Ask a Lesbian

DC Madam - Deborah Jeanne Palfrey - Suicide My Ass

2008-05-11T18:06:00.001-04:00

Memo To White Sox's Fans re. Blow Up Doll Cheering Section

2008-05-10T15:40:00.005-04:00

May 10, 2008

Subject: Leave your Naked Blow-up dolls, with bats shoved up the ass at home.

Please DO NOT bring naked blow up dolls to the ball park, either as a show of support, or even just to have a little fun, as per Ozzie Guillen's memo.

White Sox Manager, Joe Guillen, quoted on MLB.com's website:

"One thing we did was keep it in private," Guillen said. "I'm going to tell those White Sox fans, 'Please, don't bring those dolls to the park. Please, we have kids here.'

"I don't think it's good for the image of the game. There are a lot of kids watching the game."

Guillen continued to shy away from saying his players made a mistake with this display, which was positioned in the White Sox clubhouse in Toronto. He added that the level of clubhouse fun won't be dialed down after this mishap.

"We're going to be the same, but we got to be careful about what we do," Guillen said. "Some people like stuff. Some don't."

Yeah, yeah, that's it! Be more careful with stuff.

________________________

Jackie Warner, Jamie Eason, Brian Peeler, It Just Got Better!

2008-05-10T08:59:00.006-04:00

May 10, 2008

CHECK OUT WHO JACKIE WARNER DISSED

I should have known that things are always more complicated than they seem, especially with Jackie Warner.

The woman who was training with Brian Peeler, the woman whose boyfriend overheard the rude, catty, comments coming out of Jackie Warner's office about her breast implants, was the very well known fitness model, Jamie Eason. (Mea culpa. I love the sport of bodybuilding but have not followed it since Cory Everson.)

Of course! Now it makes sense. Jamie Eason, whose body is more perfect than Jackie's, who is even more well know in the world of fitness, might upstage our girl. And, who brought her into SkySport? Peeler!! He talked her into coming in for a workout. Talk about pissing off the boss!

Now, it even gets better. Jamie Eason wrote this post on her site at www.bodybuilding.com, but it was deleted. Thanks to an anonymous reader who copied the text and posted it as a comment on this blog, here is Jamie Eason's post regarding the incident.

From bodybuilding.com, before it got deleted:

Originally Posted by JamieEason
First off, I was training and Peeler almost made me throw up, so yes, I probably didn't look my best. He had me doing crazy plyos and inverted sit-ups on an exercise ball, holding my legs.

Second of all, Jackie was the one who was doing the trash talking and Lisa chimed in. If you go to Bravo's site, she completely denies ever saying anything. She is extremely unprofessional. She never even acknowledged, not during or after the incident. That was my first and last time to ever train there. I only went on the show as a favor to Brian Peeler. To say that she didn't know who I was seems absurd since I had to sign off to even appear on the show. I do not have a trainer and haven't had one years. It is really unfortunate that they used that incident to fire Peeler.

Thank you to those who have shown their support on the site and on my myspace. I really appreciate it!

There are so many video clips of Jamie Eason on YouTube, it was really hard to pick one. She also made a video clip regarding her breast augmentation surgery. She is gorgeous, and seems totally adorable in interviews. After being on "Workout," if she didn't already have a big lesbian following, she will now. Enjoy!

__________________________________

Apology Letters From Jackie Warner and Lisa

2008-05-09T13:06:00.006-04:00

COMPARE AND CONTRAST. ONE OF THESE THINGS IS NOT LIKE THE OTHER.

Seriously, I have to reprint this apology letter from Jackie Warner's Bravo blog. Jackie Warner has sent it around to enough people to put it in the public domain category.

To clear up a couple of things from last night's episode.

I did not make a derogatory remark about Brian Peelers client on camera or off-camera. The only reason he tried to bring it up to me on camera is to villainise me and set me up for something I didn't do.

Lisa did not know this woman had cancer and made a comment about her breasts which she apologized for. I have dealt with cancer personally as well as watched my mother struggle with it so I am very sensitive about this disease.

I have been employed in the past and in a million years would not have behaved the way Brian behaved with me. I can't imagine raising my voice or refusing to leave my boss' office when asked politely to do so. I feel totally justified in firing him. I have always personally disliked him but was forced to continue to employ him because he was chosen by the producers for the show. Please remember that this is a show and that 90% of the beautiful and inspiring work we did was left on the cutting room floor. The producers decided (regrettably) to create through editing a very different and what I think a very negative show.

This season is not in any way a reflection of what I or SkySport represents. I have spent a great part of my life trying to heal and am just as floored as you, the viewers, by the negative editing.

On a lighter note, I thought Erica looked beautiful during her shoot and it was a great self-esteem builder. Gregg B and Deenie are just not fitting! SkyLab is challenging and getting off to a rocky start but some powerful changes are yet to come.

Thank you-

Jackie Warner

CONTRAST THE ABOVE LETTER WITH THIS ONE FROM LISA

Here is Lisa's blog from Bravo. Now this, is what a credible, believable, sincere apology looks like. Nice job, Lisa. If I were Jamie I would totally accept this apology:

Unless you’re some kind of saint, you’ve probably at one time or another said or done something unkind. Maybe out of fear, envy, greed or pettiness, you’ve dumped on somebody you shouldn't have. Well, folks -- I did just that. I made the following comments about Jamie Eason: (1) I questioned if she had breast implants because they were very perky and perfect. I remember looking down at my aging boobs and thought about considering implants, and (2) I questioned who she was in general because she was doing some hard-core workout with Brian. That is all I said … PERIOD! I totally owned up to it and personally apologized to Jamie, her boyfriend, and Peeler. I apologized for the exact words I used immediately after her boyfriend walked out of the office. Her boyfriend was totally cool and understood, but wanted an apology from Jackie and not on behalf of her, as he overheard her making comments as well. I believe Jamie and Peeler wanted the same, which is why he confronted Jackie in her office. My “confessional” was emotional and overwhelming because I felt so bad for what I said even after I made amends. At that time I also learned that my sister who is suffering from systemic Lupus and attempted suicide, and my hair was coming out in clumps due to stress.

