This project is so interesting to me.
Everyone has secrets, the most interesting are always the ones which we hide from ourselves.
The guy who started this has put out three books, and I'm sure he's made lots of money. But really I think his biggest contribution is that he's made people feel different about themselves.
I mean, how many people DON'T have one or two juicy secrets that they keep to themselves... or more likely... FROM themselves.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lesbian Joke
Heather invited her mother over for dinner. During the meal, her
mother couldn't help noticing how beautiful Heather's roommate
was.
She had long been suspicious of Heather's sexuality and this only
made her more curious.
Over the course of the evening, while watching the two women
interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Heather
and the roommate than met the eye. Reading her mom's thoughts,
Heather volunteered, "I know what you must be thinking, but I
assure you, Suzy and I are just roommates."
About a week later, Suzy came to Heather and said, "Ever since
your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful
silver gravy ladle. You don't suppose she took it, do you?"
Heather said, "Well, I doubt it, but I'll write her a letter just
to be sure." So she sat down and wrote: "Dear Mother, I'm not
saying you 'did' take a gravy ladle from my house, and I'm not
saying you 'did not' take a gravy ladle. But the fact remains that
one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner."
Several days later, Heather received a letter from her mother
which read: "Dear Daughter, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep
with Suzy, and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with Suzy.
But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her own bed, she
would have found the gravy ladle by now."
"Love - Mum"
mother couldn't help noticing how beautiful Heather's roommate
was.
She had long been suspicious of Heather's sexuality and this only
made her more curious.
Over the course of the evening, while watching the two women
interact, she started to wonder if there was more between Heather
and the roommate than met the eye. Reading her mom's thoughts,
Heather volunteered, "I know what you must be thinking, but I
assure you, Suzy and I are just roommates."
About a week later, Suzy came to Heather and said, "Ever since
your mother came to dinner, I've been unable to find the beautiful
silver gravy ladle. You don't suppose she took it, do you?"
Heather said, "Well, I doubt it, but I'll write her a letter just
to be sure." So she sat down and wrote: "Dear Mother, I'm not
saying you 'did' take a gravy ladle from my house, and I'm not
saying you 'did not' take a gravy ladle. But the fact remains that
one has been missing ever since you were here for dinner."
Several days later, Heather received a letter from her mother
which read: "Dear Daughter, I'm not saying that you 'do' sleep
with Suzy, and I'm not saying that you 'do not' sleep with Suzy.
But the fact remains that if she was sleeping in her own bed, she
would have found the gravy ladle by now."
"Love - Mum"
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
11 REASONS GAY PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO MARRY
1. Homosexuality is not natural, much like eyeglasses, polyester, and birth control.
2. Heterosexual marriages are valid because they produce children. Infertile couples and old people can't legally get married because the world needs more children.
3. Obviously, gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.
4. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage is allowed, since Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage was meaningful.
5. Heterosexual marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are property, blacks can't marry whites, and divorce is illegal.
6. Gay marriage should be decided by people, not the courts, because the majority-elected legislatures, not courts, have historically protected the rights of the minorities.
7. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.
8. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.
9. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.
10. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why single parents are forbidden to raise children.
11. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society. Heterosexual marriage has been around for a long time, and we could never adapt to new social norms because we haven't adapted to things like cars or a longer lifespan.
2. Heterosexual marriages are valid because they produce children. Infertile couples and old people can't legally get married because the world needs more children.
3. Obviously, gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children.
4. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage is allowed, since Britney Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage was meaningful.
5. Heterosexual marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are property, blacks can't marry whites, and divorce is illegal.
6. Gay marriage should be decided by people, not the courts, because the majority-elected legislatures, not courts, have historically protected the rights of the minorities.
7. Gay marriage is not supported by religion. In a theocracy like ours, the values of one religion are imposed on the entire country. That's why we have only one religion in America.
8. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.
9. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.
10. Children can never succeed without a male and a female role model at home. That's why single parents are forbidden to raise children.
11. Gay marriage will change the foundation of society. Heterosexual marriage has been around for a long time, and we could never adapt to new social norms because we haven't adapted to things like cars or a longer lifespan.
The Simple Art of the Smile.
Greece was a nice getaway. Although we only spent a week on her beautiful island Corfu, I found myself quickly accustomed to the sweet pace of life in the islands. In that world it seems everything slows down a bit, especially in the heat of the afternoon.
Perhaps it is this pace that makes the people so congenial. When you meet the eyes of a Greek on the street the least you get is a smile which easily makes it into their eyes. If you return the friendly gesture of a smile, you might easily be rewarded with the more eloquent and infinitely friendlier wave. If prompted by something exciting they might wave enthusiastically with two hands, but mostly they extend one hand up in a friendly way, always with the original smile lighting up their face.
This is in stark contrast to the way we live in Berlin. Maybe it’s a city thing, but in fact meeting the eyes of another citizen of Berlin is tantamount to a crime, especially on public transportation it seems. The citizens of this fair city move about with eyes downcast pulling the eyes upward for mere moments to make sure they are going the correct direction. If they happen to meet the eyes of a stranger in the process, they quickly avert their eyes and continue on their way as if to forget that the rules were broken.
