Holiday Greetings from The Golden Gate

It's been awhile since I posted anything here. I've been taking a small break from the internet. Sometimes I feel caught up in the impersonal connections that we've become accustomed to on the internet. I like to disconnect, and introspect, for awhile.

Tomorrow, I'll be traveling to Oklahoma to be with my family for Christmas. As much as I love San Francisco during the holidays, Christmas-Time is about family, and that is where I belong. Before I go, I thought I'd share some of my adopted hometown's holiday spirit with my limited, but much appreciated audience. Enjoy...and Merry Everything!

This beautiful song is called "Christmas by the Bay" by Tim Hockenberry. The link on the song title is to the album on Amazon. This video has some beautiful photography to accompany the song. (3:44)

Quote of the Day: Muhammad Ali

"The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20, has wasted 30 years of his life." ~Muhhamad Ali

Happy Birthday to Bette Midler, The Divine Miss M

If you ever start feeling old, just play this clip of 'The Divine Miss M', Bette Midler. Filmed about a year ago, Bette was 63 years old in this performance. Today, she turns 64. You look fabulous Bette...and we will still need ya...and we will still feed ya...when you're sixty-five! Be sure you watch the very end of the clip.


Bette Midler's early career started out playing the bathhouses of New York City. In an interview years later, she was asked about the friends she made while living there. She replied: "They're dead...they are all dead. I never knew I'd be on such intimate terms with death at such an early age." It's ironic, but somehow befitting that Miss Midler shares her birthday with World AIDS Day. The following clip is from an AIDS benefit in approximately 1994. She sings two of her standards. Very moving. Happy Birthday Bette...and many more.

World AIDS Day: Honoring Pioneers

Typically when we think of AIDS activists, or symbols of the Anti-AIDS movement, Elizabeth Taylor, Elton John and Bill Clinton come to mind. This article takes a moment to honor just three of the less-known, less-celebrated pioneers in the movement, before AIDS activism was fashionable.

Louise Hay: Over three million copies of her book "You Can Heal Your Life", have sold worldwide. But it was in 1985, before supporting AIDS causes was popular, that Louise began a support group known as "The Hayride" with six men diagnosed with AIDS. By 1988, the weekly meeting drew a crowd of 800 people, and had to be moved to an auditorium in Santa Monica. During that time, she wrote "The AIDS Book: Creating a Positive Approach".

Louise went on to establish two nonprofit organizations, The Hay Foundation, and The Louis L. Hay Charitable Fund. Both charities support many diverse organizations, including those dealing with AIDS. Ms. Hay was considered highly controversial at the time she began working with AIDS patients, as were many who fought this highly politicized disease. Hats off to Louise.

Nkosi Johnson: When Nkosi died at the age of twelve, at the time he was the longest-surviving HIV positive child. Born with HIV, he first became widely known in 1997, when a primary school near Johannesburg refused to accept him as a student because of his status.

During his struggle, Nkosi was eventually credited for his huge impact on public perceptions of AIDS/HIV in South Africa. Before his death, he was the keynote speaker at the 13th International AIDS Conference. Nelson Mandela referred to Nkosi as an "icon for the struggle of life". Rest in peace, Nkosi.

Judith Light: Among all of the celebrity activists now out there fighting AIDS, one in particular stands out. Judith Light was not only there in the early days of HIV/AIDS, but has been a long-time supporter of equal rights for gays and lesbians. When asked about her passion for AIDS causes she replied: "I'm losing my friends. There's a very real epidemic out there that is preventable and I will not sit by passively and watch my friends die."

Judith's impressive resume includes work with the following causes: The Names Project, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Heart Strings, Northern Lights Alternatives, AmFAR, AIDS Project Los Angeles, Project Angel Food, Hollywood Supports, Shanti, and more. She has received numerous awards for her longstanding and devoted commitment to ending this disease. We love you Judith. Keep up the fight.

Quote of the Day: Eskimo Proverb

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

~Eskimo Proverb

Clip of the Day: Judith Light PSA

Why does Judith Light care about AIDS? Watch and find out:


Here is another great PSA I found on YouTube...chilling:


And finally, this shocking but important PSA from MTV:

News: Uganda's Nazi-Esque Anti-Homosexual Bill

A recently proposed bill in the Ugandan Parliament provides for the following penalties:

1. Alleged homosexuals face life imprisonment or death.
2. Parents failing to denounce a homosexual child, face $2,650 fine, or three years in prison.
3. Teachers failing to report homosexual students, face $2,650 fine, or three years in prison.
4. Landlords suspected of giving housing to a homosexual face seven years in prison.

Just how close to Nazism do these acts have to be, before the international community stands up and protests in disgust? For more on this story, and how you can help, visit The International Humanist and Ethical Union.

Quote of the Day: Vincent Lombardi

"It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.
~Vincent Lombardi

$weeps Issue #5: New York Trip - $30,000 Cash!

Here are four new listings of my sweepstakes/contest referalls. For the whole story, and useful information, read $weeps Issue #1: Introduction before jumping into this. You can find all the sweepstakes articles under the label $weeps.

