How Is It Diminished?

In the wake of today's California Supreme Court decision to uphold the legal discriminations provide in Proposition 8 we most look around us to seek out those misinformed, blind faith followers who supported this travesty of justice and ask them ....

HOW? HOW does a marriage between two loving and committed men or two women diminish THEIR marriage? Were they really married in a ceremony in which their vows included the words to love,honor and obey as long as Gay people don't do it too? I have seen far too many news stories on TV or in the newspaper in which they enable the religious right's dogma and hate mongering by repeating the words "protect marriage." Protect marriage from what? Unless you are a polygamist, your vows were between you and your husband or wife. That's it. Not the rest of the world, not society as YOU know it or even approve of it.

Media continues to let the hypocritical right spew terror in the hearts of insecure parents that they will be FORCED to talk about Gay marriage in their own homes when their children happen to watch Gay people get married on TV. Maybe pro Prop 8 parents actually fear that their beliefs are so flawed, that the simple task of "talking" about Gay people with their children will cause their offspring to actually question the shaky ground on which their prejudicial opinions are based. They say marriage was meant to be between a man and a woman. Oh ya? Exactly WHO made that rule. I actually read the box lid for rules to this game called Life and it's not there. They say that research has proven that children are better off being raised by a man and a woman. The ludicrous nature of that argument should force all widowed parents to give up their children.

In the wake of the passage of Prop 8, those who supported it wrote letters to various newspapers, outraged that they were being called hate mongers. Some even wrote things like "I don't hate Gay people, I just don't like when the "flaunt" their lifestyle." First of all, it's not a Life-style, it's a purely rewarding, loving and societal contributing LIFE. As far as "flaunt" since when is doing exactly what heterosexuals do in public, flaunting a lifestyle. If you are offended when we hold hands in public, kiss while walking down the street, or call each other "hon" in the grocery store please feel free to return to your monastery.

But with the confirmation of proposition 8, perhaps a law against those public displays of affection is around the corner. Today's decision is painful to us all but only a battle in the war. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi - "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

As They Say In The Bronx, I'm Outa Work and Need A New Korea

I don't understand the international concern over the announcement that North Korea conducted a nuclear test. It's North Korea for Christ's sake. The test was 40 questions, multiple choice and citizen's had to use a number two pencil. Now the U.N. Security Council has condemned their action which is pretty much like the inattentive mother in a grocery store who keeps telling her 7 year old, "I'm not kidding, don't make me say it again. I SAID, don't make me say it again." *** Welsh pop singer Duffy and sloshed performer Amy Winehouse are supposed to be in the running to belt out the theme for the next James Bond movie. Rumor has it that Duffy's song is called 'Spy Me A River" while the best that can be made out of Amy's mumbled lyrics is that's it's called "I Wanna Throw Up." *** Mel Gibson and girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva are expecting their first child together. I guess that makes Mel a 50/50 Catholic. He obviously follows his religions teaching against using birth control but is perfectly OK with divorcing his wife. You just gotta love those ala carte believers. ***

Trading Arms

Another case of the importance of choosing your words wisely was exhibited during a recent CNN broadcast. At one point, the on air newscaster was reporting about a new prosthetic development which is helping the disabled. After describing a husband and father who lost both arms in a factory accident, either the reporter, teleprompter writer or both used poor judgment with the words "thanks to new CUTTING edge technology......." Say what???? I may have damaged my DVR by rewinding the scene 12 times in one of those 'She did not just say that" moments. ***

As I am house and cat sitting for a family member I've decided to pass along lessons I've learned in the form of 'Rules for the Cat.'

Rule #1 - No darting across my feet when I walk in the door loaded with groceries and suitcases.
Rule #2 - When using the liter box, a complete sand covering is required. Or grow opposable thumbs and learn to use the glade aerosol can.
Rule #3 - Since I am single and not dating, stop showing off as to how you can lick yourself.
Rule #4 - When I am in bed reading, do not lick my face. As I have just gotten into bed I have obviously already exfoliated.
Rule #5 - When I am sleeping, do not crawl onto my chest and sharpen your claws into my chest.
and Rule #6 - When I am tr7ying, t4ryoinng, TRYING to type on my laptop, STOP hitting my hand with your paw to make me pet you!

