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Monday, July 30, 2007

PRICELESS!

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Telling it like it is.....



Is there a Pulitzer for the "most revealing" photo of a Republican couple? If so, we nominate the AP picture in today's Washington Post of GOP Senator David "Diaperman" Vitter and his psycho wife Wendy.

An 8 x 12 print of this should be given to freshmen membeers of the House and Senate - put it on the cover of the Welcome to Congress orientation guide! Because this is the inevitable end product of a Washington marriage: The stupid creepy diaper-wearing politician stands dumb eyed and shamed while his crazy-eyed horse-mouthed power-mad wife yells at reporters because her idiot whoremonger husband is repeatedly caught at the whorehouse.

Wonkette

THE ASIAN CUP

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Yesterday’s win of the Asian Cup for Iraq's national soccer team was an '"inspirational triumph for a team whose players straddle bitter and violent ethnic divides. "
After the game yesterday, team captain Younis Mahmoud called for the United States to withdraw its troops:

I want America to go out," he said. "Today, tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow, but out. "
"I wish the American people didn’t invade Iraq and, hopefully, it will be over soon."

MONDAY EYE CANDY







Pascal Behrenbruch from the 2007 World Decathlon.

Pascal earned an overall 9th place standing. Over two days, decathletes participate in the following ten events: 100-meter run, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meter run, 110-meter hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1500 meter run.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

THE TRAVELLING WILBURYS

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Reversing the usual process by which groups break up and give way to solo careers, the Traveling Wilburys are a group made up of solo stars.

The group was organized by former Beatle George Harrison, former Electric Light Orchestra leader Jeff Lynne, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Roy Orbison, thus representing three generations of rock stars.

In 1988, the five (who had known each other for years) came together to record a Harrison B-side single and ended up writing and recording an album on which they shared lead vocals.

It turned out to be a way to transcend the high expectations made of any of them as individuals, and a delighted public sent the album to number three, with two singles, "Handle With Care" [playing] and "End of the Line" hitting the charts.

Unfortunately, Orbison died of a heart attack only a few weeks after the album's release.

A KISS IS JUST A KISS ~ OR IS IT?

I was not a witness to "the kiss", therefore I cannot judge; but when exactly is kissing appropriate in public?



I think opinion on this varies from one individual to another, from one country to another.



My personal opinion is simple. A simple kiss on the lips as a show of affection, greeting, etc. is acceptable in public; be it a man and woman, two men or two women. If the kiss gets any deeper than that, keep it for the privacy of your own home.






Of course here in America, the sight of two men kissing drives most people to the brink of insanity! I'm not certain why I thought Europe would be different......



(Rome) Two gay men have been charged with "lewd conduct" for kissing in front of the Coliseum in Rome.

The pair were rushed into a police car and taken to a police station where they were held for several hours. Eventually they were issued a summons to appear in court and released.

If convicted the pair could be sentenced up to two years in prison.

The incident has sparked a public outcry in Italy.

Italian LGBT civil rights group Arcigay called it an outrage and accused the police of homophobia.

Police deny the accusation, but were unable to provide evidence that any opposite-sex couple had ever been arrested for a similar kiss at the famed tourist spot.

Italy's Health Minister Livia Turco called the arrests a national embarrassment.

Vladimir Luxuria, a Communist politician and Italy's first transsexual lawmaker said she would raise the issue in Parliament.

"It's worrying that a gesture of affection is considered a crime," she told La Repubblica daily. "It's absurd that two young people who love each other should spend the night in a police station without having done anything obscene."

Both Arcigay and Turco have demanded the charges be dropped and that police issue an apology to the two men, aged 28 and 27.

Meanwhile, Arcigay has called for a "national gay kiss-in" at the Coliseum on August 2.




The following unrelated photos are from Gay Pride Rome.... make me seriously wonder if I might not "try" to steal a kiss~








Saturday, July 28, 2007

HOMOPHOBIA AND RELIGION ~ TRUE EVIL

Although not a violent person I would like the opportunity to spend a few minutes alone (whip in hand) with the most homophobic, sorry excuse for a human being on the planet.... none other than the infamous anti-gay preacher Fred Phelps. Please take the time to check out the following post.
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(Casper, Wyoming) The City of Casper, Wyoming has rejected an offer from anti-gay preacher Fred Phelps to erect a statue dedicated to Matthew Shepard.

Phelps, who runs the GodHatesFags website, first gained national attention when he and his followers demonstrated at the funeral of Matthew Shepard in Casper in 1998.

Shepard was murdered in a homophobic attack by two men.

Phelps offered to build the statue in Casper's Monument Plaza which was dedicated earlier this month. The park features monuments to Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, the Ten Commandments and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

Phelps' proposed a monument that would have been 5 to 6 feet tall and made of marble or granite. It would have had a bronze plaque bearing the image of Shepard and have an inscription reading "MATTHEW SHEPARD, Entered Hell October 12, 1998, in Defiance of God's Warning: 'Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination.' Leviticus 18:22."

"Casper's historic monument plaza is a collection of documents that are the underpinning and foundation of our law," Mayor Kate Sarosy wrote in a reply to Phelps.

"Your monument is simply religious in character, based on your personal religious beliefs regarding Matthew Shepard, and bears no historical significance to the foundation of the law for our country. As such, the city cannot place your monument on city property without violating the establishment clause of the United States Constitution."