First Up: Project Runway Fashion Week Trip
Project Runway and Lifetime television are giving away a trip for two to attend the Bryant Park fashion week in New York City. Includes round-trip airfare, two nights hotel stay, tickets to the Project Runway finale at Fashion Week, and $5,000 cash. Total value of prize is approximately $11,000. You are allowed to enter once each day, per person. (Promotion ends 1/4/2010.) Average WOT* Rating: 88.3

Second Up: Taste of Home $30,000 Dream Kitchen
TasteOfHome.com (a subsidiary of Reader's Digest), is giving away a "Dream Kitchen" valued at $30,000. The actual prize will be a check in the amount of $30,000, so you don't have to buy a kitchen if you'd rather have car or something! You are allowed one entry per day, and the promotion ends on 2/16/2010. Average WOT* Rating: 88.8

Third Up: Better Homes & Gardens $2,500 Get Cozy Sweeps
The Find-A-Pro division of Better Homes & Gardens, is having a drawing for your home improvement project. The prize is a check for $2,500. You are allowed one entry per day, per person. Deadline for this drawing is 12/31/2009. One entry daily allowed. Average WOT* Rating: 89.5

And Finally: $600 Shopping Spree at T.J. Maxx
Woman's Day magazine and T.J. Maxx are teaming up for this promotional giveaway. One winner will receive a $600 gift card, good at any T.J. Maxx store. One entry per day, per person is allowed. Deadline for this drawing is 12/20/2009. Average WOT* Rating: 85.0

*WOT: WebOfTrust rates websites on their trustworthiness.

Clip of the Day: Protect Insurance Companies PSA

This great little clip is from Funny or Die, and has received their "Chosen One" designation with 2.8 million views to date. (2:20)

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

And I Thought I Could Write

After reading back over what I wrote this morning, I couldn't believe how poorly constructed my thoughts were. I was still half-asleep when I wrote it. Nevertheless, my point came through.

To leave you with a final thought on Thanksgiving Day:

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true meaning of our thanksgiving." ~W.T. Purkiser

Here's to using my editing abilities better next time...LOL.

Giving Thanks: Deliberation & Forethought

On this day, I am most thankful for my dear friends and family. They are the foundation upon which I build my life and experiences. I am thankful for courageous leaders in the struggle for equal rights; for the fallen angels who led the early struggle with AIDS/HIV, and for the heroes among us who continue their fight.

Also, I've noticed much press lately, (really "talking heads'", not real journalists), considers President Obama slipshod, with no clear plan of action. They consider his deliberate and steady hand a "lack of decisiveness" on the war in Afghanistan. Frankly, I don't think he's exhibiting indecisive behavior at all.

Conversly, I believe he has been, and continues to be, decisive about his intent to remain informed, deliberate, and bring serious forethought to the impact of his actions. Past attempts to approach these decisions without the type of scrutiny he is giving them, have cost the U.S. untold blood and treasure...in Afghanistan and elsewhere. "What are your thoughts?"

So my thanks to Obamas; "Don't Listen to the Barbarians at the Gate". Review, deliberate, and push everyone to think out of the box, until you have a plan that will most efficiently invest what remaining blood and treasure we have for this endeavor. God speed to you, your advisors, and the soldiers on the ground who will carry out your orders.

These "talking heads" obviously don't care that the majority of our allies see Obama's caution and deliberation with great pride and admiration. So do I. Even one less dead soldier, will be worth Obama's time investment. It takes courage to drown out the barbarians at the gate, while you devise a way to save their homes and country. Happy Thanksgiving to the First Family. Our prayers are with you.

Clip of the Day: WKRP's Turkey Drop

Favorite Sitcom Moments: The Turkey Drop, WKRP in Cincinnati (6:44)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

"As God is my witness...I thought Turkeys could fly."

Adam Lambert: Double Standard for Gay Men?

If you saw the American Music Awards, you most likely saw the controversial performance by Adam Lambert. While Lambert admits the performance got a bit more sexual than he intended, he points out that it was nearly 11pm by the time he took the stage. He emphasized that "family hour" was over at that time, and suggested that parents should Tivo such programs before allowing their children to view them. Active parenting, a radical concept.

An interview with Lambert slated on ABC's Good Morning America was canceled. CBS's Early Show picked up the ball, and invited Lambert. In the promotional tape prior to the show, CBS showed a photo from the 2003 MTV Music Awards, with Madonna kissing Britney Spears. During the interview, a photo of Lambert's performance was shown, but with the controversial kiss pixelated. Lambert contends a double-standard exists for media tolerance of gay men. That it's somehow acceptable to view two women kissing, but unacceptable to see two men doing the same. CBS's actions seemed to support his contention.

For more, see Ed Kennedy's blog on AfterElton.com

Quote of the Day: Joseph Francis

As long as society is anti-gay, then it will seem like being gay is anti-social."
~Joseph Francis

Quote of the Day: Muhammad Ali

"The man who has no imagination, has no wings." ~Muhammad Ali

Say No to Church Mandates

Your spiritual and religious beliefs should inform your political viewpoints, and your vote. But it should not mandate them. For a major religious institution to step up and refuse to support health care rights for everyone, unless it includes restrictions on reproductive rights, is tyrannical. This behavior is the antithesis of the American dream: the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, under a state that is free from church rule.

Top Ten Chillaxin Songs (Part 2)

For your musical enjoyment, part two of my top ten songs for chillaxin. The Urban Dictionary defines chillaxin as: "Way-far laid back. Chillin' and relaxin' at the same time. An extreme state of contentedness. Good vibes."

