Goodbye 2006

So, the new year approaches and life keeps moving. Thank you everyone for a wonderful year and I hope next year is just as good. I hope everyone takes the time to remember what they are thankful for and remember what makes them special. I am sure I will see most of year over the next couple of days I hope you all are safe. I make this last posting with a comedic look at those that argue against queers. Hopefully this helps you stump the next ignorant person you meet. Thanks to Robin and Benji for this. Till next year, keep yourself real.

Dr. Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio how. Recently, she said that, as an observant Orthodox Jew, homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22, and cannot be condoned under any circumstance. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident, which was posted on the Internet. It's funny, as well as formative:

Dear Dr. Laura:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other specific laws and how to follow them.

1. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price to ask.

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual cleanliness - Lev.15:19-24. The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and Female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally bligated to kill him myself?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? - Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted fan, Jim

Is It Finally Over?

Ok, so after two weeks and two hours after the planned start time, I have finally taken the LSAT. I even caught up with some old friends and made some new ones. I feel fairly confident I performed well, but so did my last boyfriend (we don't really talk anymore). So if you see me acting crazy drunk tonight, gimme some water and make sure I am o.k. to drive. I wouldn't want those good results to go to waste. Thanks to all those who wished me well and sent me their positive energy. Ciao.

Bring It On!

Oh What A Year!

Here is the new Jib Jab video "Nuckin' Futs."
Oh, what a year! Funny stuff.

Nuckin' Futs - The JibJab Year in Review | Send To Friends | Funny Animations at JibJab

Important Facts To Know About Nutrition!

My friend Edward posted this on Myspace. I guess it does make sense!!

Here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting medical studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans.

3. The Japanese drink very little red wine andsuffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans

4. The Italians drink excessive amounts of red wineand suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than the Americans.

CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you

It's The " There is a Problem, But I Am Not Part of The Problem" Mentality

Poll: Most Americans see lingering racism -- in others

(CNN) -- Most Americans, white and black, see racism as a lingering problem in the United States, and many say they know people who are racist, according to a new poll.

But few Americans of either race -- about one out of eight -- consider themselves racist.

And experts say racism has evolved from the days of Jim Crow to the point that people may not even recognize it in themselves. (Watch how many blacks are still afraid to stop in a Texas town Video)

A poll conducted last week by Opinion Research Corp. for CNN indicates that whites and blacks disagree on how serious a problem racial bias is in the United States.

Almost half of black respondents -- 49 percent -- said racism is a "very serious" problem, while 18 percent of whites shared that view. Forty-eight percent of whites and 35 percent of blacks chose the description "somewhat serious." (See the poll results)

Asked if they know someone they consider racist, 43 percent of whites and 48 percent of blacks said yes.

But just 13 percent of whites and 12 percent of blacks consider themselves racially biased.

The poll was based on phone interviews conducted December 5 through Thursday with 1,207 Americans, including 328 blacks and 703 non-Hispanic whites.
Blind to bias?

University of Connecticut professor Jack Dovidio, who has researched racism for more than 30 years, estimates up to 80 percent of white Americans have racist feelings they may not even recognize.

"We've reached a point that racism is like a virus that has mutated into a new form that we don't recognize," Dovidio said.

He added that 21st-century racism is different from that of the past.

"Contemporary racism is not conscious, and it is not accompanied by dislike, so it gets expressed in indirect, subtle ways," he said.

That "stealth" discrimination reveals itself in many different situations.

A three-year undercover investigation by the National Fair Housing Alliance found that real estate agents steered whites away from integrated neighborhoods and steered blacks toward predominantly black neighborhoods.

"Racism here is quite subtle," e-mailed CNN.com reader Blair William, originally from Trinidad, who now lives in Lexington, South Carolina. "I think that the issue is twofold. I believe that white America's perception of blacks is still generally negative based on their limited interaction with blacks, whether this is via the media or in person. ...

"On the other hand, black Americans need to stop devaluing themselves and their people," he added. "Another race can only respect you if you respect yourself and currently, I find that blacks still devalue and disgrace each other and themselves."

Read the full story at http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/12/12/racism.poll/index.html

Well I guess that it is kinda good that people acknowledge that racism is a problem, but very sad that the same people do not see themselves as contributing to the problem. I think, as I have said before, that the poll shows the varied views different races have concerning racism. I would have liked to have known how other races viewed the situation, but I guess I'll just have to do my own poll. Hopefully people will start the realize their roles in societal problems and then true change can begin. I do agree with the quote from Blair Williams in the article in saying that I do believe that a person, or group of people, do need to have respect for themselves for others to see them in the same light. I am always amazed at those who commonly make fun of themselves and wonder how they can think so lowly of their own persona. Life is too short and there are far too many people that will make fun of you for whatever reason. The best thing you can do is make yourself the best person you can and show them they are wrong by example. When you respect yourself it is much easier to have respect for others and live a better life.

A Horible Result When Sexism Meets Science

Feticide means 7,000 fewer girls a day in India

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Seven thousand fewer girls are born in India each day than the global average would suggest, largely because female fetuses are aborted after sex determination tests. Seven thousand fewer girls are born in India each day than the global average would suggest, largely because female fetuses are aborted after sex determination tests, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday."

The problem of female feticide has significantly worsened since 1991, UNICEF said at the India launch of its "State of the World's Children 2007" report.

Out of 71,000 children born every day in India, just 31,000 are girls -- giving a sex ratio of 882 girls to 1,000 boys.

But the global sex ratio -- which is 954 girls to 1,000 boys -- suggests that 38,000 girls should be born in India every day.

Despite laws banning sex determination tests, female feticide is common in much of India, where families view boys as being a better asset than girls.

"Modern diagnostic techniques for monitoring the health of a fetus, such as amniocentesis and ultrasound, have made it possible to ascertain sex in the earliest phase of gestation," the report stated.

"In countries where there is a strong preference for sons, these newer, sophisticated technologies can be misused, facilitating female feticide."

Social activists say local authorities have been slow to implement legislation that has been in force since 1996. There has been only one conviction from hundreds of cases lodged under the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques Act (PNDT).

UNICEF says India is one of the few countries worldwide with an adverse child sex ratio in favor of boys.

In 80 percent of India's districts, U.N. officials say the situation is getting worse. For example in 14 districts across the northern states of Haryana and Punjab, there are even fewer than 800 girls per 1,000 boys.

After birth, discrimination continues against girls in India, UNICEF said, limiting their access to nutrition, healthcare, education and maternal care.

Only 67.7 percent of females between the ages of 15 to 24 are literate in India, compared to 84.2 percent of males, and against 98.5 percent of women of the same age group in China.

Around 45 percent of Indian women are still being forced into marriage before the age of 18 in violation of the law.

That in turn contributes to high rates of maternal mortality, with one woman dying every seven minutes in India from a pregnancy related cause.

"Premature pregnancy and motherhood are an inevitable consequence of child marriage," the report said. "Girls under 15 are five times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth than women in their twenties."

