Quoted - Kristin Chenoweth on Being Anti-Christian

"I think it is very anti-Christian [to hate gay people]. It is the antithesis of what I believe. It is the antithesis of what you should believe if you believe in Jesus. It’s not what he taught, it’s the opposite of what he taught. If Jesus was to walk the Earth today, or Buddha or anybody, they would be horrified. Those people saying they’re doing it in the name of God? No no no no no. I speak as a Christian person, and as a woman and as an artist. I would love nothing more for my friends who love each other to get married. I don’t think it’s a sin, I think we’re born how we’re born. Look at me, I’m 4’11’’, and so if it was a sin to be short, what would I do? Well I’d just be, you know, it’s how God made me." 

- Kristin Chenoweth, in a recent interview with the Gay Star News.

Rates of Travel in The 1800's

And you get frustrated because it takes so long to get somewhere or hate standing in line at the airport.  Take a look at this map that uses New York as the starting point and continues as you go westward.  Using an excerpt from Mother Nature Network, "it took a whole day to barely get outside of the city; two weeks to reach Georgia or Ohio; and in five weeks, you could just about get to Illinois and Louisiana."

Can you imagine?  Most of you folks would die.  I was so frustrated when I left work yesterday and it took me an hour to get home.  And this is why I come in early and leave early.  While living back in the 1800's would be something I would like to experience for a day, a week, or two;  A lifetime would be excruciating.  Then again, I'd more than likely be shot, being that I'm Latino and all. LOL.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry in LEGO!

This is for you LEGO fans or anyone fascinated by anything made with LEGO bricks.  Alice Finch built this amazing, amazing replica of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry from the Harry Potter series.  It is absolutely stunning, and the amount of time she spent creating this masterpiece is almost unheard of.  She recently won the "People's Choice" and "Best in Show" award for this spectacular project.

Using 400,000 bricks, she created every nook and crevice you could think of.  From the Great Hall to the Quidditch Courtyard, Hospital Wing, Clock Tower and The Bridge.  I've included a few pics, but you can read more about Alice and her interview with The Brothers Brick here.

Magical Fun 101: The Invisible Driver

Let me start your day off on the right track.  Let's laugh, smile, and watch some Magical Fun!

You all remember Rahat, right?  He was the one who lit his wallet on fire, made a dollar float in mid-air, levitated a fountain drink and when reaching for his meal got static shocked in front of bewildered and confused drive-thru employees.  

Well, the fun and magic is about to continue as Rahat explains how he's going to play an invisible driver at several drive-thrus.  The video is hilarious and fun to watch.  If you haven't seen the others, you can view them by clicking on the links above.  Enjoy!

Quoted: Days of Future Past by Ryan Joseph Lopez

"You just can't debate with crazy, or practically anyone anymore. The world is changing for the better, but some people just can't accept that. All they have left to hold on to are their beliefs. When those once common ideas are now considered outdated, irrational and even hateful, and can be justly proven so, people get angry and desperate and will fight to the very end to protect an ideology that they hold sacred. It's an unfortunate sign of the most conservative parts of the Republican party. Never give up, never surrender, never admit you're wrong, just keep screaming nonsense until you drown out your opponent and every last one of his facts. Well I have a few facts to share myself: Gay people can get married without the sky falling or your family being affected in anyway, shape or form aside from the possibility of them not sharing your homophobic hate. Black people can be in charge of a country that once considered them property. Being a Liberal is not the same thing as being weak. Trust me. We fight against income inequality in the Occupy Movement. We fight for the right to unionize in Wisconsin, Indiana, Arizona and any other states controlled by a Republican majority that wishes for it to be a "right to work" state. We fight for the health of our women when conservative wolves in pink sheep's clothing attempt to break down Planned Parenthood. And we fight for our right to marry the person we love to not only receive the same benefits that everyone else gets, but to also simply show that we are no different from any straight couple and hence should not be treated differently as such. California is another footstep in the marathon that is the fight for marriage equality and gay rights everywhere. We will continue fighting. We are not weak. We are stronger than ever and we will fight for Obama this year and we will win. We must. This country needs to show the world that we stand for common sense, compassion and an ability to inspire hope in others by getting back up after being knocked down hard. Screaming at the top of your lungs until you can't hear the facts just won't do for this country of ours, and neither will defeat, hatred, or the desire to divide. We can come together to make sure our country continues to succeed and head in its' current, correct direction. We can vote for Obama 2012, because hope is nothing without people to believe in it and change is impossible without people to fight for it."  