I have suffered the repercussions of my actions and if the blame wants to be placed on me, then so be it. The best thing about the situation is that I got ”love” back from Jamie and Peeler. As manager of the gym and medical facility, I make mistakes -- BIG OL' BURLY ones! The best thing about a mistake is the ability to OWN up to it and learn from it. If you don’t, then that says something about your lack of character. Since the event, I have spoken to many high profile business people in Beverly Hills and have taken their advice on how to handle the situation. I learned that it isn’t uncommon for things like this to happen, but it is rare that people take full responsibility for it and not blame others.

Yes, it was immature. Yes, yes, yes. Guilty as charged! So I’m totally prepared for the butt-whipping, nasty words and hate mail. Bring it on, as I deserve it.

__________________________________

JACKIE WARNER'S APOLOGY TO FANS, DOESN'T QUITE 'WORKOUT'

2008-05-08T23:56:00.009-04:00

IT'S LIKE AN APOLOGY, ONLY DIFFERENT

Not all of the heat that comes Jackie Warner's way is of the "pants on fire" variety. Her handling of the Brian Peeler situation has caused even some of her most loyal fans to throw in their Workout Necklaces.

While Brian Peeler was training a client, snide, really mean, remarks about how awful her boob job looked, were overheard by the woman's boyfriend, who was sitting right outside of Jackie's office. The boyfriend then confronted Jackie and her assistant, Lisa, telling them that his girlfriend was a breast cancer survivor who had endured reconstruction. Of course, Jackie apologized and tried to smooth things over with the boyfriend.

Upon hearing about the incident, Peeler was understandable angry and upset. He wanted to talk to Jackie about it. She refused to talk to him, saying that the situation had been handled.

I think that, as owner, she had an obligation to address Peeler's concerns and questions. Had I been the trainer, I would have been absolutely mortified to think that my client was aware of derogatory remarks about her physical appearance. Period. Cancer, or no cancer. What kind of atmosphere is fostered when people have to fear physical ridicule emanating from the owner's office?

So, Jackie refused. Peeler insisted. Jackie fired Peeler.

Peeler is better off. I don't think that I could work as a trainer where I was unable to trust the owner not to embarrass me like that.

The Boys at L.A. RAG MAG (who I am totally friends with.) have Jackie's written apology on their website. Especially telling is this one sentence:

"I have always personally disliked him but was forced to continue to employ him because he was chosen by the producers for the show."

Well that completely explains why she would allow her assistant to ridicule a client. Certain justification to deny meeting with an employee who was looking for an explanation.

That would also explain why she gave him the bum's rush from her office when he wanted to sit in on the meeting with Doug's best friend. It was almost as if she intentionally wanted to embarrass him.

Go read her letter at L.A. RAG MAG. (who I am totally friends with.) See what you think about her apology.

Oh, and please leave them a comment. You know Jackie Warner will be reading their blog.

__________________________________

White Sox Blow Up Doll Ritual Doesn't Work. They're Still Losers

2008-05-08T12:59:00.008-04:00

OVERBLOWN? PERHAPS THE DOLLS, BUT NOT THE STORY.

(White Sox Manager, Ozzie Guillen)

The Chicago White Sox baseball team was in a slump. After an 0-6 road trip, Sox management needed something special to break the cycle.

Athletic motivation is a whole science and industry unto itself. There are Psychologists and motivational professionals who specialize in working with athletes to help them focus, excel, and perform at ever higher levels.

White Sox management, no stranger to the latest methodology in sports management and wanting only the best for the team's emotional and psychological well being, brought in BLOW UP DOLLS. (Actually, speculation is that they were brought in by one of the players.) That still does not excuse any of the behavior that followed.

That's right. FEMALE BLOW UP DOLLS. Two of them, to be exact. The dolls were placed in the Rogers Centre visitors' locker room surrounded by bats, before last Sunday' home game. Using the bats on the dolls was supposed to break the offensive batting jinx. I know that you might be a little shocked right now, but try to bear with the story for the sake of learning about athletic management, male bonding, and team inspiration.

While there is not yet a manual on exactly how to "use" a bat against a woman, the White Sox are working on it.

One bat was reportedly shoved up the backside of one doll in order to prop it up. The other was adorned with a sign reading, "You've got to push!"

Just as shocking as the incident, is the reaction from the team's Manager, Ozzie Guillen, who has pointed out that he will not apologize. He is quoted in the Chicago Sun-Times as saying:

"It was blown out of proportion," Guillen said. "Baseball's changed a lot. They used to say, ‘Whatever happens in the clubhouse stays in the clubhouse.'

"We weren't trying to disrespect anybody or hurt anybody. We were just trying to have fun. A lot of people took it the wrong way."

Yeah, the wrong way. If you shove a bat up a woman's ass, while beating her with another bat, some people could take that the wrong way. They were just trying to have fun?

Sports writers and talk show hosts have also felt the need to defend the team's actions. Bert Blyleven thinks that the media should have more respect for team privacy. Bert says:

"There used to be a saying in each clubhouse. It says, 'What you say here, what you hear here, when you leave here, that it stays here,'" Blyleven said. "It's a shame that doesn't happen anymore."

See? It's just a fucking shame that anyone would find anything wrong with this. I'm fucking ashamed of my own fucking self for even bringing this up. Now I feel stupid and small. WTF is wrong with me?

Now. Let me give this the diversity test.

1. What if we tried to raise morale by beating around a Latino doll?

2. A Mathew Shephard likeness?

3. An African-American doll?

4. Animal blow-ups, anyone?

5. Likenesses of small children?

Why in the fuck is it ok to violate and beat a likeness of a woman? How is that good for team spirit and moral? What makes this acceptable in a work environment? Did not one man object? Not one?

White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams see it a little differently:

"I don't view this as a boys being boys-type issue," he said. "I view this as boys being a little bit careless and a little bit irresponsible."

And, except for that little bit of a sorry excuse, a totally lame apology from management, I don't see one man speaking out about this?

I gave up on men a long time ago, but I do hope that the men and women who are defending these actions (yes, there are some women) will come to their senses. The fans need to take this team to task on this one. If not the fans, then the city. They play, after all, in a taxpayer subsidized stadium.

Oh, BTW, after the blow up doll ritual, they still lost to the Blue Jays, 1-0. Maybe next time they could fuck the doll a little harder, or beat her more soundly. Gang rape and bludgeoning, done correctly, as everyone knows, will usually remove a batting jinx.

There was another little bit that I picked up on. In defense of this, someone stated that the dolls were not labeled, or made to have any one's likeness. That's too obvious. I'm going to bet that they had in mind a woman sports reporter, or two. We'll see.