While this might seem like an extreme case, actions and violence like this against women happen on a daily account. In the South Pacific, the female sex slave trade grows larger (young boys included), in Africa female genital mutilation happens on various parts of the continent, in different regions of the Middle East women are stoned or burned for supposed infidelities against their family's or husband's honor, and in America we starve our little girls and dress them up like whores and wonder why older men become attracted to them. While science may advance our society, it often does little to help a society that still holds backward views about portions of its population. And in this case, it can even become an instrument of the those with misguided views. While blaming religion or backwards ideology might be an easy out in most of these situations, it does not solve the problem. The blame also rests when people in these own countries and people like us in more privileged countries sit back and do nothing. Sexism continues only because we allow it to do so. In America, the odds are that one in four women will be physically and/or sexually assaulted in her lifetime. That means, take four women you know (your mother, your sister, your aunt, grandmother, best friend) and one of them have or might become a statistic. Think about that before your next sexist joke or when you allow someone to tell theirs. Problems in the world are always closer than you think.

Still Work To Be Done

Racial ignorance still plagues campuses

Fri Dec 8, 6:54 AM ET

My eighth-grader got a break from school uniforms last month for "university T-shirt day." With a slew of national jerseys hanging in his closet, he chose Texas A&M University, proud that his father is one of a handful of African-American men to graduate from the school in College Station, Texas, 20 years ago.

Neither generation understands why three white A&M students recently showcased a racially charged video depicting one in blackface receiving a mock whipping. Unfortunately, I had to explain to Brandon that it's not the first time, or last, that students at institutions of higher learning partake in such things as "ghetto-fabulous" parties wearing gold teeth and Afro wigs.

According to The Review of Higher Education, a research journal, 1 million incidents of bias occur every year on campuses in the USA. Many incidents aren't reported, though, because schools perceived as racially insensitive could see a backlash in the form of lost gifts and contributions, the lifeblood of universities.

Hundreds of Aggie students condemned the video, as did then-A&M president Robert Gates, who was just confirmed as the next Defense secretary. Gates championed efforts to increase minority enrollment at the nation's sixth-largest university. Still, of the more than 36,000 undergraduates enrolled this fall, just over 1,000 are black. Brandon's dad says about 300 blacks attended when he was in school, but more than half were athletes. He also recalled that his freshman year included a mock slave auction at one of the dorms.

Brandon's dad remains fiercely proud of Texas A&M with its many traditions such as bonfires, yells, taps and football. This despite the school's slow progress. Blacks are about 3% of the undergraduate student body, a number that hasn't changed in 15 years. But Hispanic numbers have gone from 8% to about 12%.

Now if only more students, whites specifically, would rise up to condemn racial indifference and insensitivity. There is strength in numbers. Slave auctions, ghetto parties and sexual stereotypes have done enough damage on campuses. This Texas school, with its presidential library, is in a unique position to deliver a model response other universities can embrace.

If the three students hadn't withdrawn from the university so quickly, they might have been required to take an African-American studies course, which would have included some lessons from Martin Luther King Jr. It was King who said, "Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of a true education."

I hope my son will follow in his father's footsteps and attend a good school whose T-shirt he can wear with pride - for all the right reasons.

Joyce King is a freelance writer in Dallas.

I think this op/ed piece does a good job at showing some insight of how people of color view acts that are often viewed as unoffensive, comedic, or not racist. I believe that anytime we belittle someone at their expense, we should first try to see how they might view this action. Most people charge this as being politically correct or an infringement of their first amendment right to free speech, but I consider this as compassionate, empathetic and ultimately a humanistic characteristic. I believe the arguments against so called P.C. talk is irresponsible, insensitive, and just plain lazy. To ask somebody to be respectful of your right to be treated and talked about in a civilized manner and as a human being is not censorship. I hear many gay white men that boycott or decry the religious right for unjustly and unwarranted lumping as all being pedophiles and having sex with animals, yet many turn around and tell sexist, racist and ethnic jokes themselves. If anything, minority groups should understand that fear, hatred and misunderstanding of any group is related and to chastise one without criticizing the other gets everyone nowhere fast.

Oklahoma Gets National Attention!

Man finds cocaine at Oklahoma Wal-Mart

EDMOND, Okla. - A man shopping at a Wal-Mart Supercenter found a surprise package in the toy section, a small plastic bag containing cocaine.

The man was shopping near bicycles Monday when he noticed an open pack of cigarettes under a shelf, according to an Edmond police report, and inside the pack was the small bag containing a white, powdery substance.

The substance was later identified as about one gram of cocaine and will be destroyed, police said.

That the substance was found and turned over to police was fortunate, according to police spokeswoman Glynda Chu, who said the amount could be lethal for a child.

"Being in the toy department, a child could easily have found it, and children will put anything in their mouths," she said.

Chu said the person who left the drug may have seen a uniformed police officer in the store and panicked, but investigators have no suspects.

"No, none at all, we don't really know why someone would leave cocaine, especially in the toy department of such a big department store.

"It's just incomprehensible that anyone would do this."

You know, you have to wonder if you might know the person that unwittingly lost there stash. You think they could find a better hiding place than there cigarette pack. Crazy kids!

Segregation Sucks, Especially When We Do It To Ourselves

Warning: This posting is a personal posting. If you want a short, concise posting read another blog. I like my news sharing postings, but that is not all I am about.

For many years now, I have believed that we as people constantly segregate ourselves into communities that supposedly share our same interests in hobbies, music, food, politics, etc..., but this always begs the question "Is it the right thing to do?" or "Is it a good move?" We all like feeling welcome and part of a group. Whether it is your local neighborhood bar, your book club, your bike troop or your gym buddies (bunnies), we all have places or people that we feel comfortable. As the years go buy, these may seem like the only way there is to live. Out of habit, when people want a drink they go to one of two bars, they discuss books with only their book club, etc... As people though, what do we lose in terms of life experience when this happens? Have we experienced new things, people, and/or places. Usually just the ones that rotate within our sphere. In my opinion this leads to stagnation of the mind, body and soul. It only makes us comfortable (which is not always a good thing), placid, and even apathetic.

I see this especially poignant in the gay scene in Oklahoma today. As a bartender for four years of one the oldest and most visited gay bars, I have seen many people come and go, but I have also seen many people stay right where they are. Like clockwork they come in, have the usual predictable drink, talk the same meaningless small talk, go home and start the day over again. I realize I make a large amount of my income on these people, but I also have to ask "What the Fuck?" Are there no other bars, no new movies, no art shows, no concerts, no yoga class, and/or more importantly no friends or family you should spend time?

Some people will immediately shoot back with "Well this is Oklahoma and there is nothing to do!" Or "I don't like going to Bricktown cause (insert something)." But probably most might say that they do not really feel welcome anywhere else because they are gay. I understand that many older gays and lesbians, especially in Oklahoma, only had the bars as resources for meeting and connecting (take that as you will) with other people like them. But that again asks another question, are these people in this bar(s) anything like you besides they like the same sex? Do you actually like the same music as one another or do you like the same music because gay culture plays and maintains certain music, body images or clothing? Would you rather go try out some new bar that is not necessarily gay, but no one wants to go with you and you won't know anyone. I am confident that most people had the confidence to step into the gay bar without knowing anyone. The same for the other things. What I have discovered is that it is usually well worth the fear of the unknown for some new experience, some new friend, or a new hobby.

