Rantings from 2288 Beckley Rd.

PHOTOS OF FLIGHT 477 ARE NOT REAL

2009-06-27T06:44:00.009-07:00

This morning I was chatting online with my brother, the ISM, and he said, "oh I am going to send you the pictures from that flight that crashed off Argentina" to which I replied, "ok." I didn't know what he was talking about - I know about the crash but I didn't know about any pictures, other then the picture of the wreckage being removed from the ocean.

The email and photos follow:

Structural failure in flight, but why?

AIR FRANCE CRASH PHOTOS

The world saw the disappearance of an A330 Air France during its trans Atlantic flight between Rio to Paris ...

Here are two shots taken inside the plane before it crashed.
The two photos attached were taken by one of the passengers before the aircraft crashed.

This extraordinary photographer kept his cool, even in his last moments of life, to take these photos. The photos were retrieved from the camera's memory stick. You will never again see photos like this.

In the first photo, there is a gaping hole in the fuselage through which you can see the tailplane and a vertical fin of the aircraft.
In the second photo, one of the passengers is seen being sucked out of the gaping hole.

The photos were found in a digital Casio Z750, amidst the debris. Although the camera was destroyed, the Memory Stick was recovered. Investigating the serial number of the camera, the owner was identified as Paulo G. Muller, an actor of a theatre for children known in the outskirts of Porto Alegre .. It can be imagined that he was standing during the turbulence, he managed to take these photos, just seconds after the tail loss and the aircraft plunged. The structural stress probably ripped the engines away, diminishing the falling speed, protecting the electronic equipment but unfortunately not the victims. Paulo Muller leaves behind two daughters, Bruna and Beatriz.

In a split second I had two reactions - panic and disbelief.

The thought of people enduring such an experience sends an electrical current through my chest. Seeing the passengers strapped in their seats, oxygen masks on, waiting as they fall from the sky, knowing the end is imminent, feeling helplessness and hopelessness just terrifies me.

Yet, almost instantly I took note that the sky was light - the sun is out. What follows is our exchange:

Me: is this real
Me: can’t be real.... it was night
ISM: so it isn’t real
Me: well.... didn’t the flight and crash happen at night
ISM: don’t remember
Me: I think so.... I’m having a panic attack thinking they are real
ISM: think how they felt
Me: the photos look real but I just think it was nighttime
Me: I know... that is why I am having a panic attack
Me: they have to be fake
ISM: Google it

I did Google it and so did the ISM and they are fake. The sky was dark when Flight 477 disappeared. It departed Rio de Janeiro at 7:30pm and depending on what news source you read, the last contact was somewhere between 9:30pm and 2:30am (perhaps time zone issues). The photographs are from the ABC television show "Lost" and upon close inspection a couple of the stars of the show can be identified.

This is just another example of a hoax, or lie that circulates through the internet without anyone checking on its authenticity (like the one about Barrack Obama that I wrote about and unintentionally upset my mother).

In this case not only were the recipients of the email fooled, but a television station in Bolivia, believing their veracity, aired the photos without doing any fact checking.

I am not a cynic, but I do not always believe what I see or read.

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS' 2009 TONYS FINALE

2009-06-08T09:56:00.003-07:00

DO-RE-MI AT ANTWERP TRAIN STATION

2009-06-08T08:34:00.003-07:00

A friend emailed me the above clip this morning and knew immediately I had to post it. Sure, I may not be crazy about Julie Andrews' voice (too sweet for me) but what happens at the Antwerp main train station was so fun I had include it here.

According to an article I read: The video was produced to publicize Op zoek naar Maria, the Belgian TV version of the BBC talent competition program How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, about the search for an actress to play the lead role in a stage revival of The Sound of Music.

PROVINCETOWN DREAM

2009-06-06T06:39:00.012-07:00

Last night I had a dream about my upcoming trip to Provincetown, MA. I guess you could say I am excited.

In the dream we arrived in town (a town that was much bigger then the actual Ptown) and were greeted by Richfield, Minnesota's most famous resident, Miss Richfield 1981. We spent the entire day walking the streets, stopping in random stores and bars, while Miss Richfield gave us a glimpse into her world of international fame, and shared her dreams of building a comedy palace that she envisioned herself performing in nightly.

(This Photo of the gang and Miss Richfield 1981 was taken three years ago during my last Ptown vacation)

The next day while sitting in a coffee shop talking with friends, a thin and not completely unattractive friend of friend (I have no idea who he was) asked me what I ate. Not understanding, I asked what he meant. Looking at my mid-section he said, "Do you eat pies and cakes or do you eat salads?" As I started to reply my attention was diverted as a cute, young man with tossled brown hair hanging in his eyes, and a tattooed map of Scandinavia (with green letters - NOR - in the middle) on his left bicep started to walk by me. He stopped, gave me a smile and started up a conversation. I told him I hadn't taken a shower since the day before and for some reason that drew him closer and with an even wider smile he started caressing my face and massaging my neck.

