Ya can't say "tits" on the radio, but ya can say "shit" on TV

stayed up to watch SNL with Colin Farrell and the Grammy-nominated Scissor Sisters, and staying up that late (all the way until midnight) is very difficult for me. Just ask anyone from the Alan Flatt Birthday Brigade.

Colin was pretty good in some bits; not so in others. But in everything, he was pretty handsome. The Sisters did "Take Your Momma Out" and "Comfortably Numb," their Grammy song. Jake Shears didn't disappoint baring his chest in both performances, although the Oscar-night gown-like pants suit, open to the navel, with big swooping lapels and a completely open back down to his ass was a touch odd.

So they didn't do the Tits song, and so they didn't say tits on live TV, but at the end of the show Colin did his little thanks bit and said "shit" ...

well, if you can say "shit," then can't you say "tits"?!

just wonderin

That's Bullshit James! That's Bullshit!

Hi All,

A quick blog entry to tell you that I am just back from 9 days in Costa Rica with my friend Dean. The trip was fun but definitely a bit more third world than even I expected. One thing I have learned about travel is that it teaches you so much about yourself. Each trip helps refine what you like and don't like. On this trip, I learned that I really like the fact that we can toss toilet paper into the bowl after wiping instead of into an open container next to the toilet. Ditto for paved roads, accurate road signs and sidewalks. On the flip side, the canopy tour in the cloud forest was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life. River rafting was awesome too. Dean and I agreed we could have made an occupation out of staring at the ass of our hot 21 year old rafting guide who was going commando beneath his tight surf shorts.

On the trip we ran into a group of guys on an Alyson Adventures gay tour. One of the guys was Wes, the winner of Bravo's Boy Meets Boy competition. Wes was beefier in person than on tv so Dean decided that victory must have meant consuming the competition. Wes was very cute but a total attention hound. The starfucker in me was totally smitten when he started making fun of how my shorts looked in the blacklit rooftop bar we were standing in. He has a website, wesculwell.com

Hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

blogging again

hey!

yes, yes, the monkey won, but at least Illinois and California did our bit.

moving on ...

and the newest news in town, the event we've all been waiting for, the retail and design debut of the season, of the year ... Stitch's Web site! In a word: fabulous. Chris and I are already on the board. so start your shopping, folks! (of course, always remember to shop at Atys, too!)





stitchchicago.com

it's been added to Fav Links, boys and girls. easy shopping while you get caught up on the latest blogs

Gay couple has banal sex

From the latest Onion:

MINNEAPOLIS—Jerome Ostrowski and Barry Lipner engaged in the practice of banal sex Monday, sources reported. "After we got home from Don Giovanni's, the restaurant we go to pretty much every Monday night, Barry started giving me one of his predictable mood-setting backrubs," Ostrowski said. "After five minutes of that, he mounted me and put in a hundred or so quick thrusts. All in all, not one of our more memorable encounters." Lipner said that Ostrowski's reciprocal act of fellatio was "serviceable."

... this is no commentary on the poster or his husband.

Bushworld

Last night I saw Maureen Dowd interviewed at the Herbst Theater. It seemed that all in the audience were frustrated that JFKerry is running such a weak campaign and Maureen is as well. Perhaps the problem is just that he truly is a weak candidate and that is the one thing we may never get the swing voters to look beyond.

Loved the Pedro article, Joe.

All about Pedro

"One of the happiest moments of my life was when I got to Madrid for the first time. If you are born a person like me, you are condemned to live in a village for your entire life. The good thing about living in such a small town is you realize very soon what you do not like. ... To live in that town for the rest of my life would have been like death. I came to Madrid with a definite ambition: to make films."

required reading in the Times Sunday Magazine

Get your kicks

From the Kinsey Sicks



This song is hilarious. And they have a few political tunes that are fun right now such as this.

Trampolina is my fav.

Read more about the girls here.

oh yeah - let the games begin!

gotta love those Greek show producers! dig that basket on pink arrow boy?

FUCK OFF BUSH . . . . and the rest of you conservative, ignorant, white bastard FUCKS!

hee! hee!

Tact is for people who aren't witty enough to be sarcastic.

... from snarkymalarkey

Checking In

Hi all. I am fine. A quick update - I spent the last several months shutting down San Francisco operations of TechTV. Friday July 30 was my last day and the business is now officially in LA. Comcast made me a last minute job offer in LA but at that point I had already psychologically had myself here. I have to admit that having spent many weeks in LA over the past months, I am starting to understand some of the appeal. Still, I have never gotten as much attitude as I did at the Wilshire Blvd Whole Foods store. What up with that??? I'm here buying the brown rice sushi and Fuji water just like you sister!

My plans are to take off the month of August and get my head together on what to do next. The job market in my field seems better and the severance from Comcast was decent so I am not sweating it yet. I will go to Michigan to see family in the next few weeks.