I recently have started my love of seeings bands in other states again since I got my new car (The Shimmymobile) and I re-realized some things. Take for instance, almost two months ago I went to see an awesome band named Ladytron in Dallas. This band is kinda electronic, industrial, female fronted goodness. There is nothing about them that would draw gay people immediately besides the recognition they make good music (that's not "if" statement, it's an "is" statement). Yet, I was happy and proud to see plenty of little fags and dykes running around, holding hands, kissing each other and enjoying themselves. This is hard pressed to find in Oklahoma. What I am mainly refering to is the attendance of gays and lesbians at events not traditionally gay. This same phenomenon has been happening for years in places like Oregon, New York City, LA San Francisco, Denver, all places I've traveled. Some might make the arguments that the venues are unfriendly, but with the ever growing bar and club scene that argument becomes harder to maintain. I am not saying I want every gay person going to live shows, but the example is meant to show that other possibilities exist besides a "gay" bar.

Many gay people, especially when they are young, pride themselves on being different, but how different are you when you might not be like "them" , but really you are just like everyone of the "us's". Not to mention the amount of life we pass by by doing the same thing over and over. Things are happening all the time, just because you do not think they are worth your attention, does not mean they are without merit. I constantly see so many young gay boys come into the scene and act, dress, or like a certain style of music because of what they perceive and what it endorses. Many of their other loves/interests become forgotten because there is a lack of people that share these interests that are gay (or so they believe) and then the cycle just continues.

As long as those already part of the "scene" continue to justify the common perceptions, likes and dislikes of all gays and lesbians, we will continue to segregate our minds, spirits, and bodies to worn out and often ill-conceived conceptions of what it means to be gay. I believe when we segregate ourselves, we in essence, kill the part of ourselves that is curious and hungry for knowledge by settling for what easy and comfortable. Besides the worst thing, that can happen is that you don't like it, but then at least you can say you tried. That is better than never having tried at all.

Wii Debuts in Japan or Look at These Freeks

A costumed customer as a controller of Nintendo's new video game console Wii in Tokyo. Thousands of video-game fans waited all night for the Japanese debut of Nintendo's next-generation Wii, brightening the company's hopes of wresting market share from troubled Sony's PlayStation(AFP/Yoshikazu Tsuno).

Actually I am jealous that I don't have one of these costumes!!

A Wii Adventure or Look at All Those Freaks!

I know this has been a long time coming, but hey I have a life and all that crap. Anyway, about three weeks ago David and I waited outside Best Buy on 63rd and May to purchase a Wii. David had been waiting since about 9 pm and I got there about 1am with food and blankets, which were promptly taken from me as you can see in the pictures. We met some cool kats and some new gaming buddies. We all survived minus the gunshots (kidding!) , water balloons filled with antifreeze and pee (?) hurled at us (not kidding) and below freezing temperatures! It was worth it for the experience alone. I am not a big gamer and have only logged in about 7 hours to David's and Lucas' 80 plus hours, but hey I have two jobs, a big test coming and a life. All in all, the system is definitely fun and addictive. Just don't lose your grip and hurl the remote into your T.V. . I already almost punched David trying to fish on the Zelda game. Oh, happy-day.

Who Sold Their Soul?

Ok, so today was supposed to be my big day. The day that would shape the rest of my life, But it was canceled. For some strange reason the administrators of the LSAT decided the weather (or some hidden reason), was cause enough to cancel this event. What I really think is that some poor schmuck, more freaked out and obsessed with his/her performance than every other freaked out schmuck (i.e. me) sold their soul to the devil. Yes, I welcome the extra time to study (if that's what I do), but seriously, this thing had been years coming. I want it over. Well, at least the soul ripping wasn't for something lame like a Wii, (I know how you got one David!)

Something to Watch Out For While You Are Waiting For The Wii

Leonid meteor shower nears peak

(Space.com) -- The annual Leonid meteor shower could produce a strong outburst this weekend for residents of eastern North America and Western Europe.

A brief surge of activity is expected begin around 11:45 p.m. ET Saturday, November 18. In Europe, that corresponds to early Sunday morning, November 19 at 4:45 GMT. The outburst could last up to two hours.

At the peak, people in these favorable locations could see up to 150 shooting stars per hour, or more than two per minute.

"We expect an outburst of more than 100 Leonids per hour," said Bill Cooke, the head of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office. Cooke notes that the shooting stars during this peak period are likely to be faint, however, created by very small meteoroid grains. (I-Report: Send us your Leonid photos)

Elsewhere people will see the typically enjoyable Leonid display of a few meteors each hour, weather permitting and assuming dark skies away from city lights.

Ancient debris

The Leonids are bits of debris left behind by repeated passages through the inner solar system of the comet Tempel-Tuttle. Each November, Earth crosses various trails of debris, which have spread out over centuries and millennia. Dense debris trails have caused incredible meteor storms in years, past, notably 1998 through 2002.

Since then the show has been back to normal. But recent computer modeling suggests a brief outburst.

"For parts of Europe, Africa and eastern North America, a far more prolific Leonid show could be in the offing this year," said Joe Rao, Space.com's Skywatching Columnist.

This year is not expected to be as memorable as some but well worth a look, astronomers say. The Leonids are known for producing bright fireballs, which could occur at any time.

The Leonids are so-named because they appear to emanate from Leo. The meteors can race across the sky in any direction, but trace each one back and it'll point to Leo.

Since Dann and David will be waiting outside tonight, maybe they can have fun watching this show. Take it there is no one trying to mug them, shoot at them or cut them in line. It's supposed to be pretty cold tonight and even cloudy, so you might just be staring at the back of some geek's unmanaged neck hair!! Have fun! I'll keep your drinks safe at the bar. Hmm, maybe I'll go have some sushi instead, with some nice warm sake. ;)

Say It Ain't So!

Shanghai Pooches Get Pampered While Country Dogs are Buried Alive

The mass slaughter of hundreds of thousands of animals shows the harsh divide between China's urban and rural life

By HANNAH BEECH/SHANGHAI

Posted Wednesday, Aug. 09, 2006
Vacationing in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan last week, I received the question people inevitably ask when they hear I live in China: Do the Chinese really eat dogs? The answer to this question — as I told my worried Bhutanese guide, who like many in the staunchly Buddhist country considers canines to be only slightly below humans in the karmic heirarchy — was yes, but. Yes, Chinese, particularly in the south, do have a taste for fresh dog meat. But in recent years, urban pet ownership has skyrocketed, as yuppies (or Chuppies, as they're locally dubbed) find a poodle or a schnauzer or a schnoodle (a cross between the two breeds) the perfect accompaniment to their modern lives. Just a couple years ago, my own miniature schnauzer, Cassius, used to be mistaken on the streets of Shanghai for a rabbit because of her extravagant ears and gray coat. No longer. Everyone in Shanghai, it seems, now knows someone who owns a xue-nai-rui, as the German breed is known in Mandarin.