Phelps attempted to get the city to approve a similar statue in 2003 and also was rejected.

Phelps and his followers have not ruled out taking the city to court.

The city's rebuff is the second setback this month for Phelps and his Topeka Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church.

On July 6, his daughter was been formally charged with negligent child abuse, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, flag mutilation and disturbing the peace over an anti-gay protest at the funeral of a soldier last month in Bellevue, Nebraska.

The charges against Shirley Phelps-Roper, 49, stem from a June incident involving her 10-year-old son who stomped on an American flag during a protest at the funeral of a National Guardsman killed in Iraq. (story)

Phelps-Roper and about a dozen other members of the Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas carried signs denouncing homosexuality and stating that military deaths in Iraq were God's retribution for America being permissive of gays.

THE WEEK FROM HELL!

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This has been a very difficult week for blogging as my energies have been focused on the wellness of my beautiful pug, Daisy and attempting to save her left eye which became ulcerated last week.

The healing process, if at all possible is taking longer than normal since Daisy is 12 years old which would be 84 in human years, but under the direction of a team of "hopefully" qualified vetenarians, we are following a rigid schedule of medication and eye drops.

This process is both physically and emotionally draining and on Wednesday, I finally became ill and had to return home from work. Daisy is on tranquilizers to keep her calm throughout this process and her primary doctor informed me this week that I might have to do the same. One day at a time......



THANKS!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

BLIND AT THE HOLY SEE

This is a very interesting and informative article expressing the views of Wayne Besden for 365gay.com..........


In the wake of sex scandals involving children, the Roman Catholic Church should either change its mores or close its doors.

Since 1950, the United States arm of the church has paid an astounding $2 billion to settle claims of childhood sexual abuse. Yes, that is billions with a capital "B" that could have gone towards raising orphans, housing the homeless and feeding the "foodless." Instead, the church has had to reach deep inside its pockets, because some priests can't keep their hands out of the pants of others.

About a quarter of the fortune paid to the unfortunate victims has come from the Los Angeles archdiocese. Its leader, Cardinal Roger Mahony, apologized Sunday to the hundreds of abused who will be compensated, as if you can put a price on the church's vice.

"There really is no way to go back and give them that innocence that was taken from them. The one thing I wish I could give the victims...I cannot," he said. "Once again, I apologize to anyone who has been offended, who has been abused. It should not have happened and should not ever happen again."

Of course, it will happen again, since none of the underlying structural problems have been addressed. The church simply cannot continue its practice of recruiting spiritual leaders from a pool of repressed, self-loathing, sexually and emotionally stunted men and not expect a sordid sequel.

An apology without genuine reform is an empty gesture and mere disastrous dogma that will continue to strip-mine more weeping souls. What substantial measure has the church taken to prevent future victims? Have they even once broken with orthodoxy or taken difficult steps that actually matter? The answer is an emphatic, shameful "no."

There are only three reforms that will alter the status quo:

** Ending celibacy and allowing priests to marry

** Ordaining openly gay people

** Allowing women into the priesthood.

Anything short of these dramatic changes is mere window dressing that will lead to future problems.

Celibacy: This largely discredited idea of "sexual purity" rarely works in practice. It may succeed for people with unusually low sex drives, but for normally functioning males, it is seldom a viable way of life. Sex is a natural drive and love is its magnificent emotional counterpart. To deny this aspect of one's humanity over an extended or indefinite period of time is wishful thinking. Until priests can get married and experience human touch, they will be dangerously out of touch. Sometimes, such deprivation leads to a twisted mindset that drives priests to take advantage of vulnerable people - such as altar boys.

Allowing marriage will also help end the priesthood as a place where self-loathing gay people can shield their true identity. Homosexuals (and heteros too) with such unresolved internal conflicts do not belong in the priesthood, as their repression may sometimes manifest in unhealthy ways.

Openly Gay Priests: Once the Church has weeded out emotionally disturbed closet cases, it can attract morally and spiritually secure gay people. To do this, however, Rome would have to allow marriages - or commitment ceremonies - for gay priests. Sadly, the Pope seems more interested in blaming gay people for the churches' scandals and calling them "disordered."

It is insulting for the morally compromised Catholic Church to blame gay people for its own dishonorable record. After all, if homosexuality alone was responsible for child abuse, it would be the gay rights organizations getting sued, not the Vatican. Rome's anti-gay campaign might be good politics, but it will also foster the perpetuation of pedophilia, even as they apologize for past transgressions.

Women Priests: The primary reason to allow women into the priesthood is because it is fair. Rome should terminate its archaic and discriminatory policy of sexist exclusion and send sisters to seminary. A secondary reason to admit women is that it will end the bad boys club that currently exists. Having women giving mass will make it more difficult to have mass cover-ups. Of course, this is common sense, which is a commodity in short supply if you consider the blithely blind child abuse record of the Holy See.

Unfortunately, there is a moral vacancy at the Vatican, so the drumbeat of denial goes on. Some "Good Fathers" will continue to fondle, the hierarchy will hide the horrors, Rome will retreat from reality and spin its festering sin. I don't have the faintest idea of where God resides in this dreary drama. But, faux apologies aside, it is my impression that Rome has yet to really go to confession.

