Delphi in bankruptcy - 10/09/05

Gulp. We sort of knew this was going to happen. It does surprise me that it would happen in this manner but I guess a heads up to the employees would last for all of thirty seconds so...

Of course nothing should be too terribly different on Monday.

And what does this mean for me? Well to guess I would say that I will probably have to be twice as diligent about looking for something else. If I had to predict I would say that my department will not survive the next 12 months. I'm setting a target of being gone by the end of the year. This is one that I MUST meet.

A Picture Share!

Negative Much?

This is the first of my attempts to post a picture directly from my cell. If I have the opportunity to snap anything of intrest I will be sure to add it. Of course the gym has its rules and technically so does work but who knows what I may cum across.

Harry Potter Part VI

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Not a bad little book, if I do say so myself. I can definitely see why there is such an appeal to the series. Of course it would have been nice to have started from the beginning but then I have never been one for convention. Anyway, it provided me a pleasant diversion from the real world for a time and though I fear reading out of order may have spoiled the previous books, particularlly those between the movies and here I liked it. I will in all likely hood go back toread the rest, as soon as I have the money to do it that is.

If you've not read the book yourself as they say "If you have the means, I highly recommend it."

ABC News: Delphi set to file for Ch. 11-source

So my guess of making the announcement just after the bell today was off by a few hours. We'll see. I am supposed to be going to one of their besieged plants this coming week. That ought to be fun!

More later.

Beware Internet Scams!!!

First things first. YES I haven’t been writing that much of late. Can you blame me? I haven’t had much of interest to say, preferring to focus my energies to mere survival rather than trying to be creative and add something of some value to the blog-o-sphere. There isn’t much in the way of readership for my blog as it is so the last thing I want to do is bore you. However I can appreciate the fact that should I wish to increase such a following I might need to add some relevant content on a more regular basis. I really would like to but you know me, I want it to be perfect and yet fail because it isn’t. I’m learning that if I merely try it will be better than what I would have producing otherwise. So with that…

Here is a quick update on an ongoing drama that seemed like a good thing. But like they say, “If it’s seems to good to be true, it probably is.”

I placed an add on Craig’s List to rent a room out of my house and had what sounded like an ideal roommate. “She” was purported from the Netherlands and working in the UK. We communicated a little via e-mail and seemed like a decent person. She indicated that she would be sending me the deposit for the room and additional for moving expense. Now right there I should have had all kinds of bells and whistles going of but hey, I’m a trusting kind of guy. When the deposit did arrive they were in the form of Money Orders from Wal*Mart, which further added to the puzzle because I did not expect 1.) Money orders and 2.) Wal*Mart in the UK?!?. Hey stranger things have happened, so I went with it. The next part is where I started to feel a bit funny about the whole thing but, again I went with it because if it worked out that this was just a naïve girl that thought this was the best way to do something then so be it. If not well, trust but verify. “She” – I use that because I don’t know anymore – wanted me to send on the money for her moving expenses to some guy back in the UK. This is, like I’ve said, where I really started to feel a touch uneasy. Luckily, despite her requests to expedite the money via Western Union, I did nothing or the sort and rather waited until the hold had cleared from the bank. THIS IS WERE YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION!!! Just because the hold clears doesn’t mean the money is really there, and when it turns out the money orders are counterfeit the bank will gladly withdrawal the money right back out of your account. Luckily for me I did not send the money the very instant it cleared hold, although I almost did, and I am only out time and potential revenue and not any real money. Unfortunately, I really could have used the added income but then I guess I just need to be more stringent about my spending for a bit longer.

Anyway, I am sure it is a fake address or something but should anyone want to pay one Mr. James Bosse, 5 Beaufort Street, London, England W6 3EA a visit please send him (or her) my regards. The local police were not really interested because I did not loose any money, but I did look into the FTC to try to add to the list of charges should this person ever get caught. Not a likely thing but again just in case.

So I guess that means I will have to redo my ad and be a touch more diligent when accepting offers. Look for more as I am sure the whole thing will be a bit of an adventure.

‘til then

Know that you’re loved,

D

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of all of those things and still be calm in your heart.” Unknown

Woof woof

How much is that doggie in the window?

Men's Private Night

Please forward to the men in your life...

What: Men's Private Night

When: Wednesday, September 7th from 5-8 pm

Where: Marshall Field's Somerset

While there, receive 15% off all purchases and support Affirmations - 5% of all proceeds will be donated back to Center.

Showcasing: Designers Paul Smith, D&G, Thomas Pink Shop, Alexander Saville, Armani, Hugo Boss, LaCoste and Polo.Skin care products from Shiseido, Calrins, Clinique and Aramis.

Stylist Jeanne Yard (has styled for George Clooney, Tom Hanks and Evan McGregor) on hand for short presentations at 6 & 7 PM.

Come anytime between 5-8pm and dress as you are - be comfortable. Marshall Fields will have food and beverages, music and flowers.

Affirmations is thrilled that Marshall Field's is giving us this opportunity and providing a fun evening. We thank Marshall Fields for this opportunity and also for their recent donation of $3,000 toward our programs and services.
See you on the 7th.

Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center

Everyday People. Building Community.
195 West Nine Mile Rd

Ferndale, MI 48220

Phone: 248.398.7105 Fax: 248.541.1943

Email: info@GoAffirmations.org

Web: www.GoAffirmations.org

Contact: Kathleen LaTosch, Special Events / Marketing Director248-398-7105 ext. 15

This too shall pass

Letting go has never come easy for me. I do not entirely know why, save that I can clearly identify very early memories where I would not or could not never something. Be it a toy a memory or even a scar I had to return to it. Little much has changed over all these many years.

I love him. I truly do, and I know that I always will. I also know that it takes more than my own love to hold something together and despite all my wanting and wishing to the contrary we have parted our ways and I must accept that. Hopefully putting that into writing will help.

I do not know what the future holds and remain open to the chance of happiness someday.

Until then...

please fasten your seat belts

We just received notification that the next few weeks may be rather turbulent, for you safety we please ask that you sit back with your seat belts securely fastened about you. 

 

May be?!?  If the next few may be what the ^%$#@$! Have the last few been?  Anyway, just checking in to say that yes things are pretty rough right now and I don’t know if I’ll make the flight unscathed. 

 

More later

 

Tuscalusitania

Just as an update I will be spending the next week in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While I look forward to the change of scenery and opportunity to make an impact with my job I dread the thought of spending a week in the epicenter of the anti-gay South. (As opposed to the pro-gay South?!?) but you know what I mean.

