Dave's Life, v2.0

This blog has not been abandoned...

2009-01-17T16:19:00.003-05:00

...for now at least.

Seriously, I haven't had much time, let alone the energy to keep up with this (or twitter, or anything else, except for Facebook, oddly enough). Not that I'm even sure anyone is reading this anymore. But someday, the mood might strike me again to start this up. There is just way too much going on with life right now to be able to sit down and blog about it. The next 6 months are going to be a rollercoaster for sure.

I'm taking a much needed vacation out west next week. Perhaps more then. But fear not, I shall return, probably sooner than later.

Til then.

Because I'm a little late joining some bandwagons...

2008-10-09T00:29:00.001-04:00

...and hey, I grew up making the schlep to visit family.

Best. Tina Fey. Yet.

2008-10-07T14:16:00.001-04:00

I'm pretty sure everyone has seen this by now, but just wanted to post it. Caught this Saturday night while out in the Village... talk about getting an entire bar to shut up and pay attention. :)

people actually live like this?!

2008-09-29T14:41:00.003-04:00

Well, yeah, I'm sure they do. I did see that whole "life of hoarders" episode on Oprah.

But this takes the cake click here

Thanks to voenix rising for the link.

You know you've officially become an adult when...

2008-09-27T02:48:00.004-04:00

...you decide to sit home on a Friday night on the couch and catch up with recordings on your DV-R.

And actually enjoy it.

(real update coming soon, I promise, there's actually been a lot going on and not enough time to actually sit down and talk/write about it.)

Couldn't say it better myself...

2008-09-17T02:32:00.003-04:00

Then again, he does claim to have invented the Blackberry. pfffbt!

(credit to voenixrising for the originaly post)

Do you hear the people sing?

2008-09-15T13:54:00.002-04:00

(via Joe. My. God.)

The folks at Ultimate Improv are back at it again. This one is actually really quite good.

Tina Fey on SNL

2008-09-14T04:13:00.003-04:00

HUGE thanks to my blog friend joie mayfield for posting this, as I missed it tonight since I was at work.

My two favorite quotes:

"I can see Russia from my house"

"I invite the media to grow a pair, and if they can't they can borrow mine"

ROFL!!

A bit of comedy via e-mail

2008-09-09T12:38:00.002-04:00

Got this in my inbox this morning... thought it was a bit funny.

Subject: I lie awake waiting for you

I lie awake waiting for you.

As I lie on my bed, thinking about you, I feel this strong urge to grab you
and
squeeze you, because I can't forget last night.

You came to me unexpectedly during the balmy and calm night , and
what happened in my bed still leaves a tingling sensation in me.

You appeared from nowhere and shamelessly, without any reservations,
you lay on my naked body.You sensed my indifference, so you applied your
hungry mouth to me
without any guilt or humiliation,and you nearly drove me crazy while you
drained me.

Finally I went to sleep.

Today when I woke up, you were gone.

I searched for you but to no avail, only the sheets bore witness to last
night's events.
My body still bears faint marks of your enthusiastic ravishings, making it
harder to forget you.

Tonight I will remain awake waiting for you...

.....you Fricking mosquito.

I've thought I've seen everything...

2008-09-08T16:04:00.001-04:00

Pizza machine
Originally uploaded by matchity

...apparently not. Seriously, don'tcha think we've gone a little too far??

(credit to Voenix Rising for the original, er, brought to my attention)

I haven't jumped ship...yet

2008-09-07T04:20:00.003-04:00

No, faithful readers (ok, who am I kidding, the what, 5 of you that read this?!), I have not abandoned this blog.

I have been working non-stop lately, most recently I've worked about, oh... 55 hours since last Sunday (it seems that way, dammit!) Seriously, I've lost all semblance of fun that I had in this current job of mine.

*pauses to pour another glass of Shiraz*

Seriously. it's 4:30am. I just got home from work an hour ago. After going in at 4:00pm this afternoon. After getting out of work last night at 3:15am, after going in at 1pm. I have to be back tomorrow at 4pm. Notice a trend?

I want to hand in this membership card. Seriously. I fucking miss having a 9-5 job. I need a new job. Anoyone out there hiring?

Die of the shock, but I actually have a couple of days off this week. Holy crap! So I will actually update this thing with a real life update, if anyone out there is actually still reading this thing. Whatever. More wine, please.

Truer words...

2008-08-22T20:29:00.002-04:00

In just random blog-surfing, I came across the following on someone's blog (forgive me, as I don't recall at the exact moment who's it was).

"It's like any adult man over the age of 25 wearing anything with "Abercrombie" emblazoned across it. Pathetic! Gag!"

Truer words cannot be spoken. Amen!

(EDIT: credit given to Chad Fox)

Five mile coffee rantings*

2008-08-20T14:30:00.002-04:00

(This is kinda further proof that I am getting too old for my own good).

I am so sick and tired of some of these college-age twenty-something coming into the bars that I work in, and at some point in their drunken stupor, insist on running over to the jukebox and one of the first songs that they play is "Don't stop Believing" by Journey.

Please. The fucken idiots probably never heard of the song before it was in the finale of The Sopranos. Give me a break!

Some of us have been listening to Journey for several years. Some of us grew up with Journey's greatest hits basically being the soundtrack to most of our High School Proms. I don't even think that half of these people were even born when this music came out.

The only thing worse is said 20-somethings singing along off key, and jumping up and down during the chorus like it is a mosh pit.

Kill. Me. Please.

*FYI - Five mile coffee is a term coined by me and my friend James. We both used to work night shifts, and both would wake up around early afternoon. Pretty much every day we would chat for like 2 hours before work over our respective coffees. Since we live about 5 miles from each other, we nicknamed it "Five Mile Coffee"

random summer quotes (so far)

2008-08-20T14:26:00.002-04:00

This is more for my posterity, since no one will really get the references. In case my BB fries again, I'd like to make sure that I have these written down somewhere else.

Random quotes (and pretty much describes how my summer has been going so far):

"I shouldn't have to manscape my fruit" - J.D. 7/10/08

"Dykes don't like crudite" - me 8/2/08

"You can't add 5 dollars for every French word you add to the menu" - C.H. 8/16/08

"I'll take things I'll do to him for $100, Alex" - me 8/16/08

Those cheeky Brits...

2008-08-08T11:20:00.002-04:00

I'm surprised there hasn't been an uproar about this one yet.....

....Or am I just late to the party?

I found this absolutely hysterical!

Edit: Apparently the commercial was banned in England after 200 people complained about it.

'cause she's just hot

2008-08-06T15:12:00.001-04:00

Paris Hilton Responds to McCain Adfunny videosFunnyOrDie.com

See more funny videos at Funny or Die

I'm not gonna lie. I kinda "loves it" too.

;-)

theres a reason that i don't get up this early.

2008-08-05T09:18:00.003-04:00

So as much as I despise having to get up this early, there is one thing I despise more. Two words. Kelly Ripa.

Seriously, I cannot stand the bitch. Something about her voice just equates with nails on chalkboard.

Anyway, Anderson Cooper is co-hosting with her this morning. we all know what happened the last time, so if I could actually stay and watch this (or tolerate it), it should be interesting.

Ooooh. Apparently AC swam with sharks... *rolls eyes* I don't think there is enough coffee in this house right now for me to tolerate this.

Anyways.. real reason I'm up this early. Follow-up appointment at the doctor. Better get a move on, as I don't know what the traffic is like yet.

A lot to catch up on....

2008-07-28T12:22:00.002-04:00

I've got a lot of updating to do, just not a lot of time to do it today.

The highlight of the past few days: I spent the weekend up in Great Barrington, Massachusettes attending the 50th Anniversity Reunion weekend for my old sleep-away camp that I attended as a child. I haven't been back up that way in 15 years.

Talk about a surreal experience. It was absolutely amazing getting to see people, most of whom I have not seen in 15 years. Considering I had a lot of last minute regrets, I'm glad that I did decide to go in the end.

I will post more about it, add some pictures, etc. when I get a chance. Maybe tonight, since I have to go back to work today (ugh!).

in about 76,000 minutes...

2008-07-15T14:54:00.005-04:00

For those that may not be in the know. RENT is ending it's Broadway run on September 7. I am going to see it tonight with the bf and two friends.

Although I've seen it before (actually twice), I have a feeling it is going to be bittersweet, as this is probably the last chance I will have to see it before it takes it's final bow.

Cheers to one of the most possibly brilliant pieces of theatre ever written. I don't think Jonathan Larson would have ever imagined how much of an impact this show would have on thousands of people. (RIP).

One of my favorite songs from the show, for your listening pleasure.

La Vie Boheme A & B - Rent

"Life's too short babe, time is flying... I'm looking for baggage that goes with mine"

here I go again...

2008-07-09T13:36:00.002-04:00

Welcome to what's been stuck in my head for the past two days ;-)

Mamma Mia - Abba

Yeah, I know. I'm a big gay :-)

they're back at it again...

2008-07-07T03:45:00.003-04:00

My local cable/phone/internet company. The ones responsible for the advertising monstrosity that I ranted about here. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, they are at it again.

At least this one is somewhat tolerable.

For those that keep up with that sort of thing, yes, the gardener is Brett Novek, apparently he's America's smartest model, or something like that *shrug*

I'm still trying to find out who the blonde lead is. I think it's Stella Soleil, well it looks like her at least.

a day late, ay?

2008-07-02T16:07:00.002-04:00

Happy Canada Day!
Originally uploaded by Ian Muttoo

To all my friends up North...

Happy (belated) Canada Day!

Typical me. I swear, I'm going to be late to my own funeral, LOL! ;-)

trying to live in a (semi) perfect world?

2008-06-30T14:20:00.003-04:00

I worry too much about what other people think sometimes. There. I've said it.

I've been presented with the dilema that faces all-to-many of us gays. I've been invited to a wedding of a straight high-school friend. Even more, I've been invited "with guest".