For those keeping track, things with JB have ended. I spent most of May and June making myself sick wrestling with the idea of moving to Atlanta. Ultimately, it was something I couldn't bring myself to commit to. Once JB understood I wasn't coming, he chose to distance himself and we have not spoken. It wasn't an easy decision and August is as much about wrapping my head around what just happened as anything.

On the literary front, I am reading several books now and over the weekend started Al Franken's Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them. It has me positively seething with anger!! I have been tuning in to Fox News on occassion just to see their spin. Last night it was Laura Bush all softly lit and dressed in red talking about being a devoted wife who keeps her opinion to herself since "my husband was voted into the oval office, not me". Bill O"Reilly is tossing her softball questions and fawning over her to the point of almost falling out of his chair. He refers to himself as a journalist and then gushes about what a great job W is doing and how divided the country is over issues like gay marriage. Two sentences later he mentions gay marriage again, this time to be sure the audience knows the "Liberals" support gay marriage. This guy knows how to use a wedge issue. Seething!!!

mini tutorial

ok, so a few days ago, Boyer had a legitimate beef about creating links from blogger. Seems blogger has taken away its easy links function. But no fear, here are some codes to use.

when making a link to a word in text, use this coding:

(a href="http://www.websitenamegoeshere.com")link word or words here(/a)

... pretend that the ( and ) in this example are actually chevrons <>. I cannot write the code that way because it would create a real link!

the coding must be exact, or it ain't workin. Once you click on Publish Post, blogger will give ya an error msg if something is missing, etc.

for a photo, use:

(img src="image link goes here" /)

again with the parenthesis subbing for the chevrons ...

Alert your Lesbian friends

well, Sparky has done it again. Where does she find this stuff? Does she surf all day? Does she type random words into google between cups of dark dark coffee?

so, the site is dykedolls.com. And yes, one can purchase fun dolls. Complete with add-ons! No questions, just look ...

Blog woes

David,

I have certainly not blocked you or anyone from posting an image. I do not know what is up. Has blogger.com changed things? Now that I am writing this in the posting area, I realize that I don't see the old buttons that made picture posting and hyperlink creating easy. Hmmm. Well, there does still appear to be a little square that looks like a picture frame at the top of this window into which I am typing. It leads to the old action that allows one to navigate to image links or other links.

So, David, try going back to blogger, finding your post, and then clicking on edit. It should let you back in to try including your link. I know that I sure would like to read about this heavyweight, tusked creature run amuck.

As for Mr. Ligotti, how could you boys lose him? Didn't I leave you in charge?

WHY

I cannot upload images - joseph have you banned me form that?


arrrgh! you know i need my visuals darling!

Whey is no one blogging?

why is jospeh not calling me?

did greg go to Atlanta afterall ?

He is MIA in San Francisco?

Wax Bush! Vote 2004!

Was this a reason for Greg NOT to move to Georgia . . . .

I mean can you believe it?

SCARY Mary!!!! 9" Tusks? 1000 Pounds!

Seeing this monster walking around Buckhead Atlanta would make me run for the urban jungle bubble of SF for sure!!!!



Read the whole story here . . .

a darker view

go there

David to Leave Birdcage and join Nike Camp in SF as cheerleader . . . .

Geeeee - wonder why?


Oh yeah - I will start blogging again now that i am getting back in my game! I figured this would be a fantastic start ! ! !

Her name is Vaginal Davis

"I was hatched a half-breed drag baby out of the primordial ooze of L.A. I was a Vagisaurus rex who popped out of a leathery egg in a welfare hovel in South Central, perfect as you now find me, complete with high heels."

from "Ready to fade into obscurity. Wait, he's already there," an article in today's NY Times SundayStyle section. If you haven't seen it, look it up. It's must reading.

Trip abroad

of course, you and JB MUST go to Italy

G4TechTV

The sale of TechTV to Comcast closed on Monday, May 10. As expected, Comcast is merging TechTV with G4, their gaming network based in Los Angeles. The new network, temporarily called G4techTV will premiere on May 28 using a combination of programming from both networks but with a younger demographic M12-34. About 80 of our 300 employees are getting jobs at the merged network, but as I expected, I am not one of them. Since I have known about this for months, none of these events are surprising to me, though it has made me realize just how much I have loved this job and what a great culture we had. One of the great ironies of these situations is that the finance department gets totally slammed and I am working more now than I ever have here.

Some folks from E! another Comcast network were in the office yesterday. They were all fabulous and most were gay. Sadly, no Anna Nicole schwag to be had.

I need to stay at TechTV for transition for 2-3 months and then it's off to my next gig with a pause for some vacation in July or August. I am thinking about doing some touring of US sites (perhaps Seattle, Jackson Hole, New York, Boston and a trip home) and one out of country trip (JB and I are wrangling on that one). The big step will be my possible relocation to Atlanta. Stay tuned for the definitive word on that by mid-June, my personal deadline for 100% committing to that.