- Ryan Joseph Lopez on Blade7184's post 

"Quoted: Miley Cyrus on Her Marriage Equality Tattoo"

Cyanide and Happiness: You Did What?

Keeping It Old Skool - Issue No. 12 - The Giving Tree

Geez, okay it's been over a year since a posted an issue of "Keeping It Old Skool" so I want to start my first issue of 2013 with a book I will remember forever.

I can honestly say,  I would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has never read "The Giving Tree," "Where The Sidewalk Ends," "The Missing Piece," or "A Light In The Attic".

The children's books written by the late Shel Silverstein became a staple in every child's classroom .  We either read them at the park, with our friends, or at bedtime when our parents put us to sleep.  And while today we can read them with our iPhones or iPads; They can never replace the actual books themselves.  I still have mine.  

One of my favorite books, "The Giving Tree" was recently named the Teacher's Top 100 Books for Children and is one of the Top 100 Picture Books of all time.

I remember reading this for the first time and balling my eyes out.  I was furious at the boy who took apart this giving tree limb for limb,  And yet the tree loved the boy from adolescence to adulthood.  The tree literally gave all it had.

"The book details the events occurring throughout the life of a small boy, and the friendship that he shares with a tree—with which he is apparently able to communicate. In his childhood, he enjoys climbing her branches and enjoying imaginative play with her; however, as he gradually passes into maturity his requests from the tree change. After entering adolescence, he requests to pick her apples with which to make profit, and after reaching adulthood he cuts down the tree's limbs to construct a house. Years later, he returns to the lonesome Giving Tree as an old man to cut her down and use her wood to craft a boat with which to sail away, after the maturity of his family, reducing her to nothing more than a stump. However, eventually he returns to his friend, asking for a resting place, and peacefully drifts off to sleep on the tree stump." [source]

This book and countless others have helped guide me through life and it will be part of those memories I will honor and cherish forever.  If you've never read them, and I can't believe you haven't, click on the book titles above.

What a Hot Mess: Boyfriend Pushes Girlfriend Off a Cliff

What a hot mess of a boyfriend.  LMAO.  

OMG, I would die.  But I guess for those who skydive, tightrope between high-rises, or mountain climb - it's no big deal.  But if Ryan pushed me off a cliff our relationship would be over; Plain and Simple.

The Joys of Being a Parent: Tooth Fairy, I'm Not Mad

A 7-yr old girl left a note for the Tooth Fairy and it was simply adorable.  I had to include it as part of "The Joys of Being a Parent," because boy, it surely is!

Things We Can Do To Save The Environment - Issue No. 11 - Take Another Look at Vintage Clothes

So you may think I'm a crazy nut for saying this, but I like going to second-hand stores.  Yes, I'll admit it.  I like looking for anything vintage; Whether it be clothing, antiques or little knick-knacks here and there.  But little do you know that by me purchasing these items the second time around I am helping the environment.

Giving credit to TIME,  I'd like to thank them for showing us the many ways we can help save the environment.  Just one person can make a difference, and it starts with YOU!  
                                                   ~ Peter aka Blade7184  

11. Take Another Look at Vintage Clothes

High-end hand-me-downs (the smart set calls them vintage) are more ecologically sound than new clothes. Why? Buying a shirt the second time around means you avoid consuming all the energy used in producing and shipping a new one and, therefore, the carbon emissions associated with it. Every item of clothing you own has an impact on the environment. Some synthetic textiles are made with petroleum products. Cotton accounts for less than 3% of farmed land globally but consumes about a quarter of the pesticides. One quick way to change your duds: invite friends over for a closet swap, to which everyone brings a few items they want to trade. It's easy on the environment—and your pocketbook.

Make sure to follow Blade 7184 every Tuesday for a new issue of Things We Can Do To Save The Environment.  Each issue is thought-provoking, informative and may hold the key to saving your children and grandchildren's future.