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

Blogging Birthday

2008-05-02T09:00:00.005-04:00

INSTEAD OF PAJAMAS, I'M WRITING THIS IN MY BLOGGING BIRTHDAY SUIT!

There is a milestone within the Blogging Community that matters. That counts. Much as I counted my early days of sobriety, first as hours, then days, months, I am finally able to mark one year as a Blogger.

Now, I didn't say that I was a good Blogger, but I'm proud that if nothing else, I've been able to put together 313 posts. Some of it is OK, some of it I look at, wondering if I really wrote it. But the point is that we all have a voice, one that is so easily shared worldwide, that the potential for how this has and will effect the world is unlimited.

Most rewarding have been the virtual friends that I've acquired. I admire so many Blogs that it's hard to keep up with how prolific you all are, but I am always astounded by the talent, creativity, and wealth of information and ideas that Bloggers present.

Behind the idea for this small post is the Blog, Malaysia 101. It made me think about how valuable even the smallest voice can be on the Internet, how important we all are. I left a comment, which may not post for some time, because of the time difference, but I left it from my heart.

a little side note: I'm leaving on a little trip. Combining my Blogging with pleasure, I'm headed up to Kwame Kilpatrick territory to do a little fact finding of my own. Then, our family has three new babies that can't wait to meet Antie AskaLesbian!! I can't wait either.

Are Blogging expenses tax deductible?

__________________________________________

Dr. Randy Pausch-The Last Lecture? Only Perhaps.

2008-05-01T02:05:00.012-04:00

May 01, 2008

Pompeii, lay totally buried in volcanic ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, forgotten until it was discovered in 1739 by workmen who were preparing to build a palace for the King of Naples.

The literal and sudden snuffing of a well ordered civilization, estimated at 20,000 people, captured a complete moment in archaeological time. That day is on 'permanent pause' allowing for endless study and contemplation.

Among the millions of artifacts to be studied, or just pondered, are Latin inscriptions. Whether formally carved, painted, or scrawled by "lower class" graffiti artists, the inscriptions alone have spawned entire academic industries. Latin signage continues worldwide today, even though the language is dead.

Among the political, the nods to gods and goddesses, the mundane, profane, and even erotic, there was one inscription that was quite common. Above many doorways in the ancient city, was found a little reminder of life's unpredictability. It read:

ULTIMA FORSAN

The literal translation is: "Perhaps the last", but the metaphoric is as endless, as it is timeless.

Here is a clip from ABC and "The Last Lecture" of Dr. Randy Pausch. A remarkable man battling pancreatic cancer, his Last Lecture, a tradition at Carnegie Mellon University, has been featured and lauded worldwide. This is only a little snippet. If you're interested, there is so much more, and hopefully more to come.

The Last Lecture? Perhaps the last. Then again, perhaps not!

___________________________________

Albert Hofmann-Father of LSD

2008-04-30T11:32:00.010-04:00

**In Lieu of Flowers, The Family Requests 'Shrooms

April 30, 2008

The Swiss chemist, Albert Hofmann, has taken the ultimate trip at age 102. Hofmann, who discovered the psychotropic effects of LSD in 1943, died of a heart attack on April 29, 2008.

Hofmann made his discovery when he accidentally spilled or ingested some of the compound. He recounted some effects in his 1979 biography, "LSD, My Problem Child":

"a remarkable restlessness, combined with a slight dizziness. At home I lay down and sank into a not unpleasant intoxicated-like condition, characterized by an extremely stimulated imagination.

In a dreamlike state, with eyes closed, I perceived an uninterrupted stream of fantastic pictures, extraordinary shapes with intense, kaleidoscopic play of colours. After some two hours this condition faded away."

The remarkable fact was his ability to embrace this phenomenally altered state. Most people would have been absolutely terrified! Far from masking reality or numbing ones senses, this drug puts reality under a microscope, then heightens sensory receptors exponentially. It is not a drug that I would want to take without a little bit of warning, or knowledge.

Of course, the CIA had no such concerns. The U.S. Government gave it to unwitting suspects in a series of covert experiments in mind control throughout the 50's and 60's. (Project MK-Ultra) The drug was made illegal in the 1960's but was easily synthesized and marketed on the street.

I happened to be a pre-teen when American college students latched onto LSD. My parents never censored any reading material and I remember reading up on the drug furiously. So many of the articles and anecdotes were so frightening. (Gov't propaganda, perhaps?) People, thinking that they could fly, jumping to their deaths from high places. It worked on me, at least for a while. As a 12 year old, I was certain that it didn't sound like anything that I wanted to try.

I passed on LSD for a very long time. I believe it may have been the only drug that I ever declined. I was afraid.

Then one cold winter weekend in Lansing Michigan, I took the LSD plunge. I took the teeniest, tiniest, little bit of a liquid that had been dried on Saran wrap. It was no bigger that a small typed, letter a. I cut it in half to be cautious. It had to have been measured in fractions of microns. But holy shit, what a drug! It was my favorite drug of all time and one of the best experiences of my life. I have never regretted it, and hope to never forget it.

Far from being a hallucinogenic, for me, it clarified and amplified perceptions to a degree that I don't expect to ever experience again, at least not in this lifetime.

None of the things that I saw, heard, felt, or experienced were imaginary. They were positively, scientifically true observations, or events, that I had been unable to perceive without the assist from the drug. The most remarkable things go on around us, unnoticed. (There is a reason for that. Sensory overload, of that magnitude, is so physically exhausting that one could imagine it resulting in death.)

For instance, (and one of my favorites) I was puttering around the house and came upon a little house plant that needed water. As I reached my hand for the pot, I was able to feel the heat surrounding the plant! Startling at first, but thinking logically, plants do give off heat. An amount small enough to require laboratory equipment to detect. Not with this drug! LSD opens up every nerve cell, fiber, and receptor. Your pupils dilate to enormous sizes and you can see everything! Every dog hair on the carpet, the slightest movement of anything. It's like having super powers!

This slight glimpse into the supreme potential of human sensory perception was the most profound experience that I've ever had. I stopped after two further "trips", fearing physical damage to my nervous system. As with any street drug, the dosage can be problematic, and LSD is unbelievably powerful. The amount of the drug I took could probably fit on the head of a pin, but had me flying for days!

