A belated Christmas wish

Merry Christmas to All

As the 2nd winter storm descends on us in Wisconsin on Christmas day, I thought I'd share this beautiful version of "In the Bleak of Winter" sung by the 12 men from the choral group Chanticleer based in San Francisco. Happy Holidays!!!

Teacher accused of putting 'hit' out on supposed gay student

A teacher in Clayton County GA is accused by a student of putting a hit out to kill one of his students because he is supposedly gay. He took the 16 yr old male out of the classroom and asked him if he was gay.The word inappropriate doesn't even seem worth using in this instance, but this incident was just the first of many.

According to the student's lawyer, Terrence Madden, Forde then got into a verbal altercation with the student on the very next day, resulting in the teacher threatening that he would hit the boy in his "f-ing mouth".

When the boys mother reported the incident to the principal, nothing was done about it.
You can read the whole story here: http://www.care2.com/causes/civil-rights/blog/Georgia-Teacher-Accussed-of-Putting-Hit-Out-on-Supposed-Gay-Pupil/

Boy refuses to Say Pledge

It's not often a 10 yr old refuses to follow the system and refuse to stand and say the Pledge of allegience in school, but this boy has some balls. He refuses to do it because he says gays and lesbians are discriminated against...and our constitution states "All men are created equal" which he says isn't true. Here is his interview with his father on CNN. He is in a small town in Arkansas and has been harrased by his classmates and called a "gaywad" for his action, but he stands behind his decision.

January plans - 2010

Planning to celebrate my birthday next year...hitting the big 65...in New Orleans with a crew from Lake Edge United Church of Christ. This will be their 2nd trip down to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Its hard to believe that after all this time, people are still trying to rebuild their homes and lives. I have wanted to do something to help ever since it happened and now have the chance. Can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday. OK, heres the kicker...we ALSO get to participate in the Joan of Arc Mardi Gras kick off parade. We will be costumed as 1500's monks and nuns and sprinkling parade watchers with holy water...and handing out holy water as throws...now how cool is that. I am soooo looking forward to this. The above video was from last years trip...looks like they had a great time!!!

What a fantastic routine!

This is so beautiful, you gotta love it!!!

Costume Tips for Effeminate Boys

How To Find A Masculine Halloween Costume For Your Effeminate Son

I Just Wanna F**in Dance

A Facebook friend posted this and said she made it for Pride 2004 and a copy was taken from her and was shown in Gran Canaria and made its wau to every gay bar/club around the world without her knowing it I found a copy on uTube from Out London. Watch it if your feeling down and you will be on your feet dancing in no time. Its Fabulous!

A Republican in Maine speaks out for equality

Help protect equality in Maine and Washington

http://www.protectmaineequality.org/








http://www.approve71.org

Sand art

This sand artist was the 2009 winner of the Ukrane's got talent show. What she does is truely amazing.

Heres how we stay fit in Wisconsin

THE WANDERER from Joel Fletcher on Vimeo.

Iraq Inequality

When we hear about all the good we are doing in Iraq to help bring freedom to that country, I guess it doesnt apply to LGBT persons. This clip is from CNN...why isn't more attention being brought to this. I think of the contrast of our Pride weekend this weekend where we marched around the Capitol square with cheering crowds, and then moved on to Willow Island to celebrate with a speach from Tammy Baldwin and music and entertainment. This story really rips out my heart.

A break from the insanity

This is just something for a little fun...enjoy.
Its called Dime in the slot from MECHANICAL ORGAN and is performed by the Nikolais Dance Theater.

A Capitol Event

MADISON, WI (from WKOW news) -- Same-sex couples in Madison took to the Capitol in what they call a "quest for equality."

Seven same-sex couples recognized their commitment to each other through a symbolic ceremony in the middle of the state capitol Friday evening.

The ceremony was similar to that of a marriage. Couples, both men and women, who had registered already for domestic partnership benefits through the state, celebrated a lifelong commitment to each other. A few faith communities also recognized the couples.

Derwin Leigh, with Wisconsin Capitol Pride, says, "It's the idea that eveyone has a right, in a higher power, to join into a relationship."