Number Six: Soul of the Sea - Heart (6:29)


Number Seven: Nights in White Satin - The Moody Blues (7:20)


Number Eight: Libertango - Grace Jones (4:14)


Number Nine: Time - Alan Parsons Project (5:05)


Number Ten: Sweetest Taboo - Sade (4:23)


Hope you enjoyed my selections, and you are now "chillaxed".
Coming up next: My top ten "Get Up and Move" songs.

Quote of the Day: Kahlil Gibran

"And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."
~Kahlil Gibran

$weeps Issue #4: Berlin, Electrolux W&D, $20,000

Here are three new listings of my sweepstakes/contest referalls. For the whole story, and useful information, read $weeps Issue #1: Introduction before jumping into this. You can find all the sweepstakes articles under the label $weeps.

First Up: AllSaints Escape to Berlin Sweepstakes
AllSaints fashion brand is celebrating the opening of their first U.S. store. In partnership with Elle magazine, they are holding a sweepstakes for a trip to Berlin. Prize includes round-trip airfare for two, three nights at a luxury hotel, a $1,000 shopping spree at AllSaints Berlin, and $1,000 for expenses. Valued at $10,000. You are allowed to enter once each day, per person. (Promotion ends 12/26/2009.) Average WOT* Rating: 85.0

Second Up: Electrolux Front-Load Washer & Dryer Giveaway
Woman's Day magazine and BrandSource.com are joining up to give away an Electrolux front-loading washer and dryer set. Color options include Red Hot Red, Turquoise Sky, Silver Sands, and Island White. Prize is valued at $3,600. Deadline for drawing is 1/9/10. One entry daily allowed. Average WOT* Rating: 84.8

Third Up: CMT's World's Stricktest Parents Poll & Drawing
Country Music Television is conducting weekly polls about strict parenting. Each week, one winner is chosen to receive a $100 SpaFinder gift certificate. The final grand prize drawing is for a $20,000 check. You must register an account on this site to participate in the polls. One poll participation is allowed per person daily. Each poll answer earns one entry in the drawing. Deadline for this drawing is 12/13/09. One entry daily allowed. WOT Rating unavailable for entry web page. Average WOT* Rating for CMT.com: 89.8

*WOT: WebOfTrust rates websites on their trustworthiness.

Stupak Amendment Shifts U.S. Abortion Policy

Anti-choice representatives in the house slipped a late-hour amendment into the health care reform bill passed last weekend. The Stupak amendment makes it virtually impossible for women who access coverage through the newly created insurance exchange, to get coverage for an abortion. Even when they pay the premiums for coverage themselves!

This restriction effectively creates new federal policy on reproductive rights, by expanding limitations on access to abortion under the Hyde Act of 1976. Most notably, the policy disproportionately affects struggling lower income women. What never ceases to amaze me, is that those who would legislate restriction on reproductive rights, are often the same folks who would restrict, or eliminate, assistance to poor families. Where are the values in that? Keep the poor and disadvantaged, poor and disadvantaged, that's where.

If this amendment and it's impact on women concerns you, write a letter. MoveOn.org recommends writing to your local newspaper, as it creates a louder overall response, and has a bigger impact in Washington. They have a great letter-writing tool you can use available here.

If you prefer to write your representatives directly, here are the contacts:

House of Representatives Contact Directory
U.S. Senate Contact Directory

You should create your own letter, which is in your own words. But for inspiration, here is the letter I sent to the San Francisco Chronicle, my representative Nancy Pelosi, and my senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. Brief, and to the point:

"The Stupak Amendment effectively shifts policy on reproductive rights in the United States. It will have a disproportionate impact on poor and disadvantaged women. This hijacking of health care legislation is a travesty, and must be reversed."

Quotes of the Day: Dennis Miller & Hillary Clinton

"And by the way, my belief is that if men were the ones getting pregnant, abortions would be easier to get than food poisoning in Moscow." ~Dennis Miller

"I have met thousands and thousands of pro-choice men and women. I have never met anyone who is pro-abortion." ~Hillary Clinton

MediaMatters: Impact of Stupak Amendment

From MediaMatters, the following CBS report explains how the Stupak amendment will have an unprecedented impact on reproductive rights (1:27):

Top Ten Chillaxin Songs (Part 1)

For your musical enjoyment, here are my top ten songs for chillaxin. The Urban Dictionary defines chillaxin as: "Way-far laid back. Chillin' and relaxin' at the same time. An extreme state of contentedness. Good vibes."

Number One: Europa - Carlos Santana (5:01)


Number Two: Orinoco Flow - Enya (3:58)


Number Three: On The Road - Hans Zimmer (4:49)


Number Four: Crazy - Seal (4:29)


Number Five: Us And Them - Pink Floyd (7:49)


Hope you enjoyed...
Part 2 of my Top Ten Chillaxin Songs coming soon.

$weeps Issue #3: Luxury Laptop, Broadway, Xbox

Here are three new listings of my sweepstakes/contest referalls. For the whole story, and useful information, read $weeps Issue #1: Introduction before jumping into this. You can find all the sweepstakes articles under the label $weeps.

