So there is a play coming up at The Catholic University of America that may be of interest to folks in the area:
She Said/She Said
When love between two women dies, who decides what's best for their son? When even the courts can't agree on who the parents are, and there are questions about the very definition of family, whose justice prevails?
Written by Rebecca Gingrich-Jones
Directed by Kasi Campbell
This play is based on the true story of Janet Jenkins and Lisa Miller http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/04/national/main6055437.shtml
Performances:
Fri. Feb 18 - 7:30 PM
Sat. Feb 19 - 7:30 PM
Thurs. Feb 24 - 7:30 PM
Sat. Feb 26 - 2:00 PM
Sun. Feb 27 - 2:00 PM
Tickets may be purchased here: http://drama.cua.edu/hartke-season.cfm I would advise that you purchase them online. For this show, CUA's drama department has set up an "intimate audience" staging, so the seats are up on bleachers on the stage itself, where one can get up close with watching the show. However, it does mean that seats are limited. If anyone saw "Another Part of the Forest" or "Whales" last fall, then you already know where the audience will be sitting.
To get to the Hartke theater by car, there is some limited street parking, the address is:
3801 Harewood Road, N.E.
Washington, DC 20017
You can also take Metro from Greenbelt, switch to the Red Line at Ft. Totten going towards Shady Grove (or Grosvenor or Medical Center) and then get off at Brookland/CUA station. From there it is about a 10 minute walk across the campus. The theater is behind the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Harewood Road.
It looks like it should be a good show from what I have been hearing. I will be attending the Feb 26 performance so perhaps I will see you there.
And in the interests of full disclosure, I know some of the actors who are performing in this play, hence why I am putting it up here.
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
February 09, 2011
December 22, 2009
Big Job News
I mentioned a while back that a supervisors position had opened up in my department and I had applied and interviewed for it. While I had felt I had done well with the interview, I also knew I was competing against twelve other people for the position, and some of them would have longer tenure and possibly more supervisory experience than me and could have a better shot at earning the job. However, I at least took a shot, and even if I didn't get the job, I'd at least have the experience and knowledge of what they could be looking for if another position came open.
Last Tuesday I had a pretty hard day at work with some stuff going on with a project that I had been pulled into. After hours and hours of coding and such, it was getting to the end of the day and I was looking forward to a reprieve with my planned trip to Bourbon Steak with my friends. The phone rings, and I'm not sure of the name on the display, but I figure it's one of the folks over in the sponsoring division and they have a question or want to report something in one of the programs that I need to look at.
I pick up the phone and the woman identifies herself as being from HR. Already that makes me wonder what is going on. She continues and tells me that she would like to make an official job offer for the supervisors position that I had applied for.
I nearly fell out of my chair.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing, I was actually being offered the supervisors job. This was completely out of the blue for sure because my bosses had been tight-lipped about the recommendations they had made or if they had even heard anything about the decision from the higher-ups and HR.
I asked if I could give my decision by tomorrow (I needed time to process this). She was fine with that, but wanted to know by morning. I put the phone down, and proceeded to try and actually start breathing again, because I still could not believe it. Once I got my mind cleared, I started rationalizing what had just happened, but I still couldn't believe it.
I could have waited until morning to say yes (which is what the back of my mind was screaming anyway) but I said screw it and decided to call back HR and give them my answer. Could that have been bad form? Perhaps, but considering they had originally wanted to get my choice immediately, I didn't think they would mind. I got to the voicemail of the contact person and left a voicemail letting them know I would accept. Five minutes later she called me back to confirm my decision.
So from here on out, I will now be in a supervisory role in my department at work. For me that means I will be taking the lead on certain projects, but also overseeing someone in their roles. I admit that it has been a while since I have been in this capacity, but I will work to learn and do the best I can. I don't think I would have been picked if my bosses didn't think I could do well at it.
It still feels a bit surreal though, but I will get used to it in time. With this, it certainly was the reason why the timing of going to Bourbon Steak was perfect, getting to celebrate at a nice place with good friends.
Last Tuesday I had a pretty hard day at work with some stuff going on with a project that I had been pulled into. After hours and hours of coding and such, it was getting to the end of the day and I was looking forward to a reprieve with my planned trip to Bourbon Steak with my friends. The phone rings, and I'm not sure of the name on the display, but I figure it's one of the folks over in the sponsoring division and they have a question or want to report something in one of the programs that I need to look at.
I pick up the phone and the woman identifies herself as being from HR. Already that makes me wonder what is going on. She continues and tells me that she would like to make an official job offer for the supervisors position that I had applied for.
