My So Called Life - The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Is Equality actually Equal? - Maybe for some...

2010-02-02T00:17:00.005-05:00

"No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States...nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

The equal protection clause can be found in the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution...

I wonder how many people actually know this statement is in the Constitution....but does it really matter...we already have law after law after law that denies equality to groups of people...we suppose to be the land of the free, the home of the brave...the land of equality... a country found on the principles of Christian love taught by Jesus...

Yet how free are we....

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." I wonder if people actually believe this...whether "rights" are being limited based on race, sexual orientation, or religion, etc...maybe in society, it would be better read as, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men in the "majority opinion" are created equal...

Because really that is really what "rights" are...it is whatever the majority decides "in its good grace" to grant to those in the minority....or to themselves....

I am 31 years old...I have a successful career...a pension...a profit sharing plan...retirement fund...a family that loves me....friends that adore and care for me...a good place I call home...a great car...a puppy...

sounds just like you eh? like the good ole American Dream...

Well....I am also gay...and that alone limits me on over 1400 rights in the state of Texas...that includes both the 300 or so state's rights and 1100 federal rights...

Imagine that...if you are straight and reading this, just by the simple fact that you marry someone you will have 1400 MORE rights than me...

I mean honestly...whether you are for gay marriage or against it...any intelligent person cannot tell me that is fair...equal...or free...

And I can tell you....the majority of those 1400 rights are not spelled out in the bible...many of them are unique rights to our culture and time...

So if you ever have to make medical decisions for your spouse in the hospital, or pass on health benefits, or social security benefits, or choose to adopt an abandoned child who needs someone to love them or any of the other 1400 rights you have...be thankful..because in America...in the 21st century as it turns out...depending upon who you are...you may just be MORE free than me...

And that is truly sad....

Humanity - A Dying Trait

2010-02-01T23:50:00.004-05:00

“Never take a person's dignity: it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you.” Frank Barron

How often have we attacked someone for no reason other than to embarrass or tear them down to nothing more than a speck...a grain of sand...something so small and so insignificant, that no matter how small we are or feel, compared to them, we will feel or seem bigger, better, and badder than the biggest bad-asses this world has ever seen....

Hmmm....make sense...???

In my estimation it takes more energy to be negative than to be positive...maybe I am wrong...maybe some people are built for negativity...built to attack...built to tear down...built to manipulate and reduce the confidence of others into nothing more than a melting lump of playdoh....

I actually feel sad for them...they are the same people who hide their candlelight and do not share it with others to light their wicks, for fear that lighting someone else's candle will put out their own...little do they know that by lighting someone else's candle, in building up someone else you magnify and increase your own light...

It can take a lifetime to repair that which can be torn down in one second with the opening of one's lips and the passing of words through one's mouth...and yet the damage done is exponential in comparison to the effort used in speaking them...

I guess I just do not understand...I mean I know that we have all had those moments when we have been far less than perfect...those moments when we have attacked, yelled, screamed, destroyed, and hurt others....for some of us, those moments are the exception...for others, it seems to be the rule...

But what is gained...what is gained in reducing the life of someone else into a soundbite that gets a few laughs...a soundbite that may or may not be true..that may or may not have any actual relevance to their life...

Where is the humanity in that....where is the humanity in many things nowadays....

Chocolate Martinis - And A Fun Night Out...

2010-01-16T21:34:00.003-05:00

I have come to one conclusion...sometimes you just have to let loose and enjoy the life that was given to you...there is nothing wrong with taking some time and just enjoying what life has to offer...tonight I am having a wonderful chocolate martini to start my evening...

Svedka Vodka, Creme de Cacao, Disaronno, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, with dark chocolate syrup...mmmm...doesn't it sound good?

It tastes delicious and is a perfect way to start out an evening...if you have never tried it, then i suggest you buy the ingredients listed above and have one as an after dinner dessert drink...

You will not regret it...

Tik Tok - Keisha....It's growin on me....

2010-01-13T21:33:00.001-05:00

This song is kind of growing on me...can definitely see myself dancing on the dance floor going crazy to this song...ha ha..every now and then you just have to let loose and say "the hell with it"...and just have fun...

Don't care what anyone thinks or says about you...enjoy life...its the only one you have...

Try To See The Good In Everything - As Much As Possible...

2010-01-10T00:16:00.006-05:00

We all have those rough days when life kicks us in the ass...still always try to be thankful for what you do have...the moment we find nothing to be thankful for in life, is the moment we stop living.

I am thankful for my best friends in life.
I am thankful for my family
I am thankful for my job that pays my bills and then some
I am thankful for that little voice in my head that reminds me to do good
I am thankful for my conscience
I am thankful for new beginnings
I am thankful for random acts of kindness
I am thankful for renewed hope in the goodness of people
I am thankful for the promise of tomorrow
I am thankful for the release of leaving yesterday behind
I am thankful for alone time
I am thankful for the people who love me all over the world
I am thankful for good wine and pleasant conversation by candlelight
I am thankful for hot water in the winter and a cool pool in the summer
I am thankful for coffee shops
I am thankful for time
I am thankful for happiness and joy
I am thankful for smiles that make me laugh
I am thankful for tears that make me grow
I am thankful for good and bad time for the make me a better person
I am thankful for second chances
I am thankful for being one of a kind
I am thankful for vodka - any flavor will do
I am thankful for all those things I have not listed but are present in my life
I am thankful that I have more things to be thankful for than can be put into one list

Random Thoughs on Equality, Life, and the sort...

2010-01-07T20:50:00.006-05:00

I believe that EVERY PERSON regardless of who they are, is and should be treated as equal to everyone else. There is no reason to think, believe, or subscribe to a belief that views anyone as inherently less than anyone else.

I believe equality is NOT something that should be put to a vote at the ballot box...why would we as Americans (the so-called standard bearers for freedom, equality and justice) ever allow Freedom and/or Equality to have a "NO" option. If you disagree with me, just imagine the right you hold most dear...then imagine that the rest of the country gets to decide if you should have that right...its astonishing how your mindset can change.

I believe that the only way to secure equality for yourself, is to defend it for everyone else. If you fail to support and defend the rights and freedom of others, who will be there to defend you when your own rights are threatened.

The life we wish we were living, keeps us from fully engaging in the one we currently possess. Stop wishing and hoping and praying for a different life, a different path, a different anything. Enjoy the life you already have and make changes to obtain the one you want.

Sometimes you have to see yourself for everything you are not, in order to realize everything you can become.

Life is easy for those who push no boundaries and test no limits. Always push harder, think bigger, live and love stronger. Give out what you would wish to recover and overlook in others, the same flaws that exist in your own life.

Be a better person...to others and to yourself...

Name one person who made the world a better place by taking away and restricting the rights and freedoms of others. Who benefits from laws that segment and divide society. Does it erase poverty, end war, and cure our serious diseases and plagues....

I think not...

It's Official - I Am Back To Blogging

2010-01-06T16:32:00.001-05:00

Yes...I have caught the bug again...I had this blog for four years which ended in March 2009. Now I am feeling the urge to make my opnion known about various topics and I know you all care! ha ha...So yes...from now on I will be back to my postings and musings...

If you are knew to my blog, feel free to look through the years of posts previously made. You never know, you may find out something about me you never knew.

Officially 4 Years - Wow

2009-03-30T20:59:00.001-04:00

Who knew eh? :-)

Yes - It's That Time - The End is Here

2009-03-29T19:45:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow will be the last day of consistent posting on my blog......

I love you all - I will still read your blogs....

:)

Well - I Think It's About That Time

2009-02-24T20:18:00.001-05:00

Next month I will officially end my blog....its been a long time coming....

Thanks to everyone who has read my posts and posted comments :)

Maybe in the future I will be back.......we will see

My Favorite Post of All Time - Revisited! - From Thursday, June 22, 2006

2009-01-03T18:34:00.002-05:00

Party For One - A Glass Of Wine And Peace And Quiet

Waiter: Matthew, party of one...your table is ready....

All the lights in the apartment are off. The only light burns from a scented candle in the middle of the table where I sit. My computer is in front of me. My wine glass is filled to the top and rests to my right. I have relaxing, nostalgic, spiritual music playing in the background...the music I listened to in my college years and early years in Dallas. The chair I am sitting in is cushioned and incredibly comfortable allowing me to sink in just far enough but not giving too much. The wine is sweet but not too sweet.

This is my night for myself. For no one else...just me. There is no bar full of people to keep me company. No starbucks coffee to keep me awake. No friends and no roommate to occupy my time and discuss the latest dramatics at the workplace or political upheaval. Just me. Alone. In the dark. To sit and contemplate.

I have not spent a night like this with myself in quite a while. I used to spend many a night like this. Contemplating, journaling, thinking, dreaming, fantasizing about life...about my future...about the possibilities that life would hold for me. I think that as of late, I have been so consumed with the realities that I left no room for the possibilities of what might be.

So tonight I sit on a date with myself...a quiet evening...a nice glass of wine...peace and quiet. An evening with no distractions for me to think, ramble, sing out loud, talk to myself, sit and stare, to fall out of focus in a haze about nothing in particular. A time to simply be with me. To find out how I am doing. To hear my own heart and my own thoughts for a change. To discover what has been going on with me. To learn things about myself instead of trying to learn things about other people. To try and get in touch with how I am feeling at this point in my life.

Isn't that what a night like this should be? We are always so eager to go on a date with someone else. We ask them questions...we want to know every detail...we try to make them feel good...we compliment them...we make them feel important. So why not do that for myself. So tonight I am asking myself questions. I am wanting to find out every detail. I want to make myself feel good. I want to compliment myself. I want to make myself feel important. So that is what I am doing.

Now if you will excuse me...as the waiter said earlier...my table for one is ready...

posted by Matthew @ 9:36 PM

Where O Where Has My Blog Gone - Bloggone it!

2009-01-03T18:29:00.002-05:00

What can I say? It seems that for better of worse, the wellspring that was my blog has dried up somewhat, and I do not believe in blogging just to say nothing. When i make an entry it is because I really have something I want to put up....