First Up: Elle Magazine's Luxury Dell Laptop Sweepstakes
A high-concept laptop PC from Dell and Bergdorf Goodman's, adorned with a Swarovski Crystal serpent. Valued at $5,000. You are allowed to enter once each day, for each drawing. (Promotion ends 11/27/2009.) Average WOT Rating: 84.8

Second Up: New York Style (Nonni Foods) Broadway Trip
This is a Second Chance Drawing, for the instant win prizes inside their products. The majority of these type of prizes are generally given out in the second chance drawings. Ten first prizes include round-trip coach air transportation for two to New York, two nights hotel accommodations, tickets to a Broadway show of your choice, and $750 spending money. Deadline for second chance drawing is 11/30/09. One entry daily allowed. Average WOT Rating (Nonni Foods Site): 70.0

Third Up: Pazsaz Xbox 360 Modern Warfare Limited Edition Contest
This limited edition console and additional accessories is valued at $400. Deadline for this drawing is 11/30/09. One entry daily allowed. Average WOT Rating: 90.5

Quote of the Day: Dr. Seuss

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Seuss

Clip of the Day: Protect Marriage, Protect Children

The Upright Citizens Brigade seeks to put a new initiative on the California ballot, which will protect families and children. (2:00)

Don't Lose Perspective: Keep Loving

It seems the deluge of news about violence and hate just won't stop. Well I believe we have the power to make it stop. It's easy to give in to fear, sorrow, and grief. It takes just a little more effort to have faith. Peace is not elusive, and faith is not futile.

The law of attraction reminds us that we can manifest reality through positive affirmation. Let's each remember to take a little time out each day for that. Contemplate love. Contemplate peace. Can you imagine the universal vibrations that would result, from one billion humans meditating on peace at the same time? Do your part.

If you have a little difficulty with meditation, or affirmations, may I suggest that you view this video with focus and sincere contemplation:

Selections from "Why I Meditate" #3

This is third in a series. You can view all the selections here.

"I meditate because I'm building myself a bigger and better perspective, and occasionally I need to add a new window." ~Wes Nisker

Wes Nisker is a Buddhist meditation teacher, author, radio commentator, and performer.

Quote of the Day: Kahlil Gibran

"When you pray you rise to meet in the air those who are praying at that very hour, and whom save in prayer you may not meet.
Therefore let your visit to that temple invisible be for naught but ecstasy and sweet communion.
For if you should enter the temple for no other purpose than asking you shall not receive:
And if you should enter into it to humble yourself you shall not be lifted:
Or even if you should enter into it to beg for the good of others you shall not be heard.
It is enough that you enter the temple invisible."
~Kahlil Gibran

Clip of the Day: Michael Jackson - Smile

How does one choose a favorite Michael Jackson song? Impossible.
Instead, here is Michael's favorite. A deeply moving rendition of "Smile".

Ballots a Bust: Obama Fierce Advocate? Not.

Once again using fear-mongering and distortion tactics, fundamentalists squeaked out a victory against civil rights for LGBT citizens this Tuesday. The passage of Proposition 1 in Maine, was by a mere 6 percent of the voting public. Proposition 8 passed in California last year with a similar overwhelming majority, by a margin of just 5 percent.

Many of these voters state that they support equal rights for gays, just not for marriage. They support a "domestic union" policy, that would grant gays and lesbians full rights, as if they were truly equal. Apparently the electorate still doesn't understand: separate, is not equal.

The reality is, that it's a religious issue. It is for them, and it is for me. In my religion it is absolutely acceptable for same-sex partners to marry. But my religion is not the issue, and neither is theirs. The state does not confer a religious license of marriage upon it's citizens, it approves a civil agreement between them. To separate the two, breaks two firm covenants of the American legal system: Equal Protection and Religious Freedom. Which group are we going to deny? The minority group, of course. The question we should ask ourselves is, who will the minority be in 50 years? Or 100 years?

President Obama ran on a platform of "fierce advocacy" for gay and lesbian issues. Yet, he and his administration remained deafeningly silent during the debate on these propositions. Columnist Dan Savage stated that "President Obama is a fierce advocate of gay rights the same way I'm a ladies man. He isn't...and I'm not."

The ballot proposition initiative process was designed to give voters the opportunity to reign in excessive taxation, approve bond proposals, and occasionally sound off on inadequate or improper administration of government. Not to decide constitutional issues that effect an entire class of citizens. Issues that should, and historically have been, decided through careful and deliberate legislation with strong oversight by the courts, and typically requiring a super-majority (67%) for passage.

Many point to the courts and decry their involvement as "legislating from the bench". In fact, the balance of power was afforded the judicial branch for exactly such cases. To protect the few, from the tyranny of the many. Can we state with certainty that the civil rights movement of the 1960s would have ever occurred, if not for Brown v. The Board of Education? Obviously progress would come eventually, but at what pace?

President Obama has a "bully pulpit". And like his predecessors, the ability to shape the national conversation when he chooses. Having run as a "fierce advocate", LGBT advocates have every right to feel anger and betrayal over his silence. Comedian Lewis Black once stated, "I believe that the reason that it's difficult for the gay community to be integrated into the society at large, the way they should be, is because there are no champions for them...in congress or in the white house. And, that is the way that every group of people, has basically been integrated into the society. That's the way it works."