I should be back a week from tomorrow with any luck in one piece.

Wish me luck, eh!

We the Blue People

I love it!

Dear Red States,

We're ticked off at the way you've treated California, and we've decided we're leaving.

We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us.

In case you aren't aware, that includes Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and all the Northeast.

We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly: You get Texas, Oklahoma, and all the slave states.

We get stem cell research and the best beaches.

We get Elliot Spitzer. You get Ken Lay.

We get the Statue of Liberty. You get Wal-Mart and Enron.

We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom.

We get Harvard. You get Bob Jones University.

We get 85 percent of America's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Mississippi.

We get two-thirds of the tax revenue. You get to make the Red States pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single pregnant moms.

Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq, and hope that the WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush's Quagmire.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America's quality wines (you can serve French wines at state dinners), 90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high-tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools, plus Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT.

With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100 percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh, Bob Jones University, Clemson, and the University of Georgia.

We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you.

Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty or gun laws, 44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11, and 61 percent of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals than we lefties.

By the way, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico.

Ouch

So the depression continues. At a fervor pitch and pace that can only mean disaster if not acted upon soon. I've not written much, or moreover I've not published much. Some of the purpose is to hash out ideas and concepts on my own time uninterrupted and encumbered. I cannot censor myself and I dare not risk misunderstanding by my raw thoughts and words. I stand to loose so much and gain so little, save for the long term, that I fear what may lie ahead.

We are in uncharted territory here folks and yes it is scary but there is a reward out there somewhere I just hope that I find what I'm looking for.

Until then, as always...

Know that you are loved,

D

Good Question

HAMLET

Act II, Scene 3

To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pitch and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action.-- Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember'd.

William Shakespeare

This I Believe... me too!

I agree. Thank you Andrew.

An American Creed

I believe in life. I believe in treasuring it as a mystery that will never be fully understood, as a sanctity that should never be destroyed, as an invitation to experience now what can only be remembered tomorrow. I believe in its indivisibility, in the intimate connection between the newest bud of spring and the flicker in the eye of a patient near death, between the athlete in his prime and the quadriplegic vet, between the fetus in the womb and the mother who bears another life in her own body.

I believe in liberty. I believe that within every soul lies the capacity to reach for its own good, that within every physical body there endures an unalienable right to be free from coercion. I believe in a system of government that places that liberty at the center of its concerns, that enforces the law solely to protect that freedom, that sides with the individual against the claims of family and tribe and church and nation, that sees innocence before guilt and dignity before stigma. I believe in the right to own property, to maintain it against the benign suffocation of a government that would tax more and more of it away. I believe in freedom of speech and of contract, the right to offend and blaspheme, as well as the right to convert and bear witness. I believe that these freedoms are connected -- the freedom of the fundamentalist and the atheist, the female and the male, the black and the Asian, the gay and the straight.

I believe in the pursuit of happiness. Not its attainment, nor its final definition, but its pursuit. I believe in the journey, not the arrival; in conversation, not monologues; in multiple questions rather than any single answer. I believe in the struggle to remake ourselves and challenge each other in the spirit of eternal forgiveness, in the awareness that none of us knows for sure what happiness truly is, but each of us knows the imperative to keep searching. I believe in the possibility of surprising joy, of serenity through pain, of homecoming through exile.

And I believe in a country that enshrines each of these three things, a country that promises nothing but the promise of being more fully human, and never guarantees its success. In that constant failure to arrive -- implied at the very beginning -- lies the possibility of a permanently fresh start, an old newness, a way of revitalizing ourselves and our civilization in ways few foresaw and one day many will forget. But the point is now. And the place is America.

July 4, 2005, NPR. copyright © 2000, 2005 Andrew Sullivan

http://www.andrewsullivan.com/main_article.php?artnum=20050704

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4723006

Cathartic enough for you

Wow reading the last few blogs speaks volumes. Enough of the gloomy Gus syndrome OK!?!

So obviously I need to work on relationship issues. I also need to focus on me. It can be conflicting because the relationship is beyond the person, at the same time however, I know that my relationship, for all its short comings, is important to me. Thus it is important to have a relationship. It is clearly not a healthy relationship but what ever is, and besides just because someone isn’t healthy doesn’t mean we kill them does it? Why then should it be different with a relationship?

I’ve been to the gym more times in the last few weeks than the previous six months. I’ve also felt better, and ironically worse, in the last few weeks. More over I have just felt. This is a good thing. Any way here’s to the journey!

...

Watching you walk out of my life does not make me bitter or cynical about love. Rather it makes me realize that if I wanted so much to be with the wrong person, how wonderful it will be when the right one comes along.

- Javan.

non sequitur

So it comes to this. I’m not surprised actually, perhaps a little disappointed but never the less I’m not surprised. The truth is I should have known long ago. Of course it has taken quite some time for sufficient information to fill in enough of the gaps to see what it was that I was looking at. Looking at not looking for, let’s be clear about that. Obviously the mind has a way of letting us see what we want to even when nothing closely resembling that is actually before our eyes. The mind and the heart.

Fortunately, or not perhaps, time has a way of wearing all things down, and without proper maintenance, proper TLC if you will, even the most elaborate façade will begin to erode, exposing any flaws or inherent weaknesses in the structure. That of course doesn’t mean without a veneer there is less value or less desire, save only that what flaws there are, are now known. It is then to the viewer to make that call for themselves what is beauty and worthy of possession. What may be unwanted by one may be invaluable to another.

Perspective too should be considered. Viewed at one angle rather than another, what is seen could easily be unrecognizable from the next or so unique as to be surprising that it was not previously observed. It is then duty of the observer not the observed to fully explore orientation and position before fully casting judgment. Could one place cast shadow over a flaw that when brought to the light of day, rend it undesirable? Can that flaw be overlooked? Is there a way to repair it or does the flaw add or embellish character?

We admire roses for their sweet fragrant flowers, soft velvet petals, and rich vibrant colors despite their thorns that can prick us, draw blood and inflict pain. It is therefore the requirement of the gardener to learn how to handle the rose, to protect themselves, to respect the rose from a distance or to risk injury for rewards sake.

