"Ties To Gay Choir Cost Music Director His Job"
Having a church music director who also led a gay men’s chorus did not sit well with some parishioners at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Roeland Park, Kansas.
So they asked the pastor to remove Joe Nadeau from his church post.
Nadeau’s last day leading the music for the church’s worship services was May 21.
He says he was asked to leave because he denied the pastor’s request to stop leading the Heartland Men’s Chorus, to say he would be celibate, and state that he agreed with church teaching that homosexuality is a disorder.
The pastor, Monsignor Gary Applegate, won’t discuss what happened.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Our Latest American Hero #22
Isn't even an American.....
"Two Members of CBS Crew Killed, One Critically Wounded and Clinging to Life"
Two members of a CBS News team, veteran cameraman Paul Douglas, 48, and soundman James Brolan, 42, were killed and correspondent Kimberly Dozier, 39, was seriously injured Monday when the U.S. Army unit in which they were embedded was attacked.
A U.S. soldier was also killed in the attack, and six others were wounded.
The CBS crew was on a patrol with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, when their convoy was hit. They were reporting a "routine" story, covering American troops for Memorial Day. The trio was only planning to be out for a few hours, in order to get back to the CBS Baghdad bureau in time to edit their piece.
Dozier, Douglas and Brolan got out of their armored vehicle in the Karada neighborhood of Baghdad when the U.S. troops they accompanied stopped to inspect a checkpoint manned by the Iraqi army. That's when a nearby car packed with explosives detonated. Douglas and Brolan died at the scene.
Dozier sustained serious injuries and was flown to a U.S. military hospital inside Baghada's Green Zone, where she underwent surgery. She is in critical condition, but doctors are cautiously optimistic about her prognosis.
The attack was among a wave of car and roadside bombs that left about three dozen people dead before noon Monday, including one explosion that killed 10 people on a bus. Nearly all the attacks occurred in Baghdad.
"This is a devastating loss for CBS News," said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports, in a CBS statement. "Kimberly, Paul and James were veterans of war coverage who proved their bravery and dedication every single day. They always volunteered for dangerous assignments and were invaluable in our attempt to report the news to the American public."
"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of Paul and James, and we are hoping and praying for a complete recovery by Kimberly. Countless men and women put their lives on the line, day in and day out, in Iraq and other dangerous spots around the world, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for the work they do," McManus said.
Douglas, 48, had worked for CBS News in many countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Rwanda and Bosnia, since the early 1990s. He leaves behind a wife, two daughters and three grandchildren.
"Two Members of CBS Crew Killed, One Critically Wounded and Clinging to Life"
Two members of a CBS News team, veteran cameraman Paul Douglas, 48, and soundman James Brolan, 42, were killed and correspondent Kimberly Dozier, 39, was seriously injured Monday when the U.S. Army unit in which they were embedded was attacked.
A U.S. soldier was also killed in the attack, and six others were wounded.
The CBS crew was on a patrol with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, when their convoy was hit. They were reporting a "routine" story, covering American troops for Memorial Day. The trio was only planning to be out for a few hours, in order to get back to the CBS Baghdad bureau in time to edit their piece.
Dozier, Douglas and Brolan got out of their armored vehicle in the Karada neighborhood of Baghdad when the U.S. troops they accompanied stopped to inspect a checkpoint manned by the Iraqi army. That's when a nearby car packed with explosives detonated. Douglas and Brolan died at the scene.
Dozier sustained serious injuries and was flown to a U.S. military hospital inside Baghada's Green Zone, where she underwent surgery. She is in critical condition, but doctors are cautiously optimistic about her prognosis.
The attack was among a wave of car and roadside bombs that left about three dozen people dead before noon Monday, including one explosion that killed 10 people on a bus. Nearly all the attacks occurred in Baghdad.
"This is a devastating loss for CBS News," said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports, in a CBS statement. "Kimberly, Paul and James were veterans of war coverage who proved their bravery and dedication every single day. They always volunteered for dangerous assignments and were invaluable in our attempt to report the news to the American public."