Then I woke up - but what does it all mean?

Last night, while watching baseball (and The Young and The Restless)on television, I was perusing Youtube for Ptown videos. Trying to get Fettit as excited as I am about our upcoming adventure, I showed him several videos of Miss Richfield and Ptown.

The acquaintance asking what I eat - I think that is about my self-consciousness about my weight and what I ate the day before. However, in my defense, I have lost 25 pounds (it was 30 but I have played with five pounds over the past year) - and we have been trying to eat more healthy again prior to our trip.

Yesterday I didn't do myself any favors.

For breakfast I had an everything bagel with garden veggie cream cheese - a no no. At lunch I had three rolled chicken taquitos with guacamole and cheese -another no no, and when I got home I was peckish so I had about 20 Pepperidge Farms crackers - no no trifecta. To make matters worse, for dinner Fettit made beef stroganoff.

Okay - so yesterday was a frickin fat and carb-fest and subconsciously I am disgusted with myself for all the crap I ate.

Eating all that dough is not going to help me fit into the new bathing suit I bought for the trip, and I don't want to have to wear a jilbab to the beach to conceal any new found girth.

When I first started going to Ptown, 12 years ago, part of the routine was to go the beach, but as the years passed, and the pounds started piling on, I kept my distance. This year, feeling better about my ol body, I have been planning to make a return to the beach and am determined feel good about my body.

As for the good-looking young man with the tattoo. I will have to think long and hard about that one, but I am sure it was just a dream within a dream!

THE BIBLE'S IDEA OF MARRIAGE

2009-06-04T21:49:00.007-07:00

A slew of my friends posted this on Facebook, so of course they will have no need to watch it here, but I think it is hilarious....and so sacrilegious that I had to post it.

Ironically near the end as she is recapping I thought to myself this is just like "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and right then guess what tune started to play? YEP!!!

Get yer head outta yer asses people...Against Gay Marriage? Don't marry a gay!!!!

ELLEN DEGENERES - TULANE COMMENCEMENT 2009

2009-05-31T07:59:00.005-07:00

It is so much easier to just steal things off the internet then to come up with an original idea and yesterday I started a piece for inclusion here and still have not finished it so when I found this I thought it was worthy...ha - like anything I put on here is ever worthy.... and worthy of what anyway?

I originally saw a small clip of Ellen Degeneres' Tulane commencement speech and found it so funny I went to Youtube to see if there was more. As luck would have it, there was, and what I discovered was nearly all of the funny parts were in the beginning but what she had to say after the jokes was touching (co-mingled with some comedy).

Its rather long at nearly 10 minutes but I think it is worth the time.

Oh.. and I really am working on an original piece having to do with my upcoming vacation....

SECTION 60 - ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

2009-05-23T14:05:00.008-07:00

This weekend we remember and memorialize those who have touched our lives and are no longer with us, especially our service men and women who have died with the belief that what they were doing was making our country a safer place for each of us.

Last year I attended the memorial service and burial at Arlington National Cemetery for one such individual - Technical Sergeant Anthony (Tony) Capra who was married to my eldest daughter, Angie, and was father to their five beautiful children.

Angie, holding youngest child Anna, is interviewed in the above CNN news clip about Arlington National Cemetery and Section 60 - the area where over 500 American service members have been buried after losing their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Below is the CNN article that accompanies the video:

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Flowers arrived at Capt. Marissa Alexander's office at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on June 3, 2005.

Her husband, Staff Sgt. Leroy Alexander, was half a world away fighting with the Special Forces in Afghanistan, but he had found a way to send a floral arrangement to his wife, who was five months pregnant with twins.

"He called me and asked me what building I worked in. He said he had to update some records," Alexander said. The flowers lifted her spirits.

But a few hours later, her emotions would be thrown into a tailspin. Alexander saw two Army officers in dress uniforms knock on her front door.

One of the officers started to talk: "We regret to inform you..."

If he said any more, Alexander doesn't remember. "The next memory I have is in my kitchen, banging on the floor. I just couldn't believe it," she said.

The good feelings from flowers delivered a few hours before were gone, replaced by shock, pain and mourning.

A roadside bomb had made her a widow.

Staff Sgt. Alexander now lies in Arlington National Cemetery's Section 60, where 500 soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried.

For years Section 60 has been the one of busiest parts of the cemetery. Every day new burials bring precision marches, the somber tones of taps and the nerve-rattling three-gun salutes.

Then there are family and friends who come to the graves to make an emotional connection to their lost loved ones.