Now usually this wouldn't be a problem. But being the caring person that I am, rather than try and find a token straight girl or lesbian to drag along with me (ask me about my cousin's wedding sometime), I figured, hey, let me be upfront and honest for a change. What's the worst that could happen.

*side note* I never officially "came out" to my high school friends. They kind of just found out throught the whole "six degrees of separation" thing. This guy that I hung out with when I first came out was friends with the brother of a friend of mine from high school. Basically, he told the brother, who told my friend, who told a bunch of other people. The one friend from high school that I did come out to, she told her mom, who called my best friend's mom, who told said best friend, so basically, everyone kind of found out, but no one told me that they found out. It's obviously not a big deal, because I still talk to these people more than 12 years later.

Point being, I've never been that kind of gay guy that's been all "in your face" about being gay. It's part of who I am, but it does not define who I am. Knowhatimean? Anyway, so back to the mini-dilema at hand, my friend Mike from high school is getting married next month. The RSVP is like, tomorrow. So do I bring a male date, or go alone, for lack of finding a female date to go with?

I bit the bullet and just sent Mike an e-mail. It's not that I don't think that he would have a problem with it, but I really don't know his fiance all too well, let alone all of her family, and I just don't want to cause a scene on their wedding day, having guests all freaked out because there are "gay people" at the wedding, ya know?

So this is the e-mail I just sent. LOL, I'm such a dork.

What’s going on?

I’m searching around madly for the RSVP for your wedding… I know I’m supposed to send it in like… tomorrow! Yikes!

Can I ask you a question though? Having known all of you guys pretty much my whole life, but not knowing Kristie all too well (or her family for that matter); would there be an issue in bringing the guy that I’m currently dating as my guest to the wedding? I know you guys would not really care. But I just do not want to make things uncomfortable for either of your families. I would not be offended at all if you think it would cause people to be uncomfortable. (So please don’t worry). I just wanted to make sure beforehand, and not cause any shock the day of, you know what I mean?

Thanks Mike. Looking forward to celebrating the big day with you guys!

Talk to you soon,

-Dave

I don't think it was too inappropriate? I mean, I'd rather know now then later, right?

Or do I just look too much into things?

Jon Stewart on "The Gay After"

2008-06-19T12:08:00.002-04:00

thanks to Joe. My. God. for the video.

I fucking love Jon Stewart sometimes. LOL! (edit: the commentary around 2:36 is fucking BRILLIANT, IMO)...

Yay for California!

2008-06-17T13:44:00.004-04:00

Del Martin, 87, and Phyllis Lyon, 84, who have been a couple for 55 years, were among the first same-sex partners to legally exchange marriage vows in California Monday.

Mayor Gavin's speech is pretty fucking cool, IMO. Oh yeah, article below:

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin fell in love at a time when lesbians risked being arrested, fired from their jobs and sent to electroshock treatment. On Monday afternoon, more than a half-century after they became a couple, Lyon, 84, and Martin, 87, plan to become the first same-sex couple to legally exchange marriage vows in San Francisco, and among the first in the state.
"It was something you wanted to know, 'Is it really going to happen?' And now it's happened, and maybe it can continue to happen," Lyon said.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom plans to officiate at the private ceremony in his City Hall office before 50 invited guests.

The May 15 state Supreme Court ruling overturning laws banning gay marriage goes into effect at 5 p.m. local time. At least five county clerks offices are opening their doors after hours on Monday to issue gender-neutral marriage licenses, and like Lyon and Martin, many couples will be married on the spot.

A conservative Christian legal group that opposes the marriages has filed a petition with a state appeals court in an effort to stop the weddings, but legal experts consider the motion a longshot. A spokeswoman from the Virginia-based Liberty Counsel said Monday it hadn't heard anything from the court.

He picked Martin and Lyon for the front of the line in recognition of their long relationship and their status as pioneers of the gay-rights movement.

Along with six other women, they founded a San Francisco social club for lesbians in 1955 called the Daughters of Bilitis. Under their leadership, it evolved into the nation's first lesbian advocacy organization. They have the FBI files to prove it.

Their ceremony Monday will, in fact, be a marriage do-over.

In February 2004, soon after he became mayor, Newsom challenged California's marriage laws by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. His advisers and gay rights activists knew right away which couple would put the most compelling human face on the issue: Martin and Lyon.

Back then, the couple planned to celebrate their 51st anniversary as live-in lovers on Valentine's Day. Because of their work with the Daughters, they also were icons in the gay community.

"Four years ago, when they agreed to be married, it was in equal parts to support the mayor and to support the idea that lesbians and gay people formed committed relationships and should have those relationships respected," says Kate Kendell, a close friend and executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Lyon and Martin vividly recall the excitement of being secretly swept into the clerk's office, saying "I do" in front of a tiny group of city staff members and friends, and then being rushed out of the building. There were no corsages, no bottles of champagne. Afterward they went to lunch, just the two of them, at a restaurant run as a job training program for participants in a substance abuse program.

"Of course, nobody down there knew, so we were left to be by ourselves like we wanted to be," said Martin, the less gregarious of the two. "Then we came home."

"And watched TV," added Lyon.

The privacy was short-lived. Their wedding portrait, showing the couple cradling each other in pastel-colored pantsuits with their foreheads tenderly touching, drew worldwide attention.

Same-sex marriage would become legal in Massachusetts in another three months, but San Francisco's calculated act of civil disobedience drove the debate.

In the month that followed, more than 4,000 other couples followed Martin and Lyon down the aisle before a judge acting on petitions brought by gay marriage opponents halted the city's spree.

The state Supreme Court ultimately voided the unions, but the women were among the two dozen couples who served as plaintiffs in the lawsuits that led the same court last month to overturn California's ban on gay marriage.

They were having their morning coffee when Lyon heard the news on the radio. She rushed across the house to embrace Martin. Not long after, Newsom called to offer congratulations and to ask if they would be willing to be at the forefront yet again.

"Sure," was the answer they gave.

The couple, who live in the same San Francisco house they bought in do not get out much now. Martin needs a wheelchair to get around. Although they plan to briefly greet well-wishers at City Hall after the ceremony, they are having a private reception for friends and family.

"It's so endearing because they do seem excited and a little bit nervous," Kendell said. "It's like the classic feelings anyone has as their wedding day approaches."

Because a few other clerk's offices have agreed to stay open late Monday, other couples planning late afternoon weddings may already have tied the knot before the mayor pronounces Lyon and Martin "spouses for life."

They don't mind. They know they already are.

"We get along well," Lyon said. "And we love each other."

"I love you, too," Martin said.

i'm voting republican....

2008-06-14T13:29:00.001-04:00

no, really I'm not.. but just watch the video. heh

more flashbacks. thanks, youtube

2008-06-13T17:19:00.003-04:00

For some reason, I think maybe Allan might be the only one that rememebers this, since they were pretty specific to NY.

Some more from the retro vaults, however.

The Millford Plaza Hotel. I am pretty sure this place is still around. I don't usually hang around times square and the theatre district though.

holy flashback, batman

2008-06-10T15:02:00.003-04:00

So I was randomly surfing around youtube this afternoon, and came across this little tidbit from 1986. Yeah, I was like... um, 8 years old.

Funny things here, besides the obvious 80's-esque style

- Erinie and Kaity are now competetors for the 10pm news slot. He's now on Fox News (Channel 5), and she's on Channel 11. I never realized that they worked together.

- This was the first report of what is now known as the worst nuclear disaster in history. It's pretty funny how calm they are about it, and how little they knew about it at the time.

Fire Island, NY - Memorial Day Weekend 2008

2008-06-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

A little delayed, but just getting through my pictures now.

Summer has officially begun :)

Taken at sunset at Cherry Grove, Fire Island, NY

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

It's been a bit way too long...

2008-05-22T15:45:00.002-04:00

Once again, I will state that this blog has not been abandoned. It's just been a crazy couple of weeks, and I really haven't had much time to myself, let alone to blog about everything going on lately.

Warning: Long post ahead. I can't for the life of me remember how to do that link thingy that I can cut it down and have you click something to continue reading...so, ah well.

I attended a dinner hosted by the Department of Health Care and Public Administration for my University back at the beginning of the month. It was actually pretty nice, as it was the first year that they actually opened up the event to all students in the department, where in the past they only invited those that were receiving awards or being inducted into the honor socieity fratertnity (Pi Alpha Alpha). Of course, there were no awards for me, and as irony would have it, I found out just that morning that my graduation date is actually going to be 2009, not 2008 as I had originally thought. Oh well, 6 months is not going to make or break me at this point. However, I also found out (as I never knew this before since my school never seems to let me know about anything as of late), that one needs a 3.7 cummulative GPA in order to be inducted into this Pi Alpha Alpha thing. Yeah, my GPA is 3.54. So I'm basically out by .23. Pretty shitty, if you ask me, but again, no biggie. I'm still quite happy with my 3.54, even if I'm not in some honor society elite thing. But it was nice to see everyone, since I rarely see any of my classmates on a regular basis, given the class schedules, and everyone's work schedules. I took my mom with me to the dinner (I know, how cute, right?) But she enjoyed it, and I was glad that she actually got to witness something school-related, since I never really included my family in any sort of educaiton stuff, be it with undergraduate or graduate schooling.

In addition, it is oficially official. I am beginning my Master's thesis within the next week. I'm excited, yet it's frightening the hell out of me. I mean, this is the cummulation of everything, this is what the past two to three years has been leading up to. This is where I really need to prove myself, and that I know what I am doing. This is going to be published for christ sakes! I'm terrified, to say the least. Espeically because I still haven't batted down a definitive topic. I think I have a lot to think about over the weekend.

