hair!

CANCER WITH VIRGO RISING!! Yup! She's MY Goddaughter!

Both Mommy and Baby Girl are doing well and resting up. Mama Tre is tired, but happy and excited.

WELCOME BABY!! You are very loved and cherished already.

Name: *****
June 27 2005
12:00 PM Time Zone is PDT
*****, CA

Rising Sign is in 20 Degrees Virgo
You tend to be very shy and not very self-assertive. You are supercritical about how you appear to others. Even though you may think you are uninteresting and dull, you are actually quite soft- spoken, orderly, neat and very likable. You are a perfectionist with high standards, and at times you can be quite tactless in pointing out the faults of others. Very practical, efficient and purposeful, your appearance and bearing reflect your need to appear graceful, sensible and reserved. You have a crisp, no-nonsense approach to dealing with others. Never lazy or self-indulgent, you tend to be dedicated to the work ethic.

Sun is in 06 Degrees Cancer.
Very emotional and sensitive, you have an intuitive understanding of the "vibes" around you. You tend to be quite generous, giving, loving and caring, but only when your own needs for emotional support, love and security have been met. If they are not met, you tend to withdraw into yourself and become very insecure and selfish. Your home and family (especially your mother or the person who played that role for you early on) represent security for you and thus assume a larger-than-life importance. Very sentimental, you have vivid and long- enduring memories of the past. No matter how well adjusted you are, you will always need a secret quiet place of your own in order to feel at peace. Feeding others can give you great pleasure you would enjoy being part of a large family.

Moon is in 23 Degrees Pisces.
You have strong feelings and are extremely sensitive. It would help if you had a thicker skin -- you tend to react emotionally to every situation you come across. Kind, gentle and considerate of the feelings of others, you are good at taking care of the sick, wounded and helpless. But you tend to absorb the energy of others -- so avoid those who are always negative. You have a rich, creative and lively imagination, but you should be careful not to spend all your time daydreaming. Very intuitive, you have good ESP and may be quite clairvoyant or psychic. Remember that you too have the right to get what you want from life. If you are always defensive and kowtowing to others, people will take advantage of you and exploit you.

Mercury is in 29 Degrees Cancer.
Your emotions tend to rule your thought processes. You have difficulty seeing life objectively. You have an excellent memory, especially about things to which you have formed an emotional bond. You prefer ideas and thoughts that are known and familiar, and therefore tend to dislike fads or radical ideas. The beliefs and traditions of your family and culture are very important to you. Your thinking becomes quite unclear when you are emotionally shaken -- try not to make major decisions when you are upset. Let things calm down first.

Venus is in 29 Degrees Cancer.
You like to be very close to other people. You need emotional support yourself and are willing to give it to others. When you feel unloved and insecure, you can be very jealous and possessive. You are not interested in casual or superficial relationships -- only deep emotional involvements interest you. Your faithful devotion is one of your greatest gifts, but be careful not to become too dependent on others. Learn to stand on your own two feet and demand your own rights once in a while.

Mars is in 10 Degrees Aries.
You are very independent and self-assertive, and you have lots of physical energy. You are not satisfied unless you can be the first to do something. As such, you are more comfortable in leadership positions than you are as an underling. When you are challenged by anyone for anything, you delight in the competitive process and will fight long and hard for your beliefs. You are bold and courageous and often act without thinking. At times, in your zeal to get ahead, you are tactless and offensive -- learn that cooperation with others can often bring you nearer to your goals quicker because of the support you will get.

Jupiter is in 09 Degrees Libra.
You are generally good at balancing opinions and judging issues, but you tend to be indecisive when it comes to making up your own mind. You are objective and quite concerned with fair play and justice. But, when it comes to yourself, you are so aware that whatever you do might upset the apple cart that you often choose to compromise rather than do anything that might make you lonely or vulnerable. Relationships are very important to you -- you learn about yourself and grow through observing yourself interacting with others. Your aesthetic tastes are refined, but expansive and expensive.

Saturn is in 27 Degrees Cancer.
The most important issue for you is emotional security. You have a deep and gnawing fear that those on whom you depend for emotional support will prove to be unreliable in the long run. When you are unloved and insecure, you distrust others and tend to feel isolated and lonely. Very cool, detached and objective, you can be counted on -- in situations that are inherently stressful or full of tension -- not to lose your self- control. That is a great and welcome gift at such times.