President C-3PO

The Walt Disney Company will unveil the 44th president of the United States in animatronic form at Disney World on July 4th. Consisting of flexible silicone skin, electrical cables and such, the latest addition to the 'Hall of Presidents' is being referred to in the press as "Robo-Obama." Though the people at the House at that Mickey built won't say how much the automat democrat cost but you can be sure it was a hefty sum. Although not as much as the George W. Bush entry in the exhibit. That one cost considerably less and wasn't animatronic. It was portrayed by a guy named Delbert who was the magic Kingdoms understudy for Goofy. ***Continuing the new fad of celebrities notifying their fans of instant news via Twittering, Mariah Carey has announced the title of her next CD. The name will be - Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel. Though it may remind some of an early Courtney Love album called 'Memoirs of Imperfect Angel Dust.'

One Gender's Word

OK, call me a nitpicker but I couldn't help but laugh at an interview from the May 3rd issue of Frontier in LA magazine. The article was on model, actor, rapper and medical assistant Bryan Michael King and now the issue wasn't the fact that the author failed to ask, why can't you just pick one career but one of his answers. To the question, "What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?" The multi faceted 24-year-old replied "A man or woman is nothing without HIS word." Don't ask, but do tell. **** Psychologist Ronald Nathan, who specializes in stress management, has developed a CD titled 'Road Rage Happens: Be Prepared' with the aim of reducing the estimated two-thirds driver who experience hostility when on the road. The recording was named best audio by Books and Authors Best of 2008 Awards and by the International Union of Divorced Father's in the Rears On Child Support. An earlier version of Nathan's work was released in book form but was discovered to be counter productive to it's theme when a number of drivers were involved in collisions while reading it. ***

Beauty Queen of Tomorrow

I would like to take this opportunity to announce, as of today, I will be documenting my experiences in an unofficial study which I am calling 'Your Child Is Dumb As Dirt If...' Today's observance took place at an In & Out Burger where I noticed a small blond five-year-old girl attempting to refill her soda on her own. While I am often concerned whenever I notice small children out of eye sight of their parent or a supervising adult, I wasn't surprised to see this small toe headed little girl, struggling to reach up over the counter. With impressive determination she finally got her cup under the dispenser. Unfortunately, the soda counter was on the other side of the room and she was putting her cup under a ketchup dispenser. I predict that I was watching a future Ms. California USA in action. It's alright. Go ahead. Weep for our future. *** Since last week, media have been reporting about which celebrities and politicians are giving commencement speeches at various educational institutions around the country. Though I've come across a list of some that have gone unreported, I wanted to share just a few. Gary Busey spoke at the final 12 step meeting in a Bakersfield La Quinta Inn. Chris Brown provided the closing words for a self defense course in Detroit. John and Kate without the 8 were the guest speakers at a couples therapy class in Denver. Hilary Clinton left words of encouragement on the last night of a two week 'Do-It-Yourself' divorce class at Valley Forge Adultery, I mean, Adult School and George W. Bush gave the commencement address for the next graduating class of FEMA employees. All three of them. Curly, Moe and Larry.

I Now Pronounce You . . .

Hollywood and Entertainment news sources were reeling at the recent news that Heidi Montag twittered the world to announce her marriage to Spencer Pratt. I'd like to take this opportunity to say to the happy couple - WHO THE HELL ARE YOU PEOPLE??? *** Autopsy results for the late porn star Marilyn Chambers, were released today. The coroners findings showed that erotic actress died of Tart - I mean, Heart Disease. *** A National study on 600 children with ADHD, followed from kindergarten through fifth grade has shown that those who were on medication for their disorder, scored higher on academic tests than those not on medication. However, the conclusion also confirmed that they tested higher than if they weren't allowed coffee or caffeinated drinks prior to taking the tests. Ah, yes. Your government dollars at work. ***