Memorial Day weekend brings even more activity and more visitors. Adults, even some uniformed generals, walk slowly between the rows and rows of headstones, looking for a familiar name. But small children often seem to find the cemetery a place to explore, even play. Their smiles and curiosity remind grown-ups that even in a place synonymous with death, life goes on.

A sense of community has emerged in Section 60.

"I've come here at times and I've met people who were paying remembrances to their loved ones. You become friendly," Capt. Alexander said. "You see each other sometimes and you make a friendship because you know that your loved ones died for the same cause."

Angie Capra's husband is buried a few yards from Leroy Alexander. Air Force Tech Sgt. Anthony Capra was an explosive ordnance disposal expert, killed trying disarm a bomb in Iraq.

"Other widows will come by and put something on there for me if they don't see me. They'll put down flowers. It's kind of a community," Capra said.

More than flowers adorn the graves in Section 60. Visitors of all faiths have picked up the ancient Jewish tradition of leaving a small stone on the headstones to show that a visitor had been to the grave. In most cases these are pebbles found near the grave. But some people have taken to leaving colored glass beads or elaborately painted stones with shamrocks or words like "hero."

Capra recently found a small Yoda figure on her husband's grave. She doesn't know who left it, but it must have been a friend, because her husband loved "Star Wars."
"We never know who puts stuff" on the headstone, she said.

Some mementos leave one to wonder about the story behind them. Like the headstone topped by a tiny bottle of Tabasco hot sauce. Or a set of dog tags with a name that didn't match the name on the headstone.

There is another topped by a small Lego toy, perhaps left by a child whose father died in a far-off land before they even knew each other. Or the grave adorned with an empty bottle of Bud Light, a rubber duck and a candle.

Nearby an empty Wild Turkey bottle is the lone addition to the grave of a soldier who died in a country where drinking alcohol is strictly forbidden.

Capra has found a variety of items on Tony's headstone.

"Coins, lots of rocks, candy. My husband was a candy freak," Capra said. "There was a cross. A little necklace, Mardi Gras beads during Mardi Gras season. Anything they have they'll put on top to show that they are thinking about them at the time."
Alexander seems to draw strength from the items she finds.

"Someone came and did a picture of Lee, and it was a hand-drawn picture. I thought that was very interesting," she said.

"People who haven't been seen in years will leave a note of some sort. It's nice to know that you've been remembered after all of this time. To know that we have friends who still love and support us, that is just wonderful."

Section 60 has been called the "saddest acre in America," and without a doubt sadness abounds. But so do comfort, support and even an occasional smile.

HAPPY 25TH ANTI-VERSARY FETTIT

2009-05-17T07:12:00.013-07:00

Twenty-five years ago today I met the single most seminal individual of my adulthood - Fettit. Who would have thought the night we met all those years ago in Marquette, MI we would still be living together?

I knew the night I met Fettit that I loved him and with all we have been through, nothing has changed (except our hairlines). Our relationship has evolved into something different then it was in the beginning, but what partnership doesn't change through the years?

For 25 years he has been more then my best friend - he has been my family - my brother. He has gone from helping me raise my kids to becoming Papa to our grandchildren, and he has put a smile on my face and made me laugh harder and more often then anyone.

Fettit - thank you for opening your heart and life to me, for giving me a home, for 25 years of laughter and friendship and for loving me.

Above are two photos of me and Fettit taken the first year we were together

And this is a photo of me and Fettit taken this past summer

COMMANDER-IN-COMEDY

2009-05-10T07:18:00.006-07:00

For those that missed the Commnder-in-Chief speak at the White House Correspondent's Dinner this weekend, I snagged this from CNN.Com. Not only is President Barrack Obama a capable and compassionate leader, he has a flare for comedy.

My favorite joke was in reference to his newfound closeness with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. It happens at the 7:56 mark on the clip....

BARBRA, GAME NIGHT, AND DISAPPOINTMENT

2009-04-26T06:49:00.003-07:00

I have a friend named Ray with whom I share a lot of common interests. He is great fun, has a wicked sense of humor, appreciates talent, and enjoys Broadway musical and Barbra Streisand.

We hung out last weekend at Phoenix Pride and somehow during our time together Barbra's upcoming CBS concert came up and he suggested we have game night to coincide with Barbra's concert. Game night is an occasion we "try" to do monthly where three couples (well - sort of couples) get together for drinks, appetizers and games. I thought it was a great idea so we spoke with Josh and Steven who agreed (and then promptly forgot - but did show up.)

At the last minute Fettit and I had an out-of-town guest join us, and since I like even numbers for parties (especially game night) I invited a new favorite of mine to join us.

His not showing last night was the disappointment, although I believe it had nothing to do with his disinterest. He literally jumped with excitement Friday night when I drove over to his prison and extended the invitation - and here I thought indentured servitude was outlawed. Oh, the weight some people carry!