JOSEPH CHRISTIAN LEYENDECKER

Joseph Christian Leyendecker
(23 March 1874–25 July 1951) was a popular American illustrator.

Of Dutch ancestry, born in Germany, he emigrated to the United States at the age of eight in 1882 from Montabaur, Germany, with his parents, Peter Leyendecker and Elizabeth née Oreseifen, his sister, Augusta, and two brothers, Francis Xavier "Frank" Leyendecker, and Adolph Leyendecker.

Leyendecker obtained a job at an engraving company, and attended the Chicago Art Institute under Vanderpoel, and five years later attended, with his brother Frank, the Académie Julian in Paris.







Over forty years, Leyendecker illlustrated covers for the enormously popular Saturday Evening Post.


In total, he produced over 300 illustrations for the magazine.



Leyendecker drew propaganda posters during World War I, encouraging people to buy war bonds.



He obtained major advertising and illustrating commissions, which made him possibly the most influential commercial artist in the United States at the time.



His Arrow Collar Man, who was modeled on his lover, Charles Beach, became the masculine equivalent of the Gibson Girl, an ideal of beauty to be emulated by the mass of American men. Leyendecker also did advertising illustration for Hart, Schaffner & Marx.





Leyendecker was the chief influence on, and a friend of, Norman Rockwell, who was a pallbearer at Leyendecker's funeral.

In 1914 the Leyendecker brothers built an estate in New Rochelle, New York, where they, their sister, and Charles Beach, lived.


Leyendecker was elected to the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 1977.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way it's animals are treated."
Mahatma Gandhi

My PUG Daisy entered my life on June 18, 1995 which is more than 12 years of unconditional love. She has been there for me thru the best of times, and the worse of times.




Throughout the last twelve years, I created a Doggie Diva.... stubborn, spoiled and delightfully demanding; but hopelessly devoted to me.

Six months ago, I noticed that Daisy was having difficulty walking with her back legs and immediately consulted a Canine Geriatric Specialist in a nearby town. Daisy was diagnosed with arthritis and some deterioration in the lower spinal discs; not painful but somewhat uncomfortable. We began a series of treatments, new medications and a perscription diet which, in combination would keep Daisy pain and discomfort free.


Each month, we return for consultation, blood work, prescription dog food and medication. Surgery is not an option and euthanasia is not a even a consideration.

Despite difficulty walking, Daisy remains playful and is enjoying a quality of life many would envy.

Last month during her monthly examination, Daisy had developed an ear infection; easily healed with additional medication, antibiotics.

This week, I noticed a discharge at her left eye which became ulcerated. Today, after a visit to an eye specialist, medications were perscribed as well as a mild sedative. Additionally, Daisy is wearing one of those horrid looking Elizabethan collars to prevent further damage to the eye. I have to dispense eye drop A: 4 times daily, eye drop B: 3 times daily as well as mild sedative to keep her calm. Re-examination in five days. PRAY or send positive energy our way, please.....

The cost for all of the above treatments and medications has become prohibitive but my employer is allowing me to work at home and as long as Daisy remains otherwise healthy and pain free, we will persevere.

As I previously stated, after twelve years of unconditional love I owe Daisy a happy, comfortable, pain free and much longer life. As I write, my other PUG, Muggs is sleeping at my feet. More about my adorable "bad boy" at a later date!

There is another reason for this post. My peers at work asked today if I had posted about Atlanta Falcon football star Michael Vick. I answered NO, I found the subject of animal abuse too upsetting. They asked that I make my voice heard .......

I was unable to sleep last nite. I kept thinking about.........

(CNN) -- Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick faces criminal charges and a possible prison sentence for allegedly participating in an enterprise that trained pit bulls for death matches in which spectators bet on the outcome, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Vick, 27, and three associates were indicted by a federal grand jury in Richmond, Virginia, on a conspiracy count alleging they bought and sponsored dogs in an animal fighting venture and traveled across state lines to participate in illegal activity, including gambling.

According to the indictment, dogs that didn't show enough fighting spirit, or that lost matches, were put to death by a variety of methods, including shooting, drowning, hanging and electrocution and on at least one occasion a dog was thrown to the floor to it's death
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Prosecutors alledge that on one occasion earlier this year, Vick participated in killing eight dogs.

Michael Vick has a 120 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Falcons as well as several endorsement contracts, including NIKE.


It's time to show the dog fighting world that animal abuse is illegal and will not be tolerated in America.

I urge you to contact the Atlanta Falcon organization and voice your concern. There is a pre printed ready to submit form at PETA.

Please take a minute to visit their site and become involved!

THANKS






Friday, July 20, 2007

TGIF EYE CANDY FRIDAY

A friend was telling me this week that when a major insurance firm moved it's offices from New York to Florida, the dress code was "suit and tie" without exception.

Within three months, Fridays became "dressy casual" until the month of May when "dressy casual" became acceptable five days per week. By the end of June, the dress code became "casual" with no jeans, tee shirts, tank tops, sneakers or flip flops allowed.

I work for a not-for-profit organization with 1200 employees whose dress code thankfully, is similar to the one above. In 95 degree heat, going to work in dress shorts, polo shirts and casual shoes is a welcomed alternative to the suit and tie!