I'm still curious about the drug. For instance, I've wondered what it would be like in an earthquake zone. A zone where they have those tiny little quakes constantly and don't notice? On LSD would every little tremor feel magnified? Could you predict a quake, kind of like birds and other animals do?

Up until his death, Hofmann also remained curious about the drug and maintained contact with the scientific community still studying it. He was still involved with a group called Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. And, although he felt as though the drug had been hijacked for recreational purposes, he never lost hope that it would, someday, be useful to the medical community. (He also sat on a Noble Prize jury.) In 1988 the Albert Hofmann Foundation was established "to assemble and maintain an international library and archive devoted to the study of human consciousness and related fields".

A quote from Albert Hofmann's website:

"You, my dear friends, and millions all over the world who now commemorate the 50th birthday of ergot's child, we all testify gratefully that we got valuable help on the way to what Aldous Huxley said is the end and the ultimate purpose of human life--enlightenment, beatific vision, love. I think all these joyful testimonies of invaluable help by LSD should be enough to convince the health authorities, finally, of the nonsense of the prohibition of LSD and of similar psychedelics."

I don't intend to ever take LSD again, nor am I suggesting that anyone else try the drug. It's illegal. It has been suggested that it might cure alcoholism, so, someday there might be a medical application. If that's the case, please sign me up.

**No, I didn't write that. I heard it on the radio.

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

Florida Considers Christian License Plate

2008-04-24T19:09:00.007-04:00

STATE BUMPER STICKER BACKERS SHOULD BEWARE OF WHAT THEY WISH FOR!
I love this shit!

In Florida, lawmakers are considering a new specialty license plate for cars. Usually reserved for University alums, or as a means to raise money and awareness of wild life preservation, Florida had already over stepped some boundaries by approving plates touting the pro lifers agenda. The sale of that plate, saying, "Choose Life", depicting a boy and a girl, benefits organizations that encourage women not to have abortions. Hmmm. I'd like to see the list of those agencies. The government as an agent for the collection of funds going to religious orgs just doesn't sit right with me.

Anyway, here is the proposed new plate:

Some people understand the Pandora's Box that this can open. Representative Kelly Skidmore voted against the proposal, in committee, saying that it is inappropriate. The problem is that Christian wackos feel that it's okay for their religion but have no thought, intention, or foresight, that other religions, or groups, may want to raise money and awareness through the use of State issued bumper stickers as well. They assume that any religion, other than Christian, would be not be appropriate.

The assumption of the USA as a "Christian" nation may have to give way to a different majority. Clinging to the "intent of The Founding Father's" must be challenged in a Democratic society. Especially one that was not founded by Europeans, but hijacked from Native Americans.

Here are some other proposals:

I Don't Believe

I Doubt It

I Used To Believe but I'm Better Now

I Occasionally Believe. (Every Time That My Ass Is In A Jam, I Pray Like a Mother Fucker)

Jihad Now

Sorcerers United

Lesbian Wiccans For More Lesbians

AIDS AWARENESS/EDUCATION:

Or, another good cause that could use State assisted fund collection:

_______________________

Big Brother 9-Just a little rant

2008-04-24T10:53:00.004-04:00

SHOULD THEY GIVE RYAN AND ADAM CIGARETTES?

Whatever they did for Erectile Dysfunction Dick, they should do for Adam and Ryan. (And, they did give Dick cigarettes.) They appeased Dick because they were afraid of him. Until they gave him the money Dick was nothing but a 2 bit, low life thug who was allowed to verbally, and physically threaten and assault other contestants.

Behavior that they tolerated during Dick's reign of terror would be considered criminal in the workplace. And, by the way, the Big Brother House IS a workplace. The cast members are paid employees. CBS can and should be sued for what they allowed Dick to do.

They had a similar problem guest this season with Joshuha, the angry, bitchy, homo. His verbal and physical harassment of Amanda went beyond immature, to border on criminal. Sheila was afraid, after he threatened her with physical harm and she took refuge in the DR to ask for protection.

I don't care what kind of a game this is, your physical presence should be safe from assaults by your fellow workers. CBS should have followed the tone that they set during the second season, when they immediately removed a houseguest who mockingly (?) choked a female contestant. There should be no tolerance for anything other than common workplace behavior.

Give the boyz their cigarettes. It's the only fair thing to do.

Barack Obama and Jeremiah Wright Jr. vs Terrorism in The Main Stream Media

2008-03-18T00:23:00.007-04:00

March 18, 2008
5:10 a.m.

Much ado about nothing!

The controversy surrounding Barack Obama's association with his Pastor, Jeremiah Wright, Jr. has opened up a huge dialog in our house. We have both been supporting Hillary Clinton, but even we disagree about the relevance of Pastor Wright's speeches in Obama's run for President.

Is it relevant? Only if you appreciate someone who sees racism and injustice and would rail against it. Personally, I'll take Obama's affiliation with Pastor Wright over McCain's affiliation with the Christian gay bashing nut job, any day.

It makes no more sense to tie Obama to Wright's remarks than it does to tie Ted Kennedy's to the Pope's, or Romney to the Mormon Wizard. Deep down, I trust that if John McCain, God forbid, were elected, he would not run amok with an anti-gay agenda.

Obama is damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. A few short weeks ago, people tried to derail his campaign by implying that he was Muslim. Sheesh! Now that we know he's a Christian, we're all gonna be scared of him because of his Minister.

Ok. Here I go, talking about things that I may not completely understand, or have any right to say. I'm not black and I'm also not too crazy about churches. My limited qualifications? I'm a middle class, middle aged white woman, living in a racist country. I'm the antithesis to John Howard Griffin's, "Black Like Me", privy to the winks and nods of other white people as they go about the business of discriminating in jobs and housing, feeling free to assume that I agree with what ever disparaging remarks they care to dish up, whether it be about Blacks, Gays, Jews, or Mexicans. Very few white people won't know what I'm talking about.

Pastor Wright's remarks, that have been played endlessly in sound bites, ring true. The more I listen, the more I understand and agree with what he said. The United Church of Christ, one of the most liberal of the Protestant Denominations, are known for social activism, diversity, and inclusiveness. I think that this type of sermon, or speech, is perhaps more common within African-American churches. More emotional, and, ah, a little bit louder than, say Episcopalians ("the frozen chosen") are accustomed to.

He didn't say anything that I haven't heard discussed before, by friends and co-workers who are African American. Do I believe all of it? No. Do I believe some of it? Yes.

