Ellen is made of the awesome.
Ellen smokes a tootsie roll:
I'm finishing my costume now. With all the Batman and Joker costumes this year, I'm going The Dark Night.
But with an "N."
Happy Halloween!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Fashionista
My sister-in-law just sent me some pics via her iPhone. My niece Ellen is going to a Halloween party. She's going as a fashionista.
Ellen is made of the awesome.
Ellen smokes a tootsie roll:
I'm finishing my costume now. With all the Batman and Joker costumes this year, I'm going The Dark Night.
But with an "N."
Happy Halloween!
Ellen is made of the awesome.
Ellen smokes a tootsie roll:
I'm finishing my costume now. With all the Batman and Joker costumes this year, I'm going The Dark Night.
But with an "N."
Happy Halloween!
hit me with your best shot
Okay, so last night I went to the spooky Victorian thing. In the spirit, I dressed like a Victorian—ascot, boots, french cuffs, top hat.
I couldn't wear a costume to work today like the majority of the people here as I had a formal interview and needed to be, well, formal. I'm interviewing for a Director position, and the thought did occur to me to wear jodhpurs, a beret and bring a megaphone or a clapboard and go as a "director."
The corporate costume party and contest immediately followed my interview. As I was wearing a black suit, I merely flipped up my collar, retied the tie in Victorian fashion, swapped the blazer for a black trench coat, put the top hat back on, and sauntered over with the rest of my department who were in costume. I looked like this:
I was impressed with the quality of a lot of the costumes this year. I left my camera at my desk, but I will try to post others' photos later. One small girl with a mustache and dressed in an 18oo's style suit asked me if I was Abe Lincoln.
I said no but that I certainly could be.
She was dressed as, and I am not making this up, John Wilks Booth.
We joined the contest as a pair.
Note: Now while dessing up alone as John Wilks Booth does seem a bit on the nutter side, she had made the costume for tonight, when her boyfriend will be in costume as Lincoln.
I couldn't wear a costume to work today like the majority of the people here as I had a formal interview and needed to be, well, formal. I'm interviewing for a Director position, and the thought did occur to me to wear jodhpurs, a beret and bring a megaphone or a clapboard and go as a "director."
The corporate costume party and contest immediately followed my interview. As I was wearing a black suit, I merely flipped up my collar, retied the tie in Victorian fashion, swapped the blazer for a black trench coat, put the top hat back on, and sauntered over with the rest of my department who were in costume. I looked like this:
I was impressed with the quality of a lot of the costumes this year. I left my camera at my desk, but I will try to post others' photos later. One small girl with a mustache and dressed in an 18oo's style suit asked me if I was Abe Lincoln.
I said no but that I certainly could be.
She was dressed as, and I am not making this up, John Wilks Booth.
We joined the contest as a pair.
Note: Now while dessing up alone as John Wilks Booth does seem a bit on the nutter side, she had made the costume for tonight, when her boyfriend will be in costume as Lincoln.
Nightshades
James and I took a tour opf the deadly Nightshades last night! "Hidden by trees" indeed."
Kev, Shawn, and a couple of their friends were also able to make it to the "show."
It was fairly surreal. Abstract even. I might have liked a bit more of a thread, but there were enough details to carry one shade into another. And it's hard to have a spooky story that isn't cheesy.
And this was anything but cheesy. If you had you eyes on the details, it was way with the creepy. Well written and superbly performed.
From the twisted and talented mind of Sean Owens and his company: NIGHTSHADES.
The last performance was last night. I didn't blog about it ahead of time as seating/tickets were extremely limited (only 15 to a show) and I was still trying to get my companions in a row—I didn't want it to sell out before I could get my spaces reserved. And the Victorian was itself wonderfully creepy creepy.
Sean's e-mail:
Kev, Shawn, and a couple of their friends were also able to make it to the "show."
It was fairly surreal. Abstract even. I might have liked a bit more of a thread, but there were enough details to carry one shade into another. And it's hard to have a spooky story that isn't cheesy.
And this was anything but cheesy. If you had you eyes on the details, it was way with the creepy. Well written and superbly performed.
From the twisted and talented mind of Sean Owens and his company: NIGHTSHADES.
The last performance was last night. I didn't blog about it ahead of time as seating/tickets were extremely limited (only 15 to a show) and I was still trying to get my companions in a row—I didn't want it to sell out before I could get my spaces reserved. And the Victorian was itself wonderfully creepy creepy.
Sean's e-mail:
Happy Halloween!Dear Family, Friends and Neighbors,
For some, black and orange are traditional Halloween colors. For those with more visceral appetites, red is the color they bathe in to celebrate the Witching Hour. But what of the other colors?... Hospital green? Jaundice yellow? Brown, rich soil? A glint of silver? For those who believe in a full spectrum of spectres... Feast your eyes on NIGHTSHADES!
A three-story Victorian, hidden by trees. A kindly, but distracted, Caretaker. And a house steeped in all the pigments of history. What could go wrong?
From Elbosho Productions and the makers of last year's "Meet The Campbells," comes another all-immersive theatrical thrill-ride. The Bay Area's most twisted intellects have conspired to make you see the color wheel in a whole new light. Maya Gurantz and Ned Brauer (TEN RED HEN's Clown Bible and Clean), along with Michelle Talgarow and Sean Owens (FOUL PLAY's Attack of the Killer B-Movies) have devised a thirteen-room labyrinth of lurid excesses, evoking the Technicolor terrors of Argento and Polanski. Steel your optic nerves and dive into the phosphorous waters of NIGHTSHADES.
No chainsaws.
No cobwebs.
No coffins.
Something much, much worse.
visit from an old face(book)
I hadn't seen Curt Bickers since college, and in a now typical experience, he found me on FaceBook. I was reluctant to get involved in yet another social networking site, but FaceBook has been a great way to feel reconnected to a whole host of Davidson buddies.
I still won't indulge most (or any) if the FaceBook apps, but I love the comments and status updates.
And a nice surprise was the call from Curt. We weren't really close at Davidson, but it's a small school and we all knew each other somehow. He found me on FaceBook, we started messaging, and then he and his partner Alex came out to SF for Curt's birthday. As the pre-Halloween weekend, there was lots going on, and we had a pretty fab time.
Shouts to Curt!
I still won't indulge most (or any) if the FaceBook apps, but I love the comments and status updates.
And a nice surprise was the call from Curt. We weren't really close at Davidson, but it's a small school and we all knew each other somehow. He found me on FaceBook, we started messaging, and then he and his partner Alex came out to SF for Curt's birthday. As the pre-Halloween weekend, there was lots going on, and we had a pretty fab time.
Shouts to Curt!
even the news gets it wrong
Someone sent me a CBS national news video clip which took and in-depth 30 second look at Prop 8 in California.
From the Yes on 8 nuts given airtime:
I can't let someone redefine a word. I can't say that "heterosexual" means a "relationship between a man and a plant" and then it will be that way. You can't just redefine a word.
Really? That's your argument to strip others of their constitutional rights?. Semantics? Vocabulary? Here's a news flash (which CBS should have covered in their news): marriage has been redefined. A lot. If he wants to restore the traditional definition of marriage, your wife is property, and you must be paid to take her. She has no rights, cannot hold property, or vote, and by marriage it is your right to beat her. Including rape (only in this century did the idea that a woman could be raped by her husband enter into law).
