MY NEW BLOG IS HERE

Please change your bookmarks and blogrolls! And visit me at my new blog:
hoodlum blog.

WINTER MIGRATION -- follow me!

I am in the process of moving my blog. actually, it's kinda already moved. Most of the posts you remember from this blog have been transfered, so no fear!

> bookmark me: hoodLum blog.

I look forward to your participation at the this new blog. it's feature-packed and better suited for my needs. See you there!

Ashcroft says judges threaten national security by questioning Bush decisions

Ashcroft says judges threaten national security by questioning Bush decisions

in their own words

world leaders respond to bush victory

Jesus Perez, Venezuelan Foreign Minister

We will hope that in this second mandate we can improve our relations.

We are dancing the tango. When you are dancing the tango and your toe is stepped on, hurting your toe, you complain. If it is stepped on harder, you complain again. There's a whole game, but we are prepared to continue dancing the tango.

Aleksander Kwasniewski, Polish President

From the point of view of Poland's interests, further co-operation with George W Bush is good news. I hope that this will also mean increased activity in bilateral affairs, as they lacked sufficient engagement.

Moody Awori, Kenyan Vice-President

I am a little bit apprehensive because the first term of Bush, he had come in as a lame duck.

Now it appears as if he is winning very convincingly. To me, I think we are going to see more dictatorship on an international scale. We are going to see more extremism come out of there.

We are going to see even more isolationism where America will not bother about the United Nations. To me that is a very sad affair.

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spanish Prime Minister

I would like to express the desire of the Spanish government to contribute to a relationship based on efficient and constructive co-operation with the government of the United States, with President Bush.

Ehud Olmert, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister

Mr Kerry would have been a very friendly president to Israel as he proved to be for a long time in the Senate. Now that Mr Bush is elected, we are very happy and we congratulate the American people for their choice.

Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian President

I am pleased to congratulate you on your re-election as US president for a second term.

We hope that Mr Bush's new administration, together with the European Union, can bring influence to bear to arrive at a peaceful development in the [Middle East] region.

Jan Peter Balkenende, Dutch Prime Minister and EU President

The United States and the European Union are linked by strong cultural, economic and political ties, and by our shared values. This makes us each other's natural and indispensable partners.

Javier Solana, EU foreign affairs chief

Together, Europe and the United States face many critical challenges in the years ahead. As in the past, our best hope for success lies in common action.

Gerhard Schroeder, German Chancellor

The world stands before great challenges at the beginning of your second term: international terrorism, the danger of weapons of mass destruction, regional crises - but also poverty, climate change and epidemics threaten our security and stability.

These challenges can only be mastered together.

I will continue the good and close co-operation that we have. This is in the interests of the United States as well as those of Germany and Europe.

Hu Jintao, Chinese President

Both China and the United States are great countries and share a wide range of common interests and basis for co-operation.

I look forward to continuing to work together with you to further promote the development of the constructive co-operative relations between China and the United States.

TO SUM IT UP: 'holy shit, this sucks.'

What have you done, America?

my late night dispair and disbelief, recorded here for prosperity. try not to make too much fun.

Global monitors find faults

Global monitors find faults

Americans in for rude awakening

t r u t h o u t - Eyes of the World on U.S. Election

I VOTED! (see for yourself)

I woke up to a gorgeous West Hollywood sunrise today. My iTunes, on cue, began streaming KCRW as I stretched out of bed to make my morning brew. Waiting for the coffee, i took the time to check my favorite spots online for the latest election coverage and gossip.



Check out dailyKos today if you have a chance. Don't forget Talking Points Memo as you brave the wait today, either. The power and influence of the Internet and the blogging community cannot be underestimated in this election. The sites i mention above have been a powerhouse of information and community -- focusing attention on GOP dirty tricks and providing hope and sustainable tactics for the reality-based engaged community.



Of course when my coffee was ready to drink and my first surf complete, i ran out to the fire escape to ... start my own little fire. I've been kidding myself lately that i would stop smoking if Kerry wins today. That remains to be seen. But it truly may happen. I guess it all depends on the results (hopefully) we get tonight.










