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Sometimes size matters...

I thought this message was delivered so well. Thanks Mark for showing me this. I appreciate you keeping the circle alive. x.

The United States by hand, my man...

I remember when I was a little boy I had to memorize the capitals to all 50 states for a test in 4th grade. I was a pretty good student in school but I could procrastinate like the best of them. I remember telling my Mom about my little test that was coming up...oooooh....the next morning! I hadn't studied as I was told and my Mom was not one to let her lil' man fail and certainly not over something as simple as a few measly capitals! She and I created a song to help me remember all 50 of them. I don't remember how the song goes now but it was a lengthy little ditty that had us up until the weeee hours of the morning. Well, despite the lack of sleep, the song helped me pass that test with flying colors. (Thanks again Ma! You were a musical genius!) Anywhooooo, the following video reminded me of that experience and it's pretty darn fun. Senator Al Franken shows off his US knowledge in a slightly different manner by drawing the entire United States by memory at the Minnesota State Fair recently. The video is fun and worth the watch. Check it!

Lemonade.

Having known so many people that have been affected by this recession, the following movie trailer struck home with me. Being fired from a job in this tough time can either make or break you. For the individuals in the new documentary called Lemonade, things are looking up.

"More than 70,000 advertising professionals have lost their jobs in this “Great Recession.” Lemonade is about what happens when people who were once paid to be creative in advertising are forced to be creative with their own lives."

Miracle in Milwaukee.

Via Towleroad comes a clip from CNN that is absolutely riveting. The clip shows a car accident that took place in Milwaukee where a mother flipped her car while driving with her two children that left them all trapped in the burning vehicle. The scene is tense, scary and panicked but in the end it is truly amazing. The clip is tough to watch but it will leave you with a comforting feeling that there are still people out there willing to risk their lives for their fellow man. Watch.

Did you know?

Out there on their own.

 Check this out. Via towleroad.com comes this very haunting photo. This is the downed airliner resting in the middle of the Hudson River before help arrived. What an absolutely crazy accident that was yesterday! WOW.
 
Click the photo to enlarge.

Eloquent, dontcha know?

EW! This woman is utterly worthless. I loathe her.

However, I don't mind this hooker making a fool of herself. Gross!

Your world, your choice.

Alice says so.

Whether it is a litter box or a nation - Alice would agree with this lil' kitty. Change is good. Meow - NOW VOTE!

Thanks Matthew.

Barack Obama: Closing Argument

The closing argument on a hopeful beginning.

Michelle (Future First Lady) Obama does Leno.

Her appearance can be found below in two parts. I love her. What a fabulous lady. Enjoy. xx.

Wassup 2.0

The Bush economy has not been kind to the Waaaaaaasuuuuuuup crew. True...True.

Thanks Matt!

Amazing Heights.

Did you hear about the guy that flew over the Alps who WAS NOT flying in an airplane but rather a jet pack strapped to his back with wings?! You need to! I love the ingenuity of some folks.

Taken from the Daily Mail: Some people go fishing on their day off. Yves Rossy likes to jump out of a small plane with a pair of jet-powered wings on his back and loop the loop above the Swiss Alps. The self-built contraption took the former fighter pilot five years to build and perfect - and yesterday he gave it its maiden flight. Stepping out of an aircraft at 7,500ft, Rossy unfolded the 10ft rigid wings strapped to his back as he plummeted earthwards. Passing from freefall into a gentle glide, he triggered the four jet turbines and accelerated to 190mph above the mountaintops. Steering with his body, Rossy dived, turned and soared again, flying what appeared to be effortless loops from one side of the Rhone valley to the other. At times he climbed 2,600ft before diving again, leaving a trail of special-effects smoke in his wake.

Check out the video. WOW.

Presidential questions...

Are you having trouble choosing which Presidential Candidate represents your beliefs and values? Do you wanna know where they stand on the issues based on how they've spoken out on the issues? Does a candidate's voting record on the important topics mean something to you? Visit GLASSBOOTH.ORG to take a brief quiz. Based on your answers to multiple high profile questions, the survey will match you up with the candidate that most closely reflects your beliefs. In these uncertain times, where we are in desperate need of change, the opportunity has come to get out there and campaign (or at least vote!) for your ideal candidate. This quick quiz takes the initial guess work out of finding the right man or woman right for the White House. Take the quiz today!