Oh yeah, marriage to whites is for whites only. That wasn't redefined until 1968.
The man is clearly an idiot. Why was he given airtime to spout "opinion" when his facts are so clearly wrong. Shouldn't news be required to inform, not just record and replay.
Then there is the "black minister." He maintains that Prop 8 is necessary to preserve marriage as the union of man and woman AS IT HAS BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME."
Okay, there are also hundreds of black ministers who are preaching AGAINST Prop 8, but CBS ignored that. Nevermind. Let's look at the "beginning of time" thing. Marriage as an act of love is a very new concept. Marriage has always been about property and male bloodlines. "One man and one woman since the beginning of time"? Actually, no. Are marriages in other countries or cultures not marriages? (A tautology I know.) So the same gender marriages in Native American, African, Indian, Asian, or other cultures throughout history don't "count." Fine, so maybe he just means Christian Marriage throughout time. Well, that's not the beginning of time either. That's about 2,000 years.
Oops again. Same-sex marriage was extremely common, CHRISTIAN same sex marriage, in pre-modern Europe. Look it up.
Until that pesky love thing took hold in the past century or so, marriage has always been about power and control.
And to the Prop8 haters, it still is.
I do believe we need to defend marriage. But from them.
From the Yes on 8 nuts given airtime:
I can't let someone redefine a word. I can't say that "heterosexual" means a "relationship between a man and a plant" and then it will be that way. You can't just redefine a word.
Really? That's your argument to strip others of their constitutional rights?. Semantics? Vocabulary? Here's a news flash (which CBS should have covered in their news): marriage has been redefined. A lot. If he wants to restore the traditional definition of marriage, your wife is property, and you must be paid to take her. She has no rights, cannot hold property, or vote, and by marriage it is your right to beat her. Including rape (only in this century did the idea that a woman could be raped by her husband enter into law).
Oh yeah, marriage to whites is for whites only. That wasn't redefined until 1968.
The man is clearly an idiot. Why was he given airtime to spout "opinion" when his facts are so clearly wrong. Shouldn't news be required to inform, not just record and replay.
Then there is the "black minister." He maintains that Prop 8 is necessary to preserve marriage as the union of man and woman AS IT HAS BEEN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME."
Okay, there are also hundreds of black ministers who are preaching AGAINST Prop 8, but CBS ignored that. Nevermind. Let's look at the "beginning of time" thing. Marriage as an act of love is a very new concept. Marriage has always been about property and male bloodlines. "One man and one woman since the beginning of time"? Actually, no. Are marriages in other countries or cultures not marriages? (A tautology I know.) So the same gender marriages in Native American, African, Indian, Asian, or other cultures throughout history don't "count." Fine, so maybe he just means Christian Marriage throughout time. Well, that's not the beginning of time either. That's about 2,000 years.
Oops again. Same-sex marriage was extremely common, CHRISTIAN same sex marriage, in pre-modern Europe. Look it up.
Until that pesky love thing took hold in the past century or so, marriage has always been about power and control.
And to the Prop8 haters, it still is.
I do believe we need to defend marriage. But from them.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Prop 8: A Call to Mobilize!
A truly inspiring story.
E-mail from Gino: "A call to MOBILIZE!"
E-mail from Gino: "A call to MOBILIZE!"
Do you live in the suburbs? Are you tired of seeing the YES on Prop 8 signs everywhere and feeling like our voices are being drowned out by those that want to deny us (or your friends) our civil rights? I, for one, AM! They have even been coming to my front door. I have always taken the “nice guy” approach with them because mamma always said, “you can get much further with a teaspoon of honey than you can with a teaspoon of vinegar.” Speaking with them as been interesting, at best, but each time one leaves I find myself wondering, why the NO folks aren’t out there going door to door too. They have been coming to my door specifically because of the NO signs I have in my yard. Why shouldn’t we do the same?
About two weeks ago, as we were driving out of town on our daily trek from Fairfield to San Francisco (at 6am!) we were greeted by the largest YES banner we had ever seen! It was huge and stood about 12 feet in the air, was at least 6 feet wide and 4 feet high. Every morning for the last two weeks we have seen that sign staring down at us. To say that it has been an unpleasant way to start our day would be an understatement.
Today it hit me! If they can come to my front door, why can’t I go to theirs? I was admittedly terrified but decided that my first stop would be the house with the gigantic banner. I sat in my car for at least ten minutes as I mustered up the courage to actually ring the door bell. I thought, ‘deep breaths Gino, and just put one foot in front of the other’ as I walked up the front walkway. I rang to doorbell and every natural instinct I had told me to run like hell! I stayed put and just as I was about to high-tail it out of there I heard the locks on the front door start to click. I was stuck! UGGH!
As the door slowly opened I was greeted by an older African American woman of about 75. Behind her stood a younger African American woman that was staring me down like I was not someone to be trusted. I smiled and introduced myself as a neighbor. I went on to ask them if they might be willing to discuss the banner that was looming over the busy street below. I sensed some indignation – as in, “who the hell are you to be telling me that I can’t put any damn sign I want in my yard?.”
I back peddled and let them know that I believed it to be their right to hang whatever sign they choose and I went to tell them that I was not there to attack them on their personal beliefs. I told them I was there to offer them a point of reference when thinking about the impact a YES vote on Prop 8 would have. “Well, what’s it matter to you? What are YOUR thoughts on the issue,” the younger woman said as she stepped out from behind the older woman. I took a big gulp and lept right in!
“Well,” I said, “for starters, I’m gay and the passage of Prop 8 would eliminate my right to equality under our Constitution.” Suddenly the older woman’s face softened and she said, “Well my sister works in San Francisco and she has a lot of gay friends and she wants me to take that damn thing down.” I saw an ‘in’ but I waited for her to finish.
“All this stuff is just too confusing to me! I’m not even a registered voter. Some guy knocked on my door and asked if he could put a sign in my yard to support some proposition. I told him that I didn’t care and the next time I went outside I looked up and saw this gigantic sign in MY BACKYARD! I never agreed to let him in my backyard. He must have had a latter because my gate is always locked. I’m just too old to get up there and take that thing down.”
I had my in! “Oh, well if you’d like ME to take it down, I’d be happy to do that for you!”
“Fine by me.” she said.
Unfortunately they did not have the key to the gate but I told them that I was more than happy to come back later when the person that had the key had returned. An hour later my daughter and I returned with our tools in hand and they happily let us into the backyard. Down came the sign, hugs given by all and my daughter and I expressed our sincerest appreciation as we left.
If you have thought of knocking on doors, now is the time. We have to get out and educate those that are blindly following, or worse, have been tricked into supporting something they do not fully understand. Be heard – stand up – and take the lumps that will surely come but know that there are people out there that support us but need some help to do it. One sign and one person at a time we can, at minimum, start to turn this dangerous tide.
If anyone has any idea how to “rework” this sign, please let me know.
Gino
PS – Here's the banner we took back.
Incredible
Will, his wife, and his brother and his brother's wife are all now certified Cross Fit coaches.
They are strong and fit in a super-human sort of way. I was wondering if they were going to form some sort of Fantastic Four super hero team.
His IM shot this morning:
From our IM:
His first born is named Odin. I'm just wondering how old he will be before Will dresses him up with an eye patch and Nordic viking gear for Halloween.
