Which Woman Do You See?

States At Peace

According to the Global Peace Index, the south is the least peaceful place to be.  

I'm going to disagree with that - true, we have more conservative, bible thumping, liberal hating people in our state than all the other states combined, but we're a huge state.  And you can't discount the fact, that we have a gay mayor controlling the fourth largest city (Houston) in the country.  And don't forget Austin, which is considered one of the gay friendliest cities in the U.S..  Also, San Antonio and Dallas don't fall too far behind.

 

Although we live in the south,  I would say that Ryan and I are at peace with ourselves. We live in a peaceful community, and aside from the Obama-Biden poster thieves, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Little Girl Bows in Public

This young Padawan took it upon herself to bow in allegiance to Darth Vader while on vacation with her family; It was cute and hilarious at the same time.

I guess she realized the power of the Dark Side, but Darth wasn't having any of it.  He quickly had her escorted off to train with the Sith.

Houston Shut Out

The news of the day was directed at our hometown of Houston all day yesterday.  Why, you ask?  Because our city, as diverse as it is, got snubbed, spit, kicked in the groin, told to eat shit, and die.  It may not have come out that way, but it sure felt like it.

Here is the fourth largest city in the country, who plays host to millions of visitors every year, many of who specifically come to visit the Johnson Space Center.  A city which has been at the forefront of space development and exploration for over 50 years, 

'In fact, the most famous and the most infamous words ever spoken in the vacuum of space by humans - "Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has landed," and "Houston, we have a problem" - were directed at the JSC here in Houston.' - The Houston Chronicle

But the most important topic of the conversation, was the blame game that came immediately afterward.  And like with everything else, why not blame Obama.  Republicans and conservatives cried foul yesterday blaming Obama for the decision, when in fact it was Charles Bolden's decision.  While I feel that no one should have disregarded the rich history and contribution our city has made, our local planning committee was really late in fighting for one of the shuttles.  All the cities had three years to make their bid, Houston didn't join until last year, and even so, I feel we shouldn't have been snubbed.  But to blame Obama for this is ludicrous at best.  Let us not forget 20 other cities were snubbed as well.

OMG Hilarious! - Genes

The Boxing Cat

Wow, this truly takes me back to yesteryear. 

Before I became a chihuahua owner I was a cat owner, and while most people complain about cats, I genuinely loved mine. I had one cat that actually lived 9 lives, Wendy.  

Other than being run over twice, she was hit by a moving car, kicked by children, bitten by a pack of dogs, burned in a BBQ pit, shot at by thugs, succumbed to disease and still managed to live another year or so.  God Bless her!

This video is for my Wendy, Boots and Tiger.

I Quote That - The Trick

Movies to Watch: Rise of the Planet of the Apes

It's only a 5 second clip (video below), but it's one that will creep you out nonetheless.  Rise of the Planet of the Apes has released some WETA footage of the ape Caesar from the upcoming film.  I'd have to say this is the best computer generated image I have ever seen.

Set in present day San Francisco, the film deals with the aftermath of genetic engineering experiments that lead to intelligence in apes and a war for supremacy. 
  
What a blockbuster summer - I'm telling you!  

The movie, which stars hottie, James Franco and Harry Potter's Tom Felton will be released across the US on August 5th.

The Civil War Turns 150 Today.

I have always loved American and World history; The Civil War especially. 

150 years ago today, the American Civil War commenced when shots were fired at Fort Sumter.  And while the war took place so long ago, the issues involving that time still linger today, and I presume it will for many hundreds of years hereafter.  The Daily Beast has a great collection of Civil War photography, including portraits of Lincoln, Grant, and Lee.

click to see gallery

You see, we are not a nation who's been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years like China, Russia, or England; Hell, our nation only turned 234 years old last July.

In a CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll released today, roughly one in four Americans said they sympathize more with the Confederacy than the Union, a figure that rises to nearly four in ten among white Southerners.

When asked the reason behind the Civil War, whether it was fought over slavery or states' rights, 52 percent of all Americas said the leaders of the Confederacy seceded to keep slavery legal in their state, but a sizeable 42 percent minority said slavery was not the main reason why those states seceded.

"The results of that question show that there are still racial, political and geographic divisions over the Civil War that still exists a century and a half later," CNN Polling Director Holland Keating said.