Benazir Bhutto

"You can imprison a man, but not an idea. You can exile a man, but not an idea. You can kill a man, but not an idea."
Benazir Bhutto, Former Prime minister of Pakistan (1953 – 2007)

Don't forget!

The fire in Jason's eyes...

My friend Jason just flew back home to California from London. He was greeted by the wildfires that are ravaging his neighborhood in Southern California. His single tale is one among milions in this awful tragedy but it speaks volumes. Check out the story in his own words by clicking here. Keep your fingers crossed that the winds die down and less destruction is amassed.

Who's the guy?

Whoa - the word is out that Katie Couric isn't too happy about her switch to CBS from her highly successful run on The Today Show. What she should be worrying about is not giving clearance on what photos of her are used. I saw the cover of my New York Magazine and thought, based on the headline "Oh my god...What did I do?", it was a story of a man who had a sex change and was now regretting his choice! No kidding. That is such an awful photo of her. I just...can't...even look at it. Yikes. In the article, Katie admits to slapping a CBS editor after he inserted one of her most hated words "sputum" in to her newscast one evening. Someone is a weeeee bit sensitive these days! If I were the photo editors at NY Mag, I'd watch my back. Katie's one tough cookie and she isn't afraid take it to the ring. That picture choice is worth more than a few slaps. What happened to the sweet Katie that everyone loved? Sounds like girlfriend needs a change of scene. Perhaps, due to ratings, she'll get just that.

LIVE EARTH - 07.07.07

Live Earth takes place tomorrow.

Check out the following video to get a glimpse into the day.


Video: Live Earth Concert 07.07.07

'Vanity' in Africa

The July issue of Vanity Fair will have 20 different covers shot by the fantasic photographer Annie Liebovitz. Included in the covers are Oprah Winfrey, Madonna, George W. Bush, Chris Rock, Maya Angelou, Condoleeza Rice, Bill Gates, Barack Obama, George Clooney, Iman, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z and Brad Pitt among others. The shots are supposed to represent "a visual chain letter spreading the message from person to person to person." The entire issue is dedicated to history, struggle, and future of this challenged nation. Also featured within the pages of the magazine are a selection of photos taken during Madonna's most recent trip to Malawi as well as news on the documentary she is filming about the plight of those living in Malawi. You can check out all the various covers here. Also, online only, you can view a behind the scenes video of Annie's amazing photo shoot with all of celebrity contributors. The site goes on to say "In this behind-the-scenes footage, which is accompanied by a beautiful track from popular Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour, Annie Leibovitz and guest editor Bono go about the business of creating the issue's 20 iconic covers." SEE IT HERE NOW. Enjoy. xo.

Home Sad Home

It truly saddens me about the massacre that took place down in my home state of Virginia. The destruction that this person gunman brought is beyond anything I have ever seen. I hope that the families find the strength to get through all this. It seems there are more questions than answers at this time. All of this is truly beyond sad. Hug the people in your life that are near...call the ones that aren't. NOTHING is guaranteed in this world - absolutely nothing. 

Late day linkage...

Helen Mirren goes commando at the Oscars? Helen, speaking about her one of a kind Christian Lacroix gown, told Oprah Winfrey on Oscar night "It was all made for me so I didn't have to have any underwear." Grasping her breasts to illustrate her point, she added: "It fitted me like two angel's hands. I cried when I put it on, it is a work of art."

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Is Former Vice President Al Gore being called a hypocrite? He is by some who say his Nashville mansion uses way too much energy. "In general, I applaud his efforts to reduce energy consumption, but if he is going to be a spokesman for global warming, he has to be willing to make the same sacrifices." said Drew Johnson, President of the Tennessee Center for Policy Research.

UPDATE: My friend Carrie posted a comment that read: I've read that we should take the Gore report with a grain of salt. Some research has shown that the Tennessee Center for Policy Research is supported only by conservative people, which makes their research suspect. I completely agree with Carrie. I'm absolutely sure that any "research" they have done is going to be biased. I'm sure the folks who run the Tennessee Center for Policy Research are the same type of folks who won't even admit Global Warming is even an issue. Thanks Carrie!
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Elizabeth Taylor - Movie star, AIDS Activist, Humanitarian and Wife (married 8 times to 7 husbands - she married Richard Burton twice!) just celebrated her 75th birthday on Tuesday in a glitzy and glamorous party in Las Vegas. Taylor has won two Oscars for best actress and starred in more than 55 films, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Butterfield 8, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Cleopatra.