They are strong and fit in a super-human sort of way. I was wondering if they were going to form some sort of Fantastic Four super hero team.
His IM shot this morning:
From our IM:
His first born is named Odin. I'm just wondering how old he will be before Will dresses him up with an eye patch and Nordic viking gear for Halloween.
dealing with Prop H8
I have been in a state over Prop 8. I'm getting so worked up over the possibility that it might pass. I'm having nightmares.
Here is some advice on how to deal with the stress of the batshit hateful Proposition 8.
Unfortunately, I've been trying this and it's not working.
Here is some advice on how to deal with the stress of the batshit hateful Proposition 8.
Unfortunately, I've been trying this and it's not working.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
free AT&T wifi hotspots for iPhone
At&T just pushed a text message to iPhone users that we now have access to AT&T wifi hotspots all over the world, including domestic Starbucks locations.
However, it's not just as simple as discovering the network: you have to select the network, enter your phone number, and then wait for an activation code. But all in all, it looks pretty painless for free wifi in airports, hotels and such.
iPhone users (or thinking about it-ers) can get the details here.
However, it's not just as simple as discovering the network: you have to select the network, enter your phone number, and then wait for an activation code. But all in all, it looks pretty painless for free wifi in airports, hotels and such.
iPhone users (or thinking about it-ers) can get the details here.
Double your efforts - No on Prop 8!
Via the office Listserv:
Marriage Equality Remains at Stake in California
Anti-LGBT ads – containing outright lies – continue to blanket the airwaves. Today, you have the opportunity to make the difference as we come down to the wire. David Maltz of Cleveland, Ohio, a generous HRC member, is determined to keep our No on Proposition 8 ads on the air as much as possible.
In fact, David will match every online contribution today, up to $100,000 until Thursday, October 30 at 9 p.m. PST.
Will you rise to his challenge? Let's work together to keep marriage equality in California.
Donate now to the HRC California Marriage PAC - No on Proposition 8 and your gift for marriage equality will be MATCHED through 9 p.m. on Thursday!
Please log on to our campus website www.hrc.org/BayAreaNoOn8 to double your contribution. (Only pledges made through HRC's PAC websites, including our own will be matched.)
We're in the final stretch and we have marketing and advertising that we can't launch because of funding. Please consider stretching like you've never stretched before. We can win this with your support!
Until victory,
-Rob
I just made another donation. I hope you do too!
Marriage Equality Remains at Stake in California
Anti-LGBT ads – containing outright lies – continue to blanket the airwaves. Today, you have the opportunity to make the difference as we come down to the wire. David Maltz of Cleveland, Ohio, a generous HRC member, is determined to keep our No on Proposition 8 ads on the air as much as possible.
In fact, David will match every online contribution today, up to $100,000 until Thursday, October 30 at 9 p.m. PST.
Will you rise to his challenge? Let's work together to keep marriage equality in California.
Donate now to the HRC California Marriage PAC - No on Proposition 8 and your gift for marriage equality will be MATCHED through 9 p.m. on Thursday!
Please log on to our campus website www.hrc.org/BayAreaNoOn8 to double your contribution. (Only pledges made through HRC's PAC websites, including our own will be matched.)
We're in the final stretch and we have marketing and advertising that we can't launch because of funding. Please consider stretching like you've never stretched before. We can win this with your support!
Until victory,
-Rob
I just made another donation. I hope you do too!
Police Notice: Folsom and 15th Street
This happened during the day at a UCSF business building, and across the street from Truck (the bar we love)
On 10/28/2008, an armed robbery occurred at the corner of 15th Street and Folsom Street. The victim, a UCSF employee was approached by the suspect and was asked for direction. The suspect grabbed her purse, and after forcing it from the victim ran from the scene. UCSF Police Officers were able to get a description of the suspect (African American male, approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall wearing a brown jacket with patches) and direction of travel. Officers were able to apprehend the suspect at 12th Street and Beatrice. After a search of the area, officers recovered the victim's purse and a loaded firearm that had been discarded by the suspect. The firearm was not used to commit the crime.There are times I am grateful I'm a big guy. Y'all be careful out there.
no respect for country, for truth, for decency
and certainly not self.
Honestly, how can anyone still be a McCain supporter and have any sense of self respect? This is just sad.
And I do think of protecting the children. The kids at rallies such as these--what are they learning?
At least Obama, and Mark Morford, give me some hope for America.
Honestly, how can anyone still be a McCain supporter and have any sense of self respect? This is just sad.
And I do think of protecting the children. The kids at rallies such as these--what are they learning?
At least Obama, and Mark Morford, give me some hope for America.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Dianne Feinstein "It's about discrimination and we must always say NO to that."
Amen.
Let's hope we see a LOT more of this in the coming week.
Let's hope we see a LOT more of this in the coming week.
best exasperated comment on Prop 8
So far, this one from the SFist sums it up for me:
The people pushing Prop 8 have their heads so far up their asses they've turned into mobius strips.
This was written in response to a Yes on 8 proponent invoking a "satirical" Hitler montage in support of their cause, but fails because mostly people know that in the holocaust Hitler and the Nazis murdered over ten thousand homosexuals, and that's really not all that funny.
One more tactic like that and my head is gonna explode.
The people pushing Prop 8 have their heads so far up their asses they've turned into mobius strips.
This was written in response to a Yes on 8 proponent invoking a "satirical" Hitler montage in support of their cause, but fails because mostly people know that in the holocaust Hitler and the Nazis murdered over ten thousand homosexuals, and that's really not all that funny.
One more tactic like that and my head is gonna explode.
Yes on 8'ers call bystander with camera phone a nazi,
hide their faces behind Prop 8 signs, then ultimately assault her.
Yes on 8 rally? More like mob. This brave woman, who stands no on 8, stopped and started recording video with her camera phone. The "rallyers" were abusive, then hid themselves and blocked the camera with Yes on 8 signs-- if they are proud of their position, why hide?
Then one woman, clearly a moron, started calling the passerby with the camera phone a Nazi. She countered, "Why are you calling me a Nazi?" The abuser was confused and did not seem to know what a Nazi was.
The rally of haters beat the woman back with their signs, until one finally ripped her phone from her hand.
Yes, this is about protecting the children, family, and traditional marriage- you've made such a good argument.
Actually, all they have convinced me of is that their parents should have supported birth control.
Yes on 8 rally? More like mob. This brave woman, who stands no on 8, stopped and started recording video with her camera phone. The "rallyers" were abusive, then hid themselves and blocked the camera with Yes on 8 signs-- if they are proud of their position, why hide?
Then one woman, clearly a moron, started calling the passerby with the camera phone a Nazi. She countered, "Why are you calling me a Nazi?" The abuser was confused and did not seem to know what a Nazi was.
The rally of haters beat the woman back with their signs, until one finally ripped her phone from her hand.
Yes, this is about protecting the children, family, and traditional marriage- you've made such a good argument.
Actually, all they have convinced me of is that their parents should have supported birth control.
Happy Diwali!
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights dispels darkness—and with it ignorance, and evil.
We could use a whole lotta Diwali right now!
From Alert Reader Shilpa to the readers of I'm Just Sayin':
We could use a whole lotta Diwali right now!
From Alert Reader Shilpa to the readers of I'm Just Sayin':
why I didn't carve a pumpkin this year
Nevermind the lack of free time, I just get too competitive.
Seeing gourds like these, I didn't even bother. So cool.