So......yeah.....

I am not deleting my blog, and not sure I ever will.....

But in the meantime, I will be reviewing and putting up some of my favorite older posts....the ones that really touched my heart.......

Look for the first one to come in just a few minutes!

Shameless Beyonce Plug - Love This Performance

2008-12-06T13:13:00.000-05:00

SINGLE LADIES!

President Barack Obama - YES!

2008-11-15T16:01:00.002-05:00

Sorry I am Away - A Necessary Break

2008-10-20T17:06:00.000-04:00

On blogging vacation

will return soon

The Wonder Girls - You MUST Watch This!

2008-09-22T17:41:00.002-04:00

Ok...so I know most of you probably would never listen to this but you NEED to...

This is a group called the Wonder Girls...they are from South Korea...

Watch the WHOLE video....its about 6 minutes long, but oh so fun...

I actually like the song!!!

A Closer Look At Sarah Palin - Her Rape Kit Policy Is INSANE!

2008-09-21T17:01:00.006-04:00

A woman is raped...beaten...brutalized...where does she go for help? Well you would think to the police...and rightfully she should...what would do if you were told the following:

"I am sorry that you were raped...if you want the Rape Kit done to find, locate, and collect evidence to bring the rapist to justice, YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY THE BILL..."

Would you be shocked? Horrified? Disgusted?

Sarah Palin doesnt think you should be....SHE PASSED LEGISLATION that does this while she was mayor of Wasilla....

That's right folks....that wonderful, sweet, good ole down home protector of women's rights doesnt believe the government should pay for your rape kit...

She wants the victims to foot the bill......

That is ridiculous and horrifying...and all women out there should really look at her past before automatically latching onto the mantel of Palin.

check out the article below:

Sarah Palin's Rape Kit Policy

Oh....and dont believe those DENIALS from the McCain/Palin camp where they say that Palin never did this and that she never authorized it....

Documents from the City of Wasilla NOW PROVE THAT SHE DID....Palin flat out LIED to the Press and to AMERICA about this policy......she LIED and now has been busted...

Proof of Palin's Involvement in Rape Kit Policy

OMG - I Have A Roommate Again

2008-08-17T13:14:00.002-04:00

Yes...its true...I now have a roommate....but its cool...I have known him for about 3 years i think so it will be good.

Plus I am saving a but load of money...

More to come soon

Atlanta - A Look Back Over The Last Few Years

2008-07-30T20:43:00.004-04:00

This September I hit 3 years in Atlanta...I honestly never thought I would stay here this long. I moved here back in September 2005 to live with my best friend from college, Sam. He has since moved to New Orleans, but alas I remain.

Atlanta has been an interesting experience for me. In no way do I regret the move. I have moved around a lot in my life and Atlanta would be the best move I made.

As far as my job, it was the best possible move I could have undertaken. I am now in a department that I love and my job is awesome. I could not ask for a better job in terms of the ability to balance work and life.

As far as my dating life...oh gawd...that is probably an entire blog all on its own. Needless to say I am still single...but that shouldn't surprise anyone. I do not think life has it in the cards to smile upon me with a relationship...but ya never know...its always possible and I am open to it.

As far as my physical health, it has been amazing. When I moved to Atlanta I was a very plump 205 - 210 pounds on my 5'10 frame...yes you could say I was a healthy boy...ha ha...ok i was overweight and fat....but i carried it well...lol. Well now I have dropped around 25 - 27 pounds and am at a very comfortable 178 - 180...My goal is to drop about 5 more and tone up.

As far as my spiritual health, it has had mixed results. When I moved here, I had pretty much given up on the church. I could never get God off of my mind. The experience I had with Him in college has stuck with me over the years...its not a phase and though I fall and get up and fall and get up...there is something in me that wont let go. I have had some small revivals here and there in Atlanta. I am trying more and more...not for anyone else but for me. I miss that part of my life...and I feel it coming back...

As far as my financial situation, it has been very good...I will be almost completely debt free at the end of the year...just student loans left and those will be with me for a while...ha ha... but at least it feels good to have a lot of extra debt paid off....so here is to being debt free....at the end of the year that is....

So I guess overall, my 30's aren't starting off too bad after all.

Sigh - Exhausted

2008-07-27T16:53:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone....I am such a let down in the blogging department lately...I am working soooo much and working out the rest of the time...and now I am moving into a new apt in Atlanta...

I am moving in with my first roommate in almost 2 years....

wow...

so we will see how that goes. I am sure it will go fine....

how is everyone out there? :)

I Am About To Turn 30 - Oh No!!!

2008-07-07T13:40:00.002-04:00

yes...the dreaded 30th birthday is about to strike....

i have had this blog for over 3 years....wow....

McCain's Top Advisor Steps In Some Shit - Serves Him Right!

2008-06-23T20:31:00.009-04:00

Ok....read this article at the bottom of the page and tell me if you are surprised that it came from a REPUBLICAN campaign advisor...

The actual comment will appear in the July issue of Forbes Magazine and it was made by Charlie Black, John McCain's top political advisor (pictured left):

..."Charlie Black, an adviser already in the spotlight for his past lobbying work, is quoted in the upcoming July 7 edition of Fortune magazine as saying such an attack "certainly would be a big advantage to him." Black said Monday he regretted the comment. Black is also quoted as saying the "unfortunate event" of the assassination of former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto earlier this year "helped us."...

Now of course John McCain tries to distance himself from this...and that is the right thing to do...but lets get real...let none of us be fooled for even a minute...

People went APE SHIT over Obama's ties to Reverend Wright...so Obama who naturally disagreed with Wright resigned from the church and cut all ties...

McCain should do the same....

McCain should say bye bye to Mr. Charlie Black....

No one - Republican or Democrat should ever wish another terrorist attack on the United States...

McCain Advisor Says A Terrorist Attack Would Help John McCain's Presidential Chances

I Am Still Alive - Been A While Though!

2008-06-15T13:53:00.003-04:00

Hey Guys...I am still here...it has been forever since i blogged...I have been so super busy with work, etc that I have not been able to update...

It feels like I don't even have a blog anyore....and the near future is not looking any better...I am super busy until the latter part of July..ugh

But I am still reading everyone's blogs out there...even if I dont update my own...sorry :)

To all those Fathers out there.....

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Take Time And Listen To This - Im Begging You :)

2008-05-21T19:06:00.002-04:00

Her name is Duffy and she is from the U.K....great song....it has a throwback to like a 60s sound...its an old school kind of sound...

what do you guys think?

California Supreme Court Legalizes Gay Marriage - And Guess What...????

2008-05-15T23:19:00.005-04:00

Every single justice on that court was appointed by a Republican except for one.....

In a 4 - 3 decision, the California Supreme Court has legalized gay marriage!

Kind of makes ya go....hmmmmm.....

What does everyone think about the decision:

Is it good and they had the right to do it?

or

Did they overstep their bounds and legislate something they should not have?

The Democratic Disaster??? - Can The Puzzle Be Solved

2008-05-08T22:17:00.003-04:00

Ok...so the debate is who should win?

Hillary or Obama?

Hillary wins women, people over 65, rural democrats.

Obama wins men, younger educated votes, urban democrats.

A big deal has been made that Obama has a problem with working class rural voters...but lets get real...

Do you know who has a problem with rural voters in general??? DEMOCRATS!!!!

ugh....instead of bitching and moaning about will it be Obama or Hillary...let us ask a more important question...

Are the differences between Obama and Hillary soooo vast that we would split and let John McCain win...

OH MY GOD....I hope not!!!

So Here Is My Dilemma - Stupid Gas Prices!

2008-05-02T19:06:00.002-04:00

So....

Do you live where you WANT to live and pay a LOT more in gas prices?

or

Do you move within walking distance of your office a good ways away from the exciting, young part of town?

hmmm.....

The New And Improved Me - Take A Look!

2008-04-24T19:13:00.006-04:00

Congress At Its Best - Wasting More Time!

2008-04-20T15:15:00.005-04:00

Three members of Congress want the US Justice Department to investigate the BCS of college football...Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Lynn Westmoreland (R-Ga.) and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho).....ugh...don't these people have anything better to do....

I mean seriously...all I am gonna say is this...

With all of the shit we have going on in this world and in this country that needs our focus and attention.....college football rankings are not one of them.

These members of Congress should be ashamed of themselves...

How about Congress spend more time repairing the broken healthcare system, welfare system, medicare, getting Iraq under control...improving the economy....

you know....SMALL things like those....

Do you ever get the sense that we are led by idiots....

Congress Wants To Investigate BCS

4 Minutes To Save The World - Rocks!

2008-04-15T18:29:00.001-04:00

Does Anyone Else Relate to This - Someone Else Always Has More!

2008-03-24T18:36:00.004-04:00

I was out having some drinks at a local bar last weekend when I heard this song by Saving Jane. It came out back in 2006 and I have not heard it in a long time...here it is "Girl Next Door"

Does anyone remember it?

I think the idea of the song is good one...its a tough lesson to learn but someone else out there will ALWAYS have more...so we should be thankful for what we have...

BIG Weight Loss News - Oh Yeah Baby!

2008-03-19T21:15:00.003-04:00

It is official...

For the first time since the fall of 2001, I am back under 180 pounds. I am 5'10 so my goal is 175. Today I weighed in at 179.8....woohoo!

At my heaviest in Atlanta, I was 203.5, and before I started my most recent lifestyle change, I was around 197...

So from my heaviest in Atlanta, I am down 23.7 pounds....

How bout dem apples?!?!?!

2008-03-18T22:41:00.004-04:00

Wow...has it really almost been 3 years since I started this blog? I cannot believe it. Fast approaching...March 28, 2005 I think it was....when I think of all I have written and everything I have spoken of in this blog, it just blows my mind.

This blog has been my therapy, my "reaching out point" to people all across the country, my companion on lonely nights (how sad..lol)...but most of all it has been the way to express what I otherwise could not...

Anyway...random thoughts...