No Place Like Nome

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin has signed a book deal with Harper Collins to publish her memoirs. Scheduled to come out in Spring of 2010, the work will be 12 pages long, double spaced and written in crayon. Detailing her personal and private life, the book will be titled will be 'So Juneau What I Know.' *** Former U.S. Surgeon General Antonia Novello is facing up to 12 years in prison from charges filed in Albany New York, last Tuesday. All stemming from her time as New York Health commissioner the indictments include using staff to perform personal services including chauffeuring her on personal shopping sprees, picking up her dry cleaning, watering house plants while she was out of town and on two occasions, using a housekeeper to fill in for two scheduled pap smears. *** North Carolina law enforcement have reported that a store owner and a customer foiled an attempted robbery by a teenager who concealed a banana in his pocket while claiming it was a gun. After being overtaken and held for the police, the teen waiting calmly and ate the banana. Seriously, it was in the report. Of course, the incident has coined a new phrase in their sleepy Southern town, "Is that a banana in your pocket or are you trying to rob me?"

No Lap Dancing in the Voting Booth

Louisiana born porn star, Stormy Daniels has announced that she is considering a run for the U.S. Senate. Or was that running "after" a U.S. Senator. When a member of the press inquired as to her positions, Daniels surprised the crowd by not referring to a page in the Kama Sutra. It has since come to light that the adult film star fell into politics by accident due to her misunderstanding of the the word "Caucus." *** Donald Trump has decided that Miss California USA had done nothing wrong and can keep her crown. Which I really don't mind, as long as they alter her royal headware. Though she is known as a beauty "Queen" the crown should feature the more accurate title of "Ignorant PAWN of the Right Wing." *** Last week, Amy Winehouse canceled a concert in the Caribbean due to heavy rain. But that's good news coming from someone whose history of drug use has previously canceled performances due to.... Heavy Snow. *** In other news, there appears to be two concession stand workers from Yellowstone National Park who share the brain of Amy Winehouse. The two twentysomething Bill and Ted wannabee's were caught on a surveillance camera while urinating in the Old Faithfull geyser. One was fined $750 and placed on three years probation for urinating in public and being off trail in a restricted area while his partner's case is pending. A park spokesman reported that the geyser was not erupting at the time. Well to be more accurate, at least the BIG geyser wasn't erupting.

White House Photo Studio

President Obama is trying to prevent photos of prisoner abuse in Iraq and Afghanistan from being made public, while claiming that their release could jeopardize soldiers abroad and threaten national security. This despite administration lawyers failing to make their case in court recently. It seems inevitable that the photos will be released and the delay just allows the government more time to doctor the photos. But not in the conspiracy way we grew accustomed to with the Bush office. The Obama administration are simply trying to decide on the Autumn leave forest or snow covered bridge backdrop. *** A beat up antique ledger book containing the original recipe for Dr. Pepper failed to sell at a recent Dallas auction. The book came from the Texas drugstore where the beverage was created, did not receive the minimum reserve bid of $25,000. I'm not surprised, after all the recipe for Dr. Pepper is simple. Equal parts Pepsi and cough syrup. *** A local Sacramento Hair Salon is staging it's third, in as many months, "Cut-a-thon" to help raise funds for a local hospital. The extra good news is that this fundraising idea has branched out to other salons and businesses. As a matter of fact, the local synagogue, Temple Beth-a-Holmes Angartens is planning a cut-a-thon for new borns this weekend.

Jail Bait

Survivor" winner Richard Hatch, has been released from jail early from his four year sentence for tax evasion. Hatch's original defense was his claim that CBS told him that they would pay the taxes yet he thought nothing of the fact he cashed a check for the full one million. Known for being the Gay naked guy on the CBS reality show, he was released early for "good behavior." When interviewed by the parole board a number of his fellow cellmates reported that Hatch had exhibited very"good behavior" on many, many occasions. *** Hatch may have started a trend. California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his administration are looking into the possibility of an early release for 38,000 inmates. The effort aims at reducing the state's budget crisis with one facet being the cost of housing prisoners. Democrats are not so convinced of the benefits and suspect that the governor is simply trying to increase the rosters of dwindling Republican voters. ****
A man who escaped from a Virginia prison in 1982, was finally arrested in Georgia yesterday. Law enforcement claim to have been looking for him but the details surrounding his capture convey otherwise. The missing convict, Richard Paul Boucher was located in Northern Georgia, living with his wife in a trailer park in the woods of an Appalachian valley. Now isn't that where you SHOULD be looking for an escape con to begin with?