Now I just want to take the day off and get some professional tools.
Seeing gourds like these, I didn't even bother. So cool.
Now I just want to take the day off and get some professional tools.
Election news: How racism works
From the non-partisan 80-20 Initiative:
How Racism Works:
What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?
What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said 'I do' to?
What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she no longer measured up to his standards? [Marrying the second while still married to the first?]
What if Obama were a member of the Keating-5 scandal?
What if McCain were a charismatic, eloquent speaker?
If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?
This is what does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.
You are The Boss... which team would you hire? With America facing historic debt, 2 wars, stumbling health care, a weakened dollar, all-time high prison population, mortgage crises, bank foreclosures, etc.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations. Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science. Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
versus
McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
Now, which team are you going to hire?
Via Alert Reader Shilpa Patel.
How Racism Works:
What if John McCain were a former president of the Harvard Law Review?
What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?
What if McCain were still married to the first woman he said 'I do' to?
What if Obama were the candidate who left his first wife after she no longer measured up to his standards? [Marrying the second while still married to the first?]
What if Obama were a member of the Keating-5 scandal?
What if McCain were a charismatic, eloquent speaker?
If these questions reflected reality, do you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?
This is what does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when there is a color difference.
You are The Boss... which team would you hire? With America facing historic debt, 2 wars, stumbling health care, a weakened dollar, all-time high prison population, mortgage crises, bank foreclosures, etc.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in International Relations. Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude
Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science. Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)
versus
McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899
Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study
University of Idaho - 2 semesters - journalism
Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester
University of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism
Now, which team are you going to hire?
Via Alert Reader Shilpa Patel.
voter fraud
The ACORN bullshit being repeated and repeated by Fox newsflunkies and the McCain campaign have been discredited again and again and again.
Voters in several states have been reporting that electronic voting machines have been flipping their votes from Obama to McCain. And now voters are taking cameras into the booths and proving it.
I would be temped to take a fire hatchet to the machine if it did that, and I would like to see the "justice" system try to find fault in that.
And now in several select jurisdictions of Virginia, someone is distributing fake election notices with voting dates after election day.
Does anyone notice that this shit never happens against Republicans? Ever? The history of voter fraud, since suffrage, has always been keeping the white and wealthy males, basically the Republicans, in power.
That isn't partisan speech, that's documented experience. Why is that not part of the news cycle? Fundamental American principals are at stake.
Voters in several states have been reporting that electronic voting machines have been flipping their votes from Obama to McCain. And now voters are taking cameras into the booths and proving it.
I would be temped to take a fire hatchet to the machine if it did that, and I would like to see the "justice" system try to find fault in that.
And now in several select jurisdictions of Virginia, someone is distributing fake election notices with voting dates after election day.
Does anyone notice that this shit never happens against Republicans? Ever? The history of voter fraud, since suffrage, has always been keeping the white and wealthy males, basically the Republicans, in power.
That isn't partisan speech, that's documented experience. Why is that not part of the news cycle? Fundamental American principals are at stake.
UCSF Chancellor lends his voice
Joining comments from UC Berkeley and UC Davis; UCSF Chancellor, Nobel Laureate and longtime LGBT equality champion Michael Bishop (he truly has been a leader for LGBT inclusion, equality, and support in the UC system) has penned a personal letter to the UCSF community regarding Prop 8. (Of course, he is bound by the same legal constraints against campaigning and notes such.)
Dear Colleagues:
Over recent days, some of you have requested information or comments about California Proposition 8, which will be on the November 4 ballot.
In May of this year, the California Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional right to marry for same-sex couples. In its ruling, the Court characterized marriage as a “basic civil right.” Proposition 8 seeks to reverse the ruling.The Regents of the University of California have on separate occasions taken actions to make University policies more inclusive of same-sex partners, including prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation (1983); and providing domestic-partner health and retirement benefits (1997 and 2002, respectively), as well as transgender (sex-change) health coverage (2003). These actions all reflected the University’s commitment to equal rights for every member of its community. I am proud to have been chancellor during the time several of the actions were taken.
Likewise, the UCSF community and its leadership are firmly committed to equal rights for all, including same-sex partners. This commitment has been a centerpiece of campus policy throughout my tenure as chancellor. We deeply value inclusiveness and the strengths that it brings to the campus community and to fulfillment of our missions.
The University and its campuses are prohibited by law from advocating a particular vote on any ballot proposition, and it is not my purpose to do so here. But I do hope that you will make an informed decision when casting your ballot. More information about Proposition 8, including arguments for and against, can be found [here]. For an independent nonpartisan analysis of the proposition, see [here].
The legal guidelines for comment on propositions by the University are attached.
Please exercise your right and obligation as a citizen: vote on November 4.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Bishop, M.D.
Chancellor
Google Book Project settlement
Interactive, colorful Google explanation here.
Press release:
Major Universities See Promise in Google Book Search Settlement
ANN ARBOR, Mi; PALO ALTO, Ca, OAKLAND, Ca - The University of California, University of Michigan, and Stanford University announce today their joint support for the outstanding public benefits made possible through the proposed settlement agreement submitted to the United States District Court, Southern District of New York by Google Inc. and plaintiffs the Authors Guild, Inc. et al.
The proposed settlement will expand access to books in the Google Book Search project. Google Book Search is an ambitious project to digitize the print collections of the world’s greatest libraries and make them searchable via the Internet. The project will make it possible for libraries to preserve millions of books and assure numerous other public and academic benefits.
"Millions of books are held in our libraries as a public trust," said Daniel Greenstein, Vice Provost at the University of California. "This settlement will help provide broad access to them as well as other public benefits, and it also promises to promote innovation in scholarship. For these reasons, UC is pleased to have given input along with Universities of Michigan and Stanford in support of the public good, and we look forward to playing a continuing role by contributing UC library volumes to the development of this rich online resource."
The universities were not direct parties to the agreement, and there are some aspects of it the universities would change; however they believe it is favorable overall to the principles and intentions that led them to join the program as early as 2004.
Among the important benefits to higher education are:
Press release:
Major Universities See Promise in Google Book Search Settlement
ANN ARBOR, Mi; PALO ALTO, Ca, OAKLAND, Ca - The University of California, University of Michigan, and Stanford University announce today their joint support for the outstanding public benefits made possible through the proposed settlement agreement submitted to the United States District Court, Southern District of New York by Google Inc. and plaintiffs the Authors Guild, Inc. et al.
The proposed settlement will expand access to books in the Google Book Search project. Google Book Search is an ambitious project to digitize the print collections of the world’s greatest libraries and make them searchable via the Internet. The project will make it possible for libraries to preserve millions of books and assure numerous other public and academic benefits.
"Millions of books are held in our libraries as a public trust," said Daniel Greenstein, Vice Provost at the University of California. "This settlement will help provide broad access to them as well as other public benefits, and it also promises to promote innovation in scholarship. For these reasons, UC is pleased to have given input along with Universities of Michigan and Stanford in support of the public good, and we look forward to playing a continuing role by contributing UC library volumes to the development of this rich online resource."The universities were not direct parties to the agreement, and there are some aspects of it the universities would change; however they believe it is favorable overall to the principles and intentions that led them to join the program as early as 2004.
Among the important benefits to higher education are:
- Free full text access at public libraries around the country
- Free preview and ability to either find the book at a local library or through a consumer purchase.
