November 28, 2008
Anyone interested in going to
November 25, 2008
Tina....Live
That would summarize how I felt after watching Tina Turner live last night.
When I found out that Tina was touring agian, I immediately jumped at the chance to buy a ticket to see the show, and by sheer luck, I nailed getting floor seats. So I was going to be right there, on the floor of the Verizon center, facing that stage and seeing Tina in all of her glory. Boy I couldn't wait.
I invited Fredo along because I knew he was a fan as well. We met first for dinner at La Tasca and enjoyed some tapas before heading into the center for the concert. We got in there and boy it was just a clusterfuck in the halls. The center must have been operating with a reduced staff because it didn't feel as organized as it would normally for a Caps game. It took us a few minutes to find our way to the section where we could head to the floor. However, we did finally get down there and into our seats. Of course we made sure to be there by 7:30, which was on the ticket, but the show probably started closer to 8.
The concert finally got started and it was all about Tina, there was no opening act first, and that was fine by me. I have got to say that for a woman who is about to turn 69 (heh heh, 69, heh heh) Tina has still got it. Her legs look great as usual and she still has good energy on the stage. The concert itself was a number of her hits over the last 20 years, with several costume changes, including Aunty Entity from Mad Max. Between costume changes there would be an act going on by several performers that were later dubbed the "Ninjas." They made a pretty good transition because it led well into the next song. The other thing about the concert is that occasionally I would notice there was something on the video screen in the background, but my eyes were very much glued on Tina and the band on the stage because there was just such a presence that I didn't want to look away, not even for a second.
There was a bit of audience participation after she went through most of What's Love Got to Do With It? She had the ladies, then the men all sing the title line along with her, but with attitude. Boy was that fun.
After the first set of songs, there was a 30 minute intermission, which is one of the longest I have seen at a concert. When they came back it was like Tina Turner unplugged at first before getting back into doing more of the dancing that we all know so well. Tina did do a cover of the Beatles Help! along with The Rolling Stones' Jumping Jack Flash and It's Only Rock and Roll (but I Like It). I wonder if it will ever be possible to find those covers as an MP3, but probably not unless there is a concert bootleg out there. I really liked her Help cover because it was done more along the lines of a gospel singer than as a pop hit, and she can still carry a very soulful tune.
Of course Tina ended the show with Proud Mary. There is no way in hell she would be able to get away with not performing that song. She left, and it stayed dark for a while before Tina came back out for an encore of Nutbush City Limits, where she was on a platform floating out over the audience. I actually was able to snap some decent pics with my cell phone camera, which I will upload later. Her final song for the encore was Be Tender With Me Baby, though she changed it from "tender" to "gentle" which I found interesting.
Overall it was an awesome show, and I was glad for the opportunity to see Tina live. About a year ago I was complaining that I had never gotten to see her live and that I might never be able to, so this was just the perfect opportunity to do so. I have also joked that I would pay an outrageous price to see Tina Turner live, but the thing about her is that she knows damn well where she came from, unlike some other artists that we know.
I would totally see her again if she comes back to DC.
Here is the set list that was performed that night if you want to re-create it for your iPod. Any song marked with a * is a cover so you might be stuck with getting the original artist instead, though I would still try searching for Tina first.
Steamy Windows
Typical Male
River Deep, Mountain High
What You Get is What You See
Better Be Good to Me
Acid Queen
What's Love Got to Do With It?
Private Dancer
We Don't Need Another Hero (Beyond Thunderdome)
I Don't Wanna Fight (this was played as the intro before going into the second set)
Help!*
Let's Stay Together
Undercover Agent for the Blues
I Can't Stand the Rain
Jumpin' Jack Flash*
It's Only Rock N Roll (But I Like It)*
Goldeneye
Addicted to Love*
The Best
Proud Mary
Nutbush City Limits
Be Tender With Me Baby
Clerical Error Not In My Favor
I just received in the mail today a bill from my doctors office. Here's the thing, the last time I was at the doctors office was in April. So this bill is a final notice that my account is over 120 days past due and if I don't pay it by December 19, they're sending my ass to collections.
Now how the hell did this happen? I always pay my bills on time, however, I never got notice of this bill, and why? They screwed up my address number. Someone over at 3A has been getting my bills for the past seven months; instead of it going to 5A, where I live. It just happened to be that today the bill was sitting in a spot where you couldn't read the apt number, but you could read my name, so it finally got to my Inbox.