Gumbo Girl Goes to Washington

Louisiana born porn star, Stormy Daniels has announced that she is considering a run for the U.S. Senate. Or was that running "after" a U.S. Senator. When a member of the press inquired as to her positions, Daniels surprised the crowd by not referring to a page in the Kama Sutra. It has since come to light that the adult film star fell into politics by accident due to her misunderstanding of the the word "Caucus." *** Donald Trump has decided that Miss California USA had done nothing wrong and can keep her crown. Which I really don't mind, as long as they alter her royal headware. Though she is known as a beauty "Queen" the crown should feature the more accurate title of "Ignorant PAWN of the Right Wing." *** Last week, Amy Winehouse canceled a concert in the Caribbean due to heavy rain. But that's good news coming from someone whose history of drug use has previously canceled performances due to.... Heavy Snow. ***

Budapest Nuptials

Hungary, the country that taught Zsa Zsa Gabor that multiple husbands is a good thing, continues it's support of marriage by passing a law allowing same sex domestic partnership. Oddly, the legislation prohibits Gay and lesbian couples from adopting children together. Personally, I think that's a bunch of goulash! *** Talk about kicking a dead horse. Though NBC cancelled the revived version of American Gladiator, series creator Johnny Ferraro is developing a movie based on the show. Network series turned into motion pictures have a history of being flops, Beverly Hillbillies, Get Smart, or anything based on a skit from Saturday Night Live so Gladiator producers are going for an action film using gladiator characters from the show. To increase it's chances of becoming a film franchise, a few titles are being considered, Gladiators of the Carribean, Gladiators of the Corn or Saw Gladiators. A few new testosterone characters would be introduced to join familiar names as Nitro and Titan. If the producers really wanted to expand their audience base they should create some Gay characters with names like Hemline, Exfolliate and Bitchslap.

An Ear for Dancing

According to Time magazine, a new book claims that Vincent Van Gogh did not cut off his own ear but lost it in a knife fight. Of course it's a ridiculous claim since everybody knows that Van Gogh lost his ear after refusing to do a portrait of Mike Tyson. *** Just when you thought the six degrees of Kevin Bacon game was over, an Ohio fundamentalist Baptist school, removes the dustcover of Footloose to punish a 17-year-old student. It seems that Tyler Frost, was warned that he would be, not only suspended but prevented from graduating if he attended a dance at another school all because his Alma matter forbids, dancing, rock music, hand holding and thinking for yourself. The young man says he went to the other school's dance because he wanted to experience a prom while his stepfather's says that those rules don't apply off of school grounds. If the school takes action to suspend the boy, his family will file a lawsuit. Now there's another cause to which I will gladly donate money. ****

Don't run, you'll break a hip

I couldn't help but notice a piece of mail my mom received from AARP. The outside read "Open Immediatley," why? are there prospective members dying before theyopen their mail? *** In Stockton today, a father of a 10 month old baby, to his two children to an animal shelter to look at cats but was told that adoptions took place at another location. In his haste to get there before the other branch closed, he took the older child but left the baby, in it's carrier, outside the shelter building. It was 15 minutes later when he discovered she was missing. His excuse to authorities was that, it's becoming a frightening cliche' phrase, "I forgot." *** Amy Winhouse was hospitalized AGAIN on April 30th. Taken to London's St. Lucia hospital, the 25 year-old (but looks 55) was treated for dehydration. Source say that frequent hospitalization doesn't bother the singer. I bet! She's a trooper dealing with needles and having things put up his nose like oxygen and feeding tubes.