We've heard conspiracy theorists within our own gay community, speculate about the role that our Government may have played in the AIDS epidemic. One of Reverend Wright's defenders, when asked to reject Wright's statement about the possibility that the Government orchestrated the HIV virus, replied that it was not that absurd, as our own Government was known to have intentionally infected a black population with syphilis!

Someone on FoxNews asked, how Obama could attend a church where even his mother would be uncomfortable? The insinuation, of course, being that the church would not welcome white people, and/or someone who is white could never appreciate Pastor Wright's sermon. Ridiculous! Not only were there white people in the congregation, they appeared to be receiving Wright's message positively.

At first, when Wright said, "God damn American", I admit that I had a little twinge. Kind of a knee jerk reaction because of my Christian fundamental background. Of course, it wasn't meant literally. Shocking and attention getting, yes. But the intent was to stir his congregation's emotions and move them to action.

I'm not scared of Reverend Wright, and, I'm not scared that Barack Obama might have some type of over riding "black agenda". Repeated attempts at provoking antagonism between races, genders, sexual orientation, disabled persons, and religions are distractions aimed at keeping those groups from achieving liberty, and equality. The notion that if one group gains, another group will lose, must be rejected. As one group gains, we all gain.

As a lesbian, if I were running for elected office, I could scare the hell out Rita Mae Brown with my own rhetoric. I'm sick of being discriminated against, of not having full and equal rights in this land of supposed equality. I can put on a pretty good rant. But if you knew me, you'd know that I don't harbor any ill will against the general heterosexual population.

Knowing people on an individual level is what allows us to transcend labels and stereotypes. We learn to know each other as human beings. This is how we've hoped that our country has been able to look at Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as candidates. It's been said that Obama has been able to transcend the racial issue with voters. However, demanding that he, or Hillary Clinton should relinquish their individual identities is absurd. Clinton and Obama are not the ones who need to transcend. We are.

While the controversy surrounding remarks made by his Pastor, Jeremiah Wright Jr., brings us closer to a much needed discussion of racism in our country, this is more than unfortunate timing. This is not intended to initiate valuable discussion, but to invoke fear. The main stream media are skewering Obama, intentionally, and white Americans are left gasping, and grasping their Bibles, without any understanding of the social tradition within the black Christian community. By implying that Obama would hold the United States to an agenda that would be to the detriment of our Nation as a whole, the terrorist media are holding white middle American voters hostage.

Here's the link to Obama's church. Trinity United Church of Christ

BTW, I'm still going to vote for Hillary in the PA primary on April 22. But if Obama is the Democratic candidate, he will have my vote.

Kwame Kilpatrick-Party At The Manoogian, or A Toppling House of Cards?

2008-03-14T12:04:00.011-04:00

March 14, 2008
11:40 p.m.

What must it be like to be a fly on the wall at either the Kwame Kilpatrick, or the Eliot Spitzer households? Those guys are so busted. Kilpatrick, the Mayor of the City of Detroit, even lied under oath about his affair with his former chief of staff Christine Beatty. I'd probably lie too, facing the wrath of Carlita Kilpatrick, the Mayor's long suffering wife. But infidelity is not his real problem. The real problem is what lies beneath.

THIS INVESTIGATION MAKES SPITZER LOOK LIKE A CHOIR BOY

Kwame Kilpatrick, the wild child of U.S. Congresswoman, Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, was elected as the youngest Mayor of Detroit in 2001. His term as Mayor has been plagued by criticism, including complaints that he has misused City funds. Personal charges incurred on his City of Detroit paid credit card included spa massages, expensive dinners, expensive champagne, and an SUV leased for the use of his family. He eventually paid back...Wait, wait, till you hear this. He paid back $9,000 out of the $210,000 that he racked up on the taxpayers tab!!!!

Even though Kwame's downfall began long ago, I still believe that the tipping point came in a cover up that could almost be considered noble, were it not so horrifying. I believe that he had Tamara Greene killed in order to protect his wife, Carlita Kilpatrick, from facing prosecution in the assault of Tamara Greene. Less noble, and more self serving perhaps was the Mayor's thought of avoiding a personal scandal.

This is not a unique idea and I'm hardly alone in thinking this. It's just that the cover up goes so deep, it may take the FBI to sort things out. Local officials are evidently unable to make any kind of headway in the case.

The rumor of a wild party at the Mayoral Mansion, the Manoogian, has been consistently been dubbed an "urban legend". Michigan Attorney General, Mike Cox, was unable to verify the party during his own personal investigation. He was so sure of himself that he even denied supoena's to investigating Michigan State Troopers. Detroit Chief of Police, Emma Bully-Cummings also denies that such a party ever occurred. She threw the whole investigation into the Cold Case Files, after only a year and removed Detective Alvin Bowman from the case. (A whistle blower case that cost Detroit about a quarter million.)

Finally, a report on Monday, March 10, 2008, that former City Police Records Clerk, Joyce Carolyn Rogers, has signed an affidavit in the $150,000 million dollar lawsuit filed on behalf of Tamara Greene's teenage son, for covering up the facts in her murder. In her affidavit Ms Rogers recalls that a criminal complaint crossed her desk

“According to the report, the mayor’s wife walked into a room and witnessed Ms. Greene touching Mayor Kilpatrick in a manner that upset the mayor’s wife,” Rogers, 65, said in the affidavit. “The report further states that the mayor’s wife witnessed this, left the room and returned with a wooden object in her hand and began assaulting Ms. Greene.”

The report indicated Greene was taken to the hospital because she was injured, Rogers said. “It was clear to me as a clerk working in records that Ms. Greene wanted to press charges against Carlita Kilpatrick,”

Here is a Fox News Report on some of the text messages. Notice the text message that the Mayor sent five days after Tamara Greene's murder. May 5, 2003 Midnight.

"That's the first time I couldn't fully seduce you. My game is off."

Hmmm...Performance problems? Oh man, I hate that!! You have that little nagging thought of murder in the back of your mind and just can't quite get off!

Video of Police Chief Joe Thomas recalling an invitation to the Manoogian party. I'm posting again because I see this information as crucial. Why can the news media find these witnesses, but the Keystone Kops can't?

Just a little review.

Let's see, why was he under oath? Because he was testifying (falsely) in a whistle blower lawsuit.

Why were the whistle blowers fired? Because they were investigating the conduct of the mayor's security detail, which led to an investigation of the murder of Tamara Greene on the night of April 30, 2003.