- A first-ever database of both in-copyright and out-of-copyright (public domain) works on which scholars can conduct advanced research (known as the “the research corpus”). For example, a corpus of this sort will allow scholars in the field of comparative linguistics to conduct specialized large scale analysis of language, looking for trends over time and expanding our understanding of language and culture.
- Enabling the sharing of public domain works among scholars, students and institutions. Not only will scholars and students at other universities be able to read these online, but this will make it possible to provide large numbers of texts to individuals wishing to perform research;
- Institutional subscriptions providing access to in-copyright, out-of-print books;
- Working copies of partner libraries' contributed works for searching and web services complementary to Google's.
- Accommodated services for persons with print disabilities – making it possible for persons with print disabilities to view or have text read with the use of reader technology;
- Digital copies of works digitized by Google provided to the partner libraries for long term preservation purposes. This is important because, as university libraries, we are tasked by the public to be repositories of human knowledge and information.
Monday, October 27, 2008
get up on your soapbox
and DANCE! Wait, no, ride!
This weekend is the real San Franciscan Soap Box Derby.
And, not implying anything regarding the safety of this event, it's also Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Last weekend was the Red Bull Soap Box Derby 2008 (which I'll get to in a moment), and understandably the Bernal Heights Soap Box Derby people were a little peeved at this usurpation, but the Bernal Heights race has always been a community/San Franciscan thing with well considered craft.
The Red Bull event was almost strictly bridge and tunnel, and the racers were a lot of papier mache. And Lord help Bernal Heights if they get the same crowd though-- an unbelievable 75,000 showed up in Dolores Park last weekend.
I hadn't seen Eli and Rosana in ages and called a couple weeks back to check in. We made time on the calendar to go to the new Academy of Sciences on Saturday morning, as that would be cool for the adults and also very kid friendly-- Eli and Rosana have two kids under five.
Eli and Rosana live at the uphill corner of Dolores Park, so when I told then that the Red Bull Soap Box Derby was going on outside their doorstep on Saturday, we changed our plans. We had no idea it was going to be such a clusterfuck.
First of all, quick MUNI rant. The Nike Women's marathon pre-events were in Golden Gate Park, the Red Bull Soap Box Derby in Dolores Park, and all ads warned of no parking and urged participants to take public transportation. The City and MUNI were in on the deal-- they new what was happening, and the system was woefully inadequate. They were actually running fewer cars and in longer intervals. It took me almost two hours just to get halfway across town (I should have walked by my ankle was screaming). I eventually took a cab, with a driver who could or would not speak English, and refused repeatedly to pay attention when I tried to tell him that Dolores was going to be blocked off and we needed to go around. After he stubbornly pointed and yelled "Dolores! Dolores!" for several blocks, he got a clue when we found ourselves knee-deep in the masses an unable to move. Maddening.
For a City with a "transit first" policy which punishes cars, parking, and even cabs, and which coddles the MUNI unions, the transit infrastructure of SF is continually piss poor.
End rant.
Eli, with both kids attached, and I managed to make it out just as the races were starting.
And that's Vince on the right, Eli's general handyman and all around great guy.
It was insane. The organizers thought there might be 50,000 people out there and had set up several rows of porta potties and three jumbotron screens.
The final estimate of the crowd was over 75,000. The majority took BART over, and you could tell. (I am an SF snob. I am aware of this. The steady river of pedestrians from the BART station was surreal.)
Eli's corner was at the midpoint of the race, at the jump.
We would have a pretty decent view, but for the throngs. Looking around at some of Eli's neighbors, he copied their idea and dashed back into the garage and returned with a couple of ladders. That was genius.
Unfortunately, little Allejandro got sick so Eli took him home to bed. I stayed for a while and watched the races, and met up with some other friends who had walked over.
Some of the best cars:
The TransAmerica Pyramid (after the crash):
Barry Bond's ball number whatever-- the one donated to the Hall of Fame with an asterisk:
and the Death Star.
AKA Team Fully Operational.
Here are my pics and clips of the day.
Red Bull had rented out the 1015 Club for a private after party Saturday night, and I won tickets to it by being caller number 8 to Energy 92.7 when I was home sick from the flu shot earlier in the week. Kevin, who used go there as a teen when he and his "girlfriend" would come into the Big City to dance, joined me for the adventure.
It did not disappoint.
Kevin and I, both independently dressed in western wear, took to the red carpet.
Some of the smaller bars in the complex were open to the public (i.e. B&T asian crowd), but the majority was secured for the private party, and turned out to be a lot of fun.
There was definitely a soap theme going on.
Those are detergent displays above the bar.
And the go go dancers who weren't on skates, were dancing on: soap boxes.
Pretty clever for a corporate gig. I was temped to get up on my soapbox and rant about something, but I didn't have a topic (Prop 8 anyone?) Kevin and I were also happy we cabbed it as there was lots of free booze. Unfortunately, a lot of it was Red Bull-based.
But tasty. Well, tasty enough for me to end up molesting an incredibly sweet contestant, the Emperor from Team Fully Operational. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of him without the mask.
Although egged on my Kevin (and they say I'm an enabler) I did feel like Dirty Old Man when he told me he was 26. Or was it 27? Anyway, a bit young for me. Never mind straight. Did I mention there was free booze? There is a fine line between "taking advantage" and "willing participant." I stayed on the good guy side of that line.
But Lordy did we have fun.
It was very much that kind of night.
Always make an exit.
This weekend is the real San Franciscan Soap Box Derby.
And, not implying anything regarding the safety of this event, it's also Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.Last weekend was the Red Bull Soap Box Derby 2008 (which I'll get to in a moment), and understandably the Bernal Heights Soap Box Derby people were a little peeved at this usurpation, but the Bernal Heights race has always been a community/San Franciscan thing with well considered craft.
The Red Bull event was almost strictly bridge and tunnel, and the racers were a lot of papier mache. And Lord help Bernal Heights if they get the same crowd though-- an unbelievable 75,000 showed up in Dolores Park last weekend.
I hadn't seen Eli and Rosana in ages and called a couple weeks back to check in. We made time on the calendar to go to the new Academy of Sciences on Saturday morning, as that would be cool for the adults and also very kid friendly-- Eli and Rosana have two kids under five.
Eli and Rosana live at the uphill corner of Dolores Park, so when I told then that the Red Bull Soap Box Derby was going on outside their doorstep on Saturday, we changed our plans. We had no idea it was going to be such a clusterfuck.
First of all, quick MUNI rant. The Nike Women's marathon pre-events were in Golden Gate Park, the Red Bull Soap Box Derby in Dolores Park, and all ads warned of no parking and urged participants to take public transportation. The City and MUNI were in on the deal-- they new what was happening, and the system was woefully inadequate. They were actually running fewer cars and in longer intervals. It took me almost two hours just to get halfway across town (I should have walked by my ankle was screaming). I eventually took a cab, with a driver who could or would not speak English, and refused repeatedly to pay attention when I tried to tell him that Dolores was going to be blocked off and we needed to go around. After he stubbornly pointed and yelled "Dolores! Dolores!" for several blocks, he got a clue when we found ourselves knee-deep in the masses an unable to move. Maddening.
For a City with a "transit first" policy which punishes cars, parking, and even cabs, and which coddles the MUNI unions, the transit infrastructure of SF is continually piss poor.
End rant.