What up

Mr. Ligotti, what's new on the job front? Everything still ok? Keep us posted in the Midwest.

Here, not a lot is new. Chris and I are actually enjoying bulldog workouts in the mornings now that the weather is real ... most days. Had hail one day recently.

And now I'm training for a long ride, a 192-mile, 2-day tour of the Mississippi River Valley, on the Iowa side. This is the way our friends Matt and Kevin want to celebrate graduating from college, and they talked me into joining them. Another one of their friends, a crazy girl, name of Melinda, will join up. She's known for stoppping every 20 miles for 2 beers. Training has been difficult because each day we ride I set a new PB on distance. Plus, I don't have the right fashions!

Alan, help!

With A Name Like Blowfish....

JB was in town this weekend. We decided to go for sushi at Blowfish on Saturday evening. I dropped him off to put our name in and parked the car. When I got back he told me he had charmed the hostess and that it would be a short wait. While sitting at the bar I looked around and noted that we were the only gay couple in the place. In San Francisco! Saturday night! Portero/Soma! After a wait somewhat longer than promised, we sat down to an excellent meal and good service. Later in the evening, we mentioned this to my friend, Michael who replied that Blowfish has long had a reputation as one of the most homophobic places in the city and that it had previously been the subject of several articles in the BAR. Who knew? We later realized that if we had walked into the restaurant together, perhaps the promise of a swift table may have never come.

Later in the evening, after having the good fate to run into Shad and Justin at the Stud, we were again returning to my car. A group of young kids walking by made a crude remark about how we must be gay.
Geez...in San Francisco. I was pretty stunned.

Tonight at the LGBT Center board meeting I learned that red paint was splashed upon the sign in front of the building thanking Gavin Newsom for his marriage efforts. Clearly , the sign was the intended target.

The battle is not over folks....sadly it is true.

shhhh. maybe no one will notice

Pop culture and the press have taken the Bushie administration to task, but still the White House brings dishonor upon itself by trying to hide the toll of the war. In an episode of "West Wing" last season (I think), the president goes to an airbase to welcome the caskets of fallen soldiers. In this past week's story line in the comic strip (a comic strip!) Get Fuzzy, the character Rob goes to meet his cousin who is returning from the war missing most of one leg. The shocking story line is that the soldiers come home in the middle of the night so that the press won't be able to cover the event. And, finally, a photo of flag-drapped caskets in a cargo plane published on the front page of the Seattle Times led to the woman who took it being fired.



It's all very sad. Convert a Republican today.

Old birdcage couple arrive from SF, take PV by storm!

PV newswire for the Esmeralda Papers

after much season with boring twitty american tourists, david
and pablo have arrived from their shangra la in sfo to titillate
the mexican razzle community in their sexy square cuts.

seen on the town already in the choicest of nitespots, these two
men have raised the standard in swimwear, as well as catch phrases
and improper linguistics, to teach the bulging youth of mexican
marines our deep love and admiration.

--dispatch from Paulie, posted by friend

fashion correction

those were tan or khaki shorts. I would not let him wear gold shorts. jeez ow.

somehow ...

the bushie campaign sent a letter here asking for money.

Now, really. I mean, c'mon.

So, this is the letter I am sending in their handy, postage-paid return envelope:

Dearest Bush-Cheney ’04, Inc. types,

I cannot imagine who among your vast, overeducated, yet clueless—on so many levels—staff thought that even one copper cent could be squeezed out of this household to further your campaign, but whoever he or she is, well, that person is mistaken.
Former President Clinton was impeached for lying about a stupid, tawdry affair. Big deal. The sitting president, however, lied about non-existent weapons to excuse invading another nation, starting a war that he is prosecuting poorly. For this crime against our nation, nothing. And he continues to lie that he didn’t lie.
No, not a penny will you see from this home. Instead, I would like my money back. Yes, that’s a good idea. The money I have paid in taxes—willingly, for I believe we must all contribute to the nation as we can—I want it back, for the services rendered have been inadequate. Even Kmart has a money-back guarantee.
I will invest said funds in moveon.org or similar campaigns to recall this embarrassment from office, to elect a better voice—anyone else, really. Anyone with integrity.
So please check on the income taxes I have paid since the Bush-Cheney team stole into town and send the money to the above address. Better yet, please send it to the families of the servicemen and servicewomen who have lost their father, mother, husband, wife, sister or brother because of this lie of a war.

P.S. I am quite grateful for the postage-paid return envelope, for I certainly enjoy the poetry of costing the campaign another 37 cents.

feel free to use any parts in your own letters, e-mails, etc.

I'll let you know if I hear back.

keep up the good fight, duckies!