When broken down by political party, most Democrats said southern states seceded over slavery, independents were split and most Republicans said slavery was not the main reason that Confederate states left the Union.

Republicans were also most likely to say they admired the leaders of the southern states during the Civil War, with eight in 10 Republicans expressing admiration for the leaders in the South, virtually identical to the 79 percent of Republicans who admired the northern leaders during the Civil War.

We will have a divided nation long after we're gone, this is what will make our country one of the richest histories in the world.  Let us remember that in this nation of ours, we can agree to disagree.

The Water Cycle

And this is how life on earth is possible, make sure to share this with all your friends, and yes, even the Christian ones.

The Lost Episode of 'The Brady Bunch'

ABC was clearing out some inventory from their film vault when they came across a lost episode of 'The Brady Bunch,'  and I can see why it was lost for all these years.  The following episode is titled, "Oliver Twist," involves a gay sex worker who comes to stay with the Bradys.  And of course, everyone learns a valuable lesson in the end.

Speed Limit Increasing to 85 in TEXAS!

Mine and Ryan's home state of Texas currently has 520 miles of interstate highway where one can drive as fast as 80 mph, not sure how many Texans are aware of that.  

Well... The Texas legislature, which consists of a billion Republicans, are wanting to increase the limit to 85 mph on certain highways and rural roads.  Throw in your "free 10," and you'll be able to drive 95 mph in Texas without much chance of getting pulled over.  Maybe even 100, depending on how much speeding ticket revenue is needed to fill local budgetary gaps. You know what? Just floor the goddamn thing and forget the limit altogether. It'll catch up to you in a few more legislatures.

Yet, here they are, wanting to strip me of my longevity pay.  For those who have know idea what longevity pay is, it's where a company gives you a little extra on your paycheck for staying with them year after year.  In my case, since I'm a government employee and work for the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, I get 20 dollars extra a month for being with them 2 years.  In addition, I get 20 more a month for every subsequent 2 years of employment.  In October, I'll be with them 4 years, so this would give me 40 dollars a month on top of my salary.  And this goes for the thousands of state employees, not just mine.

The point of the story is...

Drive faster, kill yourself, and you'll spare the state some money with or without your longevity pay.  You gotta love our RED state.

OMG Hilarious! - Hurt

Yara, Yara, Yara

And the award for 'Creative Genius' goes to.... 

or is that 'Best Dressed?'

Courtesy of blogger, Michael K and RuPaul's Drag Race I bring you this hilarious dress review in regard to Ms. Sofia's ensemble at the New Now Next Awards in Hollywood last Thursday night.

So what's a down on her luck queen to do? Yara ran naked through her hotel lobby in search of the perfect outfit when she slipped on the floor, crashed into a black chiffon curtain (the cape), fell onto a table covered with white sequined coasters (the bikini) and stumbled over the balcony railing before smashing through a chandelier (the necklace) and landing head first on a plate full of carrots (the dreads) sitting on a table in the restaurant. Yara's hand was stuck in a silver bowl of black mashed caviar and after she used it to wipe away a little blood on her eye (the make-up), she turned around to find the entire restaurant gasping at her accidental glamour!
 
Only Yara Sofia can look like a He-Man villainess inspired by Carrot Top without even trying! BAM (wrong queen, I know).

Two Super-Hotties Lock Lips on April 18th!

Why Ryan and I haven't started watching 90210, is a mystery unto itself.  The show, which airs every Monday on the CW is chock-full of hot guys, including it's very own gay character Teddy, played by the unbelievably gorgeous, Trevor Donovan to your left.

And according to many online sources, Teddy will be locking lips with a lot of "eligible" bachelors, most notably Smallville's, Alan Ritchson to your right. He will be playing tonsil-hockey with Alan while on vacation, or something like that.  All I can say is, Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!.  So set your DVR to record on April 18th to catch this very important episode.  I'm letting Ryan know, RIGHT THIS SECOND.

Your Amazing Body

click to enlarge

Foods That Make You Cringe - Issue No. 8

It's been a month since I posted one of these, so for my 8th issue of 'Foods That Make You Cringe,' I'm treating you to breakfast and lunch.  Haha, you wish!  Here's a yummy Oreo Cakester pancake and a KFC double downer in a way you've never had it before.