Uranus is in 10 Degrees Pisces.
You, and most of your peers, are extremely idealistic and want to change society by completely reorienting its highest religious goals and aspirations. Just be careful to make sure that your new goal structures are properly grounded in reality so that they have a chance of being accepted by the majority.

Neptune is in 17 Degrees Aquarius.
You, and your entire generation, will idealize and even venerate the ability to remain detached as well as the ability to objectively analyze any given situation. There will be a concerted effort on your part to cure the ills of society as a whole. But be very careful to continue to maintain and protect the rights of individuals in the midst of these potentially far-reaching changes.

Pluto is in 22 Degrees Sagittarius.
For your entire generation, society's cherished beliefs and totems will be radically changed. Many traditional concepts will be totally altered, if not completely destroyed. The rights of individuals to pursue their own course in life will be reasserted.

N. Node is in 19 Degrees Aries.
You're at your most comfortable when involved in group activities outside of your immediate family circle. You delight in getting involved with others in neighborhood civic or political activities, especially if you can be a part of the leadership of the group. Your zeal and overabundant energy bring out your real creativity when you can work toward tangible results -- things that will immediately benefit those around you. You have a real gift for getting the most out of charity drives and community benefits. Take time out between projects though, because you tire out easily and your effectiveness becomes greatly diminished when your energy is depleted. Also, don't even think of trying to get involved at a peripheral level -- you need a total commitment to feel personally fulfilled. Let others bake the cookies and set up the chairs -- you should be the one to tell everyone what to do and when to do it!

BABY WATCH!!!!

::Ring ring::

Me: Hello?
Her: Connie?
Me: Tre?
Her: Yes...
Me: Well?
Her: We're having a baby!!

Yes, that's right folks, after a day of minimal movement, a stress test and a bit of pitosin, Tre's Wife is in labor and expected to deliver around 10:00 pm tonight or so. Baby is well, mother is well and it's only a matter of time.

I can't tell you how excited I am for my Godchild to be born. I will keep you all posted!

Kerist. This makes me Mad

Two on PETA staff charged with cruelty to animals

By DARREN FREEMAN AND SETH SEYMOUR, The Virginian-Pilot
© June 17, 2005

Two employees of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals were arrested on animal cruelty charges in Ahoskie, N.C., after investigators saw dead dogs being thrown into a grocery store garbage container Wednesday, according to the Ahoskie Police Department.

Ahoskie police conducting surveillance as part of a monthlong investigation reported finding 18 dead dogs in the container and 13 animal carcasses in a van registered to PETA and seized by authorities.

The cats and dogs were taken Wednesday from animal shelters in Northampton and Bertie counties, police said. Animals had been collected every Wednesday for four weeks, and carcasses had been found dumped in Ahoskie every Wednesday for about a month, Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said.

Two veterinarians said they were told that PETA would try to find homes for animals taken from their practices.

Adria J. Hinkle, 27, of the 1600 block of Claremont Ave. in Norfolk and Andrew B. Cook, 24, of the 500 block of Tree Top Drive in Virginia Beach were arrested on 31 felony counts of animal cruelty and eight misdemeanor counts of illegal disposal of dead animals.

Both posted $35,500 bail on Wednesday and have a first court date set for today in Winton.

PETA is investigating the incident. The organization has suspended Hinkle, who has worked for more than two years as one of its community animal project employees in North Carolina.

Cook, who was hired only weeks ago as her assistant, has not been suspended.

“We are appalled if this actually happened,” PETA President Ingrid Newkirk said. “We would absolutely never condone this behavior.”

Newkirk said of Hinkle: “She’s the Mother Teresa of animals. She’s a very kind, decent person.”

PETA says it routinely picks up animals at pounds to have them adopted or, if necessary, euthanized.

Shelter officials knew some of the animals, which are not always “cute, cuddly, housebroken or small,” would need to be put down, Newkirk said.

Among the dead animals, though, authorities found a female cat and her two “very adoptable” kittens taken from Ahoskie Animal Hospital, veterinarian Patrick Proctor said.

“These were just kittens we were trying to find homes for,” Proctor said. “PETA said they would do that, but these cats never made it out of the county.”

When Proctor evaluated one dead dog for police, he discovered a healthy, 6-month-old mutt with a needle mark on its front right leg, he said.

He also identified what he called a “death kit” that police found in the van. It was filled with syringes and two drugs that only licensed veterinarians can have, he said.

“PETA will never pick up another animal from my practice,” Proctor said.