The Meaning of ATYS

JB asked me what ATYS meant. I told him it was French for people so glamorous they live on an entirely different calendar than the rest of us.

well ...

two of those products were free samples. See, the cosmestics girl was really concerned

price of new man-products: $68 (don't tell the husband)

Darling Joseph,

If your manly beauty products are costing you only $68

Either:

1. You are fibbing
2. You were sold placebos
3. You made typos in your story
4. You know Chris will see your Blog and figured he wouldn't mind a $68 price tag to keep you young looking vs. the $268 it REALLY cost you!
5. you got a deal and the rest of us are being ripped off!

Take it from a veteran birdcage avoider -- it will cost you much more than $68 to stay on the outside of that damn little cage door!!!!!

Tick Tock — which Clock ? ? ? ?

Oh last week around Thursday Paul and Shad somehow amongst themselves decided that it was "Day Light Saving Time" this Sunday (2 days ago).

They begin to inform many customers, coming and going from ATYS, " . . . remember to spring ahead — set your clocks . . . “

David — who has a love affair with the sun and extended daylight — was soooo excited he too begins to tell unsuspecting people — like Justin and Alan.

Sunday morning we @ 872 wake early (7:00 am) — thinking it was later (8:00). We saunter downstairs and as Paul pours the first cup of Java he suggests David the techno geek change all of the clocks in the general kitchen/living vicinity — Micro, Coffee Pot, Stove . . .

David finally settles down with his first cup of Pete’s picks up the paper and, being the always questioning soul, found it odd that the SF Chronicle didn't have that standard-issue (why don’t papers ever do something more creative — like perhaps a Salvador Dali clock) reminder about time change in a little box on the front of the paper. Immediately he knew something was amiss (and thought of miss Joseph).

David challenges Paul and Shad — but they are insistent about being correct and are both over David for thinking THEY were wrong and dismiss his questions.

David suggests that Shad look at We’Wha’s Clock (http://www.breakaway.org/openstudio/sylviawhite/bertrad.htm the name for my new 17” Powerbook G4), which was connected to the house stereo pumping out Sunday morning tunes from the internet radio.

Shad sees that it says 8:15 — he still says everyone else must be wrong and that he and Paul KNOW it is DST.


David thinks — Ok The SF Chronicle is wrong, the World Timer that serves We’ Wha is wrong — what next?? I know!!! SBC they could not be wrong!!!

Finally in a last attempt to convince the boys they were mislead by someone David suggests to Shad to dial POPCORN (the automated phone time in SF).

Shad repeats the time as the automated voices announces . . “ . . . at the tone . . . the time will be 8:16 am . . .”

And STILL they both think out loud — “… well they just have not yet adjusted the automated time . . . “

Finally after David makes another challenge and suggestion to search the Web — Shad timidly admits: "oh, Paul, I think we fucked up . . . it is the FIRST Sunday of April — next Sunday . . . "

H E L L O ! ! ! how many people do you think were affected by their information?

David, satisfied that FINALLY they believe him, bounces up for a second cup of Pete’s and re-sets all the clocks with a smile on his face.

Just a long winded reminder to Set your Clocks ahead this coming Sunday — APRIL 4th

XO XO

Rollercoasters

I just enjoyed the hell out of David's human rollercoaster story. Well done!

Well, it is official. TechTV has been sold to Comcast Corporation. There is a hack piece in today's Comical...err...Chronicle. The industry source quoted happens to be a longtime foe of Paul Allen, our owner. Regardless, it does not look good for jobs staying in San Francisco as I have expected all along through this process. The deal should close in May. I am hoping to know in the next few weeks how much longer I will be at this job. My next big decision is whether I start my job search in San Francisco or Atlanta. Stay tuned.

life after 40

gay man walks into upscale gay-identified department store (not a classic joke opening, but could be)

looking for new fancy shave cream, since the old one was from either a lovely Wicker Park shop that closed (tragic) or at this same gay dream store, which doesn't carry it anymore (tragic)

score the new, even fancier shave cream. $16

oh a whim, he does it. he decides. he has been thinking of asking about better product for his aging face. do it.

"Can you look at my face and tell me what I need?"

in 3.5 seconds, the slightly zaftig cosmetics girl is launched on her mission:

Biotherm Homme Detoxifying Cleanser

Biotherm Homme Hydra-Detox Detoxifying Moisturizer

But no, not enough. She is so concerned about the gay man's deteriorating looks, that there's more:

Biotherm Densité Lift Yeux Redensifying Anti-wrinkle Eye Care.

(redensifying anti-wrinkle eye care?! Who comes up with these names?! Not exactly ego-affirming)

and ...

Biotherm Homme Age Fitness Time Resisting Treatment With Pure Olive Leaf Concentrate!

gay man walks out.

price of new man-products: $68 (don't tell the husband)

toll on gay man's ego: nominal

lesson in how world views the aging: priceless

oh my gawd

no she didnt! girrrrrrl, you are one brave boy to repeat that story

amazing. better than the poodles story!

