We are going to highlight two different personality types today, for your reading pleasure.

One, we will call, “Miss Know It All – High Queen”, and the other, “Drug Induced Mixer Upper”. For short, we will go with Queenie, and Druggie.

The following stories are, while a bit colorized, totally true.

Now, Queenie, we see all the time. Sometimes several times a week. I was warned about her upon being hired. The store could be packed, with a line that is at least 15-20 minutes in length, and she still
demands to be taken first, no matter what. And, not only first, but she wants the product at 1/2 price! Every time!

Management has simply shrugged their shoulders with her, because she does bring in business. She isn’t malicious. Just annoying.

And, she pokes, prods, and gets angry if something isn’t done correctly, no matter what kind of pressure the associates are under. I work in a high volume store, and her understanding of this simple
fact is null and void.

I don’t think I’ve ever rung her up. I am not sure if I would know how! And, I’ve been there almost five months!

She always claims that she doesn’t have any money, and is on a budget, but yet, runs this “fabulous” business. It’s almost as if she is trying to prove that she is Queenie of Staples. Does she do this
everywhere she goes? What happens at the grocery store? Every one of them is generally always busy in this side of town.

On to Druggie. I think he tweaks. He comes in with a necklace with, I kid you not, at least 10-15 different flash drives around his neck. I work in a facsimile copy shop, so we service documents printed from
flash drives. I wonder if anyone ever asked him to condense his work onto one, or two? Each one is not filled.

So, with very little patience (hardly any of our customers have much patience), he is sitting behind our computer, trying to open files. Nothing opens. He then wants to invade our space with his raggedy,
old computer, to try and make it right. To no avail!

This isn’t the first time this hallucinogenic has done this to us.

Like the very crack he snorts, he’s a waste of time.

Alas, such is the guest service world that I inhabit. If I didn’t have the patience I have, I might be one of those clowns.

Moral of the story…. Next time you go into a facsimile copy shop (Kinkos, Office Depot, or the like), please take a deep breath, and be kind to the associates back there. It isn’t an easy job by any stretch of the imagination. Most everyone has large jobs, that take some time, and no one wants to wait for anything.

“Earlier in the week, the church voted to open the door to ordaining openly gay bishops. And on Thursday the bishops voted to start the process of developing rites for blessing same-sex marriages, and to give the green light to bishops who are already doing so.”

The New York Times –
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/us/17bishop.html?pagewanted=1&hp
Laura Goodstein

Bravo.

I think we can declare the year 2009 as a tremendous victory, in general for LGBT folks.
I do believe that Jesus kissed men? And, what kind of “all loving God” would hate anybody? It is totally educated to believe that this extreme dichotomy of heaven and hell, with regard to anyone not believing ending up in the latter, is just about as realistic as the pit of Hades, flying unicorns, or magical Egyptian priests. While I digress a bit here, I believe I am adding to the conversation from the Times.

For me, it is a bit sad that modern Christianity is what gets all the press. In a word, I’m sick of it. For the most part, any previous world religion is ignored, except for being taught in grade school. And Wicca (the planet’s oldest religion)? “Oh, that’s evil. People get killed and sacrificed to the devil. ” What a laugh! But, that is the stigma.

Now, I am not sure if the original writer of the bible would arguable be the greatest writer in history, or is the church the best marketer in history? Interesting when looked at from that, more financial perspective, isn’t it?

Also, Christianity is one of the very few (if not the only) religion in history that has persecuted gay folks so openly.

So, once again Episcopalians – bravo.

Am I arguing that elements of the bible don’t teach us basic values? Absolutely not. I think it’s more the fact that certain European kings throughout history have twisted it toward their own hell bent Inquisitional practices that I have a hard time with. Alas, during that period, the Bible was no better off than Mein Kampf.

I think, in any religion, we need more positive people like Bishop Gene Robinson. He brings up long standing relationships within the church that are timeless bonds. That alone is something to be admired, weather religious or not! As well, he brings up that this (in reference to gay marriage), is where the country is heading. As someone who tends to see all sides of the coin (if you will), I whole heartedly agree.