"Our deepest sympathy goes out to the families of Paul and James, and we are hoping and praying for a complete recovery by Kimberly. Countless men and women put their lives on the line, day in and day out, in Iraq and other dangerous spots around the world, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for the work they do," McManus said.
Douglas, 48, had worked for CBS News in many countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Rwanda and Bosnia, since the early 1990s. He leaves behind a wife, two daughters and three grandchildren.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
What I'm Watching #21
This 2000 film from Japan was an interesting story about a boy sent to an orphanage after the death of his father. It explores the themes of adolesent angst, the possibility of a reality beyond this life, and the domestic terrorism movement in Japan in the mid-1970's. All of these themes seem to be treated sincerely, if sophomorically.
And so I am completely flumuxed by the design treatment of the DVD cover! Clearly the designer is GAY. Probably a fan of the whole Godzilla ouvre. And completely out of touch with the sensibility of the actual movie! Okay, it's schmaltzie and melodramatic, but it never crosses the line into "Camp". On most levels it promises much more than it can deliver, and on others, it provides sweet little moments to endear it to one's heart.
And so I am completely flumuxed by the design treatment of the DVD cover! Clearly the designer is GAY. Probably a fan of the whole Godzilla ouvre. And completely out of touch with the sensibility of the actual movie! Okay, it's schmaltzie and melodramatic, but it never crosses the line into "Camp". On most levels it promises much more than it can deliver, and on others, it provides sweet little moments to endear it to one's heart.
Random Quote #50
"Of all the sexual aberrations, perhaps the most peculiar is chastity."
~ Remy De Gourmont, 1858-1915
~ Remy De Gourmont, 1858-1915
What I'm Listening To #12
My he get's better with every album. Paul Simon's insightful and artful lyrics are only the tip of his genius. "Surprise" is nothing less than welcome.
Certainly no track is more amazing than "Once Upon A Time There Was An Ocean." If you enjoyed "Graceland" and "Rythym of the Saints," you'll most likely revel in this latest gift from Mr. Simon.
"The light through the stained glass was cobalt and red.
And the frayed cuffs and collars were mended by haloes of golden thread.
The choir sang, "Once Upon A Time There Was An Ocean."
And all the old hymns and family names came fluttering down as leaves of emotion.
As nothing is different, but everything's changed...."
Certainly no track is more amazing than "Once Upon A Time There Was An Ocean." If you enjoyed "Graceland" and "Rythym of the Saints," you'll most likely revel in this latest gift from Mr. Simon.
"The light through the stained glass was cobalt and red.
And the frayed cuffs and collars were mended by haloes of golden thread.
The choir sang, "Once Upon A Time There Was An Ocean."
And all the old hymns and family names came fluttering down as leaves of emotion.
As nothing is different, but everything's changed...."
Stanley Kunitz Has Died
On May 14, 2006 to be exact. He was living in his 101st year of life at the time.
For those who do not know, Stanley Kunitz was an American treasure, and his poems will remain our gift in his absence.
I had the privilege to hear him read at the Folger Library back in 2000. Before the event, my ex- and I went to an eccentric little Capitol Hill Restaurant, Thai Roma's, for dinner. And to our delight, Mr. Kunitz, his chaperone from the Folger and his young niece chose the same place for dinner.
To this day I regret not picking up the check for them....especially after being so entertained by his consternation over the staff's inability to get his martini order right. No doubt a result of the fact that they were employed by a Thai-Italian restaurant!
The evening at the Folger was delightful, and Mr. Kunitz will be sorely missed. At the risk of a law-suit, I offer you this sample:
HAILEY'S COMET
Miss Murphy in first grade
wrote its name in chalk
across the board and told us
it was roaring down the stormtracks
of the Milky Way at frightful speed
and if it wandered off its course
and smashed into the earth
there'd be no school tomorrow.
A red-bearded preacher from the hills
with a wild look in his eyes
stood in the public square
at the playground's edge
proclaiming he was sent by God
to save every one of us,
even the little children.