To those of you who have the luxury of a two day weekend, I will once again be working Saturday. While I continue with a double case load of clients pending the hire of an additional case manager/social worker, the only opportunity I have to complete documentation is on Saturdays. The presently vacant position will be filled within the next two weeks by one of two finalists. Not soon enough for me!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

THURSDAY EYE CANDY

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THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF DYLAN RICCI

Dylan Ricci photographs create images of the male nude that are timeless and which capture the true beauty, power and majesty of the male body.



Tuesday, July 17, 2007

TUESDAY EYE CANDY

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Tuesday's eye candy will certainly raise some eyebrows if I make the mistake of saying this young man is holding a soccer ball..... which of course it is, if you happen to live in America.

My good friends and blogmasters Ric (Portugal) and Leone (UK) will insist it's a Football/Fùtbol.

Football, soccer ball, whatever ball........ I say "drop the ball and let's play!


Monday, July 16, 2007

MONDAY EYE CANDY

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After having worked a six day week, Sunday was spent doing absolutely NOTHING!
Suddenly, it's Monday morning and I wake up to the realization that this is the beginning of another six day work week..... and the hope that we will soon replace the "missing link".

'Example

Although the weather is much too hot to be eating chocolate, I recall the old M&M commercial "M&M's melt in your mouth, not in your hand".

Presenting Monday's M&M .....



ON THE POLITICAL FRONT~

Last week was not a good week for Republicans..... with four getting caught with their pants down/dicks out/wallets open.

US Senator David Vitter was "exposed" for using the services of the DC Madam and a Madam in New Orleans.

Florida House member Bob Allen was arrested for offering a cop twenty-dollars for sex.

North Carolina State Representative David Almond resigned amid allegations that he exposed himself and chased a female employee saying "suck it"!

New York city councilman David Gallagher is under investigation for allegedly assaulting sexually a woman he picked up in a bar.

Neighbors at his well-groomed home said the councilman and his wife often fight loudly enough for people outside to hear.

"They're always screaming at one another," said one neighbor, who said she'd heard Mrs. Gallagher tell her husband that he was a "lying, cheating piece of shit and she wants him out of the house."

All of these men are married. Doesn't the bible say something about adultry?

Sunday, July 15, 2007

WHAT IS THIS MAN THINKING?

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I THINK THE RED PRADA SHOES ARE TOO TIGHT~
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LORENZAGO DI CADORE, Italy - Pope Benedict XVI has reasserted the universal primacy of the Roman Catholic Church, approving a document released Tuesday that says Orthodox churches were defective and that other Christian denominations were not true churches.

Benedict approved a document from his old offices at the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that restates church teaching on relations with other Christians. It was the second time in a week the pope has corrected what he says are erroneous interpretations of the Second Vatican Council, the 1962-65 meetings that modernized the church.



Meanwhile, back in the USA..... those Catholic pedophile priests appear to have been very busy!

The Los Angeles, California archdiocese and its insurers will pay between $600 million and $650 million to about 500 plaintiffs who have been abused—an average of $1.2 million to $1.3 million per person. The settlement also calls for the release of confidential priest personnel files after review by a judge assigned to oversee the litigation, the sources said.

The settlement would be the largest ever by a Roman Catholic archdiocese since the clergy sexual abuse scandal erupted in Boston in 2002.

Among the largest total payouts was $100 million in 2004 by the Diocese of Orange, Calif., to settle 90 claims.

The Archdiocese of Boston agreed in 2003 to pay $84 million for 552 cases, roughly the same figure the Diocese of Covington, Ky., agreed last year to pay to settle about 360 claims.

Facing a flood of abuse claims, five dioceses—Tucson, Ariz.; Spokane, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Davenport, Iowa, and San Diego—sought bankruptcy protection.

Last month, the Archdiocese of Portland agreed to pay about $52 million to 175 people, while setting aside another $20 million for anyone who comes forward in the future.

The Diocese of Spokane, Wash., also recently emerged from bankruptcy protection after agreeing to pay $48 million to settle about 150 claims.

The Los Angeles archdiocese, its insurers and various Roman Catholic orders have paid more than $114 million to settle 86 claims so far.


Saturday, July 14, 2007

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY RICARDO!

My blogmaster and dear friend Ric (Portugal) is celebrating his first year of blogging anniversary today...... I look forward to many more years of reading De Viris Pulchris et Aliis.



The Two Gentlemen of Portugal
Steve Walker 2004

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JOUR DE LA BASTILLE: LE 14 JUILLET

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All of the planning had been done, all of the arrangements made, and all of the contingencies carefully thought out; everything was ready. As the morning of July 14th 1789 dawned, the mob gathered, heading for the thick, foreboding walls of the hated Bastille. Guarded by eighty-two aging veterans and reinforced by only thirty-two Swiss mercenaries, the besiegers, numbering near a thousand, felt that they could easily overwhelm the political prison.

The defenders of the Bastille, not fearing the onslaught proposed by the attackers, spent the previous week repairing a long since damaged drawbridge, boarding windows, and reinforcing walls. They were not worried, expecting only a mob attack. However, three hundred French soldiers deserted their ranks to join in the attack. Had it not been for these soldiers, the Bastille would not have been taken. As it was, the besiegers quickly broke through the gates, and, despite the threat of 20,000 pounds of gun power igniting, destroying everything in the violent explosion, won the fortified prison.