Please feel free to click on my logo to read any of the back-issues.

The Culling - The Torch Keeper (Book One)

Courtesy of Michelle Visage over at WOW, I came across her post yesterday and wanted to share it with any Hunger Games fan or folks who like to read books.

"If you loved The Hunger Games and other dystopian reads, you will absolutely FLIP over The Culling. Here is the official blurb:

“Recruitment Day is here…if you fail, a loved one will die… Lucky will do everything he can to keep his brother alive, even if it means sacrificing the lives of other Recruits’ loved ones. What Lucky isn’t prepared for is his undeniable attraction to the handsome, rebellious Digory Tycho. While Lucky and Digory train together, their relationship grows. But daring to care for another Recruit in a world where love is used as the ultimate weapon is extremely dangerous. As Lucky soon learns, the consequences can be deadly….”

As you can see, The Culling has a gay lead character and it’s about damn time. The author was told that no one would buy a book with a gay main character and was asked several times to either change the character’s gender or make him hetero, and Steven refused and stood by his convictions. Let’s celebrate this advancement as a community and support author Steven Dos Santos by buying a copy of this amazing book. Available today on Amazon.com in both book and Kindle form and coming to stores nationwide on March 8." 
                                                         - Michelle Visage

What Cowboy Hat Are You Wearing?

If you live in Houston and the surrounding area, you know what's happening tonight.  Lady Antebellum is rocking the stage tonight.  But it's more than just concerts galore for 3 weeks straight.  It's the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!  Which by the way is the world's largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition.

If you're out and about you may notice the various cowboy hats people are wearing.  Ever wonder what type of cowboy hat a particular person was sporting?  Well, now you can with this handy little chart.  10 hats - 10 styles, check them out.

Just Sayn'

LMAO - True Story!

Are People Really This Stupid? Issue No. 31 - Please Move The Deer Crossing

I saw this several months ago when a co-worker played it for me, and I couldn't contain myself.  OMG!  Are people really this stupid?  I'm sorry, but this audio clip is simply hilarious.

How can this be real? How??? A woman calls into a radio show to express her concern over a deer crossing sign.  She wants the signs removed, because the deer think it's safe for them to cross wherever they see one of these signs.  I don't think she's picked up on the fact the deer crossings are for us.   I'm assuming this, because she's called several people about it. LOL.

The Slang of the 1920's & 1930's

Not sure if any of you have ever seen Boardwalk Empire.  Well, the characters sometimes use slang on the show that is somewhat difficult to understand.  But after watching two seasons I think I got it down pat.

The following chart, "Dirty 30's" covers the slang used in both the 1920's and 1930's.  So if someone calls you an "Abercrombie" - they're calling you "a know-it-all" or if they call you "babe, broad, dame, doll, frail, twist, muffin, or kitten," I surely hope you're a "Woman".  LOL.

 Click the chart to read the rest.  Yes, the hilarity continues.

Top Secret Drum Corps

This is for anyone who has ever seen a drum corp performance, are fascinated by them, or have performed in one.  I found the video below rather entertaining and a joy to watch.  Being that I have family and friends who have either played in a drum corp or high school marching band, I felt compelled to blog about it.

The Top Secret Drum Corps were asked to perform at the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo last year, and have played in several venues, including the United States, Australia and Europe.  According to online sources, Top Secret has its roots in the rich drumming traditions of the band's home city, Basel, Switzerland, which is known for its annual carnival called Fasnacht.  Too cool, Fasnacht is my sister's last name.  

The drum corp, which has become world renowned are made up of factory workers, students, teachers, farmers, regular folks like you and I.  Simply amazing.

Mom's "Zero Fat" Spanish Rice

Please make sure to check out my new recipe at Cocina De Don Pedro!  Click on the picture and add this healthy recipe to your list.

A Very Special Moment - Issue #3: To This Day

I don't even know where to begin with this, except to say it's pretty darn powerful. You will more than likely shed a tear, if not, that's okay - the message came across to you.  

"To This Day" is a narrated poem by Shane Koyczan that shows "the profound and lasting impact that bullying can have on an individual."

Dozens of collaborators from around the world helped to bring this piece to life. Learn more about them and the project at http://www.tothisdayproject.com.

