On this Day in 1964

The Beatles single "Love Me Do" hits number 1.
Julie Andrews is best actress in "Mary Poppins."
Gilligan's Island, the Dick Van Dyke show and the Beverly Hillbillies are hits on TV.
The Easy Bake oven is a top new toy.
"Why We Can't Wait" by Martin Luther King is a top selling book (fierce urgency of now, anyone?).
Jackie Kennedy lays flowers on her martyred husband's grave.

And, oh yeah. I was born.

Introverts of the World Unite!

Problem is, get us all in a room and no one would say anything.

Look -- I'm an introvert. My boss recently reminded me of this when talking about a problem inter-personal relationship between me and another in my office, and she remarked, "you're not the most outgoing person in the world."

Who knew she had a gift for understatement?

I'm tired of feeling bad that I'm an Introvert. It's time to claim a little Introvert Pride (Instead of protests we'll have "think-ins." The silence will speak volumes).

First, a definition: an introvert gets his energy from within, an extrovert from without. It's not that we Intros are shy, per se, look, I spent the weekend at a nude beach. But, as an introvert, I need some alone time to recharge after being with a lot of people; an extrovert gets his energy from a lot of people. As a psychology web site says:

Introverts tend to get their energy from within, so being with people is draining. After a day filled with people or activities, introverts tend to feel exhausted and empty. To recharge their batteries introverts need to be alone reading, daydreaming, painting, or gardening – any solo activity fills them up again.

One of the things introverts hate is small talk. I find it boring and repetitive and not worth the energy it takes me to participate. How many times in our lives do we have to say the same things over and over about the weather being too hot or too cold or the fact that weathermen suck? Small talk about the weather just means we are emitting more personal carbon dioxide and making global warming worse. If we all stopped making small talk about it being "hot enough for ya?" how many polar bears could we save?

Being stereotypically gay in one aspect -- I don't follow ANY team sport -- adds to the problem of being a small-talk-hating introvert. Let's face it, sports is a conversation ice breaker. And my attempts at participating have been met with disaster. Years ago, waiting for a business meeting to begin, someone mentioned how exciting the "tournament" had been the night before. Now, I had watched the men's figure skating championships the previous evening. Here was small talk I could participate in that I found interesting! I quickly chimed in, "yes, Brian Boitano was fabulous!" Everyone looked at me. Of course they were talking about the NBA tournament. I think that has something to do with basketball. Small talk is better left to the extroverts.

Jonathan Rauch, an admitted practicing introvert has written that we Intros are persecuted:

The worst of it is that extroverts have no idea of the torment they put us through. Sometimes, as we gasp for air amid the fog of their 98-percent-content-free talk, we wonder if extroverts even bother to listen to themselves. Still, we endure stoically, because the etiquette books—written, no doubt, by extroverts—regard declining to banter as rude and gaps in conversation as awkward. We can only dream that someday, when our condition is more widely understood, when perhaps an Introverts' Rights movement has blossomed and borne fruit, it will not be impolite to say "I'm an introvert. You are a wonderful person and I like you. But now please shush."

Despite the oppression we Intros face we are successful. George Washington was an Introvert. Ronald Reagan was probably one too. Most actors and artists are. Even successful business men. Warren Buffet? Yup. Albert Einstein? Of course. Queen Elizabeth? A practicing Intro!

So yes, I am an introvert and proud of it. We're here. We're quiet. Get used to it.

Larry Craig, Tapping Back to the Bathroom

Tapping, on his keyboard, that is.

Yes, Larry Craig is writing a book. And yes, he's taking us there:

"There will be a bit of what's happened in the last year, and the way it evolved,” Craig said. “I think that's important for Idaho and those outside Idaho who are interested to know."

Really?

Let's hope he doesn't give us diagrams -- or, God forbid, pictures -- of his supposed "wide stance."

Could someone please get this man some help?

En Route to Louisville

From the beach to the Bluegrass state. Hopefully. Currently delayed in foggy gloomy Cleveland.