So for seven months, I was likely being sent bills that I never got. Yet not once did I get a phone call informing me that I had a bill that was past due. The ultimate kicker? The bill is $5.64, so it's not like they would have sent the bill and I would have been unable to scrape together the cash to pay.
They are so getting a nasty letter with my check. Morons.
November 23, 2008
This needs to be on Wii
I remember spending many an hour playing SF2 as Chun Li and kicking some serious ass with her. They need to make a new version for the Wii.
Bonus Video: Same theme (though incomplete) in Mario Paint. I might see if I could create the missing middle part and post my own video.
Gay Bingo - This Wednesday
I can't be the only one who is going to be in the area for Thanksgiving, so why not head up to Baltimore, have a drink, have some fun, play some bingo, and you might even win some cash back as well.
Bingo should be starting with the early bird games at 8, The regular games should start at 8:30 or 9, it will cost $20 and that will buy several games of bingo. It is totally worth it, especially if you win because you will make your money back.
I hope you'll join me for a fun night. I can also see about arranging rides for those who do not have vehicles as well.
Weekend to Get Stuff Done
Saturday morning I watched the final season of Drawn Together. That's a pretty funny show, and I will have to pick up the DVDs when they're on sale. Went and met up with a couple at Ikea and picked up a few things for the kitchen as well. Enjoyed some fondue for an early dinner at their house. It makes me want to dig out the fondue pot I have and start trying out some recipes.
Later that evening I met with some folks who originally could not go to see Rocky Horror in Greenbelt and we had a bite to eat before heading to the show. The show was fun as usual, I absolutely loved it, and this time because it was the final night, the actors reacted a bit more to the audience, which made it hilarious. After all was said and done, the actors acknowledged their director and three audience members they used as plants for audience participation. Boy did I learn a lot of good lines from them :-D
For whatever reason after that, I was basically wired the rest of the night and did not fall asleep until about 2:30 in the morning. I woke up at 10:10, so it was a bit too late to go to church, oops. However, one of my friends was having a memorial service for her dog later on so I went to that instead. The service was nice and very sweet. She admitted later that this is one of the first times she got closure like that for a companion animal. I had lunch with her with a few other acquaintances before coming back to watch the football games. The Ravens won, which made me very happy. The 'skins also won, barely.
During the games I was also cleaning up the apartment; not only general cleaning, but extra scrubbing as well. The stove got a major degreasing because I discovered that under the drip pans there was a lot of junk that needed to be vacuumed out and then with a little 409 I got the whole bottom part cleaned out. It isn't easy because the stove top does not lift up like most modern stoves. I also got the house picked up, organized, vacuumed, and then scrubbed down the bathroom. The place is going to look good when the parents arrive in a few weeks.
Now I am sitting back waiting for chicken to finish baking for dinner. After that, who knows. I can't wait for tomorrow night, meeting up for dinner with Fredo and then we're going to see Tina Turner in concert. That should be an awesome show.
November 18, 2008
Birthday Activities
Except for talking about recent news issues, I have been pretty silent about what I have been up to lately.
My actual birthday was spent at Guys Night Out, put on by the Washington Wizards. I got a $102 seat, a free drink, and a picture with some of the Wizard Girls for only $55, what a deal! The arena was crowded with fans watching the game, and I was in a pretty good seat, lower level towards the corner, could see a decent view of the court. I have to admit that the arena looks way different for a Wizards game vs watching a Capitals game. I got to see the different seating configurations that they have.
The game itself was fun to watch, and the Wizards ultimately ended up winning against the Jazz, 95-87, their first win of the year. I think I might go hit another Guys Night Out later this year, besides watching and cheering on Phoenix when they come to visit.
I set up a dinner for Saturday night and was joined by Brian and James at Momiji Japanese Bar and Grill in Chinatown. It was a new place that I had run across an ad for in the city paper, and the menu looked good with reasonable prices, so I decided to try it out. We got there a little after 6:30 and the place was packed since AC/DC was going to be playing nearby at the Verizon center. Luckily because I made reservations, we didn't have to wait too long. We were seated and the hostess brought around some tea as we looked over the menu.
James had some Miso Soup while Brian and I each had some Gyoza to start. All of us got different kinds of sushi rolls, one of which would be the subject of many a joke that night. One of the rolls was called the Happy Santa, and to top it off, it was served on a long oval plate. All I could say to that it was one very happy Santa. I had the capital roll and the rainbow roll, both of which were great. All of us enjoyed our dinner, and we are in agreement that it was a worthwhile place to go. I will definitely have to go back again.