When text messages were discovered that proved a conspiracy to fire the whistle blowers, Kilpatrick entered into a secret deal to have the City of Detroit pay 9 million dollars, and have the text messages sealed.

Why did he want the text messages to remain sealed?

Because not only do they proved the wrongful termination of three whistle blowers, and that he committed perjury during his testimony, and that he had an affair, but the messages could also point to his involvement in the hit on Tamara Greene.

The theory: The Mayor had an idea to hold a stag party at the Manoogian Mansion. Plenty of people were invited, including The Chief of Police, Joe Thomas, from neighboring Southfield, MI, who recalls the invitation and why he declined it.

Kwame hired strippers, or dancers, for the party. His wife, Carlita, came home unexpectedly and seeing Tamara Greene with her husband, took a ball bat to her. She was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital and recovered.

When Tamara threatened to press charges, or as former Detective Bowman believes, demanded payment, she was murdered in what has been acknowledged as a "hit". What has been debated is if, in fact, the hit came from a Detroit City Police gun on orders from the Mayor, or his staff, or was completely unrelated.

Today, March 14, 2008, a Federal Judge has decided to appoint two magistrates to review the text messages in the case to determine if the city has engaged in a cover up of Tamara Greene's murder. The messages will be delivered and reviewed under court order seal and a determination could be expected within two weeks.

MY KINGDOM FOR A HORSE, OR HOW KWAME LET A STAG PARTY BRING HIM DOWN

"For the want of a nail the shoe was lost;

For the want of a shoe the horse was lost;

For the want of a horse the battle was lost;

For the failure of battle the kingdom was lost;—

And all for the want of a horseshoe nail."

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I Give Up!

2008-03-13T18:14:00.005-04:00

As an alcoholic/addict, clean and sober for many years, I still have to watch out for the occasional side trip that my brain can take. Example: There was a story, complete with photo, showing Prince Harry doing nose shots with vodka. Never heard of it. Never saw it. But of course, I'm certain that I'd like to try it. Then along come directions on exactly how to do this, courtesy of paparazzi following Amy Winehouse, and well, the thought is there.

It's always better to not keep a thought like that to myself, so I share it here.

My girl wants me to go to a Hillary Clinton rally tomorrow night. I hate shit like that but this video cheered me up so much that I might go.

I give up. When something is this entertaining, what can you do?

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Spitzer, Tobias, Vitter, Craig, etc. It's all the Same.

2008-03-12T16:20:00.004-04:00

March 12, 2008
10:27 p.m.

You know, I don't really care about Senator David Vitter, or Tobias getting caught in the DC Madam call girl sting. Eliot Spitzer? Don't care. I also don't care that Senator Larry Craig got caught soliciting sex in a men's room. They were caught doing no worse than what many men do. (Although Spitzer certainly paid a lot of money. Will he get a refund for the money he has on account?)

It's the hypocrisy that is galling. Particularly the hypocrisy of these particular men. They have all made it a point to use their power to legislate the very morality that they violated. Tobias using his high horse as AIDS czar to preach abstinence instead of educating the public on how to safely engage in sex. These guys deserve anything that comes their way.

Do I feel sorry for their families? Young children, yes. The wives? No. Don't worry about the wives. They will still qualify for more than just sexually transmitted diseases. They will have their spouses insurance, pension, and social security benefits. (Or a nice divorce settlement.) When their spouse passes away, they won't have to pay inheritance taxes on money they have jointly earned. I, on the other hand, am still unable to pick up so much as dental benefits for my partner of 16 years.

THE MARRIAGES OF TOBIAS, VITTER, SPITZER, AND CRAIG ARE PROTECTED! Thank fucking goodness that there are laws "protecting" the sanctity of these marriages. Holy fucking shit!! Just think how all of this would have gone down if marriage between all consenting adults had been legal!

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Advice for Spitzer

2008-03-12T10:52:00.005-04:00

March 12, 2008
11:30 a.m.

Oh man! Here I am coming out of self imposed retirement to handle this public relations mess for Governor Spitzer.

(As I write, he's scheduled for an announcement. They anticipate him to announce his resignation.)

Take a cue from some masterful politicians. From those who have walked this road before.

Do not resign. You don't have to. That's the beauty of elected office. Make them recall you or prosecute you. It will be extremely time consuming. The public has a short attention span and will be distracted by the next scandal.

1. Don't say anything! No more news conferences. (Detroit Police Chief Bully-Cummings just left the press hanging for an hour and a half after an announced press conference. Then she sent someone out to say there had been a mistake and there would be no press conference.)

2. Do not resign! It worked for Larry Craig.

3. If the press gets out of hand, shouting questions, get State Troopers in riot gear to move them back. Arrest a few of them. They will get the idea and back off.

4. Give the repentance speech. You know..."Who among us has not sinned and had the occasional hooker?" Bill Clinton's speech was absolutely masterful but vastly under reported. Perhaps that could be plagiarized. What's Bill going to do? Say, "Hey! That's the same speech I gave after I jized all over Monica's dress!"

5. When all else fails, tell everyone to "Go fuck themselves!" Cheney did.

6. Use personal references. David Vitter had that lovely reference from a professional woman who was unrelated to the DC Madam. Spitzer too, has been fortunate enough to have another prostitute stand up for his "clean" habits and generous history for tipping. This is a wonderful reference. Use them!

7. Fixing this mess up with your wife and kids? You're on your own, buddy.

No charge for the first consultation.

Kwame Kilpatrick/Tamara Greene/ Emma Bully-Cummings

2008-03-06T12:08:00.005-05:00

March 6, 2008

Current Detroit Police Chief, Emma Bully-Cummings, defends her department's investigation into the cold blooded homicide of Tamara Greene, a rumored associate of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

"There is no cover-up in this police department into the death of Miss Greene," Bully-Cummings said, standing on the front steps of police headquarters. "Our officers are doing everything that they can to bring the killer to justice."

Here's video of her press conference from March 5, 2008:

In fact, it is rumored that Kwame Kilpatrick and Tamara Greene associated during a party at the Detroit Mayoral Mansion, The Manoogian, where Tamara Greene was working as a stripper. The party, while still not proven to have occurred, was supposedly interrupted by the unexpected return of the Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's wife, Carlita, who may have taken a ball bat to Tamara Greene. Again, rumors of a trip to the hospital for Tamara have yet to be proven, although there were plenty of witnesses at the Emergency Room and one would think that Detroit Receiving Hospital records could be subpoenaed.

