Tuesday, October 30, 2007

The Kid and Halloween

From a conversation with my three year old, over the phone:

Me: What are dressing up as for Halloween?

The Kid: Bud Light

Me: Bud Light?????

The Kid: Bud Light.

Me: (thinking) Have your mothers lost their minds?

LTR: (overhearing) Buzz Lightyear?

Me: Buzz Lightyear?

The Kid: To infinity and beyond...

Monday, October 29, 2007

Struck Dumb Over Dumbledore

Well, this is no surprise...the Christian Coaltion is urging parents to "ban their children" from reading Harry Potter or watching Potter films after the revelation that Dumbledore is gay.

Ummm, good luck with that.

Heavens, what if they figure out that some of the people mentioned in the Bible were gay?

No Fashionista?

The FF didn't post last week.

Which probably explains why I went out and bought myself some pleated-cuffed trousers to go with my new flip-flops.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

What Matters: The Obama Controversy

What matters more -- that Sen. Barack Obama supports the most gay-positive policies (other than marriage) or that he shares the stage with an anti-gay black preacher?

That President Bill Clinton said all the right things about gays ("he says our name!" a gay democrat friend of mine swooned back in the mid-90s) but gave assent to two of the most anti-gay policies to come out of that decade (DOMA and DADT)?

Or in other words, political correctness vs. correct policies?

I go with policy...

Where Osama will Find his Nuke

On the plane to Chicago, I read Newsweek's breathless analysis of the situation in Pakistan. Here's what you need to know:

Today no other country on earth is arguably more dangerous than Pakistan. It has everything Osama bin Laden could ask for: political instability, a trusted network of radical Islamists, an abundance of angry young anti-Western recruits, secluded training areas, access to state-of-the-art electronic technology, regular air service to the West and security services that don't always do what they're supposed to do. (Unlike in Iraq or Afghanistan, there also aren't thousands of American troops hunting down would-be terrorists.) Then there's the country's large and growing nuclear program. "If you were to look around the world for where Al Qaeda is going to find its bomb, it's right in their backyard," says Bruce Riedel, the former senior director for South Asia on the National Security Council.


And yet we're spending all this time and energy saber-rattling on Iran. In the same issue of Newsweek, Fareed Zakaria gets real about Iran:

Iran has an economy the size of Finland's and an annual defense budget of around $4.8 billion. It has not invaded a country since the late 18th century. The United States has a GDP that is 68 times larger and defense expenditures that are 110 times greater. Israel and every Arab country (except Syria and Iraq) are quietly or actively allied against Iran. And yet we are to believe that Tehran is about to overturn the international system and replace it with an Islamo-fascist order? What planet are we on?

The one where George W. Bush managed to get elected president.

I understand the need for caution in dealing with the tepid-against-the-war-on-terror regime in Pakistan, and know that if it fails it will be replaced by an outright enemy. What worried me is that the White House and Pentagon are consumed by Iran and thereby missing the real threat.

It's not like it hasn't happened before.

Friday, October 26, 2007

Two Topics

Every business trip there are times -- like before a meeting or after a meeting at dinner or the bar -- when conversation turns to sports.

My interest in pro sports can fit on the period at the end of this sentence.

(Unless were' talking about shirtless baseballers).

Such was the case on my biz trip the last two days. How much easier life would be if I could pull off post ball game banter about defense and offense and so and so is a good hitter but is shit in the infield.

I was on a conference call once, years ago, waiting for it to start and there was the usual banter between those of us who were on time. "Did you catch the Tournament last night?" someone said. I thought, "yeah, and can you believe that triple toe-loop salchow combination by Brian Boitano" when someone else saved me from humiliation by talking about the NBA.

Then there's that other topic -- sex. I can talk about this one. But I have yet to be in a business setting with mostly straight guys where I could chime in with the same specificity about this or that coworker or the various body parts of the wait staff that caught my eye.

So when it comes to business, I just talk about business.

Which makes those pre and post business meetings sheer drudgery for me.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Off to Oz

Well, that's what Stephen calls it. I'll be in Chicago tomorrow and Friday and hopefully back in the People's Republic of DC in time to conduct our concert. I wish I had time to meet Stephen while there...maybe some other trip.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

If I Loved You

One of the most poignant love songs written for Broadway.