Have you heard of Leona Lewis? She won X-Factor in England...and she has a song out called Bleeding Love...it is amazing...here it is! Here she is singing live at the Echo Awards...

...

2008-03-11T19:26:00.003-04:00

I was speechless about what to title this post....

This isn't my anthem about not being gay anymore...

It is simply about my wanting to be closer...

I Got Dumped On Valentine's Day - Kind Of Bummed!

2008-02-16T17:17:00.004-05:00

Yeah...on this one, the title says it all...

I could give more details but it kind of hurts to type it all out....

Needless to say, regardless of the details, the title alone gives the most important tag line of the day...

Kind of sucks doesn't it....

Status Of My Blog - Is Anyone Out There Still?

2008-02-16T16:56:00.002-05:00

Well...I have gone back and forth over the last several months about the future of my blog. It is about to hit 3 years in March, and my life has become busier as of late so I do not post as often as I would like. But everytime I think about stopping, I find myself incapable of deleting it.

I think over the years I have poured so much of myself into this blog..my feeling, my thoughts, the history of some important events in my life....in short, this blog is a part of me...in a weird way it connects me with people from all over the country that I would have never met otherwise.

This blog has given me an outlet for anything I wanted to say at anytime...and I am not ready to give that up yet...

Make A Difference - It Is Important!

2008-02-04T20:26:00.001-05:00

How far have we come as a nation? How far have we come as individuals?

Strive to make a difference everyday!

This isn't just a trite statement. Think about your life and what you will leave behind. If we don't stand up and make a difference then CHANGE will never happen!

Below are two different videos of the same song. The images in each video are both powerful and stirring!

War doesn't determine who is right. War determines who is left. -- Bertrand Russel

Ann Coulter Endorses Hillary Clinton - Yes You Read It Right!

2008-02-01T18:08:00.000-05:00

Ok so I said I was taking a break but I HAD to post this.

Now anyone who follows politics in the slightest bit knows that Ann Coulter is a super uber Republican. And she hates liberals and hates democrats!

But she is actually endorsing Hillary Clinton over John McCain if they are the two candidates for president....shocking..

Check out the video below!

Ann Coulter Endorses Hillary Clinton

Taking A Break - Sorry Guys!

2008-01-31T21:17:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone - I am taking a necessary break from blogging! It is needed as life has been a bit stressful as of late!

But I will be back...

Hillary Clinton Wins New Hampshire - What A Shocker!

2008-01-08T22:49:00.001-05:00

With all of the polls prediting that Barack Obama would win New Hampshire, it was a complete shock to see that Hillary Clinton won....

Now even though they each won about the same number of delegates, both Hillary and Barack can now claim to have one 1 primary...

Let the battle begin....

Vacation Is Approaching - Time For A Trip To Texas!!!

2008-01-06T23:38:00.000-05:00

Yes everyone, I am finally getting to take a trip back to Texas - woohoo!!!! I cannot wait...

As of late I have had so much going on that I have taken a short break from my blog - I am going through one of those periods where I cannot decide if I am going to end it or not....I guess I will just see....

I cannot wait to see everyone back home!!! Texas is awesome...if only it were a Democratic State he he

Merry Christmas Everyone

2007-12-25T11:35:00.001-05:00

Live Life To The Fullest

2007-12-19T22:54:00.001-05:00

Love In The Animal World - Awesome Video!

2007-12-12T19:14:00.000-05:00

Ok...all I have to say is this...you NEED to watch this video. It is awesome!

A baby buffalo is taken by lions....gets dragged into the water....attacked by alligators....and to find out the rest, you just need to watch...

Yes - Im Still Alive

2007-12-02T15:46:00.000-05:00

I am sorry I have been away from the blogging world for a few weeks.

Between hanging out with the boyfriend, my life at work, and working out, etc, I have been a pretty busy guy...

I will start blogging again soon... :-)

Check out this great song - love me some Carrie Underwood...

I Hope Our Government and President Bush Are Happy - Please Read This!

2007-11-18T21:13:00.000-05:00

Let's forget the awful debate about whether or not the troops should have gone over to Iraq in the first place. Let us look past why they were sent over and let us go beyond the debate on whether they should stay.

For just a few moments, bear with me and let us pay honor to those men and women who are doing their job. They are serving their country. They are doing what President Bush and the Republicans want them to be doing. Even if some of them disagree, these solidiers lay down their lives every day.

The picture above is that of Ty Ziegel a 25-year-old Marine sergeant. He was wounded by a suicide bomber in Iraq. His injuries were extensive. He gave his all for his country doing exactly what President Bush ordered him to do.

The following excerpt is from CNN.com:

"Ziegel spent nearly two years recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas. Once he got out of the hospital, he was unable to hold a job. He anticipated receiving a monthly VA disability check sufficient to cover his small-town lifestyle in Washington, Illinois.

Instead, he got a check for far less than expected. After pressing for answers, Ziegel finally received a letter from the VA that rated his injuries: 80 percent for facial disfigurement, 60 percent for left arm amputation, a mere 10 percent for head trauma and nothing for his left lobe brain injury, right eye blindness and jaw fracture."

So this soldier who was injured doing what President Bush ordered him to do was injured and cannot hold down a job and now is not going to get the support after the war that he needs to live and have a full life.

And this case is not the only example of how the VA tries to rip off our soliders and give them shitty care after they have sacrficed their health, their bodies and in some cases their lives for the military. Their bodies are wounded in nations overseas and yet we cant provide care when they return???

President Bush and the VA should be ashamed! Check out this story below for other examples:

Wounded Warriors

If President Bush and Congress are not going to immediately step in and effect some change then our troops should be withdrawn immediately from Iraq and Afghanistan. Because apparently if the bodies of our troops are wounded overseas, we bring them back to the United States to kill their soul...

VH1 - #2 Song Of The 1980s - Def Leppard

2007-11-09T17:10:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else remember listening and dancing to this song?

Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard

I Am A Democrat But....

2007-10-14T16:04:00.000-04:00

They really pissed me off this week...

I do somewhat side with the Democratic idea that the war in Iraq has gotten way out of control and our progress is not where it needs to be...however...their latest action just screams of self sabotage and it pisses me off.

When Turkey is one of our biggest allies with what is going on with terrorism and the war in Iraq, why would you pass a resolution condemning the genocide of Armenians by Turkey back during World War I?

I agree that genocide is absolutely horrible, despicable, inexcusable...

But the timing of this is very troubling for me...What is the point that the Democrats are trying to accomplish here? It seems that it would be more applicable to the US if we condemned the way our own country treated Native Americans, etc...

The Armenian lobby must be very powerful in Congress.....

Even Bill Maher (a staunch Democrat) discussed on his talk show that he didn't know what the Democrats were thinking...

Part of me wonders if they even know....

Can A Divorce Be Honored - When The Law Doesn't Honor The Marriage?

2007-10-10T11:20:00.000-04:00

So two women meet and fall in love. They decide they want to build a life together and grow old together. They have a desire to marry but their type of marriage is not legal. Then the unthinkable happens. Massachusetts declares gay marriage legal and starts handing out marriage licenses to gay couples. It is a historic event.

These two women decide they want to get married and so they obtain a license from Massachusetts. They are happy and elated.

Now fast forward about 4 years down the road. Like many couples, gay or straight, they find that they have to end their relationship for one reason or another. Only this time they now face a different hurdle. For you see, they do not reside in Massachusetts...they live in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island has no law recognizing gay marriage and as a result they have no avenue to obtain a divorce in Rhode Island. Quite a dilemma indeed. What are they to do? It appears that their only option would be for one of them to move back to Massachusetts and live their long enough to qualify to obtain a divorce under Massachusetts's law...or...

They could challenge the law of Rhode Island to honor their divorce.

And there in lies the sticky nature of this dilemma.

Rhode Island law is silent on the legality of same-sex marriage. So the questions arise:

Does one state have to honor the same sex marriage license granted in another state?

Does one state have to honor and grant a divorce for a same-sex marriage license granted in another state?

Since Rhode Island law does not honor the same sex marriage license to begin with, then technically the state has no marriage to honor and in their eyes, the divorce is not needed... because a marriage never took place to begin with.

So it becomes a question of State's Rights...

Can the courts or the federal government force one state to honor something that its citizens might not want the state to honor?

It is an interesting question...an interesting dilemma...an interesting catch 22...

If Rhode Island honors the divorce, then they are actually agreeing that a marriage took place and therefore would indirectly be honoring and upholding gay marriage...which goes against what their law currently allows being that the law in Rhode Island is silent on the matter.

It will be interesting to see what Rhode Island's highest court decides...

Politcaly Typology - Where Do You Fall?

2007-10-04T21:27:00.000-04:00

Here's an interesting website!

It's a project funded by The Pew Research Center.

The survey questions determine where a person fits into the different typology groups
that make up the two main political parties.

The website is www.people-press.org/fit

Here are my results:

Liberal

Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you most closely resemble survey respondents within the Liberal typology group. This does not mean that you necessarily fit every group characteristic or agree with the group on all issues.

Liberals represent 17% of the American public

Liberals represent 19% of registered voters.

Basic Description
This group has nearly doubled in proportion since 1999, Liberals now comprise the largest share of Democrats and is the single largest of the nine Typology groups. They are the most opposed to an assertive foreign policy, the most secular, and take the most liberal views on social issues such as homosexuality, abortion, and censorship. They differ from other Democratic groups in that they are strongly pro-environment and pro-immigration, issues which are more controversial among Conservative and Disadvantaged Democrats.

(Like anyone I do not fit all of these descriptions so take this as a generalization!)

Defining Values
Strongest preference for diplomacy over use of military force. Pro-choice, supportive of gay marriage and strongly favor environmental protection. Low participation in religious activities. Most sympathetic of any group to immigrants as well as labor unions, and most opposed to the anti-terrorism Patriot Act.

(I do attend church weekly, and I am not completely sympathetic to immigrants. They do need to be here legally!)