"Is that you - Lady Marin Headlands? "

Date: Thursday March 18th, 2004
Location: San Francisco
Leads: David and Paul

Cut to SCENE 1:

A sober Shad has returned to San Francisco and once again is helping to run ATYS. It has been ages since David and Paul have had a complete day together to get out and play without either having to work. They decide to take advantage of the resort like weather of 80 + degrees and kick it over the Golden Gate to the Marin Headlands with the "Larry Chairs" that Diana left as a gift when she returned to Michigan. (now you may be asking what exactly is a larry chair? they are those fold out chairs of canvas materials - come with a shoulder bag perfect for transport - and once unfolded instantly give you a very comfy beach chair with foot rest and beer cozy (this is how they received the name larry chair - you know lesbians and their beer cozies - oh yeah "larry" - that is the lesbian equal of a gay boy "mary" - again thanks Diana for that one!!! )

Whew - anyway where was i? don't know so cut to next scene.

SCENE 2:
David and Paul are super excited to be able to go over to the headlands and take a break from the city. After their morning workout with Jake they pack into the Saab and zoom zoom to the bridge. They are feeling really good about their physical fitness program that they have been very dedicated to and figure this is the perfect day to get a jump on all the other g-boys and start their summer tan early!! The sun is beating down from the sky, the heat feels good on the skin, Alain Mikli sunglasses (http://www.mikli.fr/) are on, and both David and Paul are feeling sexy and confidant in their Marin Headlands outfits!

SCENE 3:
David and Paul exit off 101 to Drake Blvd. They almsot insantly come upon the 5 minute long red light at the old fort tunnel on the Headlands that separates the real world from nature and surf. They are filled with excitement at the thought of opening up the Larry Chairs and kicking back for a few hours of relaxation under the sun together.

Paul: WOW! It has been so long since we have had the opportunity to just hang out and have fun like this!

David: I hear ya baby!!! i am looking forward to the views of the ocean and cliffs, the sounds of the waves, the smell of the heat on the wildflowers and jsut chilling with you - my spouse for life!!!

Scene 3a. Stop light changes to green and the boys zoom off towards the ocean! Instantly as they emerge from the 1/4 mile tunnel they notice a difference in scenery and pace and begin to unwind fromthe city rush. Zoom, zoom the Saab goes to David's secret little hide-away he found the week prior. They pull up to a cliff overlooking the ocean, wildflowers and the beach below with surfers and other city folks playing hooky from work on this beautiful day!

Scene 3b: David opens the Saab's rear door and fetches the Larry Chairs, natural spring water, and organic sun screen (a girl can never get enough filtration from the harmful rays!!). The boys walk about 1/4 mile to the place they will call home for the next few hours. The remove the larry chairs from their slip covers, unfold and set them up looking out at the glistening water.

David: I am soooo happy to be here with you today– thank you for bringing me here.

Paul: (as he takes his shirt off – and no this is not going to be a smutty story joseph!!!!) Yeah it has been a long time since we have had this opportunity to play like little boys!!!


Scene 3c: Paul and David, finally settle into their state of relaxation. Both shirtless and generic - no label (at least not one I would admit to owning!!!) khaki shorts. Soaking the sun into their pale white mid-western skin the boys are in paradise. The sky is blue, David’s wild hawk friend flies above looking for field mice, the bell on the lighthouse rings, the waves crash against the rugged shoreline, birds are singing and welcoming spring. The chairs are comfortable, both boys are relaxed and sit looking, listening and appreciating all that nature has to offer.

David: (silence)
Paul: (silence)

This dialogue continues for well over an hour. Nothing needs to be spoken between the two – they know how much the other enjoys being out in nature without any distractions of the outside world.

Scene 4:

David decides he wants to give his backside the warmth and tanning effects of the sun. Since the Larry Chairs only allow one to sit it is impossible to tan your back so David lays out a nice trendy beach blanket to stretch out and relax.

Scene 5:

Paul is still sitting in his Larry chair, David is laying face down on the blanket dozing in and out of a state of slummber - not REM but close. Suddenly! Paul notices walking toward them a group of young boys and girls (around the age of 10) lead by two young adults (camp counselors??) one boy and one girl. Since the gound is hilly and the are on the lower side they cannot FULLY see David laying on the ground - but do see that another person is with the gentleman in the Larry Chair. David half asleep hears a voice . . .


Lady Counselor: Hi . . . hello there! Excuse me! I didn’t want to startle you but we are going to have the children run past you there up and down that small hill . . . it is our human roller coaster game . . . just didn’t want to scare you . . .

Paul: Okay – sure Thanks!

David: huh? What is going on?

Paul: oh nothing just some kids out having fun.

David Looks up and sees a gang of young children all excited about being out in nature and playing with their counselors. They have formed a line around 50 feet from where he is laying . . .

Boy Counselor: On your mark! Get set! GO! (first child runs past David and up a small hill then down and out of sight).