I nearly fell out of my chair.
I couldn't believe what I was hearing, I was actually being offered the supervisors job. This was completely out of the blue for sure because my bosses had been tight-lipped about the recommendations they had made or if they had even heard anything about the decision from the higher-ups and HR.
I asked if I could give my decision by tomorrow (I needed time to process this). She was fine with that, but wanted to know by morning. I put the phone down, and proceeded to try and actually start breathing again, because I still could not believe it. Once I got my mind cleared, I started rationalizing what had just happened, but I still couldn't believe it.
I could have waited until morning to say yes (which is what the back of my mind was screaming anyway) but I said screw it and decided to call back HR and give them my answer. Could that have been bad form? Perhaps, but considering they had originally wanted to get my choice immediately, I didn't think they would mind. I got to the voicemail of the contact person and left a voicemail letting them know I would accept. Five minutes later she called me back to confirm my decision.
So from here on out, I will now be in a supervisory role in my department at work. For me that means I will be taking the lead on certain projects, but also overseeing someone in their roles. I admit that it has been a while since I have been in this capacity, but I will work to learn and do the best I can. I don't think I would have been picked if my bosses didn't think I could do well at it.
It still feels a bit surreal though, but I will get used to it in time. With this, it certainly was the reason why the timing of going to Bourbon Steak was perfect, getting to celebrate at a nice place with good friends.
August 31, 2009
You're Not Helping
A while back I wrote about learning the hard way that by being a gay man, I am essentially banned from donating not just blood, but also bone marrow. I went into a tear about how I hated the assumption that because I have a boyfriend instead of a girlfriend, that must mean I have HIV/AIDS and therefore I should never ever be allowed to donate blood. Never mind that my own personal behaviors lean much towards being safe rather than being stupid, and I have been tested and know that I'm clean. I know I'm not the only one who has felt this way and want to have the rules changed, especially because I did give blood for a number of years before I came out.
So I find it extremely distressing when I start hearing the media report on remarks and reports coming from places like the CDC about new HIV infections, and the numbers are not good at all. What the media is saying is that when it comes to gay and bisexual men, they are fifty times more likely to catch HIV than those who are straight. Now one thing I could argue here is that they don't report that a comment in the CDC written report is that one reason the numbers could be going up is that more people are getting tested for HIV. However, still looking at the raw numbers, the highest groups are the ones who have had male-to-male contact every year.
Either way though, when you look at the numbers, they're not good, especially the numbers for people who are getting HIV through male-to-male sexual contact. Those numbers are going back up again after declining for a few years.
The point here is that it certainly isn't helping my cause to want to change the minds of those who help decide guidelines for things like blood donations. How can I convince them that someone like me when the numbers are coming back that people who have a similar background as I do are not only the ones who are catching HIV most often, but the number of new infections is going up?
So long as people continue to be reckless, then it's just going to give those who write the discriminatory rules and policies a justification to do so. They read these reports as well and in their minds, it tells them that it will continue to be better to do things like ban gay men from being able to donate blood because their donation will likely fail the disease screening and have to be thrown out anyway.
For fucks sake people, if you're with someone and the relations are relatively new, wear a condom, and/or make your partner wear a condom, period. Don't go off and have unprotected sex unless you and your partner both get tested and you're both monogamous. After that, if you two want to go at it raw, then by all means go for it, but only as long as it's just the two of you. Realize that only you can protect yourself from catching a disease, don't rely on a sexual partner to do it for you. Your actions do have consequences that can be far reaching and they do affect everyone.
So I find it extremely distressing when I start hearing the media report on remarks and reports coming from places like the CDC about new HIV infections, and the numbers are not good at all. What the media is saying is that when it comes to gay and bisexual men, they are fifty times more likely to catch HIV than those who are straight. Now one thing I could argue here is that they don't report that a comment in the CDC written report is that one reason the numbers could be going up is that more people are getting tested for HIV. However, still looking at the raw numbers, the highest groups are the ones who have had male-to-male contact every year.
Either way though, when you look at the numbers, they're not good, especially the numbers for people who are getting HIV through male-to-male sexual contact. Those numbers are going back up again after declining for a few years.
The point here is that it certainly isn't helping my cause to want to change the minds of those who help decide guidelines for things like blood donations. How can I convince them that someone like me when the numbers are coming back that people who have a similar background as I do are not only the ones who are catching HIV most often, but the number of new infections is going up?