Work has been. Well, work. Things have been a little crazy up at the manison the past few weeks. Schedules are changing, new people are coming in, and old people are leaving. This is a good thing and a bad thing. I'm literally exhausted because I have been picking up more hours lately, with people's schedules interferring and what not. That, and HR and Accounting have been cracking down on the hourly employess, because several of us have not been making out average hourly quota. Full time employees need to average 30 hours a week over an x-amount of time period (I believe it is monthly, but I am still trying to figure that out). Although I am fine with my hours, they have been keeping tabs on me. Add to this that I'm automatically getting two hours a week deducted from my check for "meal breaks", which to be honest, we never get a chance to take completely. I just feel like I'm constantly being harassed about it, and I'm tired of having to explain that "yes, I am going to make my hours this week, please stop harassing me about it". Mind you they still haven't hired another bartender, which makes scheudling a bit difficult, since the four of us that currently work there have our own scheduling issues. Bah. But there might be some hope soon. I hear that they are possibly interviewing. Although granted, they need to fill the open management positions before they start filling the regular staff positions. Speaking of, I just found out recently that my manager is going to be leaving at the beginning of June. Although I am really sad to see him go, since he is part of the reason that I came to the mansion in the first place, he was offered an amazing position elsewhere and I could not be happier for him, seriously.

On another similar work-related note, I may have been offered a job working at another bar one night a week. It's actually one of the days that I have off from the mansion, and it's a bar very close to my house. I've become somewhat friendly with the owners, and a friend of mine is the assistant manager there. It's a good crowd, and should be a pretty cool experience, not to mention some extra money, which is needed right now.

And, yes, dear friends... of the latest news. My car has FINALLY been fixed. Some of you might recall the little incident that happend at work back in December with my car getting smacked up. Well I can report that it is finally back to new. Acutally better than new. New doors, new paint, and about $2000 in mechanical repairs... will definitely be running like new for the next few years. Thank goodness, since I am not really in the position to be out buying a new car (although it is tempting sometimes).

Well, now that the phone has rang about 5 times since starting this, I've gone and forgotten what else I wanted to write about. Well, I think this is enough for now anyways, but I'm sure I will find something later.

Yeah, so that's most of what's been going on in my life lately. Craziness, lol!

different strokes, eh? how about going to a psychologist?

2008-05-02T12:54:00.003-04:00

Yes people, this is the society that we now live in. As I sit here typing this, Gary Coleman (yes, the childhood sitcom actor turned unemployed security guard) is fighting with his wife on Divorce Court. Yes, on national TV.

He's apparently 40 now, and she is 23. yikes!

link to story here

"If he doesn't get his way, he throws a temper tantrum like a five-year-old does," Price says. Coleman says he gets frustrated because "the male is always the bad guy." (Neil Leventhal / Associated Press)

Gay PDA's on 20/20

2008-04-28T13:43:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Joe. My. God. for reminding me of this. I meant to blog about it over the weekend.

20/20 (ABC News) has been doing a serious entitled "What would you do?", basically observing people's responses to certain events in everyday society. It's been in the news (and I think on Oprah as well) over the past few weeks. This past Friday's episode (which I missed because of work and other engagements) was particularly interesting.

I have to say. It relieves me a little bit that even in stereotypically "red state" or "conservative" areas (such as down south) that people have become accepting. Granted it's a larger city, but the comments from the one woman were interesting. At least younger people have become more accepting of things. It leads me to wonder, is it generational? or locational? (Did that last word even make sense? LOL!)

I'm curious to what some of you think? If this experiment was done, let's say, in Overland Park, Kansas, would it be better or worse than in Alabama? What about New Jersey?

*sigh* small steps I guess.

Paradise by the ..what..light? (aka brought back from the dead)

2008-04-28T13:01:00.004-04:00

I thought I was seeing things the first time I saw this commercial. But no. It's for real. Has anyone else seen this yet?

I actually think it's pretty fucking hysterical. I mean, c'mon Meatloaf and Tiffany? My inner 80's-raised child is giggling like crazy right now. I seriously thought that was Meatloaf's actual son at first, but turns out it some actor named Adam Cagley.

I have to say though, both "the loaf" and Tiff look pretty damn good though!

although the red Prada shoes are FABULOUS!

2008-04-22T15:04:00.003-04:00

I really refrained from posting anything about the pope's recent visit to NY this past weekend. Well, other than my own disdain of having to reroute my own driving and plans to make sure I didn't get stuck in Midtown manhattan on my way to NJ. (Although it would've been funny to actually see the popemobile in person, but I digress).

My fellow blogger Allan S. pretty much hit the nail on the head with his remarks about it. But seeing the non-stop coverage about it all day on Sunday had me keep thinking of that line in Margaret Cho's Assassin. "I wan't Jesus to come back down and say 'That's not what I meant!'"

Perfectly stated, and for your viewing pleasure....

Six Flags.. more flags, more annoying commercials

2008-04-22T14:51:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry, but I cannot STAND the new six flags commercials. It's almost like I want to reach through my television and smack the shit out of this stupid kid.

This isn't the one that's playing here in NY, but it's pretty much the same thing. My local (well if you consider local a 3 1/2 hour drive away) is Six Flag Great Adventure. I'm glad to see that the Six Flags Corporation has no originality and is basically playing the same damn commercial for all of their parks.

*sigh* Yeah, I'm sure I'll be there sometime this summer though. It's kind of become a tradition.

boredom... times one thousand

2008-04-21T19:51:00.002-04:00

So I'm sitting here at work, bored completely off my ass. Yes, I brought my laptop to work with me today. At the bar, LOL! Yay for mooching off the hotel's wifi to sit here and surf the internet aimlessly for hours. This week is really going to be hell. We're usually closed for the week, since some religious group rents out the entire hotel for the Passover holiday, but they didn't sign with us this year, so we're open for normal business.

Which translates into complete and utter boredom. Less than 20% capacity every day this week.

Shoot me. LOL.

C'mon...you know you wanna dance along too.

2008-04-17T16:18:00.001-04:00

This one goes out to my dancing buddies in Vegas....and last night at Maggie's Bar. LOL!

Yup, I'm still standing...

2008-04-12T03:24:00.003-04:00

And no, I won't start quoting bad Elton John songs.

But yeah. I've been neglecting this whole blog thing. Not that many people read it, but I do find it oddly calming to actually get my thoughts out there sometimes.

That being said, I'll have more of an update soon. Things have just been a little.. .crazy lately. That's probably the best way to sum it up.

Speaking of updates, I think I need to update this whole site. Ah well, maybe a project for the weekend.

Back to life, back to reality....

2008-03-27T18:56:00.003-04:00

Yeah, so I'm back in NY. Got home late Tuesday night. Not sure how I feel about it yet. There's a lot going on, and a lot of decisions that I need to make, and solidify over the next few days/weeks/months, but in my mind it's all going to be great.

I'll eventually post up some pictures from my trip, right now I'm just getting back into the daily grind of sleeping/working/studying. I have a final in my Diversity Management class this Saturday, so I kind of have my mind wrapped around all of that. But, as soon as that's over, I just have one more 8-week class to take, and then it's down to writing my thesis, and I will be DONE with school! haha! =)

Alright, time for some dinner.. and then more studying *rolls eyes* oh the excitement.

I went to Las Vegas, and all I got was this d@mn sinus infection!

2008-03-22T16:13:00.004-04:00

...yes I'm serious.

So I woke up Sunday morning, of course early as hell, since my body was still on east coast time. Nothing out of the oridinary, so I get up make some coffee, and figure out what I'm going to do for the day. I'm a little cough-y and whatnot, but I figure it might just be from the flight the night before, or the fact that it's windy outside, and well, a windy day in Vegas is not really a good thing, as dust and everything starts blowing around. I was meeting up with some local friends in the afternoon, so I just went about my day, thinking it would pass. I even joked later on that I must've gotten a case of "Veagas throat" (for those that have no idea what I'm talking about.. .basically when you come to the desert, your throat tends to dry out because of the lack of humidity, dryness, etc.) So thinking that or allergies, I just popped a claritin and went about my day.

So moving on.. Monday, wake up, still a little stuffy and sore throat, ok, this is starting to get annoying, I think. Whatever, I hang around the apartment for a while, go and do some food shopping, head over to Lowes to buy a new shower head for the master bathroom here (the builder one was annoying, and just needed to go). Also bought new filters for the central air system, because after speaking with my mom, I find out that the filters haven't been changed at all since we bought the place (that was five years ago). Great, I think, maybe that has something to do with it. Take care of all of that, make plans to go out that evening with this guy that I have been chatting with online (yes, that's what I said, don't start). Go out, have a good night (ok a very good night...*wink*). Heh

Then comes Tuesday. I'm up half the night, sneezing and sniffling. I'm groggy as hell from the claritin that I have been taking, and it obviously is not helping me at all. I start realizing when I smoke a cigarette (yes, I know, I shouldn't be smoking, duh. Move on from that.) that it smells and tastes stale. I know this too well. Totall beginning of a sinus infection (I used to get them every year as a kid and teenager, so I'm pretty good at diagnosing them on me when I get them). I go and meet a family friend for lunch, and she even says "you sound a little under the weather". Great. So I'm driving back to the apartment, and I notice this thing on the side of the CVS on the corner of the street. Something called Minute Clinic. So I go, check out the website, figure, what the heck. I'm in a city 2600 miles from home, I have health insurnace now, let me just go. At most, they'll just check me out, and write me a perscrpition. So I go.

Sure enough, beginning of sinus infection. $20 copay, and three perscriptions later.... score!

So by yesterday, I was finally beginning to feel better. Of course I don't remember a bit of the past few days, since I basically recouped during the day on wednesday and thursday... I did go to this apartment-warming party out in Henderson on Wednesday night, which was ok. Thursday night, a bunch of us went down to the strip and walked around. I do have a few pictures that I have to upload from my camera phone. I'm just being lazy. It's actually really cool though that I finally managed to meet some really decent people out here. It's definitely a lot better doing things with people, rather than by yourself, which I ended up doing the last two times that I was here. But despite being sick for a few days, it's definitely been a good trip.