A dilapidated building with a structure intact can prove a valuable reward to those who through their effort rebuild to its former grandeur. Unforeseen problems however can slowly wear at those who would otherwise seek to repair that which is already itself worn down. Thus requiring a second choice: continue the work at hand and adjust to accommodate the new problems, the hope begin that the total of the repairs will be completed and the finished structure will provide haven for the weary, or focus efforts inward replenishing the worn, salving wounds prepared to begin work anew when better days come. The risk involved and the dilemma presented is a judgment of how much work the new problems present as opposed to the available resources to complete the task at hand, this met with a third judgment as to how many more ‘unforeseen’ problems still exist, once naively unexpected and now cautiously anticipated, the result of which would further diminish an already compromised pool of resources, prolong the completion and exacerbate the exhaustion of the weary. As this cycle progresses an additional judgment enters into the process to either abandon the project at hand, accepting defeat for having too long neglected the original façade allowing too many exposed flaws and having entered into the endeavor with insufficient ability or resources to ever acceptably complete the repairs or to persevere and continue, despite insurmountable odds, knowing full well that the path chosen may well be your end.

Then ask yourself am I the one repairing or the one being repaired?

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty

Trauma

Some wounds run so deep that the healing of them hurt almost as much as the original injury; and some wounds run so deep...


they never heal.

Memories

"Perhaps everybody has a garden of Eden, I don't know; but they have scarcely seen their garden before they see the flaming sword. Then, perhaps, life only offers the choice of remembering the garden or forgetting it. Either, or: it takes strength to remember, it takes another kind of strength to forget, it takes a hero to do both. People who remember court madness through pain, the pain of the perpetually recurring death of their innocence; people who forget court another kind of madness, the madness of the denial of pain and the hatred of innocence; and the world is mostly divided between madmen who remember and madmen who forget. Heroes are rare." Giovanni's Room - James Baldwin

The Grads

Love Conquers

I attended the alternate graduation in Howell yesterday. It was almost surreal. Never in my childhood would I have imagined that place to have been as welcoming and positive. Obviously there remains a great deal of the past in it’s current form but the currents of change run swift and strong and even the hardest rock will not win in the end. I was brought to tears a few times as eloquent speeches and honors were bestowed upon the three graduates who chose to stand up to hate.

I am amazed at the coverage that it has received. Obviously the local and regional press were in attendance but the coverage expanded past this to include many larger national papers and even an interview of one of the group on BBC.

Kate and I have discussed writing an article for BTL as well. It would be apropos for to alumni from there who are now out and active members of the LGBT community to do so, we thought.

All in all it think it is a good sign and an indication that though things are not always going our way the direction of change is ultimately in our favor. The future seems better every day.

Radio 1 to Radio 2

G'd Morning Ya'll

I'm taking a quick break from Post-Election Campaign Finance Statements to drop a quick update.

Last Weekend's Motor City Pride was quite successful although the heat was a bit of a challenge. Actually as memory serves last year we had treats of rain and oppressive heat then too. All in all it was a good time. I could have done without a certain co-chair but then I don't think I was the only one. Like most other volunteered activities I'll need some time before I commit to next year.

Yeah I know it isn't much but the statements are overdue and the fines are steep so back to work!

Angels & Demons

A really interesting book that in some ways seems to balance the Da Vinci Code in its support of conspiracy theory's and the historical Catholic Church. It seems to be very pro-religious in it's arguments and not overly condemning of the 'supposed' actions of the Church.

What I find to be incredibly interesting is the fact/fiction mixing that occurs in both this book and The Da Vinci Code. Keeping in mind that both books are identified as fiction it is surprising the number of books published to attach and dissect the flaws contained within. It's fiction it is allowed to be divergent from fact, in fact it is required to be so. This strikes me as "Me thinks the gentlemen doth protest too much." Which of course only make it more believable not less, but oops it's fiction...

June 11th Support Howell High School Seniors Who Opposed Hate

This was forwarded to me so I thought I would send it on the best way I know how.

From: Joe Summers

Subject: Urgent: June 11th Support Howell High School Seniors Who Opposed Hate

(Please forward to any you think might be interested in supporting this.)

Recently three seniors from Howell High School, Derrick Weber, Shayna Kamilar and Vinnie Mascola, were suspended for the rest of the year -- including participation in any senior activities: graduation, awards ceremonies, concerts etc.-- for protesting anti-gay graffiti. I hope we can do all we can to show our appreciation for them and to protest their suspensions.

My understanding of the story is as follows. There is a large rock in front of Howell High School on which students paint messages. A friend of theirs, who is openly gay, was the star of the school play "Pippin." Over a painting advertising the play someone spray painted "God hates fags." Seeing this Derrick, Shayna, Vinnie, and another student in turn spray painted the word "love" over this message. In an action similar to what students did two years ago, when a Howell senior committed suicide, they then went on to spray paint the world "love" on the sidewalks and driveway. The school administration suspended them for ten days while they reviewed their actions. Two to three hundred students protested this action in a peaceful sit-in. Shortly afterwards the administration suspended Derrick, Shayna, and Vinnie for the remainder of the year.

In their defense the students point out that no one at the time, or later, ever said the graffiti action of two years ago had been wrong. They also point to numerous instances where the administration has overlooked hateful speech and conduct that they have brought to their attention in the past. These also violated the student code, yet nothing was done about them.

The administration claims "there are two sides to every story." The only other side to the story that emerged during the students' hearings was that the administration recognized that they were model students (one of them was recently honored as the senior of the year) who were trying to uphold the value of respect for the dignity of all that the student code is meant to protect. . But, the administration insists, "rules are rules" and the students must bear the consequences of breaking them.

It would be reasonable to expect the students should be responsible to pay for any costs connected with cleaning up the graffiti. But in addition to this, the administration instead chose to apply the harsh penalties developed to respond to the very disruptive actions of graduating seniors who in the past thought they could get away with anything. That bears no resemblance to this situation. Though many many parents and students have spoken to both the school board and the superintendent to suggest that the unusual circumstances warrant some kind of intervention--their appeals have fallen on deaf ears. Thus Derrick, Shayna, and Vinnie are being deprived of their ability to experience the culmination of all their years of hard work participation in choir/musical concerts, award ceremonies, graduation etc.) because they tried to stand up for their friend and boldly and imaginatively to confront hate in their culture. The injustice of this has tainted the whole feel of graduation for their friends and families who have supported them through these many years.

There will be an alternative graduation celebration for Derrick, Shayna, and Vinnie on Saturday June 11th. Those who want to support them and celebrate their achievements are invited to attend. The hope is that this celebration can in some measure make up for what has been taken from them. The students and their families have requested that this be an occasion of celebration and affirmation of the kind that the students would have enjoyed had they been allowed to participate in graduation.