SFX: Children screaming and yelling with excitement

Girl Counselor: On your mark! Get set! GO! (second child runs past David squealing up the small hill then down and out of sight).

SFX: Children screaming and yelling with excitement

Boy Counselor: On your mark! Get set! GO! (third child runs past David yelling and cheering up the small hill then down and out of sight).


At first David is happy to see the delight in the children’s faces as the race past him.

Girl Counselor: Becky – stay off the hill – here comes Randy!! Ok Randy - on your mark! Get set! GO! (fourth child runs past David squealing up the small hill then down and out of sight).

This repeats for 6 more children – all yelling and screaming and having fun!


FINAL SCENE: Paul is still in the Larry Chair, alternating between watching the children run past and glancing out to the sea. David is still laying face down and looking at feet run past his face and up the small hill. The last child ( a chubby one) stumbles past David and the Boy and Girl Counselors begin to walk past David towards the small hill to meet up with the children on the other side.


Boy Counselor: Hey thanks – sorry if we were a bother

Girl Counselor: Yeah sorry about that!


David lifts up on his elbow to make eye contact with the Counselors

David: Hey it looked like fun!

David lays his head back down to re-enter his state of relaxation. The Counselors continue to walk towards the hill and past David but still within ear-shot.

Girl Counselor (talking to Boy Counselor as if she was just thinking it to herself and not really saying it out loud): oh my - I thought IT was a lady!


David is MORTIFIED! Paul falls out of his chair laughing!!!!!!

So much for feeling all good about your newly worked out body and masculinity! All stripped away instantly by some young chick with some dumb fucking “human roller-coaster” game!!!!!!!

The Notebook Rocks

Just time for a quick post this morning. I don't consider this blog a failure in any way, Joseph. I am so grateful to have this way to be in touch with you and it has made me realize how much I miss your sensibility and all the wonderful, different things you expose us to. I also have felt closer to the rest of the gang even though our physical mingling has remained intermittent. For me, the Ashleys are one piece of the mosaic of my life right now and like most people, it's hard to devote rapt attention to each piece despite the heartfelt passion I feel for most of them.

The Michigan Accent: A little bit Fargo, a little bit Nasal Chicago, and a little bit Canadian

here is a sample of what Moneka was talking about.

FREEWAYS: In California, they tell you to take "The 405"... in Washington DC, you get on "495". But in Michigan, since US, state and interstate highways can have the same number, interstate highways are usually said with an "I-" before the number. So to get to Detroit's Metro Airport, you git in yer cahrr an' take "I-teoo-sevenny-five" to "I-ninedy-four". Sometimes called freeways, sometimes expressways, but never "highways".

check it out and see if you still talk dah way.

hey, friends!

today we welcome a new blogger from back in the 'hood. Yes, Justin Bog is coming aboard. As Justin is a prolific writer, and, with his partner CK1, a constant traveler, this should ramp up the blogs.

In some ways, this site has been a failure, if only that it anticipated a need that just isn't there. People don't seem to want to keep in touch in this way. In the days of instant messaging, e-mails and cel phones, there seems to be no need for this added layer. Not going to sound like a sophomore girl here, saying "hey, guys, where's your school (blog) spirit? Come on! Join in!" Nah, not going to go all rah rah on ya. BUT, if Moneka, Paul, Justin S. and Chris L. want to join in ... would love to have your thoughts. For example, Moneka's e-mail on the Michigan language page was a great thing to blog about. And would love to hear more from Greg and again from Alan. Oh, and what ever happened to Mr. Boyer?

Maybe I just like the sound of myself writing and that's why I like this idea.

um

Italians are so handsome.

but Mr. Gregorio, why are you checking out other mens?

Beefcake Time Again!!!

Thanks to the joy of Friendster.com, I have found that it is easy to voyeuristically learn something about most gay men in SF. Not sure if the women are up on using the site yet. Last week, after playing flirty eye games with somebody at my gym for several weeks, I looked him up and learned that he has a boyfriend and is a 27 year old, Italiano personal trainer. He is pictured below. Pass the cannoli !!!!!

bergamot

ok, so you can't buy these here in the Midwest. They're a citrus (did not know that) and one of you has got to find them in a market and overnight me a couple. They're bergamots. Find them at Bi-Rite in SF or Monterey Market and Berkeley Bowl in Berkeley. No, really.

Margaret

Margaret has some great rants on her blog. Thanks Joseph for including the link conveniently at the left here.

I agree about the Vino section in the Chronicle. I just noticed the cheese column a few weeks ago. All I could think is that I am sure there is no vino section in the Atlanta Constitution Journal. Gawd!

Nader blows.

da mayor speaks out

asked if he agreed with those who say allowing same-sex marriages
would undermine the institution, Chicago's Mayor Daley said:
"No, because marriage has been undermined by divorce.
"People should look at their own lives and look in their own marriage.
I think marriage has been undermined for years, if you look at facts and figures on it.
So don't blame the gay, lesbian, transgendered, transsexual community; please don't blame them for it."
... from RedEye


wow. he's sure got his political language right. The mayor for life just gained a heck of a lot more votes in Boy's Town.

crocked

just a funny little photo for y'all to enjoy.