Little did I know that as I was extolling China's new pet consciousness to my Bhutanese friend, a puppy massacre was taking place back home. Spooked by a rash of rabies outbreaks—China is second only to India in the number of rabies cases — officials in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong and the southwestern province of Yunnan had turned dramatically against their canine populations. Instead of vaccinating people's pets to prevent further spread of the disease, local officials marched through village streets banging pots and pans. Whatever barking that ensued was quickly silenced by a bash to the dog's head. Bureaucrats in Yunnan's rural Mouding County reported that 54,429 dogs, or 99% of local canines, had been killed since July 25. And in Shandong's agricultural Jining County, many of the estimated 500,000 dogs who lived in a 3 mile radius of existing rabies clusters were also slaughtered, mostly by burying them alive in mass graves. "It's a government decision," a spokesperson for the Jining Sanitation and Anti-Epidemic Station told TIME. "Things are controlled now."

But Chinese citizens' outrage at the mass puppy culling hasn't been so successfully controlled. The topic is now the second-most discussed issue on China's largest online portal, Sina. The Beijing Youth Daily reported on Wednesday that 81% of the 127,780 people who voted on their website opposed the drastic measures. Netizens were particularly irate that even dogs who had been vaccinated against rabies — 4,000 in Mouding alone, according to local statistics — were also killed. For his part, a local Mouding official maintained that the vaccine was not 100% effective, thereby justifying the extreme action.

Many Chinese pet owners are still upset. "Since I have a dog, I felt very sad when I heard what happened to all those other dogs," says Shanghai restaurateur Xue Feng, who gave his golden retriever a French name — Victor, as in Hugo — because he says the French are well-known for their superior treatment of dogs. Like any proper Shanghai pooch, Victor goes for a bath, blow-dry and pedi-pedi every 10 days. That kind of pampering—either for themselves or for any future canine companions — is well out of range for farmers in Yunnan or Shandong provinces, who make an average of $335 per year, $100 less than Xue paid to buy Victor as a puppy. "What happened in the provinces would never happen in Shanghai," says Xue. If anything, China's dog scandal only underlines the disparity between China's urban rich, with their well-groomed pooches, and their largely powerless country cousins. My Bhutanese friend can only hope that neither he, nor any of his friends, will get reincarnated as a rural Chinese dog. With reporting by Bu Hua/Shanghai.

This is from a blog posted on CNN here. Obviously the eating of dogs is not so rampant, as many would like to believe or such drastic measures would not be needed. I think China is an excellent case study for population purposes in that it has shown us the problems with overcrowding (the human and non-human variety). Supply shortages, the quickness with which a disease can spread, and the drastic measures often used to curb these situations. If anything, this should show Westerners the importance of spaying/neutering their pets. Growing up in Oklahoma one can see plenty of displaced animals. My own apartment complex has about 5 cats (three kittens) including the "devil cat" (it really does not like me). And as many joke, the Thai restaurant next to me will not eat them, I've talked to them and they prefer the nice matured meat of white men. Rich in flavor and full of nutrients, it does wonders for accenting that curry meat dish or adding some kick to some Pad-Thai. Hhhhhmmmm, human infused Thai food.

I Think I Might Need Some Protection While Waiting For The Wii Release

Crowds, gunfire greet release of coveted PlayStation 3

NEW YORK (AP) -- Days of waiting paid off for Sergio Rodriguez, one of the relatively few able to buy Sony's PlayStation 3 when the coveted console went on sale early Friday.

He was among the die-hard gamers and entrepreneurs across the country who braved foul weather and heckling by passers-by all week for the chance to shell out $500 or more for the sleek game machine.

With shortages resulting from production problems, many had camped out for days without knowing if they'd be going home empty-handed. At some stores, the crowds got rowdy and stampeded for the shelves, injuring a man in Wisconsin and forcing authorities to shut down a Wal-Mart store in California.

In Connecticut, two armed thugs who got wise to the PS3's high price and tried to rob a line of people waiting outside a Putnam Wal-Mart store at 3 a.m. One person who refused to give up the money was shot, state police said. In Lexington, Kentucky, four people waiting outside a Best Buy were hit by BB pellets, though none was seriously injured, according to television station WKYT, whose own reporter was hit as she interviewed buyers.

Rodriguez had been waiting outside the New York Circuit City store since Sunday for the a midnight launch event, and he was the first to walk away with the PS3 as people still standing in line outside the store cheered.

"This is the best game ever. It's so worth the wait," the 25-year-old graphics designer said. "Some people may call me crazy, but I really love to play."

With Sony promising only 400,000 systems for the nationwide launch, the chance of disappointment was high. While retailers tried to keep expectations low, lines snaked around the block at many stores -- even those that weren't going to begin sales until later Friday.

Saby Madrigal, an 18-year-old college student who worked for a month at a liquor store to save for a PS3, waited in line outside the Circuit City for 24 hours without success. Still, she vowed to keep looking.

"For the work we had to do to get all the money to get the stupid system, I'm going to search every single store in town," she said. "I don't care, I'm going to get it."

Read the full story at http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/17/playstation.ap/index.html.

This is craziness. David, who is about to cream his pants waiting for the release of the Nintendo Wii on Sat at midnight, has asked me to wait with him or at another location (motherfucker!). It is supposedly supposed to be about 35 degrees at midnight that night. Give me a gun and a bottle of Rumple. Do not worry about chilling it, it will be plenty cold. Luckily, Nintendo is not as greedy as Sony and has shipped more stations to the U.S., all the while being almost $ 300 cheaper. Some Playstation 3's have already reached $1,800
on E-bay!!

Hhhhhhmmmmmm. Expensive Fungus!! Tastes Good.

Hong Kong property tycoon pays US$160,406 for giant truffle

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
November 14, 2006

HONG KONG (AP) - A Hong Kong property tycoon and his wife have reportedly paid $160,406 for a huge Italian white truffle, which may be the world's most expensive ever.

Gordon Wu and his wife outbid connoisseurs from France and Italy to win the 1.5-kilogram (3.3 pounds) Alba white truffle from an international auction on Sunday, a spokeswoman for the Ritz-Carlton hotel, which hosted the Hong Kong part of the auction, said Tuesday.

It was the second time Hong Kong bidders won a pricey fungus at the annual auction, held in Grizane, Italy and satellite-linked with Paris and Hong Kong.

Last year, a group of bidders in Hong Kong paid Eu95,000 (ed. - apprx . $121,000) for a 1.2-kilogram (2.7-pound) truffle, a purchase later named by Guinness World Records as the most valuable truffle bought at an auction, said Ritz-Carlton spokeswoman Claudia Hardt.

Guinness World Records officials couldn't immediately be reached to confirm the claim.

White truffles, known for their extravagant price tag and strong, garlic-like scent,
grow underground with tree roots. They're eaten uncooked or shaved into pasta, salad, omelets and other dishes.

"They're very unique. They're found all together and they've got a beautiful shape," said hotel cook Umberto Bombana of this year's prize truffle, made up of three palm-sized portions.

Bombana will prepare the giant truffle for a five-course banquet hosted by Wu on Thursday.

Proceeds from the auction _ which also featured five smaller truffles weighting 220 to 520 grams (7.7 to 18.2 ounces) sold to other Hong Kong bidders _ will go to Mother's Choice, a Hong Kong charity that cares for pregnant girls and organizes adoptions, Hardt said.