"Soon, you'd leave me
Off you would go
In the mist of day
Never, never to know -
How I loved you.
If I loved you.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Brokeback Mountain: The Sequel

Will Ennis finally come out? One source says yes. And Heath may play him again.

Sunset

From my office a couple of nights ago. That's the George Washington Masonic Temple to the left.

Friday Fashionista – Must Have Jackets

I do not usually like to use this column to promote the latest fad or some must have item. However, this can be an exception to the rule.

There are two jackets I need to rave about… the military jacket and the quilted jacket. Here is my advice: do yourself a favor and get at least one of each. The military jacket has the epaulettes, the fitted seams, and the great adornment on the cuffs and pockets. The quilted jacket (or vest) is classic – it has the look of vintage chic with a relaxed edge – kind of like a Burberry quilted jacket… it just always looks good

A few tips to offer:

1. Be selective – there are many of each style to choose from. For instance, there are more structured military jackets, while there are some that are more “adorned.” I have my own preference, but my advice is to find one that fits YOUR image and personal style. If you do choose one that is, shall we say fancier, make certain you pair it with items that are more subdued so you are not walking around looking like Rufus Wainright or Graham Norton.

2. Make certain you have a good fit with either of these – or else you come off looking like you are playing dress up. Both offer completely different looks – fitted vs. cool biker look. So keep that in mind when considering fit and your own body type. Also, I tend to shy away from the quilted jackets that are “puffy.” They can make almost anyone look like the Michelin Man. And that’s a no no.

3. Color – I have to admit, with respect to the quilted jackets, I am partial to black. It is simple, and it just looks so hot. Regarding the military jacket, there are several examples I have seen (and now own) that I am partial to… black, chocolate brown, olive, grey, and so on.

Here are some examples:

This Military Jacket from Banana Republic is particularly nice – you can dress it up or be more casual. And I love the details and the fit.

This example by Juicy Coulture is so hot. Check out the fit and the details.

Here is an example from Banana Republic of a quilted Jacket. As I mentioned, you cannot go wrong with a black quilted jacket. Plus, it is slim and not puffy.

This is a beautiful example of a quilted jacket from Faconnable with great detail on the collar.

Like any item I purchase, I keep an open mind and an eye out for something awesome wherever I go. These are suggestions to use as a guide for fit and finish. Depending on your budget, you may have more or less to spend on an item. Other than that, as always, be sure to select an item that fits your personal style. And of course, have fun finding and wearing your new attire!

Secretly, they Want Us

They really do.

Is this an oopsie or what?

Thursday, October 18, 2007

But What is Truth?

Political Generals

A reader comments on my earlier posts about politicized generals:

The generals in the military have always been political and require hearings/confirmation process. W...Political struggles are nothing new.. just ask Gen Grant or Gen MacArthur....


I would think Gen. McClellan would be a better example than Grant but the reader is right to remind me of this.

And another reader said:

The trouble is, as Bryan noted the other day, the Uniform Code of Military Justice makes it a court-martial offense for any military officer to use "...contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present."


I would respond with what McCain said, which inspired the original post from me:

When we confirm a senior officer to a position in the military, there's always a standard question that is asked, and that they always say Yes to, and that is "When asked, will you give your candid and personal opinion in answer to a question by a member of the committee?" They always say Yes.


Would giving your candid opinion to Congress constitute "contemptuous words against the president?" Wouldn't lying to Congress be "contemptuous" and therefore in violation of this oath? McCain's point was that Sanchez was asked point blank about the Bush policy when he was in charge...and he defended it. Not to the public, or his soldiers. Not on the field of battle. But in a Congressional hearing. How is this living up to his oath or his duty to country if he really believed we were sending men and women to die on a doomed mission, as he now says? If he really felt that way all along then he lied to Congress, which he took an oath that he would not do.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Get Trendier and Gayer

This publication is not for me:

Gay List Daily, a swank new e-publication 'dedicated to making trendy gays
even more trendy and gay

I don't need to buck up my gayness from an "e-publication," thank you. And I usually try and buck whatever the latest trend is. There's something lemming-like about trying to be trendy.