The storming, and subsequent take over of the Bastille, ushered in the beginning of the French Revolution. No longer were the angry peasants defying local lords, but they were now striking at the symbolic heart of the monarchy. The Bastille, a hated emblem of control and domination, became the war cry for hundreds of thousands of scorned and maltreated revolutionaries. However, the Bastille did not always ring with such discord as it did in the late seventeen hundreds.

Cardinal Richelieu, acting under King Louis XIII, imprisoned any displeasing character for any reason. Prisoners were arrested by a secret warrant issued by the King called a lettres-de-cachet. Not allowed a trail, told what their offense was, or even what their punishment was to be, these enemies of the King were quickly taken away and imprisoned in one of the many high towers of the Bastille.

Famous prisoners include Voltaire, the famous political writer, and Marquis de Sade, a well-known French writer.

When prisoners were released from the walls of the Bastille, they were allowed to go only if they agreed never to tell what they had seen or what had happened inside the feared prison. This lack of knowledge about the Bastille helped to create a mystique of horror and terror that the King could use to coerce certain things out of people. However, the reality of the Bastille was much different than the mystique created by the King.

All of the rooms until the year 1701 were left unfurnished. Wealthy political prisoners were allowed to bring in their own furniture, many even brought their own servants with them. Meals were of generous proportions, and more luxurious meals could be bought if the prisoner was wealthy enough. Most prisoners were docile. They were allowed to walk freely around the fortress, talk with officers and other prisoners and play games. Many had their own personal hobbies, and a few were even allowed to visit the city of Paris on parole. The Bastille was much more comfortable, even homelike, than the horrific rumors that circled around France proclaimed.

In 1789 when the angry mob broke through the walls and stormed the Bastille they found only seven prisoners inside: four forgers, two lunatics, and a young noble. However, it was not to free the prisoners inside that the battle was fought. Instead, it was to bring down the single most important symbol of the King’s power. The Governor of the Bastille, De Launay, had his head cut off and paraded around the streets of Paris on a pike. In the end eighty-three attackers were dead, and seventy-three injured. The guards only suffered one death and three wounded.

Since 1880 July 14th, Bastille Day, has been celebrated to commemorate the storming of the Bastille and the end of the French monarchy and remains an important national holiday in France where the fallen are remembered, the courageous honored, and the heroic deified.

Friday, July 13, 2007

A HYPOCRITE AND A LIAR!

While discussing the arrest of Republican state representative Robert Allen at work today, my co-workers questioned my reasoning for placing emphasis on this news story and featuring it on my blog (see my previous post).

I explained it in simple terms. Part of the mission statement of this blog is to expose hypocrisy and/or bigotry in politics and religion.

Mr. Allen has consistently voted against gay rights (including the right to marry), voted against laws that would protect the younger gay community from harassment in schools, aligned himself with the christian coalition more than 90% of the time and ...... this one is hard to believe ...... authored a failed Florida House Bill #1475, the "Lewd Or Lascivious Exhibition Act" which would have made public masturbation in the presence of another adult illegal, whether the other adult consented or not.

THIS IS A HYPOCRITE!

"I'm not in anyway associated with what they are saying,

this is disgusting." Republican state representative Bob Allen said shortly after he was arrested Wednesday.

As Mr. Allen continues to deny his involvement, below is the arresting affidavit and at the bottom of this post, you can click on a link which will bring you to the actual arrest record.




"On 11 July 2007 at approximately 1533 hours I was conducting a plain clothes investigation in the area of 10 Broad Street (Space View Park). I observed a white male driving a silver 4 door Toyota pull into the driveway, which is a roundabout, twice within a matter of moments. I recall this because I was conducting surveillance in an attempt to capture a burglar in a nearby condominium and I was concerned about counter-surveillance.

"I observed Allen walk into the men's restroom ... I then observed Allen leave the restroom and walk towards a park bench. I then entered the bathroom to adjust my police radio. On my way out of the restroom I almost bumped into Allen who was on his way into the restroom again. Allen changed his course of direction when he saw that I was leaving the restroom and went back towards his park bench. I talked with the other officers again and then entered the bathroom and began washing my hands. Allen entered the the restroom behind me and proceeded into the first stall.

"I realized there were no paper towels to dry my hands so I walked into the handicap stall to dry my hands. As I stood in the stall drying my hands I observed Allen look over the door of my stall and make eye contact with me. Allen then stepped away and then came back to the door of my stall and looked in, making eye contact with me again.

"I said 'hey buddy' and Allen said 'hi' and then stepped away again. About 5 seconds later Allen pushed open the door to my stall and stepped inside. I was standing againste the far wall of the stall . Allen closed the door behind him and stood against it. I said 'What's up?' and Allen again said 'hi.' Allen then said, 'this is kind of a public place isn't it?' I said, 'do you have somewhere else we can go?' Allen said, 'How about across the bridge, it's quiet over there.' Allen engaged me in a conversation in which it was agreed that he would pay me $20 in order to perform a 'blow job' on me. Allen stated that he wanted me to ride with him across the river before he performed the act and gave me the money. Before entering Allen's vehicle I identified myself as a police officer and detained him."

To see a copy of the actual police report, click
here.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

IT'S THE HYPOCRISY, STUPID!