Emergency Room Witness, Michigan Attorney General Michael Cox, and neighboring Southfield Police Chief, Joe Thomas. This video, which I posted before, is still worth watching, again. (Is Michael Cox rumored to have been at the Manoogian party?)

Detroit City Council announced that it's independent attorney will subpoena all of Kilpatrick's text messages from his City leased SkyTel pager. SkyTel's rep says they will not turn them over. Council has gone to a judge for a ruling. Previous text messages released by the Detroit Free Press prove of a relationship between Kilpatrick and his Chief of Staff, Christine Beatty, a relationship denied by both, under oath. Beatty has since resigned her position. The messages did not come to light until after testimony last summer in a lawsuit filed by two police officers who alleged they were fired for investigating claims from two former bodyguards that the mayor used his security unit to cover up extramarital affairs.

The jury in that case awarded 6.5 million dollars to the two officers.

This case is such a mess that I don't know if there is any hope in straightening it out. City Council members, who wanted to pass a resolution asking the Mayor to resign, have been threatened. Suddenly, many members changed their votes, so for now Council wants to wait until they have more information before proceeding with the resolution.

One of the most interesting comments that I read on one of the Detroit newspaper messages boards, speculated that Christine Beatty, who has remained out of sight since her resignation in January 2008, may turn State's witness in all of this.

Oh man, if it was me??? I'd make sure that I had some kind of Witness Protection Program lined up, perhaps out of the Country.

Hey Detroiters!! I've been reading your comments on this. I know you have plenty to say. Feel free to say it here.

Plum Boro Gas Explosion Levels House

2008-03-06T11:06:00.007-05:00

March 6, 2008

Here's a nightmare from yesterday afternoon's news. A horrible home explosion, due to natural gas. A 62 year old man and his 4 year old grand-daughter were thrown outside into the street. Sadly, the man died but the little girl has survived with multiple injuries, including a broken leg.

The fire in the yard that is along side of the parked car, follows the path of the gas line feeding the house. It is actually gas burning that is coming up from the ground.

KDKA had some really good video of the scene. Since it's not on YouTube, I have to link it.

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Patrick Swayze Pancreatic Cancer Confirmed By Spokesman

2008-03-05T14:17:00.009-05:00

March 5, 2008

First reported in the National Enquirer, the rumor, now confirmed by Patrick Swayze's spokesman, has spread throughout the Internet. Confirmed by Swazye's publicist, he has reportedly undergone a procedure and chemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer. From MSNBC:

“Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Patrick’s physician Dr. George Fisher states, ‘Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far. All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic.’

What a fabulous actor and dancer! I really wish him the best.

Someone should tell him about treatment options for Pancreatic Cancer that are available in Pittsburgh.

Dr. Randy Pausch, diagnosed in September 2006, has kept a blog of his treatment, as well as his continuing celebration of this life. His is a remarkable story, in more ways than one.

Randy Pausch, February 2008

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Clinton vs Obama Prediction For Super Tuesday II

2008-03-04T11:27:00.003-05:00

March 4, 2008

Here's my prediciton for today's primaries:

Ohio- Clinton

Texas- Clinton

Rhode Island- Clinton

Vermont- Obama

Clinton will get the surge today, that she needs to stay in the contest. She will go on to win the nomination, and then the White House.

Tamara Greene/ Kwame Kilpatrick's Nightmare

2008-03-04T02:00:00.008-05:00

March 4, 2008

If Detroit Mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick notices that his office seems a tad smaller, it's because the walls are finally starting to close in on him, and perhaps a few other people.

A wild party, rumored to have been held at the Detroit Mayoral Mansion, has never quite been documented. Yet. Rumors of an altercation, perhaps between the Mayor's wife, and stripper, Tamara Greene, or some type of injury, landed someone from the party in the Emergency Room of Detroit's Receiving Hospital.

Shortly after, Tamara Greene was killed. Overkilled really, by way of a total blizzard of eighteen .40 caliber bullets, fired from a Glock pistol. The same type and caliber issued to Detroit Police Officers.

Tamara Greene's 15 year old son has file a Federal Lawsuit against the City of Detroit for interfering in the investigation of his mother's death, in the drive by shooting, on April 30, 2003. The lawsuit charges obstruction of justice, for political reasons.

A 10 page affidavit by former investigating officer, Lieutenant Alvin Bowman, filed in U.S. District Court in Detroit last Friday, reads like a laundry list of clues from a badly written whodunit movie. The cartoonish signs all point one way, toward Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. Unlike the childhood song, "Farmer in The Dell", the cheese doesn't quite stand alone. This big cheese has had some help. A lot of it.

As a former Homicide Detective, Lieutenant Alvin Bowman (retired, Detroit Police Force) makes several stunning allegations.

1. During the investigation, it was his opinion that Tamara Greene was murdered by a City of Detroit police officer.

2. Detroit Police Executives sabotaged his investigation.

3. Michigan State Police have telephone records indicating Tamara Greene was in contact with high ranking Detroit officials shortly before her death.

4. Michigan State Police also claim that their investigation was derailed by Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, who denied some of their subpoena and search warrant requests. Cox also excluded investigating officers from interviewing Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, BY INTERVIEWING HIM, HIMSELF!! (Cox cited privacy concerns for those not involved, for these refusals, saying that there were other avenues available to investigators.)

Bowman says that former Police Chief Jerry Oliver repeatedly asked for the Tamara Greene file, only to return it with missing interviews and reports. Oliver says he never asked for the file and doesn't even know Bowman!

Lt. Bowman also asserts that Police Chief Ema Bully-Cummings, who became Chief of Police, after the investigation started, called him into a high level meeting of police commanders and, according to the Detroit Free Press:

said she was aware of the connection between the Greene probe and the mayor, and “due to the nature and sensitivity of this case, that this case was not to be discussed outside her office.”

From the Detroit News:

Another officer on the homicide squad, Sgt. Marion Stevenson, said her case notes on the Greene murder "were erased from her computer hard drive" and "her zip storage files disappeared from a locked cabinet inside the police department," Bowman said.

The case, less that a year old, was turned over to Cold Case while investigating officer, Lieutenant Bowman was on vacation. Again, according to The Detroit Free Press:

He said the officer in charge of that unit told him the Greene case was “a hot potato” that wouldn’t be investigated for fear of retribution because of Greene’s link to the Manoogian party.