Who They Are
Most (62%) identify themselves as liberal. Predominantly white (83%), most highly educated group (49% have a college degree or more), and youngest group after Bystanders. Least religious group in typology: 43% report they seldom or never attend religious services; nearly a quarter (22%) are seculars. More than one-third never married (36%). Largest group residing in urban areas (42%) and in the western half the country (34%). Wealthiest Democratic group (41% earn at least $75,000).

Lifestyle Notes
Largest group to have been born (or whose parents were born) outside of the U.S. or Canada (20%). Least likely to report having a gun at home (23%) or attending bible study or prayer group meetings (13%).

2004 Election
Bush 2%, Kerry 81%

Party ID
59% Democrat; 40% Independent/No Preference, 1% Republican (92% Dem/Lean Dem)

Media Use
Liberals are second only to Enterprisers in following news about government and public affairs most of the time (60%). Liberals’ use of the internet to get news is the highest among all groups (37%).

What I Am Reading Now - A Pair Of Great Books!

2007-09-30T22:59:00.000-04:00

Two wonderful books I am reading right now! Max Lucado is an amazing Christian author who used to pastor a church out of San Antonio, TX. Charles and Francis Hunter put into words the experiences of a pastor out of Idaho in Angels on Assignment. Definitely enjoyed both immensely!

This Song Makes Me So Happy - Enjoy It

2007-09-26T21:07:00.000-04:00

Thanks Brett Cajun for having this song in the background on your little puppy video.

I hear this song, and it just makes me thankful for those times I am with someone and I don't want it to end....

Britney vs Beyonce vs Pink

2007-09-22T18:03:00.000-04:00

Watch this video

Who do you think has the better voice?

OJ Simpson - If He Did It?

2007-09-17T18:25:00.000-04:00

Do we need the word IF at the beginning of that sentence? Do we need the question mark at the end? Simply take both of those out: He Did It!

The man who so eloquently stated after being found not guilty that he would keep searching for the killer and stated that he truly loved the mother of his children, has now given the world what it so desperately wanted....the truth.

Ask anyone connected to this book...it is a CONFESSION...the initial editor Judith Regan knew it...hell even the guy who co-authored the book with OJ and helped OJ put it down into words admits that it was put forth as a confession.

Let's just think about this logically...you are tried and accused of brutally murdering your ex-wife, the mother of your children along with a male friend of hers....you say that you are innocent, you say you will keep looking for the killer, you say that you truly loved her...

And so....to set the perfect example for your kids, to honor the memory of your former wife and mother of your children, to honor the family of Ron Goldman, her friend who was murdered, to uphold the statements you made about never resting until the true killer was found...what do you do:

Of course you write a book about how you WOULD have killed them, had you actually done it. That is the tasteful thing to do right? The is the right thing do is it not? That is the best way to honor their memories right?

Are you kidding me? I mean come on...

I know back at the time of the trial, the entire spectacle became white vs black, and that is truly sad. It is true that African American men are many times stereotyped when a crime is committed...yes they are many times pre-judged poorly in the media, by the justice system itself...yes it is true.

But that does not mean that every time a black man is tried he is innocent. Sometimes despite being black, he IS guilty! And I truly believe this is the case with OJ...

Does anyone doubt that now??? Why on earth would you agree to write such a book. I mean come on...if he truly loved his wife, truly loved his kids, truly wanted to find the "killer" and honor their memories, how could he even think about actually committing the murders himself... You would think he couldn't stomach the idea...but oh he could....he has had 13 years to get used to the idea inside of his own mind that he killed 2 innocent people...so why not write the book...

I wonder if the scene outside the book stores today will be the same as it was outside courthouses back when the verdict was read.....

Whites on one side of the street shocked in disbelief that a murderer was set free. Blacks on the other side jumping up and down, shouting for joy, that one of their homegrown heroes was found innocent. Sadly I fear it will be more like this:

Whites, Blacks, Asians, Hispanic, blue, purple, every color and race standing in line to buy the next copy of "If I Did It: The Confession of the Killer"...feeding the ego of a man who has already taken two lives and now is trying to kill their memories by flaunting how he did it and how he got away with it...I don't care who has the rights to this book or where the money goes from it...the fact the words made it to paper and are being distributed as entertainment sickens me...

Such a sad testament to what our society has become...

Kathy, Oh Kathy - Why Did You Insult Jesus?

2007-09-15T15:51:00.000-04:00

Kathy Griffin recently came to Atlanta, GA in August to perform at the Fox Theater. I was given two tickets to see her for my birthday by some good friends that I work with. Her set at the Fox was definitely worth it. She made me laugh harder than I can remember, and I had a great evening watching her. She is very up front and in your face and that is what I like about her.

I also watch her show on Bravo called My Life On The D-List...which is a reality TV show giving us a look into her life. I loved that show and never missed a chance to watch it.

After watching Kathy on TV, seeing her stand up shows, and seeing her in person, it is very easy to draw at least on conclusion about Kathy Griffin:

She does not like religion in the slightest bit!

She speaks of being raised Catholic and in her own words "She is a fallen Catholic who fell so far she woke up in Beijing."

Now I respect everyone's right to say what they want, when they want, how they want, etc. I believe strongly in the ideal of "Free Speech", and I would never want to limit that in anyway b/c I feel that the liberty and freedom to say what we want contributes to our individuality we have in this country. So I do not mind that Kathy consistently speaks negatively about religion or of the church that she grew up in, etc.

But for me personally this latest attack naming Jesus by name just went overboard. I am not saying that she does not have the right to say what she wants...she does! But for me, it was a definite turning point in how I viewed her.

Why is it so easy in our society to bash, attack, and degrade the name of Jesus. I could not imagine Kathy Griffin ever getting up there and saying anything like that about Muhammad! Now perhaps she had horrible, terrible experiences in her church growing up. And it does not shock me that she is not a fan of religion. She has the right to say what she wants, and I have the right to react to whatever she says.....

When accepting an award at the Emmys, what is the motivation to tell Jesus to suck it? Perhaps she is offended when people walk up there and thank God and thank Jesus...perhaps she was trying to shock everyone...perhaps she was just trying to be funny and make a headline...

Hmmm.....

I am not trying to judge Kathy at all. I think her stand up comedy is hilarious and I will always defend her right to say and believe whatever she wants. But on the other side of the argument, I have the right to not agree with her. I really like her comedy, but I will always love Jesus more...

I am a gay man which would naturally lead people to think I support Kathy Griffin because she tends to be somewhat of an icon in our community. But as she eloquently ended one of her stand up shows one time,

"Not after today..."

Have You Ever Missed Someone So Much It Hurt - Such Sadness

2007-09-08T13:40:00.000-04:00

There is one person I have missed so much...so much that I can barely handle it...

Spoof Of Miss South Carolina - Too Funny

2007-08-31T00:16:00.000-04:00

Courts Rule In Favor Of Gay Marriage - In Iowa?!?

2007-08-30T22:20:00.001-04:00

Yes, its true...an Iowa district court ruled today that under the current state constitution, gay and lesbian couples are allowed to marry. The court ruled that under the current constitution's guarantee of "equal treatment", the state could not deny this right to gay and lesbian couples.

Now at first, I was a little shocked that this ruling came out of Iowa. Many of us think of Iowa only in terms of corn, farming, and rural country folk, which in many minds translates into Republican. And yes, one might assume that overall Iowa seems a bit on the conservative side. But take a look at this information below taken from CNN.com:

Past General Elections -

2004:	Bush (R)	50.0%	Kerry (D)	49.3%
2000:	Gore (D)	48.5%	Bush (R)	48.2%
1996:	Clinton (D)	50.3%	Dole (R)	39.9%
1992:	Clinton (D)	43.3%	Bush (R)	37.3%
1988:	Dukakis (D)	54.7%	Bush (R)	44.5%
1984:	Reagan (R)	53.3%	Mondale (D)	45.9%
1980:	Reagan (R)	51.3%	Carter (D)	38.6%
1976:	Ford (R)	49.5%	Carter (D)	48.5%

As you can see, 2004 was the first time in 20 years that the state voted Republican. Now that does not mean that the states is necessarily "socially liberal" but it does mean that the state is not necessarily the close minded, rural state that many people associate it with.

Now perhaps, this ruling has nothing at all to do with the open mindedness or closed mindedness of the state population. Maybe this simply represents that the six gay and lesbian couples who brought forth this lawsuit lucked out and found the right judge to hear their case. It is possible that if the choice were put before the voters, they would vote to amend the constitution to ban gay marriage and define marriage as being between one man and one woman.

Regardless of the true reason behind the decision, one can certainly reflect upon the following facts:

Jurisdictions in the U.S. that offer civil unions or domestic partnerships granting nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples include

domestic partnership in California (2000)
civil unions in Vermont (2000)
civil unions in Connecticut (2005)
civil unions in New Jersey(2007)
civil unions in New Hampshire (2008)

States in the U.S. with domestic partnerships or similar status granting some of the rights of marriage include

domestic partnership in Hawaii (1997)
domestic partnership in Maine (2004)
domestic partnership in New Jersey (2004) (now available only for couples 62 and older)
domestic partnership in Washington (2007)
domestic partnership in Oregon (2008)
domestic partnership in District of Columbia (Washington, DC) (1992/2002).

Massachusetts is the only state that offers same-sex marriage, which was legalized in 2004.

It is sad to confess the next fact:
***Due to the federal Defense of Marriage Act or, DOMA, same-sex couples in marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships in the U.S. do not have the 1,138 rights that a married couple has under federal law.***

Remember, we are not asking for special treatment....we are simply asking for "equal treatment"...One of the ideas this country was founded upon, was the idea that all men were created equal...so, in my mind, the question still remains...

Why do we even have to ask at all???

A Change Is Coming - Are You Ready For It?

2007-08-26T11:37:00.000-04:00

If you have followed my blog at all, then you know that every now and then I make a blog transition and I start taking my blog in a new direction. Sometimes it has been to become more personal and open up...sometimes it has been to become more outspoken about my political ideas, etc.

Well a new transition is coming....

Some of you may not like it or agree with it...and that is ok....because after all what is the purpose of my blog but to express what is happening in my life and in ME...