Anyway - the evening was great fun. I have always said I am blessed to have so many wonderfully gifted, witty, and caring friends surrounding me, and last night was no exception.

What I didn't foresee was my reaction to seeing Barbra on the television. I mean, I have always been emotional when I unexpectedly, and some times expectedly, see her, but I guess the anticipation of the hanging with friends, along with the preparation involved, and the possibility of spending time with the potential new friend, overshadowed the thought that Barbra would be performing.

Reality slapped me across the face though the first time she appeared on the television screen and within seconds I was temporarily verklempt. Then awaking to my surroundings, although transfixed, I pulled it together - that is until she sang "Unusual Way from the Broadway show Nine."

"Unusual Way" is not a new song to me. Linda Eder performed the song on her CD titled "It's Time, and I remember 10 years ago listening to it repeatedly on my drives to Provincetown from Boxboro, MA, the summer I discovered the place.

I also purchased Barbra's "The Concert" CD the day it came out, have listened to and sang along umpteen times, knowing each word. Last night; however, was the very first time I have actually heard the words. I'm not certain how I could have sang along to it all of these years without knowing the meaning behind the words - but the truth is, I can sing along, word-for-word, to almost every song of the last 50 or so years but couldn't explain the meaning behind many of them mean. I guess I just sing the words that are stuck in my head.

It is difficult to explain or put into words, and I am slightly embarrassed to be this exposed, but watching Barbra sing "Unusual Way" completely wrecked me. I'm not sure why it hit me so hard, but watching her perform it last night was like hearing it for the first time.

It was as if I found a song that fit, or explained my connection to a woman who I have never met, but love in an unexplainable and extraordinary way. I think you will understand, or maybe not, when you read the words that follow. As she said in the concert, "It's (the song) about those kind of relationships that are not easily defined..."

Unusual Way

In a very unusual way
One time I needed you
In a very unusual way
You were my friend

Maybe it lasted a day
Maybe it lasted an hour
But somehow it will never end

In a very unusual way
I think I'm in love with you
In a very unusual way
I want to cry

Something inside me goes weak
Something inside me surrenders
And you're the reason why,
You’re the reason why

You don't know what you do to me
You don't have a clue
You can't tell
What it's like to be me
Looking at you
It scares me so
That I can hardly speak

In a very unusual way
I owe what I am to you
Thought at times it appears I won't stay
I never go

Special to me in my life
Since the first day that I met you
How could I ever forget you
Once you had touched my soul?

In a very unusual way
You made me whole

For completely sane and rational people those lyrics may not mean anything, but it is almost like the writer of the song knew me and my unconventional love for this woman we affectionately refer to as Aunt Barbra in my family.

Last night, standing amongst my friends, I watched through tear-filled eyes as Barbra sang that song to me as if she were my mirror and the response was uncontrollable. Perhaps I should be embarrassed, but I wasn't, and it seemed that just for a second she was singing from my heart and understood how I, like so many others, have this "unusual" affection for her.

I remember many years ago, Rosie O'Donnell tried to explain the connection and familial love she has for her. I too have felt that since I was 15 years old, but could never articulate it. Barbra told Rosie she could not understand it and asked her to explain. Rosie should have just handed the lyrics to her.

I was also struck by something else last night watching her sing the song. Although
she has never acknowledged it publically, Barbra has always needed me (and those unbalanced folks like me) all of these years as much as I needed her.

It was something in the way that she sang the last line. Instead of singing:

In a very unusual way
You made me whole

she sang:

In a very unusual way
You've made me whole

I know the changing of the line is minor and insignificant, but it was enough to make me take note and think that for a half a second, I've made her whole. I, or we, the audience, have given Barbra something she didn't even understand that she needed from us. Although she has never understood it, or definitely not publically articulated it, she needed for the audience to love, worship and idolize her in order to feel accepted and complete.

Because of the loss of her father at an early age, the lack of warmth and love she felt from her mother, and the ridicule she endured throughout her early life, she had to make become internationally known. She had to be heard and show the world. In a very unusual way, we made her whole.

I found the realization stunning and helpful - in a very unusual way - and to her I say publically - you are welcome - and thank you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBRA

2009-04-24T07:05:00.001-07:00

ANTI-TAXERS POINT THEIR FINGER IN THE WRONG DIRECTION

2009-04-16T17:16:00.009-07:00

Anti-tax “Tea Party” rallies were held across the country yesterday, tax day, April 15th, to demonstrate the public’s objection to the excessive and wasteful spending by Washington DC.

Armed with signs and chanting slogans, democracy was in action yesterday with messages of “Stop Spending My Money,” and the like. Others included a poster of President Barrack Obama, in what I assume is a soviet military uniform, that read “Just Say Nyet,” “Cling to My God, My Money, My Guns,” “Stop Obama’s Spending Spree,” and “Abortion is Murder.”

