Post P-Cola Wrap Up

Got home yesterday from a 5 day trip to the most beautiful beaches in the Continental US...Florida's Gulf coast - the Emerald Coast. We embarked on our much anticipated voyage to Pensacola Beach (PB) last Friday, having sat out last year due to Hurricane Ivan. Sadly, although PB is coming back, a large number of the houses out on the barrier island are completely gone. It is really insane. Two houses that we have stayed at in past trips are nothing more than a pile of sand. I hope PB can make a full recovery. The trip was amazing. This was the first year we actually had a house on the ocean side of the street. When you walked out the back sliding glass doors, you were on a huge deck looking over the beach and ocean...amazing. Sleeping with the doors open and feeling the cool ocean breeze, while hearing the waves is like nothing else. No wonder people continue to build on beaches, knowing that it could all be ruined by a hurricane...it’s that nice and worth the gamble. Friday night we went to my favorite party of the year...its way out on the beach, but set up with a huge stage, with lights, a huge system and amazing sound. The sky was completely clear and the stars were bright. There is nothing like this party. Saturday, Sunday and Monday involved drinking, a lot, on the beach, in the ocean and back at the house. Cranky Donkey did come and visit a couple times, but this was due to a lack of sleep and continuous drinking. We calmed him down with a Xanax and sent him to bed early Saturday, Sunday and Monday nights. There are too many specifics to get into on what happened during our stay, but the memories are vivid with me. The only downfalls were my missing compadres, Jason B and Twon. Next year, we'll all be there!

In the Minority

I'm in the minority on this one...

Live Vote on MSNBC:

Do you think Indiana high school senior Kevin Logan should have been denied entrance to the prom because he wore a dress? * 18141 responses

Yes: 40%
No: 60%

Not a scientific survey. Results may not total 100% due to rounding.

I honestly do not think this is appropriate. Reading through the article, "Gay Indiana teen who dressed as girl all year considers filing complaint" disturbs me. We continue to try, year after year, to get away from the stereotype of being gay equals being feminine. Now don't get me wrong, I understand drag and have had fun with my friends from time to time...but, this is just overboard. And when it reaches this level, being reported in MSNBC to all of the world, naive and ignorant Middle America take two steps back in their thoughts regarding gays. It really, really, really pisses me off. And he/she didn't even look good.

Presentation

As much as I am a fucking nut and love to be a big goof ball...things are a changing kids - at least for the initial presentation phase. Last night David and I spent some time thinking about presentation. What makes somebody more attractive during an initial impression and what are 'turn offs'? I, for a very long time, have put having fun - which includes being sarcastic and goofy in front of other more laid back approaches. I have always thought - if my friends laugh and have fun with me, then that's the image I want to use with meeting new people. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Eventually that goofy side can come out, but the problem I think we have here is first impressions. My friends know me and know that I'm kidding around and being goofy...when I meet somebody for the first time, they don't get the inside jokes and probably wonder why I'm such a goof. So, as a result of this self-analysis, my approach is now going to be different...I'll keep you posted on my results.

Will and Grace

The end is here...

It’s been an amazing ride. Who would have thought that a program focusing on gay themes and involving openly gay characters would have been embraced so whole-heartedly by the American Public? In a time of our history, where gay rights and open discrimination has taken center stage, one would think that the apprehension to the gay culture in general would be reflected in popular culture and mass media. But, no. Will and Grace have thrived for the past 8 seasons. How is this possible? Perhaps the small majority with loud voices and deep pockets that has driven their views and are shoving their discrimination agenda down our throats do not represent all Americans. Perhaps the people who do go out and vote (usually a measly 25% or less) do not represent the real American viewpoints. Perhaps the Neilsen ratings are a better litmus test for the real American pulse on issues that affect us all. Will and Grace is definitely a ground breaking show. I have sat and laughed my ass off at this show and at times completely forget that the show centers on gay characters. I hope that the rest of America has had a similar experience. This may be the end of a great series, but only the beginning of a long battle for acceptance, that had gained prominence and character thanks to the well balanced approach and conscience focus of a show we all will miss for more than just the laughs.

Why Southern Conservative Religious Red Necks even give a shit blows my mind - we live in America, right? But a least a small victory for the sane minority:

Georgia's Same Sex Marriage Ban Tossed Out
POSTED: 5:59 am EDT May 17, 2006
UPDATED: 7:25 am EDT May 17, 2006

ATLANTA -- A Superior Court judge ruled today that Georgia's ban on same-sex marriages violates the state Constitution's single-subject rule for ballot questions. Judge Constance Russell of Fulton County overturned the amendment, which was approved by Georgia voters by a three-to-one margin in 2004.

Russell said that before the state's voters can be asked to decide whether same-sex marriages should be banned, they must first decide whether same-sex relationships should have any legal status before the law, such as through a civil union.

Governor Perdue said he was disappointed by the decision, which he said runs contrary to the voice of Georgia voters in defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Perdue said the voters knew what they were voting on, and he said it is sad that a single judge had reversed their vote.

Perdue said the state is considering its options, which include appealing the decision directly to the Georgia Supreme Court.

Activists had long awaited Russell's ruling in their court challenge, which was filed soon after the November 2004 vote. A lawyer who challenged the amendment on behalf of the gay rights organization Lambda Legal, called the ruling "a victory for the voters."