However, MattyDale, are you paying attention?

The People at my (New) Gym

I mentioned the other day I'd joined a new gym near my new office. Earlier I described some of the people at my old gym. Here's some of the folks at the new one:

Chewbacca: this guy is covered head to foot with a thick mane of black hair. He tends to hang out in the whirlpool. I don't know if they have to clean the intakes after he gets out.

Gabber the Hutt: I mentioned this guy already -- a late 50 something very large man with huge gut who hangs out in the locker room in his boxers, perhaps in a futile vision quest to see the tops of his feet. He's there gabbing away when I arrive and is still there after I work out, sauna, shower, shave and leave. I've yet to see him on the workout floor.

Miss Rich Bitch: this is the typical gentrified snobbish Old Town Alexandria Grand Dame who thinks she's something. She's probably early 60ish, arrives at the gym all done up in an expensive lycra body suit. She's being trained by a (hot) young black trainer and she whines the whole time. I will give her this -- she's kept the weight off despite the years and if she can tone up she will look fantastic.

The Blogger: 40ish guy who bikes in from DC, does a quick workout (usually triceps or biceps), does some minimal hamstring stretches in the sauna, shaves, showers and leaves, all the while observing what's going on around him so he can blog about it later.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

A Suggestion for Larry Craig

Hire Roy Pearson, the DC Pants Suit lawyer.

He may not be able to help you prove your case, but it would prove you could get more ridiculous than you already are.

9/11 Mayor Ready for Independence Day

Yeah, but can he fly an F-16?

And can you waterboard ET?

Monday, October 15, 2007

Petreaus and Sanchez

Andrew Sullivan has a good McCain quote on Sanchez.

I wonder if Gen. Petraeus were to retire and say the same things, what would Move On say?

Bottom line, our military has become too politicized. And I'll throw the blame at the commander in chief...but a bit of it does go to anyone in the military command not forthright to the civilian government.

I'm a Lefty

I'm left-brain oriented...who knew? Take the visual test and find out if you're a righty or a lefty.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe

Hat Tip: the right-brained Homo Superior. (not work safe link)

Sunday, October 14, 2007

A Soldier's Take

In today's Wash Po, a US soldier writes on the progress he sees in Iraq:

I'm sick of hearing about all the horrible things that happen in Iraq without ever hearing about any of the good ones. That's not because horrible things don't occur here every day; they do. I've witnessed far more death and sadness than I wish anyone ever had to see. And it's not because I believe in some left-wing media conspiracy. If I'm affiliated with a political party at all, I honestly can't remember which one it is.

Rather, I'm sick of hearing about all the horrible things that happen in Iraq because I've been deployed here for more than 24 months since this war began, and I think I have a story to tell that's heroic, maybe even noble. It's not my story. In fact, I'm quite average, and I'm certainly not noble. But I've been blessed to serve with some amazing officers, noncommissioned officers and soldiers who have sacrificed another 15 months away from their families -- and, for once, produced something that I don't think looks all that bad, even in this desolate country.

The progress he reports on isn't the stuff that will make you sit back and say, whoa, Iraq is working. But, coming on heels of news that civilian and military deaths are down, it's encouraging.

Durbin Predicts Iowa will go for

Obama.

I'm still hoping for something to stop the Hillary juggernaut. Remember how invincible Howard Dean seemed in the fall of 03.

Still, Hillary is not Howard. However, there was that flap earlier this year about debate within her campaign about pulling out of Iowa. So we shall see.

I would like to see a tighter race between Hillary and Obama. We need a protracted debate about America's foreign policy and civil rights. We won't get it on the Republican side.

And despite the survey (below) that says Rudy is my man: no way, no how. He'd rip the Constitution to shreds.

Larry Craig

Methinks he protests too much

Who are Your Candidates?

Mine are:

Giuliani, Biden and Romney.

According to this survey.

Take the survey and find out which candidates most match your views.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Scenes from the Commute Cont.

Sunset on the way home.