I don’t think there has ever been a period in history when so many more doors are opening for the LGBT crowd. And, I am very proud to say that Obama is, in a way, spear heading it. Even though we are waiting for him to follow through with certain policies where LGBT is concerned, just the fact that he is black, and president, has put huge, heaping dose of “alternate thinking” in the every day faces of America, and the entire world. So, in a way, the above Times article doesn’t surprise me.

Some say the “progressive movement” is not moving fast enough. Others are no doubt saying that it is moving too fast. I back up Mr. Obama with his statement that he is turning a huge cruise ship in a different direction, and it will take time. Things will happen as they happen. The point is, we all have to believe that this extremely educated man is doing his best with what he has to work with. It’s sort of the “frustrated genius” syndrome.

So, don’t worry yourselves too much that you aren’t getting this, or that, in whatever area. Work the best with what you have, and by the grace of God, be grateful!

Why, in the history of film, have family entertainment films been absolutely devoid of any LGBT love whatsoever?

If you actually sit down, and ask kids weather or not they care if there are two men, two women, or otherwise kissing each other up there on the screen, (especially if they are lesbian, gay, or bisexual themselves), then you may be surprised that they wouldn’t care.

With children, I would bet that it is far more simple than that. As long as good prevails in the end, it’s fun, magical, and the story is quality, than all is well.

It has been suggested to me that all this is over paranoid parents, who clearly are the ones paying for the entertainment, wouldn’t be able to stomach such stuff.

Now, to an extent, one can very much understand that studio’s point of view. Supposedly, most of the world is straight. So, it makes sense to market to most of the world.

Thank you so much for missing out on potentially more LGBT dollars, than you would have gotten otherwise (if such a thing can even be quantified, when based on who is “out”, and who isn’t..??).

I also find it incredibly interesting that such an idea is never explored, hinted at, tested, or otherwise produced on any level, despite how many LGBT folks are clearly within the upper echelon of Hollywood royalty.

Ahhh….. “The Hollywood Rules”. So productive! Oh, I forgot! They are productive when they want to be! Otherwise, the “rules” are then “the black book”. Cute.

An interesting notion….. A young adult piece of fiction with LGBT characters, issues, etc…. It’s only a matter of time. Just now, while I write this, such a thing is being produced, I happen to personally know.

The straight angle of young adult, and children’s stories that have been put out by the major seven Hollywood studios have captivated me for too long. Something huge is coming, and I am happy to be at the helm!

In the following tale of woe, intrigue, and mischief, I would like to introduce three characters. Lily – a mixed up blonde homeless – white (trash?). Joe – a well to do black business man, and finally, Mickey – an entertainment mogul – also white, and definitely not trash.

Both Mickey and Joe are married, and take due pity on the sad Lily.

It was a gorgeous summer’s day in a fantastic Beverly Hills manse. Joe was out walking the dog – Charms – a miniature Italian greyhound. Mickey was at home, moving his daily mountains behind his Mac, and watching, as best he could, the pitiful Lily go through her routine of getting ready to leave.

Lily has been a friend of the happy couple for way too long to be healthy. This fine day, she has been the hired help to watch both Charms, and Twisted Face – her pooch, while Joe and Mickey head off to one of their vacation spots. This happened to be on the 4th of July.

As a matter of happenstance, after the cute couple got back from their vacation spot, it was too late to drop the blonde flower back off to the disgusting pit from whence she came. So, they gave in, and let her (little did they know) slobber herself asleep on their new couch.

The next day, they found that Twisted Face had vomited all over newcouch, and that there were ripped up expensive clothes all over the place! Mickey and Joe, from other, more slightly positive, yet questionable experiences with flower fake (less than) power, had trusted her wholeheartedly. Why, oh why, oh why?!

During this morn of horror, they happy couple demanded that stinky Lily shower. Being a very gay couple, they were appalled to find out (after cleaning up the vomit, and distracted with myriad other things) that Lily was leaving the door open, while showering, and simultaneously emitting gasses worse than the sulfurous of sulfurs.