I arrived at my polling place in plummer park in west hollywood before 9AM and picked up my ballot. Unlike the touch-screens in Florida and Ohio, my ballot was blank. (did you hear that the e-voting in Florida actually marked 'bush / cheney' on the summary screens of people who almost certainly had chosen kerry / edwards? Be sure to check your summary screen before submitting your vote if you are voting electronically.







Once in the booth ... 1.5 hours later ... i was able to clearly mark my choice for President and Vice President. Let there be no doubt -- I chose John F. Kerry and John Edwards.













Then i happily dropped my ballot into the locked box that will eventually make its way to Sacramento to be counted. Thank goodness California is Blue. I lived in Texas during the 2000 election -- a red state, indeed -- so it was especially gratifying to know my vote was with the blue majority this go-round.







Hope is on the way. Peace be with us.

WeHalloween

A few shots from last night's adventures on Santa Monica Blvd.
[ check it out ]

Need I Say More?

! AtTenTIOn ShOppERz !

"In fear ye shall seek defense or shelter...come this way, my friend.

- "Unpublished Quotes Until Now" by Matt Lum (Chapter 10: The Lore is Our Shepherd)

BBC Documentary:
Terror Threat is Fantasy of Control
Take a read through this somewhat lengthy piece on the documentary set to air on BBC2 in a few weeks. I hope it finds domestic distribution -- I'd love to see it.

During the three years in which the "war on terror" has been waged, high-profile challenges to its assumptions have been rare. The sheer number of incidents and warnings connected or attributed to the war has left little room, it seems, for heretical thoughts. In this context, the central theme of 'The Power of Nightmares' is riskily counter-intuitive and provocative. Much of the currently perceived threat from international terrorism, the series argues, "is a fantasy that has been exaggerated and distorted by politicians. It is a dark illusion that has spread unquestioned through governments around the world, the security services, and the international media." The series' explanation for this is even bolder: "In an age when all the grand ideas have lost credibility, fear of a phantom enemy is all the politicians have left to maintain their power." Guardian Unlimited: The making of the terror myth

In the meantime, download and watch the clip below -- not sure who made it, so if you know, tell me so I can give credit where credit is due. Please 'right-click' and save target/file as then watch it from your harddrive. A media server mine is not. (if you're still one of those reluctant to download and experience QuickTime, just do it.

Are you scared, yet?
A look at the Republican National Convention footage reveals a scary truth: while lots of Americans chalked it up to the political equivilant of theFlobee infomercial (you know, the 'flip the switch and you're a barber' myth) -- we tend to forget that there are lots of Flobees in America's closets, basements and garages. But what exactly were they 'selling' to America -- and henceforth forcing on the world? See for yourself. None of the clips are repeated -- and they are presented in chronoligical order. [5.2M .mov]

Guardian Unlimited | US elections 2004 | Poll reveals world anger at Bush

Guardian Unlimited | US elections 2004 | Poll reveals world anger at Bush

Are you listening, America?

Spread the word: Bush has ignored global issues at the world's peril. New Scientist | US Election 2004

An Open Letter to Rudy Giuliani

Like most Americans, in the months following 9/11, I had a tendency to credit you for New York's remarkable comeback after such a tragedy. We will always appreciate and honor your leadership in that regard.

But I write with disappointment. I think your pandering 'conference call' in which you lambasted Kerry for his 'position' on terrorism was a devastating blow to your credibility and career.

It's truly unfortunate that our President has mismanaged this country so gravely that he must ask you to sacrifice your integrity during this critical time for America.

Isn't there room in you guys' apparatus for at least one 'leader' who is prone to acknowledge reality? To carry the 'preparedness' torch rather than a rocket launcher? To promote security rather than fear? That can no longer be you.

You should have stood your ground and proposed a more effective way to support the president. A smarter plan may have even quelled the growing notion that another four years of Bush could be devastating.

This is in reponse to this.

Global Warming Will Fry YOU

It's too late not to pay attention -- rising CO2 levels will affect YOU -- not your children. READ THIS:
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/environment/story.jsp?story=570734
It's not speculation.