PETA had taken 50 animals to be adopted from Proctor’s practice over the past two years, he said. PETA has also taken animals from veterinarian James Brown in Northampton County for about a year, Brown said.

“When they started taking them, they said they would try to find homes for them,” Brown said. “Nobody ever checked on them” after the animals were taken.

When PETA employees took animals from Brown’s practice in the past, they would tranquilize them and take them away in vans, said Karen Cole, the animal cruelty investigator for the Northampton Sheriff’s Office.

Some animals were very sick or injured and otherwise would have been euthanized in Brown’s clinic, she said.

“Some animals have to be euthanized,” she said. “But the way this crowd did it is sick.”

So Much to Blog

So little time.

I guess I should start with a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister Denise on the 18th. We celebrated her 40th birthday with a huge summer BBQ at our place, and we had a ball. We served cheeseburgers, hotdogs, drumsticks,all sorts of salads like cole slaw, pasta, tuna, fruit of every kind, chips, brown sugar baked beans, oriental noodle salad, not to mention a HUGE chocolate chip cookie and birthday cake.

There was laughing and water sports. A great time was had by all.

The beer flowed, the singing got louder, the cops were called (only once), and there were people still in our living room at 3am (two who slept on the floor). Oh, yes, we had a party.

Father's Day was spent with my family worshipping the Dad with a plethora of presents, including (as weird as it sounds) two cemetary plots in the Veterans section of the cemetary. I know that sounds weird, but we didn't want to wait until after he was dead to honor his sacrifice for his country - we wanted him to know how proud of him we are. It was very moving for us all.

Tonight, we are visiting with Lindi's dad and grandfather and have dinner. I am so tired from this weekend I need to take a nap before we go. Argh.

I'm up for a promotion, and interviewed for it today. I feel really good about it, and I am hoping to at least make it to second interviews. I will kepp y'all posted.

Have a great Monday!

Followup to Previous Post

First of all, let me thank everyone who has written concerning my letter, as well as those who have emailed me directly, concerning my points of view regarding "Pride" this year. I wanted to put out in the open what many in the LGBT community have been saying behind everyone's back to incite discussion on this particular subject so that we may do things for our entire communities best interest.

I will address everyone's concerns and how I came up with my decision to boycott Pride this year so you may all gain an understanding.

#1: Entrance Fee: As previously stated (and somewhat overlooked), I understand the need for the entrance fee. $5 is not a big deal to you and me and many others of this group, and free tickets are available to those who want to volunteer. I am big on volunteering (my feet still hurt from Saturday's Gala) and my initial response to someone complaining about it was "Great! Volunteer! I'd love to see you there!" Too few of us do volunteer for anything but Pride anymore and I would love to see more people getting involved.

#2: No outside food or drinks: I recognize that vendors pay to be there. And they should. This is where the bulk of the money should come from. Why? Because they are making a profit from our community. Booth rentals can vary, like someone mentioned, based on size and profit and non-profit status. But at the end of the day, they still walk away with money in their pockets from our LGBT brothers and sisters. Vendors SHOULD be footing the bill - they are the ones who will have the residual advertisement and business as a result of being at Pride. I know I patronize those businesses as much as I can because of their willingness to participate. I don't go to Starbucks and spend $5 on a cafe mocha - I prefer to let the small gay-friendly coffee shops do that for me. They do it better anyway.

#3: Pride as a fund-raiser: The reason why Pride is so well attended (approx 30,000) is because it was the last area of our community that didn't come with a price tag. I receive tons of fund-raiser invitations for between $50-$300 per person to raise money for the Center. Not everyone is able to contribute those large sums of money and I go to as many as I can or send a check when I can't, but at least I am given the option. I am privileged that I contribute as much as I do every year because I DO recognize the Center's worth. However, if the whole purpose of Pride is to fundraise, well, then, Pride has turned into one of those "members only" exclusive deals like so many dinners have been where you are only valued by the amount of money you are willing to spend.

#4: Alcoholic Beverages: I could honestly care less whether or not the beer garden is gone. I don't feel alcohol should be roaming around Pride, it only invites underaged persons to drink and requires more security. Many of us are out of that stage where being drunk outdoors is cool. I think it is reasonable to say "No outside alcoholic beverages" to preserve decorum. No one is going to get drunk on homemade sandwiches. As for checking coolers, it has never been a problem in the past.

What it comes down to is the vendors don't want outside competition and the whole outside food and beverage issue has been put in place to preserve the vendors rights, not the community's at large.

