This hurt

My apologies for the less-than-ideal video/audio quality in the clip below. However, the words are easy enough to hear.

When talking recently about President Obama's pick for the next Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan and Ms. Kagan's stated opinions on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy regarding gays and lesbians serving without having to hide their sexual identity, the conversation Senator Inhofe and radio host Bryan Fischer have meanders into an all-too-telling look into the personal feelings the Senator has about gays and lesbians in the military in general:

" .. you have women, men then you'd have a third group to deal with . ."

As a gay man, I'm supposing I'd be a part of the "third group". What in the blazes does the Senator think folks in the "third group" look like? I couldn't help but visualize a couple of new sets of barracks on some base/post/station into which the "third group" would be housed.

Perhaps some of these G.Is are a part of this "third group". What would their special barracks look like, do you suppose, Senator?

(btw, perfectly OK to giggle, guffaw and/or laugh yourself silly. All I saw in the clip below is some bored GIs with time to kill and a need to entertain themselves. Still . . )

" . . you hear the stories all the time . ."

Do you mean stories like this one, Senator? (yeah, I know it's 5 years old. Find a current story that fits the Senator's implication that gay & lesbian soldiers destroy unit cohesion, etc. My bet is you're more likely to find unit cohesion issues stem from other issues)

" . . we're not doing it for the flag or for the country, we're doing it for the guy in the next foxhole . ."

Stifling the urge to giggle at the unintentional double-entendre at the end of this quote, here's a much more clear-headed set of reasons why soldiers do what they do for us every day all over the world. Straight from the source (no pun intended).

Emotions aside, the clip from the radio interview smells like pandering to the conservative base at its worst. I've learned from my little bit of experience in the wide, wide world of politics, though, that it's impossible to set emotion aside from the business of governing. To this end, politicians like Senator Inhofe know this is so just like a reflex and the best of the best in politics can spit out rhetoric reflexively.

Still, this one really cuts through me. I felt like I was grouped in with aliens from outer space, mutants or some other science-fiction imagined third gender. Then, I felt like no matter how committed and honorable I was with my friends, family, co-workers and people I pass on the street, that my ultimate goal in life is nothing but sexual pleasure. I still can't wrap my head around the third quote above. From all I have read, the need to protect, defend and fight along side the soldiers in my unit/platoon, etc., becomes reflexive like breathing or blinking. The former servicemen and women I have worked with and those in my personal life carry that same sensibility with them well after their service to their country has ended.

I cannot imagine how much more strongly a gay or lesbian soldier must feel about this after hearing this mess from Inhofe.

Luckily, we don't have to imagine.

Never gonna give in

Feels good to be writing this.

This Wednesday will be President Obama's first State of the Union address. For a politics geek like me, it's like a championship game or an awards show night. While there is still a lack of fashion critique and entry to the big auditorium softball interviewing, there are plenty of experts on both teams with all sorts of predictions about the final outcome of Wednesday's address.

Though, as of this writing, I haven't found any posting of opinion just yet. So, I'll take a crack at it.

• Saying that the phrase "The state of our union is strong" will be uttered is a bit like saying "the stars are out" at the latest Hollywood love-fest or at my house while I'm watching the "arrivals" part of the awards show.
• Yeah, even I see the 60 degree head swivel the President usually does when he's giving a speech. It's like noticing when someone drops the phrase "you know" into their everyday speech and you've finally discerned it and now "you know" sounds like nails on a chalkboard. If I had my choice of speechgiving off the top of one's head or reading a speech from a Teleprompter in a clear, melodic tone of voice, I'll take the Teleprompter reading. Still, the best sort of speech is the one that comes from the head with bits of improv dropped in so it sounds organized and just a bit personal. I've given improv'd and read aloud speeches and usually feel like I'm only giving half the effort. This address is a big one -- even I would be pacing, memorizing and rehearsing this one as often as humanly possible weeks ahead of time.
• These addresses are usually by the book. In recent years, it's a bit difficult to tell the difference between them and getting an OMG moment out of them is highly unlikely. Same can be said of award shows and championship games. Even the notion of turning the SOTU into a drinking game is getting a bit cliche. Still, even one such game suggested for Wednesday's address might be worth a try. For us 12-steppers, perhaps substituting jalapeño poppers and a sip of milk for each drink will lead all to the same, dreadful conclusion.