TV for Cousin Bubba

I have discovered a cure for boredom and monotony. When one is feeling low, and mentally idle, such a sense of yawn excessiveness is easily dispelled by a simple series of keyboard clicks. No doctor visits or prescriptions required, just go to www.rfdtv.com. It is the website for a self described 24-hour television network for rural America. How it reaches it's audience is unclear though I expect it requires some aluminum foil and rabbit ears. How can such an Internet location cure the blahs, simply by reminding one that other lives are even more boring than theirs. But don't stop at the main page because the program schedule is the real secret. Scan the listings and discover such treats as Ms. Lucy's Cajun Classroom, Training Mules and Donkeys, Animal Makeover, The Horse Show with Rick Lamb (not to be confused with The Cow Show with Bill Goat) and Cowboy Flavor which I've sadly discovered, is not a series version of Brokeback Mountain.

Over-Due Weekend Away

I was trying to remember the last time I was on a vacation let alone spent a night away from home. When one hits and passes middle age, the number of slumber party invitations diminish significantly. Before we left Ohio in 1995, Edward and I took many weekend getaways as I worked for the Hyatt Hotel chain and was provided free stays at Hyatt properties. Though not sure which would qualify as my "last" vacation/weekend, it would be among, Chicago, New York City, or Washington DC. But based on lower standards of simply being away from home over night, would have to be a little over two years ago, when spending the night in Edward's hospital room at UCSF. That is why my nephew Steven's generosity in asking me to apartment and cat sit in San Francisco this past weekend, meant so much to me.

I had invited friends to pick a day and drive down to do something together but none were available. As such, I simply stayed in, relaxed from some pressures at home, played with the cat, caught up on some movies and fell in love with the new HBO (BBC imported) series 'The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.' Though on the day I arrived, I did shop in the Castro and pick up some food, the rain came in that night and it's been rather a drenched atmosphere since then.

His apartment is in Diamond heights and though doesn't face downtown, provided me a wonderful evening view of fog cascading over the hillside as the glow of homes flickered beneath the mist. Yesterday, I walked over to the Safeway and passed visitor's parking area where I noticed the same two cars parked since I arrived on Friday. It was an issue of note because they are only three spaces and a Jaguar was parked straddling one of the lines, thus taken up two spaces. I believe straddling the line is called a Robert Downey Jr. manuever. Anyway, one couldn't help but notice that the Jag had three notes attached to the rain soaked windows and chunks of paper residue from past notes that had deteriorated in the rain. One still legible note read, "what sort of idiot are you, taking up two parking spaces. Jesus hates you and so do I." I believe that's a quote from the Ten CAR-mandments.