In the security line at National this morning there was a young soldier in desert fatigues. He started to remove his boots when the TSA agent told him he didn't have to, after showing his military ID. Good, I thought -- the young men and women who put their lives on the line for our security shouldn't have to endure the same indignities we do.

When I got through security, quickly reclaimed my stuff, I saw him again, this time in the search area, and he was taking off his boots. He'd been tagged for some reason, and was busy removing every bit of medal from his body and uniform before being frisked.

I know the TSA agent was just doing his job. It just seemed wrong.

Tales from the Naturist/Naked/Nekkid (whatever) Beach

Day two at the nude beach was sunny, clear and warm and the beach was more crowded and more diverse. Every age, shape and size. And by size you know what I mean and I think you do.

I said to the LTR: Wow, that guy's got a huge rod.

The LTR looks at the fisherman walking down the beach carrying his gear. The LTR punched me.

Yes, they fish naked here.

And play volleyball naked.

At our guesthouse we met a lesbian couple who planned to have a holy union the next day at the beach. They met four months ago, at a Home Depot. It wasn't long before they moved in together and, now, this. Well, at least they weren't conforming to stereotype.

Also met a 40s something DC guy at the beach who was staying in Asbury Park, 15 miles further south, because there's a gay bar there. "There's no nightlife here" he said, meaning Highlands where we were staying. From the looks of him he should skip the nightlife and take a nap. For about two years.

We're going back later this summer.

Meanwhile, at the Naturist Beach

You ever have one of those dreams where you're standing in front of everyone naked?

Well, the LTR and I spent the day at Gunnison Beach, where exposing all your parts to the sun is not only legal but expected. This is our second trip here.

It was very relaxing and the LTR fell asleep after lunch. I was restless, and took a walk. While I was gone, he woke up. He said he didn't know where he was, he was alone, and he was naked! After a few seconds the panic was gone and he put it together. Until he realized that the magazine he had been reading fell on his lap while he slept. And while he sweat. So he had a big ink stain across his, well, interior. At least it was a painless way to get a tattoo there.

Two observations about the naturist beach (even people who take off all the clothes have politically correct terminology, you musn't say "nude").

1) The clientele here skews fat. Not just out of shape but moridly obese. Now, this doesn't bother me as I'm no model either. And I'm not here to look at naked people who turn me 0n (I have the Internet for that). I'm here to experience being natural outdoors. But there is enough common obesity to make me wonder if it is a constant in the naturist community? And if so, why? Is it a way of saying "fuck you" to our Abercrombie and Fitch obsessed culture?

2) If you're going to sunbathe at a nude beach, take your clothes off. Here at Sandyhook there are multiple beaches to choose from and only one naturist beach. So if you are on the naturist beach donning a bathing suit you're only there for one reason -- to gawk. To me it's the only perverse thing about the beach. You. In the wet clingly bathing suit. Take it off or get out. We fat naked people don't like you staring at us.

Life's a Beach

The LTR and I did something astounding. We actually made reservations at Sandy Hook Cottage, a bed and breakfast (where they celebrate diversity, wink-wink, nod-nod) on the Jersey shore for the holiday weekend.

Usually, about a week or less before a major holiday, one of us will say to the other, "Hey, it's a holiday weekend. Let's go somewhere." Hilarity ensues as we scramble to find a place -- anyplace -- with an availability. So far no one has laughed in our face two days before oh, New Year's Day weekend and we asked for a room. I think they save the derisive laughter for after they hang up. Then we usually resign ourselves to a weekend of yard work.

But, anyway, back in Feb. it dawned on me that they'd be holding Memorial Day weekend again this year and I booked us a room -- the Captain's Quarters if you want to check it out.

Looks like there are lots of things to do there, from shopping, hiking, museums and of course the nude beach at Sandy Hook.

Have a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. I feel sorry for you poor slobs who didn't plan ahead. Enjoy your yard work.

Race in the Race in Kentucky

Sully shows the uglier side of things.

Ellen and McCain, Part II

When I was growing up, I remember a news show where they interviewed a "practicing homosexual." The man was afraid -- ashamed was the implication -- to show his face and they kept him in shadows. Being gay was so bad you couldn't show your face. The love that dare not speak its name and all that.