I would have been stunned if Obama was able to have pulled off a total recovery of the economy and have ended both wars by now. However, I'm quite worn out by the light touch he has exercised over Congress this past year. While I love a good work relationship with colleagues, he's been apart from his former Senate colleagues long enough that he can now start to be the goal-setter, take more responsibility for setting the legislative tone and navigate progressives/liberals toward having a truly progressive/liberal government.

For now, a healthy amount of skepticism is required to get some kind of grasp of what's going on in D.C. these days. A little music helps, too. I heard this version of the song earlier today on "Feel The Spin" as I was driving home from church. Yeah, there are club versions of this song out there, but it was nice to hear real drums and guitar backing a talented girl singer. I know she's singing about a guy, but I couldn't help hearing the lyric and thinking about how it relates to the upcoming week's world of U.S. politics.

The mark of good art is that it means something different to everyone who experiences it. Enjoy!

Hotter than blazes today

The only upside to the miserable hot, dry Santa Ana winds today is a beautiful sunrise Los Angeles skyline.

For the moment, the newest wildfire in the Moorpark/Fillmore CA area has not blown its smoke in the direction of L.A. However, I am reading/hearing predictions of full containment of this fire by this weekend.

Then, speaking of wildfires, at least the metaphorical sort, comes a story of a Census employee who was found hung in eastern Kentucky earlier this month. The story itself hints at all sorts of circumstances, from suicide or a crime committed by someone with which the man was related to the not-so-big-of-a-leap toward this being some sort of creepy hate crime. Will have to wait to see what happens, but it appears readers of this blog have a whole slate of theories of their own.

And, if you haven't been enjoying the General lately, check out today's post on the fight against Halloween. I'm still one of those odd gay dudes who does not like Halloween at all. However, if there's a good scary movie playing on that night, you'll find me there. Better to be in a group than on one's own on such a creepy night like that.

Maybe this year's Halloween is well worth looking forward to if it's at least 40 degrees cooler than today was!

Day 2 - "indoctrination" speech

If you missed today's "indoctrination" speech by the President today, click here to read the transcript because, well, the "indoctrination" works extra well with the full video, the background and complete audio. And, as it is, apparently, "indoctrination", I'd hate to be responsible for "catapulting the propaganda"

Or, just gaze at the hypnotic toad (direct from Futurama. I'm sure Matt Groening had something to do with today's "indoctrination". Hypnotic toad/"indoctrinating" President of the U.S. Po-tay-toe/Po-tah-toe, anyone?) below:

GAZE!

So pretty, so cool and so weird

Yet another smoke and humidity and heat inspired cloud tower appeared on my ride home tonight.  Finally, the fires in the area are getting more and more in control and, for the first time in over a week, the setting sun looked like  . . .  a setting sun!

I even watched a 10 minute clip of Sen. Franken of Minnesota chatting with a few of his constituents at their State Fair.  As to how those who appear in the video were chosen or if this crowd was grown organically, I cannot say.  As these sorts of things go, it was just lovely to hear people with genuine disagreements with Franken speaking in a civil tone and wonderful to hear an elected official who had studied up on the Health Insurance reform movement in the Legislature!

For those who need to cut their pure, unfiltered political chat with something non-sensical and not nausea inducing, please feel free to cue up the video clip below after you pause the 10 minute Franken video at the "10 minute" link above:

Yet another weighty matter . . .

Sitting in the middle of Hollywood Blvd earlier this evening was a great big crane with a basket attached to the end. I don't think the writing on the basket shows very well, so I'll let you know that Jimmy Kimmel Live! is written all over the side. It airs way past my bedtime, I'm afraid - maybe I can catch it somewhere on line to see where the basket was placed in the show.