I’m a bit of a mean one… occasionally I catch someone looking at me and I prolong their gaze, even continuing to look at them to catch them in the act of stealing another look at me which of course sends them into fits of what can only be termed guilt as they sometimes go so far as to shift position so as to not by chance encounter that strange person staring at them again.
If I’m really feeling mischievous I give that person a smile when they are caught the second time… OH MY! Most of them simply don’t know what to do and avert their head. The others will offer a weak smile (I’m not sure Berliners really know how to do it, so it always looks awkward when they try) often looking ashamed soon after as though they sense their inadequacy.
When walking the streets of Berlin one can always sense the presence of a tourist from another country. Most of the Germans have that aversion to looking in the eyes, but the tourists from further regions will actually meet your eyes on the streets, sometimes easily offering the smile, some even giving a nod of the head to acknowledge the lucky recipient.
This is a fact which hit home as we were waiting in the Corfu airport for our direct flight to Berlin. In the airport we had encountered many of these people who would meet the eyes, these people that acknowledge the existence of another person… but all of this changed when we got into the line for people going to Berlin.
The board told us to queue up at counter number 5 and get our boarding information, so we were good Germans and proceeded to join the long and winding snake which would eventually take us to the airline representative. I could stand in line and just feel the oppressive lack of interest in their fellow man. But simply turning around and looking at the other lines waiting to fly to interesting destinations it was easy to see that these people didn’t suffer from the aversion of a smile. These other people were laughing, talking amongst strangers, and more often just standing there with a smile on their faces.
But the Berliners in our line were all wearing a hard, dour, even surly look on their faces. Even time spent in one of the friendliest locations I’d ever visited (well, except Ireland… no one could be more friendly than the Irish… maybe that’s why it isn’t a big destination for the Germans) couldn’t lift even temporarily the gloom and doom look from the Berliner’s faces.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Germans and Berliners specifically aren’t happy people. If you manage to cut one of them out of the crowd and get to know them, many times you will find them friendly, even happy souls. But must they walk around every day as though they are going to a funeral?
Perhaps it is this pace that makes the people so congenial. When you meet the eyes of a Greek on the street the least you get is a smile which easily makes it into their eyes. If you return the friendly gesture of a smile, you might easily be rewarded with the more eloquent and infinitely friendlier wave. If prompted by something exciting they might wave enthusiastically with two hands, but mostly they extend one hand up in a friendly way, always with the original smile lighting up their face.
This is in stark contrast to the way we live in Berlin. Maybe it’s a city thing, but in fact meeting the eyes of another citizen of Berlin is tantamount to a crime, especially on public transportation it seems. The citizens of this fair city move about with eyes downcast pulling the eyes upward for mere moments to make sure they are going the correct direction. If they happen to meet the eyes of a stranger in the process, they quickly avert their eyes and continue on their way as if to forget that the rules were broken.
I’m a bit of a mean one… occasionally I catch someone looking at me and I prolong their gaze, even continuing to look at them to catch them in the act of stealing another look at me which of course sends them into fits of what can only be termed guilt as they sometimes go so far as to shift position so as to not by chance encounter that strange person staring at them again.
If I’m really feeling mischievous I give that person a smile when they are caught the second time… OH MY! Most of them simply don’t know what to do and avert their head. The others will offer a weak smile (I’m not sure Berliners really know how to do it, so it always looks awkward when they try) often looking ashamed soon after as though they sense their inadequacy.
When walking the streets of Berlin one can always sense the presence of a tourist from another country. Most of the Germans have that aversion to looking in the eyes, but the tourists from further regions will actually meet your eyes on the streets, sometimes easily offering the smile, some even giving a nod of the head to acknowledge the lucky recipient.
This is a fact which hit home as we were waiting in the Corfu airport for our direct flight to Berlin. In the airport we had encountered many of these people who would meet the eyes, these people that acknowledge the existence of another person… but all of this changed when we got into the line for people going to Berlin.
The board told us to queue up at counter number 5 and get our boarding information, so we were good Germans and proceeded to join the long and winding snake which would eventually take us to the airline representative. I could stand in line and just feel the oppressive lack of interest in their fellow man. But simply turning around and looking at the other lines waiting to fly to interesting destinations it was easy to see that these people didn’t suffer from the aversion of a smile. These other people were laughing, talking amongst strangers, and more often just standing there with a smile on their faces.
But the Berliners in our line were all wearing a hard, dour, even surly look on their faces. Even time spent in one of the friendliest locations I’d ever visited (well, except Ireland… no one could be more friendly than the Irish… maybe that’s why it isn’t a big destination for the Germans) couldn’t lift even temporarily the gloom and doom look from the Berliner’s faces.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Germans and Berliners specifically aren’t happy people. If you manage to cut one of them out of the crowd and get to know them, many times you will find them friendly, even happy souls. But must they walk around every day as though they are going to a funeral?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
We're Back!
Yup we're back...
Back home to the place that has hot water, takes VISA, and you can throw your toilet paper IN the toilet... long story.
Pics to come!