After weeks of trying to get their youth back in school, the families are somewhat overwhelmed trying to plan this celebration so I agreed to do what I could to help facilitate it. If you know speakers or musicians that you think would contribute to the program please let me know and I will check with the students and their families to see whether they think it would fit in with the program. If you have resolutions of support, or letters, for Derrick, Shayna, and Vinnie they can be sent to Derrick's mom, Colleen Chrzanowsiki, 2290 Hickory Circle Dr., Howell MI 48855. Similarly, if you would like to contribute funds to go either towards the costs of the celebration, or towards the legal expenses the families are incurring- checks can be made out to Colleen. Lastly, if there are any who wish to donate towards some kind of scholarships for these three, all of whom will be attending college in the fall, please let me know. As this celebration will be a week from today it would be helpful to hear from you as soon as possible.

Below you will see the public announcement the families recently sent out.

Joe Summers

Vicar, The Episcopal Church of the Incarnation

Alternative Graduation Celebration for Suspended Students: The parents of Howell High School seniors Derrick Weber, Shayna Kamilar and Vinnie Mascola are proud to be holding a Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the achievements of their sons and daughter. The ceremony will be held on Saturday June 11th at 6:00 pm at Page Athletic Field in Howell City Park, 415 N. Barnard Street.

We are grateful for the support expressed by members of the community here in Livingston County as well as others in greater southeast MI. We welcome those who wish to join in our celebration. We have scheduled our ceremony specifically to avoid any conflict with the commencement activity at Howell High School so that those wishing to join us may do so without having to choose between the two. We strongly encourage Howell High Seniors to walk with their class as OUR students wish they could.

We also request that guests who join us please understand our desire to celebrate our students Graduations with our friends and family without protests or emonstrations. We recognize some of the divided opinions in the community about the issues that lead us to hold this event; however we respectfully ask that those strong opinions be set aside for this occasion so that our students and their families may build the same memories that accompany this once-in-a-lifetime milestone for every graduate.

I hope to see you there.

D

The Mirror Project

I just received confirmation of my second posting on The Mirror Project. This one was a complete accident. It probably could have been multiple submissions the way it came out.

Take a look at my first submission from back in March.

Incommunicado

Yes, yes, yes; I know I haven’t written much lately. I haven’t felt the drive to do so. Some days I am just to busy and other days I just don’t care to. It has felt as though there wasn’t much to share but in retrospect there is actually quite a bit. Here are some of the highlights in no particular order.

Balthazar and son of Archibald are gone.
A cute twenty something guy helped move my gas meter, the other guys called him “two beers”
I sold the Sebring
My sister is moving to San Francisco, she wanted me to adopt one of her cats that she fears won’t make the trip, I had to say no on account of A*
I am on the board for another three year term
My sister-in-law filed for divorce from the twin
The floor upstairs is complete
My latest camera is kaput

Reflections of current events, the weather and the Memorial Holiday aside life is moving along. I will probably be traveling toward the end of this month or the beginning of next. I hope to let you know more, later.

I don’t want to stop writing, so bare with me.

Until next time, as always – Know that you’re loved,

D

Show your support to Ford

As some of you know the American Family Association has organized a boycott of Ford Motor Company. This boycott is in response to Ford's support of their LGBT employees, consumers, and community. Ford's support of Affirmations' Open the Doors Capital and Endowment Campaign is specifically called out in the boycott website and the news coverage today.

Please take a moment to read today's article in the Detroit Free Press , and to review the AFA website.

Affirmations is requesting that each of you send along an e-mail to the Ford Motor Company Fund - their contact information is located at the following website: http://www.ford.com/en/support/contactUs.htm Please share with them how much you appreciate their support of the LGBT community and their LGBT employees. Specifically thanking them for their support of Affirmations' Open the Doors Capital and Endowment Campaign would be beneficial as well, since their contribution is specifically listed as one of the reasons for the boycott.

Also, if you would like your responses to also go to the press so they have the LGBT's perspective on things please copy your message to:

letters@freepress.com

letters@detnews.com

Thanks so much for your time and consideration!

Michael J. Mirto
Development Director

Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center
195 West Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, MI 48220
PH:248.398.7105 x 17 FAX:248.541.1943

www.GoAffirmations.org
Everyday People. Building Community

Do you want to buy a car?!?

I’ve thrown in the towel. Due to my current financial situation I can no longer afford the luxury of my second car.

It is a 2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited; Deep Sapphire Blue Pearlcoat/Dark Blue Cloth Top w/ Royal Blue/Cream Interior. The car is in excellent condition only one little scratch on the right corner of the rear fascia. Only 16,500 miles and it was wintered in the garage. I’ll throw in the custom fit Kimberly-Clark NOAH car cover (seeing as how I won’t have any use for it.) The price is fairly firm at $15,500 although you will note the ad does read OBO. While I do need to rid myself of the car I’m in no hurry to do so and car afford to wait out another month or two if need be.

Anyway, check it out and if you’re interested please feel free to contact me.

Until next time… know that you’re loved,

D

Affirmations Program Director Passes The Torch

Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center
195 West Nine Mile, Ferndale, MI 48220
Phone: 248.398.7105 Fax: 248.541.1943
Email: info@GoAffirmations.org Web: www.GoAffirmations.org



Date: May 16, 2005

Contact: Kathleen LaTosch
Special Events / Marketing Director
248-398-7105 ext. 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFFIRMATIONS PROGRAM DIRECTOR PASSES THE TORCH
FERNDALE, Mich. – After close to five years of service to Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community, Program Director Michael Larson recently announced that it’s time to pass the torch to another energetic person and move on. Having accomplished what he set out to do at Affirmations, he says “I feel like I did accomplish those things and now it’s time to pass the torch.”

Initially hired in October of 2000 to run the Youth Services Program, he quickly moved into the role of Program Director where he was responsible for supervising a staff of three, organizing activities and programs for the 200 people who came to the Center each week, and getting the art gallery back on its feet. Five years later, the staff of three has grown to ten and the 200 people coming to the Center each week has grown to over 600. Moreover, he now heads a flourishing art gallery that has seen more than 30 artists exhibit their work, and has been featured on Detroit’s National Public Radio, WDET.

Under his direction the Center has added four new programs areas – health services, older adult services, family activities and community outreach – more than tripling participation at Affirmations. The youth program has expanded service hours from four a week in 2000 to 20 hours a week in 2005. YEP nights have grown so successfully, that attendance is often at its maximum capacity.