So i'm still here... till Tuesday. It's gonna kinda suck going back, as it usually does, but this trip has definitely helped me solidify even more decisions that I had started to make back in December.

Aaaand... there is a bit more that I'm not going to go into just yet. This post has gotten way long anyways, and well, I gotta save something for the next time. :)

Are we that linked into our lives.....?

2008-03-16T04:39:00.001-04:00

…Or am I just that bored on this flight. Yes, by the power of blogger e-mail, I am actually blogging to you from, oh, 30,000 feet in the air. Well, not really, because, obviously this won’t post until I land in Vegas. Speaking of, can someone seem to explain to me why the fuck they wait until everyone is boarded onto the plane to then announce that they have to do “repairs” and that we are going to be delayed for 30 minutes? And we know that 30 minutes is never the right amount of time. So yeah, about two hours later we finally take off. So it is now 1:00AM east coast time, or 10:00PM west coast time. Yeah, we were supposed to land 15 minutes ago. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that only 4 stations on the DirectTV thing are working? I’ve seen “Juno” about two and a half times already. Apparently something about new Direct TV satellites that aren’t synching with the plane. Aaaaaaaand we were already threatened once by the Pilot that he will divert the flight if necessary (something about a disturbance at the back of the plane)… What. The. Fuck. And last that the flight attendant told me (when I bothered her for a bottle of water), is that it was going to be another two hours before we landed. *sigh* I just hope that my car rental doesn’t get cancelled. Oy, and I can just imagine the frantic voicemails waiting for me when I land. Yes, I know.. I’m almost 30 years old for Christ sakes, I think I can handle travelling by myself. I’ve done it already how many times? But that is my mother, so I guess I just deal with it huh?

Yeah, I needed to vent, and the person sitting next to me doesn’t seem to wanna be all that talkative. At least this is giving me a chance to juice-up my i-Pod.

*rolls eyes*

Besides all of that, I am uber-excited about this trip, for a multitude of reasons. But I’ll get into that another time.

Here's MY pre-flight boarding procedure

2008-03-15T17:38:00.000-04:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Scenes from a straight bar

2008-03-15T10:25:00.001-04:00

Note: I actually tried to post this the other night, but it appears that blogger mobile sucks. So since I'm sitting here in class bored, I figured that I would try another method.

Cheers!
------ MMS ------
Sent: Mar 12, 2008 11:53 PM
Subject: Scenes from a straigt bar

Yes, I'm serious. I <3 kareoke night @ Maggie's
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

ultimate recipe showdown/tgi fridays

2008-03-12T21:31:00.003-04:00

can i just state for the record... The new "Ultimate Recipe Showdown" menu at TGI Fridays is a big disappointment.

Seriously, the items look nothing like they do on the menu. Or TV for that matter.

HOWEVER, do try their "Tropical Berry Mojito" - YUM!

In other news... I leave for Vegas again on Saturday! I'm excited, yet a little scared too. My intention is for this to be one of several "fact-finding" trips. But I haven't even planned a damn thing. Between work and school, I have been quite a bit busy lately, but alas that is why we take vacations right?

Meh. I don't even remember the point to this post. Ah well. . . cheers!

2008-03-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

I have a lot to write about, but I just have not had the time.

Maybe this evening. We shall see.

Life has just been a whirlwind lately. I don't know when it's going to lighten up.

Meh.

new phone

2008-02-27T15:23:00.000-05:00

pearl8130
Originally uploaded by garyalan82

Yes, I've become one of THOSE. I have traded my Treo in for a Blackberry (crackberry).

Behold, the new VZW Blackberry Pearl 8130. I'm still getting used to it. Believe it or not, the biggest thing getting used to is the size. Although length and width it is about the same size as my old Palm Treo, it's about half the thickness (no more carrying around a brick...yay!). Not to mention its quite lighter, so I've been finding myself almost dropping it because I'm not used to the lighter weight.

I have another week or two until my 30-day trial is up, but I think this one is definitely a keeper.

It was bound to happen sooner or later...

2008-02-22T10:53:00.003-05:00

The dog seems to love it. I however, do not.

I got to be honest.. I'm not that happy about it. Sorry, but when you have to work almost every day, and you already have a 35 minute communte.. this just tacks, oh, about another hour onto it.

Seriously... I'm moving to the desert. You can keep this snow.

we interrupt our regularly scheduled blog...

2008-02-16T14:20:00.003-05:00

so as I have mentioned previously, I'm pretty much a food network junkie (hey, it's better than watching soap operas, right?). So I can tell when the new season of shows are coming on, just because of the commercials lately. And something has definitely caught my eye...

Rescue Chef with Danny Boome

Um, hello daddy... :-D

Bio is here, if you are interested: TV: Rescue Chef: Danny Boome

Triple play: cute, can cook, and a hockey player?! *faints* ;-)

2008-02-14T01:00:00.003-05:00

I do have a lot to talk about... but too tired to do it right now. Maybe tomorrow.

It's funny. I think I'm officially getting old. I really have no desire to go out and party like I used to. Or even go out at all. I totally was going to go lend some support to a friend of mine who is KJ'ing tonight, but by the time I finished eating dinner, I opted to much rather sit in my PJs, and have some ice cream, and watch Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien.

Yikes, what's happening to me?

oh, and to make things even better...

2008-02-08T02:54:00.001-05:00

I just got this e-mail from my University:

Dear Student:

I am writing to inform you that a recent security incident may have exposed you to the risk of identity theft.

Earlier this week, University officials discovered that some 1098-T “Tuition Statement” IRS forms for 2007, that had been delivered to the Post Office in what may have been defective mailers supplied to the University, were damaged by Post Office processing machinery. Your name, address and Social Security Number were on the 1098-T form.

We will be re-sending secure 1098-T forms to all students. If you have already received your form, please disregard the second copy. If your 1098-T form was delivered to you opened or in a damaged condition, to further protect yourself, we recommend that you place a fraud alert on your credit files. Please refer to the Identity Protection Resources link for instructions relating to fraud alerts.

Though we have no evidence that your information has been disseminated or misused, we want to make you aware that this has occurred and provide you with information to take appropriate measures to protect yourself. Please see the Identity Protection Resources link for that information.

As required by N.Y. State law, the University has notified the State Attorney General’s Office, the State Consumer Protection Board, and the Office of Cyber Security regarding this possible data exposure. Also, as required by State law, the University has alerted the three consumer reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian and Transunion – that your personal information may have been exposed.

Students can visit the FAQ (frequently asked questions) link for more information. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 516-299-2553.

Very truly yours,
Robert N. Altholz
Vice President for Finance & Treasurer
Long Island University

Mmmm... nothing like some possible identity theft to end another day. *rolls eyes*

I'm so not a tech-geek...

2008-02-08T02:38:00.000-05:00

Um. Yeah. So if anyone wants to offer me some help here.

It appears that my blog rolls do not work anymore. I had them set up through blogrolling.com, and for the past two days they aren't showing up on my blog. I just went to the website, and apparently it's not working. Is this happening to anyone else?

Or better yet, can anyone suggest an alternative site to set up blog-rolls through?

Thanks.

For anyone who knows what any of this means. this is the error message:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
ERROR
The requested URL could not be retrieved
While trying to retrieve the URL: http://www.blogrolling.com:4080/

The following error was encountered:

Connection to 216.193.240.86 Failed
The system returned:

(54) Connection reset by peerThe remote host or network may be down. Please try the request again.

Your cache administrator is admin@vpop.net.

Generated Fri, 08 Feb 2008 07:41:32 GMT by elrond.vpop.net (squid/2.5.STABLE14)
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Thoughts on yesterday.

2008-02-06T14:06:00.000-05:00

Well, Super Tuesday came and went. And no, I did not cast my vote. Why you ask? Because I could not. New York State has closed primaries, therefore, if you are not affiliated with one of the political parties running in the primary, you cannot vote. When I registered to vote back when I was 17, I chose no party affiliation (which is similar in sense to being independent, but I am not a registered independent). I considered affiliating with a party prior to the primary, but I ended up missing the deadline (since it took me a while to even find out when said deadline was). But I digress. I am satisfied with the results, at least here in NY. I do support Hillary and believe that she can make major changes in Washington, although I do not think that she will realistically be able to make those changes in 4 years, I mean cmon now, we have had 8 years of Bush screw ups and all other kinda messes down in DC there. However, as I said to a friend of mine this morning, I'm also satisfied with the Republican outcome. If I had to see a republican in the White House again, I fell that McCain would be a good choice. Again, anything is better than what we have now.

Sorry, yeah, I'm not as politically charged as one might make me out to be. Although I do have my opinions, and darn it, I will stand for them (those that know me well can attest to that fact).

Anyways, I got the following in one of my e-mails last night. Found it to be a bit interesting, and I wanted to put it here. Again, more reasons that I will in fact be voting for Hillary come the upcomming elections. Let me preface slightly by adding that I have met Ms. Clinton on two different occasions, and have had the privlidge of listening to her speak at several different venues. She is quite a dynamic speaker, and does speak what she means.