American Civil Rights in Crisis Under Bush, Commision Finds

HIGHLY RECCOMENDED READING:
ALL OF THE CITATIONS BELOW ARE DIRECT QUOTES FROM THE STAFF DRAFT REPORT BY THE UNITED STATES COMMISION ON CIVIL RIGHTS ABOUT PRESIDENT BUSH'S CIVIL RIGHTS RECORD. THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND REPUBCLICANS IN THE CONGRESS HAVE STRUGGLED TO KEEP THE REPORT FROM THE PUBLIC UNTIL AFTER THE ELECTIONS.

"This report finds that President Bush has neither exhibited leadership on pressing civil rights issues, nor taken actions that matched his words.

This report finds that President Bush has not defined a clear agenda nor made civil rights a priority.

President Bush seldom speaks about civil rights, and when he does, it is to carry out official duties, not to promote initiatives or plans for improving opportunity.

many of his nominees and appointees do not support civil rights protections. The effect may be eventual weakening of civil rights laws.

After accounting for inflation, the President�s requests for the six major civil rights programs (Departments of Education, Labor, Justice, Health and Human Services, and Housing and Urban Development, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) amount to a loss of spending power for 2004 and 2005.

While judicial and legislative achievements of the 1960s and 1970s largely broke down the system of segregation and legal bases for discrimination, the effects persist and hamper equal opportunity in education, employment, housing, public accommodations, and the ability to vote. President Bush has implemented policies that have retreated from long-established civil rights promises in each of these areas.

Voting Rights: Despite promising to unite the nation and improve its election system, the President failed to act swiftly toward election reform.

As a result of the President�s inaction, little will change before the 2004 elections, and the problems that linger, unless resolved, will most likely disenfranchise some eligible voters.

Equal Educational Opportunity: Early in his administration, the President widely promoted an education reform proposal, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and garnered bipartisan support. Despite its worthy goals, however, NCLB has flaws that will inhibit equal educational opportunity and limit its ability to close the achievement gap.

Affirmative Action: The President�s stance on affirmative action is equivocal at best. President Bush has tried to please both supporters and opponents, a tactic that has resulted in a misleading and vague position. He has not exhibited strong leadership on this issue where leadership is vital.

Fair Housing: Policies instituted under the Bush administration have diminished housing opportunities for poor, disproportionately minority families.

Environmental Justice: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under this administration, despite some attempts, has not always been successful in advancing the cause of environmental justice.

Hate Crimes: The administration paid little attention to hate crimes until after September 11. Since then, the President�s words and actions have conveyed mixed messages.

The administration did not sustain its strong rhetoric after September 11. Neither did President Bush support passage of the Local Law Enforcement Act, a proposal that would protect gay men and lesbians, and persons with disabilities from hate crimes.

He has presented the initiative as an end to discrimination against religious organizations, using terms such as �remove barriers,� �equal access,� and �equal treatment,� which convey that such programs have civil rights relevance. In reality, the program does not remove barriers to discrimination. On the contrary, it allows religious organizations that receive public funds to discriminate against individuals based on religion in employment.

--------------

SUMMARY FINDINGS

Several themes emerge from this study. Specifically, this examination will show that the administration�s statements frequently do not match its actions. Its civil rights promises often suffer for lack of funding and ineffective implementation.
p 7

through the views of his executive and judicial appointments and his own professed priorities, President Bush redefines civil rights, at times by promoting unrelated initiatives under a civil rights banner.
p7

In a less publicized, but related action, the Bush administration has stopped making available to researchers and the public statistical information on the race, ethnicity, gender, and job classification of employees at the nation�s largest companies. 17 The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) had made such data available for more than 30 years, and it was used by government agencies conducting compliance reviews and complaint invesplaintiffs in discrimination suits, and employers seeking to develop diverse workforces.
p11

To speak about the importance of diversity without acknowledging the role of affirmative action or the need for comprehensive data is to disregard the remaining vestiges of discrimination. Moreover, the President seems to deliberately, and in a highly disciplined manner, alter public discourse by expressing diversity and civil rights as interchangeable concepts.
p12

He seems to place no value on including civil rights leaders in policy discussions or soliciting input from anyone other than his own close circles, and even then only those who share his views.
p13

-- DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THE FULL REPORT HERE FIRST. IF BY SOME CHANCE THE FEDS REMOVE THAT LINK, TRY MY SERVER.