In the last session of the Florida legislature, conservative republican State Representative Robert Allen sponsored a failed bill that would have tightened the state's prohibition on public sex.

He also has been a supporter of amending the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage and has opposed a bill to curb bullying of gay students.
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"I'm not in anyway associated with that they are saying, this is disgusting." state representative Bob Allen said shortly after he was arrested Wednesday.



Titusville, Florida police say they have arrested Republican Florida State Representative Robert "Bob" Allen, of Merrit Island, on second degree charges for solicitation for prostitution.

Allen, 48, was arrested Wednesday afternoon at Veteran's Memorial Park on East Broad St. in Titusville. The park was under surveillance by a detail of undercover police officers.

Officers say they noticed Allen acting suspicious as he went in and out of the men's restroom 3 times. Minutes later, he solicited an undercover male officer inside the restroom, offering to perform oral sex for $20. Officers realized he was a public figure after the arrest.

Married with one daughter, Allen has a strong conservative record.

Between 2003 and 2006 Allen voted with the Christian Coalition over 90% of the time.

Allen has been endorsed by the Florida Right to Life Committee and this year he voted to impose a 24-hour waiting period on third-trimester abortions.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

LA POPESSA

She was a very pretty Bavarian nun named Josefine Lehnert a.k.a. Mother Pasqualina. According to UPI, she was one of the most rarely photographed women in the world. She ruled the Vatican with an iron fist. Nobody saw the Pope without her approval.


La Popessa (1894-1983) was the housekeeper for Eugenio Pacelli (Pope Pius XII) since their first meeting in Munich, Germany in 1917.

Never far from his sight, La Popessa was by the Pope's side during his final moments and tried to take charge even after his death. French Cardinal Tisserant hated her and ordered her to quit the Vatican by nightfall on the day of the Pope's funeral.


The nun by the window is La Popessa—keeping watch over the body of Pius XII.




ALLEN DION PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS
A NEW MUSICAL
Book, Music & Lyrics by: Allen M. Dion
LA POPESSA



Lapopessa is the incredible story of the "secret" love relationship between a nun, Sister Pascalina, and a priest, Eugenio Pacelli, who was to become Pope Pius XII.

Sister Pascalina, regarded as the most powerful woman in the history of the Vatican, secretly lived in the private Papal apartment with the Pope for 20 years defending and protecting Pius while standing up to the male hierarchy.

She functioned, in many ways, as the Pope and was responsible for many of the main decisions made during his papacy.


She was directly involved in negotiations with Hitler and Mussolini and met with them both as she helped changed the course of history. Sister Pascalina formed the Pontifical Relief Committee which issued false Christian identification papers to about a million Jews and tunneled them to freedom through the Vatican. She oversaw the melting of ancient Vatican gold treasures to pay Nazis ransom to save Jews throughout Europe. All this was being secretly accomplished as Pius XII was publicly being condemned by the world as "the Silent Pope" for not speaking against the attrocities. But behind the scenes, the committed effort to save lives was a major accomplishment that will only now be known.

Lapopessa, which means female Pope in Italian, is the story that the Catholic church has always denied. Pascalina has never officially existed as a force that changed history, but she is written of and alluded to in several books.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

FAMILY VALUES AND HYPOCRISY

Senator David Vitter, a churchgoing Catholic who is married and has four children, is seen as a hard-line right-winger. A staunch supporter of President Bush, Vitter has built his reputation on family-values platforms such as marriage protection and abstinence-only programs.

In opposition to same-sex marriage, Vitter recently stated, "Marriage is a core institution of societies throughout the world and throughout history. It's something that has provided permanence and stability for our very social structure."


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Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), whose telephone number was disclosed by the so-called "D.C. Madam" accused of running a prostitution ring, says he is sorry for a "serious sin" and that he has already made peace with his wife.

"This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible," Vitter said Monday in a printed statement.


"Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there - with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way."

Today, Jeanette Maier, a former madam, said Vitter had been a customer of her New Orleans brothel. Maier pleaded guilty to running the brothel in 2002. Vitter's office did not respond to requests for comment on her claim.
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"I'm a lot more like Lorena Bobbitt than Hillary. If he does something like that, I'm walking away with one thing, and it's not alimony, trust me."

-- Wendy Vitter, when asked by an interviewer in 2000 whether she could forgive her husband, Sen. David Vitter, if she learned he'd had an extramarital affair, as Hillary Clinton had done.




As a personal footnote to those family values conservatives who continue to preach morality but continue to be "caught with their pants down", there is no longer a need to ask God for forgivness. Simply purchase a package of the new and disposable WASH AWAY SINS toweletts......

Monday, July 09, 2007

THE THINKING BLOGGER

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I'm honored to have been nominated for the "THINKING BLOGGER AWARD" by one of my favorite BLOGMASTERS, Michael at "Coming Out in Mid-Life in Red America". Michael often writes on bigotry and hypocrisy in the religious and political arenas. Michael also presents a personal look into the difficulties of coming out gay after marriage, fatherhood and divorce. Thank You, Michael.....

I now have the pleasure of nominating five blogs that make me think.

1.) I've chosen as my first nominee, a gentleman from Lisbon, Portugal, my dear friend Ric of: De Viris Pulchris et Aliis. Ric has introduced me to a world of literature, art, music, history and of course the beautiful country where he resides, Portugal. Ric writes in several languages but English and Portuguese dominate. I truly admire and respect Ric.