"Repent, ye sinners!" he shouted,
waving his hand-lettered sign.
At supper I felt sad to think
that it was probably
the last meal I'd share
with my mother and my sisters;
but I felt excited too
and scarcely touched my plate.
So mother scolded me
and sent me early to my room.
The whole family's asleep
except for me. They never heard me steal
into the stairwell hall and climb
the ladder to the fresh night air.
Look for me, Father, on the roof
of the red brick building
at the foot of Green Street—
that's where we live, you know, on the top floor.
I'm the boy in the white flannel gown
sprawled on this coarse gravel bed
searching the starry sky,
waiting for the world to end.
For those who do not know, Stanley Kunitz was an American treasure, and his poems will remain our gift in his absence.
I had the privilege to hear him read at the Folger Library back in 2000. Before the event, my ex- and I went to an eccentric little Capitol Hill Restaurant, Thai Roma's, for dinner. And to our delight, Mr. Kunitz, his chaperone from the Folger and his young niece chose the same place for dinner.
To this day I regret not picking up the check for them....especially after being so entertained by his consternation over the staff's inability to get his martini order right. No doubt a result of the fact that they were employed by a Thai-Italian restaurant!
The evening at the Folger was delightful, and Mr. Kunitz will be sorely missed. At the risk of a law-suit, I offer you this sample:
HAILEY'S COMET
Miss Murphy in first grade
wrote its name in chalk
across the board and told us
it was roaring down the stormtracks
of the Milky Way at frightful speed
and if it wandered off its course
and smashed into the earth
there'd be no school tomorrow.
A red-bearded preacher from the hills
with a wild look in his eyes
stood in the public square
at the playground's edge
proclaiming he was sent by God
to save every one of us,
even the little children.
"Repent, ye sinners!" he shouted,
waving his hand-lettered sign.
At supper I felt sad to think
that it was probably
the last meal I'd share
with my mother and my sisters;
but I felt excited too
and scarcely touched my plate.
So mother scolded me
and sent me early to my room.
The whole family's asleep
except for me. They never heard me steal
into the stairwell hall and climb
the ladder to the fresh night air.
Look for me, Father, on the roof
of the red brick building
at the foot of Green Street—
that's where we live, you know, on the top floor.
I'm the boy in the white flannel gown
sprawled on this coarse gravel bed
searching the starry sky,
waiting for the world to end.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
So, What IS Gay?
This cyber advert from New Zealand will give you a crash course!
http://www.42below.com/flashad/hero/
but skip it if you are language sensitive....
http://www.42below.com/flashad/hero/
but skip it if you are language sensitive....
Advocate of Freedom of Expression Dies
His name was Andrew Martinez, but most people called him the "Nude Guy." Andrew Martinez, 33, died on Thursday, May 18 while incarcerated at the Santa Clara County jail. He had been held there since January 10 on charges of battery and assault with a deadly weapon. His death is being investigated, but appears to be a suicide.
In the early 1990's, Martinez pushed the limits of the University of California at Berkeley's reputation as a bastian of liberal and progressive ideas when he proposed to attend class 'au naturale' as a statement of freedom of expression. The university was not amused. The tug-of-war continued into the following year when the university revised its code of conduct to ban naked students from attending class, and Martinez was expelled. His initial action led to a semester of sporadic nudity on campus, as well as, the city of Berkeley passing a city ordinance against public nudity.
In the early 1990's, Martinez pushed the limits of the University of California at Berkeley's reputation as a bastian of liberal and progressive ideas when he proposed to attend class 'au naturale' as a statement of freedom of expression. The university was not amused. The tug-of-war continued into the following year when the university revised its code of conduct to ban naked students from attending class, and Martinez was expelled. His initial action led to a semester of sporadic nudity on campus, as well as, the city of Berkeley passing a city ordinance against public nudity.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Reason #1
It's "Fleet Week" in the city. Thousands of lonely (horny) sailors are let loose on the "Big Apple" each looking to take a bite.