Back home to the place that has hot water, takes VISA, and you can throw your toilet paper IN the toilet... long story.
Pics to come!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Off to Corfu!!
Well, we're off to Corfu, one of the Greek islands, for some sand, sun, and heat! NO, it is not on fire right now, that is Athens and the mainland. The island is just hot and dry... perfect conditions for some really enjoyable diving. Now I just hope there are some fish!!
We'll be back before we know it, but I'm sure we're gonna enjoy it.
We'll be back before we know it, but I'm sure we're gonna enjoy it.
Friday, August 17, 2007
On Getting Ready for Free Time
I would like to lodge a complaint, although I don't know who would be the appropriate person to send it to. N. and I are all excited because on Saturday we are getting on a plane headed for Greece for a short, one-week holiday. Can you say "scuba diving anyone"?
The complaint part is that you work like a fiend to get EVERYTHING done at the job and EVERYTHING done at home before your big relaxing time... THEN when you come home you work like a fiend trying to catch up with EVERYTHING you missed.
At work it seems there is never a good time to take off because there are always proposals going out or something. This time I am leaving right in the middle of the ramp up to a proposal deadline. I just know that I will come back and spend the first three days crunching to get that proposal out on time.
The house is a slightly different although similar story. You must pack and clean before going, then when you come home you must clean everything that went as well as the house again.
It just sucks.
Don't get me wrong though... I'm REALLY looking forward to getting away!
The complaint part is that you work like a fiend to get EVERYTHING done at the job and EVERYTHING done at home before your big relaxing time... THEN when you come home you work like a fiend trying to catch up with EVERYTHING you missed.
At work it seems there is never a good time to take off because there are always proposals going out or something. This time I am leaving right in the middle of the ramp up to a proposal deadline. I just know that I will come back and spend the first three days crunching to get that proposal out on time.
The house is a slightly different although similar story. You must pack and clean before going, then when you come home you must clean everything that went as well as the house again.
It just sucks.
Don't get me wrong though... I'm REALLY looking forward to getting away!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Clearing Out Some Pictures
My sweet kitty Frank had a hard time getting through Harry Potter 7
Doing a little sailing on a day with no wind.
That's me on the right holding the rudder.
Doing a little sailing on a day with no wind.
That's me on the right holding the rudder.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Dick Cheney on Why the U.S. Should NOT Invade Iraq
Wow! Can you believe this?
In this video we get to see Dick Cheney telling a reporter in 1994 WHY we should not invade Iraq. I just keep wondering WHAT changed so much about the possibilities for quagmire between the Gulf War and 2003? It must have been that nasty Saddam and his boys and how they single-handedly blew up those towers in NYC. (HA HA)
Who would have thought it?
I had always assumed that our VP was the guy that wanted to invade, but to see this... it seems that they had many reasons for not invading... that they KNEW it wouldn't be a good thing.
But then, I suppose that having to explain yourself for years after NOT going the whole way in the Gulf War (note the date of the video... this could have easily been one of those explanations) might have easily made getting Saddam become a HUGE priority when the opportunity arose.
How many American and Iraqi casualties is it worth to us now?
In this video we get to see Dick Cheney telling a reporter in 1994 WHY we should not invade Iraq. I just keep wondering WHAT changed so much about the possibilities for quagmire between the Gulf War and 2003? It must have been that nasty Saddam and his boys and how they single-handedly blew up those towers in NYC. (HA HA)
Who would have thought it?
I had always assumed that our VP was the guy that wanted to invade, but to see this... it seems that they had many reasons for not invading... that they KNEW it wouldn't be a good thing.
But then, I suppose that having to explain yourself for years after NOT going the whole way in the Gulf War (note the date of the video... this could have easily been one of those explanations) might have easily made getting Saddam become a HUGE priority when the opportunity arose.
How many American and Iraqi casualties is it worth to us now?
Monday, August 13, 2007
Germany Struggles to Save the Berlin Wall
CNN "Germany struggles to preserve the Berlin Wall".
It's a conundrum. In fact it's downright ironic. Right after the wall "fell" it was a common past time to enjoy busting it up, rather therapeutic I would assume. Soon someone started thinking and decided that it would make sense to keep part of it around as a tourist attraction if nothing else. It was this thought process that preserved the "East Side Gallery" for posterity. Artists from all over the world were invited to Berlin to paint this partial section of the wall, to give it character, to take back the symbol of so much oppression so to speak. It is probably one of the most-visited locations in Berlin, and some of the artwork is famous the world over.
The Fraternal Kiss is one of the more famous paintings on the East Side Gallery depicting the former leader of the Soviet Union, L. Brezhnev, in a lip lock with the former head of East Germany, E. Honecker.
But now as you can see in the pictures above, there is a LOT of difference between the quality of what was on display right after the fall of the wall, and what is visible now. Between the weather and pollution erosion, the structure of the remaining sections is crumbling. In a most irritating way tourists and locals alike enjoy walking by the open air monument and chipping off a bit of it to take home. If they aren't breaking it into pieces, they are putting stuff on it. It's not unusual to see pieces of gum stuck to it and of course the graffiti just ruins the original artworks. To add insult to injury the weather, car pollution and sun are wreaking havoc with the paint that is still intact and not painted over.