So long as people continue to be reckless, then it's just going to give those who write the discriminatory rules and policies a justification to do so. They read these reports as well and in their minds, it tells them that it will continue to be better to do things like ban gay men from being able to donate blood because their donation will likely fail the disease screening and have to be thrown out anyway.
For fucks sake people, if you're with someone and the relations are relatively new, wear a condom, and/or make your partner wear a condom, period. Don't go off and have unprotected sex unless you and your partner both get tested and you're both monogamous. After that, if you two want to go at it raw, then by all means go for it, but only as long as it's just the two of you. Realize that only you can protect yourself from catching a disease, don't rely on a sexual partner to do it for you. Your actions do have consequences that can be far reaching and they do affect everyone.
June 11, 2009
Bishop Chane's Statement on the Holocaust Museum Shooting
Bishop John Bryson Chane of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington released the following statement on the fatal shooting yesterday at the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum:
The Christian Church bears a special responsibility for the scourge of anti-Semitism. And while it is true that James von Brunn, the alleged murderer who opened fire in the museum is not sympathetic to our faith, Christians must nonetheless acknowledge the shameful role our Church has played in developing this hateful ideology down through the centuries, and work always for mutual understanding, for reconciliation and for peace.
Stephen Tyrone Johns, the steadfast security guard who died at the museum, laid down his life to protect visitors to that sacred space. I ask that all of our churches commemorate his heroic self-sacrifice by including a special prayer for Mr. Johns, his family and friends in their Eucharistic celebrations this Sunday.
I extend my deepest sympathies to the Jewish community here in the nation’s capitol and beyond. They have witnessed an act of murderous anti-Semitic violence in a place dedicated to ending such violence and honoring its millions of victims. I can only imagine the pain this incident will cause Holocaust survivors, their descendants and their friends, and the fear, anxiety and profound frustration it must provoke in members of the Jewish faith who must live with the knowledge that ancient hatreds survive in our modern world.
Let each of us through prayer, acts of kindness and demonstrations of solidarity do what is in our power to help heal the wounds opened by this murderous act.
May 30, 2009
The Prop 8 Decision and Our Reaction.
This past week the decision was handed down about Prop 8 in California, and as expected, when the decision did not necessarily go the way the gay community wanted, there were protests in the streets and such.
I just have to wonder why the hell everyone cared so damn much about California to the point that folks across the country went nuts and started protesting at their city halls. Where the hell were they when their own states wrote in the laws or their supreme courts made their decisions that ruled against same-sex marriage? I don't remember seeing many folks out protesting when Maryland's court of appeals handed down a similar decision last year.
I'm beginning to find myself more in agreement with the line of thinking that this issue is going to be on a state by state basis. I don't necessarily think it's helpful when folks will put all their eggs in one basket on focusing on one or two particular states, in this case, being California, when it seems that they neglect their own state for various reasons. So ultimately I will probably not understand why there was so much reaction to CA, especially around here.
November 14, 2008
Protests? You Can Do Better...
Ever since Proposition 8 in California was passed, the news has been dominated with reports of people protesting in front of churches and various other places, stating that they are unhappy with the fact that it was passed. To top it off, there is a plan to have protests at city halls across the country, including in DC, where apparently people will be in front of the Capitol building as well.
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.
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.
August 14, 2008
Children of Eden
I've hinted at it, but I'm participating in another performance at my church, so here's the details if you would like to see me perform.
St George's Players is putting on a production of Children of Eden August 22 and 23 at 8:00 PM, and August 24 at 3:00 PM. Children of Eden is written by Stephen Schwartz, the writer of Godspell, so if you liked Godspell, you'll love this one. It's a rock opera style musical that tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah and the Flood. While it does follow Bible stories, it's not preachy, the focus is more on family and personal relationships. God is more like the parent who loves their children and wishes they never had to grow up so they could stay innocent forever. It's a wonderful show, and there are many talented people participating in it. Just wait until you hear Eve sing!
Tickets for the show are $12 for Adults, 7.50 for children under 12 and seniors. You can reserve tickets by calling the church office at 301-262-3285. For directions to St Georges and information about it, you can also visit http://www.stgeo.org
I am in the show, I will be playing Cain in Act 1 and Japheth (one of Noah's sons) in Act 2. They are fun parts to play and you'll get to see acting and singing from me as well. If you're interested, I hope you'll stop by and catch a show, you won't be let down.