Reason #3
Gay Rugby! It's the annual Bingham Cup tournament of Gay Rugby.
For more information, go to:
http://www.clients.yinteract.com/binghamcup/memorialweekend4.htm
For more information, go to:
http://www.clients.yinteract.com/binghamcup/memorialweekend4.htm
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Random Quote #49
This one's a little different. It comes with a recent scenario (so it's not that "random" after all.....)
<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>
On March 1st, 2006 in Annapolis, Maryland at a hearing on the proposed Constitutional Amendment to prohibit civil marriage equality, Jamie Raskin, professor of law at American University, was requested to testify before the Maryland State Senate. He did so.
At the end of his testimony, a highly reactionary Senator Nancy Jacobs ( R ) asked:
"Mr Raskin, my Bible says marriage is only between a man & a woman. What do you have to say about that?"
Raskin replied:
"Senator, when you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. You didn't place your hand on the Constitution and swore to uphold the Bible."
The room erupted into applause.
<>--<>--<>--<>--<>--<>
On March 1st, 2006 in Annapolis, Maryland at a hearing on the proposed Constitutional Amendment to prohibit civil marriage equality, Jamie Raskin, professor of law at American University, was requested to testify before the Maryland State Senate. He did so.
At the end of his testimony, a highly reactionary Senator Nancy Jacobs ( R ) asked:
"Mr Raskin, my Bible says marriage is only between a man & a woman. What do you have to say about that?"
Raskin replied:
"Senator, when you took your oath of office, you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution. You didn't place your hand on the Constitution and swore to uphold the Bible."
The room erupted into applause.
Our Latest American Hero #21
May is quickly turning into as bloody a month as April for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and tonight one Minnesota family has been asked to bear the unbearable. My prayers are spinning outward for each of them.
Marine Lance Cpl. Robert G. Posivio III, 22, of Sherburn, Minn.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; killed May 23 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Anbar province, Iraq. Also killed was Pfc. Steven W. Freund.
"Soldier Is Second Brother To Die In Family"
SHERBURN, Minn. — A Marine from the southern Minnesota town of Sherburn was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, a spokesman for the family said Wednesday.
Lance Cpl. Robert Posivio III died Tuesday while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the Al Anbar Province, said Tom Hawkins, Posivio’s godfather.
Hawkins said Posivio was a passenger in a high mobility multipurpose vehicle that was hit by an improvised explosive device.
Posivio, 22, the son of Robert Posivio Jr. and Patti Posivio of rural Sherburn, had been recently sent back into combat after being injured in a mortar attack on April 13. His unit came under fire in Al Anbar Province near Fallujah and suffered two deaths in the earlier attack.
About three weeks after that attack, Posivio’s mother told the Sentinel of Fairmont that her son had suffered a severe concussion and shrapnel wounds. She said one of the Marines who was killed then, Lance Cpl. Stephen Perez, died while saving Posivio’s life.
A photo posted on a Marine Corps Web site shows Posivio kneeling before a memorial made from a helmet resting on a rifle with a set of identification tags and a pair of combat boots during a memorial service for Perez on April 28 at Camp Fallujah in Iraq.
Patti Posivio told the Sentinel her son was sent back into the field on April 30, and that the family didn’t expect they’d hear back from him until the end of May.
She said Posivio joined the Marines four years ago right out of high school, and that he was in his third tour of duty in Iraq. He was due to be discharged July 28.
The loss is the second in two years for the Posivio family. Robert Posivio’s younger brother, Daniel, 19, was killed in a car accident in July 2004 while on leave from the U.S. Navy.
Marine Lance Cpl. Robert G. Posivio III, 22, of Sherburn, Minn.; assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.; killed May 23 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Anbar province, Iraq. Also killed was Pfc. Steven W. Freund.
"Soldier Is Second Brother To Die In Family"
SHERBURN, Minn. — A Marine from the southern Minnesota town of Sherburn was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, a spokesman for the family said Wednesday.