If Mr. Black is eluding to political personalities, those with real national influence on the debate, I would sadly agree...as of August 25, 2009. On that date, arguably the strongest political advocate for LGBT equality passed away: Senator Ted Kennedy. His death was a great loss to our community, and we need desperately for someone of his stature to take the torch.

While personalities play a strong role in steering public debate, in the final analysis, we cannot rely on Obama, Kennedy, or any other public figure. Nor can we rely on ballot initiatives that allow a simple majority of voters, (not of the population), to determine our freedom and equality. For absolute and unqualified equality, it is in the courts that we will get final resolution. I submit that the place to start is challenging the constitutionality of state initiatives, when used to amend or restrict individual rights through a simple majority of voters.

Quote of the Day: John W. Smart

“Until gay rights advocates get off the Obama kool-aid…no progress will be made. A petition will not move this debate either. It is time for non-violent civil disobedience. There was no ballot initiative in Selma. Start with sit-ins at courthouses. We must be brave now. The first step is to STOP the errant nonsense of ballot props. We are forced to defend against bigots, and beg people to treat us as equals. It is degrading. Rosa Parks did not ask the voters to approve of her seat on the bus.” ~ John W. Smart

(Mr. Smart's comments respond to an article about the elections, on the California Ripple Effect Blog)

Clip of the Day: Prop 8 - The Musical

On subject, but providing some much needed comic relief, I'm offering up "Prop 8 - The Musical" from Funny or Die. It goes by so quickly, that you may find yourself trying to identify all the players. Here's just a few of who you'll see: Jack Black, John C. Reilly, Jenifer Lewis, Margaret Cho, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph, Nicole Parker, Allison Janney, Kathy Najimy, Rashida Jones, Seth Morris, and Neil Patrick Harris. (3:16)

Hint: With Funny or Die embedded videos, be sure to click the small orange arrow on the control bar. If you click the large yellow arrow on the video image, you will be redirected to the Funny or Die website.

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... from Jack Black

$weeps Issue #1: Introduction

This is the first post in a series of free sweepstakes listings. I'll be posting more in the future. I've reviewed the Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Web Of Trust Rating, to confirm they are not spam machines. No sites with an average rating under 65% by WOT (Web Of Trust) are suggested.

Generally, I'm looking at sites with an ongoing sweepstakes, a duration of 30 days or more, prizes valued over $500, and that allow daily entries. This cuts down on time investment, because once you've registered you can enter each day with just a click. You may want to set up a specific dedicated email address, so you can monitor for prize notifications, and isolate any potential spam.

You can find all past and future listings under this Label: $weeps. So...good luck to you. And if you win, don't forget about your friendly helper at Blognizance! LOL

The fist three listings will follow this post, and include a PC Giveaway, a drawing for a seven-day cruise for two, and contest for $2000 in cash.

$weeps Issue #2: PCs, Vacations & Cash

Here are the first three listings of my sweepstakes/contest referalls. For the whole story, and useful information, read $weeps Issue #1: Introduction before jumping into this. You can find all the sweepstakes articles under the label $weeps.

First Up: CompUSA's PC-A-Day Giveaway
Promoting the release of Windows 7, CompUSA is giving away one PC valued at $700 every day for 77 days! You are allowed to enter once each day, for each drawing. (Promotion ends 12/24/2009.) Average WOT Rating: 91.3

Second Up: Frommers Vacation Getaway
Frommers has an ongoing sweepstakes for vacations. You can enter once daily. The current prize is a trip for two, on a seven-day Caribbean or Mexican cruise. Includes roundtrip airfare, and an ocean view stateroom. Average WOT Rating: 80.3

Third Up: MySecretSound $2000 Contest
The first person to guess the secret sound wins $2000 cash. You can guess once daily. When someone wins, they start over with a new sound. They have given out seven prizes so far. This is pretty cool. The website is in Australia, but accepts entries worldwide. I'm assuming the prize is in $AUD, not $USD. As of this writing, the conversion is roughly $1825 USD. The dollar is WEAK folks. Average WOT Rating: 67.0

Selections from "Why I Meditate" #2

This the second in a series. You can view all the selections here.

"I meditate because there are so many other things to do." ~Wes Nisker

Wes Nisker is a Buddhist meditation teacher, author, radio commentator, and performer.

Clip of the Day: Jackie Makes a Phone Call

This is a classic clip from the Roseanne show. Roseanne and Jackie's father has passed away, and Jackie is forced to call a relative. Hilarious! (2:40)

News: Medication and Your Kids

Although I don't have children, I have many friends and family who do. The alarming increase in medicating children with pharmaceuticals concerns me greatly. The following text is the introduction to a Frontline investigation on the medication of children:

"In recent years, there's been a dramatic increase in the number of children being diagnosed with serious psychiatric disorders and prescribed medications that are just beginning to be tested in children. The drugs can cause serious side effects, and virtually nothing is known about their long-term impact. 'It's really to some extent an experiment, trying medications in these children of this age,' child psychiatrist Dr. Patrick Bacon tells FRONTLINE. 'It's a gamble. And I tell parents there's no way to know what's going to work.'

I urge all parents of children under 18, to view the full story. The decisions you make regarding the medication of your child are your business, but it's important to understand the risk vs. reward when doing so. The full program is 60 minutes long. It is split into eight segments (roll your mouse over the faded images just above the video, to see all the segments). You can watch it online here:

FRONTLINE: The Medicated Child

Selections from "Why I Meditate" #1

This the first in a series, I'll be posing on my blog:

"I meditate because I'm composed of 100 trillion cells, and from time to time, I need to reassure them that we're all in this together." ~Wes Nisker

Wes Nisker is a Buddhist meditation teacher, author, radio commentator, and performer.