#5: The Arts Festival: The reason why so many cultural events like the Arts Festival charge entrance fees and the like is because typically, Utahns, unlike Californians and New Yorkers, do not spend their money on art. They have to charge entrance fees and outlaw outside food and beverage just to keep some culture in this valley. But, the best part, we are NOT the Arts Festival. We are the LGBT Community of Utah. We are supposed to care about everyone who is oppressed by their sexual orientation and gender identification rather than the amount of money in their pocket.

#6: The Pride/Center Staff: I agree, not a job I envy. As for rolling up my own sleeves, trust me, I do a lot in the way of donations and volunteering for events to do my part. I would be more active in Pride, but to be honest (and a great many of us feel this way) the Committees have become cliques, much like High School. It is obvious by the response I have received from this letter that my statement is true. No one wants to see a dissenting opinion about Pride, even if it makes sense, because it somehow attacks those involved. Not true. I am eternally grateful for all the hard work these people have done. If I weren't recovering from surgery and caring for my child, I probably would have volunteered this year. However, as in all things, my health and my family come first.

#7: Where does the money go?: If, conservatively, 30,000 people attend Pride this year, that would make about $175,000 just on entrance fees alone, not to mention vendor permits and sales percentage profits (which should be in place anyway - 7% of total sales is not a lot of money). With all the questionable accounting from years passed, I want to know what the Center is planning to do with it. There's no financial statement or financial intention or even a dollar goal listed anywhere on the GLCCU website. My emails in the past to the GLCCU have gone unanswered. How much DOES it cost to put on Pride, brass tacks. How much do we need as a community to raise to keep the Center open? If we raise more, where does that money go? The Royal Court? In an interest bearing account? I am sorry, it's not that I don't trust the Center, but I don't know everyone's intentions.

At least at my daughter's church, we know exactly how much per week we need to have in contributions to keep the church going - to the penny. It is also published in the following week 's bulletin how much was raised so we know if we are on target. Who is keeping track of the target? If we had a number - a solid number - the community would be more likely to pitch in to hit a goal instead of some blanket statement that says, "Pride costs more and more each year."

Pride is supposed to be about our COMMUNITY - NOT THE CENTER. Contrary to popular opinion, they are not one in the same. The only reason why Pride was put under the amazing leadership of the Center was due to so much embezzling in the past that was kept hush hush. For those of you who have been around for the past 10 years, you know this is true and I won't expound on the subject.

Pride is as much yours and mine and the average 19 year old gay boy who has to work two jobs to keep a roof over his head because his parents kicked him out. Should he be denied entrance to Pride because he can't volunteer? And then have to leave Pride to get something lower cost to eat at a non-gay-friendly establishment in the area? NO!

I do not work to divide our community. The actions of the Center/Pride staff have already done that by placing value on us based on our incomes. I am speaking out for all of those who won't be attending Pride because you have chosen to limit our entire communities options. Your action effect us all, especially the lower income. Did we forget about who we serve?

If all of your concerns were really about including everyone in the community, then do it. Be sensitive to the fact that some of us who do go to Pride would probably be willing to pay a VOLUNTARY $5 donation at the door and probably buy our families lunch. I spend a lot of money at Pride every year, but I am not about to discourage someone else who can't. It's their day, too.

Open Letter to the GLCCU

In years passed, I have enjoyed going to Gay Pride Day and visiting with friends, enjoying the vendors and having a wonderful day with my family. We would pack a cooler with sandwiches and Diet Coke, head off to a nice shady part of the park, shop the many shops and spend a lot of money, donating and purchasing items from our LGBT community. Some of us would bring our four legged children as well, leashed and happy.

This year, the Gay Pride Committee has decided that this is no longer about us as a community - but rather us as a collective piggy bank and a bunch of children.

For the first time, an entrance fee will be charged of $5 per person for admission to the event. This money is supposed to be used for the Gay and Lesbian Community Center's activities and events. While I understand the need for an admission fee, and respect it, I am appalled at the other restrictions that have been placed on the attendees.

The major restriction this year that bothers me is this - no outside food or drinks.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that our community is diverse and one of the biggest reasons for the Center is to support the disinfrachised, at-risk youth and young adults in the community - those in major socio-economic hardship. It takes a lot for some people to come up with the admission price, let alone not being able to bring a sack lunch for themselves. So, like a lot of people, they will volunteer, then are asked to pay $4 for bottled water and $7 for a cold sandwich plate - at least if Pride is like any other "public" event in this state.