(Detroit's Mayoral, Manoogian Mansion.)

Fear of retribution pretty much summarizes this whole mess that Kwame Kilpatrick has made for himself. Fearing retribution from an extra marital affair, one coverup leads to another. Now in a downward tumble, his coverups almost blown, City Council is asking for his resignation.

But this fear of retribution has a grip that extends beyond Detroit public officials. What happens when the very people that should be requesting Federal Investigative help, are the ones who are impeding the investigation?

Here's a link to Feb 28, 2008 post, "Tamara Greene-The Root of Kwame Kilpatrick's Problem?

Link to WJBK (Detroit Fox News Affiliate) Scott Lewis' Problem Solver Story, originally airing on Monday, March 3, 2008, "Who Killed Tamara Greene?"

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Saturday Night Live Video--Hillary vs Barack Debate

2008-03-02T11:51:00.005-05:00

NBC hasn't pull their videos. Curious about why the third party copyright claim on You Tube....

Hillary's Grand Turning Point.

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Hillary Clinton's Big Turn Around

2008-03-02T10:22:00.008-05:00

Just as I was about to post, the SNL video was pulled for what You Tube says was a Third Party Copyright Claim. WTF?????

Fortunately, I found that NBC has still made their video's available for embedding.

Maybe Obama's people whined about being treated unfairly by the media. That would be just about right, wouldn't it? Doesn't matter. As of this morning, all the news networks were airing clips and discussing it.

HILLIARY CLINTON'S BIG TURN AROUND

This might be the exact turning point in the run for the Democratic Presidential Nomination. The Clinton campaign could still use an influx of cash for the next couple of days for expenses in Ohio and Texas. If you'd like to contribute, go to her website, or use this link.

This was huge! A fun look at the Ohio Debate, with Hillary Clinton affably making fun of herself, and the Press' exaggerated favoritism of Obama.

SNL Spoof of Recent Clinton vs. Obama Debate

Enjoy!

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OBAMA--THERE HE GOES AGAIN! USING SOMEONE ELSE'S MATERIAL

2008-03-01T10:55:00.005-05:00

FIRST HE TAKES SOMEONE ELSE'S SPEECH, NOW HE PLAGERIZES HILLARY'S COMMERCIAL...

HILLARY'S AD:

BARACK'S AD:

His judgement hasn't been all that great. Regarding the Resko land deal mess, even Obama admits that he made a mistake. And, it remains to be seen how deeply he is involved with Resko. (Who is now under indictment.) He was involved enough that Resko did him a big favor in securing more land for Obama's multi million dollar mansion. And he was able to negotiate a fabulous deal on the house, paying $300,000 under value.

The Resko deal stinks. Resko's trial is set to begin on Monday, March 3, 2008. While Obama's name is in the indictment, he has NOT been accused of any wrong doing. In fact, the whole house/property deal involving Resko's wife was perfectly legal. The Times Online has an article called, "Mansion 'mistake' piles the pressure on Obama".

Politics stink. I've come to expect that politicians and big shots will get great deals on everything from cars to houses. Deals that I will never get. It's just the way that the world works. If I had to vote for Obama, which I don't, at least at this point, I think I can. I just hate to see people led down a primrose path, expecting that Obama will operate any differently than an ordinary politician. He won't.

Let's face it. Neither of these candidates has walked in the shoes of the common people. Obama's wife, and Hillary, sitting on Boards of Directors, appoving multi-million dollar bonus' for their corporate executive friends, that you and I can't even fathom. And this, while boards were also striving to wring every penny from common workers, in wages and benefits.

These candidates never attended night school at a local Community College outreach, located in the inner city, dodging bullets going to and from class. Much like the Kennedy clan during the Great Depression, who only learned academically of starving people and soup lines, Clinton and Obama are far removed from everyday American life.

I'm still going with Hillary Clinton. Two heads are always better than one and I still think that Hillary has the best grasp on Domestic, World, and Economics.

If you'd like to read further regarding Tony Resko, here's a link to the San Francisco Chronicle article, "Obama could feel heat from developer's trial".

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Make Your Own Necklace Like They Have On Workout With Jackie Warner

2008-02-29T13:06:00.005-05:00

HOW HARD CAN IT BE?

Thanks to an email that I received from Joyce:

Come on!! Let's all make, or buy, a trainer necklace in preparation for the 3rd Season of Bravo's Workout with Jackie Warner. (The necklaces on the show hide their microphones, btw.)

I am totally artsy, craftsy challenged, but really, it cannot be that difficult to make. It only involves one plumbing part (a flat, metal, washer) and some leather cording. Here's a link to a good picture of the necklace. (But you can't buy it there.)

Make your own:

1. Go to a plumbing or hardware store, (Like Ace Hardware or Lowe's) and buy some flat metal washers. They are cheap. Consider size when picking them out. If you are a teeny little thing, you probably do not want to hang a huge piece of plumbing hardware around your neck.

2. Take your washers to an arts and crafts store, like Michael's. Ask to see their leather strips (cords). They love this shit! They will probably help you make it! Consider different widths of leather strips. If you're making one for some great big man, you might want to consider a heavier strand. Bear in mind, we do not want this to look like reins on a horse. (Giddy up!)

3. Take the stuff home and play around with it until you're happy. You can search knot tying and find what works for you. You'll need something sharp to cut and trim the leather. The guy in the video that I link to down below looks like he is using wire cutters. Be careful!

4. THIS IS IMPORTANT Before allowing yourself, or anyone, particularly a child to wear a leather necklace, you must consider whether it is a choking/hanging hazard. WOULD THE NECKLACE BREAK AWAY IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY? OR COULD IT HANG A SMALL CHILD? For this reason, you should consider clasps for finishing, or fastening the necklace. The clasps would then break before the leather.

Additional ideas:

1. The washers can be painted different colors or texturized.

2. Think about buying a washer in brass. Brass has more of a golden tone.

If you must tie a knot to finish off the necklace...(And, if you buy one, I believe they come untied, perhaps because of the choking liability?)

Here is a little video on knot tying to get you started:

Some pictures of slip knot tying.

This link says you can buy the necklace. Diamond Cut. I don't believe it. I tried to click to buy and was redirected. It has a good picture, though.

Here's a site that sells leather cord as well as clasps and fastening devices.

Now get out of here and start making your necklace! Let me know how it Works Out!

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