St George's Players is putting on a production of Children of Eden August 22 and 23 at 8:00 PM, and August 24 at 3:00 PM. Children of Eden is written by Stephen Schwartz, the writer of Godspell, so if you liked Godspell, you'll love this one. It's a rock opera style musical that tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, and Noah and the Flood. While it does follow Bible stories, it's not preachy, the focus is more on family and personal relationships. God is more like the parent who loves their children and wishes they never had to grow up so they could stay innocent forever. It's a wonderful show, and there are many talented people participating in it. Just wait until you hear Eve sing!
Tickets for the show are $12 for Adults, 7.50 for children under 12 and seniors. You can reserve tickets by calling the church office at 301-262-3285. For directions to St Georges and information about it, you can also visit http://www.stgeo.org
I am in the show, I will be playing Cain in Act 1 and Japheth (one of Noah's sons) in Act 2. They are fun parts to play and you'll get to see acting and singing from me as well. If you're interested, I hope you'll stop by and catch a show, you won't be let down.
March 20, 2008
Dumbasses...
State Dept. Fires 2 for looking at Obama File.
Oy, what idiots. The worst part is that they probably have a warning appear on their computer every morning when they would log in at work that essentially said "Only authorized activities are permitted, by using this computer, you consent to be monitored and recorded. THERE IS NO RIGHT TO PRIVACY ON THIS SYSTEM!"
I know that's what I have on my computer at work. I also know that if at any time I access confidential information, there is a log being kept of what I accessed and I can have my ass nailed to a wall if I step out of line. Besides, I can only access private information on a "Need to Know" basis, and guess what, I have no "need" to "know" if Barack Obama (or anyone else for that matter) answered any Decennial Census or other survey.
I know for me a violation like that will cost me $250,000 in fines and up to 5 years in jail. It also means I have a big fat felony to follow me around for the rest of my life, boy don't those look good to an employer? :-P
Fucking idiots.
Oy, what idiots. The worst part is that they probably have a warning appear on their computer every morning when they would log in at work that essentially said "Only authorized activities are permitted, by using this computer, you consent to be monitored and recorded. THERE IS NO RIGHT TO PRIVACY ON THIS SYSTEM!"
I know that's what I have on my computer at work. I also know that if at any time I access confidential information, there is a log being kept of what I accessed and I can have my ass nailed to a wall if I step out of line. Besides, I can only access private information on a "Need to Know" basis, and guess what, I have no "need" to "know" if Barack Obama (or anyone else for that matter) answered any Decennial Census or other survey.
I know for me a violation like that will cost me $250,000 in fines and up to 5 years in jail. It also means I have a big fat felony to follow me around for the rest of my life, boy don't those look good to an employer? :-P
Fucking idiots.
January 01, 2008
It Keeps Going Up
Census Bureau Projects Population of 303.1 Million
As our nation prepares to ring in the new year, the U.S. Census Bureau today projected the Jan. 1, 2008, population will be 303,146,284 -- up 2,842,103 or 0.9 percent from New Year’s Day 2007.
In January, the United States is expected to register one birth every eight seconds and one death every 11 seconds.
Meanwhile, net international migration is expected to add one person every 30 seconds. The result is an increase in the total U.S. population of one person every 13 seconds.
December 31, 2007
Billick is Gone
Ravens Fire Billick
I'm honestly not surprised by this, the Ravens had a horrible season. A big factor was simply because most of our key players were injured. However, Billick made some really boneheaded decisions in who continued to play. Kyle Boller was nowhere near ready to be a starting QB, and yet Billick put him in every single time, and continued to play him even after he would throw turnover after turnover in a game. After watching Troy Smith play the last two games, he should have been in there for most of the season, then maybe we wouldn't have had a 5-11 record and a 9 game losing streak.
I admit it's a real shitty game that Steve Bisciotti is playing by first saying he had confidence in Billick, and then turning around a month later and firing him, but considering that at least half of the city of Baltimore wanted him gone, I guess he may have caved in. Rumor has it that all of the coaching staff has been fired except for Rex Ryan, but I haven't found proof of that one. Of course, their offensive coordinator did just take a job to be the head coach for UCLA...
I'm honestly not surprised by this, the Ravens had a horrible season. A big factor was simply because most of our key players were injured. However, Billick made some really boneheaded decisions in who continued to play. Kyle Boller was nowhere near ready to be a starting QB, and yet Billick put him in every single time, and continued to play him even after he would throw turnover after turnover in a game. After watching Troy Smith play the last two games, he should have been in there for most of the season, then maybe we wouldn't have had a 5-11 record and a 9 game losing streak.