After Momiji we went over to Cobalt for some drinks. That place has dramatically changed since I was there about a month ago. Now there are more couches and a new paint job, the place seems to be trying to look more chic. At least the drink deals are still the same. One of the discussions that did come up was that it seems that gay bars really like to pour on the alcohol, to the point where the mixer is just enough to give it some color and make it a not quite straight shot of booze. It is a matter of whether or not you really desire lots of alcohol or not, because sometimes you don't want to taste the alcohol. I guess it's all about what you want.
After Cobalt it was Larrys Lounge for a couple of beers, where we ended up staying out way late, I didn't get home until 2 in the morning, it was totally worth it.
Monday I went and had lunch with Dan and Chandra over at The Barking Dog. I have met up with them for lunch there a few times before, and it's always good. There was a bit of an issue with our server that day, I hope next time we get Danielle. Otherwise the conversation was great as usual, it's always good to see them.
I find this is a great way to spend my birthday, meeting up with friends and having a day or night out with them, even if it is not on the actual day. It's totally worthwhile.
November 17, 2008
More Gay Stuff
In other news, I am dismayed to read some of Prince's views on gay people and same-sex marriage. Yes I get it that it is part of his beliefs, and he can choose to believe them and express those beliefs. At the same time, I can choose to basically say "I think your narrow viewpoint stinks" and not buy any more of his music. I have dropped his music out of my active rotation of MP3's, removed Purple Rain from my Netflix queue, and like I just mentioned, I won't be buying any more of his music.
Too bad, he's a talented person, but he doesn't deserve my money.
November 16, 2008
Define "Meaningful"
A good friend of mine read my last entry about the protests and asked me what meaningful meant. I considered what he said and realized that especially because many people feel emotional about the issue of Prop 8, they could take actions that would not be helpful.
First and foremost: Do not break the law.
We already have an incident where someone has been sending powder filled envelopes to the mormon temples and it has gotten the FBI involved. That does nothing but make those protesting prop 8 look like a bunch of crazy psychopaths. Please do not engage in and get into physical fights with prop 8 supporters. If you want to look at an example of how to protest correctly, look to Romaine Patterson and her "Angels" at the Matthew Shepard trial.
Start talking to your friends and family, whether you are gay, straight, bi, trans, whatever. Get the word out on how this issue affects others, including yourself if you are affected. Make the point that this is absolutely a civil issue, not a spritual issue. What I have said for years is that it is not like gay people are going to storm the churches, put a gun to the priest's head, and demand that they perform the marriage. It is the absolute truth, many gay folk are either not in church, or they dont follow religions that have issues with them. The ones who do would like to enlighten their churches, but they realize that's an uphill battle, and they're not going to completely take that on right now. It is a civil issue, period. If you believe that God think that being gay is wrong, fine, that's your belief, but God also thinks discrimination is wrong as well. There is no reason discrimination should be sanctioned in our constitutions.
Write to your representatives at the city, county, state, and federal levels. Let them know what you think. If you and many others can show a politician that you care about this issue and giving equal rights to all people, they will start paying attention. If your politicians go against the idea of civil rights, then work to get them voted out of office, and I mean work by supporting the other candidate and spread the word about how the incumbent voted against the rights.
Consider volunteering some time and perhaps make a donation to a group that is working towards same-sex marriage rights. It seems that every state has an "Equality [state]" organization, so there may be something out there. I wholeheartedly suggest that you vet the organization as much as possible to see what they have done to make sure that they are actually trying to do the work rather than just take your money and laugh all the way to the bank.
Finally...VOTE!!!! Believe it or not, there is more than just the presidential elections every four years. Many states or cities have an election every year for something, and the politicians can be changed in an "off-year." Make your voice heard, go vote!
November 14, 2008
Protests? You Can Do Better...
That's cute and all, but this really isn't going to do much.
Yeah, I said it, these protests ain't gonna do squat.
To understand why, you have to look at how the No On Prop 8 folks fatally shot themselves in the foot on this issue, leading to it ultimately passing.
A few months ago, Prop 8 was polling with a sizable majority saying that they were against the proposition. So what happened, figuring an easy victory, many of the organizers who were against Prop 8 sat on their laurels and really didn't push to get the word out. After all, California was such a wonderful and liberal state that there was no way that people would turn out and pass Prop 8. Then what happened? Suddenly Prop 8 started polling much closer to the middle, so it was going to be a tight race. What the hell happened that the numbers changed?