Personally, I contribute each and every paycheck to the Center, through a direct funds program through the U. I have yet to go to any other sponsored event of the Center because nothing appeals to me. I recognize it's value, so I continue to support it for the entire communities benefit. Yet, I will be charged to go to the ONE event that I do find rewarding, and then get soaked by food, beverage and other prices after I enter the gates.

Many GLBT families attend Gay Pride because they do not go to the bars or events - they are busy trying to raise a family in this state - and Pride is usually the one time they can reconnect with old friends. At $5 a head, plus food and drink, that can get really pricey for lunch in the park. Pride Day was the one event where all were treated equally. Now, the Center is looking at them only as a paying customer and not a valued member of the community.

Oh, don't forget, there are some free events. But only a few. I guess I should feel priviledged.

Someone said to me the other day, "Well, San Fran charges $35 dollars for their Pride Day." That is not true. According to www.sfpride.org, the Parade and Celebration are completely free. "Join us for two days of music, food and fun... all for FREE! No tickets are needed and no one is turned away for lack of funds." The only mention of money is a voluntary $3 per person contribution at the gate and $30 ticket if you want to sit on the Grand Stands during the Parade. The people who participate in putting on SFPride (ie: the vendors who make money off of the GLBT community) pay for the priviledge to be there. Plus, the people who do the real work, the volunteers, are given gift bags full of vendors' items as a thank you.

May I also remind the Gay Pride Committee - we are not San Francisco. Thank God for that.

I recognize that Pride takes a lot of money to put on. The admission fee alone should help offset that, along with booth space rentals by vendors, etc. There is no need to exclude people from bringing food. Oh, wait, yes there is - greed. It's not about security, no matter what anyone says. Years passed have proven that. Let's keep in mind, most of the people who put on Pride are volunteers, so no one is being paid to be there, and a great many of us who have volunteered at Pride Days in the past won't do it again because of how we've been mis-managed and treated. I am lucky that I have found a Volunteer Coordinator (Teinamarrie Nelson) who fights for the volunteers comfort and care. Not everyone does.

The other ridiculous restriction - no animals permitted, even those legally leashed. For many in our community, their pets ARE their children. Last year, we were surrounded by our four-legged friends and they behaved themselves wonderfully. Their owners cleaned up after them and all was well. The LGBT community is notoriously known for love of animals and as being responsible pet owners. Yet again, the Pride Committee is treating us like a bunch of misbehaving children.

The Center's Pride Committee has made my decision for me - My family will NOT attend Pride this year - the first time in 9 years. Instead, I will host a party at my home to celebrate my Pride - at least in my yard, there is no admission fee and everyone is welcome to bring what they wish - food or furry friend.

Maybe next year, if the Center Board actually cared about the community they serve, they would allow people to bring a picnic basket and realize that those who can afford to feed their families will buy food from the long-lined vendors, and those who can't should still be welcomed with open arms and wagging tails.

So, GLCCU, enjoy the financial contribution I make to you every two weeks. I've more than paid my admission to an event I won't be attending.

Update On Lorene's Mom

Lorene's mom is doing much better today. She had a bit of a hard time in recovery due to a recent asthma attack, but she's breathing great now, up and talking, and will probably be out of the Thorasic ICU by tomorrow if everything goes as expected.

Of course, Lorene hasn't slept, but that's nothing new for Lorene.

I stopped by the hospital last night to visit the family and make sure they were okay, and they were holding up great. The surgery itself went very well.

Keep up your prayers and well wishes!

Sad Heart

You know I love animals. I protect animals. I think inhumane treatment should be punishable by death.

That is why I have been a proud supporter of Peta. I make contributions to their cause, for exposing inhumane treatment of corporations and labs who don't conduct their business ethically and in the comfort of the animals.

I read some of the propoganda from their website and from this site, dedicating to exposing the truth about Peta. It's scary.

Yes, I know they euthanize animals, but take a look at these comments:

"Even if animal research resulted in a cure for AIDS, we'd be against it." — Ingrid Newkirk, President and Co-Founder of PETA

"Our nonviolent tactics are not as effective. We ask nicely for years and get nothing. Someone makes a threat, and it works." - Ingrid Newkirk, President and Co-Founder of PETA

"I openly hope that it comes here.” — Ingrid Newkirk, PETA Co-Founder, on her desire for a USA hoof-and-mouth epidemic

When did Peta become so violent against human beings?