The wine editor at home

Vino

what I think is that you Bay Area folk should buy the San Francisco Chronicle on Thursdays so that you can read their excellent coverage in Wine. And, no, it is not the same to read it online. You don't experience the photos in the same way. The coverage includes things that should be key knowledge for enophiles in your locale, such as a weekly cheese column, tasting room reviews, etc. That's what I think.

I'll tell you what I'd do if I were gay ...

A guy from work introduced me to his boyfriend this week. He seemed pretty nice, but it was weird, because he didn't look gay at all. He was a computer programmer and looked like any fat, balding slob you'd run into on the street. I have to say, I would never let myself go like that if I were gay.


One man's musings from the Onion

congratulations!

And now, Alan and Justin are married!

Auguri! (Best wishes)

Happy wedding!

let's post some wedding pictures!

'I now pronounce you spouses for life'

Dave and Paul are married.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Nico

I have a new nephew. No photo yet as the parents are still at the hospital with no computer access. His name is Nicomedo. With such a name, he will be so cute, no? He is the son of my brother and sister-in-law in Sacramento and Cristofero e io li andremò vedere presto (we will go soon to see him).

food news

A new place opening out there in SF boasts great-sounding autentico pizza made by a chef with the Verace Pizza Napoletana Associazione seal of approval. Featuring food from Campagnia, where la mia mamma was born, and called A16 after Autostrada 16 in Italy, it's at 2355 Chestnut, btw Divisadero & Scott. Wish we could go. But of course, you've probably already been. How is it?

Still into jug wines? Try Three Thieves Zinfandel. Cannot find it in our area, but we enjoyed a sample bottle we had for tasting. A cute liter glass jug runs $10.

Latest cooking find: corzetti stamps used to make corzetti pasta, a flat disk stamped on both sides with a traditional design. The stamps themselves are hand-carved in wood by little old Italian men in Italy. Hard to find here. Google the word and most hits come up in Italian. I've found a source to buy them, but cannot tell you in case the supply runs out before I get mine. Mi dispiace, amici!

What's the newest trend out there? Saw Oliveto restaurant's house-made fresh and cured sausages in Oakland mentioned in NY Times. Sounds great. Been there?

hmmm

maybe it is you, Gregorio!

If you click on the Site Meter icon (at bottom of left column) then click on "By Details" under Recent Visitors, it shows the Domain of each person who has visited. That odd number shows up at about the time you would have been posting ... if I calculate correctly (times on the site are Central Standard Time).

Hmmm, Joseph...do we have a stranger in our midst?? Has the notebook fallen into wicked hands? Will our dish be served up like Janet's boob for all the world to see???

who?

...is 66.243.44.#?

just curious.

I was snowboarding at Kirkwood on Sunday. As I was leaving for the day, I ran into Martin, Chili’s roommate, in the Lodge. It took him a moment to recognize me. When he did, his eyes began to dart on all sides of me. He looked up and asked with urgency: “Is Alan with you???”.

Sustainable agriculture

Check out this site that plays a great animated movie about the problems with factory farms. A very well done piece, with excellent use of the Matrix theme, but also an important message.

Sorry to be so heavy. Frivolous fashion, pop culture, etc., commentary soon to return.

Thanks for the link to the MoveOn commerical Joseph. MoveOn did a huge push at the time of the Schwarzenegger election and now I get several emails a day from them which I am in the habit of deleting.

Parker Posey Makes First BGN Appearance

What fun...Boyer is onboard!

Parker Posey is dating singer Ryan Adams. They have a track on his new CD, Rock N Roll called "Note to Self - Don't Die". The CD is really great with a straight ahead rock sound much of it very 80's influenced and some great lyrics. It wasn't until my third listen that I got hooked and now it's in constant rotation.

oh, what I meant to say, was ...

David! Welcome!

In other news, last night I was laughing maniacally at the predicted high temperature in Minneapolis for today: 5 (that's not Celsius.
So today, the Fates have punished me. The high here is 10.
Well, at least it's double digits.

I would post about more interesting things than the weather except that I am not doing that much interesting. Tomorrow, going to a tasting of Aussie wines.
Oh, here's a bit of something: tasted sauted veal kidneys over grilled arctic char (an ocean fish) today in the test kitchen. The recipe is for an upcoming article on offal, basically eating everything on a animal from snout to tail. Contemplating tasting this dish was the grossest thing I've had to do so far in this job. But, that's what I'm paid for, eh? And after building it up in my head, preparing for that faintly uric aroma and taste, I found the kidneys ... not bad. Not bad at all. I did not have to spit into my waiting napkin (in 6 months I have only spit out one thing: cold Brussels sprout salad) and I actually had seconds. It was a lot like liver.
To finish off the tasting, I had a thin slice of lovely chocolate cake.

can't trust that Babel Fish, eh?

il mio amico sarete molto più di slighted ora che ho accesso a questo
media! . . .