Report on Bush by Fed Agncy: Democracy Damanged

Democracy Damaged: Modern-Day Disenfranchisement

In 2000, the presidential election and its aftermath turned international attention to the application of America�s election laws and policies. The outcome of the election was undecided for weeks as several hundred votes separated then-Governor Bush from then-Vice President Al Gore in official Florida vote tallies. Confusing ballot designs, registration problems, and computer malfunctions made the effort of recounting votes frustrating and controversial. Election officials� treatment of absentee and military ballots, and registered voters turned away at the polls, magnified the controversy. The Supreme Court intervened and ceased the recount process, effectively awarding the presidency to Governor Bush.

The election proved that the nation had far to go to protect voting rights for all. Nationwide, an estimated 4 million to 6 million votes for President and 3.5 million Senate and gubernatorial votes were lost, half because of registration list errors, and 1.5 million because of equipment problems. For example, officials in Florida removed names of thousands of voters from registration rolls before the election on grounds that they were convicted felons. Few actually were; most were Floridians who had similar names. After the election, state officials ordered the names replaced on the rolls, but affected Floridians had already been barred from voting. Overall, disenfranchisement in Florida fell most harshly on black voters who, statewide, based on county-level statistical estimates, were nearly 10 times more likely than nonblack voters to have their ballots rejected.

- Redifining Rights in America: The Civil Rights Record of the George W. Bush Administration, 2001-2004

United States Commission on Civil Rights

I will be posting more damning exceprts from this unsettling report soon. In the meantime, check out the website and download the full report yourself. it's scary reading. Also, check out this publication as well: "Is America Ready to Vote? Election Readiness Briefing Paper.

RECENT VOTING-RELATED ARTICLES: (I will only post those I've read and find helpful.)
The Washington Post - October 10, 2004
Behind the Scenes, Officials Wrestle Over Voting Rules - by Jo Becker

Just Who Is Bush Defending?

President Bush tried to portray himself last night as the 'defender of America' -- but by most objective accounts and analysis of the debate, he was (is) too busy defending himself to make any headway. Seriously -- to the American people, I pose this serious question: "George Bush claims he's defending America ... but maybe he is simply defending himself."

I was a little shocked that some pundits claim the debate was close -- or that Bush "won" or they "tied" -- when the reality has clearly demonstrated that the President is an angry man with no tolerence for thoughtful debate, no stomach for alternative views and no discernable ability to understand the totality of concern his "war" on terror has evoked. Not to mention that he provided no credible explanations about the Iraq occupation in wake of the discrediting of all his previous rationale.

There's no doubt Kerry missed several opportunities last night to exploit Bush's unfleeting ignorance and meglomaniacal malarkey -- but we've got until Wednesday for the press and the American public to reflect on Bush for themselves. A man in control? A man who resorts to screaming at American citizens at the town hall? A man hopped up on cocaine? Suffering from any list of mental disorders?

I have no direct evidence that Bush is any of the above -- but if one's actions, reactions and words prompt the questions, it's worth exploring.

I wonder which George W. Bush we'll see at Wednesday's debate. Does he have three personalities? Or have we met both of them already? Or is there only one George W? That seeems more likely, making his first debate appearance evidence that his handlers decided last week to tranquilize the President. Personally, I would feel better about the administration if they could blame Bush's aloofness on prescribed "stress relievers."

I hope you take the time to watch the video clip -- and really engage yourself in the other still image provided above. When's the last time you had that look on your face? Was it because you were anxious to win the peace? Don't let up on this, America.

"The Scary Little Man" - http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/101004Z.shtml

NPR : Bushies Keep Non-Supporters from Rallies, Public Bush Events

This story is just sickening. Our democracy is at stake. Do everything you can to alert your friends, acquaintences and strangers to vote on Nov. 2 to save America.