Eli, with both kids attached, and I managed to make it out just as the races were starting.
And that's Vince on the right, Eli's general handyman and all around great guy.
It was insane. The organizers thought there might be 50,000 people out there and had set up several rows of porta potties and three jumbotron screens.
The final estimate of the crowd was over 75,000. The majority took BART over, and you could tell. (I am an SF snob. I am aware of this. The steady river of pedestrians from the BART station was surreal.)
Eli's corner was at the midpoint of the race, at the jump.
We would have a pretty decent view, but for the throngs. Looking around at some of Eli's neighbors, he copied their idea and dashed back into the garage and returned with a couple of ladders. That was genius.
Unfortunately, little Allejandro got sick so Eli took him home to bed. I stayed for a while and watched the races, and met up with some other friends who had walked over.
Some of the best cars:
The TransAmerica Pyramid (after the crash):
Barry Bond's ball number whatever-- the one donated to the Hall of Fame with an asterisk:
and the Death Star.
AKA Team Fully Operational.
Here are my pics and clips of the day.
Red Bull had rented out the 1015 Club for a private after party Saturday night, and I won tickets to it by being caller number 8 to Energy 92.7 when I was home sick from the flu shot earlier in the week. Kevin, who used go there as a teen when he and his "girlfriend" would come into the Big City to dance, joined me for the adventure.
It did not disappoint.
Kevin and I, both independently dressed in western wear, took to the red carpet.
Some of the smaller bars in the complex were open to the public (i.e. B&T asian crowd), but the majority was secured for the private party, and turned out to be a lot of fun.
There was definitely a soap theme going on.
Those are detergent displays above the bar.
And the go go dancers who weren't on skates, were dancing on: soap boxes.
Pretty clever for a corporate gig. I was temped to get up on my soapbox and rant about something, but I didn't have a topic (Prop 8 anyone?) Kevin and I were also happy we cabbed it as there was lots of free booze. Unfortunately, a lot of it was Red Bull-based.
But tasty. Well, tasty enough for me to end up molesting an incredibly sweet contestant, the Emperor from Team Fully Operational. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of him without the mask.
Although egged on my Kevin (and they say I'm an enabler) I did feel like Dirty Old Man when he told me he was 26. Or was it 27? Anyway, a bit young for me. Never mind straight. Did I mention there was free booze? There is a fine line between "taking advantage" and "willing participant." I stayed on the good guy side of that line.
But Lordy did we have fun.
It was very much that kind of night.
Always make an exit.
nice package
Most of y'all know that I was a professional graphic designer for a while and still enjoy it when I can. I also truly appreciate really good graphic design, especially in packaging.
This wine label design caught my eye and I thought it was rather clever.
Via Bad Banana: Interesting branding for a new Riesling from Australia. The name was chosen to represent the "fear of leaping into the unknown" being felt by the wine's producer, Vina La Linea. I love the falling O. Any resemblance to the falling stock market is purely coincidental.
The newly emerging Hatch (get it? newly emerging? hatching? hello?) design company in San Francisco designed these labels and JAQK cellars' whole brand identity. I think the entire effort was beautifully crafted.
I hope the wine is as good as the labels. I'm looking forward to whatever Hatch hatches next.
This wine label design caught my eye and I thought it was rather clever.
Via Bad Banana: Interesting branding for a new Riesling from Australia. The name was chosen to represent the "fear of leaping into the unknown" being felt by the wine's producer, Vina La Linea. I love the falling O. Any resemblance to the falling stock market is purely coincidental.The newly emerging Hatch (get it? newly emerging? hatching? hello?) design company in San Francisco designed these labels and JAQK cellars' whole brand identity. I think the entire effort was beautifully crafted.
I hope the wine is as good as the labels. I'm looking forward to whatever Hatch hatches next.
stick this down your series of tubes
Alaska Senator Is Convicted of Ethics Breach in Gift Scheme
By NEIL A. LEWIS
Published: October 27, 2008 (The New York Times)
Series of tubes.
By NEIL A. LEWIS
Published: October 27, 2008 (The New York Times)
WASHINGTON — Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska, the longest-serving Republican in the Senate’s history and a figure of enormous influence in his state, was found guilty on Monday of violating ethics laws for failing to report gifts and services that he was given by friends.Hopefully now we can get this archaic wingnut out of the Senate and put someone in charge whose technological and social sophistication is above the level of "icebox" and "coloreds."
Series of tubes.
now this is a great Prop 8 ad
The Yes on 8 haters are clearly going to hell.
I believe these guys will have their own private barista in heaven.
Did anyone notice there are no clever or cute or funny YouTube ads in support of Prop 8? Probably because there is nothing clever, cute, or funny about hate and bigotry.
See also:
and
I believe these guys will have their own private barista in heaven.
Did anyone notice there are no clever or cute or funny YouTube ads in support of Prop 8? Probably because there is nothing clever, cute, or funny about hate and bigotry.
See also:
and
Prop 8- protect the children?!
Clearly, the children need to be protected FROM the Yes on 8 haters.
This is so sick.
via Queerty:
Some California parents are royally - and understandably - pissed at the Yes on 8 campaign. The campaign, which hopes to revoke gay citizens' right to marry, recently ran the above ad in which they again claim that same-sex nuptials will infiltrate the public school system. And to prove their point, the commercial's creators used news footage from a field trip in which students went to see their lesbian teacher get married - footage some parents say exploits their children. And now they're fighting back.
At the No on Prop 8 website:
Outraged Parents of Children Featured in Latest Prop 8 TV Ad Demand that Commercial be Taken off the Air Immediately
Latest Campaign Gimmick Termed Exploitative and Shameless by Parents
SACRAMENTO – The parents of the two children most prominently featured in the latest multi-million dollar Prop 8 political spot today termed those ads “distasteful and exploitative” and demanded that the ads be taken off the air immediately.
This is so sick.
via Queerty:
Some California parents are royally - and understandably - pissed at the Yes on 8 campaign. The campaign, which hopes to revoke gay citizens' right to marry, recently ran the above ad in which they again claim that same-sex nuptials will infiltrate the public school system. And to prove their point, the commercial's creators used news footage from a field trip in which students went to see their lesbian teacher get married - footage some parents say exploits their children. And now they're fighting back.
At the No on Prop 8 website:
Outraged Parents of Children Featured in Latest Prop 8 TV Ad Demand that Commercial be Taken off the Air Immediately
Latest Campaign Gimmick Termed Exploitative and Shameless by Parents
SACRAMENTO – The parents of the two children most prominently featured in the latest multi-million dollar Prop 8 political spot today termed those ads “distasteful and exploitative” and demanded that the ads be taken off the air immediately.
Netflix streaming coming to Mac?
About damn time.
From Pete of the Cult of Mac:
From Pete of the Cult of Mac:
I love the graphic they put up at Engadget:Few things rankle a Mac user more than seeing new and interesting products and services rolled out that only work on PC. In my household, Netflix’s “Watch Instantly” is at the top of this maddening list. Basically, anyone with a Netflix account and sufficiently fast PC can watch any of 12,000 movies direct from Netflix servers at no extra charge. It hasn’t come to Macs because the service relies on PC-only DRM. And this drives my wife nuts. As she sees it, she’s already paying Netflix for service, and since that subscription now includes streaming she can’t use, she’s getting charged for a phantom service.
I can’t say I disagree.