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Wanna be featured in a Gucci advertisement? All you need is a camera, some Photoshop skills and the know the right people to call. A Swiss man shot his own Gucci ad and then acting as a representative from Gucci sent the photo to the Swiss Sonntags- Zeitung Newspaper to be included in Sunday's edition. He told the newspaper to send Gucci the bill. They did! The conman has managed to dupe the owners of Swiss newspaper into publishing a two-page advert he created of himself posing semi-naked beside a bottle of Gucci perfume. The man, who claimed to represent the Italian fashion giant, called up the Swiss weekly Sonntags- Zeitung last week to book the expensive colour spread in Sunday's edition. Brilliant! I bet a a ton of starving models wished they thought of that. What great exposure! (Until he is caught, at least!)

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Want your own Britney Spears "Ready for Rehab" doll? Look no further than eBay. It's true - you really can find everything on eBay! A quick search on eBay results in multiple listings for Bald Britney dolls. Now if I can get my hands on a "Kevin Federline - Dad of the Year Doll" I'll be set! wink wink.

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What's that smell?

This morning there are reports that a strong odor could be smelled across much of Manhattan. Investigators are suspecting a large scale gas leak. I sent a link about this story to my boyfriend who quickly said the likely cause could be our cat Alice's litter tray. haha. Having only had a cat for just over a week, I'm still learning about the joys of cleaning out a litter box. Can I tell you? It's FUN stuff. ok..it's not but....just look at her....cute right?? I think anyone could get over the work involved with a cat when it looks so darn adorable.

(and FYI – this WILL NOT become a cat blog! I PROMISE!)

Where does it fall on your radar?

Every issue of New York Magazine has a listing of current trends, cultural happenings, news, and other stories that land squarely in front of the jury of public opinion. The issues, events or stories are placed on a matrix somewhere in between High Brow or Low Brow and Brilliant or Despicable. In these weekly pieces, the magazine has made up it's mind and the reader can either agree or disagree with where the issue has "landed". I usually tend to agree with their decisions but that’s not always the case. For example, what did you think of Pelosi becoming the first female speaker of the house? Where does the cancelling of the long running teen show The OC land on your cultural matrix? What do you think of Britney's fainting/collapse on New Years Eve? Now you can dictate for yourself which way you feel on the all these hot water cooler issues in an online version.

THE APPROVAL MATRIX is super neat and definitely worth 5...10...15 minutes of your time.

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LATE DAY LINKAGE

In 2006, New York City set a tourism record. 44 Million folks visited the big bad city. Now if they would just get out of my way when I'm walking I'd be a whole lot happier. (wink wink) The photo above is from the amazing photographer Joseph O. Holmes. Check out all of his photos at joesnyc.streetnine.com

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With New Years Eve just around the corner, it's important to starting thinking and giving heavy consideration to a very important issue that faces many of us....WHAT TO DRINK ON NEW YEARS?! 356gay.com gives a few helpful ideas of what may work to quench your thirst. Don't worry - even if you make a big 'ol gay drink, it doesn't make you gay, too. (well maybe a little)

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Jennifer Hudson has be receiving rave reviews for her performance in the hit DREAMGIRLS. Daniel A. Kusner, life and style editor for the Dallas Voice recently asked the star if she thinks being gay is a sin, to which it was reported she replied, "According to the way we're taught and what it says in the Bible, it is." Kusner's article scolds Ms.Hudson for what he says is a less than "thoughtful response." Good lord. Who cares? How did she do in the movie? That's what people should be talking about. The Advocate.com wanted to clear the air and let Jennifer tell her side of the story.

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In political news, John Kerry's old presidential running mate John Edwards has thrown his hat in to the ring announcing he will run for president in 2008.

Camille Paglia Speaks...

US magazine recently interviewed Camille Paglia, long time feminist author and activist, who had much to say on the recent antics of three of Hollywood's most talked about party girls. Never one to shy away from speaking the truth, Camille elaborates on what che calls these "backstreet floozies".

Camille had this to say...