Scott Willens, also with Wisconsin Capitol Pride, says, "At the same time, we're still not at full equality, so having the ceremony in the capitol itself is a good statement that not all members are able to get full rights in the relationships they have."

One group, Wisconsin Family Connection, has spoken out on their website against domestic partnership benefits. On their website, they say, "This is precisely the type of marriage imitation that the constitutional amendment approved by Wisconsin voters was intended to prevent. A reasonable person looking at this registry would easily conclude that the registry creates a legal status that is essentially the same as marriage."

These couples who've registered for the state's domestic partnership benefits will receive one- fourth of the benefits that a licensed married couple would. Those benefits went into effect August 3.

Wisconsin has a ban on gay marriage. That's stemmed legal challenges to these benefits.

Steve was one of the clergy that took part by performing a section of the ceremony. Afterwords, we went to the opening of the newest gay bar in town, Plan B, to help the couples celebrate with snacks and a huge sheet cake provided by Wisconsin Capitol Pride.

Bromance

I know you are probably all over this by now, but I thought it was sweet!

Global Warming - Listen Up

Bristol - the time is NOW!

Its summer folks, time for a summer trip!

Fun with Dick & Duane

Duane just added me as a friend on Facebook...WOO HOO!

Stockholm, July 8, 2009

Another Segels Torg and the Central Station street performance done as a tribute to Michael Jackson. The dance collective Bounce came up with the idea.

I Remember it Well

Oscar Mayer, the retired chairman of the Oscar Mayer meat packing plant in Madison,WI, died at the age of 95 in Fitchburg, WI. Lets all sing along with this commercial from 1973 in his honor today. Where did they ever find this precious kid in the commercial?

Gay Marriage Progress in DC

After a law called the Jury and Marriage Amendment Act 2009 was approved in May by a 12 to 1 vote, and despite legal challenges that threatened to delay this progressive move for gay rights, D.C. has, as of Tuesday July 7th, started to officially recognize lesbian and gay marriages that were carried out in other states, with council leaders already looking toward making D.C. the next place to offer gay marriages to its own citizens in the future. So what does this ruling mean, and what does the future hold for gay marriage in D.C.?Read the whole story by clicking here.

ON WISCONSIN!!

In an e-mail from Fair Wisconsin today, we were told that Governor Doyle not only got our State budget approved today (which seems to be a hard thing to get done these days...as many states know) but he signed domestic partnerships into law. Wisconsin is the first state in the Midwest to legislatively enact protections for same-sex couples. It is also the first state in the U.S. with an existing ban on marriage equality and civil unions to enact domestic partnerships. We will be able to start signing up at the city clerks office on August 3. The new law provides over 40 benefits we were denied in the past which is great, but a far cry from the 1000+ benefits couples receive in a traditional marriage.

But, even as we celebrate, Julaine Appling of the Wisconsin Family Council said that her organization intends to challenge the constitutionality of domestic partnerships under our amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions.

Raid on the Rainbow Room Bar

Isn't it sad how history has a tendancy to repeat itself. 40 years ago, New York City, The Stonewall Inn bar in Greenwich Village...and a police raid that began the gay revolution that we celebrate during June...known worldwide as Gay Pride month. Now, 40 years later on the same night, a raid on the Rainbow Room bar in Fort Worth, TX...which the police claim was just a routine inspection, where patrons were beaten, harrased and several were arrested. There are many blogs with accounts which you should check out to get the real story. It's sad to think that homophobia and bigotry are still alive and well in the South or anywhere. Check out the stories on Pams House Blend, our friend Kelli's blog - Planet Transgender and this article by Eric Folkerth, a Methodist Minister from Dallas, TX. Our hearts and prayers are with our LGBT friends and allies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area this evening.

Kris and Adam

Since Kris Allen and Adam Lambert will be spending so much time together on the road now on the American Idol tour, its great that they are best buds. It's nice that they have become so close, but I wonder how Kris's wife feels about it. Anyway, examiner.com from Milwaukee has more information about their close friendship.