"I'm truly at a loss for words as this video has just made this issue of "A Very Special Moment", a very special moment!"

- Peter R. Flores Jr. aka Blade7184

Cyanide and Happiness: The Younger Comic Generation

Loving One Another - Issue No. 019

Love is like magic
And it always will be.
For love still remains
Life's sweet mystery!!

Love works in ways
That are wondrous and strange
And there's nothing in life
That love cannot change!!

Love can transform
The most commonplace
Into beauty and splendor
And sweetness and grace.

Love is unselfish,

Understanding and kind,

For it sees with its heart

And not with its mind!!

Love is the answer

That everyone seeks...

Love is the language,

That every heart speaks.

Love can't be bought,

It is priceless and free,

Love, like pure magic,

Is life's sweet mystery!!"

                                                                            ~Helen Steiner Rice

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Issue No. 9

The last issue of "A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" was nearly a year ago.  I know - that's crazy; March 13, 2012 to be exact.  

In either case, for those who haven't seen my previous issues I started this series as a way to introduce my readers to the world of art through words.  And by words, I mean where the artist has taken several hundred pieces of text and created a masterpiece; it could be a self-portrait, landscape or still-life.  It's called Typographical Art, much like a typographical quote you see posted on a Facebook news feed from time to time. But with hundreds, if not thousands of words instead of just a few.

A Man of His Word

Click on the image and then click on the image again to see every detail up close!

Today's issue is nothing short of amazing.  The artist known simply as Straye-Close spent over 150 hours creating this masterpiece.  Every whisker, every wrinkle, every feature uses a word describing something.  From the name, Morgan Porterfield Freeman Jr., movies he's been in, characters of the people he's played in those movies, awards he has won, and almost every quote he could find for those films.  Truly an extraordinary piece of art!

Isn't This The Truth? The Science of Dogs

The following chart is too hilarious, but oh so true.  Think about it...  When are dogs afraid of bears, snakes, oncoming traffic, or in mine and Ryan's case, bigger dogs?  Never!  But bring out the Vacuum Cleaner and they run like a bat out of hell.

Saturday Night Live: The Walking Dead

If you've never seen The Walking Dead on TNT, then you might not get some of the references made to the show.  

In the following SNL skit, the group tries to avoid any type of racism or political incorrectness.  LOL.

The Sun As You've Never Seen It Before!

This video is pretty darn amazing.  I love science, the planets, and Star Trek!!!  LOL.  Seriously though, NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory put this together and it's absolutely stunning.

About the video - "This extraordinary video looks back on the 3rd year of operation of NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. Since its launch in 2010, SDO's data and imagery have exceeded everyone's hopes and expectations, providing stunningly detailed views of the sun. The observatory has continued to return breathtaking pictures and movies of eruptive events on the sun. These images are more than just pretty. By highlighting different wavelengths of light, scientists can track how material on the sun moves. Such movement, in turn, holds clues as to what causes these giant explosions."

Poster of the Week - Issue No. 53 - Pretension

Continuing alphabetically, I bring you this week's poster, "Pretension".

 

My Christian Thoughts - Issue #3 - 13 Things The Bible Forbids (That You're Probably Guilty of Doing)

You mean apart from speeding? Because you know everyone does it.  LOL.  

I grew up as a Christian - still am.  My own father baptized me, because our Pastor was ill that particular Wednesday night.  But being Christian is more than just believing in a higher being.  Being Christian is loving your neighbor as thyself.  And I can name a few who proclaim to say they love me, but it's more like "I love you, that's why I'm telling you you're living in sin and are going to hell.  This thing you are, 'Gay' is an abomination!".  Kinda funny since Jesus never mentioned anything about homosexuality.

Courtesy of the Huffington Post, I am using these images as part of today's "My Christian Thoughts".  So if you're getting a haircut today, or going to work - I'm sorry, but you're damned to hell!

It's probably not a good idea to get any Tattoos.  If you have some, get them removed.

Leviticus 19:28 states:
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.

Thinking about getting a haircut?  It better be certain kind or else.

Leviticus 19:27 states:
Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.

If there's ever been a time where you've cursed your parents, I'm sorry but you should have been killed a long time ago.

Exodus 21:17 states:
"And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death."

