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

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

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

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

Global monitors find faults

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

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

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

"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 - "Unpublished Quotes Until Now" by Matt Lum (Chapter 10: The Lore is Our Shepherd) BBC Documentary:Terror Threat is Fantasy of Control Take a read through this somewhat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

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

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

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 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.

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

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,

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

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

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,

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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,

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

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

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 If you're gonna lift your shirt Why bother to dress? Psychologists see your hurt Who're you trying to impress?

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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?

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?

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

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

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.

This is a little poem i wrote several years ago when Texas courts re-affirmed the state's right to punish gay sex, but allow heterosexual butt-fuc*ing. Since then, the US Supreme Court struck down the Lawrence v. Texas descision. Enjoy. Texas laws and Texas Courts: Damn those sons of bitches. They have their hands up my ass! They've taken off my britches. Rob and Bob can't share their

About this time last night, i was working on some of the new graphics for the hoodlum blog. I felt a sharp pain in my back -- and needed to lay down. the longer i layed there, less less it seemed i could breath. i wondered if i had a collapsed lung, if i was having a heart attack. I thought I was going to die. I go up to look in the mirror to see if i was cold and clammy. palid. As i turned

You may have heard by now that there's going to be a gay and lesbian television channel -- LOGO -- set to debut in February on Digital Basic. I remember their big announcement about upcoming programming, which includes the first broadcast of the GLAAD Media Awards. I just wanted to offer another suggestion: a rebroadcast of the men's swimming and gymnastics competition. I have a very liberal

I don't think I am going to get away with this much longer. I am what they call "expired." WAY expired. I only partially blame grandpa. The miser once told me that i could get "a free registration every twelve years" if i waited the month after it expired to renew (within the legal grace period). I don't have twelve years, honey. I think i've risen above his expectations yet again. But in the

Today i went to the Target in West Hollywood. Some people refer to it as "Tar-gay" since it's frequented by West Hollywood's resident queers. I spent almost $80 on such things as trash bags, toxic cleaners and laundry detergent. I also decided to try out the new Baja Fresh. I should have picked up some Tums while I was at Target. I wonder what would happen if people everywhere started ordering

I hearby deem this week, "week of the week." "Why?" one might ask. I wish i could tell you, but i can't seem to recall any of it right now. How great is that? Wonder how long it will last. Oh, I remember one thing -- i had free raw fish for lunch. yummy.

I left work early today because i am sneezing like a fool. When I arrived home and turned on the TV, it was still on PBS from my viewing of The News Hour the night before. Lucky me, I caught the last ten minutes of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. After I learned how balloons are made, he closed the show by singing a song I remember from my childhood: It's You I Like. It's you I like, It's not the

My co-workers and I have an expensive (yet tasty) habbit of taking a walk in the afternoons to a fabulous merchant of Boba off Wilshire Blvd. It's called Back Door Boba. Aside from the tasty beverages, I personally like to check in on the 'back door boba boys' -- you know, just to make sure everything's going alright. It is essential that humans who are forced to work in an office for eight

Forbes.com: Vodka Rocks!

Today's Los Angeles "smog" is out of control! You can usually at least see downtown from this vantage point. Please, oh please, buy a hybrid vehicle. Carpool. Ride MTA. It's so easy for us to forget that we're surrounded by gorgeous mountains, the coast -- and the hollywood sign. All invisible today. How very, very sad.

I decided to move out of my lovely home -- and my landlady was just full of helpful hints. Listen to what she said today on my voicemail by clicking the link to the right.