I admit it's a real shitty game that Steve Bisciotti is playing by first saying he had confidence in Billick, and then turning around a month later and firing him, but considering that at least half of the city of Baltimore wanted him gone, I guess he may have caved in. Rumor has it that all of the coaching staff has been fired except for Rex Ryan, but I haven't found proof of that one. Of course, their offensive coordinator did just take a job to be the head coach for UCLA...
December 21, 2007
A Fun Mental Break...And News
After all the crap I put up with on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday, I was so freaking glad that my AWS day came along. Whoever came up with the idea of the flexible schedule hit upon a good thing because there are days where my AWS become mental health days, and I don't have to spend any leave to get that.
So Tuesday night after work I went out to see JH, and finally got to see his house. We went out and had dinner at Annies, and saw the Christmas lights display at the Capitol building. After Annies we went over to D.I.K. and I met a few of Joe's friends. It was also karaoke night and there were lots of holiday songs, so I decided to sign up and sing my favorite song, "Sleigh Ride." I actually don't consider that song a "holiday" song, it's really a "winter" song since there's no reference to holidays so it could be sung at any time in the winter. Anyway, I certainly got the bar going as JH can attest. Eventually we headed home since I was pretty worn out, and so was he.
Wednesday we were up late, and headed over to the Baltimore Aquarium. I have to give Baltimore credit for having good pricing on their light rail system and a decent schedule. If I need to go into the city and it's not to visit Rob and Dan, I'll just take that instead of driving in. I have never been to the aquarium in Baltimore, so I wasn't sure what to expect. JH has been there in the past, so he could see a difference in exhibits; he had not seen the Australia exhibit, so that was something new for him. After a few hours (and plenty of pictures to be posted later) we headed into Little Italy for dinner. We shared calamari and I enjoyed a pesto pasta while he had a sampler trio of dishes.
As we headed back to the light rail, we decided to cut through the indoor mall at the inner harbor when some sale tags caught JH's eye at the local sports store. They were discounting a number of Ravens jerseys so we went in, since I was looking for a more authentic jersey. There was one that was a steal (Marked down to $60 from $100) and it was a mix of replica and authentic (numbers were sewn on, etc.), but it was too big for me. However, they were selling replica jerseys for $65, so I ended up picking up a Todd Heap jersey, which I wore to work today.
Light railed back to North Linthicum, and then a ride back to Greenbelt. It was there that a serious discussion was had and some decisions were made. I've been dating JH for the last seven weeks, and I've enjoyed the time I spent with him. I've been taking things slow with him and really working to get to know him because I wanted to see very clearly what he was like. I have had a bad habit of moving too fast into getting serious before I really got to know the person, and I paid for it big time. This time I decided I was going to keep things casual and if it panned out, great, if not, move on. Well JH is still here, he respected the fact that I wanted to take things slow, and he has not put any pressure on me. He's cute, we have things in common, and he's pretty easygoing, so really, the last seven weeks have gone well. We see one another about every five to six days and that works for us, we like being with one another, but we also like having our own time and space. I'm saying all of this because I've decided to make things a bit more serious and be his boyfriend. That's right dear readers, I'm off the market. I like him, he likes me, let's see where it goes :-)
So Tuesday night after work I went out to see JH, and finally got to see his house. We went out and had dinner at Annies, and saw the Christmas lights display at the Capitol building. After Annies we went over to D.I.K. and I met a few of Joe's friends. It was also karaoke night and there were lots of holiday songs, so I decided to sign up and sing my favorite song, "Sleigh Ride." I actually don't consider that song a "holiday" song, it's really a "winter" song since there's no reference to holidays so it could be sung at any time in the winter. Anyway, I certainly got the bar going as JH can attest. Eventually we headed home since I was pretty worn out, and so was he.
Wednesday we were up late, and headed over to the Baltimore Aquarium. I have to give Baltimore credit for having good pricing on their light rail system and a decent schedule. If I need to go into the city and it's not to visit Rob and Dan, I'll just take that instead of driving in. I have never been to the aquarium in Baltimore, so I wasn't sure what to expect. JH has been there in the past, so he could see a difference in exhibits; he had not seen the Australia exhibit, so that was something new for him. After a few hours (and plenty of pictures to be posted later) we headed into Little Italy for dinner. We shared calamari and I enjoyed a pesto pasta while he had a sampler trio of dishes.