Anti-taxers from all walks of life, and viewpoints took to the streets in protest, and I am all for asserting our constitutional right to assembly and to speak up for our individual values. Without such freedoms, I wouldn’t be allowed to be so vocal about the actions, situations and issues that please and anger me, but come on, make sure you are aiming your vitriol in the right direction.

Barrack Obama has only been President of the United States for 85 days, not eight months or eight years. He isn’t the person who had oversight of this economy when it failed. He wasn’t in office on September 24th, 2008 when the first auto industry bailout took place, and he was not in charge when the bailout of the initial financial and credit markets took place, and yet from the photos and video I saw from yesterday’s demonstrations anyone who didn’t know better would have thought President Obama had been in office since the turn of the century.

Come on you gun-totin’, snake wrangling, end-times waitin’ freaks, blame it on the person that created the situation. – George W. Bush. Remember him?

He is the one that high-tailed it out of the White House a few weeks ago, hoping not to be hung (or shot) for the high crimes and misdemeanors he perpetrated against both the American public – who voted for him – and the world in general.

I honestly believed on January 20th that when Barrack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States my days of bashing George Bush and his foolish-followers, were over. I was looking forward to the future that appeared bright in many ways and I assumed I would never have to type the name George Bush even again - but boy was I wrong. The ugliness, stupidity and greed of the previous eight years linger over us all like pot smoke at a Grateful Dead concert.

Although I have tried, it appears the last Bush administration is a shadow I won’t soon forget, and yet the anti-taxers have a short memory. Which president cut taxes for the wealthiest Americas as he was picking a fight with the world and marching our soldiers to their deaths in Iraq?

We have George Bush, and his greedy friends, to thank for the current State of the Union, not Barrack Obama. George Bush did what Republicans always do – cut taxes for their wealthy friends (who then try to find other ways of raping the capitalist system), and then push on the costs to future generations on working Americans.

By the time George W Bush left office he added more to the national then any of the preceding president in history, followed closely by the other last two-term Republican president - Ronald Reagan.

The eighties, under Reagan, were similar to the last eight years - excess, extravagant consumerism, greed and a people and nation living beyond their means. Reagan too, believing in trickle down economic, cut taxes on the wealthiest Americans, and heaped more of the burden on the little guy thereby ensuring us years of record deficits.

The Republicans love to labels Democrats as the "Taxers and Spender" but it is a flat out lie. The national debt increased more during the combined 16 years of Ronald Reagan and George W Bush then all the other presidents combined.

President Obama would not be dealing with any of the problems if the Bush administration hasn't had its head in the sand and had focused on the important issues, instead of creating situations to make their friends richer on the backs of the American taxpayer. The mismanagement and misguided priorities of the past administration and the cost of an unnecessary war brought us to the point we are at today. Surprisingly, our “anti-tax” friends were conspicuously quiet when George Bush pushed the country into the Iraq War at an estimated cost of 2 trillion dollars.

Why is it acceptable for the United States to charge up 2 trillion dollars in debt to invade a nation that was no serious threat to us? That would have been a perfect time for the “anti-taxers” to take to the streets yelling and screaming along side the anti-war protesters.

My only conclusion is that money for war is somehow acceptable to these people. It is totally permissible to spend obscene amounts of money destroying cities, towns, families and lives, but it is not okay to ensure children have healthcare and a good education or seniors have their prescription drugs and the streets are safe.

This takes me back to the piece I wrote over 1 1/2 years ago entitled “What Do Americans Value?” (Here on my blog from October 2007. It generated more activity and interest then anything I have ever written.)

American priorities have been and continue to be mis-aligned. Far too many Americas are fine with our government spending trillions destroying armies and bombing buildings but they shriek when the same amount of money is spent for their own good – and believe me - shoring up the financial and credit mess left by the George Bush administration is in our best interest.

If given a preference, President Obama would rather be cutting taxes for American families, instead of spending money on bailouts for Detroit and Wall Street and killing and destroying innocent lives in a country half a world away.

If the anti-taxers want to make a point, call for the head of the person (George W. Bush) or people (including Dick Cheney) that got us into this mess. Take to the streets and demand congress take a serious look at the unbridled actions of the greedy and unprincipled group that just left office.

I applaud your enthusiasm and goal, but make sure you are pointing the finger in the right direction. We have to all stand behind President Obama, no matter what drug-addled right-winger radio talkers say. We have a vested interest to get it done right for our children and our grandchildren.

Oh, and one more thing - Don't mix your messages. Stay on point. If the message is taxation, it is completely acceptable to carry on about fiscal irresponsibility, but what is up with the anti-abortion signs I saw? Did these people, and there were many, take a wrong turn on the way to a Pro-Life rally. Carrying an anti-abortion sign at a taxation demonstration does not make sense to me. It is like carrying a “Jews for Jesus” sign at a gay pride parade. It isn't on point and Nobody Cares!