NPR : Campaign Security Screening Crowds for Doubters

Bush Bulge Blogs

It's almost impossible not to believe -- I have to admit that several times during the debate i had the sense that Bush was being fed his lines -- check through the article linked below -- if you're not a salon.com member, simply follow the prompts for the free day-pass. You don't have to register, just watch an add about Sony's Vaio. Salon.com | Bush's mystery bulge

Also, check this site, which is the Internet home of the puppet president theory. [ here ].

Freedom Means Freedom for Everyone

In a well-timed ad buy, glaad is now broadcasting the winning entry from their I DO contest in a few key battleground states -- encouraging equality-minded Americans to vote their conscious on Nov. 2. The winning spot, "I Believe in Love," begins with VP Cheney's quote, as reflected in the title of this post. This got quite a bit of play in the VP debate.

Well over 80 teams submitted their mesasges of marriage equality to the I DO contest -- all skillfully crafted and from the heart, this collection vividly illustrates the real-life implications of this important debate. I encourage you to visit idoin30seconds.org to support this initiative.

Our greatest asset is our humanity -- and sharing the reality of our lives is the best way to change hearts and minds.

Bush Orders Mt. St. Helens Eruption to Distract from Debate Defeat

President Bush denied allegations today that he ordered US forces to trigger volcanic activity at Mt. St. Helens in order to take the media's attention from last night's debate.

"Bush triggered the activity as a part of his Clear Skies Initiative, not for any other reason," press secretary Scott McClellan told reporters today in the Rose Garden. "If you want clean skies, you've got to have a balance between 'natural' smoke and pollution and the shit we create every day."

The small eruption was timed, coincidentally, to interrupt CNN's "Inside Politics," turning Judy Woodruff's attention mountainside. "The eruption is a clear reminder that our planet is a living thing," she said.

From the Fire Escape

I decided to take audioblogger out of the closet after today's post-debate cigarette on the fire escape. It's short and sweet and so forth.

Morning Smoke

Dusty Insomniac

I probably should have sought shelter elsewhere last night: there's an unnatural taste in the air from the new walls David installed Monday and Tuesday. Everything's still covered with dusty plastic -- and it will be until the finisher is done with his taping and plastering later this afternoon.

Although we haven't had time to get used to the new floorplan, i am sure it will work out just fine. I now have a bedroom -- an odd little askew section of the living room is now set aside for my nakedness and privacy. Matt also had a hallway built to separate his bedroom from the bathroom.

But I am restless in my arenaceous new space this morning, stuck in a holding pattern until I can clean like a madman, plan my interior design and buy furniture. We'll also soon have a functioning living room -- a sofa, chairs and a table or two. Until then, I'll remain a dusty insomniac.

Spin d'Globe

delightful was this weekend past
full of possibilities vast
no news, just friends; no net, just booze
plenty in which i found a muse
don't forget to remove your shoes

imaginary walls now built
relax, stretch out, throw off the quilt
a lovely train without a track
about my bags, should i unpack?
three cheers, two days, surprise attack

Pharma Giants Push Erection-Causing Drugs to Swing States

In another attempt to save the institution of marriage, the Religious Right has stepped up pressure on pharmaceutical giants to "do their part" to save it. Threatening to yank support of key legislation, congressional aides made angry calls this afternoon from D.C. to remind CEOs of their responsibilities.

"The Lord has shown us that erectile disfunction is a tool of the devil," explained Rev. Whitemore of Houston's Bayou Baptist Church. "The devil is evil, cunning and patient. He knows that husbands shall wonder when wives fail to faciliate his God-given need to ejaculate. If we don't do something to help him get it up, the devil wins because the marriage ends."

In a back-door deal with the Bush Administration, the FDA rushed approval of three new erection drugs Monday morning. This afternoon, pharmaceutical giants immediately purchased air time in swing states to market their erection-making drugs. Doctors in Ohio and Michigan reported that pharma reps left up to three times the typical amount of "trial samples" during unscheduled drop-ins that are expected to continue through Friday.