Tyme Travel Photography

About a month ago, I started a new part time business taking greenscreen pictures at Ravenworks costume shop in Westgate mall in Madison.
Every other Sunday from 1:00 til 5, I set up and patrons are invited to bring in their own costumes or try on anything in Ravens store of Renaissance, Victorian, pirate and other period costumes and accessories, have their photo taken against a greenscreen backdrop and get transported to another place or tyme via my iMac technology.
I have been spending my spare tyme inbetween photo shoots to try out some creative and artsy variations of some of the photos and thought I'd share some of them here. The photos above and below are of Jerry, a store employee who graciously volunteered to pose so I could test out my new lights and backdrop on the second shooting. The background photo is an abstract pattern I shot of leaves and stems which were floating on our pond. I found they created an interesting pattern. I know I'm a bit wierd, but hope you enjoy them anyway. They have a Kandinsky-esk feel to them. If they become immensly popular, maybe some day I will print them up and do a gallery showing.

AARP remembers Stonewall

I just got the latest AARP webletter and was surprised to see a link to a page commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Thanks AARP. I never knew you were gay friendly.

Wear Green

Another tribute to Michael and those struggling in Iran

Remembering Michael

Steve told me this morning that the Michael Jackson video he remembered as his favorite was one that hasn't been shown in all of the MJ tributes so far. So Michael, this tribute is in your memory. As I was typing this up another tribute was on NPR mentioning how you believed in symbolism and reaching the age of 50, you were about to embark on a 50 day tour as a parting shot to revive your legacy and restock your bank account, then fade away and retire. One other thing I remember is a young Jamie King telling his Aunt Patty and Uncle Al who took him to a Michael Jackson concert in Chicago that he knew what he wanted to do after that...to be one of Michaels back-up dancers. He worked hard and not only became one of Michaels dancers, but is now one of the most sought after choreographers in the world.

Barack Obama - Here to Save the Day

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

ASK NOT

A film featuring Soulforce activism involving the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy premiers tonight on PBS Independent Lens. Times vary, in Madison, it won't be on until Friday the 19th at 9 p.m. Check the Independent Lens site for your location and times. You can also watch the preview video for the film on the Independent Lens site..

2009 LGBT March on Washington

Cleve Jones, founder of the AIDS MEMORIAL QUILT
and campaign organizer for HARVEY MILK is calling for a national march on Washington for
marriage equality on Columbus day, 2009.
To read more about the plans, take a look at David Mixners website.

Coming Out in Style

Check out the Rolling Stone website for the whole story and a great video of the cover shoot.

Whack A Kitty game

The sign says it all

Protesters held a rally across the street from the Beverly Hills hotel Democratic fundraiser where President Obama spoke the day after the Prop 8 court decision on gay marriages.

Prop 8 protests

Thousands protest the prop 8 court decision in California and vow to take it back to voters in 2010.

A moment of silence

US interactive map of the fallen.
"There'll be two dates on your tombstone
And all your friends will read 'em
But all that's gonna matter is that little dash between 'em..."
- Kevin Welch

Get out the marching boots

The California supreme court decision on prop 8 will be announced on Tuesday, May 26. I've got my protest boots polished and ready to march...just in case.

Who is the champion?

First, congratulations to Kris on his Idol win on Wednesday. But, I knew Adam wouldn't be left behind, and according to a REUTERS story, Queen, the British rock band (the OTHER Queen in England) is pondering asking Adam Lambert to be their new frontman. They have not have a permanent frontman since Freddie Mercury's death in 1991. Sometimes coming in 2nd can be the real winner. You aren't controlled by what Idol requires you to do...AND you don't have to record that sappy Idol song.

It is what it is!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Dan Choi Is Gay
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Staring Contest

Just for fun to brighten your day.

The Donald's small head RULES

Miss California gets to keep her 

crown. See... its not about breaking 

the RULES... it's about not loosing 

your investment in the breast 

implants. I used to think Joe the 

plumber would be a perfect match

for Ms. CA, but guess I was mistaken.

GO DONALD!!! and take Miss 

California with you!

Little Ashes

Coming this March, Little Ashes, the story about 

the love between Salvidore Dali and poet Federico Garcia Lorca. 