2.) My second nominee is a delightfully funny, interesting and informative gentlaman from Great Britain, currently living in the Republic of South Korea; Leone of Queer Eye Korea. Leone is a strong advocate of human rights, discusses and is fearless in expressing his opinion of world politics, and has introduced me to Korean food and culture. Leone taught me the difference between football and "football" and has been known to publish some rather interesting "eye candy".


3.) My third nominee is the wonderfully interesting Cracker Lilo of Cracker Lilo's Front Porch. Cracker Lilo is a strong advocate of Gay Rights, Human Rights, Animal Rights, the environment; and is not at all afraid to make her voice heard. Although living in New York state, Cracker Lilo and her spouse L'ailee were married when gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts.....

4.) My fourth nominee is a lady who actually lives is the same small city as me who I've never never had the pleasure of meeting. Connie of Greetings from Florida is a wife, mother, proud grandmother and friend of writes about family, her travels and politics. Connie was my rock, strength and inspiration when Hurricane Katrina destroyed my beautiful New Orleans. She is a strong human and animal rights activist, and gay advocate.

5.) My last but not least nominee is a "young" man who was my inspiration to begin blogging. Brett of Brett Cajun blogs a lot about his favorite subject, which just happens to be Brett Cajun but he does this in an informative, interesting yet humorous way. I admire his fierce competetive spirit, the love of his pets, his devotion to his partner and friends, New Orleans, LSU and "our" Saints. Brett is a "no nonsense" political activist.



1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,

2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the TAG,

3. Optional: Proudly display the ‘Thinking Blogger Award’ with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn’t fit your blog).


Saturday, July 07, 2007

THE BIBLE AND THE GAY COMMUNITY~

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Most Christians don't know this about the bible:

Jesus says nothing about same-sex behavior.

The Jewish prophets are silent about homosexuality.

Only six or seven of the Bible's one million verses refer to same-sex behavior in any way -- and none of these verses refer to homosexual orientation as it's understood today.


- Rev. Mel White (Soulforce)




Proof that fundamentalists selectively quote the Bible:

A lesson about the book of Leviticus . . .

Homophobic fundamentalists often quote two particular verses that seem to be against gay people. These two verses, both of which appear in the book of Leviticus, are . . .

"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination." (Leviticus 18:22)

and . . .

"If a man lie with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them." (Leviticus 20:13)

Below, we'll take a look at other scripture verses that are in the exact same book (Leviticus) as the above verse. This exercise proves that those preachers who are so enthusiastic about quoting the book of Leviticus to affirm their personal prejudice against people who are gay or lesbian become awfully quiet when it comes to other verses that appear in the very same book.

Remember, this isn't about faith whatsoever. It's about people who have pre-existing anti-gay prejudice in their hearts. They choose the Christian Bible as the tool which which they attempt to affirm and legitimize that pre-existing prejudice.
Sadly, the truth is that they just don't like gay people.

"For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon him." (Leviticus 20:9)
Imagine what would happen today if we killed every child who was disrespectful to his parents. Fundamentalists explain this verse away, saying that it is part of the Old Levitical Holiness Code and is not meant to be taken literally.
But the above verse is just a mere 3 verses before Leviticus 20:13, one of their favorite anti-gay scriptures which, of course, they do choose to apply literally.
It's just incredible, isn't it?

Fundamentalists change their entire methodology of scriptural interpretation when it suits their purpose, even when dealing with verses that are a just couple of sentences away from each other!

"If a man lies with a woman during her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has discovered her flow, and she has uncovered the flow of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from her people." (Leviticus 20:18)

Imagine what would happen today if we deported every man and woman who had ever had sex together while the woman was having her period. Fundamentalists decline the opportunity to take this verse literally, which is merely 5 verses after Leviticus 20:13.

"Your male and female slaves are to come from the nations around you; from them you may buy slaves. You may also buy some of the temporary residents living among you and members of their clans born in your country, and they will become your property." (Leviticus 25:44-45)

Did you ever wonder where racist, uneducated Southerners in the 19th century got the idea that slaves were just property and not people? Directly from the above verse, which fundamentalists do not, of course, take literally.

"Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard." (Leviticus 19:27)

"Bible-believing" fundamentalists never preach against the evils of shaving, as they do not take this verse literally for our day. Of course, they most certainly would do so if they had a personal bias against shaving, but apparently, they do not.

"...and the swine, though it divides the hoof, having cloven hooves, yet does not chew the cud, is unclean to you." (Leviticus 11:7)

As you can see, the book of Leviticus also prohibits the eating of pork (a swine is a pig). Of course, fundamentalists do not choose to use this verse to preach against eating pork. Sadly, however, they have no problem abusing the Bible to condemn gay and lesbian people. Remember, it's about their personal prejudice against gay people, not about a true desire to understand what the Bible actually says.

"...do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear material woven of two kinds of material." (Leviticus 19:19)

Farmers in this country almost always grow more than one kind of crop in their fields. In fact, they often must do so for ecological reasons. Fundamentalists do not apply this verse literally. If they were to preach against farmers, there would be an uproar, and rightfully so.

Fundamentalists also ignore the Biblical command to not wear clothes that have two different kinds of material. The shirts that many fundamentalists are often seen wearing must be a cotton/polyester blend, the most common in the United States of America.