Clip of The Day: 100 Seinfeld Moments

If your a Seinfeld fan, you'll love this mash-up of 100 Seinfeld quotes. Put together with a music soundtrack, and under four minutes. Nostalgic and funny!

Thoughts on the Upcoming Holidays

This time last year, food banks around the country reported sharp decreases in donations and sharp increases in demand. With today's unemployment rate, the situation is likely to repeat itself this year...possible worse.

One of the most common things I recall from last year, was food banks running out of turkeys. If you are able, consider buying two turkeys this year. One for your family, and one for a family less fortunate.

If there are folks on your Christmas card list that you know are unemployed, consider enclosing a gift card from their local grocer. If you are unable to make donations to your local food bank, consider donating your time.

If you have never been the recipient of grocery assistance, you can't possibly grasp the profound impact it makes. I have been. And, I can tell you that one bag of groceries goes a long way to warming the soul.

When I've been able to, I've provided grocery gift cards to friends in need. There is no gift that compares to the satisfaction I received, witnessing their delight. Keep these things in mind as we prepare to celebrate the great abundance in our country.

National Directory of Food Banks (Formerly Second Harvest):
Feeding America

Quote of the Day: Kahlil Gibran

"There are those who give little of the much which they have - and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.

And there are those who have little and give it all.

These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty."

~Kahlil Gibran

Playing For Change: Chanda Mama

You may have heard of Playing For Change..."a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. Music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race." One of the goals of my blog is to help promote understanding...love...and peace. So, I occasionally feature selected episodes of their journey. You can view the all the episodes I've posted to date here.

The caption for this next performance reads:
"This Song Around the World is a folk tune from Chennai, India. We started the track in New Orleans and added musicians from across the globe before finally delivering it the people of it's origin. We ended up in Chennai recording and filming the vocals from the Oneness Choir. The track has a feeling of perseverance and joy and features vocalists from four continents."

Episode Seven: A multinational performance of "Chanda Mama". (3:28)

Update

I've been taking a break the past two weeks from email, news, internet, etc. Now working on a new feature for my Blog. I'll be posting information and links to free sweepstakes entries. I am reviewing the Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Web of Trust Rating for each site before listing it. Should be fun.

News: Reasons to Celebrate Columbus Day

One of my close friends posted a note on Facebook this morning, "Happy Columbus Day everyone." One humorous comment stood out: "How will you be celebrating Columbus Day this year? I tried to find anything other than a mattress sale but alas, no such luck!"

As today's news came in, I realized there are a couple of great reasons to celebrate today. Particularly for those in California, but the effects of these events will probably sweep across the country (as they usually do).

First, Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Dianne Feinstein signed their names to a letter last Thursday insisting that the Senate include a strong public option in the merged health care bill. Previously, there was some doubt about Feinstein's resolve on the question. Courage Campaign is collecting signatures to a letter thanking the Senators for their action, and urging them to stand their ground when the matter reaches the floor.

Second, Governor Schwarzenegger today signed two historic LGBT rights bills into law. The Governor signed the Harvey Milk Day of Special Significance bill. A moment worth celebrating, as he vetoed similar legislation in the past. And more importantly, he signed the Marriage Recognition and Family Protection Act. It provides that same-sex couples married before the passage of Proposition 8, must be recognized as married spouses in California. Moreover, the law applies to couples married in or outside the State. It requires that such couples must be given all of the rights, protections and responsibilities of married spouses under California law.

These may seem like small steps, but in the larger picture of the LGBT rights struggle, these are monumental steps. The long-term impact of both of these accomplishments is immeasurable. A reason to celebrate!

Quote of The Day: John Stewart

"Why can't they have gay people in the army? Personally, I think they are just afraid of a thousand guys with M16s going "Who'd you call a faggot?" ~John Stewart

Clip of the Day: 575 Castro Street

Those of you who live in San Francisco, probably recognized this address immediately. It is the address of Harvey Milk's Camera Shop.

Take a moment of solitude, to reflect on this moment recorded some thirty years ago. About how far we've come...and about how far we have to go, to realize Harvey's dream.

News: D.C. March Reminds Equality Elusive

Hundreds of thousands of citizens march today on the U.S. Capital to remind their American brothers and sisters that second class citizenship still exists in our great country. At the forefront of their agenda is the end of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for serving in the military. Basically, this law informs a substantial portion of the citizenship: "It's okay to die for your country, as long as you don't claim equal recognition." Similar policies allowed African Americans to die for their country.

Additionally, LGBT voters are seeking inclusion in the federal hate crimes law. This law makes it a federal offense to assault someone based solely on their race, color, or religion. Conservatives contend that including LGBT citizens in this protection, amounts to "special rights". Apparently protection from having your body disassembled with assorted tools, having your genitals mutilated, and other abhorrent violence based on your perceived sexual orientation, is not comparable to lynching.