You see, while many folks were sitting back when it came to No on Prop 8, the folks who were organizing to vote Yes on Prop 8 were out there working to get their base to vote on it. They were hitting the church-going folks, basically convincing them that Prop 8 was essentially a spiritual issue because it would mean the gays were going to get married, and that was wrong, because God said so according to their belief structure. To top it off, they made it also sound like the church would be forced to change their belief structure to accommodate the same-sex marriages and allow them to be married in a church. "Oh no!" the people cried, "That's sacrilege!" So in their minds, they turned completely for Prop 8. Suddenly the No on Prop 8 folks went "Uh oh, people are turning against us? Why?"
Their fatal mistake? They weren't out there pushing the fact that Prop 8 was never a spiritual issue, it was in fact a civil issue. By the time they woke up and realized what was going on, a good number of people had decided to vote Yes on Prop 8, motivated by what they were being told by friends, family, and clergy that they knew they could trust when it came to spiritual matters. To top it off, I don't think there was much attempted dialogue going on between No on Prop 8 supporters and the churches to get the word out, and to also stop much of the misinformation that was going around. It was those factors that helped create the environment which could allow Prop 8 to pass.
So now where do we stand? People are now walking around in front of Mormon temples protesting. Sure it makes them feel good, but are they really doing anything worthwhile by standing there? All the folks who plan on showing up on Saturday, is it really going to help for you to stand there for a few hours holding a sign? What will you do after the protest? Go out for a few drinks with friends, maybe even go home and watch some TV? Will you even think of Prop 8 after you're done protesting?
My point is, sure you feel good by standing out somewhere and shouting or holding a sign for a few hours, but if you do nothing after that, you're not helping. This needs to go beyond just standing outside. You need to write to your city council, your state legislatures, and your federal congressmen, tell them why you have problems with Prop 8, with the bans on same-sex marriage in your state, why you're against "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the Federal Defense of Marriage Act. Go out there and talk to your friends, your family, your clergy, and yes, your congregation, point out that this has always been a civil matter and never a spiritual one. Make your points and get the word out. Consider volunteering some time with organizations that are taking meaningful action to lobby for same-sex marriage rights.
There are so many things you can do that would accomplish so much more than just standing outside and holding up a sign claiming your support. I challenge you to do it.
November 12, 2008
Reflections on Turning 26
What a year it has been since I hit the quarter century mark a year ago. At that time, I was just two months into my apartment and still settling into my space. I was in the middle of a fight with Pepco over my final bill over at the old place, because despite the notes that I did not have to pay that amount because it was in dispute, I was still being threatened with collections. On the social side, I had reconnected with a few friends, and started dating JH, which while it was fun, it ultimately didn't work out.
So what the heck did I learn this past year? I learned that there are a lot of destinations within reach for me to drive to, or at least find a cheap Southwest flight. I traveled to Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey, Georgia, and Arizona. Many of those trips were to go hit various amusement parks and ride lots of new coasters. I am now up to 97 coasters ridden, and I will break 100 next year. Considering there's Florida parks to visit, and I have a brother down in the area where I could crash, maybe I can cross 150 if I work at it. Besides that, I did visit my parents as well, which was sorely needed.
I got a bit more into acting again with performances in "Free to Be You and Me" and "Children of Eden." Even though performing Children of Eden kicked my ass, it also expanded my vocal range back to where it was in college, if not further. I really enjoyed that play overall and I made a few good friends out of it. We'll see if I do the next show, depending on what it is. I find I enjoy acting because despite the difficulties, the work becomes worth it when you see the audience get into it.
I also got a bit more in touch with the sports nut side of me with the number of games I attended in the past year, mostly baseball games. I did get to attend my first live NFL game, and I already went to another one this year and will be going to another one next month. One of my friends has also gotten me into hockey as well. Here's the way I see it though, I prefer sports where there's lots of action going on and you're not looking like a complete and utter prick if you're doing a bit of yelling as it happens. Between the four well-known sports in America, this is the order in which I would watch games:
1. Football
2. Hockey
3. Basketball
4. Baseball
Basketball might rank higher, except that I'm a Phoenix Suns fan so I don't get to see too many games out here ;-) I find that I am more willing to watch baseball if I want to relax, but I kind of prefer to get my blood pumping.
Over the last few weeks I am learning just how deep my inner strengths and talents go. Along with that is more confidence. I still have a ways to go, but I am finding that a lot of my old fears are vanishing, and I am becoming a bit bolder about stepping forward and taking charge. That's fine by me because I am maneuvering to take on more of a leadership position at work. It can only help me to be a leader at work if I am a leader in other parts of my life. I am taking full charge and I like it that way.