"This is an obvious attempt by the Bush administration to keep the 'swing middle' sexually gratified leading up to the big erection," claimed Dr. Howard Dean. "It reminds me of how they've stayed in power as long as they have -- by doing the same thing with anti-depressants."

Scott McClellan, responding for the White House, said the President is concerned about the rising cost of health care in America and would do what he can to make sure all citizens have affordable prescription plans.

Chatter on the hill also indicates we could expect big news from Pfizer next week about a pill that is said to "promote a healthy lifestyle" and "help adolesents make important decisions about their sexuality that could affect them for the rest of their life."

-- Matt Lum, Sept. 21, 2004

Retail Details

I am going shopping today for a new outfit. I finally got a few checks in from some consulting work and i am anxious to go and spend some of it. I've not gone shopping for clothes in six months. I have no idea what's hot this season, and am not too sure that i really care. I hear it's blacks and whites with bright accents like yellow. We'll see what i end up with today.

Regardless if i chose a few trendy choices in line with what the fashionistas would consider "the new fall look," it better be a good fit for me -- because the Fab Five (from Queer Eye) are supposed to be at this party I am going to tonight. We'll see if they show up.

It would make a good story if my fashion sense was challenged by those guys at the party, but surely they're not that rude. I'll let you know.

Reality Check: New TV Season has Fewer Gays than Ever!

GLAAD released their analysis of the Fall TV lineup today -- It's really shocking. I suggest you take a look so you'll know what to say when someone mentions "all that gay stuff on tv these days." There's really not very much at all. The fewest since 1996 as a matter of fact. Get the details here.

Must be the Hood

I have this little thing i do called smoking cigarettes. Yes, I am completely aware of the health risks involved, and i don't mean for this posting to advocate smoking. HOWEVER! and it's a big however, as you may have noticed, smoking continues to provide endless connections and possibilities that i would never come to see if i didn't puff puff puff.

For example -- because i don't smoke inside, i am oft out and about smoking. Typically, at my building, i smoke on the nearest outdoor stairwell. Because of my travels to and from this location, I have been enlightened to many, many aspects of my new neighborhood.

Did you know, for example, that C***** L* in apartment *01 is into black guys and typically likes to have his tricks out of the apartment by 10:15 PM? I didn't either until tonight. He was a very TALL gentleman. and C***** L* was very courteous to this gentleman, even after I said "hey" -- which was before i noticed C****** was in his grey boxer briefs-- he was politely telling his gentleman caller the best way to exit the building. How sweet. I kept walking and didn't turn back, although it was a challenge.

And did you know that "stranger with a lightswitch" in the building next door has about three tricks a week and signals them by flashing his light off and on -- then off and on and off and on ...

I wonder what that means? Does that mean -- "hey, you've found the right place. Come in, you'll find me by the lightswitch." - or does it mean "wait 90 seconds and I will be naked and pretend i have no idea how you found me naked." -- who knows.

More on "what smoking can do for you" later.

My apologies to those in my hometown back in Texas who happen by this blog occasionally -- i know you're not used to seeing such ... telling postings. Cheers.

Quote of the Night: Liquor Twice

Matt and I went to OBar tonight to celebrate whatever. I had a vodka martini straight up with a twist and he had a mojito. After i had finished my drink and matt still had a few drops left, he insisted that i drink the rest of his (as he was clearly on his way to blissful intoxication already).

"Nah, I'm good, you're not supposed to mix liquors," I said.

"This is alcohol, too," he replied.

That's the quote of the night.

Missing the Rain

Aside from my family and other loved ones, I miss the rain most. It never rains here in Los Angeles. In Texas, it could rain at any time -- and the rainy season -- BIG HUGE THUNDERSTORMS with loud bangs and bright flashes of lightening.

The SoCal skies have been teasing me with the look of rain for the past few days. Will it ever? At last night's HOA meeting, they spoke of how February and March are the rainy season here in LA. Yah, right. It sprinkles for three minutes and people here freak out. The weatherman points his camera outside as if hurrican Ivan had crossed the Colorado and was headed this way. I would settle for that about now.