Lance Cpl. Robert Posivio III died Tuesday while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the Al Anbar Province, said Tom Hawkins, Posivio’s godfather.
Hawkins said Posivio was a passenger in a high mobility multipurpose vehicle that was hit by an improvised explosive device.
Posivio, 22, the son of Robert Posivio Jr. and Patti Posivio of rural Sherburn, had been recently sent back into combat after being injured in a mortar attack on April 13. His unit came under fire in Al Anbar Province near Fallujah and suffered two deaths in the earlier attack.
About three weeks after that attack, Posivio’s mother told the Sentinel of Fairmont that her son had suffered a severe concussion and shrapnel wounds. She said one of the Marines who was killed then, Lance Cpl. Stephen Perez, died while saving Posivio’s life.
A photo posted on a Marine Corps Web site shows Posivio kneeling before a memorial made from a helmet resting on a rifle with a set of identification tags and a pair of combat boots during a memorial service for Perez on April 28 at Camp Fallujah in Iraq.
Patti Posivio told the Sentinel her son was sent back into the field on April 30, and that the family didn’t expect they’d hear back from him until the end of May.
She said Posivio joined the Marines four years ago right out of high school, and that he was in his third tour of duty in Iraq. He was due to be discharged July 28.
The loss is the second in two years for the Posivio family. Robert Posivio’s younger brother, Daniel, 19, was killed in a car accident in July 2004 while on leave from the U.S. Navy.
Is nothing sacred?
US Postage Stamps are to become the newest bill boards for corporate logos....alas. And as Rachel Maddow observed on her radio show, can money be far behind?
This from the Washington Post:
"Stamps to Become a Marketing Vehicle"
By Caroline E. Mayer
Wednesday, May 24, 2006; Page D01
Advertising might soon be pushing the envelope.
The U.S. Postal Service is allowing companies to create their own branded stamps for first-class mail. Instead of flags, you can expect to see a company logo; instead of photos of famous Americans, you might see pictures of your local real estate agent.
It is a test, part of an effort to reverse the decline in first-class mailings. As USPS spokeswoman Joanne Veto said, "We want to make mail more interesting to consumers."
The first company to buy in is Hewlett-Packard, which is using its corporate logo and pictures from its early days -- including founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard -- on mail sent to customers and partners.
"HP views this as an opportunity to extend the brand," said Gary Elliott, vice president of brand marketing in a statement. "It is a new 'brand canvas.' " The cost can be as little as 10 cents extra per stamp. The money goes to vendors who manufacture the stamps.
For the past year, consumers have been able to create personal stamps, with pictures of babies, pets and other loved ones, for about twice the cost of a regular stamp. But advertising was barred from stamps until earlier this year when Congress overturned a 19th-century law barring commercial images on stamps.
This from the Washington Post:
"Stamps to Become a Marketing Vehicle"
By Caroline E. Mayer
Wednesday, May 24, 2006; Page D01
Advertising might soon be pushing the envelope.
The U.S. Postal Service is allowing companies to create their own branded stamps for first-class mail. Instead of flags, you can expect to see a company logo; instead of photos of famous Americans, you might see pictures of your local real estate agent.
It is a test, part of an effort to reverse the decline in first-class mailings. As USPS spokeswoman Joanne Veto said, "We want to make mail more interesting to consumers."
The first company to buy in is Hewlett-Packard, which is using its corporate logo and pictures from its early days -- including founders Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard -- on mail sent to customers and partners.
"HP views this as an opportunity to extend the brand," said Gary Elliott, vice president of brand marketing in a statement. "It is a new 'brand canvas.' " The cost can be as little as 10 cents extra per stamp. The money goes to vendors who manufacture the stamps.
For the past year, consumers have been able to create personal stamps, with pictures of babies, pets and other loved ones, for about twice the cost of a regular stamp. But advertising was barred from stamps until earlier this year when Congress overturned a 19th-century law barring commercial images on stamps.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
"Chasin' The Clouds Away..."