At this point, Joe was sent over the top. He had asked that Mickey get out from behind the computer, and assist him with cleaning up after the disaster. In a rage, Joe had hit Mickey with a rolled up poster. Mind you, it did no damage, but definitely got Mickey’s attention!

While Lily was still smelling, and attempting to clean herself up (just barely), Mickey and Joe had words.
Well, Lily got more scared than the most skittish of kitten cats, and left in a hurry.

After more careful examination of the entire situation on Mickey’s part, he saw that Joe’s rage was mostly from the disgraceful female.

Having known Lily for longer than Joe had, Mickey promptly sent her a letter of severe constructive critique, for her to better herself.

In the end, Lily got the help she deserved, and is now presenting herself better in the same manner ala Eliza Doolittle.

So, my friends, if you have a stinky weed in your family that just won’t quit, use a bit of tact. Hopefully, they will turn around as fast as the sincere Queen of Joe and Mickey!

At the above link, you will see the remembrances of the King of Pop’s celebrity gay icons. For the rest of this blog, I think it appropriate for me to speak about how I will always remember him, as an inspiration.

I begin this entry by referencing a song that I truly believe in. Anyone who can bring together the entire world though the arts, and do so in such a large way is to be with God. Music is international, and exalts.

My favorite music video is Thriller. Those special effects were cutting edge for the time. The warmth of that beautiful stop action animation, and puppetry has yet to be matched by the most powerful array of computers.

Each and every step of choreography that Michael has ever stepped is pure genius.

My favorite 3-D film of all time is Captain EO. It did what any good theme park is supposed to do – take you away, and transport you from your current location. This amazing film took us across space, where Captain EO beautified a dreaded, and hateful world. It was no doubt a metaphor for what he was attempting to do back here on planet Earth!

Something else I totally respect about him was his use of narrative. Many of his music videos weren’t the short three to five minute bim, bang, finished piece. They were films, and each one a gem.

Moonwalker also took us out of our seats, and on a roller coaster ride.

With iconic visuals, stark shots of magical poses, gorgeous special effects, and music that will sing in my heart forever, I will truly miss Michael Jackson.

Along with the rest of the world, I weep, but am also grateful for the rich legacy he has left for me, and the whole world. I know he is a strong source that I will often refer
back to.

With Love,

Thank you Michael.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gay-bar-raid6-2009jul06,0,869366.story?page=1

Well isn’t this interesting. It just goes to show you that after all that is happening in the world, after all that has been made public, and what has been put in the public eye for people who are LGBT, there is still outright stupidity being practiced by poor bags of rotten human flesh who call themselves “law enforcement”.

They claim that there were some gay men making advances toward them. Now, whomever is reading this, when was the last time any gay man just outright touched your crotch shamelessly?

That’s about as believable as little green men on Mars. Meep zorp!

The fact that this was, I am sure cleverly planned, carried out on the date of the 40th anniversary of Stonewall only adds salt to this very deep wound.

Outright police brutality doesn’t get anyone anywhere. How can that institution possibly demand the respect that their puny, less-than-juvenile brains demand, if they are behaving like worse than gang members?

I believe there are only a couple of explanations. One is that someone in that “force” is gay, and incredibly closeted. So, instead of dealing with his own frustrations in more productive ways, he has to get his cronies involved (because that’s exactly what they are), and take them out on the very thing he is afraid of.

Two is that they were all intoxicated with something themselves before they stepped foot into that bar, it was a slow night, and they had nothing better to do – like a spoiled child.

It scares me, because what kind of reflection is something like this on other police forces around the world? How are they going to read this? Will they respond in the swine-ish way that has earned them the name of animal same? Or, will this finally stop?

Obviously, police quite often are given too much power in their positions. Perhaps it’s time for some of those powers to be revoked, changed, turned upside down, inside out, and rethought. Whatever base internal law they feel they are following isn’t working, for themselves, or anyone else.

And yet, because of this very, very out of place incident, it almost seems like no matter how much fighting we do, LGBT or otherwise, it doesn’t matter. Well, why should it? We aren’t getting through. Emotions are emotions.

Then, there are blogs like mine, and so many more out there, in addition to the tremendous myriad of media, laws, etc… that have been put in to place, because of our fighting.