I filled up my tank this morning -- since it's just days after payday, i can afford to do so. I was pleasantly surprised by the LOWEST GAS PRICES this season! I was able to fill up my entire tank for the low, low cost of $27.48! Just for reference, when i lived in Texas two years ago, I could fill up for less than $16. I went to check out Matt's new condo today during my lunch hour. There's

As Bush worked to provide the vaporware implementation of 9/11 Commissioners' reccomendation to have a national director of intelligence, he addressed questions of this person's authority and accountability with the following: "Well, I don't think the person ought to be a member of my cabinet. I will hire the person and I can fire the person, which is - any president would like. I'll tell you,

LISTEN TO MY DRIVE Sundays are always ... well, the day before you start your week. I've layed in bed on several occasions on such Sunday nights -- psychicing myself up for the comng week. I've tried to quit smoking that way. It didn't [doesn't] work. Sunday's kinda like mardis gras for the mundane. one last hurrah before you re-lent-lessly slave away the week for the [wo]man. I only bring

iTunes is offering free audio book downloads of the Democratic National Convention speeches. If you're on a mac, simply click this. I am not sure what you PC'ers will get.

I walked up this mountain the other day on the Runyan Canyon trails. Aside from the thick smog and occasional whifts of dog shit, i was able to make it -- without heart failure -- which surprised Chun. What you can't see in the not-so-distance is the rest of Los Angeles. Here's a shot I took of Chun and Stevo. Maybe next time i'll have more time to take some interesting photos.

I was proud of Kerry and the Democrats at the close of the convention tonight. They have really managed to awaken my doubtful optimism over the last few days. Americans will thrive if our confidence is restored and our credibility addressed. We can do better. See ya, W!

I bit the bullet and did laundry today. It had been way too long. But the fun part, as you will see, is that i got to play with my new picture phonen while i was there -- which enables me to bring my adventures to you in a new enhanced way! I know you will be checking back here with more frequency now, for sure. As you can see, there's a lot more happening at the corner of santa monica blvd.

It's been a while since I've posted here. I've been really busy with work and GLAAD's "I DO" campaign. I encourage you all to check out IDOin30Seconds.org next time you need a breather at work. We received over 80 entries from brilliant filmmakers across the country. It's well worth your time -- and your donation if you can afford it. On another front, in the wake of the public delight in

Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is doing all he can do keep non-Massachusetts couples from getting married in his state. The law he has now chosen to begin enforcing again after it lied dormant for dozens of years is from 1913. According to Aaron Brown's News Night on CNN, the original intent of the law was to keep interracial couples from "flocking to Massachusetts" to get married because it

It's almost silly to me that people don't realize what's going on right now and work actively to save this damn planet. A comprehensive 30-minute viewing of any network news broadcast could only leave one with the impression that things are FUCKED. And it's not too hard to connect the dots to see who's responsible for it. Thing about it is, most Americans figure there are other people taking

I've been working on the launch of a new interactive Marriage Site organized around GLAAD's "I Do" Campaign. Check it out --- and especially the blog which you are encouraged to comment on. Let me know what you think. It's still in development, so some links don't work yet. Be patient, and bookmark and link as much as possible.

"Outraged by the press and politicians and political agendas that are being served by this" says the Gentleman from Oklahoma. "I would guess that these prisoners wake up every morning thanking Allah that Saddam isn't in control of this prison ... " "electric drills ... Vats of acid." In other words, according to this guy, our torture is much nicer than Saddam's. What purpose does this line

What went wrong, in plain English? "No training whatsoever" ... "Supervisory omission was rampant" Taguba tells the nation. Okay this hearing with Taguba is truly captivating and revealing. Despite the fact that their linguistic escapades continue to evade the specific questions of exactly who was in charge at Al Graib, it's becoming evermore clear that the foot soldiers in this war in Iraq may

Cadillac DNA Ad is Eerily Ironic I just saw an ad for the new Cadillac SUVs. It starts in a laboratory setting as two modelesque lab-coated scientists, (one male, one female) are looking at a super-closeup view of a a DNA double helix on a star-treck screen. "What is it? It's growing ... " one of them exclaims as we go to an even tighter shot into the depths of the DNA -- a dark mass comes

I am about to redesign this blog, so hang in there. Maybe if i give it a different look, i'll be more prone to post to it.