Because if you have read my blog from the beginning, even though the change may look sudden it is not...this transision only brings back to light a change that took place over a decade ago...it has just taken a back seat for the last few years....

Michael Vick Is A Coward And A Liar - Is He Any Different?!?!?

2007-08-20T20:14:00.001-04:00

As most of you probably already heard, Michael Vick is accepting the plea bargain offered by federal authorities. So he could potentially spend 18 - 36 months in prison under this plea agreement.

I am sure that for many people, this case brings up different emotions. Some people are upset that he killed and tortured animals...some are upset that he simply gambled and as a professional athlete, he should not be involved in that...some just see him as another arrogant celebrity who thinks he can get away with anything.

But in the end, I think what this plea bargain shows is that Michael Vick is a coward who had no internal desire to take responsibility for his actions or admit his wrongdoing...and I will explain why:

Let's start with the obvious! He did it! He is guilty! That is what this plea agreement says. That is a far cry from what he stated on July 27th:

"I take these charges very seriously and look forward to clearing my good name," the Atlanta Falcons quarterback said in a prepared statement read outside court by his attorney Billy Martin. "I respectfully ask all of you to hold your judgment until all of the facts are shown. Above all, I would like to say to my mom I'm sorry for what she has had to go through in this most trying of times. It has caused pain to my family and I apologize to my family."

So at the beginning of this fiasco apparently Michael Vick felt he did nothing wrong. He certainly wasn't accepting full responsibility and was not stepping up and being a man and accepting the consequences for his actions. So time moves on and we wait for the "facts" to be shown...

Well all of the facts are being shown...most notably signed statements from his two supposed "friends" and finally a statement from Michael Vick himself in which he said through his attorney:

“Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of guilty to those charges and to accept full responsibility for his actions and the mistakes he has made,” Martin said in a statement. “Michael wishes to apologize again to everyone who has been hurt by this matter.”

Ok...now lets just get real. He LIED! He lied to his family, he lied to the media, he lied to his fans, he lied to the NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, he lied to everyone! Michael Vick LIED in his first statement when he said let him clear his name, the facts would show him innocent, blah blah blah.

Let's get real. The only reason why Michael Vick accepted that plea bargain and accepted full responsibility is BECAUSE HE GOT CAUGHT AND HAD NO OTHER WAY OUT! His "friends" were about to testify against him and he faced even more charges and finally shit hit the fan and got ricocheted into his face, and he opened his eyes.

That is what makes him like every other average person in America:

He only fessed up when he knew he had been caught!

He is no better but no worse. How many of us have lied to save our own skins and then been caught in the lie later on and had to admit the truth? Yes this case involved the torture and execution of animals which is horrible, but Michael Vick's reaction was sadly predictable and something the majority of Americans can definitely relate to...

Now even though his reaction was quite predictable what he did was horrific and disgusting. The blood on the walls from executed dogs, rape stands, electrocution, body slamming dogs on the ground, the gambling, all of it disgusts me. I think it is sad that he only faces a possibility of 36 months in prison. I hear it is possible that his plea with the State of Virginia could run concurrently with his federal time so even if he faces jail time from the state of Virginia, it would not extend his prison stay.

So let me just say, I think Michael Vick reacted the same way many people would have. He lied...he said he was innocent...he denied all wrong doing...he only admitted his wrong-doings when he had no other way out...he wasn't someone who took responsibility for his actions...he was FORCED to take responsibility by the Justice system.

I hope he gets the maximum sentence possible, and I hope he never plays football again...

What Music Did I Listen To In College? - Check Out Below

2007-08-16T18:31:00.000-04:00

Hope To Carry On - Caedmon's Call

I Can Only Imagine - Mercy Me

Consuming Fire - 3rd Day

These songs bring back tons of memories to me. Some good, some bad...but all of them made me who I am today...so they are all precious...

Just Because I Disagree With Bush - Does Not Mean I Agree With Clinton

2007-08-14T17:02:00.000-04:00

Just Because I Disagree With Bush, Doesn't Mean I Agree w/ Clinton

I am going to print out this sign and where it on me at all times. :-)

I am not a Republican, and even though I am technically not 100% in line with the Democrats all the time, I do lean left and find myself drawn more to blue than to red.

But this definitely does not mean that every time I disagree with Bush, I am in accordance with what the democrats are stating...or more important...this definitely does not mean that I agree with what Bill or Hillary Clinton are stating.

Just because I wish Bush was not in office and just because I can't wait for Bush to leave the presidency, does not mean that I am in complete agreement with what Bill Clinton did in the past or what Hillary is currently doing or may do in the future.

Now one must realize that I do not think George W. Bush is a horrible person. I do not think that he wakes up every day with a plan to make the USA weaker and more vulnerable to danger. I do not think he is an evil man. Hell, I voted for him the first time. But I have lost faith in him as president and I find myself more and more weary of his ideas and the direction he and his cabinet are taking this country. That does not automatically mean I trust the Democrats completely either.

But when any citizen loses faith in their government, I believe it is their duty to speak out and to make their dissatisfaction known...not only to other citizens, but also to their government. And part of speaking out is to voice that by voting. So everyone reading this, I do not care if you are Republican, Democrat, or Independent...just go out and VOTE....make your voice known.

I consider myself a free thinker, someone who is informed about the issues and truly makes a decision based upon the information I have gathered. I do not base my beliefs or my votes on a polarizing "idea" of voting straight Republican or straight Democrat. I look at what each person is stating on each individual issue and then draw my own conclusions.

For instance:

On the Democratic side, I find myself drawn to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

On the Republican side, I find myself drawn to Rudy Guliani and Mitt Romney.

I know that each of the four candidates listed have their pros and cons and each one has skeletons that can haunt them, each one of them has flip-flopped on issues, and each one has their shortcomings...

But you know, this is how our system works...people run for office, and then you have to research each candidate and find out their individual beliefs on each issue.

Some of the major issues that are important to me right now are:
(these are in no particular order)

1) Iraq
2) Health care
3) Economy (national debt/deficit) - fiscal responsibility
4) Gay Rights
5) Immigration/Homeland Security

Now I know that each candidate is going to have a different idea on how they can fulfill each one of these needs. And my job as a voter is to research and make the most informed decision.

So yes...I want Bush out of office..but that doesn't mean that Hillary Clinton will automatically get my vote....

A Draft??? - Bush Must Be Crazy But What Else Is New

2007-08-10T19:52:00.000-04:00

Bush would be an idiot if he reinstated the draft to fight this never-ending, vietnam-esque war in Iraq. Perhaps if he did this people would finally wake up and realize that we need new direction and new leadership.

How can he say he is taking a new direction in Iraq (which is what the American people want) when he is entertaining the idea of reinstating the draft?

There would be no reason for a draft if we didn't try and police every nation on earth...

Bush War Adviser Says Draft Worth A Look

Britney Spears - Can She Do Anything Else So Stupid?

2007-08-10T17:54:00.000-04:00

Does Britney really believe she is just above every code of law or code of decency?

Apparently so...

With paparazzi all around her, she blatantly hits a parked/unoccupied car...she is photographed and videotaped hitting the car...she laughs and then examines her own car...and just walks away...not even paying attention or caring at all about the fact that she hit another car...

How stupid!!!

Did she not realize that this would make its way all over the internet?

Or perhaps she did know and she is just so self absorbed and consumed with her own idea of self worth and self invincibility, that she just did not care.

I mean after all...she is Britney Spears...she is better than everyone else right???

How pathetic....

A View Into My Apt - Oh What You Might See!

2007-08-08T16:04:00.000-04:00

Any ideas for paint color choice? I am about to paint the walls....let me know what you guys think!!!

Road Rage Drivers Suffer Consequences - Serves Them Right!

2007-08-07T23:28:00.000-04:00

I do not understand road rage. I do not understand how people can become so angry and turn their vehicles into weapons. Now I can understand yelling to yourself or whatever if you are stalled in traffic or if someone cuts you off. But I do not understand this phenomenon of chasing down cars, tailgating, flipping off, cursing out, or even ramming other cars.

Check out this story in California:

A stretch of Highway 138 in California was under construction to actually widen it and make it safer and more efficient for California drivers. During the construction process, commuters threw burritos at the workers, shot the workers in the leg with BBs, one commuter even struck a worker and fled the scene before he was chased down by the police at his residence (where he ironically had shaved his moustache to change his appearance).

So what did the Department of Transportation do?...they CLOSED the Highway...yup you got it...the closed the highway and now commuters cannot use the roadway at all until construction is done.

Serves the damn idiots right....

California Highway Shut Down Due To Road Rage

Michael Jackson Duet - With Britney Spears???

2007-08-07T22:29:00.000-04:00

Ok ok ok...so we all remember that huge special bash that Michael Jackson in all of his self-proclaiming glory threw for himself. Well he did a duet with Britney Spears. I knew that he had sung with her but I did not watch the special and I never saw the performance of it either.

I have to wonder if part of his draw to sing with her was that at the time, she was the face of pop music...she had the body, the music sales, the endorsements, the sold out concerts, the works...

Now I do not know if they did something to the microphones they were using...and if you watch the video you can tell that neither one of them is lip-synching their part of the song...but watch this video and you can see how far Michael Jackson outdoes Britney Spears.

I am not one to just blatantly attack Britney or anything like that...I think some of her songs are catchy and I can see why millions of people liked her...I mean let's face it...in this video she looks hot as hell....but listen to their voices in this performance...

Britney is just way out of her league on this song....

On a side note...does anyone else think Michael Jackson should update his dance moves???

Are Hate Crime Laws Important? - Let's Take A Look

2007-08-06T17:51:00.000-04:00

Some of you may or may not be aware that a Hate Crimes bill has been introduced this year into Congress. This bill is a gay- and transgender-inclusive hate crimes bill which would add sexual orientation, gender identity, gender or disability to the list of protections under the current hate crimes law. This bill has passed through the House of Representatives with a vote of 237 - 180. Now the bill has been sent to the Senate where unfortunately it could be stalled until September or even October.