----------
*edit*I did some searching, and per Joe. My. God the following was actually a guest post by Ms. Clinton on The Bilerico Project
----------
As I have traveled around the country these past twelve months, what
I sensed in my heart has been confirmed America is embracing its
LGBT sons and daughters with an acceptance and understanding as
never before. On the campaign trail, a father of a gay son will ask
about ending Don't Ask, Don't Tell. A woman will ask why she can be
discriminated against just because of who she is. Sometimes they
wait furtively for the crowd to thin and then whisper their
confidences in a soft voice and sometimes they stand up proudly at
town meetings and want me to share my views on how I will help lead
the change to assure that this country fulfills its promise to
everyone.
Let me tell you what I have been telling voters across America. I am
fully committed to the fair and equal treatment of LGBT Americans.
For seven long years, the Bush Administration has tried to divide
us - only seeing people who matter to them. It's been a government
of the few, by the few, and for the few. And no community has been
more invisible to this administration than the LGBT community.
I will change that. The best evidence of what I will do as President
is what I have already done.
* I am proud of my record as First Lady, as a U.S. Senator and as a
candidate for President in working toward the fair and equal
treatment of LGBT Americans.
* I am proud that as Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering and
Outreach Committee in 2006, I worked closely with LBGT community to
develop a smart strategy that defeated the Federal Marriage
Amendment. I am proud of fighting the FMA as divisive wedge politics
at its worst.
* I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination
Act, the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes
Prevention Act, and the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligation
Act which would grant the same benefits (including health insurance)
to domestic partners of federal employees that are currently offered
to employees' legal spouses.
* I am proud to have authored the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which
expands access to vital treatment options for low-income individuals
living with HIV, and fought to fully fund the Ryan White CARE Act.
* I am proud that I hired a National Director of LGBT Outreach
within a month of announcing my candidacy for President and to have
openly gay and lesbian staffers serving at all levels of my campaign.
* I am proud to have a National LGBT Steering Committee of over 130
that includes openly LGBT elected officials, Board members and
opinion leaders on issues ranging from transgender rights, to
HIV/AIDS, to "Don't Ask Don't Tell".
* I am proud to have marched in Gay Pride parades as both First Lady
and as Senator and to have spoken in front of so many LGBT audiences
ranging from the Human Rights Campaign, Empire State Pride Agenda,
the Hetrick Martin Institute, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays), GMHC (Gay Men's Health Crisis), and the
American Foundation for AIDS Research.
* I am proud to have fought Republican efforts to demonize and
marginalize the LGBT community, and I will continue to do that as
President.
We have so much work to do. When I am President, we will work
together to make sure that all Americans in committed relationships
have equal benefits and that nothing stands in the way of loving
couples who want to adopt children in need. We're going to expand
our federal hate crimes legislation and pass the Employment Non-
Discrimination Act and assure that they are both fully inclusive of
all people. And finally, we will put an end to the failed policy of
Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice
the traits that define our men and women in uniform have nothing
to do with sexual orientation.
My father was a conservative Republican, who held very traditional
views for much of his life. Yet in his last years, it was a gay
couple who lived next door who provided much of the compassion and
comfort he and my mother needed as he grew ill. And it was that same
neighbor who held his hand as he died. If my father can move,
America can move.
To each and every LGBT American, I say this. You have done so much
to help this country understand your lives by simply being open and
honest about who you are and living your lives with dignity. Thank
you for your courage. It is time that we recognize your hard work. I
know that this country is ready for changes in the law that reflect
the evolution in our hearts.
America deserves a President who appeals to the best in each of us,
not the worst; a President who values and respects all Americans and
treats all Americans equally no matter who they are or who they
love. I want to be that President. I want to be your President.

Frozen Grand Central

2008-02-06T14:05:00.001-05:00

This is actually pretty fucken cool.

sandra lee is the anti-christ.

2008-01-30T16:10:00.001-05:00

A little known fact about me. I am OBSESSED with the Food Network. Especially since I am home mostly during the day, I tend to watch it alot, because, well, what else is there? I cannot stand most soap operas, and well, there is only so much news one can watch in one afternoon. My obsession is also since I was raised in a home with two amazing cooks (my mother and my grandmother), and I do like to cook on occasion (except I never seem to like the cleaning up part, but that's just me).

I pretty much watch everything on there, and yes, I even print out recipes from time to time. My friend Luisa is an outstanding cook, and we've been known to swap recipies from time to time as well (or at least the occasional cooking tip).

My only problem with food network. Sandra Lee. Has anyone actually sat through the monstrosity that is her show? The woman prides herself on cooking with "70% store bought items, and 30% creativity." Good. Fucking. Christ.

Oh, and let's not forget "cocktail time". The bitch can't cook worth a damn (and hardly ever tastes the slop that she creates on that program), but you better be damn sure that she guzzles down every sip of her "cocktail creations" that she makes towards the end of her show (said cocktails usually consists of half a bottle of vodka, or tequilla (her "friend")), I swear it's like watching a washed-up soiority girl attempt to recreate herself.

Case in point #1: her christmas tree made completely out of bar-ware:

Yes, upside down martini glasses? And the nutcracker with the "frosty cocktail?" Oh sweet Jesus!

And let's not even begin on her "tablescapes". I'm sorry, but I don't see how anyone can actually SIT DOWN at the table with all that trash spewn everywhere. Just as well since no one would wanna eat that slop that she makes anyways.

Case #2. Can we please put the bad boob job away. For real. There are kids watching this.

*warning* that video might be considered soft porn in some states.

Case #3. And let's not forget. Her RIDICULOUS costumes. Oh yes. I'm serious.

Oh yes. It's Cocktail time! I think I need a drink after watching this wretched woman.

Ok, I needed to rant. This is the best though, I should seriously consider this at one of our next parties: drinking games, anyone? LOL! ;-)

last night = incredible

2008-01-28T13:57:00.000-05:00

so as some of you may know, i had the most amazing night last night.

No, I did not get laid. LOL!

My friend Lauren, who I have known for close to 20 years now (eek, I'm getting old!) scored tickets to THE event of the year. As in, sold out, hard-to-get, everyone is going to be jealous as hell of me for going.

Thats right, bitches. Where are the gays at?

As some of you may or may not know, I absolutely am in love with Kathy Griffin. So needless to say, it was fucking amazing! I seriously haven't laughed so hard in my life. Not to mention, the seats were AMAZING! Like 13th row amazing!

As if that wasn't great enough, we stumbled across quite possibly the BEST chinese food I have had in a while. Life is good. =)

Coprolalia

2008-01-23T22:59:00.000-05:00

Hmm .. I wonder if the next time they get made at me for cursing at work, I can say that I suffer from Coprolalia. You think anyone would actually bother to look it up?*

*yes, I know. I'm going to hell. Cocktails will be served on the Lanai at Three. Last one down, please bring some more ice.

David Beckham

2008-01-21T14:09:00.001-05:00

My god. hotness.

Is it so wrong that I want to do naughty things to him? I mean REALLY naughty. As in, probably illegal in... oh, pretty much every state in the country.

Caught the new issue of Details magazine last night. Wasn't the picture above, but apparently he has signed a 3 year deal with Armani to model underwear, so we'll have some eye candy for some time. I think I might actually have to buy this magazine from time to time.

On another, somewhat same note (since it was also in Details). Um, when did Zac Efron grow up and become almost-hotness?

well I probably would too, if I heard it over and over...

2008-01-17T16:08:00.000-05:00

Seriously, I shouldn't poke fun at this, but I can't help it.

LIJ docs help woman who had music-induced seizures

(01/17/08) NEW HYDE PARK - Doctors at Long Island Jewish Medical Center were able to help a woman they say suffered a seizure when she heard certain rap music.

LIJ doctors say approximately three million people across the country suffer from epilepsy. However, they say 25-year-old Stacey Gayle suffered from a rare form that could not be helped with medication.

Gayle says she would have a seizure whenever she heard the song “Temperature” by Seal Paul. LIJ doctors diagnosed Gayle with musicogenic epilepsy. They tested Gayle and were able to pinpoint the problem area in her brain. After surgery, Gayle has now been seizure-free for three months.

Something tells me a few radio stations are probably going to have way too much fun with this. I know. I shouldn't be laughing. But seriously, of all songs? *giggle*

I still got it.

2008-01-16T15:41:00.000-05:00

This makes me happy =)

----------
This listing of your grades is being made available to you on the Web as a service to University students; it is not an official transcript. We will continue to send a student copy of your transcript to you at the end of each grading period.

Credits Earned : 6 Cumulative Credits Earned : 36
Semester GPA : 3.50 Cumulative GPA : 3.528

COURSE_CODE TITLE GRADE CREDIT
PAD 603 001 Fundamentals Of Budgeting & Finance A-
MPA 504 001 Computer Applications B+
----------

...I told y'all I was smarter than I looked, LOL!

p.s. only two more classes (and my thesis) to go! =)

all for naught.

2008-01-14T13:28:00.000-05:00

So of course everyone in the NY metro area was freaking out because of the supposed "snowstorm" that we were supposed to get last night. Freezing rain, blinding snow, blah blah blah.

Yeah. woke up this morning. not a single flake on the ground.

It's odd, since it's already January 14th, and we haven't gotten any major snowfall yet. Hmmm.. global warming? Ya think?

completely unmotivated.

2008-01-11T16:28:00.000-05:00

I can't seem to get a single thing done today. I could barely get myself out of the house to run errands, and I didn't even do all of that.

Coffee isn't helping. I think it's just everything on my mind. Either that or I'm starting to get sick. great.

Interesting start to 2008...

2008-01-09T18:33:00.000-05:00

will update more later, but here's what's been going on so far:

- Still working on getting the car fixed. Trying to get quotes from a couple of places. Looks like it's going to cost me around $1200 to get a new pair of doors for the passenger side, with the windows and a new mirror. Got a quote of 950 from a place on Staten Island, but they couldn't guarantee a color match, and they didn't have a mirror. Plus, my friend Jon has dealt with the place here on Long Island (that's quoting me 1100-1200), so I'd rather deal with a place that is somewhat known, and pay a little more money for a pretty much guarantted product then dealing with some no-name place 2 hours away.

- The mansion is being taken over by a new managment company as of 2/1/08. We all still have our jobs, however, they are cutting close to half of the benefits that our current management company is offering to us. This new company seems only concerned with swooping in, investing a few million dollars, and making it some high-falutent swanky catering hall. Not sure how I feel about this, but then again, do I really care? I've already started looking at other prospects, just to have a backup on hand.