"Perception" of sexual orientation is noted when referring to hate crimes, because often victims of LGBT violence are straight. They suffer violence, or even death, because of a false assumption about their identity. What many voters and legislators fail to grasp, is that as long as LGBT citizens are not afforded the right to serve openly the military, or equal civil marriage rights, they are defined by law as separate, and unequal...second-class citizens. This substandard existence justifies violence in the mind of the perpetrator.

This past June marked the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, when a group of gays stood up to police harassment in New York's Greenwich Village and took to the streets. That night is most often noted as the birth of the modern gay rights movement. Equal rights, and more importantly equal protection, for LGBT citizens is long overdue.

Write your congressperson, and your senators. Let them know that you support an end to Don't Ask Don't Tell, and inclusion of LGBT citizens in the federal hate crimes bill:

• U.S. House of Representatives | Contact Directory
• U.S. Senate | Contact Directory

Quotes of the Day: Van Buren, Goldwater & Matlovich

"You could move." ~Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby), in response to a reader who complained that a gay couple was moving in across the street and wanted to know what he could do to improve the quality of the neighborhood.

"You don't have to be straight to be in the military; you just have to be able to shoot straight." ~Barry Goldwater

"When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men and a discharge for loving one." ~Leonard P. Matlovich

Clip of the Day: Boy George: Turn to Dust

This following song "Turn to Dust" is Boy George's best work in years. The video is from a YouTube member. FYI: "Chi Chi Man" is a derogatory Jamaican term for homosexual.

Quote of The Day: e. e. cummings

"The most wasted of all days...is one without laughter." -e. e. cummings

The Starter Wife: Fantasy Dream Sequences

I'm a huge fan of The Starter Wife, starring Debra Messing. I think it's the smartest, funniest comedy series to hit television in years. It costars Judy Davis, who I also really like. At the beginning of each episode Molly (Debra Messing), has a fantasy dream sequence, in which she portrays the character in a famous movie scene. The fantasy applies her current predicament to the situation in the movie scene. Really cool. You can occasionally catch reruns on the USA Network. I don't know if they're going to do a third season.

Here is The Tomb Raider Fantasy from one of the episodes. Molly and Rodney go searching for Molly's BFF Joan (Judy Davis). Joan and her husband Pappy disappeared on their cruise...


The USA website has a page with all of the fantasy scenes available for viewing. Each fantasy is only one or two minutes long. Just scroll down on any of these pages to find the thumbnails. A few of my favorites:

The Godfather (Molly Finds Ex-Husband Kenny)
Cinderella (Molly Meets New Boyfriend Zach)
Mission Impossible (Retrieving her Journal from Boyfriend's House)
Hello Dolly (Hollywood Outcast Molly, Gets a Movie Deal for her Book)

Quote of The Day: Playing For Change

"It became very clear that as a human race we need to transcend from the darkness to the light...and music is our weapon of the future." -Playing For Change

Playing For Change: War / No More Trouble

You may have heard of Playing For Change..."a multimedia movement created to inspire, connect, and bring peace to the world through music. Music has the universal power to transcend and unite us as one human race." One of the goals of my blog is to help promote understanding...love...and peace. So, I'll be featuring selected episodes of their journey here over the next few weeks. You can view the all the episodes I've posted to date here.

The caption for this next performance reads:
"As we made our way around the world we encountered love, hate, rich and poor, black and white, and many different religious groups and ideologies. It became very clear that as a human race we need to transcend from the darkness to the light and music is our weapon of the future. This song around the world features musicians who have seen and overcome conflict and hatred with love and perseverance. We dont need more trouble, what we need is love. The spirit of Bob Marley always lives on."

Episode Two: A multinational performance of "War/No More Trouble". (5:09)

Super Majority Proves Impotent

Despite a "Super Majority" in the Senate, and the fact that 65% of Americans support a public option in health care reform (New York Times/CBS poll), the Democrats just don't get it. Last week, the Senate Finance Committee voted down two different amendments that would have included a public option.

Experts continually point to a public option as the only viable hope for reigning in health care costs. Write your congressperson, and your senators. Let them know that you expect them to deliver what the American taxpayers want, in healthcare reform legislation: A Public Option.

Contact Your Representative Here
Contact Your Senators Here

Quote of the Day: Dylan Ratigan

"...As we watch the senators debate a public option that most of us would never be able to use, and it seems, lawmakers in general shying away from a bill that would subject health insurance companies to anti-trust laws. Other than Major League Baseball, only health insurance has an exemption from the Sherman anti-trust laws.

Instead of improving our health care systems by creating and enforcing free and fair markets, our politicians continue to engage in back room deals with health insurance companies and big pharma...instead of seeking answers to the problem of paying for and providing medicine to us.

We are doing the exact opposite in fact. Taxpayer money continues to be played with by politicians who are desperately trying to protect the status quo, leaving patients and doctors as fodder for their money game." -Dylan Ratigan

Clip of The Day: The Daily Show on Dem Majority

The Daily Show's John Stewart gives us a rundown on how the Democratic supermajority fails to pass health care reform, but succeeds in funding abstinence-only education. (6:54)

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Democratic Super Majority
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Ron Paul Interview

Clip of the Day: Craig Ferguson on Email

Craig attempts to read email during his monologue. (4:09)

Dr. Weil: Are You Depressed or Just Human?

In his recent blog on The Huffington Post, Dr. Weil discusses the stratospheric explosion of depression diagnoses in the U.S. "An astonishing 10 percent of the U.S. population was prescribed an antidepressant in 2005; up from 6 percent in 1996." Read the Full Article Here.