Every week I'll be stating the obvious fact; that people eat the craziest shit, hence the reason people tell you, " This Is Why Your Fat." 

The Oreo Cakester Pancake Breakfast

An Oreo Cakester dipped in pancake batter and deep fried, covered in chocolate syrup, powdered sugar and topped with a melted marshmallow.

KFC Double Down Luther Sandwich

A KFC Double Down sandwiched between two glazed donuts.

Your Representatives Know How To Party

They can't manage to come together on a solution to repair our country's financial woes, but hey at least they know how to party.  A staffer who is probably wishing they hadn't done the unthinkable, sent out a photo of republican congressman Sam Graves' office last Friday night.  When the country was on the verge of budget collapse, Mr. Graves took it upon himself to have a few drinks, more than likely thinking of ways to stick it to the Democrats.  

Okay, okay, I'm sure all of our representatives were partying it up.

Rebecca Black's 'Frday' Gets A Parody

You knew it was only a matter of time before Rebecca Black's 'Friday' became a parody.  And you thought it couldnt' get any worse?

Well here's your Christian version, titled 'Sunday.'

OMG Hilarious! - Saturday

Isn't This The Truth...

WOAH OH OH OH, Hold It Against Me!

And this is how Britney should have done 'Hold It Against Me,' instead of the craziness that was her music video.  Not only, is Ryan James Yezak's video totally hot, it's totally cool.  Awesomeness at it's best.  Check it out and tell me what you think.

Poster of the Week - Issue No. 9 - Conformity

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

Flashback to the 1950's

"I need you so, that I could die, I love you so, and that is why, whenever I want you, all I have to do is dream."

If I could write every movie this song was featured in, I would.  If I could write down how many artists have sung different versions of this song, I would.  And...... I'll stop there.  The song was originally sung by the Everly Brothers back in 1958, 5 years after my mother was born and 7 after years after my Father. The likelihood they heard it as teenagers is pretty high.  Hell, I heard it as a teenager, and the original version no less.

 Here's a little something you probably didn't know...

On November 4, 2010, Stephen Colbert and Elvis Costello ended "The Colbert Report" with a duet of "All I Have To Do Is Dream" and the full version of the song appeared on the ColbertNation web site by the following morning.

Andy Gibb and Victoria Principal (Pamela Ewing from the TV series Dallas) released a duet version back in 1981.

Former marines, the Everly brothers are still alive today, and are very proud to say they had a total of 26 Billboard Top 40 singles and 35 Billboard Top 100 singles, they were also among the first 10 artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  In 1997, they were awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  In addition, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

I'd say those are some pretty darn good achievements;  There's plenty more to read at Wikipedia, but for now I present to you the original song in an actual live performance.  The sound is actually quite remarkable.  I have also added an extra bonus after the jump - the duets with Andy Gibb and Victoria Principal, also Elvis Costello and Stephen Colbert.

The duets with Andy Gibb and Victoria Principal, also Elvis Costello and Stephen Colbert.

The Sleepy Doggie

I met my partner Ryan the year his beloved maltese, Mashie passed away.  I never got to meet the little hairball, but it's videos like this that make me wish I had.  I miss you too Mashie.

OMG Hilarious! - Bad Parenting

Gay Ads That Matter - Issue No. 004 - Stand Up PSA from Ireland

It's been exactly two months since I posted any "Gay Ads That Matter," the last one was on February 8.  It's not very often I come across an advertisement that will bring me to tears, but this one does it.  Maybe it only brings gay people to tears, I don't know.  All I know is... it is one of the most powerful messages I have ever seen.

It was "Stand Up! LGBT Awareness Week" in Ireland last week, and in preparation for this event, Stand Up! released the following public service announcement.  Their purpose?  To "provide an annual focus for promoting positive awareness of LGBT young people, tackling homophobia and homophobic bullying, and building allies among young people and youth workers."

X-men: First Class Does The 1960's

Check these out...

Fox Studios, working together with Total Film Magazine created these vintage magazines as part of their X-men: First Class marketing campaign, and a pretty awesome creation it is.

 

Since the new movie is about the start of X-men (a prequel of sorts), the magazines reflect publications made back in the 60's; One can pretty much tell by the lettering who they are paying homage to.  Starting with the first magazine, Vogue, the second one, Esquire, and the third, Life.  The fourth one doesn't reflect a vintage collection, but posted it anyway.