CLIPS FROM THE UPCOMING STREISAND IN CONCERT ON CBS APRIL 25TH

2009-04-14T22:14:00.008-07:00

What follows are three full length song clips CBS has released from the upcoming show "Streisand in Concert" which airs April 25th on CBS (and available on DVD the following week).

The voice is still THE VOICE and she looks fantastic!

Unfortunately each clip may start with a commercial advertisement.

In the first clip she sings "Unusual Way."

The second clip is "Don't Rain on My Parade"

In the third, and final clip, she sings "Funny Girl"

I just finished watching all three clips again and after all of these years I am still mesmerized. This is singing at its best and there is no one who can interpret a song better. She is without peer!

SHE DREAMED A DREAM - SUSAN BOYLE ON BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT

2009-04-14T21:49:00.003-07:00

I saw this on AOL tonight and then saw that my friend Matt posted it on Facebook, but I had to include it - It IS Rant-worthy.

This is a clip from "Britain's Got Talent" and the contestant, Susan Boyle, is a frumpy 47 year old woman who lives alone with her cat and has never been kissed. When Simon Cowell asked who she would like to be as successful as, she answered Elaine Paige (a famous musical theater star in Britain) and no one was biting, that is until she opened her mouth.

Isn't it a pleasant surprise when a cynical public is blown away and shamed for judging a book by it's cover? If I hadn't read the article that accompanied the clip I would have judged this woman by her appearance and discounted her right from the start - just like the audience and the three judges did.

And weren't we all wrong?

I say congratulations Susan Boyle and I hope to see more clips.

STREISAND CONCERT ON CBS AND DVD

2009-04-07T22:28:00.006-07:00

The wait is finally over.

After more then two years, Queen Barbra's (Streisand) 2006 concert outing (packaged with 1994's "The Concert Live at Arrowhead Pond," "Putting it Together," and many other extras) is being released on DVD April 28th following a condensed version that is airing on CBS April 25th.

Set your DVRs for April 25th (the day after Barbra's 67th birthday) and three days later rush out and get Streisand - The Concerts.

Below is the press release from www.barbrastreisand.com.

Streisand - The Concerts Coming April 28, 2009

Barbra Streisand, the most acclaimed female artist of our time is world renowned for thrilling audiences with her magical performances. In October, 2006 Streisand embarked on her first North American tour in over decade and her first tour of continental Europe ever - thrilling both audiences and critics alike and setting new box office records at the same time!

Now, you have a chance to get front row seats to the very best of Barbra Streisand captured in Streisand - The Concerts, a brand new Deluxe 3-Disc DVD Set showcasing some of her most memorable concerts…ever.

The main highlights on this stunning 3 DVD collection include:

• Disc 1 features the previously unreleased Fort Lauderdale show, with special guest and multi-platinum recording artist, Il Divo. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone magazine called it “Sensational! A Brilliant Show! A Major Musical Triumph!”.

• Disc 2 is The Concert LIVE at Arrowhead Pond from Anaheim, CA. A sensational event which documented her first concert tour in 28 years.

• Disc 3 Never before released on DVD, ‘Putting it Together'- takes you behind the scenes of the making of the Broadway album.

There are over 60 songs including all the classics: "Funny Girl," "The Way We Were," "People," "You Don’t Bring Me Flowers," "Don’t Rain On My Parade" and special exclusives including 10 songs never-before-seen on DVD, including: "Unusual Way," "A Cockeyed Optimist" and "My Shining Hour," all of which are the first time Streisand has ever performed them either in the studio or live.

PLUS bonus features include five additional songs as well as behind-the-scenes captivating moments with one of the most beloved artists of all time.

This highly anticipated Deluxe 3-Disc DVD Set is available now arriving just in time to be shared with loved ones on Mother’s Day.

“Streisand has never sounded better! She’s astounding!” - The New York Times.

Don't miss the CBS TV Special on April 25, 2009!

I noticed the above video takes awhile to load - so please be patient!

WELCOME TO THE INTERNET

2009-04-02T18:46:00.006-07:00

Today my mother entered the 21st Century. She turned in the keys to dial-up and upgraded to broadband.

Ten years ago we gifted my mother with her fist computer for Christmas. It was one of those cheap E-machines. Back in the time of dial-up, the no frills cheapo was perfect for her.

On her own, she learned the ins and outs of the the internet but her tutorial was stunted by her lack of high speed. That all changed today.

Today she got to come here and see what she has been missing for nearly two years - pictures and movies of my oh so exciting life - friends, family, Noelle and Christopher.

Welcome to the real internet world Wanda! Does this mean I have to watch my manners?