The other thing as of late is that my independence streak has come back, and not a moment too soon. I find that I am having a very enjoyable time doing my own thing whenever I want. There was a time period where I felt kind of awkward going somewhere completely on my own without anyone I knew going with me. Now I have no problem going out on my own, and there have been times where I feel like just being by myself anyway. Just yesterday I had lunch at a restaurant in Silver Spring I heard about but had not gone into, and I had no problem asking for a table for one. My general attitude as of now is that if you don't want to go with me, I'll go by myself. Whenever the next boyfriend comes around, he'd better be aware of that. If I decide I want to do something on my own, I will, and I don't need your permission or your approval to go do it on my own.
Speaking of work, I have been taking on more responsibilities as it is, and it has been paying off in big ways. Apparently my name is coming up among the higher ups for good things, and that will help me later on. I also pulled off some work that was nothing short of amazing, especially during an unexpected change of plans. Beside that, one of the projects that I have worked on since starting my career finally went into production, and it was one of the smoothest transitions we have ever seen when making a switchover. I am quite proud of that.
So it has been another productive year of growth and discovery. Despite any of the dramas that may have occurred, this year was better than last year, and from here it can only get better. I like where I am at now. I have my family, I have my friends, I have my health, and I have my independence. I am going to continue enjoying all of these things throughout the next year, and I can't wait to see where it leads next.
November 07, 2008
Italian Dinner - Sunday November 9
St Georges Episcopal Church is holding an Italian Dinner on Sunday, November 9, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Come, enjoy some food, meet fun people, listen to music, and have a good time before the work-week grind starts up again. If you aren't able to stop by for long, take-out orders are accepted :-)
Menu:
Spaghetti (with or without marinara sauce)
Meatballs
Lasagna
Vegetarian Lasagna
Salad
Bread
Italian Desserts
Water, Coffee, Soft Drinks, Wine
Price:
$10 for adults between 12 and 62, $5 for children under 12 and adults over 62.
So if you're interested, give St Georges a call at 301-262-3285 so that they have an idea how many people are coming, or if you decide later on, stop by, they are located at 7010 Glenn Dale Road, Glenn Dale, MD 20769, which is at the corner of 193 and 564.
Hope to see you there!
November 06, 2008
Voting and Watching the Win
Tuesday morning I got up bright and early to go vote. I had previously decided that I would hit the polls in the morning and get it done, no matter how long it took. I walked across the center to my polling place at 6:50 AM, and already there were about 100 people there, waiting to vote as well. The line went from the building, down the sidewalk, and wrapped around the corner, there were lots of people there. I got in line and chatted up some of the people around me, including one woman who looked at my sample ballot so she could see the ballot questions. The guy in front of me was planning to vote and then go volunteer for the Obama campaign in Virginia.
After about a 45 minute wait in line, I was finally in the building, down the hall and into the gym, where I would finally get to vote. I got my form, gave the card to the judge, and they turned the machine on. Before I started, I said a prayer, that the voting machine would count my vote and everyone else's vote accurately. I made my choices, checked them a few times to make sure they were correct, said another prayer, then cast my vote.
I walked out of there, and headed to work, where between doing work I kept in touch with some friends to find out what they were seeing/hearing. I got an invite from one to watch the results roll in and make plans to head up their way. After work I change, run some errands, then head up to watch results roll in.
I get there and settle in watching MSNBC as they start calling some of the states who closed at 8 PM. As it was, Obama was in the lead, and they were announcing that Elizabeth Dole had lost her senatorial bid. One of my friends in New Mexico was doing exit polling and sent a tweet that she had no Internet so she needed election updates. I would throw her the occasional bit of news as the night would go on. There was lots of talking and analysis on our end as more states were called, all of us guessing the results for the next states to come in. For me I was on pins and needles because Virginia was too close to call for a few hours and so were some other states. I was also watching Arizona with interest because the numbers had narrowed, and 2 hours after their polls had closed, the state still hadn't been called for either candidate.
Besides talking with friends, there was many a text going by my phone from friends as we watched the states turn. Obama still held onto a pretty good lead, and that's when we started speculating that he had a very good chance of winning. If he could clinch Florida or Ohio, he would win, simply because we knew that California, Oregon, and Washington would go to him as well.