- Got back some of my class grades from this past semester (I have one more final exam this saturday, then I will be done). I'm still maintaining over a 3.5 cummulative GPA (yeah, I'm pretty shocked myself). I can't wait for this all to be over, hopefully by December of '08 (keeping my fingers crossed on that).

There's more, but I'm trying to keep this brief, as I have dinner plans with mom this evening (it's her birthday). So, I gotta get better at updating once in a while. Although then again, this is my blog, so I guess there's no explanation needed, right?

update....car, life, etc.

2007-12-31T17:12:00.000-05:00

hmm...well, despite my car getting damaged by some ignoramus this week, I'm actually in a pretty decent mood. Of course, it helps that I managed to get tonight off (although I truly feel for my coworkers that are stuck working the sheer ridiculousness that will be the mansion this evening, but ah well, I'll be the one going to work with a hangover tomorrow, so I guess it evens out).

well, not really, but... tonight is going to be low-key I think. Just a small little getogether at a friend's house, a few people here and there, nothing as obscene as last year's festivities were. Worse case scenario, one of our local gay establishements is literally a few blocks down the road, so if it's utterly miserable, we can always go and blend in with the drunk fags at the bar, LOL!

Update on the car situation: Had an appointment with the claims center this afternoon. Total estimate on damage is $2,950. Yup. Thankfully my deductible is only $250.00, so I'll be getting a check in the mail for about $2600. I can probably get the two doors for about $500-$1000 (like I said, it pays to know people in the business), so hopefully it will work out a little bit in my favor. Only foresight I see is if the doors can't be ordered in the same color, so then I would have to leave the car at a body shop for painting, etc. Hey, if that's all I have to do, it's still better since I would only have to rent a car for about a week, instead of 3 weeks. (Note to self: look into rental reimbursement when I renew my auto insurance policy).

So yeah, New Year's Eve. I can't believe that it's the end of 2007 already. Not that this was really all that bad of a year, granted, it wasn't all that good either, but at least there were no seriously major catastrophies. I guess I do have to be a little thankful, for at least I have my health, the good health of my family, and of the close circle of friends that I keep near and dear. If there is one thing I have definitely learned since this time of year, I guess that would be it: 2007 made me realize a lot about a lot of people. People have come in and out of my life, in various different ways, but I'm lucky to have a good solid group of friends that I know I can count on for whatever may come my way. 2008 is definitely going to bring a lot of big changes to my life, and I can truly say that no matter what happens, or where I may end up, that I know these people are going to remain a major part of my life :)

That being said, time to go plan out this evening's festivities (in true Dave form, most of it is last-minute, ah well!) So for any of you that actually read this (or surf by once in a while, or whatever), best wishes for a happy, safe and (most importantly) healthy new year. (jeez, that just sounded like some campy hallmark commercial, didn't it?) LOL!

see ya in '08! :)

pictures from the scene of the crime....

2007-12-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

...one day later. still not happy :(

Yeah, pretty fantastic, huh? lol! Thankfully I've "got people" in the business, so we're currently trying to figure out the most beneficial way to do this. I can't even fathom being without my car for 2-3 weeks (which would possibly be the case if I bring it to a body shop). Oh yea, did I forget to mention that my insurnace doesn't have a rental car allowance in it? So avoiding $140 + a week for a rental would be a good thing, for sure.

Ah well. I guess it could always be worse. Right?

murphy's law at its finest.

2007-12-29T02:31:00.000-05:00

yeah, I know. Haven't been around much. Work and finals. The usual drill.

Of course the one night I manage to get out of work reasonably early so I can actually get some sleep before my ass-early 8:45am class on Saturday I have to deal with the Police til 1am because some ASSHOLE had to go and smash into my car while I'm at work... fucken fantastic, huh?

I'm so glad that I'm supposed to be working at a "classy" hotel, that things like this aren't supposed to happen at. Of course the hotel holds no responsiblity to personal propery (i.e. cars) parked on their premises. OF COURSE they don't have cameras in the parking lots anymore. And of course, since there were no witnesses, and I don't have a license plate number, the police basically can't do jack shit.

I'm actually amused by this whole thing. Shit like this only happens to me

Yeah. I'll post pics tomorrow when I upload them from my camera phone.

bleh

2007-12-16T04:15:00.000-05:00

So it took me about an hour to get home from work tonight. mind you it's an 18 mile trip from my house to the mansion (or vice versa). Usually takes me about 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Of course, it's blinding, piercing freezing rain/sleet outside. the kind that when you open your window beats at you like a bunch of daggers. I'd honestly rather deal with 5 inches of snow than an inch of this stuff.

Not to mention that you think drivers in New York would be used to driving in this, and at least exercise some semblance of caution? Nope. The two best were 1) the guy in the hummer that was doing donuts across Dosoris Lane (and not on purpose either), and 2) the jackass in the Audi who insisted on flying past me on Route 107, just for me to see him stuck in a ditch two miles down the road. Hey, idiot - there's a reason I don't go faster than 35mph in this weather. I believe the current net-phrase to describe him would be.....asshat?

Seriously, moving to the desert is looking better and better each day. *sigh*

still alive and kickin'

2007-12-15T13:54:00.000-05:00

No, I have not committed the much feared "blogocide". No worries my darlings...

Ever since I got back from vacation it's been a little crazy. Between school, finals, papers, and working way too many hours on top of it... yikes! I still have pictures to post, and things to sort though, but I promise soon you all will have a complete updtate....heh.

ciao.

Back in NY

2007-12-06T15:41:00.000-05:00

Although I'm not all too thrilled with it right now, I'm back in NY. It was a bit of a shock going from 70 degrees and sun to 30 degrees and snow in a matter of a couple of hours. I assume I should be used to that by now, since I do this trip several times a year.

Anywho, pictures will be up soon. I'm even trying to figure out how to upload this cool video I took down on Freemont Street. I'm just being lazy right now. All and all it was a great trip, even though I didn't do much of anything.

I'm so NOT looking forward to having to get back into the daily grind so quickly. Class tonight, work tomorrow, and class on Saturday. FUN! *rolls eyes*

one more day....

2007-11-30T15:15:00.000-05:00

til I'll be leavin on a jetplane for...

RealAge

2007-11-30T02:37:00.001-05:00

I'm usually the last to find out about alot of these things. Has anyone heard of the RealAge Plan? I remember reading about this a while back, or hearing about it on Oprah (no, I really don't watch Oprah, but here in NY they re-air it on local TV at 7pm, so I'm used to my mom watching it during dinner. I think it was that Dr Oz guy that was talking about it. Hmm... he was the same one that said that your penis apparently grows an inch for every 10 lbs. that of weight that you loose, but I digress...) ANYWAYS. So in my relentless insomnia lately, I was randomly web-surfing, and came across the site for this test. So basically you answer a bunch of questions, and it calculates your "real age" which may be higher or lower than your actual age.

Yeah. Although not terrible, my real age is 33.3 years old. (I'm already hearing my 30-something friends screaming "fuck you"..relax, people!) but seriously, that's a whole 4 years older than I really am. Yikes.

I actually printed out the whole results plan, a lot of this actually does make a lot of sense (diet, vitamins, exercise). I think I definitely need to take a longer read into this. I'll definitely consider doing this after I get back from vacation.

sigh of relief

2007-11-29T13:22:00.001-05:00

So mom had her follow-up appointment with the surgeon today. Everything seemed to go well. All of the swelling, and fatigue and whatnot is apparently remnants of the anesthesia (which I found odd a week later, but still I guess so, anesthesia does strange things to some people).

Most importantly, the surgeon had the results of the pathology tests. Everything tested negative.

Thank g-d. Talk about a sigh of relief. Not that I was that worried, but it was that nagging thing in the back of my mind that this may or may not have been something that I would have to deal with again. Those of you that know me personally know that this wasn't something that I wanted to deal with, at least not so soon after dealing with it once before. But I have nothing to worry about, at least for now.

Definitely a weight lifted off my shoulders. Now I can concentrate on everything else I've been putting off the past few weeks.

world hold on.

2007-11-28T17:57:00.001-05:00

This song totally reminds me of last summer on Fire Island.

T-shrits, shorts, flip-flops, the beach, drunken debauchery, dancing all night til the 2am ferry ride back to the mainland.

I can officially admit that I miss it. Is it next summer already?

this is why I don't like winter in New York

2007-11-28T17:14:00.001-05:00

It's 5:14pm. The sun started setting (literally) sometime between 3:45 and 4:15 (when I went outside to get the mail). It's already pitch dark outside. It feels like it's 10:30 at night when it isn't even 6.

Meh. I think I need to move to a more southern climate.

completely unmotivated.

2007-11-28T16:11:00.001-05:00

I cannot for the life of me seem to get anything done today. Granted, yesterday's shift at the Mansion kicked my ass...but I think between that, and being up at 7:30 yesterday morning to help my cousins out at their place, then going straight to work. Then going out after work (hey, sorry, but one needs to unwind after a crazy night at work). So i didn't end up getting home til about 4:30-5:00 this morning. So I was up for almost 24 hours straight.

Mind you I have about 6 or 7 chapters of SPSS work to do, that I am determined to get done by tomorrow evening. I just realized that it is almost *gulp* December 1st, which basically means that I have about 3 weeks to do a paper for this class as well. Ooops. Welcome to my ADHD after-effects.

Ironically enough, I am the type of person that will procrastinate and procrastinate until the last minute, and then get it done in record time, and it (usually) ends up being my best work ever. So we'll see.

*sigh* me thinks I need more coffee..

well, I am a bartender after all... lol

2007-11-27T10:47:00.001-05:00

92%DRUNKARD

San Jose Dating

yeah, I'll keep telling myself that, lol!

Belated thanksgiving post.