What will he miss the most? In his signature quiet and thoughtful way, he said, “If I had to name three things, I’d have to say that I’ll always have a special place in my heart for the youth program. The youth are so dynamic and inspiring; it’s been rewarding to be able to work so closely with that program. Coming OUT Over Coffee and the Pittmann-Puckett Art Gallery would definitely be on my list too.” But Larson doesn’t expect to miss Affirmations too much – he will continue serving on two of the organization’s planning committees to help move into the new building.

“But I will certainly miss him,” said Leslie Thompson, Executive Director of Affirmations. “Michael came to Affirmations during a very turbulent time and together we smoothed out the edges and got the organization back on track. His wisdom and insight will be greatly missed.”

Larson plans to stay on at Affirmations while the organization conducts a national search for a new program director and then assist in the training of that person. “One of my hopes is that the community recognizes the importance of the Center and embraces the person who comes after me,” said Larson. When asked what his plans are after leaving Affirmations, with a relaxed smile, he said, “I have several things in the works, but I might also just take a break and spend some time pulling weeds in my garden.”

Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center, based in the Detroit suburb of Ferndale, has been in operation since 1989 and provides a variety of programs, services and social opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals residing in Southeastern Michigan. Affirmations’ mission is to provide a welcoming place to every day people where they can have fun, learn, socialize, grow, be supported and find acceptance.

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Prayers

I need to remind myself that I don’t have it so bad and that despite every thing that I have going on in my life right now if certainly could be worse.  While I want things to be better for me I am grateful for what I do have.

 

For Jacob – Who is going to not one but two different sentencing hearings today, may he make it through the day regardless of the outcome. 

 

For Steve – Who lost his wife of 18 years to cancer and may soon loss custody of his daughter, may he find the forgiveness needed to keep his family.

 

For Thomas – Who had his car stolen, may his travels be made easier.

 

For Scott – Who lost his job, may he soon find work for idle hands.

 

 

ho humm

No not that kind of Ho!

Things have been busy of late. I cannot seem to post from e-mail, at least without major error and garbage showing up (Last Friday's post was like that for a while.)

There hasn't been much to update as I have been laying low and otherwise to preoccupied to make any observations that would require my own personal editorial.

The renovations to the Master Bedroom are well on their way and the new job is progressing nicely.

Next Wednesday, 11 May 2005: Last Comic Standing

Looking for something to do next Wednesday night? Join us at Mark Ridley’s in Royal Oak to root on our favorite comic in the “Last Comic Standing” Contest.

DATE: Wednesday, May 11, 2005
WHERE: Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle - on the corner of Troy St. & 4th in downtown Royal Oak. (One block south of 11 mile and one block east of Main St.)
WHEN: 8:00 PM - She could be first so don't be late! And the earlier you are the better chance you have of getting excellent seats.
COST: $2.00 - if you can't afford this try gathering up 20 empty bottles/cans...
WHY: Because she is very competitive and will cry if she doesn’t go on to the next round.

It will be a fun time for sure.

Melon Collie

So I don't really have much to say, and more importantly I don't really feel like saying anything; yet I feel compelled to write. I need to finish my update about Toronto and yet that is fast becoming irrelevant or at least unimportant. I have spent the last few nights working on the renovation and actually painting, though I feel I may have to go back a few steps and touch up a few dry-wall sections. The is the boy in AA who I think is really cute but I know is painfully str8 and am actually becoming friendly with (I almost put friends but we remain acquaintances and probably will so). The school board elections are finished and we won. That is the last few days in a nutshell without all the detail.

Until later.

Know that you're loved,

D

National Teacher Day

No kidding.  The day their boss’, boss’ bosses are elected into office we recognize the teacher.  Ironic, maybe… 

 

Either way, don’t forget to VOTE today.

 

If you live in Michigan you can visit www.michigan.gov/sos or www.publius.org to get information about how and where to vote in your community. 

 

In Royal Oak you might also want to check out www.royaloakreport.com to get some more information pertaining to today’s election.

 

OK Hose Head

Were to begin… 

 

Even before I left it was an adventure.  This trip was originally scheduled for the previous week and was rescheduled at the last minute to Thursday of last week.  The actual plan was unknown to me until late Tuesday afternoon so it wasn’t until then that I knew we would be traveling up Wednesday evening staying Wednesday and Thursday nights.  Which is a BIG difference from where we started, I had half expected to either travel up or back in the same day to minimize travel costs.  My coworker and I were supposed to travel together, again to minimize costs, and when last we spoke he asked when I got off of work and indicated that we would leave then.  I had previously scheduled a meeting with my financial advisor well before the trip got changed, for the afternoon of Wednesday.  When I returned from my meeting, my coworker, having changed his mind, now wishing to leave around lunch time, and not being able to locate me, left without me.

            His leaving was in actually a small blessing in disguise.  It gave me the opportunity to deal directly with a rental agency without having either a coworker there or being stuck without options.  I made the rental reservation through corporate travel and headed off to the agency.  When I arrived, as I expected, I was asked for my driver’s license.  I explained the situation and was told that unfortunately they could not accept paper IDs, but that once I had the license back I would not have any problem.  This in and of itself was a bit of a relief.  Now I knew that the answer to one question without having to expose myself too much.  Secondly that I would only have little more than one month to go also took some burden off my shoulders.  Obviously at this point my only option was to drive my car which I was perfectly fine with, and actually would prefer.

 

The remainder of Wednesday night was uneventful.  Because of rush our traffic and accidents on I-696, I-94 and 401 I did not arrive in Markham until almost 10 PM. 

 

Thursday morning we set out for our first visit of the trip.  My coworker drove as he managed to obtain a Jaguar X-type as his rental car. (I only hope that he was only charged the normal rate.)  The plan for the day was to trial three different materials from three different suppliers, all at the same manufacturer.  Now it isn’t necessarily unusual to try-out a couple of different materials, just not on the same day.  We got to play a little bit of hot-potato when the second supplier arrived early all the while the first trial was behind schedule.  It was an interesting time. 

 

Au Canada

Greetings from the home of hockey, poutine, and all things maple leaf, eh!?!!

Well I made it. I did not think it would happen at one point but here I am. The entire thing was an adventure that MUST be documented for posterity. It has been a trial of my patience, a test of my resolve to accept the fate that I alone am responsible for, and a chance to get on with things back into a 'normal' life.

The over all details of my adventure will have to wait my return. I made it; the hard part is over for now.

Tips for Travelers to Canada

Tips for Travelers to Canada:

"Drunk Driving Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense. Penalties are heavy, and any prior conviction (no matter how long ago or how minor the infraction) is cause for exclusion from Canada. A waiver of exclusion may be obtained from a Canadian consulate in the United States, but several weeks are required. There is a processing fee for the waiver. "

Umm... Huston we have a problem. Do they mean there or here or in general?