Find out more at the official website: 

www.littleashes-themovie.com

OUTRAGE

In the new movie "Outrage" due to come out in theatres on May 8, activists out gay conservatives in Washington, DC. A reporter on CNN tonight interviewed the films producer, Kirby Dick, amongst others, who reported that the word is that Washington, DC is one of the gayest cities in the country. They reported that you can't swing a dead cat in DC without hitting a gay staffer. The also said that 20 to 30% of the staffers in DC are gay...the majority of them closeted. The ones of most concern in the film are the conservative Republican who outwardly oppose gay rights. There is a trailor for the film in this article in the Huffington Post.

Dancing with Cockatoos

Scientists have found that some animals actually have some ability to mimic sounds they hear and dance or tap their toes to music. They did say it didn't work for dogs and cats or chimps, but an occassional elephant would partake.

Umbrella art for a rainy day

Some creative art installations from the simple umbrella. Not only functional...its ART!

Its a colorful world

The photos in this site recommended by stumbleUpon has some absolutely beautiful pics called a Celebration of Colors Captured by Poras Chaudhary.

Lets talk torture

Shep Smith says it how it is. Finally someone who isn't dancing around the subject and tells it like it is.

If I can't have you

Are you over Adamed yet? well, here's last nights Disco week performance...he was brilliant once again. Sorry, indulge me on this one.

More Adam fix

Is it any wonder Adam looks like a pro on Idol? He has been performing on stage since he was 10, was in the cast of Wicked in LA and here is a clip from The Ten Commandments Musical starring Val Kilmer where Adam played Joshua. Strange he wasnt known for his talents before Idol. I loved this performance.

Its a Mad World

ok,ok, I know alot of you aren't American Idol fans, but damn, Adam Lambert just keeps giving amazing performances every week. I loved last weeks Mad World...and tonights twist on If I Can't have you (the videos werent available yet for that one). Call me crazy, but I think this guy is light years ahead of the rest of the pack.

Just for Smiles

Enjoy the Sound of Music as you've never seen it before. It was shot as a publicity stunt for a reality show at a train station in Belgium. Enjoy. You can read the whole story at the Huffington Post here.

Thanks Barack!

Obama Names Pope-Basher to Faith-Based Initiative Board
Monday, April 06, 2009
By Fred Lucas, Staff Writer
(CNSNews.com) – President Barack Obama has named to the federal government’s faith-based initiative a gay-rights activist who, last month, described Pope Benedict XVI and certain Catholic bishops as “discredited leaders” because of their opposition to same-sex marriage.

Harry Knox, who is a newly appointed member of Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, is the director of the religion and faith program at the Human Rights Campaign, a homosexual activist group.

In addition to his remarks about the Pope, Knox also criticized the Catholic Knights of Columbus as being “foot soldiers of a discredited army of oppression” because of the Knights’ support of Proposition 8. The latter was a ballot initiative that amended California’s state constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman, and passed in November 2008.

WAY TO GO IOWA!!!

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling Friday finding that the state's same-sex marriage ban violates the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian couples, making Iowa the third state where gay marriage is legal.

NEVER touch the Queen!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
The Poisonous Queen
comedycentral.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Fall in the Rockies

I just heard from Mark, our friend at RCM today who confirmed I will be doing the shirts and other misc souvies for the Convo this fall at the YMCA of the Rockies. The above photo is from the YMCA in the Rockies at Estes Park...where the convo will be held. Hope to see you all there.

Justice and Joy!

Troy Plummer's video invites everyone to the RCM's 10th convocation and 25th anniversary at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. this Labor day weekend. The theme of this years convo is Justice and Joy!. We are hitching up the conestoga wagon and making our plans to head west and hope we'll see you there. It starts on Friday, Sept 4th and ends on Monday, Sept 7th. If you have never been to a convo before or have never been to the Rocky Mountains, now it the time!

My peacock cape

Part of my backdrop at my booth at the Renaissance Faire in Dec was a peacock cape from this Everybody winterguard production in 1996. Enjoy.

SIDESHOW!

Friends of mine are often dumbfounded and confused when I tell them I am involved with winter colorguards. They have no idea what kind of activity I am involved in I found this video of Pride of Cincinnati winterguard from a couple of years ago...their show entitled "SIDESHOW!" Enjoy. It will give you an idea of what I am doing during the winter.