HELL NO!

GAY BASHING AT A SPORTS BAR: WHAT DO YOU DO?

2009-04-01T17:47:00.004-07:00

THOUGHTS?

THE BIBLE SAYS NO TO GLOBAL WARMING

2009-03-30T17:43:00.003-07:00

Is this guy serious?

At first I thought it was from the "Onion News" because it is so ridiculous.

People wonder what is wrong with this country and our Congress - well this is the answer.

During what I presume to be a serious debate about global warming, this fool is telling us that global warming doesn't exist.... because the bible(oh - am I supposed to capitalize that?)... The Bible says differently.

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

Why do we send idiots like Representative Shimkus to congress?

TAMMY BRUCE - MY LONG LOST FORMER SISTER-IN-LAW?

2009-03-26T22:15:00.012-07:00

When I first read about Tammy Bruce’s tirade against the First Lady of the United States - referring to her as trash - I thought, “just another boney, ultra-conservative right-winger trying to make a name for herself,” however, I was only partially right, and I was surprised to find that I may have a connection to her.

Like 99% of the country, I had never heard of Tammy Bruce prior to her headline grabbing diatribe against Michelle Obama, so I “googled” her name and read articles about her and watched her on a few “so called” news shows.

On her website (I won’t advertise her website by giving the URL) it shows a photograph of her and I upon first seeing it I was dumbstruck - Tammy Bruce bears a striking resemblance to my former sister-in-law.

Yeah, her teeth may be straighter, the girth of her nose may have been neatly trimmed and she may now be a rabid lesbian, but she is my brother’s former bride. Interest piqued, I had to do some further investigation.

I learned that “Tammy” was born in California in 1962 and is a gun-loving, pro-choicer, who changed political parties back in the 1990s. Except for the birth year, it sounds like her.

She may have stretched the truth regarding the year she was born, but lying came naturally to her and her clan, and if my memory serves me correctly, her family did have a personal affinity for firearms, name calling, fighting and abortion as their only form of birth control.

Their other passion was pasta.

Coincidence – I think not!

They loved picking fights and threatening others with their guns. They did not care who it was. No one was off limit, not even family.

Hell, as we were moving out of town, I distinctly remember “Tammy’s” brother driving by our house waving a gun in the air, threatening us, and she and her toddler daughter were with us.

I got along fine with “Tammy,” although she may not have been the warmest woman in the world, but it was not her fault. She was raised by a woman who did not have an ounce of conscious or compassion. When they moved from Tucson, Arizona to Denver, CO, her mother took the beloved family poodle to the groomers and purposely left it there as they drove out of town.

Sounds like the same folk. The more I read, the more I am certain “Tammy” is the ISM’s ex-wife.

As I now stare at the picture of Tammy Bruce, I can’t be 100% certain she is my brother’s ex-wife, after all I haven’t seen her in over 25 years, but the similarities are just too much of a coincidence - they both are from California, mean spirited, gun-sporting, abortion lovers who lack compassion and like to pick fights. The odds are in my favor - Tammy Bruce must be my former sister in-law.

Did I mention the family was trash?

ITS JUST A TOWEL

2009-03-21T07:35:00.011-07:00

Noelle spent the weekend with us two weeks ago and after breakfast while I was doing "chores" around the house she was in her bedroom playing. Typically when she plays in her room there is some noise and every few minutes she comes out to ask, or more often, tell me something.

After she was in there for quite some time without coming out, and I couldn't hear any noise coming from the room, I suspected she was doing something she shouldn't. As I approached her room the door was shut - not a good sign.

When I opened the door and walked in I didn't see her, but I knew she was there - maybe in the closet or behind the dresser. I peered around the bed and she was lying on the floor, half of her body under the bed and the other half exposed. She was sitting up at a funny angle, resting her hand on a small, thin item, trying to hide something, and there were unidentifiable marks on her face.

As I got closer I could see that her hand was on a makeup kit and the blotches on her face was her attempt to put on the makeup.

Being the understanding grandfather that I am, (meaning I understand the need for make up once in a while)instead of scolding her, I asked if she wanted grandpa to put the make up on her. She excitedly agreed.

In my attempt to correct what she had done to herself, while softly talking to her about not touching things that don't belong to her, I made matters worse.

After I took several pictures of her, and we both had a good laugh at the disaster I had made of her face, I decided to give her a bath and remove it.

It was then that I discovered it was going to take more then soap and water to get this cheap makeup off her face. Fortunately, I had some old cold creme in the house, left over from one of the Halloween parties, so I slathered up her face (and hair) and rid her face of the brown oil slick and green eye shadow.

The part that I found the funniest, and was able to capture on video, happened after I took her out of the sink. While I was drying her off I made the comment that her towel looked like a dress - an evening gown. She didn't like that!