I went online to determine what the latest requirement for business travel to Canada is. The travel agency referred to a letter that I needed to carry with me, but I have never needed anything of the sort before and trust if I haven't been to the great white north (or south as the case may be) tonnes of times before without any documentation aside from my passport; which is itself overkill for Canada. I read the letter but was more confused than before so I went to the source and that is when I discovered an entirely new problem. Well suffice to say that this evening will be quite entertaining, between the rental car and this I had better not forget my "banana".

If possible I will update tonight, otherwise I hope to see ya'll soon.

speaking of dark light...

Q & A

In a recent interview I provided some insight into what becomes of a blogger and how they come up with the topic of their writings.

We met at a local retreat were I often hang out.

BLOGSPOT: So tell me about the name of you’re blog “The Darkness of Light” how did you come up with the name?

DL: Well it is rather simple and complex at the same time, and I suppose that is the point.

BLOGSPOT: What is the point?

DL: That it is many things. Simple and complex , everything and yet nothing. You see?

BLOGSPOT: Not quite but go on.

DL: Well. Take the title literally “The Darkness of Light” as though to imply that light could be dark, or at least have qualities to it that are dark. Once you start to take that apart and look at it in different ways you should see my point. But it doesn’t stop at the first level of what it really could be. Perhaps dark isn’t the absence of light, just as light isn’t a source of energy. Approach it from a different angle and darkness represents the absence of everything, not just light; and light is the collective of all being.

BLOGSPOT: Interesting. Could you not also interpret them to be the opposite of what they are?

DL: Yes, precisely. The darkness of light or the evil in good, or rather the bad in religion. But that is only a part of it. Darkness can be sad or depression as well. They are something of extreme opposites if you follow me?

BLOGSPOT: It’s different I’ll give you that. So tell me where do you get your inspiration?

DL: Again it is from everything and from nothing. The topic I choose for a given moment may not at first appear to have any relevance to the previous posts whatsoever. But a pattern is there almost imperceptible that ties them all together. I write of the day, comment on other happenings, and link to my own findings on the web. A sort of trail of bread crumbs that I leave behind.

BLOGSPOT: Did you get lost?

DL: Have you read the first half of this interview?!? Seriously though that is the point; it is a journal of where I have been, pointing to where I am going. The trail is my mark. It is provided for me to learn from my past and to allow others to discover my present. As I said from the beginning I do this as much for myself as I do for others. There will be times when only I will completely understand what is written, and there have been times when perhaps I was the last to comprehend what was going on. It represent of that I wish for and aspire to attain and allows me to realize that perhaps I already have what I am looking for and perhaps I do not know what I want.

BLOGSPOT: Well that is all that we have time for tonight but perhaps you will take time for more questions in the future?

DL: Sure. Drop me a line any time. I’ll do my best to enLighten you.

Detroit Represent!

Detroit surely showed them all a good time!

This past weekend delegates from the Detroit Regional Queers Union made visits to several outlaying metropolitan areas.

First up was:

Louisville, KY for Thunder over Louisville. Mr. Withipey, Skank, The Drug Twins, Kentucky’s sister-son, and a few new additions made their way onto the scene for a weekend of disco, drugs and debauchery. Early reports where there is a new bar on the tour “Q something” as it was foggily referred to, there was a Dumbo, aka “Rob” sighting, I wonder if he got to know the Detroit boys any better this year. Rumor has it he doesn’t have a gag reflex. I did not know that!

Columbus, OH - is next on the list with a random get away weekend by Mr. K-hole himself. Word on the street is he may have been looking to distract him self from thinking about our next group of delegates in:

Toronto, ON – An at the last minute trip put together by the pastor he and a “pretty” boy made a go of it. A* and Richie-Rich joined in the late (and do I mean late) evening. A* went to escape, because well what else… and Richie because his bo is now in;

Seattle, WA – Where she will tell you that nobody has a job, and rightfully so!

Canton, MI - Closer to home Bi-Polar Betty (BPB) and B-diggity celebrated BPB’s graduation from grad school with a degree in something or other. I begged off attending as I was tired from the work I did on the upstairs renovation project. Which leaves us with…

Bring it HOME - I did nothing. Exciting isn’t it? I suppose given everything else that is going on right now having too much of a good time may be asking for trouble but still it would have been nice. Nevertheless someday this too shall pass.

helpful hint for today

Try to avoid dropping a hot iron on the carpet to avoid damaging the carpet and bringing your morning ironing to an abrupt halt.

It is a GM thing!

Filling out the various and sundry forms and requests for access to the different applications that I need to use to do my job I have noticed the following set of questions.  Please tell me if you think someone is over paid too.

 

1. Street Address
2. City
3. State
4. Country (and trust if there isn’t a drop down with 200+ names)
5. Region (as if to imply that the specific State/Country combination has different locations on the globe)  I was half tempted to select Africa for grins…

 

They play a similar game with Job Title/Job Responsibility/Business Function/Job Level.  And they wonder why they are sucking wind financially?!?

 

Hello!?!

Any minute now...

Waiting for the pre-election campaign finance statement to print. I have to make certain that it prints completely cause well I'm not a morning person and well it just won't be pretty if I get up in the morning and the computer decided to f*ck me. I need to make a noon time rendez vous with my candidate so that he can sign off and then I get to deal with the County Clerks Office. My tax dollars hard at work I'm sure.

I hope to make some major progress on the upstairs this weekend. I'm so close I can taste it and had it not been for the filing deadline I probably would have been up there tonight, although certainly not this late. Or is it early now? At any rate, the dry wall is complete save for the half wall which we have decide will wait until after some of the larger pieces of furniture get placed. Not that they couldn't go up afterwards but heck this will be far easier and with any luck I won't have to think about bring the sh...tuff down any time soon.

Nothing too entertaining to report. Lately things have been humdrum due to my aforementioned circumstances. Bare with me, eh.

Earth Day: 22 April 2005

Happy Earth Day

Living Will

Living Will

I, _________________________ (fill in the blank), being of sound mind and body, do not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.

Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of peckerwood politicians who couldn't pass ninth-grade biology if their lives depended on it.

If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to sit up and ask for a beer, it should be presumed that I won't ever get better. When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my spouse, children and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes and call it a day.

Under no circumstances shall the members of the Legislature enact a special law to keep me on life-support machinery. It is my wish that these boneheads mind their own damn business, and pay attention instead to the health, education and future of the millions of Americans who aren't in a permanent coma.