As we headed back to the light rail, we decided to cut through the indoor mall at the inner harbor when some sale tags caught JH's eye at the local sports store. They were discounting a number of Ravens jerseys so we went in, since I was looking for a more authentic jersey. There was one that was a steal (Marked down to $60 from $100) and it was a mix of replica and authentic (numbers were sewn on, etc.), but it was too big for me. However, they were selling replica jerseys for $65, so I ended up picking up a Todd Heap jersey, which I wore to work today.
Light railed back to North Linthicum, and then a ride back to Greenbelt. It was there that a serious discussion was had and some decisions were made. I've been dating JH for the last seven weeks, and I've enjoyed the time I spent with him. I've been taking things slow with him and really working to get to know him because I wanted to see very clearly what he was like. I have had a bad habit of moving too fast into getting serious before I really got to know the person, and I paid for it big time. This time I decided I was going to keep things casual and if it panned out, great, if not, move on. Well JH is still here, he respected the fact that I wanted to take things slow, and he has not put any pressure on me. He's cute, we have things in common, and he's pretty easygoing, so really, the last seven weeks have gone well. We see one another about every five to six days and that works for us, we like being with one another, but we also like having our own time and space. I'm saying all of this because I've decided to make things a bit more serious and be his boyfriend. That's right dear readers, I'm off the market. I like him, he likes me, let's see where it goes :-)
July 28, 2007
WTF?
I don't know what is going on, but there is an Alexandria Police helicopter circling pretty low and we keep seeing it fly over Joshua's house. I just heard police sirens go by so it makes me wonder, car chase, shooting, robbery, what? I'm half waiting to hear the officers on the copter say "Go into your houses immediately!"
Of course there's nothing on the local DC channels, nor WTOP or the Washington Post. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when it's all over.
Of course there's nothing on the local DC channels, nor WTOP or the Washington Post. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when it's all over.
July 19, 2007
Swiped this from Yahoo
I like the ideas, and I want to put them here to save them for myself, and to spread them around to others.
20 Dates for Under $20
www.hitchedmag.com
Updated: Jul 19, 2007
With great weather and a desire to be adventurous, there's no excuse for you and your partner not to go on a date. Don't have enough money, you say? Here are 20 ideas for memorable dates that won't set you back more than $20.
20 Dates for Under $20
Who says romance has to cost an arm and a leg?
By Sarah Piercewww.hitchedmag.com
Updated: Jul 19, 2007
1. Find the best happy hour in town. Look through your newspaper or search online for local restaurants and bars with happy hours. Most places offer half-price food and drink specials, allowing you to get two drinks and share an appetizer for less than $20.
2. Go to a museum. Most museums either have free admission or offer free entry on certain days of the month.
3. Visit your local zoo. Most zoos offer adult tickets for less than $10. Pack your own snacks and bottled water and have a mini picnic while you're there.
4. Go on a romantic hike. Bring a backpack and surprise your partner with a bottle of champagne, glasses and fresh strawberries.
5. Go swimming at your local pool, lake or beach. Bring some water toys and have more fun than the kids.
6. Beat the heat with an ice cream date. Take two scoops to the park, or take a walk downtown and go people watching.
7. Hit the dollar movie theater. Lots of cities have discount movie theaters showing second-run features. Pick a rainy day and have a movie marathon.
8. Take a downtown walking tour. Discover things and places you never knew existed. While you're there, pick up a free visitors guide for more date ideas.
9. Plan a cheap picnic. Go on a picnic at the beach, mountains or in your own backyard. Grab a blanket, pack a deli sandwich and a bottle of $5 wine.
10. Take a blanket to the beach. Split your budget between a bottle of wine and cheese, then enjoy the sunset while you snuggle on a blanket.
11. Stroll through the botanical gardens. Spend the day walking hand in hand through rose gardens and tropical rainforests, for less than $10 a ticket.
12. Be a kid again. Go bowling, play miniature golf, ride go-carts or play laser tag.
13. Build a bonfire. All you need is some firewood, snacks and a drink of your choice. This is also a great opportunity to make 'smores.
14. Rent something. Go roller- or ice-skating, rent a two-seater bike and pedal through the park, or paddle a boat on a pond.
15. Paint pottery together. Lots of studios let you get creative for around $6 an hour.
16. Pitch a tent. Park fees are usually less than $10, which leaves money for food and firewood. Go camping and roast hot dogs as you gaze at the stars.
17. Go wine tasting. Most wineries charge around $5 for a tasting of five different wines -- plus, you'll get to keep the glass as a souvenir of your date.
18. Take a scenic drive. Pull over to have coffee and dessert at a nice cafe.
19. Explore local galleries and artists. Many cities have art walks one night a month during the summer, with the bonus of a free glass of wine.