She is such a doll, but let me tell you, she is opinionated and mouthy. I love it but I do not know where she gets it!

SO I'M A STAR F@#KER-GET OVER IT!

2009-03-11T21:46:00.011-07:00

Okay - So tonight while reading Rosie's "Ask Rosie," someone mentioned Jane Fonda's blog. Naturally, I had to pop in to see what it was all about - American Idol had just ended and 9pm was way too early to go to bed - and I ended up reading several of her entries.

Jane Fonda has a real live f-ing Blog.

She talks about her causes, day-to-day life, her family, and return to the Broadway stage after (I believe) 46 years in "33 Variation" where she has received glowing reviews.

I've always been an admirer, and have enjoyed her in every film I have seen her in, but because, well, you know... her hey-day was Barbra's hey-day and I could only have eyes for one STAR at a time; however, I have always admired her convictions, intelligence, talent, and Christ, her beauty. The woman is still such a knock out!

So I went to Jane's website and I think I may be addicted.

I like her common sense approach to writing - she drew me in with her writing - even something as pedestrian as her trip to Starbucks for a bagel (as I recall she forgot her money and had to return home - but they were out of bagels anyway).

Perhaps it was the photo of Jane and Dolly Parton - I love a good reunion!!!

Oh, if only Barbra would blog. She could do duet blogs with say, Neil Diamond or Donna Summer - and if she has to, Barry Gibb. How fun would that be - or maybe she could teach current singers how to sing instead of lip sync (Madonna and Britney can you hear me).

Okay - Enough is Enough - back to Jane.

The link for Jane's site is www.JaneFonda.com (could it be any simpler). Take a look, it's a pleasing slice of an American Icon's life.

Thanks Jane... I will be visiting way too often and will be adding the site to my blogroll!

1ST ANNUAL GHETTO AND GOWNS ACADEMY AWARDS CELEBRATION

2009-02-28T14:10:00.004-07:00

Click To Play

Are words really necessary?

Last Sunday, February 21st, we held our 1st Annual Ghetto and Gowns Academy Awards celebration. Attendees were required to wear "formal" attire and walk the red carpet.

In attendance were Halle Barry, Julie Andrews, Farrah Fawcett, and countless other tragic fashion victims.

Provecho!!!

ROSIE O'DONNELL PRESENTS "AMERICA"

2009-02-27T23:46:00.003-07:00

TO STAY OR GO... AND SO ON

2009-02-27T22:58:00.006-07:00

Recently I realized I have been completely neglecting this place of mine - shying away from it. It hasn't been just here that I have neglected, I have also not been returning emails. I currently have 35 read and saved emails - all waiting for a response.

Today I received notice that I need to renew the hosting fee for my website. I purchased the name in late March 2007 but don't think I started designing it until late summer. It seems like a lifetime ago and I now need to decide to renew or let it go.

I can't see myself letting it go but with the down-turn in the economy and the medical bills I have amassed it may be time to say good-bye.

Interestingly enough, I don't even know if anyone frequents the website or this blog any longer. I used to be so into all of it but once Hillary failed to get the Democratic nomination for President of the United States and my little medical episode I guess I briefly lost my passion for politics and started focusing on other things.

That does not hold as true today.

I love our new president and am truly proud to be an American again. I don't feel the need to apologize to every foreigner I encounter as I did the past eight years. (I need to write about our president soon)

..and although this is not going to be a political rant, more of a personal one as you can tell from the photo of my Noelle, I have just one question for these tight- ass, white republican stiffs....

Why weren't you screaming about mortgaging our grandchildrens' futures when it came to wasting 1 trillion dollars funding the occupation of Iraq?

Throwing our money away to kill innocent people and devastate a country that never did us harm, as well as scores of damaged America families who lost loved ones is fine with you money-grubbing assholes because it makes you and your friends rich and richer, but God forbid we spend money on the people of the United States.

Someone needs to stand up and call out these greedy fuckers. Do something for Americans FIRST...

Okay.. I will get off my soap box.

This weekend Michelle and Jon are moving so Fettit and I will have the grandchildren. Noelle will spend the night but Christopher is still too young.

I put Noelle's photo up just because I thought it was so adorable. She grabbed the wigs off the patio table the other night and put it on, with Fettit's help, and I couldn't help but take her picture. Fettit was in the photo but I cropped him out... he isn't as cute as she is.

That's is it for now kids..Oh.. one more thing....

We held our 1st Annual Academy Awards Gown party this past Sunday and it was a blast. I have some photo's I will post, but more importantly, I took video of the arrivals on the red carpet. Once I look at the video, I am hoping to post some of it here so you can share it the craziness.

Goodnight all!

PLEASE DON'T DIVORCE US

2009-02-07T06:36:00.003-07:00

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.