Let’s hope to the spiritual powers that be that this is a mere blip in the continuum.

I have found that these words not only connect to all things, but is also the answer to all things. Without balance, there can be no harmony. When there is disconnect, there is discord.

In marriage, the same grand rules and principles apply. I have been with both men and women in my time, and the underlying principles are the same.

At first, we need to look within ourselves. If we are not comfortable, both with, and do not love ourselves first, than the expectation of loving someone else should not be considered.

As well, common human decency, and the rules of getting along, to attract others to the liking of your personality very much apply.

As with anything in life, it is often about mindset. If one does not wish for anything long term, or substantial, and attempts to fake at doing so, than the result will definitely not be long term.
Seeing much of yourself in the other person is an incredibly difficult thing to find. When you do find it, don’t let it go. That being said, the more experiences you have had out of life, the more you can share with someone else, which, in proportion, would hopefully widen your pool of people to date. There! That’s another point for age!

See, it all comes back to balance.

Now, in a relationship, are there sacrifices? It wouldn’t be an equal footing if there weren’t. The key here is to create your bond in such a way that the sacrifices don’t become so sacrificial. Rather, turn
them into strengths to hold the relationship together, and when your brain comes out the other side, it will be far happier. Trust me!

So, today, my blog is brief. Again, it is an adjunct to other blogs up here similar to this, and is certainly a progressive mark in my own lifeline of a relationship. The concepts are simple. Unfortunately,
not everyone sees it as such, and makes all of this so much more complicated than it really needs to be. DON’T DO THAT!! The classic K.I.S.S. probably applies more to relationships than anything else
within our divine, human existence.

Go forth. Date. Love. Be Merry.

Their often happy, bright, and clear cut message has resonated throughout our community.

This evening, I have the pleasure of covering ABBA, The Music at the Hollywood Bowl.

“Since 1922, the tradition of presenting the world’s greatest musicians and striving for musical excellence has remained a constant goal of this famed Los Angeles cultural landmark.”

http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/about/index.cfm

Covering the first half, is a really good Neil Diamond tribute band called Super Diamond. Perhaps you’ve heard of them?

Eating is very much a part of the Bowl experience for me. The Patina Group reigns here, and they are uncompromising. Have the tater tots. Trust.

Spotlights.

The tribute band comes onstage.

This my first live ABBA experience, and I am having a lot of fun!

At first, I had a hard time adjusting to the fact that I wasn’t listening to a perfect studio recording.

The costumes are all white, which definitely pop against the colorful stage.

As expected, the Bowl is sold out.

The original woodwind player from the band is here tonight. It’s a true joy to hear such talent. Honestly, I could’ve heard just him the whole evening, and been happy.

*I do have a music background, and I compose myself.

Fernando is playing. After the first few songs of warm up, they appear to be more together. And, of course, the flute is perfect. I think the old guy snapped ‘em up!

During Fermando, the ladies get a chance to sing solo. Gorgeous.

Someone’s always smoking pot at the Bowl. Why??

The original ABBA guitarist takes the stage! Very personable guy. He needs to play with the fluteist!

In terms of true “ABBA” spirit, it didn’t happen ’till Money, Money!

And, of course, Ma Ma Mia! is just pure Swedish fun!

And, due to my own struggled in life, I had to shed tears during, “The Winner Takes it All”. So, I tell you – GO, TAKE IT ALL!

During Dancing Queen, more queens were dancing than I could count.

One of the seven wonders of Los Angeles – a whole, drunk and hugh Hollywood Bowl, on their feet, rocking out to ABBA!

So, clearly, ABBA “took it all” tonight. Overall, their is no experience quite like the Hollywood Bowl. It’s an Angelino classic, and the summer programs have something for everyone. Come. Have some wine, conduct an orchestra, or play a video game – LIVE, and partake!

*http://web.me.com/dezinewiz/Daniel_Louis_Rappaport/Audio.html

There are some corporations who hire LGBT people by the masses, yet, even hugging someone of the same sex while at work is against policy. This same company heavily markets products toward children, and, no doubt, the heads of that company are afraid that “being gay” while at work will cause them undo harm, no doubt.