Under no circumstances shall any politicians butt into this case. I don't care how many fundamentalist votes they're trying to scrounge for their run for the presidency in any future election. It is my wish that they play politics with someone else's life and leave me alone to die in peace.

I couldn't care less if a hundred religious zealots send e-mails to legislators in which they pretend to care about me. I don't know these people, and I certainly haven't authorized them to preach and crusade on my behalf. They should mind their own damn business.

If any of my family goes against my wishes and turns my case into a political cause, I hereby promise to come back from the grave and haunt them until I make his or her existence a living hell, just like I did when I was alive and in close proximity to them.

random thoughts

I've only been at my new job a week and there are already little things that bug me. First is my co-worker. He is Indian or Pakistani or something of that like, and while I don’t have anything against foreign nationals or Hindi type peoples it bugs me that they, by and large, seem to completely lack the understanding of certain nuanced cultural norms here in the USA. I asked for help on an issue this afternoon, because as I was told he had more experience than most others in this particular matter, and therefore, would be logically the most appropriate source for information. Unfortunately he was only capable of telling me how to do it for his particular cases and was unable to explain why, or why not, a certain piece of information was needed. Further he was befuddled when I asked for further clarification as to what the rational behind some of his direction was. I surmise that he merely guessed and it has, heretofore, worked for him. Let’s hope it works for me. Secondly there is the matter of travel. My current situation requires that I provide prior notice of my intent to leave the state and so I have already do so with respect to a trial to be run at a supplier in Ontario. Unfortunately the aforementioned co-worker has taken the lead on scheduling and all last week did not provide a firm date, save that it would be the latter part of this week. Yesterday it was this Thursday and/or Friday. This afternoon it has been rescheduled to next week at a date to be determined. There is the issue of the location of the run – Concord, ON – which is part of metropolitan Toronto. In the e-mail, again from said co-worker, he stated outside of Windsor, a difference of more than two hundred miles. I could scream. Add to that the lack of a computer all last week, no access to voicemail yet and all major economic signs that lead me to believe I could be laid off any day and it isn’t the place to be. So yes auntie I am still looking.

Can't sleep

I can't sleep... Could be because I had a Mt. Dew at 4:30 this afternoon and the sugar and caffeine are still coursing through my veins. Could be because I didn't have my "banana" until 9 o'clock this evening; and while that may be the standard direction I have found that it is more effective for me to take it mid-afternoon. Maybe it is because my boyfriend is snoring away in the bed and nothing seems to disrupt his sleep - particularly when he took something for his allergies - and we all know how sound like that can keep me awake. Or perhaps it is everything that I am thing about, which of course would bring us back to the "banana" but still there seems to be an abundance of thoughts, ideas and otherwise unresolved issues to hash through.

I haven't updated about the weekend so perhaps I could do that and then share some thoughts to kill time.

Friday

Had dinner with my mother and sister. It was her birthday a week back and this was the first chance my sis had to host mom. She used the excuse that her car had been stolen and she now doesn't have one to request that mom drive out this way rather than the reverse. Not a bad move if you ask me; in the six plus years I've lived here in Royal Oak I believe she has been out her no more than six times. Where as I have been to their place six times in the last month. I guess I rather do like to drive so it is no sweat to me but still it is the thought.

A* decided to go out with friends to the MB he stumbled in around quarter to four in the morning.

Saturday

What I did do: Mr K and I went to the Fisher Building to do some shopping. After that we met up with my yenta and the three of us went to see the Heidelberg Project, shop at Easter Market, have lunch at Sinbad's on the river and stop in at Pewabic Pottery. All in all it was a busy afternoon. Next time I want to bring my camera along (of course that assumes that I have a camera, nevertheless).

My sis and her girlfriend came over and the four of us bar-b-qued. The twin and gunny stopped by later for a few drink. All in all it was a good day.

What I didn't do: Saturday morning was the annual park clean-up day in Royal Oak. In Past years a group of us had gotten together to either clean up one of the local parks or participate in the street sweep downtown. Marie usually organized it but I suppose she had other fish to fry this year.

The home builders show was Saturday as well. I wasn't looking for much in the way of what new things are out there - I don't plan on doing anything too outrageous with the deck - but it would have given me a chance to speak with code enforcement without having to deal with the city staff at city hall. Neutral territory, if you will.

Saturday night was Jeff-Jack, or the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, which is the annual fundraiser dinner of the Michigan Democratic Party. I haven’t had the money to go but should have tried all the same. I’ve made some good allies and decent connections going to that event and shouldn’t let them go to waste.

Of course one of the thought that I am mulling over is what it is that I want to do in this next phase of my life. I definately think that I have to worry a little more about me and a lot less about other things. So what do these connection do for me if I'm not involved? Not much I guess...

GRAVE IMPORTANCE

St. Paul Cemetery in Grosse Pointe Farms hosts the burial sites of celebrated families. Pretty cool story if you ask me. I will have to make an effort to visit some time this summer. Sounds like there is plenty of family there.

As a side note: Trombley has not only been spelled Tromblay and Trombly but also Tremblay and Tremble.

Pay frozen for auto contract workers

Excuse me what!?!

So yeah if as you will read things aren't going so well here in Automation Alley. Working in the auto industry right now is about as lucrative as collecting cans for deposit money. Trouble is here in SE Michigan what else are you going to do? I think they did themselves in a long time ago and things will never be great around here. There is so much investment, venture capital and initiative needed to break free from the rut that we have gotten ourselves in that it seems nearly impossible to over come.

The governor has the right idea with the cool cities program but that too needs reinforcement from the private sector and the local municipalities to be effective at all. Twenty years from now I will be interested to see what becomes of this region.

Day of Silence: 04.13.05

Step 2

"Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity."

Automatically, when I hear a phrase like that I think "Look out. Here comes the Jesus crap." Now, please don't get me wrong. I AM a religious person, but on my own terms. I am catholic, but I do not go to mass. I believe in God, who is perhaps the same God that I was taught to believe in only I feel that I know and understand him better now that I am removed from the teachings of the church and have allowed myself to think on my own. Now that I have that understanding, call it a relationship if you will, I do not want to let go of it. I do not want to hear the "Jesus freaks" preaching to me on how or why I am wrong and telling me what I need to do to be "saved". That is, or was, one of the primary reasons that I did not want to have to go to AA several times a week. I'm glad that what I have found was not the perception that I had.