It starts with "Sunny Day!" on Seasame Street and ends up with a cutting edge musical bringing to light the state of queer America just off of Broadway. The show is called, "Avenue Q" and it's creator, Jeff Whitty, has written a letter to the current host of the Tonight Show, Jay Leno. It's an open letter, so I freely share it here.
April 20th, 2006
Dear Mr. Leno,
My name is Jeff Whitty. I live in New York City. I'm a playwright and the author of Avenue Q, which is a musical currently running on Broadway. I've been watching your show a bit, and I'd like to make an observation:
When you think of gay people, it's funny. They're funny folks. They wear leather. They like Judy Garland. They like disco music. They're sort of like Stepin Fetchit as channeled by Richard Simmons.
Gay people, to you, are great material.
Mr. Leno, let me share with you my view of gay people:
When I think of gay people, I think of the gay news anchor who took a tire iron to the head several times when he was vacationing in St. Martin. I think of my friend who was visiting Hamburger Mary's, a gay restaurant in Las Vegas, when a bigot threw a smoke bomb filled with toxic chemicals into the restaurant, leaving the staff and gay clientele coughing, puking, and running in terror. I think of visiting my gay friends at their house in the country, sitting outside for dinner, and hearing, within hundreds of feet of where we sat, taunting voices yelling "Faggots." I think of hugging my boyfriend goodbye for the day on 8th Avenue in Manhattan and being mocked and taunted by passing high school students.
When I think of gay people, I think of suicide. I think of a countless list of people who took their own lives because the world was so toxically hostile to them. Because of the deathly climate of the closet, we will never be able to count them. You think gay people are great material. I think of a silent holocaust that continues to this day. I think of a silent holocaust that is perpetuated by people like you, who seek to minimize us and make fun of us and who I suspect really, fundamentally wish we would just go away.
When I think of gay people, I think of a brave group that has made tremendous contributions to society, in arts, letters, science, philosophy, and politics. I think of some of the most hilarious people I know. I think of a group that has served as a cultural guardian for an ungrateful and ignorant America.
I think of a group of people who have undergone a brave act of inventing themselves. Every single out-of-the-closet gay person has had to say, "I am not part of mainstream society." Mr. Leno, that takes bigger balls than stepping out in front of TV-watching America every night. I daresay I suspect it takes bigger balls to come out of the closet than anything you have ever done in your life.
I know you know gay people, Mr. Leno. Are they just jokes to you, to be snickered at behind their backs? Despite the angry tenor of my letter, I suspect you're a better man than that. I don't bother writing letters to the "God Hates Fags" people, or Donald Wildmon, or the pope. But I think you can do better. I know it's The Tonight Show, not a White House press conference, but you reach a lot of people.
I caught your show when you had a tired mockery of Brokeback Mountain, involving something about a horse done up in what you consider a "gay" way. Man, that's dated. I turned the television off and felt pretty fucking depressed. And now I understand your gay-baiting jokes have continued.
Mr. Leno, I have a sense of humor. It's my livelihood. And being gay has many hilarious aspects to it -- none of which, I suspect, you understand. I'm tired of people like you. When I think of gay people, I think of centuries of suffering. I think of really, really good people who've been gravely mistreated for a long time now.
You've got to cut it out, Jay.
Sincerely,
Jeff Whitty
New York, N.Y.
April 20th, 2006
Dear Mr. Leno,
My name is Jeff Whitty. I live in New York City. I'm a playwright and the author of Avenue Q, which is a musical currently running on Broadway. I've been watching your show a bit, and I'd like to make an observation:
When you think of gay people, it's funny. They're funny folks. They wear leather. They like Judy Garland. They like disco music. They're sort of like Stepin Fetchit as channeled by Richard Simmons.
Gay people, to you, are great material.