Entertainment News for May 2009

Here's the latest word on the L Word spin off series. Though only a pilot movie, Showtime has decided to give it a pass as a series but will probably still air it. Originally called 'The Farm,' it stars Leisha Hailey, playing Alice after she's been convicted for murder and is spending time in a women's prison in Humboldt County. The cast includes Famke Janssen (Jean Grey from The X-Men) with Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne) as the Prison Warden. Ilene Chaiken is both writer and producer. *** Though not cast in The Farm, Jennifer Beals has been busy working on a Network series. if you caught the April 29th episode of the FOX series Lie To Me, you saw the first episode of a multiple episode story arc featuring Beals in a recurring role. The Flashdancer has also been working on the motion picture The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington. Described as a Post-apocalyptic western, it is clear that the producers never heard of the Kevin Costner film The Postman and what a bomb it was. At least be unique and set it in a world of only water. ***
Another L Word veteran was in the news, as Kelly McGillis, has come out and pronounced her love for women. In a website interview, the 51 year-old actress, relayed how she struggled with her sexuality as it was counter to her religious up-bringing. Ironic that Kelly played a closeted Army colonel on the L Word. So naturally one has to consider the cliche question about art imitating life and vice verse. *** This years edition of Dancing with the Stars has really taken a toll on celebrity performers. Jewell dropped out due to a fractured tibiae, Jack-ass star Steve-O hurt his back and Steve Wozniak (founder of Apple computers) fractured his foot. I'm mostly disappointed about the Woz because I was waiting for his rendition of a - "Laptop dance." At this rate of injury, here are some of my suggestions for celebrity contestants on the next edition of Dancing with the Stars, Elizabeth Taylor, Jose Feliciano and Dr. Steven Hawking. *** Delayed from last November, the recently settled lawsuit over Project Runway's move to Lifetime will bring the return of the fashion-forward series this summer. And just in time too as unemployment benefits were about to run out for Nina Garcia, Michael Koors and Tim Gunn. The new deal with lifetime includes 5 more seasons of Project Runway, the creation of a spin-off series called "Models of the Runway" and a third show called "Project Pygmalion." During it's hiatus, Bravo created a new show to satiate fashionistas called The Fashion Show. This latest design competition debuts May 7th, with 15 contestants creating their concepts of couture. Isaac Mizrahi and and former Destiny's Child singer, Kelly Rowland will co-host and judge. Among this years hopefuls are 31-year-old Andrew, an LA designer known for his underwear line and the nickname of Panty-Christ. 26-year-old Johnny R of San Diego whose adventurous style is found in his Grandma's Glock Streetwear line, and 30-year-old New York designer Laura whose creations have been worn by Moby and the Scissor Sisters. . ***
For years, fans of Jane Lynch (The 40 Year Old Virgin) have had to make due with her occasional film appearance and now, we get to enjoy her talents weekly with the May 19th preview airing of Glee on Fox. It comes from Ryan Murphy, the creator of Popular and Nip/Tuck and features Lynch as a hard as nails high school coach who screams "you think this is hard? I'm living with Hepatitis and THAT'S hard!" I can't think of anybody more perfect to utter a line like that. The one hour musical comedy begins with a teacher's desire to take over the Glee club and transform them into National contenders. The cast includes Matthew Morrisson (As the World Turns), Emma Pillsbury (Ugly Betty,) and Cory Monteith (Kyle XY.). Watch for out Gay actor, Cheyenne Jackson to appear in the show's third episode. But don't get too excited. The May preview is just a sampling before the show debuts as a regular series in the Fall*** The LOGO network had it's highest ratings ever with the recent airing of RuPaul's drag race. But that record may be broken with this months' debut of the series Beautiful People. Best described as a cross between Fame, Ugly Betty and Absolutely Fabulous it's no surprise that it comes from Jon Plowman, one of the producers of Ab Fab. The six episode series originally aired across the Atlantic on BBC Two and is based on the best-selling over-the-top childhood memoirs of Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys, New York. The show explores the world of Simon and Kyle, two gay high school mates who are obsessed with the performing arts. In one scene, the two boys sit in a pub with their drama teacher as she reminisces about a long lost french lover "Francios said my tits were like two upturned creme brulee, - without the burnt bits on the bottom." You can catch HYSTERICAL clips of the show before it's American premiere on Youtube. Just search Beautiful People BBC Two. I predict viewing parties all over the nation. *** Sure, the movie Spartacus was remade as a TV miniseries with ER's Goran Visjnic and you're thinking why on Earth would someone bother again. Well, it never made it to a regular TV series and it never starred Xena Warrior Princess, Lucy Lawless. Coming next year to the Starz pay cable channel, it's called Spartacus: Blood and Sand, not to be confused with Spartacus: Roman Celebrity Apprentice. It comes from Xena producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert, which explains how Lawless got cast in the role of one of the owners of Spartacus. Also in the cast are Erin Cummings (Dollhouse), Craig Parker (Legend of the Seeker) and, playing the title role of the Roman soldier who becomes a slave is Australian actor Andy Whitfield. *** And finally, if you are as much a fan of the brilliant and under appreciated ABC series Pushing Daisies as I am, you'll be thrilled to learn, the last three, unaired episodes will begin airing on Saturdays beginning May 30th. The complete season 2, and final season, DVD set will be released this summer.