National Coming Out Day

Zac reminds me that yesterday was National Coming Out Day. Does anyone really "come out" on NCOD? Do younger gays sit around waiting for Oct. 11 to tell their families? Should we send reminder cards in advance to certain GOP Senators and legislators?

Thursday, October 11, 2007

The LTR in Full Flex

Pic from the Commute

Sunrise over the Potomac. From my ride to work this morning.

Straight Men are Slobs

I now belong to two gyms. One in DC, with a predominately gay clientèle, and one in Old Town Alexandria in VA, near my new office, with a predominately straight clientèle.

Straight men are pigs.

Ok, I know I'm stereotyping, there are gay Oscar Madisons and straight Felix Ungers.

But. Seriously.

Even the most slovenly out of shape gay guy at the "gay" gym is no match for the obese slobs at the straight one. I'm mean, guys -- would it hurt you to put your used towels in the numerous towel bins? Do you really need to leave them on the floor in front of the communal sink? Or on the benches? Can you throw your used disposable razors in the trash? Do your wet, sweaty, dirty gym clothes need to sit on the bench in front of my locker while you take a shower or sit in the lounge in your boxers talking about sports with every other word being "fuck" or "shit" (and I'm talking to YOU, Mr. Jabba the Hutt guy whose gut is so big I swear he must come to the gym only to a shower and so he doesn't have to wash towels at home)?

And if you want to leave your work clothes draped over the ironing board (yes, there's an iron and board in the locker room, a key reason I joined so I could have pressed clothes even while bike-commuting) while you steam and take a shower and stand around with your gut hanging out over your towel, I'm going to move them out of my way for the 2.5 minutes I need to iron. So don't act put out when I do (some straight men are SO sensitive!).

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Death by Powerpoint

No matter how "positively" you say, I don't think this is good. Yet Mitt did, it's on his Web site:


- Brody: "I must say Mitt Romney is truly a human power point presentation... And I say that in a very positive way." (David Brody, "The Republicans Debate In Dearborn: Reaction," CBN's The Brody File, www.cbn.com, Posted 10/9/07)

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

The Commute

UPDATE: Camera found! The LTR found it hiding in my bag of music. I don't remember putting it in there. Anyway, he's happy because he wants me to take some muscle flex shots of him tonight. Don't tell him I told you that, either.


My new commute is beautiful. I ride my bike through downtown DC, bisect the National Mall, riding past the Washington Monument, past the Jefferson Memorial, over the 14th Street Bridge and then along the Potomac south to Old Town Alexandria. And usually this time of year to see the sun rise to the east, casting the monuments in a rosy glow with soft light dancing off the calm river waters.

I'd take a picture of it for you, but, alas, a free-lance socialist helped himself to it from my bike. I slipped the camera in my bike bag last week intending to take a picture, but it was foggy. Until today. When I remembered my camera. And found it missing.

Don't tell the LTR. This is the second camera I've lost in a year.

The Truth about Wrestlers

Homo Superior wonders if they will come clean. (not work safe).

Maybe He's Just Misunderstood

Monday, October 08, 2007

Gays In Iran

This is Reza. He was flogged in Iran for being gay.

The Iranian Queer Organization helps publicize the plight of Iranian gays...as well as help gay Iranian refugees. Think about giving them some financial support.

Lenny Bernstein: Hero Not

Lenny Bernstein was many things -- driven, egotistical, often brilliant, often excessive and yes, flamboyant -- but a "gay hero?" That's how the Blade described him in an article about Equality Forum's monthlong tribute to gay icons.

I think it's great that gay pioneers like Frank Kameny and Barbara Gittings and some of the others are getting attention. But Bernstein? He was a closeted gay man who married and had sex with men on the side. If he did anything to stand up for the gay community or work for gay civil rights I've never heard of it.

Bernstein was a gifted artist and a legendary (in his own mind, for sure) leader of American music. He surely was not a leader in the gay community.

Friday, October 05, 2007

Trans ENDA

Lost, I think, in the heat of passion over whether we should move forward with a Transgenderless ENDA, is who the real villains are:

[Rep. Barney] Frank said the whip count showed that a minority of Democrats opposing a transgender provision in the bill would give Republicans enough votes to kill a trans-inclusive bill.