They want to renovate the wall, which just seems silly, doesn't it? But to renovate it, they will have to destroy the paintings. The question is... how long will it be before they have to renovate again? Couldn't there be a way to preserve the "new" version? What if they were to enclose it, protect it, keep it a bit more safe from vandals? Would that even be an option? If not, WHY not? Otherwise we will be talking about this whole problem again in 15 or 20 years. Any ideas?
Edit addendum
I get the idea that people visiting this page are looking for WHY this Fraternal Kiss thing happened. Another blogger has detailed the story here. Enjoy.
It's a conundrum. In fact it's downright ironic. Right after the wall "fell" it was a common past time to enjoy busting it up, rather therapeutic I would assume. Soon someone started thinking and decided that it would make sense to keep part of it around as a tourist attraction if nothing else. It was this thought process that preserved the "East Side Gallery" for posterity. Artists from all over the world were invited to Berlin to paint this partial section of the wall, to give it character, to take back the symbol of so much oppression so to speak. It is probably one of the most-visited locations in Berlin, and some of the artwork is famous the world over.
The Fraternal Kiss is one of the more famous paintings on the East Side Gallery depicting the former leader of the Soviet Union, L. Brezhnev, in a lip lock with the former head of East Germany, E. Honecker.
But now as you can see in the pictures above, there is a LOT of difference between the quality of what was on display right after the fall of the wall, and what is visible now. Between the weather and pollution erosion, the structure of the remaining sections is crumbling. In a most irritating way tourists and locals alike enjoy walking by the open air monument and chipping off a bit of it to take home. If they aren't breaking it into pieces, they are putting stuff on it. It's not unusual to see pieces of gum stuck to it and of course the graffiti just ruins the original artworks. To add insult to injury the weather, car pollution and sun are wreaking havoc with the paint that is still intact and not painted over.
They want to renovate the wall, which just seems silly, doesn't it? But to renovate it, they will have to destroy the paintings. The question is... how long will it be before they have to renovate again? Couldn't there be a way to preserve the "new" version? What if they were to enclose it, protect it, keep it a bit more safe from vandals? Would that even be an option? If not, WHY not? Otherwise we will be talking about this whole problem again in 15 or 20 years. Any ideas?
Edit addendum
I get the idea that people visiting this page are looking for WHY this Fraternal Kiss thing happened. Another blogger has detailed the story here. Enjoy.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
A Visit to a Horse Barn
On Saturday we had the chance to check out a hunter/jumper horse barn south of the city. N's "new" cousin (long, hard story - maybe for another time) is a sweet young lady that has been riding for eight years and wanted to introduce us to her horse barn.
It was a fantastic time! Perhaps I've been in the city too long, I'd forgotten how fresh and clean air could be. When we popped out of the car I instantly got a nose full of that indescribable horse musk... ahhhh.
The barn is beautiful and the grounds are well cared for. They probably have 40-50 stalls in a U-shape backing up against a gorgeous indoor arena. It has mirrors placed along the long sides for increased visibility, and at the end of the long run on each side is another mirror so you can see yourself the whole way down the line. Attached to the arena with several windows looking in is a cute little cafe. Nice idea for the parents that drive way the hell out of town for their kids' lessons... this way they have something to do. Outside they have three areas set up for three levels of jumping skills. Very sweet!
N.'s cousin did a nice job putting her horse through the paces, did a couple of flying lead changes though... but all in all they looked good together. I can't wait to see her in a show sometime!
Enjoy the pictures!
It was a fantastic time! Perhaps I've been in the city too long, I'd forgotten how fresh and clean air could be. When we popped out of the car I instantly got a nose full of that indescribable horse musk... ahhhh.
The barn is beautiful and the grounds are well cared for. They probably have 40-50 stalls in a U-shape backing up against a gorgeous indoor arena. It has mirrors placed along the long sides for increased visibility, and at the end of the long run on each side is another mirror so you can see yourself the whole way down the line. Attached to the arena with several windows looking in is a cute little cafe. Nice idea for the parents that drive way the hell out of town for their kids' lessons... this way they have something to do. Outside they have three areas set up for three levels of jumping skills. Very sweet!
N.'s cousin did a nice job putting her horse through the paces, did a couple of flying lead changes though... but all in all they looked good together. I can't wait to see her in a show sometime!
Enjoy the pictures!
The Concert of the Summer
I love my luck.
Over a month ago we learned the P!nk was going to come to Berlin, and I jumped up and down until my dear sweet N managed to get us tickets.
I thought that this would be the pinnacle of my summer... a trip to Greece, then as soon as we get back I would finally see Pink in concert in Berlin.
But one day last week I was opening up my boss' mail and my whole idea of the summer changed! She had been invited to a VIP grand opening of the venue's lounge which would also give her VIP SEATS to the CONCERT! I asked my boss if I could go instead of her, and she said YES!
So now I will be attending a VIP event before the concert, then be given first class seating (if you read the German on the original tickets, you can see that they are standing room only) for the concert of the SUMMER! TEE HEE HEE! I LOVE MY LIFE!!!