"my friend you all will be much more of slighted now that I have accessed this media"?

well, a close enough translation.

But don't let's hear about your pettiness, David. Let's hear about the new things going on in life!

and darling Joseph . . . .

as you said in your invite ". . . Please forgive all perceived slights! . . . "


my response:

. . . il mio amico sarete molto più di slighted ora che ho accesso a questo
media! . . .

kisses!

Well, damn. Look who finally made it to this bloody blog!

It took a lot of kicking and screaming but FINALLY mr. admin got her act together -

Pretender

tee-hee! tee-hee!

Some sophomoric pretender with bad grammar -- no, a barely literate style -- has launched a "blog." So amusing.

Sweetie, your rants are sad. Sad, sweetie, sad. (I did just as you said, relaunching the blogger invite each time.)

Don't stand in the way of togetherness, you sad Republican ...

Time for a short political announcement

Here at best girlfriend's notebook, we usually pride ourselves on frivolousness. But this issue has caught our attention. Check out this ad that CBS is refusing to broadcast during the Stoopid Bowl, claiming it is too political, which really means it cuts too close to the heart of their pal in the White House.

What a drag

so, Gregorio, did you meet this Sheleeta? was she fab?
Don't we think it's time for Boyer to make a dragumentary?

In other news, did everyone just love Patsy & Eddie's trip to the country? And did you notice who the gameskeeper was? Clarissa! ... from the "Two Fat Ladies."

Because Everybody Loves a Good Drag Name

The long-standing star of Atlanta Drag: Sheleeta Buffet

Dishing Marriage

Thanks for the update and the compliment, Joe!

Regarding Kevin and Ron's divorce, honey, I would have saved the receipts for those shower gifts so count me as shocked that it lasted this long. All that education in pysychology doesn't seem to have helped Ron. Alas, now Daddy will have some single playthings to go with his drama.

Britney's marriage is surely a sign that her "Accelerated Madonna Marketing" Plan is a failure. I predict Mariah Carey style notoriety by end of year. Two words, Britney: It's Over. Meanwhile, Justin's CD is fab.

A friend at the gym said he was especially angry with the Britney wedding because it "made a mockery of the very institution that we are trying so hard to earn the rights to". I replied: " Oh Mary, come down from your pulpit and have a cocktail, that's just putting entirely too much thought into this gossamer charade."

Gay Marriage....support it or not, it's time to bone up on the issue and get ready for it to be a decisive election issue. In recent weeks, I have begun to suspect that the Republicans actually like Howard Dean on the demo ticket because they consider him beatable. For that reason, I am increasingly hoping for a Wesley Clark/John Edwards ticket. We shall see.

still haven't recovered from the avalanche of stuff that I didn't do over the holidays. still have presents unsent. still have cards unsent and of course, thank-you's unwritten and unsent. this is not a bah-humbug lament, but something is out of order, yes?

we missed seeing all of you for the holidays, but were glad to have seen you this fall. just this weekend, Chris and I made a quick roadtrip to A2 to see Daddy. A great trip in which we were pampered by a wonderful home-cooked dinner and then breakfast. Daddy's new condo is a great place to snuggle in and write a doctorate. Matt popped in to join us for dinner (his boyfriend was out of town so we missed seeing him, unfortunately), and regaled us with stories of his wacky roomie. The other news out of A2 is that Ron & Kevin are divorcing.

Greg, great to read about your holiday (I wish you would teach Boyer how to blog). I would love to see you snowboarding! Chris and I were telling Daddy how you've been an example to us all with your embrace of new things, new adventures.

Also great to get drunken (and sober) calls from Al & Boyer. Will keep playing fonetag until we catch up.

What's the word for the new year? I cannot fathom what it will be. But maybe Patsy & Eddie will have wisdom for us in their new shows. (Yes, David, we have been watching! But thanks for the tip!)

cheerios!

Happy New Year

The holidays have passed and it is time for the brutal reality of January. It seems harder each year not to use the conventions of the calendar to evaluate the past 12 months of life and to look forward to the next twelve. I have not focused too much on resolutions yet with uncertainty surrounding work providing a great excuse not to think too far ahead. In the meantime, I just continue to try to enjoy each day.

JB and I spent New Year’s in Tahoe. We had a fun time. We went to Squaw Valley on New Year’s Day in blizzard conditions. I finally stopped snowboarding at about 2pm when I could hear dynamite exploding at the top of the mountain for avalanche control. Don’t you just know I scooted down the mountain and into the lodge for a nice warm cocktail with the well-heeled, smartly geared crowd.

I hope everybody had a great holiday season and look forward to plenty of fun in 2004.