MAybe Why I Am Not So Touchy-Feely, or Maybe I Just Really Don't Like You

Chinese slow to embrace 'free hugs' campaign

BEIJING, China (Reuters) -- The Chinese appear not to have warmed to a "free hugs" campaign aimed at cheering up strangers by hugging them on the street, with some huggers even being hauled away by police for questioning, media said on Monday.

The campaign hit the streets of Beijing, Changsha and Xi'an over the weekend, with participants opening their arms to embrace passers-by and brandishing cards saying "free hugs," "care from strangers," "refuse to be apathetic," the Beijing News said.

In the capital, police moved in and took away four huggers briefly for questioning, baffled by their wacky, Western-style activities on a busy downtown shopping street.

In the ancient capital of Xi'an, home to the terra cotta warriors, no more than 20 people, mostly children, had volunteered for the free hugs in two hours.

"Passers-by showed interest and curiosity, stopped and asked, but most of them walked away after hearing the explanation," Xinhua news agency said, quoting a local newspaper.

"Embracing is a foreign tradition. Chinese are not accustomed to this," a man named Li, a Xi'an citizen, was quoted as saying.

The ancient city of Changsha, capital of Hunan province, fared better, a local affairs Web site reported.

"Though some people refused (to be hugged), I hugged 20 people in one minute," one girl was quoted as saying.

The Free Hugs campaign started in Australia and gained fame with a music video this year.

Copyright 2006 Reuters.

Sometimes I liked being touched, but most times I don't ( I am working on it!). My mom was not very giving with the physical love. But hey at least I am better than my sister Felicia, who most describe hugs like a limp doll.

And We Are Surprised That They Want Us To Leave?

Soldier pleads guilty in Iraq killings

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky (AP) -- One of four U.S. soldiers accused of raping an Iraqi girl last spring and killing her and her family pleaded guilty Wednesday and will testify against the others.

Spc. James P. Barker agreed to the plea deal to avoid the death penalty, said his civilian attorney, David Sheldon.

The killings in Mahmoudiya, a village about 20 miles south of Baghdad, were among the worst in a series of alleged attacks on civilians and other abuses by military personnel in Iraq.

Sgt. Paul E. Cortez and Pfc. Jesse V. Spielman, both members of the 101st Airborne Division with Barker, could face the death penalty if convicted in the case in courts-martial at Fort Campbell.

Former Army private Steve Green, 21, pleaded not guilty last week to charges including murder and sexual assault.

Green was discharged from the Army for a "personality disorder" before the allegations became known, and prosecutors have yet to say if they will pursue the death penalty against him.

The indictment accuses Green and others of raping the 14-year-old girl and burning her body to conceal their crimes. It also alleges that Green and four others stationed at a nearby checkpoint killed the girl's father, mother and 6-year-old sister.

Barker has given investigators vivid accounts of the assault. An investigator testified during a hearing in August that Barker had said the soldiers drank whiskey and played cards while plotting the assault, that Barker, Cortez and Green took turns raping the girl, and that Green shot her and her family.

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.

As in all wars, women and children usually suffer the most. The machismo atmosphere of most battalions and war-torn areas leave many women and children defenseless against invading/occupying forces and men from their own neighborhoods as well. Innocents are not only killed in motar attacks and gun-fights. As the violence grows and all sides become more dejected, angry and feelings of hopelessness set in, the violence will only have more fuel.

Brave Brothers and Sisters

4,000 rally for Pride at Jerusalem stadium

SUMMARY: The event, moved to a heavily policed stadium for security reasons, goes off without a hitch; a handful of protesters are arrested elsewhere.

Israel's gay community braved vehement opposition from religious fundamentalists and held a large rally Friday in Jerusalem, complete with live rock music, dancing and declarations of pride.

The event -- originally planned as a march through the city -- was held behind fences at a university sports stadium on the Holy City's outskirts after organizers bowed to police fears of violent protests by ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Nearly 4,000 revelers flocked to the stadium, about the same number as attended last year's Pride march in the city, where Jewish, Muslim and Christian opposition to the events runs high.

Participants were mainly dressed in regular street clothes -- making it a far more staid affair than Pride events in the more permissive city of Tel Aviv -- although one bearded man sported the black hat and jacket usually worn by ultra-Orthodox men, but with a magenta taffeta skirt and candy-striped tights.

Police said 3,000 officers were deployed to secure the rally. Five protesters, some of them armed with knives and batons, were arrested during a brief scuffle with a small group of gay activists who tried to march along the planned route, said police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. Another was arrested after calling out homophobic slurs in the stadium, he said.

Last year's march was marred by bloodshed when an ultra-Orthodox man stabbed and wounded three participants.

In the past week, hundreds of ultra-Orthodox Jews battled police and torched vehicles and trash bins in the streets to protest the planned march, and threatened further violence if the parade went ahead.

Police security worries spiraled after an errant Israeli artillery shells killed 19 civilians in Gaza on Wednesday and Palestinian militants vowed to carry out suicide bombings in Israel in retaliation.

Responding to those concerns, Pride organizers agreed to turn the parade into a rally, held inside the fenced-in stadium of Jerusalem's Hebrew University, which was ringed by mounted police and anti-riot units.

Read more at http://news.yahoo.com/s/po/20061113/co_po/4000rallyforprideatjerusalemstadium.

Asian Chicken Salad?!?

Posted By:Margaret Cho

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

This is one of my friend's and I's favorite Cho segments. I think most Asians can truly appreciate the point she is making. In her description though, she forgot to mention soy sauce and water chestnuts (not that kind Dann).

Oh My Mother Fucking Gato!!! I Actually Won Something!!!

Read it and weep biatches!!! For the first time in my life I've won something of value. I get to meet Margaret Fucking Cho!! Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...She's one of my role models. Cloud 9. ;) ;)

Congratulations - You're one of the Margaret Cho ticket winners for her show tomorrow night!

Please message back with the name your 2 tickets and meet and greet passes should be left under at will call. You will need your ID to pick them up.

Show starts at 8pm at the Cotillion Ballroom (11120 W Kellogg, Wichita KS 67209)

You can head backstage immediately after the show to meet Margaret - there should be passes with your tickets.


Congrats!

Liam's Shoes

Kelly's other video "Liam's Shoes". I think I bust a gut.

Text Message Breakup

Robert showed me the shoes video, and now Margaret Cho showed me this one. She does a cameo. It has weirdos, vampires, roller girls and grandma. Hilarious.

Let's See How The Next Presendential Nominee Will Follow Through

Sen. Clinton won't oppose gay marriage in New York

by The Washington Blade

www.washingtonblade.com

NEW YORK -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) told a group of gay elected officials Oct. 25 that she would not oppose a gay marriage law in New York if a future governor and Legislature chose to enact one, The New York Times reported.

Clinton has opposed same-sex marriage, which has earned her criticism from some gay advocacy groups. Clinton has stated that she favors civil unions for gay couples and that each state should have the right to decide the issue for itself.

Clinton met for more than an hour with the three-dozen officials from New York two hours after the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that gay couples were entitled to the same legal rights as heterosexual couples, the newspaper reported. The timing was coincidental.

Probably One of the Best Things From This Election

Roth elected to second term as Commissioner; Rice earns Senate seat

by Michael Bratcher
Managing Editor
mbratcher@hnokc.com


Climbing atop the bar at Cafe Nova on Tuesday night, Jim Roth claimed a victory and a second term as Oklahoma County Commissioner District 1.