The lawyer, Jack Senterfitt, said it protects the right of voters to make independent decisions on each independent issue.

This shows the interest level of Americans. Listed below in order of most viewed to least are the top stories from CNN.com on Thursday May 11th at 1PM. I love America.

Has Ashlee Simpson had a nose job?
Shock at 'Idol' boot
Cruise's popularity on the skids?
Immigrants were trapped, shivering
Bush: We're not trolling your personal life
Priest convicted of murdering nun
Dobbs to president: Do you take us for fools?
Germ killed more than RU-486 users
DJ fired over on-air remarks
I-95 to be closed for days
Texas teen near death with rabies

Knocked Up Baby, One More Time

Britney...congrats...you can take the girl out of Louisiana, but you can't never take Louisiana out of the girl. You knew you were going on Letterman...you knew this would be picked up as big news...you're not stupid about things like this - in fact you're quite smart - 5 mins of face time and your spread all over the media like your legs are at home...but Britney, come one...just because your busy getting busy, doesn't mean you can't run a come through your hair. Girl, git it together! The headband ain't cutting it.

How's about a list...its been a while since my last one:

• My loft is up for sale...anybody interested?
• In a funky mood today...terrible Tuesdays; but there was no fun on Saturday or Sunday...hum...
• Texting is a communication I still don't understand...
• Running 10 miles today...should be oodles of fun
• Looking at a few houses after work...will the Atlanta market crash? That's my big concern...
• If a house is listed for $400K, the floors should be level...I'm just saying
• Work...blah...
• Taking advice from a 50 yr old woman on relationships...she know's what she's talking about
• The new one...keeping in on easy street...
• DaVinci Code is addictive reading
• P-Cola...take me away!

Last Long Run, I Think

Dodged some rainy conditions yesterday to get in my last long run for my San Diego Marathon training. Did 22 yesterday and actually felt pretty good...averaged just under 8 min pace and had a great last 4 miles (thanks Twon!). Maybe I'm actually getting ready for this race. It doesn't seem so insurmountable anymore. I think my horrid memories of the NYC Marathon are finally beginning to fade away. I may do one more 20 mile run in 2 weeks, but it would be real slow, so my legs don't get fatigued. My legs feel fine, nothing hurts and I feel as if I could run today, but I won't. All in all I had a pretty great weekend. My neighbors, who are consistently inconsiderate, decided to have a party on Saturday night that lasted until 2AM. Since we live in lofts, the noise definitely carries. So on Sunday morning ~9 AM, when I was getting ready for my run, I decided that there is nothing better on a rainy Sunday morning than a cup of coffee and Steely Dan's Greatest Hits...loud enough for my neighbors to enjoy as well, of course. On Friday night I got a call from the cute new potential, it was about 9 and he had already had 4 margaritas from Zocalo. If you're from Atlanta, you know what that means...drunk! So I saved him from stumbling home and we hung out. He is pretty much adorable. So far so good. I also saw Mission Impossible 3 this weekend. As much as Tom Cruise is a loser in real life, this movie is worth a view, it was really good...check it out.

The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia

If you happened to be in Midtown Atlanta last night and noticed an interruption in your power service for about 5 seconds around 10:30...sorry...note to all, don't let Mylar Balloons go around power lines. If they happen to get caught in the lines, it could result in a minor explosion and loss of power for an entire neighborhood. Thankfully the power came back on, but the explosion was seen from as far away as The Plaza Midtown about a 1/2 mile away. Good times.

More information:

Foil balloons, also referred to as metallic or mylar and are actually two sheets of plastic (polyethylene) and nylon that are sandwiched together, then coated with a thin layer of aluminum. Mylar balloons first appeared in New York City in the late 70's and quickly became popular worldwide. A mylar balloon can float 30 times longer than a standard latex balloon. Foil (metallic) balloons are not biodegradable and they can (and will) conduct electricity, they should never be released outdoors because they could become entangled with power lines and lead to power outages.

Who knew?

DaVinci Code

I just started reading the DaVinci code this week...I know that I am about 2 years behind in reading this book, but with the movie coming out, I wanted to read it first before Richie Cunningham ruined it for me. I already can't get Tom Hanks out of my head...I really don't see him being Langdon, but my mind won't let me think otherwise. Thankfully Sophie Neveu is still forming in my mind. That's why I love reading a book before seeing the movie...I don't like being told what the person looks like or how the scene should be set. This book is great so far and touches on the basic foundation of religion. Religion, at its core, is fundamentally hypocritical. I could go on and on...but I think the book speaks for itself and I hope the movie lives up to the hype.

Runner's Etiquette

Think about it this way...you're on the sidewalk in NYC, walking briskly and you catch up to a fellow pedestrian, pass them, as they are walking a bit slower. About 2 mins later, they pass you back. Hum. They were walking much slower just 2 mins ago. Whatever. So you continue on with your pace and pass them again. Or at least try to...they keep speeding up so you can't pass them. What the fuck? This happened to me on a run yesterday and to be honest, that is the most annoying thing a fellow runner can do. It is just bad runner's etiquette. If a runner passes you on a training run...do not pick up your pace and pass them back and then annoy the fuck out of them by keeping 2 steps ahead. This is not a race. I repeat, training runs are not races. All you amateur runners out there take note: I will be tripping the next runner who does this to me.