But, in the end, do kids really care? All they care about is their candy, their toys, getting their immediate needs and wants met, and playing with others like them – for the most part.

It’s too bad. More people should think from a child’s point of view.

Now, there are certainly some companies that are more accepting. I did happen to notice a cloth ring on a gentleman’s hand that was rainbow colored. The colors were specifically the gay rainbow. He is a sales associate at a famous, worldwide office supply chain store. Now, could he kiss another guy while on the floor? Maybe. Maybe not. It’s those “underwritten rules” that are always both questionable, and annoying, because so often, we are having to read our bosses brains.

Sucks, eh?

As for myself, I am quite open about my life with my husband while at work. While he hasn’t stated his homosexuality, my direct superior is happily flaming. Usually, if others don’t talk about, or look at the opposite sex, than you can generally guess. So, I am lucky to be in such an open environment.

At least, in California, for the most part, if you are gay, you are accepted in the workplace. Even though it is the law to hire you, no matter what your sexuality, no doubt, there are many companies out there who do not.

One case I find particularly interesting, while not on the direct subject of being gay, is Lawry’s Prime Rib. They have traditionally had only women as servers. And usually older women at that. A number of months ago, someone made a big stink about it, and they had to hire some men. I have been back to that restaurant a number of times since then, and have been hard pressed to find a male server.

Yes, America is opening up. Starbucks sports the BEST PLACES TO WORK 2009 for LGBT Equality – 100% CORPORATE EQUALITY INDEX. That is incredibly admirable. They don’t want the hassles that anything otherwise could bring, and they no doubt understand the potential monetary benefits from marketing such things.

Not to say that other companies that do have that, that don’t necessarily put that on their web page are keeping LGBT people out. Obviously not. However, I at least know that I feel that much more comfortable shopping there! And, not only. Starbucks is known for their social responsibility, as it permeates within their corporate culture.

More should take a lesson.

I bring up, of course, the recent launch of the fabulous iPhone 3G S. With the “S” standing for speed, it definitely lives up to it’s name.

See…. Gay folks not only enjoy technology, but embrace it. I have been holding a mouse ever since I can remember. 1984 was a great year for me.

We gay folks enjoy nice things that work, are clean lined, and as flawless as possible. Few technology companies live up to the same standards as Apple. Let me rephrase that…. No technology company
lives up to the same standards as Apple. Oh, did I mention…. not too many companies, period, live up to the same standards as Apple.

We gay folks love to take pictures. So, thank goodness, the camera is updated with wonderful 3 magpixels, with auto focus, and auto white balance, to make our photos oh so gorgeous. We also love to share
them with every living being on the planet. Coupled with Mobile Me, we can do that instantly. In fact, after we get through shooting for a party, we can upload multiple images to the internet so that all of
our boyfriends, and girlfriends (that is – girls who are friends) can see them on the fly.

And, not only still pictures, but one can take, and edit video with this beaut as well. Want to edit out those horrendous dance moves from your parents? It couldn’t be easier. If you can point and tap,
than you can edit! And, e-mail it when you are finished.

For some of us, we just love to boss our other halves around. Now, if you feel like talking to something that won’t talk back, talk to your iPhone! With voice control, you can tell it what song to play, or who
to call. Oh, I lied. It does talk back, by telling you who it’s calling, or what it’s playing. At least it won’t make bad comments about your performance in bed!

Did you forget what store you purchased that perfect lube at, yet you made a contact for it? Well, if you at least remember the city, or part of the name, you can now search across the iPhone for the info., and it will come up in your search! Was their a coupon for a buy five, get three free (now really, are you having THAT much sex?) that was sent through e-mail? In the same search window, that will pop up also.

Too many drugs last night? Too much to drink? Land on a “friend’s” couch, and need to find your way home? Well, the new compass feature will keep you moving in the right direction! In conjunction with the
map feature, while driving home (or your designated), you will be oriented perfectly.

Well ladies – these are the highlights. May you have been inspired, and will paint the internets with your insane lifestyle!