There's something really awesome and powerful about a thunderstorm. Bursts of cold air from deep purple skies and low rumbles of thunder from near and far. It's cleansing and renewing. If it rains here in the next week, I'll go stand in it for a while. Hope it's not during business hours.

El Faro Fotos

I was finally able to get my film developed from my trip to Tijuana. Take a look at them -- and let me know if you're interested in going on the next trip down.

Don't Use Your Abs to Oppress

Don't use your abs to oppress
If you're gonna lift your shirt
Why bother to dress?
Psychologists see your hurt
Who're you trying to impress?

Faro Way

I will be blogging more extensively about my trip into Tijuana today to volunteer at El Faro 2, an orphanage that currently cares for 87 children, but i just returned and wanted to post this one photo before I get cleaned up for tonight's drinking games.

El Faro 2 is one of 12 orphanages funded 99% by the Coraz�n de Vida Foundation. If you live in Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, don't mind getting up early and can spare the daylight hours of one Saturday, then I encourage you to e-mail me we can talk more about it.

Help HoodLum with a Few Clicks

it's true, FreeiPods.com is legit, and if we all work together, we may all end up with iPods. Yes, I know many of you already have iPods, but that makes it even easier for you to complete one of the offers at my referral link: http://www.freeiPods.com/default.aspx?referer=8922091.

I'll let you know how it works out, but I've read it will.

Hamburger Amy's

Simple Things
Out in the Open
I Will Remember You

Good for Me
Looking for You

Happy, Eye to Eye
You're Not Alone
Beautiful

I Don't Know Why.

As the Sun Sets

invoke the setting sun
it's over, it's done
i know why today's display
put itself out that way

everpresent metaphor
to end yet promise more
turn in your keys
we've locked the door

Older than Christ

My dear friend Sabrina turned 34 today. Like many gorgeous women her age, she worries unnecessarily about getting older ... what it might mean.

She told us several horror stories tonight over hors d'ouvres and aperitifs as we waited for the bird to roast -- which it did, exquisitly, as you can see. Her most recent experience involved her unknowingly volunteering for an event only to find they wanted her to wash and prep for the pit "enough chickens to feed black folks for eleven hours."

An older black lady in the kitchen was shocked to learn that Sabrina (at the ripe age of 34) didn't know that chickens came in whole and had to be cleaned. "How do you clean your chicken at home?" the lady asks Sabrina with a puzzled look on her face. "I take the boneless, skinless chicken breast out of the bag, rinse it in cool water and season it," she replied.

Sabrina was so repulsed by the site of 800 raw chickens (their gizzards, necks and giblets piling higher by the second) that she opted instead to do yard work. Dressed, of course, inappropriately for any of the afore mentioned tasks.

Then she told us that her uncle was knocked out of his casket by two grief-stricken, tongue-speakin' aunts at his funeral. She and her brother were next in the viewing line and had a great view of the entire spectacle. I mention this as a head's up: If you die, Sabrina probably won't come to your funeral.

Oh, and did you now she was born on the floor of first class on a jet that had just moments before landed at Boston Logan? AND did you also know that she is now officially older than Christ?

Fumble Outta Bed, Stumble to the Kitchen

Pour myself a cup of ambition and yawn and stretch and try to come to life. Jump in the shower and the blood starts pumping, out on the streets the traffics starts jumping with folks like me, on the job from 9-5. wait make that 9-6. Today was my first day back at the office -- and it hasn't been as bad as i dreaded. After lounging and napping for two weeks straight, i have suprisingly not had any trouble staying awake today.

But, as the clock ticks ever-so-slowly before my eyes, i realize it's about to be 4:20. Since I am back on the clock, today will have to be unlike the last thirteen at this time.

Teddy Ruxpin

it's fun to ponder and philosophize
to think you think ahead of your time
seek refuge in words you've arranged to rhyme
then realize again it's been realized again
only to be forgotten. the end.

Less than Two Bucks

I got gas again. It's good to know that I can go an entire month on one tank of gas, otherwise i might go broke. But the gas price wasn't as high as I expected it to be. Only 1.999 / gallon. Yes, my gas tank holds 13 gallons. Such a lucky number for something as flammable as gasoline. How often do you fill up?