Post Secret Fridays - Issue 054 - My Special Issue

I have been posting postcard secrets in my blog for well over a year now, and none has hit me as hard as the one I'm posting today.  It's hard to look at these cards every Friday knowing that somewhere out there, someone sent this card in to PostSecret.com, and the compelling images and riveting words truly touch my soul.  

It isn't so much that most of the cards are about unhappiness or depression, but it touches the human spirit in a way that makes one believe they can help.  As a gay man, I remember being suicidal in my younger years, from the molestations to the fear of rejection from family and friends for being born this way.  

I will always look back and reflect on all the lessons I have learned growing up, and the ones I continue to learn today in hope that my puzzle of life will be complete some day.  

I am truly blessed to have the man of my dreams (Ryan), our dogs, our home, a wonderful job, and our wonderful family & friends. There's truly nothing more that I could ask for.

 

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.

 

-----Email-----

Hi Frank,

When I saw the secret about the person wanting to cross the street, my heart sunk as I remember how I felt when I looked across the street at all the cars and realized being hit was better than making it across.

Thankfully, the realization scared me enough that I got help — and I too am glad I didn't. I've now been treated for depression for almost a year. Words can't describe how I felt at the time, but this postcard somehow captured it and even makes me feel a little better that I wasn't alone in these thoughts.

And if you are curious, I was right here:

-----Email-----

I'm the person who sent in the secret about crossing the street, and I just wanted to say hi to the other person who sent in the email and had the same secret. Hello other person - I'm so glad you didn't do it either.

This is exactly why I decided to send in my secret. I think there are probably an awful lot of us out there that have been in that situation -I know the statistics say that something like a person out of every four will suffer from depression in some form at some point in their lives. No one really likes to talk about it but I think maybe we need to.

The isolation was the worst part of it. As soon as someone knew what was going on in my life they started helping me and things began to get easier, so I just wanted everyone else to know that there is still hope. Call someone. It doesn't have to be a family member or a doctor - there are helplines or you can just tell a friend. Things can get better. Yes it takes time. And No you are Not the only one.

-----Email-----

The postcard, and response, of individuals wanting to step into traffic made a knife turn in my stomach. I commend both for getting the help they needed. Not only are they changing their lives for the better, but they've stopped themselves from changing the lives of the individuals in the vehicles.

I've never been suicidal myself but just over a year ago that very thing happened to my sister, mother and I--in the dark of night, on the highway, a man walked in front of our car. He didn't survive.

I don't have a photo of the side of the highway, but I do have a photo of the car. It's jolting. But I think it shows that even if someone does go through with suicide, their decision affects more than just the ending of their own life. It transfers their hurt, pain and depression to those in the vehicle who are "lucky" enough to survive someone else's suicide.

  See More Secrets. Follow PostSecret on Twitter.

Till The World Ends

Yes, the song and video grew on me. WOAH OH OH OH OH OH WOAH OH OH OH... 

I blogged about the release of this song back on March 4th, and my views remain the same.  While the song only has two verses, the catchy chorus gets us every time; And sometimes that's all one needs.

So Good Morning and let's get our Saturday started... Till the world ends...

OMG Hilarious! - Doll

Hot Doll For Dog - Literally

Princess (2001-2010)

Just when you thought you heard it all, they introduce us to sex toys for dogs.  Oh... how my little Princess would've loved this toy, God Bless her.

She used to have a small stuffed lamb that would squeak every time she played with it, And I mean really played with it.  Ryan would always laugh hysterically when he found her humping this poor lamb, and as she humped the lamb the squeakiness would get louder and louder, 'squeakie, squeakie, squeakie, squeakie,' it was hilarious.

I actually don't know where the company is located, because it's in English, and I believe, French, but the site is called hotdollfordog.com. 

Everything was going okay until I saw the video, oh dear Lord, please help me.  The advertisement starts off with what sounds like a 'Home Alone' soundtrack playing in the background.  Then it proceeds to state what the toy offers, beginning with  curves/fluidity, it's contemporary, offers stability, and has audacity. I guess the audacity part is because the fact the toy has a plug in it's rear you could remove if you have a male pet.

So what do you say? Need a Hot Doll for your dog?  Well I guess if Princess was still around, she'd want one. Until then, our other four chihuahuas will have to suffice with what they have.