My money will be going elsewhere from now on.

Damn. Thanks, Geoff for your post...

Leaving... On a Jet Plane....

Going to San Fran to visit my friend Jason and Tre.

Anyone have any airline miles they want to give me?

War of the Kitties

Go Here. If you're a cat lover, you could be here for hours.










.

New Punk Band Names

Courtesy of Lindsay at work.

If we start a punk band, we are going to name it one of these three:

Cooter Pie - play nothing but Southern Rock

Narcoleptic Dobermans - Don't ask

Itchy Vulva - yeah, that's a good one.

Crippling Gas - it can happen to you.

Kotex Commandos - when you're not feeling so fresh

Jesus Jimmy-Legs - pretty self explanitory, especially when Lindsay dances.

If you want to use one of these for your new band, email me. We're gonna copyright those suckers.

So I Bought A Couple CD's Online Yesterday

And this was the email I received today:

Connie -

Thanks for your order with CD Baby!

Your CDs have been gently taken from our CD Baby shelves with sterilized contamination-free gloves and placed onto a satin pillow.

A team of 50 employees inspected your CDs and polished them to make sure they were in the best possible condition before mailing.

Our packing specialist from Japan lit a candle and a hush fell over the crowd as he put your CDs into the finest gold-lined box that money can buy.

We all had a wonderful celebration afterwards and the whole party marched down the street to the post office where the entire town of Portland waved 'Bon Voyage!' to your package, on its way to you, in our private CD Baby jet on this day, Wednesday, June 1st.

I hope you had a wonderful time shopping at CD Baby. We sure did.

Your picture is on our wall as "Customer of the Year". We're all exhausted but can't wait for you to come back to CDBABY.COM!!

Thank you once again,

Derek Sivers, president, CD Baby
the little CD store with the best new independent music
phone: 1-800-448-6369 email: cdbaby@cdbaby.com
www.cdbaby.com

Go there. Buy CD's. Get a laugh.

Blog reviews

I am going to start a trend in the method of Maine and the QW Crew and do a few short Blog Reviews. Help me come up with some clever name to nickname these rants. I need it…

So, let’s begin.

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Lost In Conversation and Useless at Scrabble

Um, the best I can say about this Blog is that I had some fun trying to discern the English from the bloggers posts. Obviously an English ay Boy, but not really much interesting reading. Although the blowup boy toy was rather funny. Funny in a grotesque sort of way.

It should be titled Lost in Conversation and Useless at Blogging.
2 Jolies

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What Am I Doing Here?
VERY well written, I enjoyed reading this blog from a true Southern Peach. Pregnant and hormonal, she is very articulate and makes for an enjoyable read. Entries about married, pregnant sex and midnight sleeping orgasms had me smiling. It’s just a blog, about a girl, and her life, nothing political.
5 Jolies

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CAGirl
Well, she’s definitely from California. 23. 136 pounds and on a diet. Enough said.

Don’t bother.
1 Jolie – because it’s a pretty color

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I’ll Be Watching Over You
She’s 13. She likes Anime Angels AnD sPelLiNg hEr wOrDs LiKe thIs. If anything, go here and look at the artwork, it’s very pretty. Not interesting reading, but if you need to be sprinkled with faerie dust and light, here’s the place for you.
3 Jolies, if only for the artwork.

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W-One Blog
WOW. This is a picture blog from the streets of Singapore and I feel inspired by the pictures. Keep scrolling, there are some amazing photos. This guy needs to be published, seriously. Just gorgeous.
7 Jolies

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Paper-Thin-Walls
FINALLY! A refreshing blog to write about! I kept scrolling, hoping to find something not about debt relief or some 11 year old blogging about… barbies or whatever… and I find Alison. Witty, fun, an enjoyable read, with faint hints of Maine in her sarcasm.
Example:
Mom: Sweetie, this is a really great CD. It’s so ambient it reminds me of the music I used to listen to when I would float in the sensory deprivation tank.
Alison: Oh my god, Mom. You are SUCH a hippie.
Mom: No! It was more of an 80’s thing. After I used to go on weeklong biking trips through the country and camp out in barns, I could get in the tank and just float and my muscles would totally relax. No pain at all.
Mom: Your dad even did it. He said it made him feel like a leaf floating along a river….I guess he did more acid than I did in college.
Alison: You did acid in college? That isn’t helping your case any, hippie.

Loved her blog. Added it to my blogroll. You should too.
9 Jolies