Anybody want the original tickets? check E-Bay.
Or let me know!
Over a month ago we learned the P!nk was going to come to Berlin, and I jumped up and down until my dear sweet N managed to get us tickets.
I thought that this would be the pinnacle of my summer... a trip to Greece, then as soon as we get back I would finally see Pink in concert in Berlin.
But one day last week I was opening up my boss' mail and my whole idea of the summer changed! She had been invited to a VIP grand opening of the venue's lounge which would also give her VIP SEATS to the CONCERT! I asked my boss if I could go instead of her, and she said YES!
So now I will be attending a VIP event before the concert, then be given first class seating (if you read the German on the original tickets, you can see that they are standing room only) for the concert of the SUMMER! TEE HEE HEE! I LOVE MY LIFE!!!
Anybody want the original tickets? check E-Bay.
Or let me know!
Friday, August 10, 2007
I Am NOT an Issue... I AM a Human Being!
I just got through reading an article by Joan Garry in the Huffington Post. that really trips my trigger.
The phrase she uses, "I am not an issue... I am a human being" comes from a favorite play/movie of my past, "The Elephant Man". In that movie John Merrick is desperately pleading with everyone including his doctor to understand that he has feelings and emotions when he says, "I am not an animal, I am a human being".
To me it makes no sense to discriminate against gays and lesbians as they are obviously pre-disposed to be this way. I know the level of discrimination simply isn't the same, but to me it is very much like being black… I came out of my Mother this way… there was no "choice" made on my part other than to live the American Dream. I want to have free choice and the ability to pursue happiness as long as it doesn't hurt others. At this point to live The American Dream… I have to do it in Germany.
For years I've been feeling like some kind of pawn on the political chessboard. Bill Clinton was my first great political hope. I thought that HE understood the gay issue, that HE would do something about what I saw as a clear-cut issue.
But Big Bill ended up being the first politician to let me down. As my Mother (gotta love her) cried when she realized that Nixon was going to resign the office rather than be impeached, I also cried when Bill Clinton enacted Don't Ask, Don't Tell and then shook my head in wonder as he turned around again and put the knife in deeper with The Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA). So much for voting for a guy that SAYS he is different, that SAYS he wants to make life better for gays and lesbians… It was my first lesson in the idea that politicians lie to get into office, then do whatever the hell they feel like when they get there.
Since the time of Slick Willie "gay marriage" has been a political "issue" and I'm pissed! These people are playing around with my LIFE. People running for the House and Senate will say that they want to repeal DOMA, but when they get into office, they do nothing. Now it is time to look not at Representatives but at a Presidential Candidate. Perhaps a President can change these things which a simple legislator cannot.
Last night was a historical moment in America, but I'm sure most Americans have no idea what I'm talking about. LOGO, a gay and lesbian television station sponsored a forum for the Democratic candidates (all Republicans said they wouldn't want to be a part of such goings on, and Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Chris Dodd seemed to feel the same way). It was the FIRST televised presidential forum to discuss gay and lesbian issues…. Yes issues.
It all went as I expected it to… as I've become accustomed to… They all said that they believed in civil unions, but not everybody could get their head around the whole gay marriage thing. They all said that they would repeal DOMA, and that they support full civil rights for all gays and lesbians. Surprisingly John Edwards did the right thing and actually stated that he would not be supporting gay marriage, and then rescinded an earlier statement in which he had said that he doesn't support it on religious grounds. Come on John, just be honest, it's still about religion to you.
Hillary got a little shock when moderator Melissa Etheridge expressed her disappointment at the Clinton Administration backing both Don't Ask and DOMA. The Ice Woman did her little sidestep and blamed it ALL on the Republican Congress, saying that those NASTY Elephants would have had MUCH more stringent rules placed on the books. Ahem, Mrs. Wanna-be President. Have you ever heard of the VETO? Then she went back to her strong point again… pulling us out of history and saying that NOW things will be different, that when she gets into office she will change this gay "assault" because "that is over". Uh huh… until you get another reason to hang us out to dry. I don't trust Hillary any more than I trust Bill. A Clinton in the White House isn't the answer either. The problem is there aren't any easy answers.
You can watch the whole forum here (cut up by candidate).
The whole thing reminds me of Charles Durning in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"
While I was looking for the above movie, I came across this great little diddy.
Baby Bush (Shrub) gets his chance to sing!
The phrase she uses, "I am not an issue... I am a human being" comes from a favorite play/movie of my past, "The Elephant Man". In that movie John Merrick is desperately pleading with everyone including his doctor to understand that he has feelings and emotions when he says, "I am not an animal, I am a human being".
To me it makes no sense to discriminate against gays and lesbians as they are obviously pre-disposed to be this way. I know the level of discrimination simply isn't the same, but to me it is very much like being black… I came out of my Mother this way… there was no "choice" made on my part other than to live the American Dream. I want to have free choice and the ability to pursue happiness as long as it doesn't hurt others. At this point to live The American Dream… I have to do it in Germany.
For years I've been feeling like some kind of pawn on the political chessboard. Bill Clinton was my first great political hope. I thought that HE understood the gay issue, that HE would do something about what I saw as a clear-cut issue.