At any rate, Netflix today proclaimed that this sad state of affairs won’t continue for long. Starting tomorrow, a limited number of Mac subscribers will be able to use Watch Instantly via a new version of the software rooted in Microsoft’s Silverlight technology (it’s a lot like Flash). Since Silverlight bakes in the PC DRM, it runs fine on a Mac and takes no additional tweaking to function.
Unfortunately, the new platform will be rolled out slowly, with Netflix only promising support for all Intel Mac users by the end of the year. So it might be awhile before Netflix stops getting the stinkeye from my apartment.
the battle over Prop 8
It's getting really nasty out there. And honestly, I'm scared shitless Prop 8 will pass. The proponents have lies on their side, and for claiming the moral high ground on this issue, they are the most malicious, dishonest cretins I have seen since Carl Rove's tactics or McCain's Ayers robocalls.
They have nothing but fear and loathing/lying on their side. And they are winning not the hearts nor minds of the California voters, but their fear and bigotry. Which makes them likely to win. Shilpa spent all weekend trying to bring her parents over to the No on 8 side, but failed painfully.
It makes me physically ill.
Andy Towle has some updates: Lots here, and more here (Hunting Beach report) and here (Bakersfield school official assaults No on 8 youth) and here.
I want to make an ad to subtly shove some of their hypocricy in their faces: "When you pledged your allegiance, with your hand over your heart and the flag in your eyes, for liberty and justice for all, did you mean it?"
They have nothing but fear and loathing/lying on their side. And they are winning not the hearts nor minds of the California voters, but their fear and bigotry. Which makes them likely to win. Shilpa spent all weekend trying to bring her parents over to the No on 8 side, but failed painfully.
It makes me physically ill.
Andy Towle has some updates: Lots here, and more here (Hunting Beach report) and here (Bakersfield school official assaults No on 8 youth) and here.
I want to make an ad to subtly shove some of their hypocricy in their faces: "When you pledged your allegiance, with your hand over your heart and the flag in your eyes, for liberty and justice for all, did you mean it?"
Friday, October 24, 2008
rules are rules
Apparently, there was some behavior that not only resulted in a new house rule, but necessitated a sign.
Seen in the kitchen of friends with a four-year-old (and a one-year old, but he's not reading yet):
No whacking.
Seen in the kitchen of friends with a four-year-old (and a one-year old, but he's not reading yet):
No whacking.
"preaching" to the "choir"
Our family minister is retiring in a couple of weeks after about a thousand years of service. My Brother Mac is Emceeing the farewell luncheon and called on the usual cadre of writers for punchlines and topics for humor. Unfortunately, this cadre's humor runs bit too far into the "things you can't say to a church group" territory.
Typically these things go in a quiz format, with A and B being relevant answers, and C being the punchline.
Mac's examples, which are really only funny if you know KC (and that's sort of the point) are:
"I don't think that what organist means."
Brother Jay, the staid one with the quietly evil sense of humor, suggested:
This banter lead to several jokes based upon the line "Love thy neighbor."
To which Brother Mac added "Love thy neighbor. Repeatedly....and up the butt."
OMFG. ROFL.
We might make t-shirts.
At the least I'm making new cards:
Typically these things go in a quiz format, with A and B being relevant answers, and C being the punchline.
Mac's examples, which are really only funny if you know KC (and that's sort of the point) are:
On the topic of KC's divorce and subsequent marriage to the organist (who was also getting divorced), I suggested the punchline:All great leaders have their nemesis. KC’s is:
A. Satan
B. Methodists
C. The dudes who make black robes
After all these years of preaching at WPC, KC still gets nervous before a sermon because:
A. Butterflies are normal and never go away completely
B. He is afraid he’ll lose his place
C. An overwhelming fear that John Bailey will ask a question
KC’s biggest challenge in retirement will be:
A. What to do with all his leisure time
B. Which worship service to attend
C. Learning to pour wine into a cup from a distance of less than 2 feet
"I don't think that what organist means."
Brother Jay, the staid one with the quietly evil sense of humor, suggested:
KC's greatest management reform was:Of course, I saw this as a gay joke—the new Choir Director is gay, so you know, the man on man action isn't out of the realm of possibility. Except that Keith has parter. He directs the youth music programs.
A. Hiring a full time worship assistant to make sure the service went smoothly
B. Handing over the money mangament to a professional CPA type
C. Hiring a male choir director so he would not be tempted to bone the staff!
This banter lead to several jokes based upon the line "Love thy neighbor."
To which Brother Mac added "Love thy neighbor. Repeatedly....and up the butt."
OMFG. ROFL.
We might make t-shirts.
At the least I'm making new cards:
Love thy neighbor.
Rinse.
Repeat.
Rinse.
Repeat.
Apple steps in to say No on Prop 8
Via Wil Fabrick's FaceBook status:
Apple sent out a notice via RSS and push to Apple browser start pages stating their support of same-sex couples and their poopsition to Prop 8.
Apple sent out a notice via RSS and push to Apple browser start pages stating their support of same-sex couples and their poopsition to Prop 8.
No on Prop 8
Apple is publicly opposing Proposition 8 and making a donation of $100,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees’ same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person’s fundamental rights — including the right to marry — should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.
thoughtful, reasoned letter
It's long, but it's really well done.
Via FaceBook— a personal letter from one friend to another. One friend is gay and partnered. The other friend is married and Mormon. The Mormon friend supports Prop 8. Her friend takes her arguments to heart, and breaks them down. It's a pretty exceptional letter.
Kenshi Westover's Notes
Why I Oppose the Prop 8 Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
Via FaceBook— a personal letter from one friend to another. One friend is gay and partnered. The other friend is married and Mormon. The Mormon friend supports Prop 8. Her friend takes her arguments to heart, and breaks them down. It's a pretty exceptional letter.
Kenshi Westover's Notes
Why I Oppose the Prop 8 Ban on Same-Sex Marriage
call now! Gr8 against Prop 8
Jack O'Connell, California Superintendent of Schools, took a bold step and spoke out on the lies associated with the Yes on 8 campaign. One of my colleagues called his office to say thank you and e-mailed this to the Listserv:
I called the number this morning and got the switchboard. I asked for Jack O'Connell's office and the extension was answered "Communication, may I help you?" I said that I was calling to say thank you and express my gratitude for Mr. O'Connell's efforts against Prop 8. The woman on the phone was quite charming and told me that they are generating a report for the Superintendent and they would include my call. I got the sense that they are fielding LOTS of calls, and a few more in the "thank you" category would go a long way.
So please, call. It took me all of one minute. Or e-mail.
Again, that number is 916-319-0800.
I called State Superintendent of Schools Jack O'Connell's office yesterday afternoon to express my gratitude and admiration for his support of "No on 8." (links below, if you haven't seen the ad that came out this week.) A nice woman was taking messages for him. I said that as an educator and a member of the gay & lesbian community I applauded his leadership and was just personally grateful for his support.
The receptionist said "Oh thank you so much -- that will make his day!"
She said she had only gotten two calls of support (!) and had been fielding angry calls from the "yes on 8" people all day.
If you have a moment and would want to call his office, the number is...