Fast forward to yesterday, and on one of America's most popular daytime talk shows a lesbian host talks about her upcoming wedding with another woman with the Republican nominee for president, and with the audience cheering on it's the straight man in the room who looks awkward and uncomfortable.

Incredible.

Ellen v. McCain

She's been criticized for de-emphasizing her gayness in favor of celebrity. That can be said no more. Perhaps she was waiting for a moment when it would matter most. I'd say this is pitch perfect:

ELLEN DeGENERES: Yeah, I mean, I think that it's -- it is looked at -- and some people are saying the same -- that blacks and women did not have the right to vote. I mean, women just got the right to vote in 1920. Blacks didn't have the right to vote until 1870. And it just feels like there is this old way of thinking that we are not all the same. We are all the same people, all of us. You're no different than I am. Our love is the same. To me -- to me, what it feels like -- just, you know, I will speak for myself
-- it feels -- when someone says, "You can have a contract, and you'll still have insurance, and you'll get all that," it sounds to me like saying, "Well, you can sit there; you just can't sit there." That's what it sounds like to me. It feels like -- it doesn't feel inclusive...It feels -- it feels isolated. It feels like we are not -- you know, we aren't owed the same things and the same wording.

SENATOR JOHN McCAIN: Well, I've heard you articulate that position in a very eloquent fashion. We just have a disagreement. And I, along with many, many others, wish you every happiness.

ELLEN DeGENERES: Thank you. So you'll walk me down the aisle? Is that what you're saying?

SENATOR JOHN McCAIN: Touche.

ELLEN DeGENERES: Well, my hope is someday it won't be called a contract; it will be called marriage.

Something Foul at Meet the Press?

Forget the 2008 election. Forget Florida and Michigan and Veep choices. Iraq? Fuhgetabboutit. global warming? Phooey.

Here's the REALLY BIG ISSUE:

Did he or didn't he?

The Complete Guide to Proper Cornholing

Why not? There's a DIY guide for everything. And the author clearly sees a need:

“I’ve noticed in recent years most people don’t have a clue about proper cornholing technique. Improper approach, poor follow-through, and generally sloppy form will invariably lead you too far to the left and that’s NO good for anyone involved.”

Tip Number One:

First, you must get everything set up and ready. Proper cornholing requires a lot of space. You need plenty of room so that there are no unwelcome collisions with your sack.

Read the entire guide to proper cornholing, complete with helpful photos and illustrations.

He's Trying to Kill Me

The LTR (state record holder in VA for bench press in his age and weight class for two years running) put together a new workout for me. He sent it to me this morning. After reviewing it I emailed him back:

That's torture! I said.

No, he wrote. It's just "Enhanced Workout Techniques!"

Andrew Sullivan, call your office.

Homosexuality in the Wild

In a Fox News (Fox News!) article about scientists finding rampant evidence of animals in the wild exhibiting homosexual behavior and advocating San Francisco values, many speculate why evolution would favor such practices.

One reason may be simply because it feels good:

Not every sexual act has a reproductive function," said Janet Mann, a biologist at Georgetown University.

Clearly an activist scientist.

But she goes on:

"It could be a way that you strengthen bonds — that's one hypothesis," Mann told LiveScience. "Another is that it could be practice for heterosexual sex. Bottlenose dolphin calves mount each other a lot. That might benefit them later on."

Oh. So that's where the term "practicing homosexual" comes from.

But the one thing unique to humans with regards to homosexuality?

Homophobia.

Top Gay-Friendly Vacation Spots

Take Gambia off the list.

Euphonic Gumshoe

Never came home from a night at Drew's place.

At least he's not been heard from on his blog since May 7.

Should we send Clarice to look around?

No Place in American Politics

Of the picture of the voter with the Obama-Curious George tee shirt, a reader writes:

Scott, for what's it worth as a moderate GOPer, I think this kind of crap is out of place in America.