Mr. Leno, let me share with you my view of gay people:
When I think of gay people, I think of the gay news anchor who took a tire iron to the head several times when he was vacationing in St. Martin. I think of my friend who was visiting Hamburger Mary's, a gay restaurant in Las Vegas, when a bigot threw a smoke bomb filled with toxic chemicals into the restaurant, leaving the staff and gay clientele coughing, puking, and running in terror. I think of visiting my gay friends at their house in the country, sitting outside for dinner, and hearing, within hundreds of feet of where we sat, taunting voices yelling "Faggots." I think of hugging my boyfriend goodbye for the day on 8th Avenue in Manhattan and being mocked and taunted by passing high school students.
When I think of gay people, I think of suicide. I think of a countless list of people who took their own lives because the world was so toxically hostile to them. Because of the deathly climate of the closet, we will never be able to count them. You think gay people are great material. I think of a silent holocaust that continues to this day. I think of a silent holocaust that is perpetuated by people like you, who seek to minimize us and make fun of us and who I suspect really, fundamentally wish we would just go away.
When I think of gay people, I think of a brave group that has made tremendous contributions to society, in arts, letters, science, philosophy, and politics. I think of some of the most hilarious people I know. I think of a group that has served as a cultural guardian for an ungrateful and ignorant America.
I think of a group of people who have undergone a brave act of inventing themselves. Every single out-of-the-closet gay person has had to say, "I am not part of mainstream society." Mr. Leno, that takes bigger balls than stepping out in front of TV-watching America every night. I daresay I suspect it takes bigger balls to come out of the closet than anything you have ever done in your life.
I know you know gay people, Mr. Leno. Are they just jokes to you, to be snickered at behind their backs? Despite the angry tenor of my letter, I suspect you're a better man than that. I don't bother writing letters to the "God Hates Fags" people, or Donald Wildmon, or the pope. But I think you can do better. I know it's The Tonight Show, not a White House press conference, but you reach a lot of people.
I caught your show when you had a tired mockery of Brokeback Mountain, involving something about a horse done up in what you consider a "gay" way. Man, that's dated. I turned the television off and felt pretty fucking depressed. And now I understand your gay-baiting jokes have continued.
Mr. Leno, I have a sense of humor. It's my livelihood. And being gay has many hilarious aspects to it -- none of which, I suspect, you understand. I'm tired of people like you. When I think of gay people, I think of centuries of suffering. I think of really, really good people who've been gravely mistreated for a long time now.
You've got to cut it out, Jay.
Sincerely,
Jeff Whitty
New York, N.Y.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Random Quote #48
"Fascism will come to America wrapped in a flag and bearing a cross."
~ Sinclair Lewis, 1885-1951
~ Sinclair Lewis, 1885-1951
Monday, May 22, 2006
Our Latest American Hero #20
Marine Lance Cpl. Hatak Yuka Keyu M. Yearby, 21, of Overbrook, Okla.; assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; killed May 14 while conducting combat operations in the Anbar province, Iraq.
“Three Kane'ohe Bay Marines Killed”
In the first two months of its deployment to Iraq, the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment had lost three Marines out of its 1,000-member unit.
That number has doubled over the past five days.
Two Marines were killed Sunday while conducting combat operations, and a third was killed Friday in a "nonhostile" incident, the Pentagon said yesterday.
Lance Cpl. Jose S. Marin-Dominguez Jr., 22, of Liberal, Kansas, and Lance Cpl. Hatak Yuka Keyu M. Yearby, 21, of Overbrook, Okla., died while conducting combat operations in western Iraq.
Lance Cpl. Adam C. Conboy, 21, of Philadelphia, was killed by nonhostile fire, Conboy's mother said....
News of the three deaths came as about 200 Marines with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment from Kane'ohe Bay were expected to arrive home last night after five months in Afghanistan.
"As joyous as it is with our Marines coming home from Afghanistan, we still need to remember the three Marines that were lost this weekend and their families. They will be with us in our thoughts and prayers," said 2nd Lt. Binford Strickland, a base spokesman.
Yearby's family told KTEN TV in Oklahoma that he was a Native American dancer who performed around the world. They were notified early Sunday morning that his Humvee had struck a land mine.
Yearby was a warehouse clerk. He had joined the Marines in May of last year and reported to Hawai'i in October.