Quote of the Day: Plato

"Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul." -Plato

Viral Video: Yale Student's Jackson Tribute

This a cappella medley of Michael Jackson's songs appears to be performed by a very talented boy band. In fact, this Yale University student sang all six parts himself. His friend (left), edited the six performances together, and contributes some of the sound effects. The video is up to 1.2 million hits and counting. Recently, the two of them appeared on The Bonnie Hunt Show. Kudos...a great performance. (3:56)

Perspectives on Jackson's Life & Legacy

Like myself, you are probably burned out on the endless news coverage of Michael Jackson. The night before his memorial, I discovered something that I wanted to share…particularly with my family. But, I thought I should wait for the media madness to die down a bit. With the recent airing on Dateline of the Jackson tapes, there is no end in sight. So, I've decided to publish it now.

As reported previously here, my cousin visited Michael in 1984. Because of the great sense of gratitude I felt towards Michael, I was an ardent defender of his for two decades. But I must confess, that during the 2005 trial I began having serious doubts about Michael’s innocence in the abuse cases that surrounded him. Certainly I am not alone in my experience of conflicted feelings, about this curious, and occasionally disturbing, Iconic personality. After reviewing accounts of the evidence presented at the trial, and reading extensive discussions on both sides of the argument, I’ve resolved the issue for myself based on three observations:

First: In America we live by the rule of law. Not the least of which, is the presumption of innocence. All too often, we exclude those with fame from this basic right. The more salacious the charges, the less likely we are to presume their innocence. Logically, we understand that those with fame and power are susceptible to extortion. (Recent events with David Letterman and John Travolta come to mind.) Celebrities are often targets of extortion...and very often with false charges. Sadly, the more famous they become...the more likely they are to be victimized. But emotionally, we don’t give that fact equal weight in our rush to pass judgment.

Second: Matthew 7:1 tells us to “Judge not, that you be not judged.“ Many Christians consider this citation overused and misunderstood: that we should not judge the person, but that we are able to judge one’s behavior. Perhaps. But further examination reveals in Wesley’s Notes to: “Judge not any man without full, clear, certain knowledge, without absolute necessity, without tender love.” Additionally, the People’s New Testament extrapolates that “What [Christ] designs to prohibit is rash, uncharitable judgments, a fault-finding spirit, a disposition to condemn without examination of charges.”

Which brought me to my Third observation: Michael Jackson was found innocent by a jury of his peers. Considerable evidence exists to support the possibility that this man was in fact extorted, repeatedly. Reports indicate that the payoff made in the 1993 case, which many point to as "evidence" of his guilt, was done at the urging of his advisors. In 2005, again urged to do otherwise, Jackson refused to pay off his accusers and to stand trial instead. He did so to find vindication, which most still refuse to afford him. Jackson was once quoted with stating that: "Before I would hurt a child, I would slit my wrists."

A statement by Quincy Jones in a recent interview confirmed my long-held feelings about Michael: “He was the most lovely…most loving…man I ever knew. But, he was a tortured soul.” None of us will ever know the truth for certain. But I for one, have chosen to assume he was innocent. And I remain, not an apologist...but a defender. It pains me deeply when I read comments like: "Michael was a great entertainer, yes...but that is all. He does not deserve the kind of attention and adulation given him." What they don't realize, is that Michael was much more than an entertainer. He was one of the greatest humanitarians we will ever know. If you have any doubts, check out the massive chronology of his works here: JacksonAction. Make no mistake, Jackson liked living large. But, it's apparent that he gave nearly half his fortune away. I challenge you to find more than a handful of people who did the same, while they were still living.

Finally, I want to share something I discovered while reminiscing through some of Michael’s videos. Outside of his music, and the overwhelming curiosities we’ve been fed by the media, there is little insight into what kind of man he really was. In 2001, Michael addressed the student union at prestigious Oxford University with a speech entitled “Heal the Kids”. Some refer to the speech using the title "How to Forgive Your Father". In it, Michael demonstrates much of what his close friends keep repeating…what an intellectual, and truly loving person he was. He reveals deep empathy for the empty lives some live, despite all the success and fame they may achieve, and material wealth they may come to possess. To speak of such an inner void caused him to pause three times during his speech to weep. His speech was interrupted by four standing ovations – a rare thing at the Oxford Union, where cool headed intellectuals are not noted for being outwardly emotional.

If you’re interested in hearing the audio files, they are split into four parts and are about 36 minutes total. While the text alone does not have the same impact as the audio files, you can read it here, if you prefer: Heal The Kids.

Most importantly for my family, you will discover that Michael spoke briefly about David in his speech (located in Part 2, between 3:00 and 4:50). He does not name David specifically. And while he obviously (and perhaps purposely), has turned the facts of the story inside out, it is the profoundness of the experience that he's communicating to the audience...and I'm reasonably certain that it’s David he’s speaking of. While there may have been another child with the same experience, it's just as likely he's speaking of David, as it is someone else. Judge for yourself. Hearing it was quite moving for me, as I’m certain it will be for you. If you’re reading the text instead, you will find the discussion of David about ¼ of the way through the text.

Presented in order, here are the four parts of Michael's address:




Rest in Peace, Michael.