I sure hope your marriage lasts, because getting remarried after divorcing is not a good thing.

Mark 10:11-12 states:
Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.

Sorry men, but if you're private parts are injured or removed in some terrible accident.  You're not allowed in the building of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 23:1 states:
He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.

If your husband gets into a fight, I recommend you wives better stay out of it.  If you still want your hands!

Deuteronomy 25:11-12 states:
When men strive together one with another, and the wife of the one draweth near for to deliver her husband out of the hand of him that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and taketh him by the secrets

Then thou shalt cut off her hand, thine eye shall not pity her.

Ahhh, for those who love to eat ham sandwiches, pork skins, or bacon!!!

Leviticus 11:7-8 reads:
And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.

Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

You women need to keep your mouths shut.  No, really.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 states:
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

Ohhh gossipers!  None exist. LIE!!!!

Leviticus 19:16 states:
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the LORD.

If you're going to work today - you better not.  This is no time for typing, shoveling, or trying to support a family.

Exodus 31:14-15 states:
"Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

I'm not even going to go here, because the likelihood that you're a virgin before getting married is slim to none, and a lot of you women - men included - should have been put to death a long time ago.

Deuteronomy 22:20-21 states:
But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel:

Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you

And don't go talking to a Psychic, much less look for Harry Potter.

Leviticus 19:31 reads:
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.

Finally, for those who love their shrimp, lobster and many other types of seafood.  You're Screwed!!!!  See you in hell.

Leviticus 10-11 states:
And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:

They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.

It's Purely Animal - Issue No. 58 - Meet Chris P. Bacon

I'm a little behind with the timing of this video, but not too far.  Chris P. Bacon is a celebrity now.  He's been in the news cycle for the past month.  Little Chris here was born without the use of his hind limbs, but this little guy is no quitter!  One YouTube commenter wrote,  "is the pig unhappy".  And the owner gleefully replied, "of course not, I wish I had his life... talk about pampered!"  The video is too darn cute.

I do my best not to cook with pork for the sake of my partner Ryan, and watching this makes it even harder.  I love piggies!

 

Cyanide and Happiness - Divorce

Just Sayn'

Saturday Morning Coffee Break: Silver Road

It's time to brew yourself some coffee, kick-back, relax and watch another issue of Saturday Morning Coffee Break.

I posted this video on MySpace four years ago, and the issue focuses on two young men, Danny and Mark who have been friends all their lives until one day they find themselves in the awkward position of saying goodbye to one another.

While many may argue that there's already too many films where one guy  comes out and destroys a friendship - it still happens.  It still happens because our society allows it to happen.  Yes, it's getting easier and easier to come out as each year passes, but there are millions who are still keeping this tiny little secret - and some way into their marriages.  The film, written and directed by Bill Taylor is really good, and I encourage anyone to watch it.
 

Things That Make You Go Hmmm... Wanna Chalk Ants?

If you have ants coming into your house, make a chalk line, but use only the white chalk; they won't cross it, it sticks to their footsies. Hmmm....

So here's the best answer I read online, "chalk is made of of calcium carbonate, a nontoxic substance. It doesn't repel ants or immediately kill them. Ants would prefer to avoid crossing chalk if possible, because the chalk particles can puncture their skin and SLOWLY kill them by dehydration. I have used regular chalk, and it hasn't been particularly effective. I tried drawing a circle around a bunch of ants. In desperation, they crossed the line anyway.

However, there are some toxic chalks sold illegally in Chinese markets. These chalks contain lead and mercury compounds (along with who knows what else). I've seen these chalks in action before. Ants die immediately on crossing the line. Most ants avoid it though. It strongly repels them."

Then again, eHow home tells you to go to the Dollar Store and buy some cheap chalk.  Go figure.

Things that make you go hmmm... 

Isn't This The Truth? Diary of a TV Addict

Omg, this is so freaking hilarious!  Only because it's so true!  Especially for those who can not stay awake to read a book, but yet can stay on Facebook and Twitter all day long. Check the video out, it's pretty darn funny.

What Your Bedroom Wear Says About You

So what does your bedtime attire say about you?  LOL.  Do you wear pajamas, a snuggie, tighty-whities, a robe or simply nothing?  

[bite]