We expect that of the Republicans, right? If the Democrats could get their Party in line we wouldn't be having this discussion and an all-inclusive ENDA would be a fait accompli. But for all our community's financial and voting fealty to the Democratic Party they can't muster the votes to do this? And, I would argue, transgendered persons face more open discrimination than most gays do, and there have been recent high profile cases to show it, like this one.

Surely, if you believe that people should be federally protected from discrimination because they are born to love the same gender, it's not a leap to protect people who are born into the wrong gender.

Adult Males in Children’s Footwear? No, No, No!

The reader question was as follows:

I'd like to see an expose on the desperate need to immolate ALL crocs! Better yet--let's recycle them and save both the planet and fashion.

And along the same lines:
also, what about those flip flop things that are popular in the spring/summer? why do people insist on wearing those things even in bars? if I stop on your toes in a crowded area...oh well...

Okay, here is the deal… Croq’s are for little kids or for gardening. Don’t wear them to work. I beg of you.

And flip flops… I have talked about this before. Get some nice Keens or sandals. But for the love of god, please do not wear flip flips to work. It’s and equally bad idea to wear them to a bar… what if some drunken queen drops her martini glass on your foot? And guys who wear them with suits or nice dress pants? “That don’t impress me much!”

Flips flops should be reserved for the beach, public showers, use around the house or at most dropping your trombone at one of your best friend’s homes on a Friday morning.

Protect your feet and dress like a sensible adult.

For My Fall-TV Season-Obsessed Friends

Last night, my friend and I were sitting in the living room and I said to her, "I never want to live in a vegetative state, dependent on some machine and fluids from a bottle. If that ever happens, just pull the plug."

She got up, unplugged the TV, and threw out my wine.

She's such a bitch.

(Hat tip: BStrpt)

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Dead Prince Harry

The artist is making an Iraqi war statement with this statue likeness of a dead Prince Harry...but what kind of statement is he making with the, um, bulge?

Gay Authors?

A reader comments that they didn't get that much into gay writer Christopher Rice's work. I admit I liked "A Density of Souls" far better than his second book.

But it got me thinking about gay authors...I find much of "serious" gay literature to be depressing...from the City and the Pillar to A Boys Own Story to Christopher Bram's recent Exiles in America. The Front Runner, while a sad tale, is an exception. I very much enjoy Michael Thomas Ford's novels. And another classic I've read several times Gordon Merrick's One for the Gods.

I guess when it comes to reading fiction I'm looking for escapism. I get enough real life in my own.

I'm looking for something to read now. Suggestions?

Whither Mr. Gay Iran

The post and picture I published about Mr. Gay Iran (in response to Ahmadinejad's assertion that there are no gays in Iran) is gone. At Mr. Gay Iran's request. He asked in the comments section that I remove his name and picture. I complied -- as are others. Google him and many of the links to the pages that referenced him are now 404.

I can only guess at Mr. GI's motivation, but I suspect, even though he lives in Canada, that involuntarily being made a visible symbol of a people Mr. Ahmadeinejad systematically persecutes made him uncomfortable. Such is the power of a tyrant, reaching over an ocean to instill fear.

If you want to help support Iran's fledgling and persecuted gay community, check out the Iranian Queer Organization.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Who I'd Invite to Dinner

Christopher Rice -- he has a quirky mom (Interview with the Vampire Anne), is gay, writes good books and is easy on the eyes.

Keith Boykin - black gay activist who is also, well, easy on the eyes

John Cameron Mitchell -- filmmaker (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shortbus) plus, he's, well, you know

and

Barbara Bush -- former first lady, grandmother and I bet the sauce of the party.

She Who Laughs Lasts

Through the presidential primary, perhaps?



Howie Kurtz has full coverage of the Clinton Cackle.

And of course, it runs in the family. (warning -- this links to a clip aired by Rush Limbaugh. If Limbaugh makes you projectile vomit, don't go here. But the clip is good).

Monday, October 01, 2007

Day 1

First day on the new job.

Didn't sleep from about 3 am this morning. Not nervous really. Tad bit anxious. It's going to be hard for me making the change from the freedom of working from home and the need to now be in an office at defined times. That's making me a bit anxious.