Shock of all shocks, MSNBC calls Ohio for Obama, then Virginia, then Florida. We get very excited because now it looks inevitable, Obama is going to be our next president. Two minutes after the polls close in CA, OR, and WA, MSNBC comes on and says that Obama is now our next President of the United States. Now we have all flipped out, we did it, we got the president we wanted. My phone starts blowing up with text messages from others who have just witnessed the news. We are all ecstatic that Obama is the president elect. Eventually McCain gives his concession speech. I have to say that is supporters are a bunch of dicks, booing every time Obama's name came up. No class at all.
Finally we got to see Obama make his speech. I was just in awe as I listened because Obama had a very classy speech, and his supporters were not a bunch of dickheads. I was floored when he actually mentioned gay voters in his speech, and laughed when he mentioned getting a puppy for his daughters. It was just such a great moment, especially to see everyone celebrating the Obama win.
What a great night, I could have stayed up all night, but I had work in the morning, so it was home and then off to bed.
History was made Tuesday night, and I got to participate in it just by the simple act of voting.
November 04, 2008
November 03, 2008
What It Comes Down To
No matter what your opinion may be about the election, just get your ass out there and vote!
I will be at the polls at 7 AM, and I will put my vote in before I go to work, even if I am a bit late. If I am late getting in, I will stay late, I don't care, I am making sure that I vote, period.
So tomorrow, what are you going to do? It had better be to vote. Unless you get hit by a bus between your house and the polling place, there is no excuse for you not to vote, and I am not averse to giving you a smack upside the head if you don't vote.
My Thoughts for Tomorrow
I have kept my mouth shut a lot of the current election cycle, but tomorrow, I finally get to make my choices. Here are my endorsements (Prince George's County, Maryland:
President/Vice President: Barack Obama/Joe Biden; I have supported Obama since he became the candidate, but his infomercial last week finally clinched it because he gave details on what he was going to do, and the details actually do make sense and are possible.
Congressional Representative: Steny H. Hoyer; He's done well in congress, he deserves another two years.
Judge of the Judicial Court, Judicial Circuit 7: Andre Michael Chapdelaine, Larnzell Martin Jr., Crystal Dixon Mittelstaedt, Alber W. Northrop, Nicholas Elias Rattal; Their profiles on the Washington Post looked good.
Retain Deborah Eyler as Judge of Court of Special Appeals: Yes
Retain Robert A. Zarnoch as Judge of Court of Special Appeals: Currently undecided, Zarnoch did represent the state of Maryland in the same-sex marriage case earlier this year that did not go in favor of same-sex couples. However, I can't find out at this point if he actually felt this way about marriage, or if he had to do it because it is part of his then job as an assistant Attorney General.
State Question 1 (Early Voting): Yes
State Question 2 (Slots): No
County Question A (Bonds for libraries): Yes
County Question B (Bonds for Public Safety Facilities): Yes
County Question C (Bonds for County Buildings): No
County Question D (Bonds for Public Works, Roads): Yes
County Question E (Bonds for Community Colleges): Yes
County Question F (Increase Phone Tax from 9% to 11%): No
County Question G (Increase Notice for Public Hearing from 5 to 10 days): Yes
These are subject to change as new information is received.
No on Slots
So, the idea looks good, and I was very much a slots supporter. However, I plan on voting No on slots in Maryland tomorrow.
A few weeks ago I was talking to Rob, and he pointed out that the laws that would approve slots would be in the form of a constitutional amendment to the Maryland State Constitution. This is not a regular law, this would be in the state constitution. The amendment defines what areas can have slots, and how many slots are allowed, but it really doesn't define where the money is supposed to go, so even if they claim that it will be going to the schools (which not enough is in my opinion) that can be changed at any time.
There is a companion piece of legislation hinging on this being approved to define those percentages. Not even half of the money is going to go to the schools. Hell, it actually goes to the education trust fund, so who really knows if it will get to the schools, or to the schools that need it the most. 1/3 of the money go to the businesses that want these slot licenses. I have news for you, they're not based in Maryland. 1/3 of the money already gone, likely not to be seen again.
So not only do I dislike the percentages of the m0ney, because I think more could be kept in the state. I absolutely do not agree that this should be in our constitution. This could have been a regular law as voted on by the legislature and gone to a referendum vote by the public. You know why they're trying to put it in the constitution? So that it will be extremely difficult to block it before the law takes effect, or even undo it. This is bad legislation all around.
If you live in Maryland, I hope you will vote No on November 4th for slots, and that you suggest to your friends they do the same.