20. Rack 'em up at your local pool joint. With pool games costing less than $2, you might even have money left over to share a pitcher of beer.
July 09, 2007
They Just Opened the Floodgates.
Sprint ditches customers who complain too much
Is it just me, or is there a great way to get out of your cell phone contract without getting smacked with a $150+ termination fee? All you have to do is call customer service over and over again with annoying questions and issues. Sure you're going to look like a major prick to the customer reps and there might be some bad notes on you, but unless the phone companies start comparing notes, you've got a way out for free. I don't expect the phone companies to start comparing notes either because I'm sure Verizon doesn't give a shit if you were an asshole to Sprint or AT&T.
Too bad I'd actually consider sticking with Verizon when my contract under Mike expires, or else I would consider using this as a way to prevent being stuck with major fees.
Is it just me, or is there a great way to get out of your cell phone contract without getting smacked with a $150+ termination fee? All you have to do is call customer service over and over again with annoying questions and issues. Sure you're going to look like a major prick to the customer reps and there might be some bad notes on you, but unless the phone companies start comparing notes, you've got a way out for free. I don't expect the phone companies to start comparing notes either because I'm sure Verizon doesn't give a shit if you were an asshole to Sprint or AT&T.
Too bad I'd actually consider sticking with Verizon when my contract under Mike expires, or else I would consider using this as a way to prevent being stuck with major fees.
July 06, 2007
GLAAD gets something right for once...
I have issues with organizations like GLAAD because they tend to misplace their priorities. In this case, they actually have their priorities straight about something. Here's a copy of their latest alert E-mail, I do plan on writing in about it. It's up to you what you want to do with it.
Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor Offers Unsubstantiated Claims in "Lesbian Gang Epidemic" Segment.
GLAAD Calls on the Program to Explain Sensational, Irresponsible Report and Issue Formal Apology
On the June 21 edition of Fox News Channel’s The O’Reilly Factor, Fox News Crime Analyst Rod Wheeler detailed what he called a “national network ” of so-called “lesbian gangs” that prey on young girls. Using exaggerated, sensational language, Wheeler claimed there are more than 150 such gangs in the Washington, D.C., area alone.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) contacted the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department to research the statistics Wheeler cited and found that the information he reported is highly suspect. Sgt. Brett Parson, a member and the former commander of the D.C. Metro Police Department’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit, says the numbers are grossly exaggerated.
Parson is quoted along with GLAAD in a Southern Poverty Law Center Intelligence Report article titled, “The Oh-Really Factor,” which debunks the June 21 report, pointing out its numerous flaws and highlighting its sensationalistic tone.
"We have 150 to 175 total gangs in the D.C. area, and out of those only nine where the predominance of members are female," Parson said. "You simply can't make the jump that they are lesbians. I think it is fair to talk about violence and female gangs. But to sensationalize or marginalize a community by making a statement like that seems irresponsible."
Gaithersburg, Md., Detective Patrick Word is President of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Gang Investigators Network, an intelligence-sharing organization of 400 criminal justice professionals in Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and Virginia. He told the Intelligence Report, "there is no evidence whatsoever of a lesbian gang epidemic in this region...our membership reports only one lesbian gang."
GLAAD is calling on The O'Reilly Factor, which touts itself as the "No Spin Zone," and Fox News Crime Analyst Rod Wheeler to provide background information and evidence to support the wild claims made in the "Lesbian Gang Epidemic" segment. GLAAD is also strongly urging The O'Reilly Factor host Bill O'Reilly and Wheeler to correct the information in a follow-up report and to issue a formal apology to the lesbian community.
"The O'Reilly Factor segment essentially reported a national epidemic of lesbian gangs preying on young girls without offering one solid statistic or credible source," said Rashad Robinson, GLAAD's Senior Director of Media Programs. "This type of inaccurate tabloid journalism perpetuates dangerous stereotypes about lesbians and feeds a climate of homophobia, anti-gay discrimination and violence. That's the real national epidemic, but not one you're likely to see reported with such zeal by Bill O'Reilly."
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Please contact John Moody, SVP news editorial at Fox News Channel, Amy Sohnen, executive producer, The O'Reilly Factor and Rod Wheeler, Fox News Channel crime analyst and ask them to provide facts and statistics to substantiate the bold assertions in "Lesbian Gang Epidemic" and to live up to the show's "No Spin Zone" motto. Demand an on-air apology for the sensationalistic report.
Contact:
Rod Wheeler
Capitol Investigations (He touts his company as "a full service criminal and civil investigations firm.")