Roth, who is openly gay, received 31,301 votes -- 63 percent -- to his opponent, David Mehlhaff's 18,216 votes, or 37 percent.

"This has been an incredible experience," Roth told hundreds of supporters who packed the Western Avenue restaurant. "Just like four years ago, with the emotional ups and downs, a lot of you have been generous from the beginning; 1,100 donors, hundreds of volunteers have helped us get out a very positive message. We ran five years ago on some pretty lofty ideas, by opening the Oklahoma County Courthouse to all people of every walk of life no matter where you live, what you look like or who you love."

Throughout the campaign, Mehlhaff consistently tried to make Roth's sexuality an issue, claiming that Oklahoma County residents did not need to re-elect a gay man to office.

"I don't define family by just biology, and I know a lot of us don't define families just by biology, but my opponent does," Roth said during his victory speech. "We saw that this cycle, and we saw some of that last cycle. It's encouraging to me in Central Oklahoma -- in the state's most populous county -- that citizens have given the numbers they've given tonight to those of us who think we all matter."

Supporters cheered as Roth introduced those who helped make his campaign a success. He also publicly welcomed the county treasurer and sheriff who attended the watch party.

Also in attendance was Representative Al McAffrey, the state's first openly gay legislator and longtime friend of Roth's. McAffrey received his office during the primary election earlier this year. He did not face an opponent in Tuesday's general election.

"Jim and I have been friends for 20 years, and he has not changed one bit during that time," McAffrey said. "He's always been Jim Roth and always been a very concerned person about the needs of the people of Oklahoma County. We're very fortunate to have him in District 1 as our county commissioner."

Just blocks away, Democrat Andrew Rice received cheers and applause at his watch party after learning he had defeated Republican Joshua Jantz for state Senate District 46. Rice has been a supporter of the gay community, even participating in Oklahoma City Pride events.

"We can, if we take bold stances ... people like myself who are honored to be an elected official for the State of Oklahoma, we can really restore a little bit of that confidence that people have lost in elected officials and government, and it starts with just being honest and genuine with people," Rice told his supporters.

Democrats swept nearly all statewide races Tuesday. Gov. Brad Henry was re-elected to a second term as the state's top leader, and Jari Askins defeated Todd Hiett to become Lieutenant Governor. At the national level, Republican Mary Fallin became only the second Oklahoma female to earn a seat in Congress. She'll represent the 5th District, having defeated David Hunter and Matthew Woodson.


I truly endorse Roth and think he is one of the few that hold standards and morals in office. Of course now that I say that, some story will come out with him, a videocamera and some giant sling. I do not think if you are sexual with consenting ADULTS that it will affect your political career, but this is Oklahoma. Anyway, I have met him many times and supported his campaign these last couple of months and I am truly happy something really good happened. As for the democrats changing things on the national level, I will not hold my breath. Many of those democrats are more right than some of our electees and it will be interesting to see voting on issues on gay rights, women's rights, affirmative action, and the environment (which all suffered due to referrendums this election). Don't count your cookies yet. Praise Buddah.

You Can't Bitch If You Don't Vote

A good, non partisan website to keep you informed. If you don't vote then you get what you deserve.

http://www.vote-smart.org/index.htm

or Some Reasons to Vote from the "Rock the Vote" Campaign.


Human Rights
1)In a historic decision in June 2006 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the military commissions at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay and affirmed the protections in Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions which ensure fair trial standards and prohibit torture and other inhuman treatment.

Gay Marriage
1)In October 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that gay couples have the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples under the New Jersey State Constitution, but left it to state lawmakers to decide if such unions can be called marriage.
2)In 2004, voters in 11 states passed initiatives barring gay marriage. In 2006, 8 more states will consider similar ballot measures.

Iraq
1)Nearly 3,000 members of the American military have died in Iraq since 2003.
2)Over 600,000 Iraqi civilians are estimated to have died since 2003.
3)Over $300 billion dollars have been spent on the Iraq War.

Education
1)# Published prices for college costs are up 35% in five years -- the largest increase of any five-year period in the past 30 years.
2)In December 2005, Congress passed the Deficit Reduction Act, which cut $12 billion in federal student aid money. Part of the plan includes a hike in interest rates on Stafford federal student loans (rose from 5.3 percent to 7.14 percent on existing loans and to 6.8 percent on new loans) and PLUS loans taken out by parents (from 6.1 to 7.4 percent on existing loans and to 8.5 percent on new loans).


Reproductive Rights
1)In 1973, the Supreme Court guaranteed American women the right to choose abortion in its landmark decision Roe v. Wade. In response, many states have enacted laws limiting abortion, including laws requiring parental consent and notification for minors to obtain abortions, laws mandating spousal consent and notification, laws barring state funding for abortions, laws banning partial-birth abortions, laws requiring waiting periods before abortion, and many more.

Global Warming
1)The flow of ice from glaciers in Greenland has more than doubled over the past decade. Scientists estimate that global sea levels could rise by more than 20 feet with the loss of shelf ice in Greenland and Antarctica, devastating coastal areas worldwide .
2)According to the EPA, an increase in average temperature can increase the chances of severe droughts. It may also affect the frequency and intensity of other severe weather, such as storms, hurricanes, and floods.


So, give me one good reason you should not vote.

We All Knew It

Neil Patrick Harris, who starred in "Doogie Howser, M.D.," wants to dispel any rumors that he is straight.

'Doogie Howser' star comes out -- with pride
POSTED: 8:58 a.m. EST, November 4, 2006

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Neil Patrick Harris is gay and wants to quell any rumors to the contrary.

"(I) am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest," Harris tells People magazine's Web site.

The 33-year-old actor said he was motivated to disclose his sexuality because of recent "speculation and interest in my private life and relationships."

Harris stars on the CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother." He started on TV as a teen, playing the namesake doctor on the series "Doogie Howser, M.D."

Copyright 2006 The Associated Press.

Why Rats Should Not Be Used For Human Experimentation

And the Plot Thickens

Ted Haggard, left, denies allegations by Mike Jones, right, that Haggard paid him for sex.

Evangelical leader says he bought meth, but 'never used it'
POSTED: 2:24 p.m. EST, November 3, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (CNN) -- Rev. Ted Haggard, who resigned as one of the nation's top evangelical leaders, admitted Friday he had contacted male prostitute Mike Jones "for a massage" and bought drugs from him.

Haggard said he never had sex with Jones and never used the methamphetamine drug he bought.

He told reporters earlier this week that he did not know Jones, who claims to have had a three-year sex-for-money relationship with him.

Haggard, 50, resigned Thursday as leader of the National Association of Evangelicals -- a group representing more than 45,000 churches and 30 million people -- and he also stepped down temporarily from leadership at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.

He was one of a group of religious leaders who regularly participated in conference calls with White House aides.

Haggard told CNN affiliate KUSA-TV Friday that he received Jones' name as "a referral" from a hotel where he was staying in Denver.

He did not name the hotel. "I did call him," Haggard said. "I called him to buy some meth, but I threw it away."

"I was buying it for me but I never used it. I was tempted, I bought it, but I never used it."

"He told me about it. I went there for a massage."