2007-11-26T02:34:00.000-05:00

So I realized in my blog-happiness this evening that I never did what seems to be the ever-popular thanksgiving post. Not that I had much of a thanksgiving this year. I ended up working on Thanksgiving eve, and working Thanksgiving itself for most of the day. Thankfully, as I said earlier, my aunt and uncle were in from out of town, so at least there were some people at home when I did get home from work. Granted, everyone had already eaten, but there were some yummy leftovers. Granted, there wasn't even any turkey this year, but it's all good. (we had fish and grilled vegetables instead).

In thinking over the past few days, I guess there really is somewhat of a few things to be thankful for. I have a roof over my head, a caring and supportive family, friends that mean the world to me, and a job that puts money in my pocket every week. As crazy and roller-coaster as this past year has been, I guess I have to take a step back and take a long hard look at it. It could always be worse. It has been worse, and it probably can't get that worse again, but on the days that I sit here and wonder if I am doing the right thing, if what I am doing is actually going to better my life, I take a step back and realize that if it wasn't for those that I care about and those that care about me, that I probably wouldn't be in the place that I am. I'm a true believer that eveything in life happens for a reason, and more importantly, the people that come in and out of your life do so for a reason. Often times you don't realize it at first, but there is a meaning to why they are a part of your life, be it for a small amount of time, or those lucky enough to be there for a lifetime.

I was reminded of this scene, from the movie Latter Days. As much as I adore this entire movie, this scene in particular is especially moving. I think it sums up in general my feelings towards everyone that I am lucky to have in my life right now.

Latter Days' Toast
Uploaded by Scootersville

Happy (belated) Thanksgiving.

Boys on Boys: A Guide to Homosexuality

2007-11-26T01:01:00.001-05:00

VD....for everybody?!

2007-11-25T23:27:00.000-05:00

So I was having a conversation with a friend of mine last night about those old WW2 era (vinatage) "fight venereal disease" posters... you know, the one's that say stuff like "you may think she's your gal, but she may be everybody's pal".. (lol!) Anywho, in doing a google search for said posters, I came across this. It's apparently a PSA from 1969 about VD.. but it's not what you think...

A little research turned up:
This infamously botched Public Service Announcement from 1969 confused an entire generation of children into thinking that they too can be attractive, successful, and happy, if only they could get their hands on VD...

Um. yeah. Exactly. :-\

you need a bun to bite benny lava...

2007-11-25T21:16:00.001-05:00

This has got to be one of the funnies things I have seen in a while.

yes, I know, I'm going to hell...

yes, I'm having a grease moment...lol

2007-11-24T16:18:00.000-05:00

I've actually sang this song at kareoke once in a while... the sudience participation is the best part.. .I'll let you figure out where, lol!

There are worse things I could do,
Than go with a boy or two.
Even though the neighborhood thinks I'm trashy,
And no good,
I suppose it could be true,
But there are worse things I could do.

I could flirt with all the guys,
Smile at them and bat my eyes.
Press against them when we dance,
Make them think they stand a chance,
Then refuse to see it through.
That's a thing I'd never do.

I could stay home every night,
Wait around for Mr. Right.
Take cold showers every day,
And throw my life away,
On a dream that won't come true.

I could hurt someone like me,
Out of spite or jealousy.
I dont steal and I dont lie,
But I can feel and I can cry.
A fact I'll bet you never knew.
But to cry in front of you,
That's the worse thing I could do.

mobile blogging....

2007-11-24T14:06:00.000-05:00

... is apparently not meant to be. has anyone else had a problem using this feature on here? I can't seem to get it to work at all. Oh well.

Lesibians in flannel are funny. Even funnier are lesbians in flannel with blackberry devices. I thought "power dykes" were supposed to be femme? I guess last night blew that theory out of the water.

Meh. Not feeling so great today. I think it's the weather, or maybe I've just been out way too late too many nights this week. I need to run to Walgreen's and get some remedies before this gets worse.

Has anyone (edit: anyone who's as much as a Food Network junkie as I am) seen the new hoiday commercial? It's a clay-mation of Guy Fioeri, Alton Brown, Paula Deen, Giada Delaurentis, Rachael Ray, and Bobby Flay (the last one it took me seeing it 10 times to realize it was Bobby Flay!) It's actually kinda disturbing as far as commercials go. I wish I could find it, but it's not on youtube yet.

I'm counting the days til vacation.... I booked tickets to head out to Las Vegas from December 1st through the 5th... I'm excited. I haven't been there since early last year, so I'm curious to see what else has sprouted up around the condo... every time I go out there, its like I dont recognize the place, they are building so much out there its crazy. Although I hear the market prices have dropped down a lot, so buying something of my own out there may not be that far-fetched. I still think one of these days I'm just going to pack up and move out there for good. I'm seriously at the point that I'm just done with living in New York. Everyone thinks I'm crazy when I say that but it's true - believe me, spending most of your life living right outside of a place like New York City looses it's charm after a while.. It's not all it's cracked up to be (or like I tell my out of town friends, it's not like living in an episode of Sex and The City 24/7). I think I just need a change of location, a change of pace, or something new in my life.

Ah well... I think I'm going to go be at least a little bit productive. Cheers!

Quick post before work...

2007-11-21T15:13:00.000-05:00

Things are going well. Mom's surgery on Monday went very well (thankfully). She's already back home recovering... My Aunt & Uncle came in from Rhode Island for a few days, so it will be nice to actually be home for Thanksgiving... instead of running around to whomever's house (which we've been doing since Dad passed away). Sucks that I have to work though (tonight and tomorrow during the day), but at least with everything going on, I'm glad that Mom isn't going to be totally alone.

I'm counting the days til vacation though =) I finally was able to snag a couple of days off next week, so I'm flying out to Vegas for a few days. I couldn't get anyone to go with me, but it's alright. I'm actually looking forward to having a few days to myself to rest and regroup, and besides, it's Vegas, how could I not have fun, LOL!

Ay, ok, time to run to work....

Banned Underwear Commercial

2007-11-20T13:08:00.001-05:00

gotta love the Australians...mmm I honestly don't see what's so ban-worthy about it, but that's just me.

file under annoying ad campaigns

2007-11-17T19:50:00.001-05:00

I can't take credit for the orginal rant on this..(that would be Joe. My. God.) but I can relate completely to this.

(Sidebar for those that have no idea what this is about: Optimum is one of the cable monopolies in the greater NYC area. About 3-4 years ago they came out with something called the "triple play", that is, you can get your cable tv, high-speed internet, and phone service all through the same company. Great idea, it was at first. While I'm thrilled only paying $15 per month for my home phone line (which I never use, but everyone bitches that I still need to have one for whatever reason), but cable rates for TV and internet have gone through the roof. seriously.)

But their latest ad campaign is completely horrific. As in causing one's ears to bleed. Especially when you've heard it for at least 500 times, as I have over the past week.

Feel my pain:

what's happening to me?

2007-11-17T17:08:00.000-05:00

The high-point of my afternoon today: buying a new power drill at Lowe's. =)

Uh oh, hear that? I think it's the gay mafia coming to take my membership card away...

;-)

It's coming...

2007-11-08T21:47:00.000-05:00

Next Wednesday, bitches...

My guilty pleasure is back. I cannot fucking wait!

midterm relief

2007-11-08T19:30:00.000-05:00

well, I'm still alive... and apparently doing better than I thought.

I got my results from my SPSS midterm tonight.

Total number off: 34.50/200.00

Final grade (unadjusted) 3.31/4.0

Final grade (adjusted) 3.35/4.0

So basically, I got an 84. I'm sure as hell not complaining. =) I could've done better on some parts of the exam, but given that it took me the entire class session to complete it (which has never happened in all the years I've been going to school), I actually finished most of it.

I'm still maintaing a B average, so honestly, at this point that's all that matters.

*whew* Now I just have to worry about the final project. Well, and the final exam, but I've got about another month or so. Actually, six weeks from tonight.

Live like you were dying...

2007-11-06T04:31:00.000-05:00

The last couple of times I heard this song, I seriously wanted to cry. Those that know me personally know why.

And usually, I end up singing my lungs out to the chorus. Either way.... had to post this.

Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying
He said: "I was in my early forties,
"With a lot of life before me,
"An' a moment came that stopped me on a dime.
"I spent most of the next days,
"Looking at the x-rays,
"An' talking 'bout the options an' talkin’ ‘bout sweet time."
I asked him when it sank in,
That this might really be the real end?
How’s it hit you when you get that kind of news?
Man whatcha do?

An' he said: "I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

He said "I was finally the husband,
"That most the time I wasn’t.
"An' I became a friend a friend would like to have.
"And all of a sudden goin' fishin’,
"Wasn’t such an imposition,
"And I went three times that year I lost my Dad.
"Well, I finally read the Good Book,
"And I took a good long hard look,
"At what I'd do if I could do it all again,
"And then:

"I went sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

Like tomorrow was a gift,
And you got eternity,
To think about what you’d do with it.
An' what did you do with it?
An' what can I do with it?
An' what would I do with it?

"Sky diving, I went rocky mountain climbing,
"I went two point seven seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.
"And then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter,
"And I watched Blue Eagle as it was flyin'."
An' he said: "Some day, I hope you get the chance,
"To live like you were dyin'."

"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."
"To live like you were dyin'."

a little past halloween, but oh well...

2007-11-01T15:48:00.001-04:00

still hysterical nonethelss...lol!
--

apparently god hates bigoted right-wing church mongers as well.

2007-11-01T11:35:00.000-04:00

This made my night last night. It's about time that someone slammed this vicious, hate-mongering redneck freaks and made them realize that they can't do what they think they can. Sure, there probably won't be a penny seen of this money, but I think the justice has been served at the surface. Having witnesed these people protest in my own community, I can attest that they are sick twisted individuals - their idea of "first ammendment free speech" is hateful, amongst other things.

I keep being reminded of Margaret Cho in her show Assassin: "They have no right to call themselves Christians, because they have no Christianity to them; They have no kindness, they have no compassion, they have no charity. I want Jesus to come back and say "That's not what I meant!"