Terror Attacks in Spain Kill Hundreds, Wound Thousands. Taiwanese President and Vice President Shot. Bush Addresses Nation: "No Neutral Ground Between Good and Evil" That's just last week. Our world is crazy and current events are tricky and revolutionary. Buckle your seat belts, baby, because we're in this for the long haul. Are we ready to let George W. Bush dictate the "war on terror" ? Are

I bet you bastards are really happy about seeing your buddy George W. Bush at the rodeo today. It was a trip paid for by me and you (and the rest of tax-paying Americans) but it was obviously a stage for his re-election antics. It's really ridiculous. I don't know how he continues to get away with such blazon disregard for the law. Actually, I do. He created a climate that prohibits such inquiry.

This is what my parents didn't want published in my hometown newspaper: As a gay person growing up in Freeport, I was always ashamed. I kept my secret from everyone -- my parents, my closest friends and even myself. I prayed nightly for God to save me from what I had always been taught was a sin. It wasn't until I moved away to go to college in Austin that I realized I could be myself and live

Fact of the Matt'er Light So i am going to try something new today. I will give you the headline (as i watch the evening news live) and then my reaction. It will be up to you to find more about the story if you're interested. Google's great for that. HEADLINE: Student Fees at California Sate Universities will Rise at Least 10% next Year, Reducing Enrollment by 5% COMMENT: When is the

You know what? Howard Dean's little speech was a-okay with me. Jesus Christ -- if that really fucks up his chances at the Democratic nomination, this country is in worse shape than i thought. Don't even get me started with the media's treatment of this situation. it's all very sickening. when are the everyday citezens of this country going to wake the fuck up?

this last weekend i went on a lovely trip to San Francisco with Sam, Cuong and Darren. As you can see from the photos, it was quite an experience. But then there's the fact that i got attcked on the streets of Castro by a disgruntled dude wearing all red. "What are you looking at, pale-ass bitch?" he posed right before he shoved me backwards. Before i knew it, i had been punched in the face

THIS is VERY UNNERVING BUSH PLANS TO COMPILE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION INTO "AIR PASSENGER DATABASE" -- ALL FLYERS WOULD BE ASSIGNED COLOR CODES BASED ON PERSONAL "PROFILE" READ THIS.

Gay News From 365Gay.com: "Gays Banned From National Parks Civil Service Group Says by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff "

My brother Mark came in Saturday night -- just in time to go to a party in Beverly Hills. It was nice for him to see that side of things in this crazy town. As we arrived, Mindy Cohen (Natalie from TV's The Facts of Life) was leaving. She let us know the party was over. "Oh, that's what I heard," I told her. "I am here to pick up Sabrina." That was a lie, of course, but who needs to hear Mindy

My holiday break officially started today after work. Tonight I will be busy preparing my pad for my 23-year-old brother's arrival. He's never been to SoCal before so we are sure to have a lovely time exploring the sights and sounds. His flight lands at 1730 Saturday at LAX. Of all i've heard bad about that place, i've been there a dozen times and not ever had any substantial complaints. That's

Last night was spectacular. My dear wife Kellie organized a killer party for my 27th birthday at her Hollywood pad, complete with homemade lasagne and hippy strength brownies. It was a verified gathering of the people that continue to color my life in all their glorious speldor. Kellie and Laura were the most gracious hosts ever, serving up an endless supply of vodka, munchies and beer. I smile

I don't ever update my blog. If someone wants to suggest an extemporaneous topic for me to post about, i will gladly entertain your notions via mattlum@mattlum.com. Thank you for your consideration and for checking this page. I truly appreciate your patronage.

Let me sum this up for you: Our govt. is using Sept. 11 and the "war on terrorism" to slowly but surely take away your civil rights. Whether through the Patriot Act, Patriot Act 2 (which recently received so much scrutiny and outcry it was withdrawen by the Bush administration, who then took hundreds of its provisions and dropped them into non-germane legislation headed through Congress to be

The California Recall election never ceases to amaze me. Within the last two days, Arnold Swartzenegger has been accused (and appologized for) sexually assaulting several women -- AND -- saying he doesn't recall his comments praising Hitler. AND his poll numbers have gone up. SAVE US! VOTE NO ON THE RECALL. ---