They may be "Bible believing" Christians, but this is yet another verse that they don't believe should be applied to today.


~Author Anonymous



Following are a few more quotes "just for your reading pleasure" ......

DEUTERONOMY 22:13-21
If it is discovered that a bride is not a virgin, the Bible demands that she be executed by stoning immediately.


DEUTERONOMY 22:22
If a married person has sex with someone else's husband or wife, the Bible commands that both adulterers be stoned to death.


MARK 10:1-12
Divorce is strictly forbidden in both Testaments, as is remarriage of anyone who has been divorced.


LEVITICUS 18:19
The Bible forbids a married couple from having sexual intercourse during a woman's period. If they disobey, both shall be executed.


MARK 12:18-27
If a man dies childless, his widow is ordered by biblical law to have intercourse with each of his brothers in turn until she bears her deceased husband a male heir.


DEUTERONOMY 25:11-12
If a man gets into a fight with another man and his wife seeks to rescue her husband by grabbing the enemy's genitals, her hand shall be cut off and no pity shall be shown her.

Friday, July 06, 2007

HYPOCRISY THRU THE AGES ~


The first edition of the English Bible commonly known as the "King James Version" was printed in 1611.

King James VI of Scotland & I of Great Britain had sponsored the project, and the translators appropriately dedicated the new Bible to him."

Throughout his youth, James was praised for his chastity, since he showed little interest in women; and although he preferred the company of males and showed a special fondness for the Duke of Lennox; a suitable marriage, was necessary to reinforce his monarchy, and the choice fell on the fourteen-year-old Anne of Denmark (born October 1574), younger daughter of the Protestant Frederick II. The couple produced three surviving children: Henry, Prince of Wales, who was to die, probably of typhoid, in 1612, aged 18; Elizabeth, later Queen of Bohemia; and Charles, the future King Charles I of England.

Shortly after his marriage to Anne, King James having already been involved in a love affair with the Duke of Lennox; took as his current lover in England, a young man whose special relationship with the king would earn him the Earldom of Somerset.

By 1615, however, Somerset's fortunes declined and James succeeded in luring his most famous lover, George Villiers, later Duke of Buckingham, into bed. What are we to make of these relationships between King James and his so-called "favorites?"

in 1617 James addressed the venerable Privy Council with an official affirmation of his right to love men:

"I, James, am neither a god nor an angel, but a man like any other. Therefore I act like a man and confess to loving those dear to me more than other men. You may be sure that I love the Earl of Buckingham more than anyone else, and more than you who are here assembled. I wish to speak in my own behalf and not to have it thought to be a defect, for Jesus Christ did the same, and therefore I cannot be blamed. Christ had John, and I have George."

Quote from a letter written by James I to the Duke of Buckingham: "I desire only to live in the world for your sake, and I had rather live banished in any part of the world with you, than live a sorrowful widow-life without you. And so God bless you, my sweet child and wife, and grant that ye may ever be a comfort to your dear dad and husband."

Théophile de Viau did not mince words in describing the king's relationship. In his poem, Au Marquis du Boukinquan, (1623) de Viau writes:

Apollo with his songs
Debauched young Hyacinthus
Just as Corydon fucked Amyntas,
So Caesar did not spurn boys.

One man fucks Monsieur le Grand de Bellegarde,
Another fucks the Comte de Tonnerre.
And it is well known that the King of England
Fucks the Duke of Buckingham.


Assasinated in 1628 the Duke of Buckingham's body was entombed in the Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey, hitherto reserved for royalty, where it now resides beneath a recumbent bronze effigy near the tomb of his beloved King James who died in 1625. On a tablet facing the tomb is the famous (Latin) inscription describing him as "THE ENIGMA OF THE WORLD."

The magnificent Buckingham tomb is on James's left; on his right is the tomb (with bronze figures representing Hope, Truth, Charity and Faith) of his other lover, Ludovic Stuart, Duke of Richmond and Lennox.

King James was responsible for the restoration and remodelling of the Henry VII Chapel—presumably to celebrate for eternity his love for two men.

Many earlier historians treated the subject of James' homosexuality with shock, disdain, and denial. Only recently has the subject been treated more seriously and fairly by scholars such as Caroline Bingham, Jonathan Goldberg Roger Lockyer, and David Bergeron.

Wednesday, July 04, 2007

BY THE NUMBERS

777,000



777,000 is the number of openly gay two person households in America in 2005, according to the American Community Survey in which the Census Bureau quizzes a statistically representative sample of 14-million households. That's a 30 percent increase from the 2000 census, a rate of growth five times faster than the population as a whole.




The increase was most pronounced in the Midwest, with Wisconsin showing an 81 percent jump in the number of same-sex couples and Minnesota, Kansas, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri and Indiana among the 10 fastest growing states in this respect.





What this means, perhaps, is that gay America is becoming more like Middle America. "Much of the stereotype around gays is a stereotype of urban white gay men" says UCLA law school research fello Gary Gates, an expert on the themography of geography of the gay and lesbian population. "The gay population is becoming less like that and more like the population in general."

Gay couples are still more likely than straight ones to live in cities, but the gap is smaller than popularly believed and closing. -The Economist


The Art of Steve Walker