Earlier, Jones said he would not back down from his allegations despite a polygraph test that showed "deception."

Jones took the test voluntarily, answering questions about his alleged ties with the Haggard, who regularly participates in White House advisory conference calls.

Test administrator John Kresnik said the results "did show deception" but that Jones was physically and mentally exhausted. Kresnik said he would like to take the test again after Jones had slept and eaten, which could provide more trustworthy results. (Watch Haggard's response to whether he knows gay men in Denver -- 2:07 Video)

The Rev. Ross Parsley, who assumed leadership of Haggard's church, said Haggard had made "some admission of indiscretion -- not an admission to all of the material that has been discussed, but there is an admission of some guilt."

Time magazine named Haggard as one 2005's 25 most influential evangelical leaders and has close ties with the White House, participating in a regular conference call with other religious leaders.

White House counselor Dan Bartlett said Friday that the "revelations" are "shocking and disgraceful if they turn out to be true. I think it's important that we do find out exactly what it is right and what is wrong here and get to the bottom of it."

Haggard has put himself on administrative leave as senior pastor of the Colorado Springs, Colorado, with 14,000 members.

Church members who spoke with The Associated Press were stunned. "It's political, right before the elections," said longtime member Brian Boals, according to AP. Another, E.J. Cox, 25, told AP the claims are "ridiculous." "People are always saying stuff about Pastor Ted," she told AP. "You just sort of blow it off. He's just like anyone else in the public eye."

Full Story at CNN.com.

And Again!

Evangelical leader quits amid male escort's allegations
POSTED: 8:46 a.m. EST, November 3, 2006

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (CNN) -- The president of the National Association of Evangelicals resigned Thursday after accusations by a male prostitute that the pastor paid him for sex over three years.

The Rev. Ted Haggard said he also is temporarily stepping aside from the pulpit of his church in Colorado Springs pending an internal investigation by the church.

The church official who temporarily has assumed Haggard's post said late Thursday that there has been "some admission of guilt," but not to all of the allegations. He did not give any more details.

In 2005, Time magazine put Haggard on its list of the 25 most influential evangelical leaders, noting his participation in a weekly conference call with White House staffers and other religious leaders.

The National Association of Evangelicals is an umbrella group for more than 45,000 churches and some 30 million members across the country. (Watch Haggard deny the accusations -- 2:07 Video)

"I've never had a gay relationship with anybody. I'm steady with my wife. I'm faithful to my wife," Haggard told KUSA-TV, a CNN affiliate in Denver, on Wednesday.

Haggard is married and has five children, according to the National Association of Evangelicals Web site.

Colorado is one of eight states where voters will consider bans on same-sex marriage in Tuesday's elections, and Haggard has been a supporter of the measure.

Haggard, 50, put himself on administrative leave as senior pastor of the 14,000-member New Life Church.

Read the full story at CNN.com.

Oh Really?

Sen. Craig denies claim he's had gay relationships

by The Washington Blade

www.washingtonblade.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho) called allegations from a gay rights activist that he's had homosexual relationships "completely ridiculous," according to a report in the Oct. 18 Spokesman Review newspaper.

Craig, who is married, denied the allegations through his staff, according to the report. Mike Rogers, a gay activist blogger, published the allegations on his web site, BlogActive.com, and repeated them on "The Ed Schultz Show," a syndicated liberal radio talk show.

Rogers refused to name his sources but said he is confident the incidents of consensual sex with a man did occur. Craig spokesperson Sid Smith said a lawsuit against Rogers "isn't out of the question" but to do so would be taking Rogers' allegations more seriously "than it deserves."

Rogers said he publicly outed Craig because he said Craig was being hypocritical for opposing gay rights and voting for laws that limit marriage to heterosexual couples.

"The senator says the story is completely ridiculous. Mr. Rogers has no facts to back up his story," Smith said.

Told of Craig's reaction, Rogers replied that it sounded like "a non-denial denial" because the senator wasn't denying the events occurred, according to the report. Smith said later that it is a denial: "They absolutely did not [occur]; there is no basis in fact."

Erin's B-Day Pics

Me so sorry! Me take too long fo pictures. Me so sorry. Now, shut the fuck up.

Same Problem Different Place

HIV infection rate climbs among gay men in China

by The Washington Blade

www.washingtonblade.com

YICHANG, China -- The rate of HIV infection among sexually active gay men in China is increasing dramatically, to nearly 1.5 percent, an expert on the issue told China Daily.

The increase is attributable to a lack of information about the disease and how to prevent infection, said Zhang Beichuan, a professor with Qingdao University's Medical School.

"The health authorities have to do something to curb the rising infection rate among gay men, who account for two to four percent of the sexually active adult male population," Zhang told an HIV/AIDS forum in Yichang, according to China Daily. The Chinese government's only official statistics on male homosexuality put the total number of gay men in the country between 5 and 10 million out of a total population of 1.3 billion.

Zhang said he found in one northeastern Chinese city that only 20 percent of the 215 gay men he interviewed used condoms and 90 percent of them ruled out any likelihood of having contracted HIV, even though half were college graduates.

Ladytron Concert

Here are some pics from Ladytron (about two weeks ago). The show was awesome. The drive sucked (there and back). I went at it alone, which the only set-back is that you do not drink at all so you can drive the three hours back cause of work the next day. Forgot about weekend rush hour traffic. Bleah. Ladytron's opening band was CSS (2nd and third pics), whom was a band from Brazil that played catchy, electronica-dance pop. They got the whole crowd dancing and pepped for Ladytron. Till the next awesome show.


The Big "D".

Happy Hallowen!!

Favorite Day!! This is what I am doing tonght.

A Benefit to Celebrate

Hey kiddies, looking for something to do. Come support a really good cause with booze , food and of course Taylor, me and the gang this Sat. News bite from Hardnews Online;

OFFAIDS Halloween bash planned for Saturday
Put on your creepiest costume, and dance the night away.

Oklahoma Friends Fighting AIDS, or OffAIDS, will host its annual Halloween Costume Bash on Saturday at the Angles Event Center, NW 39 and Pennsylvania Avenue.

According to organizers, the annual event raises funds for local HIV and AIDS charities while providing guests with a fun, festive atmosphere. The party typically raises more than $12,000 for organizations providing services or education in the metro.

"We have been doing the Halloween party for a number of years," said OFFAIDS President David Thompson. "It started as a private party, and it got so popular that we turned it into a fund-raiser."

This year's party will feature light food, dancing and an open bar. Tickets are $45 in advance or $50 at the door. OFFAIDS also hosts another yearly fund-raiser, "Cabaret"

"We have granted more than $30,000 to local groups each year," said Thompson. "Over the years, we have given more than a quarter of a million dollars, and 100 percent of that money stays local."

He also said the evening would include a costume contest with a celebrity host as well as drawings for prizes.

"Everyone is welcome," said Thompson. "We look forward to this event all year. In fact the OFFAIDS board members have as much fun as the guests. It really is a great time and for a great cause."

Doors open at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are available at Granada Floral, New Leaf Floral, Tony Foss Design Center and Jungle Red. For more information, call 947-7160 or visit www.offaids.com.