Sometimes, it not the big things that catch my eye.  Sometimes, just a simple traffic snarl will do it for me.

Fun and frivolity

First up, just read the banner in the above photo. While I'll be in the neighborhood, my guess is I'll miss the ceremony due to having to work!  The nerve !!  Still, I'll see if I can get an "after" photo while the cement is still drying.

********************************************************************************

So what, you may be asking, is Metalhead39 reading on his way to/from work these days?  An autobiography of some senior staffer from the Senate?  The latest tell-all on the backstage antics of a popular heavy metal band?

Well, it's actually "Watching Baseball Smarter" by Zack Hample.  Before your imagination wonders, it is a primer for those who played baseball as kids and want to expand their knowledge of the Major League Baseball version of the game and all that happens between the pitching, hitting, running and catching.

So, what have I learned so far?  First, the catcher all but rules the park with only intermittent interference by the coaches.  A pitcher throws around 100 pitches in a given game.  There is a lot of signal giving, signal reading, attempted signal interception and interpretation and plenty of times when someone has to stop the signaling and tell all involved to start over (which, interestingly is yet another signal used).

I also can't put the book down.  The real test will be to watch a game after finishing the book and seeing how much of what I've learned was retained.  I definitely have a whole new appreciation for the game and the intelligence with which it is played!

************************************************************************

Finally, I laughed myself to tears over this "ad" created by Stephen Colbert.  To add hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry on top to the hilarity, check out the response by the group whose actual ad was lampooned by Colbert.  That, apparently, you cannot make up!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Colbert Coalition's Anti-Gay Marriage Ad
colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest

Just in case you forgot . . .

. . . you forgot to laugh this week, I'm offering this clip of Stephen Colbert prescribing some . . interesting . . medication.   I couldn't stop giggling!  Enjoy !

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Cheating Death - Sperm Sale & Colonoscopies
comedycentral.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor NASA Name Contest

Mama gets overshadowed by the guy who used to wear bow ties ?

And, by "Mama", I mean the affectionate term fans of Stephanie Miller (like me) use to address her during her daily political/humor radio show.

I recorded CNN's "Reliable Sources" this morning with a short cup of coffee and waited to see Mama set up and knock down the host and pundits with her sharp commentary and goofy humor.

Sadly, all the accounts written talk about Tucker Carlson and all of the shrieking he did about Jon Stewart.  Does he get that the comedy dude should not have to be a news reporter AND that someone who works on an all financial news channel should not mostly be know for the comedy?  I'd safely say that those fans of The Daily Show (like me) are fully aware that Stewart is all about the comedy yet is sharp enough to use the news to create the comedy.

Huffington Post has the transcript of the exchange -- just look for MILLER in the transcript to read what Stephanie contributed.  Again, so very odd to watch this and have the very funny lady have to deliver the most insightful commentary on this guest spot on an all-news channel.

Ugh, those pesky bad mortgage holders!

And, once again, through comedy shines the truth:  When I'm getting help, it's good.   When you're getting help . . . OH, NO!!

I've got a nutty idea:  how about a little of the Golden Rule be applied to the whole "toxic asset/foreclosure/mortgage" mess?  If fellow homeowners in the neighborhood helped just one homeowner with a lousy mortgage deal and is one step away from foreclosure/eviction, the other homeowners would avoid the whole "foreclosures causing property values to decline and the neighborhood to go into decline" thing.

Nah . . I'm sure someone will poke lots of holes in that thought bubble.  Enjoy!

Jokes.com

Russell Brand - Meeting Britney Spears

Joke of the Day
Stand-Up Comedy

Free Online Games
More Funny Videos

Just for a laugh - make your choice

While there are plenty of serious things happening, I'm finding myself drawn to things that make me laugh.  Here are three things I heard today that made me laugh out loud.  Enjoy one, two or all three stories!

Chick's are becoming Dick's . . sporting goods.  The radio ad I heard on my way to the store had me giggling fits all the way there.