Buckle Up!

Just a friendly reminder to buckle up when you are in a motor vehicle. Your seatbelt could be the difference between life and death. When my brother and I were kids, mom used to flip a quarter to us in the backseat if we remembered on our own to 'click-it'. Now, i feel naked without it. Do you buckle up?

MOVE IT!

It's been almost a week since we began our big move. I've been completely OUT of my old pad since Sunday night. My [former] landlady -- back by popular demand -- can be heard by clicking HERE and HERE as soon as AudioBlogger is back up and running. She's such a hoot. I'll be waiting on my deposit.

The move itself was not so bad, thanks to the help of dajoro, mario and thatmattdude. Moving typically sucks, but this move was a bit surreal, I think. Hmmm.

The biggest obstacle we had were the innumerable doorways, elevators and hallways leading to our new front door. It was a quick game of unload the van into the elevator lobby [which was behind a door which had to be propped open]; then we would load the elevator, the whole time wrestling with an agressive door, no doubt manufactured before the invention of infrared obstacle detection. Should we sacrifice a body to hold the "door open" button or should we just keep getting whacked by the door? Such are the dilemmas in a move. Then we would unload in the 2nd floor elevator lobby and prop open another door that lead to our actual door.

All the doors aside, the new pad is nice. I like it. My first week living with matt was interesting to say the least. I think i may start another blog on which we could both opine about our experiences as roommates. It's quite the adjustment -- from living by oneself to living with another. This little tidbit, for example, was from an IM conversation we had on his first day at work. I was still relaxing at home.

Matt: u seem to have a problem with the weight of your input, which ur gonna have to get over.
Me: Ok, I'll work on that right now.
Matt: if im lookin for midcentury modern and u want pottery barn, than[sic] its[sic] not gonna work.

Matt has been really considerate in asking me my opinion on furniture choices and the like. My advice is simple: i want it to be functional, comfortable and inviting. Surely one can find something within that criteria while adhering to a "mid-century modern" asthetic. I'll let you know how it works out.

Oh, before i go, I'll leave you with some words of advice that could have come straight from Mister Rodgers himself. They are straight from Matt, however. Gosh, isn't he thoughtful.

Matt: i know its gonna be tough learnin to compromise and deal with other people's personalities at your home.
im doin my best to make things less irrate for you. but you gotta just get over it at some point.

Kitchen Sink

Things are quite different around here -- and by around here, I mean around me. I live somewhere else, I haven't been to the office in almost two weeks -- and won't go back until Tuesday. I've not answered my telephone in about the same amount of time. And I went grocery shopping. Oddities.

One week ago, me and the gang went to the birthday party of thatmattdude's co-worker. She just happens to be Adam Corolla's wife. The photo of her flaming cake will not fit in this post. It was pretty dark at their pad (in Sherman Oaks) but what a compound. They had lots of space, fancy cars in their garage and room for a swimming pool and basketball court in the backside. The food was in the style of Mexico and quite tasty.

This little spider here was chillin above the diving board, taking in the sites and sounds of the celebration as well. Spiders are creepy. Spider bites can be deadly.

Thatmattdude gave his co-worker a water color painting he did -- "one in a series" of the first (and only) ten creations of the sort. It was quite the hit. Even Adam liked it (right). Hey, is he looking at it upside down??

Then about 12:22 we decided to head back to the house and get ready for our big move. The iPod kept us company on the drive,but we had to constantly fast-foward when any of the 100 Amy Grant songs came up in the mix. I hope the new models have a "skip Amy Grant tracks" option. The next day, Darren, his beau Mario, Matt and myself had our big move. We had to pick up the Uhaul van at 8 AM. See the post above for a brief photo journal of this life-changing event.

Big Apple Revisited

I'll be repurposing content for the HoodLum blog for a few more days -- and today, i will feature the blog's first photo gallery plug: My Jan. 2001 trip to New York City. Clicking the graphic below will open a new window with the gallery.