(301) 390-8272
rod@rodwheeler.com
info@arod007.com
Contacts:
Mr. John Moody
Senior Vice President, News Editorial
Fox News Channel
212-301-8560
moody@foxnews.com
Amy Sohnen
Executive Producer, The O'Reilly Factor
Fox News Channel
(212) 301-3000
oreilly@foxnews.com
Fox News' The O'Reilly Factor Offers Unsubstantiated Claims in "Lesbian Gang Epidemic" Segment.
GLAAD Calls on the Program to Explain Sensational, Irresponsible Report and Issue Formal Apology
On the June 21 edition of Fox News Channel’s The O’Reilly Factor, Fox News Crime Analyst Rod Wheeler detailed what he called a “national network ” of so-called “lesbian gangs” that prey on young girls. Using exaggerated, sensational language, Wheeler claimed there are more than 150 such gangs in the Washington, D.C., area alone.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) contacted the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department to research the statistics Wheeler cited and found that the information he reported is highly suspect. Sgt. Brett Parson, a member and the former commander of the D.C. Metro Police Department’s Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit, says the numbers are grossly exaggerated.
Parson is quoted along with GLAAD in a Southern Poverty Law Center Intelligence Report article titled, “The Oh-Really Factor,” which debunks the June 21 report, pointing out its numerous flaws and highlighting its sensationalistic tone.
"We have 150 to 175 total gangs in the D.C. area, and out of those only nine where the predominance of members are female," Parson said. "You simply can't make the jump that they are lesbians. I think it is fair to talk about violence and female gangs. But to sensationalize or marginalize a community by making a statement like that seems irresponsible."
Gaithersburg, Md., Detective Patrick Word is President of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Gang Investigators Network, an intelligence-sharing organization of 400 criminal justice professionals in Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and Virginia. He told the Intelligence Report, "there is no evidence whatsoever of a lesbian gang epidemic in this region...our membership reports only one lesbian gang."
GLAAD is calling on The O'Reilly Factor, which touts itself as the "No Spin Zone," and Fox News Crime Analyst Rod Wheeler to provide background information and evidence to support the wild claims made in the "Lesbian Gang Epidemic" segment. GLAAD is also strongly urging The O'Reilly Factor host Bill O'Reilly and Wheeler to correct the information in a follow-up report and to issue a formal apology to the lesbian community.
"The O'Reilly Factor segment essentially reported a national epidemic of lesbian gangs preying on young girls without offering one solid statistic or credible source," said Rashad Robinson, GLAAD's Senior Director of Media Programs. "This type of inaccurate tabloid journalism perpetuates dangerous stereotypes about lesbians and feeds a climate of homophobia, anti-gay discrimination and violence. That's the real national epidemic, but not one you're likely to see reported with such zeal by Bill O'Reilly."
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Please contact John Moody, SVP news editorial at Fox News Channel, Amy Sohnen, executive producer, The O'Reilly Factor and Rod Wheeler, Fox News Channel crime analyst and ask them to provide facts and statistics to substantiate the bold assertions in "Lesbian Gang Epidemic" and to live up to the show's "No Spin Zone" motto. Demand an on-air apology for the sensationalistic report.
Contact:
Rod Wheeler
Capitol Investigations (He touts his company as "a full service criminal and civil investigations firm.")
(301) 390-8272
rod@rodwheeler.com
info@arod007.com
Contacts:
Mr. John Moody
Senior Vice President, News Editorial
Fox News Channel
212-301-8560
moody@foxnews.com
Amy Sohnen
Executive Producer, The O'Reilly Factor
Fox News Channel
(212) 301-3000
oreilly@foxnews.com
June 29, 2007
Edwards 1 - Coulter 0
First and foremost, I do not like Ann Coulter simply because of the things she says. Clearly she is an attention whore, and too many people have taken her words as gold for far too long. So when I heard that Elizabeth Edwards actually had the guts to stand up for her, I listened to the audio and I was impressed with how it went down. Clearly Edwards was calm and articulate, and Coulter clearly had no comeback. The best line? When Edwards asked Coulter to knock off the personal attacks and hate speech and Coulter responded by saying she would stop writing books, to which Edwards responded "If you can't write [books] without [personal attacks/hate speech] then that's fine."
I hope more people stand up to that stupid cunt and her hate speech, enjoy the video of Edwards laying the smackdown.
I hope more people stand up to that stupid cunt and her hate speech, enjoy the video of Edwards laying the smackdown.
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