But Big Bill ended up being the first politician to let me down. As my Mother (gotta love her) cried when she realized that Nixon was going to resign the office rather than be impeached, I also cried when Bill Clinton enacted Don't Ask, Don't Tell and then shook my head in wonder as he turned around again and put the knife in deeper with The Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA). So much for voting for a guy that SAYS he is different, that SAYS he wants to make life better for gays and lesbians… It was my first lesson in the idea that politicians lie to get into office, then do whatever the hell they feel like when they get there.
Since the time of Slick Willie "gay marriage" has been a political "issue" and I'm pissed! These people are playing around with my LIFE. People running for the House and Senate will say that they want to repeal DOMA, but when they get into office, they do nothing. Now it is time to look not at Representatives but at a Presidential Candidate. Perhaps a President can change these things which a simple legislator cannot.
Last night was a historical moment in America, but I'm sure most Americans have no idea what I'm talking about. LOGO, a gay and lesbian television station sponsored a forum for the Democratic candidates (all Republicans said they wouldn't want to be a part of such goings on, and Democratic candidates Joe Biden and Chris Dodd seemed to feel the same way). It was the FIRST televised presidential forum to discuss gay and lesbian issues…. Yes issues.
It all went as I expected it to… as I've become accustomed to… They all said that they believed in civil unions, but not everybody could get their head around the whole gay marriage thing. They all said that they would repeal DOMA, and that they support full civil rights for all gays and lesbians. Surprisingly John Edwards did the right thing and actually stated that he would not be supporting gay marriage, and then rescinded an earlier statement in which he had said that he doesn't support it on religious grounds. Come on John, just be honest, it's still about religion to you.
Hillary got a little shock when moderator Melissa Etheridge expressed her disappointment at the Clinton Administration backing both Don't Ask and DOMA. The Ice Woman did her little sidestep and blamed it ALL on the Republican Congress, saying that those NASTY Elephants would have had MUCH more stringent rules placed on the books. Ahem, Mrs. Wanna-be President. Have you ever heard of the VETO? Then she went back to her strong point again… pulling us out of history and saying that NOW things will be different, that when she gets into office she will change this gay "assault" because "that is over". Uh huh… until you get another reason to hang us out to dry. I don't trust Hillary any more than I trust Bill. A Clinton in the White House isn't the answer either. The problem is there aren't any easy answers.
You can watch the whole forum here (cut up by candidate).
The whole thing reminds me of Charles Durning in "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"
While I was looking for the above movie, I came across this great little diddy.
Baby Bush (Shrub) gets his chance to sing!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Lake Adenauer
Yesterday a storm front developed directly over Berlin.
For over two hours it rained cats and dogs as we watched from our office windows. There was cloud to ground lightning (which is rare for Germany), and lots of of it! All it all that part of the storm was exciting enough. But soon we started hearing the unmistakable sound of cars driving through LOTS of water, so we looked outside. Lo and behold there was water standing in the streets overflowing the curbs in many places.
As we watched incredulously cars would fly through the intersection, splashing people passing on bikes and standing on the sidewalks.
For over two hours it rained cats and dogs as we watched from our office windows. There was cloud to ground lightning (which is rare for Germany), and lots of of it! All it all that part of the storm was exciting enough. But soon we started hearing the unmistakable sound of cars driving through LOTS of water, so we looked outside. Lo and behold there was water standing in the streets overflowing the curbs in many places.
As we watched incredulously cars would fly through the intersection, splashing people passing on bikes and standing on the sidewalks.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Video of the Minnesota Bridge Collapsing
Wow!
This bridge thing fascinates me.
We rely so heavily on the things that engineers give us, and yet sometimes it just falls down around our ankles. Now this bridge was 40 years old in an area that is in a constant state of freeze/thaw... I'm sure that isn't good on any structure, let alone a bridge over water. There was another thing I read, and I hope I don't misquote... but it had a span of well over 400 feet with just arch, no support going down into the water so as to not impede water traffic. It sounds like such stretching was just a little too much for such a structure.
Then there is the construction work being done on the bridge. Evidently it was just aesthetic stuff... the light fixtures, etc. But my question is: did the closed lanes from the construction slow down the traffic enough so that the weight was much more than any other day? I mean, when we are driving on a normal road there is at least room for another car between each car... BUT, when it is bumper to bumper traffic there is no space in between... in fact more cars will fit in the same area if traffic is stopped or quite slow. Did the construction on the bridge make an already bad situation worse?
I pity the rescue divers who would like to get into the water and try to help people, or at least recover the bodies to give the families some closure. They are finding the Mississippi current too strong and the debris too treacherous to work around. The frustration levels must be horribly high.
I really like reading about the heroes... those average everyday people that dived back into that muddy river to try to save a stranger's life. It is just this kind of selflessness that makes me proud to be human.
At this point... do you find yourself looking warily at every bridge you are about to cross?
This bridge thing fascinates me.