I Am an Evil Biatch, or At Least That Is What The Stars Say

My friend Dann posted these on his blog, as "horror-scopes" and they are pretty funny. Don't know where he obtained such brilliant observations, but you can ask him yourself. I just posted mine cause like it says, I am concerned with ME and ME only. Go check out his page for yours. Remember these words when you want something from me next time. ;)

Pisces (March 21 – April 19)

A Pisces cannot live without lies and treachery. They often get so wrapped up in their own tall tales that they can easily forget which of their stories are true and which are not.

A Pisces constantly contradicts herself, and is always trying to wriggle out of a lie somebody has called her on. She will generally not profit from such fruitless tasks, but that's fine by her - she's doing it for the art.

Additionally a Pisces loves nothing more than to stick her nose into someone else's dirty laundry. Pretending to be a self-taught psychoanalyst she will pry into people's secrets, which she will later manipulate and trade through her own self-styled network of spies.

Incapable of working, or for that matter doing anything remotely useful, a Pisces has no interest for acquiring such abilities. Forcing her to do so is nearly impossible - she will simply wriggle out and disappear.



Another page (Astorlogy Insight's) states this:

Traditional
Pisces Traits

Imaginative and sensitive
Compassionate and kind
Selfless and unworldly
Intuitive and sympathetic


On the dark side....

Escapist and idealistic
Secretive and vague
Weak-willed and easily led



But this page (E-Lore) is probably the most in-depth (i.e. made by person with lots of time on hands)

Lady - Oh - Lay!!

Well kiddies, it's not that I don't try to encourage people to attend events centered around/ for women, but this weekend makes it easier. Tonight and tommorow late morning/ early evening is the third installment of The Girlie Show! This awesome event rounds up women artists and puts them together in a space and allows them to hawk their wares. I went to the first one, which was bananas, but missed last year's. There is food (Deep Fork, Cafe Nova, Saturn Grill, The Metro, to name a few. YUM!) live music and an after party at Club LIT (one of the few places I will hang out in Bricktown) with live music from the 'Oh Johnny Girls' as well and the hooka (I love the hooka). Here is some info from the website.


The mission of The Girlie Show is to give talented local and regional females an opportunity to show and sell their work in a fun party atmosphere. While we define our event as an art show, we encourage the redefinition of art in its traditional senses.

The Girlie Show 2006 will be held Friday, October 20 at 8 p.m. to midnight. and Saturday, October 21 at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s show will be held in the historic (and newly remodeled!) Farmers Public Market building located at 311 S. Klein Avenue.

Unluckily I will be out of town tonight, but you should check it out. I'll be in Dallas for Ladytron at the Gypsy Tea Room. enuff said. Have a good weekend biatches.

Only in America

Found this nasty tidbit of news on the yahoo.com news page. It hurts me just reading this.

CHICAGO (AFP) - Fried Coke has become the latest artery-clogging hit at US state fairs, local media reports.


The gooey Coke-battered nuggets topped with cola syrup won the "most creative" title at the Texas state fair in Dallas last month. Since then, the deep-fried phenomenon has spread to North Carolina and Arizona.

"We've been getting calls from everywhere since we introduced it," Elizabeth Martin, a spokeswoman for the North Carolina fair, told the Dallas Morning News. "Everyone wants to know where they can get it."

Fried treats are as big of a draw at state fairs as the rides and prize-winning farm animals. Twinkies, cookies and even pickles are stuck with a stick, dipped in batter and then seared in the deep fryer.

Fried Coke's inventor, concessionaire Abel Gonzales Jr., is a creative fryer whose experiments have proven popular. Last year he sold 20,000 fried peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwiches, the Morning News reported. Fried Coke looks to be an even bigger hit: he sold 16,000 cups of the sticky balls in the first two weeks of the fair, which runs through Oct. 22.

Gonzales has also had more success with changing his recipe than Coca Cola did. He reworked the recipe to make the dough less cakey and more spongy so it would soak up more of the cola syrup.

"They were good before, but they are even better now," Gonzales said.

Some Fun and Philanthropic Events This Weekend

Alrighty kiddies, October is here (for about two weeks now) and all it's glory is as well. October is one of my favorite times of year for a couple of reasons. First, summer is really over and I can wear more than shorts and t-shirts, plus my apartment gets pretty hot w/out central air. Second, Halloween, enough said. Third, with school back in and people recovering from summer spending and the cooling weather, there is an abundance of entertaining things to do, such as concerts, art shows, benefit walks, and lots of parties. Those that read my blog know that the AIDS Walk has come and gone, but now it is time for the Susan G. Komen walk/run.
The Susan G. Komen 'Race for the Cure' run is held every year in October (it is national breast cancer awareness month) all over the US and even in other countries to raise money to help battle breast cancer (Dann, it is okay to wear pink everyday this month, you almost do anyway). The event is Sat. the 14th at 8 am. and participants are encouraged to show up to walk and/or run the event. Money is not required, but of course is appreciated. Here is some information from the website.
The Komen Oklahoma City Race for the Cure® will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2006 at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City. We expect 12,000 participants this year. Up to seventy-five percent of the net funds we raise in Central Oklahoma stay in our community and are dedicated to programs that meet the breast health needs of the medically underserved. These needs are determined by a comprehensive, independently performed needs assessment. A minimum of 25 percent of the net proceeds from the Komen Oklahoma City Race for the Cure® supports the Komen Foundation Grant Program which, for the past 20 years, has provided much-needed funding for groundbreaking breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment.

After you get done sweating at the run, you should head over to the Will Rogers Theater, connected to Sushi Neko (yummy!) for the World Neighbor's World Market Fest 2006. This event also gets high praise in my book. The fest provides goods to Western consumers that have been manufactured in various parts of the world. Myself, last year, purchased items from Kenya, Thailand, the Phillipines, Guatamala, and Vietnamn. The best part is that the proceeds directly affect the lives of the women who make these products. Back into their lives, communities, and families. This is a worthy program that you should check out. Here is some information from their webpage as well.

Boasting a festive international and cultural market ambience, WorldFest Market 2006 is a weekend shopping experience featuring unique, authentic items created by artisans from remote villages around the world. Thousands of fair-trade items in all price ranges will be available including African blankets, Peruvian rugs, Guatemalan textiles, Indian silver, Mexican pottery and Balinese masks.

WorldFest Market is Oklahoma’s only large fair trade market, giving Oklahomans the opportunity to shop for unusual and completely unique items. Products purchased at the market help improve the lives of people living on incomes of less than $1 a day. Exquisite craftsmanship coupled with intriguing design is sure to appeal to decorators, collectors, casual shoppers, adults and kids. No two items are alike!

Proceeds from the event will benefit World Neighbors.
When:
Preview Party
Friday, Oct. 13, 2006

WorldFest Market
Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006 Noon – 4 p.m.
wm pottery Where:
Will Rogers Theater
4322 North Western
Oklahoma City
How:
Admission is $5
Children 12 and under are admitted free


Coming soon to this blog, more cool to do's: The Girlie Show, Ladytron in Dallas, The OFFAIDS "Valley of the Dolls" Benefit, She Wants Revenge and Pretty Girls Make Graves in Tulsa, HALLOWEEN and other shiznatch. Hope to catch you all at one of these events.