Now some people may ask why is more legislation needed? Why do we have to differentiate these crimes from other crimes...can't these crimes be prosecuted under the current laws just as easily. Those are valid questions, and to them, I would say this:

Hate crimes are a special type of crime because of what they signify. They go after the core of someone's identity. Hate crimes are especially vicious because it is their nature that the crime is not just committed against one person, but rather against that person as a representative of a larger group. They seek the degradation and dehumanization of an entire group of people, incite social unrest, and the emotional and psychological problems that stem from the attacks extend far beyond the individual to the larger group and to society as a whole.

Current hate crimes legislation helps to protect victims of crimes based on their race, religion, color, and national origin. So in a nut shell, here is what that means:

Under current law, if you are attacked because you are Black, Hispanic, Asian, or Caucasian, then you are a victim of a hate crime. If you are attacked because you are Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, or Christian, then you are a victim of a hate crime. If you are attacked because you are Albanian, Mexican, Ethiopian, Russian, or whatever, then you are a victim of a hate crime. But if you get the shit beat out of you within an inch of your life, ribs cracked, skull kicked in, blood all over your clothes and all over the pavement, a broken nose, knocked out teeth, and spit upon because you are gay, lesbian or trans-gender, then sorry...its assault and battery. Now in the last example, if you had died, they could have added murder to the list of charges, but that wouldn't do the victim much good now would it??? Why? Because this last example was not a hate crime...

I don't care what the law says...that is a hate crime no matter how you label or don't label it. Hate crimes should be prosecuted harsher and the punishments should be more severe.

Let's look at some examples and see what you guys think...

A man is approached from behind on the residential street where he lives. He is attacked and robbed. Obviously a crime was committed so the perpetrator of this crime is caught and charged with robbery, assault, and battery. Case opened/case closed. We see this example all the time.

A man is approached from behind on the residential street where he lives and he is attacked and robbed because he is Black. Obviously a crime was committed. But...is it the same crime that was committed in the prior scenario. Is this crime just an open/shut case of robbery, assault and battery? Deep down, I know most if not all of you are thinking...NO...and why....because the victim was singled out because of his race not because of how much money he had in his wallet. In the first scenario, anyone in the neighborhood could feel nervous or scared because of what occurred. However, this second scenario brings with it other implications as well. While the first example would cause general unease in the neighborhood where the attack happened, this second example goes beyond the victim to a specific larger group: all of the black residents of that neighborhood. Now the social well being of an entire group of people (the African American community) in this community is disrupted and brought into question . This is what sets the two scenarios apart. The difference is astounding when you think about.

A man is approached from behind on the residential street where he lives and he is attacked and robbed because he is homosexual. Obviously a crime was committed. But what type of crime...and what type of punishment should be delivered? Does this crime qualify as the first example where you only punish the actions...or does it fall under the second scenario where you punish not only the actions but the prejudicial and bigoted motives behind the crime as well?

You see, that is the main difference, the absolute defining fork in the road between crime and "hate" crime. The motive behind the crime totally changes the attitude of the crime, the purpose of the crime, and the result and affect the crime has on the individual, the larger group the victim belongs to and our society as a whole.

Forget the moral issue of whether you believe homosexuality is right or wrong. On a basic human level, doesn't that last gruesome example just stir up something within you...doesn't it make you want to stand up and scream that there is something really wrong with our nation when we would actually try and withhold protections from a group of people? We are a nation built upon individuality, uniqueness, liberty, and fairness. Since when did liberty and justice for all exclude the gays, lesbians, and trans-gendered people who I might add are still citizens of this country?

I guess I just do not understand...

But here are some facts I do understand concerning the 50 states plus the District of Columbia.....

Out of the 28 states and the District of Columbia that have laws either protecting sexual orientation and/or transgendered persons:

20 states plus DC typically vote Democrat (21 total)
8 states typically vote Republican
You do the math!

Transgender/Sexual Orientation Inclusive Hate Crime Laws
Blue = Hate Crimes Laws Include Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: HI, CA, CT, NM, MO, MN, PA, VT, DC
Red = Hate Crimes Laws Include Just Sexual Orientation
Grey = No Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity Hate Crimes Laws

Running For My Life - Dropping The Weight!

2007-08-05T19:44:00.000-04:00

I have dropped around 11 pounds over the last 2 months. My goal is to lose another 10 pounds over the next 6 weeks. I think this is a completely realistic goal. How did I lose the weight? Three basic things helped me lose weight:

1.) I ran for my life

Yes - that's right...I ran like my life depended on it. Four to five days a week I was hitting the treadmill for around 6 - 6.5 miles. I tell you, nothing will drop those calories off your fat ass like running for over an hour on the good ole treadmill.

2.) I did not eat after 7:30 - 8:00 pm

This was key for me because I was someone who loved late night snack runs to Wendys, late night ice cream, etc. If it was chocolate, sweet, fried, or fattening and it was after 10 it was in my mouth. But not anymore...trust me, it works and I have the proof.

3.) I never give up when I run until I meet my goal

If your goal is to run 3 miles, then run 3 miles. If your goal is 6 miles then run 6 miles and don't stop until you reach it. If your goal is 6 miles, and at 3 miles you tell yourself (I am just gonna take a short break or slow down) then you are telling yourself you can't make it. Well, that rings true for me. If I slow down halfway through or I take a break, I mentally lose focus and usually end up stopping altogether.

So after all this time, I have set my goal at 178 pounds. Standing 5'10, I feel that is a reasonable weight for my height...so in 6 weeks we will see if I made it. I can tell you right now, I will...

You can bet your ass on it....

(I wish I had a treadmill like that one!)

Separation Can Be Hard - But It Can Be Good

2007-08-04T20:06:00.000-04:00

NAACP Urges Fairness For Vick - But Why Now?

2007-07-30T17:41:00.000-04:00

I think the latest statements by the NAACP about the Michael Vick case are quite ironic when you consider what has transpired in our nation over the last few years. At best, they are an example of how race and emotion can cause favoritism even in those who strive for equality, and at worst, they represent a horrible case of hypocrisy and "race" favoritism thrown right in our faces.

According to an article on breitbart.com, R.L. White, president of the Atlanta Chapter of the NAACP said the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has been vilified by animal rights groups, talk radio and the news media and prematurely punished by his team and corporate sponsors.

The article goes on to say, "If Mr. Vick is guilty, he should pay for his crime, but to treat him as he is being treated now is also a crime," White said at a news conference. "Be restrained in your premature judgment until the legal process is completed."

Further down in the article (which I will include a link to at the end of this post) we read:
Georgia NAACP President Edward Dubose thanked Vick for his community service and the money and excitement he has brought to Georgia as a Falcon. Dubose said Vick is being prosecuted in the court of public opinion before he has had a chance to defend himself. "We're not condemning bad behavior, but Michael Vick is innocent until proven guilty," Dubose said.

I mean come on...before I even go into the Duke Lacrosse case, aren't the ironies of these statements already glaringly obvious???

Here are quotes from NAACP leaders at the start of the Duke Lacrosse case as reported by the local news in Durham (again link will be at bottom of page):

Back in Durham, where the allegations of rape and racism have been deeply felt, having led to near daily protest rallies, leaders of the black community also spoke out, saying they were satisfied with the two arrests.

"We hope to be satisfied as we move forward. That is why we are making it clear today that with the indictments, it is not the end of our monitoring," said the Rev. Dr. William Barber with the North Carolina chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

"We must also pray for those indicted yesterday," Barber continued. "The allegations suggest a downward spiral from privilege and advantage to decadence and deviance."

So it seems that leaders from the NAACP weren't keeping an open mind when it was 3 supposedly privileged white guys on trial. They said the indictments suggested a downward spiral from privilege and advantage to decadence and deviance. You don't have to read much into that statement to realize there is already judgement there.

Al Sharpton defended the accuser and the DA of Duke from the very beginning adding yet another load of judgment upon the Duke Lacrosse players.

The Duke Lacrosse players were criticized for their privilege and wealth.
Michael Vick is praised by NAACP leader for how much money he has brought to Georgia.

The Duke Lacrosse players were judged in the media by everyone...the NAACP, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton The Black Panthers, Duke, The DA...everyone
Michael Vick has the NAACP telling everyone that he is being tried in the court of public opinion and that is not fair.

The Duke Lacrosse Players were condemned to their fate and protested by the African American Community in Durham, the NAACP, etc almost from Day one.
Michael Vick has the NAACP telling everyone that they need to withhold their judgements until the legal process is complete.

The Duke Lacrosse Players were suspended from their teams, Duke Lacrosse basically shut down, and they were suspended from Duke altogether. One player lost his job offer he had received.
Michael Vick's defender from the NAACP says that his team and corporate sponsors are punishing him prematurely (though he still collects his paycheck)! However, it is also true that Vick was suspended from the Falcon's training camp...

Now one may make the statement or at least the thought might pop into one's head that: of course they view the cases differently...one is about rape and the other about illegal dog fighting. And my response is this...we are not disputing, arguing, or debating that the cases are different...we are not disputing that one is a more serious crime...but....

Does the level of severity of a crime committed impact whether or not someone is innocent until proven guilty??? Absolutely not.

I agree with everything the NAACP has said about Michael Vick's case. He DOES deserve his day in court, he IS innocent until proven guilty, he should NOT be tried in the media, and we SHOULD reserve our judgements.

My frustration is this:

Where were all these pearls of wisdom when it was 3 privileged white guys on trial in North Carolina? Why wasn't the NAACP speaking this same type of rhetoric when they were being vilified in the press and by the black community? Why did it take the intervention of the NC Attorney General Office, published accounts of the accusers multiple stories of what happened, and the appointing of a special prosecutor to get the NAACP to finally start speaking in neutrality about wanting to find JUSTICE rather than VENGEANCE and a desire to see this played out in court rather than the media???

The main difference is that now we have a privileged, rich, black athlete on trial...

And that my friends, just SCREAMS racism....