We rely so heavily on the things that engineers give us, and yet sometimes it just falls down around our ankles. Now this bridge was 40 years old in an area that is in a constant state of freeze/thaw... I'm sure that isn't good on any structure, let alone a bridge over water. There was another thing I read, and I hope I don't misquote... but it had a span of well over 400 feet with just arch, no support going down into the water so as to not impede water traffic. It sounds like such stretching was just a little too much for such a structure.
Then there is the construction work being done on the bridge. Evidently it was just aesthetic stuff... the light fixtures, etc. But my question is: did the closed lanes from the construction slow down the traffic enough so that the weight was much more than any other day? I mean, when we are driving on a normal road there is at least room for another car between each car... BUT, when it is bumper to bumper traffic there is no space in between... in fact more cars will fit in the same area if traffic is stopped or quite slow. Did the construction on the bridge make an already bad situation worse?
I pity the rescue divers who would like to get into the water and try to help people, or at least recover the bodies to give the families some closure. They are finding the Mississippi current too strong and the debris too treacherous to work around. The frustration levels must be horribly high.
I really like reading about the heroes... those average everyday people that dived back into that muddy river to try to save a stranger's life. It is just this kind of selflessness that makes me proud to be human.
At this point... do you find yourself looking warily at every bridge you are about to cross?
Thursday, August 2, 2007
YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID...
EIGHTH PLACE:
In Detroit , a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned
in two feet of water after squeezing head first
through an 18-inch-wide sewer grate to retrieve his
car keys.
SEVENTH PLACE
A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who
"totally zoned when he ran," accidentally jogged off
a 100-foot high cliff on his daily run.
SIXTH PLACE
Buxton , NC : A man died on a beach when an
8-foot-deep hole he had dug into the sand caved in
as he sat inside it. Beach-goers said Daniel Jones,
21, dug the hole for fun, or protection from the
wind, and had been sitting in a beach chair at the
bottom Thursday afternoon when it collapsed, burying
him beneath 5 feet of sand. People on the beach, on
the outer banks, used their hands and shovels,
trying to claw their way to Jones, a resident of
Woodbridge , VA , but could not reach him. It took
rescue workers using heavy equipment almost an hour
to free him while about 200 people looked on. Jones
was pronounced dead at a hospital.
FIFTH PLACE
Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed in Lompoc , as he
fell face-first through the ceiling of a bicycle
shop he was burglarizing. Death was caused when the
long flashlight he had placed in his mouth (to keep
his hands free) rammed into the base of his skull as
he hit the floor.
FOURTH PLACE
Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed in
Selbyville , Del , as he won a bet with friends who
said he would not put a revolver loaded with four
bullets into his mouth and pull the trigger.
As Ron White often says: "You can't fix stupid."
These people prove it is a terminal condition. As
always, competition this year has been keen.
THIRD PLACE THIS ONE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRST PLACE
The following mind-boggling attempt at a crime spree
in Washington , DC appeared to be the robber's first
(and last), due to his lack of a previous record of
violence, and his terminally stupid choices:
1. His target was H&J Leather & Firearms; A gun shop
specializing in handguns.
2. The shop was full of customers - firearms customers.
3. To enter the shop, the robber had to step around
a marked police patrol car parked at the front door.
4. A uniformed officer was standing at the counter,
having coffee before work. Upon seeing the officer,
the would-be robber announced a hold-up, and fired a
few wild shots from a target pistol.
The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, the
police officer with a 9mm GLOCK 17, the clerk with a
50 DESERT EAGLE, assisted by several customers who
also drew their guns, several of whom also drew and
fired. The robber was pronounced dead at the scene
by Paramedics. Crime scene investigators located 47
expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent
autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics
identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one
else was hurt in the exchange of fire.
HONORABLE MENTION
Paul Stiller, 47, was hospitalized in Andover
township, NJ, and his wife Bonnie was also injured,
when a quarter-stick of dynamite blew up in their
car. While driving around at 2 AM, the bored couple
lit the dynamite and tried to toss it out the window
to see what would happen, but apparently failed to
notice the window was closed.
RUNNER UP:
TACOMA , WA . Kerry Bingham had been drinking with
several friends when one of them said they knew a
person who had bungee-jumped from the Tacoma Narrows
Bridge in the middle of traffic. The conversation
grew more heated and at least 10 men trooped along
the walkway of the bridge at 4:30 AM Upon arrival
at the midpoint of the bridge they discovered that
no one had brought a bungee rope.
Bingham, who had continued drinking, volunteered and
pointed out that a coil of lineman's cable lay near
by. One end of the cable was secured around
Bingham's leg and the other end was tied to the
bridge. His fall lasted 40 feet before the cable
tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle. He
miraculously survived his fall into the icy salt
water and was rescued by two nearby fishermen.
"All I can say" said Bingham, "is that God was watching
out for me on that night. There's just no other
explanation for it." Bingham's foot was never
located.
AND THE WINNER...
Overzealous zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt
( Paderborn , Germany ) fed his constipated elephant
Stefan 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a
bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the
plugged- up pachyderm finally let it fly, and
suffocated the keeper under 200 pounds of poop!
Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was
attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil
enema when the relieved beast unloaded on him. "The
sheer force of the elephant's unexpected defecation
knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground where he struck
his head on a roc k and lay unconscious as the
elephant continued to evacuate his bowels on top of
him" said flabbergasted Paderborn police detective
Erik Dern. With no one there to help him, he lay
under all that dung for at least an hour before a
watchman came along, and during that time he
suffocated. It seems to be just one of those freak
accidents that proves... "S __ t happens."
YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID...
In Detroit , a 41-year-old man got stuck and drowned
in two feet of water after squeezing head first
through an 18-inch-wide sewer grate to retrieve his
car keys.
SEVENTH PLACE
A 49-year-old San Francisco stockbroker, who
"totally zoned when he ran," accidentally jogged off
a 100-foot high cliff on his daily run.
SIXTH PLACE
Buxton , NC : A man died on a beach when an
8-foot-deep hole he had dug into the sand caved in
as he sat inside it. Beach-goers said Daniel Jones,
21, dug the hole for fun, or protection from the
wind, and had been sitting in a beach chair at the
bottom Thursday afternoon when it collapsed, burying
him beneath 5 feet of sand. People on the beach, on
the outer banks, used their hands and shovels,
trying to claw their way to Jones, a resident of
Woodbridge , VA , but could not reach him. It took
rescue workers using heavy equipment almost an hour
to free him while about 200 people looked on. Jones
was pronounced dead at a hospital.
FIFTH PLACE
Santiago Alvarado, 24, was killed in Lompoc , as he
fell face-first through the ceiling of a bicycle
shop he was burglarizing. Death was caused when the
long flashlight he had placed in his mouth (to keep
his hands free) rammed into the base of his skull as
he hit the floor.
FOURTH PLACE
Sylvester Briddell, Jr., 26, was killed in
Selbyville , Del , as he won a bet with friends who
said he would not put a revolver loaded with four
bullets into his mouth and pull the trigger.
As Ron White often says: "You can't fix stupid."
These people prove it is a terminal condition. As
always, competition this year has been keen.
THIRD PLACE THIS ONE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRST PLACE
The following mind-boggling attempt at a crime spree
in Washington , DC appeared to be the robber's first
(and last), due to his lack of a previous record of
violence, and his terminally stupid choices:
1. His target was H&J Leather & Firearms; A gun shop
specializing in handguns.
2. The shop was full of customers - firearms customers.
3. To enter the shop, the robber had to step around
a marked police patrol car parked at the front door.
4. A uniformed officer was standing at the counter,
having coffee before work. Upon seeing the officer,
the would-be robber announced a hold-up, and fired a
few wild shots from a target pistol.
The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, the
police officer with a 9mm GLOCK 17, the clerk with a
50 DESERT EAGLE, assisted by several customers who
also drew their guns, several of whom also drew and
fired. The robber was pronounced dead at the scene
by Paramedics. Crime scene investigators located 47
expended cartridge cases in the shop. The subsequent
autopsy revealed 23 gunshot wounds. Ballistics
identified rounds from 7 different weapons. No one
else was hurt in the exchange of fire.
HONORABLE MENTION
Paul Stiller, 47, was hospitalized in Andover
township, NJ, and his wife Bonnie was also injured,
when a quarter-stick of dynamite blew up in their
car. While driving around at 2 AM, the bored couple
lit the dynamite and tried to toss it out the window
to see what would happen, but apparently failed to
notice the window was closed.
RUNNER UP:
TACOMA , WA . Kerry Bingham had been drinking with
several friends when one of them said they knew a
person who had bungee-jumped from the Tacoma Narrows
Bridge in the middle of traffic. The conversation
grew more heated and at least 10 men trooped along
the walkway of the bridge at 4:30 AM Upon arrival
at the midpoint of the bridge they discovered that
no one had brought a bungee rope.
Bingham, who had continued drinking, volunteered and
pointed out that a coil of lineman's cable lay near
by. One end of the cable was secured around
Bingham's leg and the other end was tied to the
bridge. His fall lasted 40 feet before the cable
tightened and tore his foot off at the ankle. He
miraculously survived his fall into the icy salt
water and was rescued by two nearby fishermen.
"All I can say" said Bingham, "is that God was watching
out for me on that night. There's just no other
explanation for it." Bingham's foot was never
located.
AND THE WINNER...
Overzealous zookeeper Friedrich Riesfeldt
( Paderborn , Germany ) fed his constipated elephant
Stefan 22 doses of animal laxative and more than a
bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the
plugged- up pachyderm finally let it fly, and
suffocated the keeper under 200 pounds of poop!
Investigators say ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was
attempting to give the ailing elephant an olive oil
enema when the relieved beast unloaded on him. "The
sheer force of the elephant's unexpected defecation
knocked Mr. Riesfeldt to the ground where he struck
his head on a roc k and lay unconscious as the
elephant continued to evacuate his bowels on top of
him" said flabbergasted Paderborn police detective
Erik Dern. With no one there to help him, he lay
under all that dung for at least an hour before a
watchman came along, and during that time he
suffocated. It seems to be just one of those freak
accidents that proves... "S __ t happens."
YOU CAN'T FIX STUPID...
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