It still happens from time to time that a new person will join the meeting and speak of the power of Christ and start to go on about religion as thought that were the answer. Well... It is and it isn't. If it works for that person, great go for it. If that is the belief that you need to make it through the day without drinking then knock yourself out. Please though, don't preach to me, and do not pass judgment on me because I don't ascribe to your way of thinking. I don't think that you are wrong in your thinking; I just think that what will work for me is slightly different.

I believe in a higher power. He, She or It is not the same as others might perceive but I believe.

I believe in good and evil. Everyone, even the best of us, has portions of their being that are good and that are evil. It is only though our intellectual and emotional strengths that we present ourselves as good or evil.

I believe that all prayers are answered just not in the way that most may sometimes like. There are really only three answers to prayers: Yes - which everyone expects; No - Which is what some would referred to as an unanswered prayer. It doesn't even have to be the thunderous, fire and brimstone NO (although it can), even "I'm sorry" still translates to no; and ... Wait, or not yet. Perhaps you will be relieved of whatever stressor has driven you to seek the comfort of some unknown being but the lesson that you need to learn - to make you a strong and or better person - isn't yet over.

I believe that our higher power, God if you please, is in us and all around us. It is comforting to believe that some power, an unseen omnipotent being, could ease our burden. Wouldn't it be even more comforting to believe in a power that while still greater than ourselves was in fact a part of us. That we had no further to go than the innermost reaches of our own being to find greater strength, wisdom, love and courage than we ever thought capable of? That through that inner power when shared with others we could be even greater, and all the while through our good or evil either add to or subtract from the power of all others? It is a scary thought but places much more responsibility in our own selves and will not allow us to defer to or blame others for our lives.

my new job

I cannot seem to get away from it. However the stuff I'm working on now is far superior to anything in the past...


The All-New 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Well you see mom...

A* and I went out my parents for a brief visit. I hadn't even thought about what I was wearing when my mother says "Catcher, I didn't know you where a catcher." ... silence ... "Are you a catcher?!?" I just gave my mom a hug and A* did his best to stifle a laugh.

Afterwards A* made the observation that the "b!tch" probably explained everything to my mother anyway... God help her if she did.

"You have mail..."

And so it happens... In almost two years of blogging yesterday - Saturday, 09 April 2005 - I received my first comment. And wouldn't you know it that the very first, and presently only, comment in this entire blog is SPAM!!!

Now I understand that at some point the comment feature was malfunctioning and suspect through other's testimony that commenting still may be cumbersome to the uninitiated but I've done it so it cannot be all too difficult. Now perhaps nobody reads this. But I know otherwise as the counter would clearly indicate. In the past I have been intermittent in my posting but have been pretty steady of late so perhaps this will change.

But I mean really SPAM!?! Now obviously it isn't trying to sell me a "little blue pill" but nevertheless, clearly there is no substance to the comment and the blog is as meaningless and/or indecipherable as to the character or personality of it's editor(s) to warrant such a comment.

All the same though it is my very first comment, I will cherish it always...

A sure sign of the coming of the apocalypse

This just in from the You Might Be A Hypocrite If Department

New York Times

Saturday, April 9, 2005

G.O.P. Consultant Weds His Male Partner By Adam Nagourney

WASHINGTON, April 8 - Arthur J. Finkelstein, a prominent Republican consultant who has directed a series of hard-edged political campaigns to elect conservatives in the United States and Israel over the last 25 years, said Friday that he had married his male partner in a civil ceremony at his home in Massachusetts.

Mr. Finkelstein, 59, who has made a practice of defeating Democrats by trying to demonize them as liberal, said in a brief interview that he had married his partner of 40 years to ensure that the couple had the same benefits available to married heterosexual couples. ...

... Mr. Finkelstein has been allied over the years with Republicans who have fiercely opposed gay rights measures, including former Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina, and has been the subject of attacks by gay rights activists who have accused him of hypocrisy. He was identified as gay in a Boston Magazine article in 1996. ...

Yet again we are our own worst enemy. This jerk-off (and I don't mean that in a good way) paid for his wedding on the backs of other gay and lesbian individuals that he has made a living repressing. But you know what they say, "Karma's a BITCH" I'm sure he'll get his.

this just in

It's official I'm an idiot. Film at eleven.

Motor City Pride

Sunday, 5 June 2005

12 Noon - 7PM

Downtown Ferndale

Motor City Pride 2005: This year will be headlined by Martha Wash but we hope for sunshine.

Additionally there will be a showing of "Slutty Summer" at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak on Saturday, 4 June 2005 at 7:30PM. You can purchase your tickets here.

And the prince makes three...

Monaco's Prince Rainier III Dead at 81 After Long Reign

Hallelujah

Jeff Buckely - Grace: Hallelujah

Well I heard there was a secret chord
that David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do ya?
Well it goes like this :
The fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah...

Well your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew ya
And she tied you to her kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah...

(Yeah but) Baby I've been here before
I've seen this room and I've walked this floor, (You know)
I used to live alone before I knew ya
And I've seen your flag on the marble arch
and love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah...

Well there was a time when you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show that to me do ya
But remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah

Hallelujah...

[Instrumental]

Maybe there's a God above
But all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya
It's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelu...
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelu...
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah

Hallellllluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuujjjaahhhh...Hallelllluuuuuujjaaaaaaaaaahhhh

lyrics by : Leonard Cohen

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hal·le·lu·jah ("ha-l&-'lü-y&), interjection 1. Praise ye the Lord! -n. 2. an excalimation of " hallelujah!" 3. a shout of praise, joy, or gratitude. 4. a musical composition wholly or pricipally based upon the word "hallelujah." [1525-35; Hebrew halleluyAh praise ye Yahweh; cf. ALLELUIA]

Hate continues

Early Results: Kansas OKs Gay Union Ban

Make that now 14 states that have a gay marriage ban in their constitution. Why or how this impacts straight marriages is absolutely beyond me. Codifying hate is a sign that the government is past it's apex. The decline in our own moral supremacy, now waning we could soon expect the utter collapse as society as a whole, just when they thought they were saving all of us from that very destruction.

Stay with me for a second. Either we will continue down this road or we face a radical change in vision and the need for government. Outlawing, or at the least refusing to acknowledge all non traditional relationships is only the first step. What's next? Is it abortion? Do we outlaw that and return to a time when in many instances the only choice available was to have an illegal, dangerous and potentially fatal procedure without adequate medical care? What about sex education? Do we do away with everything other than abstinence only? Once teen pregnancy and HIV+ cases increase dramatically who will they blame then? Will it be too late to do anything? When will it stop?!?