NAACP Urges Fairness For Vick

Duke Lacrosse Players Face First-Degree Rape, Kidnapping Charges

Does Anyone Else Love 80s Music? - Let's Dance!

2007-07-28T18:27:00.000-04:00

Flashdance, that is! :-)

I like this version below:

It appears to be the song by Irene Cara played over the video of "Im Glad" by Jennifer Lopez - it works though!

Can You Be More Selfish and Self Centered - A Girl I Would Rather Not Know

2007-07-16T18:22:00.000-04:00

This little story all started several months ago when I went on a date with a guy I met here in Atlanta. Overall, he was a nice guy, but the date just did not go that well for a few reasons, but looking back I have no issue with this particular guy. He seems to be a nice guy and you just have to let things go and move on. :-)

But through him, I met this girl and she seemed to be very nice as well...we actually hit it off and spent a good amount of time talking. She gave me her telephone number and we decided we would text or call to keep in touch and get together for drinks.

Well about a week later or so I texted her to say hi and see how she was doing. I did not realize it b/c it slipped my mind, but I never heard from her. So after a few more weeks, I texted her again just to say "hi cutie, how are you?" Again I never heard from her...hmmmmm

So I waited a few more weeks and life went along and I decided to text her again. And yet again I did not hear from her. So at this time, I decided to move on and realized that she did not want to be friends and did not want to hang out.

Now I am sure you might be wondering, why didn't I call her? Well, when I met her the first night, she told me that she was a huge text messaging person...she said that was actually easier for her than telephone calls....so there you go.

So, imagine my surprise when yesterday I receive a text message from a telephone number that I do not recognize. This means that it is either a stranger or someone who I deleted from my cell phone. Well in this case, it was the latter.

The text message came from the girl who had decided not to return any of my previous text messages. And what was the subject of her text message you might ask???? It was to announce that she was having a birthday party and was wanting to invite everyone to come. It was obviously a group message sent out on her phone. Which is frustrating because that means she had my number and decided to never respond to me. And she decided to only text me when it was ALL about her...her birthday...her night...her plans....her schedule.

Well, since it is her birthday I have two words to say to her as I won't be going to the party.

Happy Birthday To Me - I Am 29!

2007-07-12T00:10:00.000-04:00

The Bittersweet Symphony Of Life

2007-07-09T19:17:00.000-04:00

So I Am At A Crossroads - To Let It Live Or Let It Die?

2007-07-08T12:30:00.000-04:00

So as of late I have been thinking about whether or not to continue my blog. It seems to have become a chore for me at times. I have so much to say, but it seems to take so much out of me to write it down that I simply give up and delete the partial entries and close down the computer.

I am kind of on an online cleansing phase. I deleted my myspace account...deleted my connexion account....so this would just be in line with everything else.....

So we will see.....

Happy 4th of July Everyone!!!

2007-07-04T11:51:00.000-04:00

I Have Been Really Sad Lately - But ...

2007-06-23T23:53:00.000-04:00

I do not know why....and it really sucks...

What Are Your Values - Look Inside And See!

2007-06-23T14:00:00.000-04:00

Your Values Profile

Loyalty:

You value loyalty a fair amount.
You're loyal to your friends... to a point.
But if they cross you, you will reconsider your loyalties.
Staying true to others is important to you, but you also stay true to yourself.

Honesty:

You value honesty a fair amount.
You're honest when you can be, but you aren't a stickler for it.
If a little white lie will make a situation more comfortable, you'll go for it.
In the end, you mostly care about "situational integrity."

Generosity:

You value generosity a fair amount.
You are all about giving, as long as there's some give and take.
Supportive and kind, you don't mind helping out a friend in need.
But you know when you've given too much. You have no problem saying "no"!

Humility:

You value humility a fair amount.
You tend to be an easy going, humble person.
But occasionally your ego takes over.
You have a slight competitive streak - and the need to be the best.

Tolerance:

You value tolerance highly.
Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you...
You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends.
You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

The Five Factor Values Test

Dating In The Gay World - Starting Late in Life

2007-06-18T21:51:00.001-04:00

So I was watching this show today on TLC called Little People, Big World. The oldest son went on his first date to his Winter Formal Dance. His mom was talking about how this will teach him how to interact with girls, how to be polite, and how to learn etiquette.

Suddenly it made me think...what would my life be like if I had the opportunity to date guys during my teenage years the same way that straight guys date girls. How would the experience have changed me? How would I be different today?

I mean overall I did not start too late in life. I started dating and had my first boyfriend at 19...but still, the experience of learning how to date early in life was missed.

But one thing that always comes to mind is that there are countless number of men who came out later than me...had it harder than I did...and some who for some reason find it difficult or impossible to come out to this very day.

So in the end, I guess I just take life as it comes. It is always easy to look back at life and think about what could have been or what should have been. But that never changes how things actually were and doesn't change how things are...

And I for one, am happy about how everything turned out...

Mike Nifong Got What He Deserves - What A Disgrace!

2007-06-16T20:52:00.000-04:00

I have no sympathy for him at all - he has ruined the lives of the 3 Duke Lacrosse players, hurt Duke University, hurt the North Carolina community that he served, has tarnished the justice system, destroyed the faith of people in our system of justice, and finally got what he deserved....disgraced and disbarred...

How does it feel Mr. Nifong?!?!?!

Your Life Belongs To You - And No One Else

2007-06-12T17:48:00.000-04:00

Every now and then I am overcome with such a feeling of accomplishment about my life. It is interesting because this feeling does not always hit me. And many times, I find myself on the opposite end of the spectrum, feeling disappointment and left wanting for the things I have yet to accomplish. Yet when I really think about it, I am proud of my life. I am proud of what I made it. I can look back over my first 28 (almost 29) years and be very proud that for the most part, I did not give into pressure of doing what others wanted me to do...or being what others wanted me to be...or of thinking what others wanted me to think.

Every aspect of my life has happened because it is what I wanted. Growing up, I rarely got in that much trouble and I did not test my parents as teenager like most do. I never smoked, never drank, never did drugs, and made straight A's throughout high school. I was valedictorian and the university I went to was my choice and only my choice. I did all this not because of some pressure to be good or some pressure to perform. I did this because it is what I wanted...it is how I wanted to be. I wanted to succeed academically and I wanted to push myself.

In college, I chose to go to church because I wanted to and not because of some pressure I felt from other students or the university. I chose which faith to follow and to this day my beliefs and my theology remain mine and are not forced to change by what others think of it.

I chose my career after college based on what I wanted to do...I wanted to make a difference so in turning down a high paying job with IBM, I proceeded to work with kids...to try and make a difference by teaching. I chose that path regardless of what others told me that a lower salary and lower promotion opportunity would hurt me.

I chose to come out when I wanted to and not when it was dictated by society or by others...

I could go on and on about my choices, my actions, my ideas, and the paths I have chosen in my life. But the important thing that always comes to mind is that they are mine and no one else's.

The beauty of owning your life is that good or bad, in success or in defeat, everything is yours to celebrate. Celebrate the good, the bad, and the ugly. Revel in everything that shapes you to be a better person. I know I do. And during the refining process that life sometimes puts you through, when you feel like your life has not been worth it, just remember that it is your life and no one else's.

You have the right and the ability to make it what you want. No matter where you are or what you do, no one can take that from you.

Such A Romantic Song - What Does It Means To You

2007-06-01T21:08:00.000-04:00

Hey guys - I absolutely love this song - In a weird way it is so romantic and vulnerable to me. Let me know what each of you feels when you hear this song. I am going to leave this post as the newest one for a while. I am interested in what everyone feels when they hear it.

Does it reach down deep into anyone else's heart besides mine?

Under Pressure - Pushing Down On Me!

2007-05-28T20:23:00.000-04:00

Has there ever been so much pressure pushing down on you that you felt you might be crushed underneath its weight? I am sure everyone has...

Well that is where I am.

There is an interesting aspect to the idea and the feeling of pressure. It is not always a bad thing. Pressure can come from both good and rough times in our lives. My life has pressure right now from both sources.

I have to believe that both kinds of pressure will refine me into a better person down the road.

Healthcare In America - Do You Ever Feel Like A Number?

2007-05-19T13:07:00.000-04:00

So 3 weeks ago I went in to have a scope done because I was having issues with my stomach, colon, digestive system, etc.

So they found two polyps in my colon - they are actually pretty common. The doctor told me that he would send them off for testing...for a biopsy to see if they were cancerous or whatever.

I asked him how long the tests would take to come back....7 - 10 days he said. He assured me he would call me when he got the results back in a week or so...

Well...we are going on 21 days and I have not heard a peep out my health care company, my specialist, or my primary care physician.

I have had a lot on my mind lately with switching positions at work amongst other things....so I have not called in...so my bad on that..

I realize I am just a number to them...they see patient after patient after patient and I realize that overall I am just a chart, a number and a co-pay.

But I wish I wasn't...

Jerry Falwell Is Gone - What to say?

2007-05-15T18:26:00.000-04:00

The picture alone will speak volumes. You either loved him or hated him. There was almost no in between.

Hillary Clinton vs Barack Obama - Which One To Choose?

2007-05-13T15:20:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when I research information on Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, I feel like the only thing they have in common is that they both have the word Democrat attached to their names. I have not done as much research as I should, but it is so early in the election process that I definitely have time to do more. And I am sure that they have many things in common politically. I mean they have to have a least some common ground being members of the same political party.

But for me the biggest difference do not appear in their political beliefs, ideologies, or platforms...but rather, the differences becomes blatantly obvious in their personalities and their approach to politics.

Barack Obama is the outsider who is new to Washington as a first term Senator from Illinois. He had the benefit of not having to choose whether to cast his vote for or against the Iraq War (for the record he has always opposed it), so he comes in clean of any political baggage so to speak. His eloquence and his ability to enrapture a crowd is reminiscent of Bill Clinton and Barbara Jordan..although still I cannot put him on par with either of those people just yet.