916-319-0800
E-mail:
superintendent@cde.ca.gov
I called the number this morning and got the switchboard. I asked for Jack O'Connell's office and the extension was answered "Communication, may I help you?" I said that I was calling to say thank you and express my gratitude for Mr. O'Connell's efforts against Prop 8. The woman on the phone was quite charming and told me that they are generating a report for the Superintendent and they would include my call. I got the sense that they are fielding LOTS of calls, and a few more in the "thank you" category would go a long way.So please, call. It took me all of one minute. Or e-mail.
Again, that number is 916-319-0800.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Now come here and give Mamma a hug....
From Alert Reader Coco: "last measured, Harley was 4 feet long. I think she's getting a new home soon..."
Harley is her snake (You can see him here in the photo captioned "Gay men love to ear boas.")
And there's this in the news today: Pet python killed Va. Beach woman
Harley is her snake (You can see him here in the photo captioned "Gay men love to ear boas.")
And there's this in the news today: Pet python killed Va. Beach woman
Police believe Amanda Ruth Black, 25, was trying to give medication to her 10-foot long reticulated tiger python named Diablo.
Her husband returned home around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday and found her on the floor in front of a large, empty snake cage in an upstairs bedroom of their Maracas Arch home.
The Medical Examiner said the cause of death was "mechanical asphyxia due to constriction by a boa constrictor."
October surprise!
We love the Deb, but when she moved to Sausalito, we saw her less and less. And then she had Roman, which dropped her free time to zero. As much as we try to get together, our quality times are few and far between. We—Deb, Perpetua, Katia, and I- do try to get together every October to celebrate Deb's and Katia's birthdays.
For the "old gang," we had not seen Deb together, and in some cases even each other, in four years or more. It was high time for a reunion. On the pretense of our annual October gathering, I planned drinks and dinner with Deb and Kate Varni (now Leake) . It was an almost Herculean effort to secure Deb at a time and place after work and before Roman's bedtime, and even then we had to reduce the plan from dinner to a promise it was "just for a quick drink to see each other and wish happy birthdays. Lance and Greg generously offered to host at their home, and Beth even more generously offered Sati as a playdate and herself as partygoer/resident mom to make the event kid-friendly.
The evening could not have been a grander success. Deb was thoroughly surprised, and everyone had a wonderful time. Deb brought both her son and her father (whom I had not seen, I believe, since the Christening), and out of the woodwork came Mike Grace, James Hass, Perpetua, Lace and Greg, Kate Varnie Leake and her husband Joe, Paul Day, and David Britt— who also brought his parents. With Beth, Upstairs Greg and Sati, it was a multi-generational surprise party and everyone had a ball.
The Old Gang
Wilson, Kate, Deb, and Mike
Sati had been preparing for the "surprise for Roman" all day, and ad nearly twice his age was his mature host and date for the night. Sati was prepared in a party dress, and Roman appear in his spooky ghost pajamas and fireman boots (at last request, he wants to be a fireman for Halloween). The kids were adorable and got along great together (which is always something I worry about--I didn't always take to the strange kids my parents were want to set me up with).
Without fear for bedtimes or parental responsibility (that is to say responsibility for and/or of Deb's dad), the agreement to stay just for a little while was easily relaxed into a long evening of catching up, cocktails, cooking, cake, and quality time.
ENORMOUS thanks to Beth and Upstairs Greg who spent the majority of the evening looking over Roman and Sati's playtime, enabling the grown-ups to have their own.
Oh dear God. I am a grown-up in this scenario.
Who wants cake?
James wants cake. (Sati has cake.)
Speaking of James, he is not so much a grown-up in this scenario. Lance and Roman were so freaking adorable together. (Roman is a crazy cute kid on his own and adds visual value to anyone nearby.) We tried to get some cute shots of Roman and Lance together, but the timing always seemed to be off to get them both smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. The best shots those, are those with James lurking in the background:
Still, that kid is adorable.
It meant a lot to me to be able to pull this off for Deb. She such a wonderful person and friend and we just never see her any more. The rest of the guests rounded out a quality group too and every moment was a pleasure.
Flickr set
Update:
I got the best thank-you note from Deb. I debated posting it here, but it warmed me so I thought I would share. I love that I could do this for her.
For the "old gang," we had not seen Deb together, and in some cases even each other, in four years or more. It was high time for a reunion. On the pretense of our annual October gathering, I planned drinks and dinner with Deb and Kate Varni (now Leake) . It was an almost Herculean effort to secure Deb at a time and place after work and before Roman's bedtime, and even then we had to reduce the plan from dinner to a promise it was "just for a quick drink to see each other and wish happy birthdays. Lance and Greg generously offered to host at their home, and Beth even more generously offered Sati as a playdate and herself as partygoer/resident mom to make the event kid-friendly.
The evening could not have been a grander success. Deb was thoroughly surprised, and everyone had a wonderful time. Deb brought both her son and her father (whom I had not seen, I believe, since the Christening), and out of the woodwork came Mike Grace, James Hass, Perpetua, Lace and Greg, Kate Varnie Leake and her husband Joe, Paul Day, and David Britt— who also brought his parents. With Beth, Upstairs Greg and Sati, it was a multi-generational surprise party and everyone had a ball.
The Old Gang
Wilson, Kate, Deb, and Mike
Sati had been preparing for the "surprise for Roman" all day, and ad nearly twice his age was his mature host and date for the night. Sati was prepared in a party dress, and Roman appear in his spooky ghost pajamas and fireman boots (at last request, he wants to be a fireman for Halloween). The kids were adorable and got along great together (which is always something I worry about--I didn't always take to the strange kids my parents were want to set me up with).
Without fear for bedtimes or parental responsibility (that is to say responsibility for and/or of Deb's dad), the agreement to stay just for a little while was easily relaxed into a long evening of catching up, cocktails, cooking, cake, and quality time.
ENORMOUS thanks to Beth and Upstairs Greg who spent the majority of the evening looking over Roman and Sati's playtime, enabling the grown-ups to have their own.
Oh dear God. I am a grown-up in this scenario.
Who wants cake?
James wants cake. (Sati has cake.)
Speaking of James, he is not so much a grown-up in this scenario. Lance and Roman were so freaking adorable together. (Roman is a crazy cute kid on his own and adds visual value to anyone nearby.) We tried to get some cute shots of Roman and Lance together, but the timing always seemed to be off to get them both smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. The best shots those, are those with James lurking in the background:
Still, that kid is adorable.
It meant a lot to me to be able to pull this off for Deb. She such a wonderful person and friend and we just never see her any more. The rest of the guests rounded out a quality group too and every moment was a pleasure.
Flickr set
Update:
I got the best thank-you note from Deb. I debated posting it here, but it warmed me so I thought I would share. I love that I could do this for her.
Thank you so very much for the wonderful birthday party last night. You literally had me speechless. I was completely not expecting to see all those wonderful familiar faces, and I couldn’t have thought of a better gift. You are so wonderful, so thoughtful, so amazing. I am so lucky to have you in my life. I hope that someday I am lucky enough to find a man like you – who happens to be straight – because I’d marry your cuteness in a heartbeat.
My dad paid you perhaps the biggest compliment this morning as we were recapping last night. As you know, my dad loves Roman beyond belief, and he said, “Wilson is such a great man, and he’s such a good role model for Roman. You really ought to have Wilson spend an afternoon with Roman at least once or twice a month so Roman can learn what a real man is like”. He doesn’t even say this about my brothers!
I think that pretty much sums up how the family loves you!
Thank you.
Xo xo Deb
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