-D

by way of 365gay.com

Phelps Clan Ordered To Pay $11M In Anti-Gay Military Suit
by The Associated Press

Posted: October 31, 2007 - 5:00 pm ET

(Baltimore, Maryland) A grieving father won a nearly $11 million verdict Wednesday against a fundamentalist Kansas church that pickets military funerals out of a belief that the war in Iraq is a punishment for the nation's tolerance of homosexuality.

Albert Snyder of York, Pa., sued the Westboro Baptist Church for unspecified damages after members demonstrated at the March 2006 funeral of his son, Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder, who was killed in Iraq.

The jury first awarded $2.9 million in compensatory damages. It returned in the afternoon with its decision to award $6 million in punitive damages for invasion of privacy and $2 million for causing emotional distress.

Snyder's attorney, Craig Trebilcock, had urged jurors to determine an amount "that says don't do this in Maryland again. Do not bring your circus of hate to Maryland again."

Church members routinely picket funerals of military personnel killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, carrying signs such as "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "God hates fags."

A number of states have passed laws regarding funeral protests, and Congress has passed a law prohibiting such protests at federal cemeteries. But the Maryland lawsuit is believed to be the first filed by the family of a fallen serviceman.

The church and three of its leaders - the Rev. Fred Phelps and his two daughters, Shirley Phelps-Roper and Rebecca Phelps-Davis, 46 - were found liable for invasion of privacy and intent to inflict emotional distress.

Even the size of the award for compensating damages "far exceeds the net worth of the defendants," according to financial statements filed with the court, U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett noted.

Snyder claimed the protests intruded upon what should have been a private ceremony and sullied his memory of the event.

The church members testified they are following their religious beliefs by spreading the message that soldiers are dying because the nation is too tolerant of homosexuality.

Their attorneys maintained in closing arguments Tuesday that the burial was a public event and that even abhorrent points of view are protected by the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and religion.

Earlier, church members staged a demonstration outside the federal courthouse. Church founder Fred Phelps held a sign reading "God is your enemy," while Shirley Phelps-Roper stood on an American flag and carried a sign that read "God hates fag enablers." Members of the group sang "God Hates America" to the tune of "God Bless America."

Snyder sobbed when he heard the verdict, while members of the church greeted the news with tightlipped smiles.

©365Gay.com 2007

Yeah. Halloween. Fuuuuuun....

2007-10-31T19:12:00.000-04:00

So everyone (it seems) is going to the city for the annual Village Halloween Parade.

And what am I doing, you ask?

Sitting here at work, bored, (at least I brought my laptop though!), trying to get though SPSS output files, all to cram tonight and tomorrow morning for my SPSS midterm. FUN, right?!

*sigh* when did I officially become old and boring? meh.

exhausting weekend

2007-10-29T14:24:00.000-04:00

So after stupidly going out friday night, getting a phone call from my mother in an absolute panic at 3am NY time (I guess to her it was ok, since it was only midnight in Las Vegas), being up hella early saturday morning to help Curt & Jon move from Brooklyn to Queens, then not falling asleep til about 3:30am sunday morning, only to get up at 9:30 to head to work for the stupid-ass sunday AM shift (which of course, I made absolutely no money at whatsoever...big shock there!), I basically came home and crashed last night.

Good? Not really. Considering I have a midterm this week, and still have two chapters left in SPSS to submit before said midterm. Add to that that I have to work tonight, tomorrow night and wednesday night.

Yeah, I know. Why am I surfing the net and blogging about it instead of actually doing it? Fucken ADHD, I guess. I really need to go see the doctor and do something about this. Ugh....

At least I will probably get out early tonight, since I'm working a banquet and not in the pub. So I guess I will be up late buried in the hell that is SPSS. I need to force myself to stay home and just get this crap work over with already.

Well, don't know what the point to this was, but I do know I have to go get ready for work now. Cheers!

Dumbledore is gay... so what?

2007-10-27T09:22:00.000-04:00

Right up there with Ann ~~Cunt~~ Coulter is my next "favorite"... Bill O'Reilly. Jesus. Fucking. Christ. So not only does this vitriole-spewing jackass have it against gay people, but, he obviously is against teaching tolerance.

I can't. I haven't had enough coffee to even begin my rant about this.
----------

Via Towleroad

Bill O'Reilly spoke with Dennis Miller last night about the J.K. Rowling outing of Albus Dumbledore, the day after he labeled her a "provocateur" and criticized her for "indoctrinating" children, Think Progress reports:

O’REILLY: Here’s — you can talk about this on your radio show tomorrow. There are millions of Americans who feel that the media and the educational system is trying to indoctrinate their children to a certain way of life, and that includes parity for homosexuals with heterosexuals. And that’s what this Rowling thing is all about, because she sells so many books. So many kids read it, that she comes out and says, “Oh, Dumbledore is gay, and that’s great.” And this — it’s another in the indoctrination thing. That’s what the belief system is among some Americans.

MILLER: I’ll be honest with you. I don’t think you can indoctrinate a kid into being gay. You might indoctrinate him into trying it once and him going, “I guess I’m not gay.”

O’REILLY: No, but tolerance. It’s — you know, he’s not going to be gay, but it’s tolerance of it.

Media Matters has the full transcript. Video clip: Media Matters via Good as You.

Mark Harris, writing in Entertainment Weekly, talks about the importance of Rowling's announcement, and directs sharp criticism at those who say it's wrong to have unveiled the news in front of children: "In addition to the braying of hatemongers, there's already been some umbrage taken at the appropriateness of Rowling's decision to uncork this news in front of children, a brand of sanctimony for which I have no patience. At least one out of 25 of those children will eventually self-identify as homosexual. The other 24, having made their way through an epic series that includes multiple murders, demonic possession, and the psychic toll of having mentally ill parents, will, I imagine, be able to handle the bulletin that some people are gay, and will likely benefit from the richer understanding of the world that such knowledge provides."
----------

Cheers at least to Dennis Miller, for trying to slap some sense into O'Reilly. So are we supposed to teach hate now? Yeah. Let's just bring in the WBC while we're at it, shall we?

Seriously, what a fucked up bunch of freaks.

Jesse Metcalf becomming a bear?

2007-10-26T21:34:00.000-04:00

I caught the tail end of this on Derek & Romaine this evening. I had to look this up for myself... wow. I think someone is indeed becomming a bit "bear-ish"

mmm... sorry, but I still think he's yummy =)P

love to cook

2007-10-26T21:31:00.000-04:00

I just made the most fantastic meal for dinner.

Whole wheat pasta, with a sausage and pepper sauce (sausage, peppers, onions, garlic and crushed tomatoes).

Yum! It came out pretty fucken fantastic, if I do say so myself. Heh, I can be a culinary genius sometimes.

(Ok, to all my chef friends, calm down, I know, I'm not that good. But for someone who never went to culinary school.....daaaaamn. If I do say so myself. LOL!)

*sigh* now only if I could find someone to cook like this for every day. Ah well.

Just call me shameless....

2007-10-26T16:42:00.000-04:00

We're in a room without a door
And I am sure without a doubt
They're gonna wanna know how we got in here
They're gonna wanna know how we plan to get out

We better have a good explanation
For all the fun that we had
'Cuz they are coming for us babe
And they are going to be mad....

yay.

2007-10-23T13:49:00.000-04:00

From: sms@haysystems.com
Date: 10/23/07 11:14am

(DHL SMS Notification)

From: Nashville, TN
To: Wantagh, NY

Item is with delivery courrier in Melville, United States.

YAY! My new laptop is on its' way!

continued ranting... (yeah, I'm in class again)

2007-10-18T19:24:00.001-04:00

haha.. .so now we are upon week ..I lost count at this point (i think 8 or 9).

An email from our Professor nearly two weeks ago said that the problem was resolved and the University was obtaining the licensing for us to have the new version of SPSS in the labs. This was on October 5th, and we were told it would be within the week.

Well, guess what? It's now October 18th (2 weeks later) and we STILL don't have it up and running. ARRRGH! Rumor in class this evening is that according to IT, they are only installing the software in 2 of the labs. The Prof. will not confirm or deny this, only stating that if they install it in another lab, then (obviously) we will have to change classrooms.

Can you fucken believe this?! *sigh* I'm so glad that I'm spending $18,000 per year to attend this university! I should've just transferred when I had the opportunity.

Then, to add insult to injury. I'm now getting a message on my home computer (Dell Inspiron Desktop circa 2003) every time that I use SPSS that my system memory is low, and it wants to know if I want to cancel running the query/frequency/crosstabulation/whatever. Um, hi. If I cancel the process, then I'm obviously not going to have it to submit for class. Duh.

Insult to injury #2: I actually did call Dell and order a new laptop (as I said previously, I had every intention of doing this even before the semester started, as 1) I wanted to save space in my room; 2) I wanted the laptop so that I would be able to work from either home, school, starbucks, or wherever (especially since I will be starting my thesis in the spring); and 3) In purchasing the laptop, I was going to give my old desktop to my mom, since her computer fried about 8 or 9 months ago, and she is always using mine.) Anyways...I wondered this afternoon why I have yet to receive any sort of e-mail regarding my order, or notification of shipping, or for that mattter, even notice the charge on my bank statement. Well, lo and behold, I call Dell on my way to class this evening, and THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF MY ORDER WHATSOEVER!

Seriously. I can't make this shit up.

So I need to go back and reorder the whole laptop, more than likely having to explain all over again why I do NOT want a laptop with Windows Vista on it, etc. etc.

Well, at least I didn't get charged for the first one.

I'm telling you. Shit like this only happens to me.

Sorority Girls From Hell

2007-10-18T14:18:00.000-04:00

This is fucking fantastic! My friend Eric told me about it last night...

"DAH, dah dah, DAH, dah dah,a-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!!"

Colbert for President!!!

2007-10-18T14:04:00.000-04:00