Hillary Clinton is the career politician having been in the political spotlight almost her entire life from the days of being Governor's wife in Arkansas to First Lady of the United States, to now 2 time Senator from New York. She is seen by many as an insider in the Beltway and viewed by some as a polarizing figure. She voted to authorize the Iraq war, and has stood by that assertion ever since, though admitting the Bush Administration has made many mistakes in carrying out that authority. You either love her or hate her. I definitely do not hate Hillary Clinton...but I am uncertain as to how I would view her as President.

The biggest item that I hear when discussing these 2 candidates is the experience question. Does one have more than the other?...and does either one have enough to effectively lead our nation? Does one candidate do better at connecting with the common people?

This week in Robert Novak's weekly column the following excerpt appeared regarding the difference in leadership style between the two candidates:

"Not many people actually watched MSNBC's telecast of the debate from Orangeburg, S.C., but press accounts and word of mouth have spread the news of Obama's performance. When asked by moderator Brian Williams what he would do as president if he learned that "two American cities have been hit simultaneously by terrorists," Obama replied -- citing Hurricane Katrina -- that "the first thing we'd have to do so is make sure that we've got an effective emergency response." In contrast, Clinton responded that she would "retaliate."

I do not know who I would rather see in the White House...but from that response it seems that Hillary has taken a lesson out of the Bush playbook...I wonder if it will resonate with the common people who show up at the polls...

What if they combined their political prowess?

Life Is Getting Super Busy - Sorry Everyone!

2007-05-12T16:29:00.000-04:00

So the last few weeks have been super busy. I am about to start a new position at work along with trying to workout more, along with going on a few dates...so yeah life has been hectic to say the least.

But do not despair, I will be back to my usual blogging soon.

But on a side note - I was in the car of a co-worker at lunch this week and heard the song "Kiss the Rain" by Billie Myers. Such a good song. Here is the video and song below....enjoy!

Shear Genius - Why Do I Love This Show?

2007-05-10T17:42:00.000-04:00

Ok so I am sure everyone or at least most people have heard of the shows Top Chef, Top Design, Project Runway, etc.

Well Bravo has a new show called Shear Genius...now I am not into fashion or hairstyles or anything like that.

But I love this show and I think Tabatha is great!!!

Dear Mr. President - Would You Take A Walk With Me?

2007-04-27T21:41:00.000-04:00

Ok - so it is not that i hate our President. I do not! I have a lot of respect for the institution of the "Presidency". I just do not particularly agree with many of the things the current holder of that office believes in or does.

I wonder what it would be like to take a walk with the President. I wonder how he would relate one on one. I have a feeling that our walk would end with still no agreement. And in the end, that is ok. In a country of free speech, free choice, and free thinking, one has to respect and abide with differing opinions.

The scary thing is that our current President himself said that he thinks there should be a limit to freedoms. I wonder who decides when the limit has been reached.

Dear Mr. President...would you take a walk with me.....???

Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Partial Birth Abortions - Yay or Nay?

2007-04-22T14:03:00.000-04:00

I am sure everyone has heard the Supreme Court's latest decision. On April 18, 2007 the Supreme Court upheld a law that banned partial birth abortion. I can honestly say that I was a little shocked when I read the headline online. I read it and sort of just paused in my seat at work and did not move. My reaction was not based on an agreement or disagreement with the ruling, but rather I could not remember in recent history when the Supreme Court ever ruled AGAINST the pro choice establishment. Now I am sure that maybe some rulings have come against them, but to my mind this is the most prominent one to ever come down from the "Supremes". It is true though according to AP News that, "For the first time since the court established a woman's right to an abortion in 1973, the justices upheld a nationwide ban on a specific abortion method, labeled partial-birth abortion by its opponents."

I guess now we can truly see the impact that Chief Justice Roberts and Associate Justice Alito had on the court regarding this particular issue. In April of 2000, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Stenberg vs. Carhart decision, which was handed down in June, 2000. The Court struck down a Nebraska statute which had banned partial-birth abortion. So just 7 years later, the Court reverses itself and upholds a law banning partial birth abortion. Now perhaps the cases are not exactly the same...I am honestly not that sure...but it can clearly be seen how the change coincided with new justices being placed on the court.

I do not know how I truly feel about this particular ruling. I mean...I am torn by the whole abortion issue regardless. I feel that women should have the right to choose, but I personally would be sad if my sister or a member of my family chose to have an abortion. I would respect their decision and would not in any way add any more guilt to the decision. So there rests my dilemma.

I do believe there always needs to be an exception for the health of the mother. But in all honestly, partial birth abortions are the smallest percentage of abortions performed each year. In fact, in the year 2000, there were only 2200 dilation and extraction (partial birth) abortions performed constituting .17% of all abortions. So the vast, vast, vast, vast majority of women who want abortions still have the right, choice, ability, and capacity to obtain the abortion they so desire.

And...maybe...and I stress maybe this is an out of touch idea or thought...but I honestly do not understand what precipitates a late term abortion such as a partial birth abortion anyway. I mean, definitely it is because I am not a woman and have never had anyone go through this personally...but what would take a woman so long to decide NOT to have the child. I am sure there are always going to be the exceptions...the young mother who hides her pregnancy, the poor mother who has no access to early medical care, the mother who feels she has no options at the beginning and feels alone and/or abandoned...but it is still difficult for me...

Again, I am not trying to minimize a woman's right to choose because I do believe in the right to choose. I am just throwing out these thoughts and ideas because I truly do not understand it, and part of developing an understanding comes through asking questions.

But in the end, I must confess that if I had to choose a type of abortion to outlaw, it would be partial birth, simply because the whole procedure is just to horrific for me to think about. The image of a child completely out of the mother's womb except for the head, and then to think about the skull punctured, etc...it is just too hard for me to imagine. Even in reading up on articles about the Supreme Court's decision and researching the topic, my heart was saddened when the images and thoughts of partial birth abortion came to mind.

In the end...do I agree with the Supreme Court's decision?: Yes...

It is important to know the following as well - also from AP News:

"While the court upheld the law against a broad attack on its constitutionality, Kennedy said the court could entertain a challenge in which a doctor found it necessary to perform the banned procedure on a patient suffering certain medical complications.

The law allows the procedure to be performed when a woman's life is in jeopardy."

Now I Know I Like To Drink - But This Is Crazy!

2007-04-19T18:15:00.000-04:00

For anyone who ever said I drank too much, just check this out. I have never heard of someone drinking this much, and I know I certainly have never come close!

This woman in Washington registered a .47 alcohol level. The legal limit is .08. Yes Ladies and Gentleman...that is almost SIX times the legal limit.

I guess no one was there to cut her off!

According to the story, "A check of all 356,000 breath tests administered since 1998 in Washington turned up only 35 above .40 - and none of those was higher than .45."

Perhaps this is not how you want to be best known?!?!

Check out the story below:

Woman Registers .47 Alcohol Level

I Was Overcharged At A Bar - And I Am Pissed!

2007-04-18T22:02:00.000-04:00

So I went to this neighborhood cafe tonight for a midweek martini. I was looking forward to relaxing in the nice cool breeze, reading a good book, and having a martini by myself.

So the martini's were great...tasted great...had a wonderful hummus plate...and the book was great. Overall it was a great evening!

Then I got the bill...I just did not even think to check it b/c I go to this cafe all the time. I was overcharged.

I was pretty upset. I do not know why it upset me so much but there is just something about ordering a special and then getting charged full price that really chaps my hide. It didn't cost me a lot of extra money... I was overcharged by 9 dollars, which is not a huge amount of money. I think it is more of a principle issue, ya know.

I ordered the special...now give me the damn special price....grrrr!

Why order discount liquor at regular price?!?! It is literally paying for something that you certainly did not get...

Politics, War, Suspision, Conspiracy - An Interesting Debate on The View!

2007-04-13T19:28:00.000-04:00

I came across this video on The View...ok i know...you are wondering what could you learn from this, right? This is an interesting dialog between the women on the view concerning President Bush, Iran, conspiracy, etc.

I won't post any of my opinions just yet...I will let you watch the video and hopefully discussion will ensue...

To Every Guy Who Thought He Was Doing Me A Favor By Talking To Me At A Club - Whatever Dude!

2007-04-12T21:06:00.000-04:00

Im So Sick - Ugh Ugh Ugh

2007-04-11T16:51:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone - I have been sick the last few days so I might be taking a couple days off from the blog.

But rest assured I will return!

Living A Lie - When True Colors Shine Through

2007-04-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

Have you ever witnessed someone putting on an act that you knew was false...

Telling you a story that you knew could not be true...

Acting in a way that could not be their true self...

Act like they are doing good for others when really the good is only for themselves...

I heard this quote today and it rang true for those situations...

"And thus I clothe my naked villainy with old odd ends stolen forth from holy writ and seem a saint when most I play the devil!"

The New Version Of Blogger - UGH UGH UGH!

2007-04-10T13:43:00.000-04:00

I mean come on - when will blogger come out with something that is easy for the average person to understand. I am sure everyone has seen that there is a new template version that allows new widgets, video rolls, news scrolls, etc. This is differnet from the prior upgrade that blogger did. This new upgrade deals with a new template....so I decided to try it...

When the new layout transfers over, all of my customizations from my prior template were deleted...which was fine.

BUT BUT BUT...when I simply tried to transfer over the HTML code from the prior template to the new template ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE!

Nothing would come over..so I could not bring over any of my picture links or anything else...what a bum deal.

I am sure there is a way to do it, but my god after spending hours and hours trying to figure the shit out, I am almost ready to just say goodbye to blogger altogether!

Random Photos - With My New Digital Camera

2007-04-09T15:57:00.000-04:00

Ok so I took this photo of a friend's cat this weekend - I don't know why but I really like the photo! I think it is the lighting I like best...

Here is another photo I took with my camera - I think this one below turned out awesome!

I Love Alanis - Watch Her Parody Of My Humps...So Funny

2007-04-05T18:42:00.000-04:00

For all that is good in the world...you guys HAVE to watch this video.

I am sure you are all familiar with The Black Eyed Peas' song "My Humps"!

Watch Alanis do it - I was laughing out of my chair - ha ha!

First watch the original version and then watch the Alanis version!