Someone is apparently going to get paid for writing about something for which that someone is now enmeshed in legal trouble.  Choose to laugh rather than having your head explode.

de facto:  Merriam-Webster defines the adjective form of this phrase as: being such in effect though not formally recognized.  The exchanges between a certain talk radio host and the head of a certain committee are just hilarious, especially when the committee head uses the phrase to refer to himself.  The meltdown continues.

"Straight talk for young men"

Once again, thanks to the General for finding and posting this gem!  Even middle-aged metalheads like me can find many things to appreciate in this video. For instance, would the speaker in this video be willing to give me his private cel phone number to talk me through a difficult middle of the night . . uh . . experience?

Seriously, I kept cracking up . . especially "beating the demons".  Priceless!  And, about that cel number, buddy ?

Offensive or bad?

Like a lot of news junkies, I've seen the now-infamous political cartoon in the New York Post from earlier this week.  The folks at GLAAD have compiled others from the same artist and have a video/slide show prepared.  Either this guy is equal opportunity offensive or just bad at humor.

My guess is he's bitter.  The slide show is quite telling.

But, just in case the artist could use some help in the humor department, here's a political cartoon that's actually funny.

All around the blogosphere for 2/6/09

It was all of 7 days ago since I did this "list of blog entries I saw/read and enjoyed and you might too" thing.  Not my usual thing to do these types of entries with so little space in between; yet, there is just so much out there to see which grabbed my interest:

"And the award goes to":  I would have loved to have given some kind of statuette to Senator Graham; however, Senator Boxer called him out on his "theatrics" on the floor of the Senate, which was nearly as satisfying.  I got a lovely fit of giggling out of it and I am so proud she is one of my Senators!

A cartoon panel's worth a couple hundred words:  The General strikes again, summing up the Republican's "morality" and their solution to all the world's ills.  He is owed a manly, heterosexual expression of appreciation from me for this.  

The awards season continues this Sunday:  Cool post at Huffington Post about past music award shows -- who won what and why and who should have won (oh, if only we could have another award show to give awards to those who should've gotten awards: the Oopsies or the WTFs, maybe?)

My favorite story from this morning:  Fred Phelps' version of Christianity versus the real deal.  Proof, if you still need it, that peace and love will always triumph over evil.  Keep the facial tissues handy.

and

My partner is in the process of getting ready to take me to lunch and a movie.  This would be the "married for twenty years and who wants to be out after dark" version of a date. Yay !

A cereal, Lutefisk and Islam connection?

If my mind ever works like the General's mind, it will be time to cart me away to someplace safe.

Gratefully, he has "connected the dots" and, blessedly, gave me a hearty, long laugh.  Wicked, silly genius!  Enjoy!

All around the blogosphere for 1/31/09

So much on-line drew my attention today -- lots of things going on in the world.  I just didn't feel there was anything happening that needed my own unique take.

I will admit to watching interviews of Ted Haggard and his wife with brief appearances by one (Larry King Live) or two (Oprah) of his children upon the premiere on HBO of the documentary "The Trials of Ted Haggard".  From my point of view as a Christian and a gay man, I started by feeling angry then just sad for the whole lot of them.  Every other LGBT person I know is on an ongoing journey with their sexuality and how that is expressed.  My prayer is that Ted continues his journey, continues to choose honesty over deceit with himself and his family and realize that Christianity and being gay are not mutually exclusive.  I have for years considered my sexuality as a gift from God, separating me from most so I can be most available to be of help.

Along those lines, here's what caught my eye today:

Embracing Two Spirit Traditions:  A point of view and a group that sheds light on the gift and responsibility of being different. 

Mt. Redoubt:  Some odd things are possible in Alaska any day now.  And, no, none of it has to do with its current governor

Weekly Presidential Address:  Video with Captions plus the text of speech are available.  A good recap of goings on between Congress and the White House with a hint as to what we might see in the coming week of Presidential politics.