On how it’s affecting feminism: "These girls are lowering themselves to the level of backstreet floozies. It angers me because I fought a bitter fight to get feminism back on track and be pro-sex at the same time. This is degrading the entire pro-sex wing of feminism."

On how it’s affecting their reputation: "I am completely appalled by what these young women are doing because I think that they are cheapening their own image and obliterating all sexual mystery and glamour, which are the heart of the star system."

On how Hollywood’s changed: "These are women who are clearly out of control because the old studio era is over. The studio system...guided and shaped the careers of the young women who it signed up. It maximized their sexual allure by dealing it out in small doses and making sure you don’t have -- what has become here -- a situation of anarchy."

On Madonna: "Madonna was able to flash her breasts and play peek-a-boo because she is an authentic, creative artist who churns out song after song, project after project...but Britney seems like she’s lost and the career track is obliterated."

On "The Kiss": "A great promise was contained in the moment when Madonna kissed Britney at the MTV Awards. She in a sense was saying,”I’m passing the torch to you." It was a fabulous moment. Britney looked toned, in control of her career and it was up to her to take the next step. Literally from that kiss, from that moment onward, Britney has spiraled out of control. It’s like Madonna gave her the kiss of death! Britney is throwing it away!"

On Paris Hilton: "Paris Hilton I feel a little bit more benign towards because she doesn’t really have a vocation. She is basically a celebutante. She changed fame by mining high-fashion poses learned from drag queens."

On Lindsay Lohan: "Lindsay is alienating too many serious actors and when you are not performing and causing problems on a shoot, that’s not good. I think Lindsay Lohan is more in the downward spiral for sure."

 

Giuliani - Friend or Foe?

Now I don't want to be called a hater or anything like that because that is just not my style. However, I'd like to direct you to an interesting article about good ol' Mr. Giuliani. This is from a blog I really like called PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK (NSFW). Please note that not all of the content on the pages of 'Proceed at your own risk' are safe to view if you are at work. The ads running on the side tend to show guys not wearing a whole lot. (Whoops - now I've just lost half the readers who have just fled to see naked guys!) Anyway, back to my post... The guy writing this article is a very smart New Yorker. He saw this city before Giuliani, during the devastation of 9/11 and right on through to where we are today. When I came to New York in the spring of 2000, I only heard rumblings of the upset left in the wake of Giuliani’s term in office. The controversy surrounding his tactics and decisions will certainly be scrutinized in front of the entire nation as the 2008 presidential elections approach. I wonder if Giuliani will be as strong in spirit and character as the city he helped to change. We shall see.

The article that I really found interesting is here - THE 9/11 FACTOR.

The good and the bad news

Unfortunately, the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Virginia passed with flying colors (not gay colors, mind you – don’t be confused) yesterday. Del. Bob Marshall, R–Prince William, author of the legislation, said the amendment was not discriminatory. "It has nothing to do with animosity,” he said. “It has everything to do with preserving the fundamental basis of civilization.” LOL. I had absolutely NO IDEA that the basis of civilization was denying certain citizens the rights that others freely celebrate. I know that change is slow to come in regards to this matter and while I had not expected for the all of America to embrace gay marriage or even civil unions just yet, I did not expect to see so many states (7 out of the 8 voting) amend the Constitution of the United States. Living in New York City, I’m not reminded so often how much people in middle America still fear, misunderstand and condemn gay people. In New York, I never have to fear that my life is under constant scrutiny and condemnation. I’m able to be completely happy here and live, love and think without retribution. It’s moments like this that I question whether or not I’ll ever be able to move back to Virginia – at least not for a while. I have had those discussions with my boyfriend and we both agree that the political climate down there and our lack of feeling of safety would make it a tough place to call “home”. I miss my parents and my friends down in Virginia but I can’t live there completely happy while having to look over my shoulder the entire time. We, as a country, are making strides to bring positive change but we do have to backtrack at times and reassess what works and what doesn’t. I hope that we continue to fight what doesn’t work and make more of an earnest effort to bring forward what does. I think this latest headline is a great start – GOP officials: Rumsfeld stepping down” 

A real reason to vote...

Thanks to Towleroad for bringing this awesome video to our attention.

Nine Eleven

The cradle rocks above an abyss, and common sense tells us that our existence is but a brief crack of light between two eternities of darkness.  ~Vladimir Nabokov