Racing the Ice Storm

As I was racing on my current trip from the show in Naperville, IL on Sunday to get to Atlanta to paint some jobs this week before another show this next Saturday, I was trying to beat the perilous ice storm heading East that was about to paralize the Midwest and much of the South. I made it as far as Clarksville, TN on Monday night as the rain was just starting. I was about 45 mi North of Nashville and it was dark, so I decided to stop. I had hoped to get just past Nashville before the storm started. What I did miss was the ice and snow which hit Kentucky, Indiana and much of Southern Illinois shortly after I made it thru those states. I didn't know if I would be able to get back on the road before Thursday as there were warnings of temp drops and more freezing rain hitting the area I was in. I mad a dash about noon today thru the rain and frozen trees to get past Nashville and down into Alabama. Once I got South of Nashville and thru an area of fog...the skys cleared, the sun came out and off came the winter coat and hooded sweatshirt. I was still a wreck from the drive to this point, so stopped for a good nights sleep in Huntsville, AL. Back on the road again in the am to finish the last 3-4 hr drive to Atlanta. I will be there thru part of next week to finish up some jobs and then may or may not return before I have to be back in South Carolina for a show on Feb 14th. I will let you all know...once I have made my decision....the weather is definately better down here...so that may be a deciding factor.

I Love you Philip Morris

Jim Carreys new film with Ewan McGregor (I Love you Philip Morris) premiered at Sundance in Utah recently. Looks like it should be interesting. He said he was working on some of his own internal homophobia by accepting this roll. I hear their hot liplock is about as passionate as any have ever been on the big screen. Can't wait for it to come to a theatre near us. I would guess that our local Sundance theatre may show it sometime soon.

Yes We Can!

What an inauguaral event...The crowd was incredible! I'm sure glad I was watching from my seat at home...although it would have been great to be there in person for this historic event. One thing I found online was very interesting...it really is a new day! Check out this posting on the New White House website regarding civil rights!

Bishop Robinsons Inaugural Invocation

For those of us who missed it on the HBO coverage of the inauguaration (actually, we don't even have HBO, but figured it would show up soon on the net) HBO didn't even show it. Upon further investigation, it wasn't HBO's decision to start the broadcast AFTER Bishop Robinsons opening prayer...it was the a decision made by the Obama Inaugural Committee. Since this was our appeasment for letting the bigoted Rick Warren give the opening prayer at the inauguration on Tuesday, let us hope that the Inaugural Committee will also spare us from having to listen to pastor Ricks opening prayer as well. I'm afraid that is just wishful thinking though. Sarah Pulliam from Christianity Today at least captured the prayer and shared it with us. You can also read the prayer at their website or on Pams House Blend.

Letterman Reminds us...

On;y a couple days left of this and then no more "Great Moments in Presidential History" on his show...its a whole new administration. It was great fun while it lasted.

Fun Ad

sometimes we just need a little humor in our lives. This ad was just too fun.

Street art

This art is full of air...I love it...especially the way it comes and goes with the passing breeze.

Where was this when we needed it?

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

Had we seen this video BEFORE we got married it would have made all the difference in the world. NOW I get it! Damn. Oh well, to get divorced, one of us would have to move to Canada and live there for a year...and our passports have expired. I guess we are just stuck with each other for life. sigh.

Need a lift?

If you think people laugh at your skiing skills then think again. A man was a put into a precarious and undoubtedly embarrassing position while skiing with his child at Vail mountain last Friday.

According to reports:

the chairlift's fold-down seat was not in the correct lowered-down position - causing the man to partially fall through the resulting gap as he attempted to board the lift.

He was prevented from plummeting to the ground below by his right ski, which became jammed in the ascending lift.

And I thought I had some embarrasing moments.

Zumanity

Heres a show to strive to see in '09 in Vegas. Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity...This act is called "Two Men ". This show says it portrays the erotic side of Cirque...yes indeed!!!

Happy New Year

This is just plain fun...shows ya not EVERYONE hates the snow!!!