But then, I thought that same thing when I saw HRC and CodePink posters being carried in DC back in 2004 with pictures of W kissing KarlRove or pictures of Laura Bush with slogans like "You can't trust her! She killed her childhood friend!"

It has no place in American politics.

Well, first, the Curious George slur.

It saddened me. That someone would vote against Obama because of his race or his supposed religion is galling. That a voter would proudly tout a racist image was painful to see. But it is her right to express her political opinions as she see fit, even if it offends me -- and it does.

But as sad as it makes me, it's her right to say it (just as it's my right to ridicule and mock it).

Regarding the HRC pictures:

It's not how I would choose to express my grievances with the Bush Administration. But I'm not sure that I see it on the equal to the Obama smear. What is so offensive? A gay kiss? The disrespect? The cartoonish aspect?

Presidents have been disrespectfully mocked and pilloried in cartoons since the Republic began. I revere Abraham Lincoln -- yet in my office hang two prints of cartoons disrespectfully lampooning him. It goes with the territory.

Or maybe it's the idea of a gay kiss that offends you?

Look, any long-time reader of this blog knows I think the HRC is ineffective, and they blew it in 2004 with their George W you're fired campaign. But I'm curious Mich-Matt. Why are you so offended that you would seemingly ban those images from political discourse?

The Black Knight Scene

"What you gonna do, bleed on me?" It's about all Hillary, er, the Black Knight, has left.

Dana Milbank, Hillary and the Black Knight

Remember the Black Knight scene in Monty Python where King Arthur keeps hacking off the limbs of his foe the Black Knight, who insists his wounds are no more than a scratch? Until he's devoid of arms and legs?

Washington Post political columnist Dana Milbank (whom I find oddly sexy, in a political geek sort of way) likens Hillary to the Black Knight in his column today, a must read.

I loved this line:

We're here in a gym," Clinton correctly observes.

But, Milbank points out, that's about the only correct observation she has about her own chances of winning.

Obama's ahead by every measure relevant to the Democratic Party's nomination process. But, as Milbank observes:

"There is no way that this is gonna end anytime soon," vows Knight Clinton, standing her ground at the bridge.

Washington Post's Gay Distinctions

The WashPo editorializes today that the California Supreme Court "meddled" in the gay marriage debate in California.

Yes, how troublesome that the California Supremes made a ruling about the California state constitution. Interlopers.

Before I get to the substance of the Post Editorial, let me say this about the "activist judges" nonsense. I could see that term applying if the Court, bored one day said, hey, let's make gay marriage legal! The Gays will be dancing in the streets!

No, what happened here and in other cases, a minority pressed for a legal decision about whether their constitutional rights were being infringed. And the court made a decision in response to the minority. That's their job.

To the editorial -- the Post says that the California supremes:

correctly recognized that government bears the highest burden if it decides to treat differently the relationships between opposite-sex and same-sex couples.

And so the California court ruled that the government did not meet that burden. And the Post wants to second guess -- i.e., "meddle" -- that decision. The Post makes an odd distinction, saying the U.S. Supreme Court acted correctly in finding that separate was not equal when it comes to school segregation (Brown v. Brd of Education) but that rationale can't apply to gay folk wanting to get married:

This is a far cry from the California experience with the rights of same-sex couples. The state's elected representatives passed sweeping legislation in 1999 that gave same-sex couples near legal parity with their opposite-sex counterparts; that landmark legislation has been amended over the years to expand the rights of gay couples. Before the court ruling, same-sex couples in California had virtually the same -- not separate, but the same -- legal rights as heterosexual couples, insofar as state law can grant that.

Emphasis added. The key words here are "near" and "virtually" the same rights. We gay folk are supposed to be grateful we're granted nearly and virtually the same rights as straight people. How dare we question whether or not that's okay in a society supposedly based on the notion of equal protection under the laws.

The California Court looked at the California state constitution and agreed separate is not equal. All three branches of California's government are now on record supporting the rights of gay people not to be discriminated against by marriage.

It's too bad the Post thinks that "virtually" equal is just fine for gay Americans.