"And that's the word":  When I watch the Colbert Report, I spend most of my time laughing hysterically and the rest of the time shaking my head at the silliness.  Once in a while, the humor comes with a sharp bite that turns fits of laughter into more head shaking.  The clip below, one of his "The Word" segments, is case in point:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

The Word - The Audacity of Nope

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Paul McCartney Appearance

Funny Political Videos
More Funny Videos

Arnoldbucks

Sometimes, the inspiration to post here just falls into my lap.  This one came by e-mail and, as I have a laptop computer, it's almost the same thing . .

Kudos to the Courage Campaign who is elevating the snark to new levels by sending out today a mass e-mail to supporters (thanks to the protesting of the passing of Proposition 8, I am one of those supporters) with a goofy 67 second clip with a dude trying to pass off "Arnoldbucks" as real currency to a liquor store owner, a vending machine and others.

Doesn't matter to me if the clip was staged (that's my bet) or an actual submission, the point it makes is quite valid:  If California's Legislature and Governator cannot pass a budget to make up a 40 billion dollar shortfall, the state will eventually issue IOUs instead of money   California has done this once before and I received them in 1992 as I get slightly more than minimum wage as an IHSS worker .  The banks in California accepted those and treated them as if they were real checks.  I may luck out this time around, it seems, but many who rely on state funding may want to prepare.

So, you Californians who voted for Schwarzenegger, how's the California Recovery Plan from late 2003 working out for you?

 

Job Fair - Silver Linings

I attempted to attend a job fair this morning in Santa Ana CA.  I arrived just as the fair started and circled around the miniscule hotel parking lot along with about 20 other cars and could not find a place to park.  I could not figure out if there was some way to park remotely and take a bus to the hotel, so I drove to a mall a couple of miles away and tried to do some Christmas shopping for a little while.

After an hour of walking around, getting a few ideas and only having purchased a small cinnamon roll, I drove back to the hotel. There were no cars circling the parking lot, but the lot had been closed.  I drove around the neighborhood and could not find parking anywhere else.  I took all of this as a sign that I was not meant to be at this particular job fair.

Also, if I had found a parking spot and went to the fair, I would have missed an interview on Thom Hartman's program of Wall Street's Psychic Advisor Mary T. Browne.  When Hartman let it slip that she charges as much as $400.00 per hour for her advice, I nearly had to pull over the car from having such heavy fits of laughter.  Here is essentially what advice she gives her clients:

• Think pink: send out positive, loving thoughts and they will come back to you and guide you toward which investments to make.  Pink, according to Ms. Brown, is the color of love in a person's aura.
• Be honest:  Watch out for those who say one thing while their body language communicates something else. Go with your "gut feeling" on making the right investments.
  

If you feel this advice has been of any help to you, post a reply to this entry and leave your e-mail address.  I'd be happy to let you know how you may pay me $100 for this sage advice.  After all, I just saved you $300 in consultant fees and you're just about as likely to make wise stock investments with these two pieces of advice as you would be if you reached out and contacted Ms. Brown.

I feel so positive, warm and fuzzy right now! Let the healing begin !!

News, really?

I miss new episodes of The Daily Show! Jon is back and I could not stop giggling over this.

Seriously, the best advice I have ever received on getting news came from one of my favorite liberal talk show hosts, Randi Rhodes.  I started listening to her years ago when she was on Air America.  On one of the first shows I heard, she admonished her audience to not rely on her show nor any talk show for news.  She routinely sources the blogs she posts on her site so you can read for yourself the piece of news she used to form her opinion.

So, watching Fox News and MSNBC for hard news? Probably not smart.  My suggestions?  Newshour on PBS, BBC News and/or the Christian Science Monitor (though be mindful of those companies who sponsor/advertise on these sites)

SPECIAL NOTE: If I have done this correctly, on the left should be a link to my buddy's blog: Randy's Blog.  Never shy about his opinion and never failing to have an educated opinion, I look forward to checking in on his blog in between government policy brainstorming sessions during games of Canasta.

What? Maybe if those in positions of power spent a little more time brainstorming over card games our country's issues may be a lot further along in being addressed and resolved.

I didn't make the list

My vote is that not making this list was a good thing.  Back later.