On a myspace.com account, Yearby described himself as a 5-foot-7, athletic Native American. Under a heading for children, he wrote, "some day." He said his interests were fishing, camping, spending time with his wife, family and friends. He listed his mother and father as his "heroes."
On May 11, three days before he died, his wife, Lindsey, wrote on the Web site: "Hey, baby ... can you believe that we have been married for 3 months and 1 day!!! I am soo happy you are in my life ... I can't wait for you to come home!!! I love you hubby!!!"
Above that, in an entry dated yesterday, a friend named Cody said, "Hey man, we had great times, parties at the river and even fun at work ... you will be missed greatly man. I'm sorry I didn't go with you. God man, I am so sorry. Please forgive me."
“Three Kane'ohe Bay Marines Killed”
In the first two months of its deployment to Iraq, the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment had lost three Marines out of its 1,000-member unit.
That number has doubled over the past five days.
Two Marines were killed Sunday while conducting combat operations, and a third was killed Friday in a "nonhostile" incident, the Pentagon said yesterday.
Lance Cpl. Jose S. Marin-Dominguez Jr., 22, of Liberal, Kansas, and Lance Cpl. Hatak Yuka Keyu M. Yearby, 21, of Overbrook, Okla., died while conducting combat operations in western Iraq.
Lance Cpl. Adam C. Conboy, 21, of Philadelphia, was killed by nonhostile fire, Conboy's mother said....
News of the three deaths came as about 200 Marines with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment from Kane'ohe Bay were expected to arrive home last night after five months in Afghanistan.
"As joyous as it is with our Marines coming home from Afghanistan, we still need to remember the three Marines that were lost this weekend and their families. They will be with us in our thoughts and prayers," said 2nd Lt. Binford Strickland, a base spokesman.
Yearby's family told KTEN TV in Oklahoma that he was a Native American dancer who performed around the world. They were notified early Sunday morning that his Humvee had struck a land mine.
Yearby was a warehouse clerk. He had joined the Marines in May of last year and reported to Hawai'i in October.
On a myspace.com account, Yearby described himself as a 5-foot-7, athletic Native American. Under a heading for children, he wrote, "some day." He said his interests were fishing, camping, spending time with his wife, family and friends. He listed his mother and father as his "heroes."
On May 11, three days before he died, his wife, Lindsey, wrote on the Web site: "Hey, baby ... can you believe that we have been married for 3 months and 1 day!!! I am soo happy you are in my life ... I can't wait for you to come home!!! I love you hubby!!!"
Above that, in an entry dated yesterday, a friend named Cody said, "Hey man, we had great times, parties at the river and even fun at work ... you will be missed greatly man. I'm sorry I didn't go with you. God man, I am so sorry. Please forgive me."
It's No Wonder
Why I love "The New Yorker". It always cuts to the chase. We live in a world where WATER is far more precious than OIL.
Let's talk.....
Let's talk.....
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Move over Mr. Data!
Meet EveR1. South Korea's newest cyber citizen. The article that accompanies this image explains:
"She can hold a conversation, make eye contact, and express joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness."
She is the creation of Baeg Moon-hong, a senior researcher with the Division for Applied Robot Technology at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH). The science may not be enough to get an android, let alone a woman, on the moon, but it does continue to remind us that we are not alone. And tomorrow's leaders are coming from places like South Korea, India, and South Africa, places formly dismissed at merely third world.
We should spend more of our resources on preparing for the future and less on sustaining the present and vindicating the past.
"She can hold a conversation, make eye contact, and express joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness."
She is the creation of Baeg Moon-hong, a senior researcher with the Division for Applied Robot Technology at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH). The science may not be enough to get an android, let alone a woman, on the moon, but it does continue to remind us that we are not alone. And tomorrow's leaders are coming from places like South Korea, India, and South Africa, places formly dismissed at merely third world.
We should spend more of our resources on preparing for the future and less on sustaining the present and vindicating the past.
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