SO these are the icons contests I have won so far! I am going to keep going! *G*

Man Challenge – Challenge #4
“Kiss Me at Midnight on New Year’s Eve...”


( Click here for more icons..!Collapse )

I love this show so much and have looked forward to as much excitement as trepidation for this movie. Have you see this show? I've seen it at least three times, two of them the official Broadway touring cast, I've seen the special anniversary edition and listened to the soundtrack hundreds of times. I am so excited I can hardly believe it. Omigawd, omigawd, omigawd, I can't wait! It looks like it just might work!

And at the very end of the video I suddenly and completely understand why Anne decided to reinterpret one of my favorite songs from the musical. I was nervous. Very.

But omigawd, omigawd, omigawd..!

So the itty bitty teeny tiny little woman is at the vets and I am a complete mess.

She started acting funny yesterday later afternoon/early evening. I wish I could explain more than that and I will try, but "funny" is the word. When you know someone, even an "animal," like I do Sarah Jane, you just know when something is off.

First she wasn't acting her enthusiastic self, all excitement and joy and love and happiness. Almost everyone who meets her comments that she is about the happiest dog they've ever met. Second she was walking with her head bowed, like she thought she was a bad girl or something. She didn't even want to hop up and have some raw chicken that I was starting to cook, and she loves her some chicken. When I picked her up later she didn't lick my face like she always does.

I mentioned it to Raymond and he saw it too and so I agreed to keep a close eye on her since she pretty much sticks to my side anyway.

Right after Raymond went to bed I picked her up and instead of her tucking her head under my chin or licking the top six layers of skin off my face like she usually does, she laid her head on my shoulder and whimpered. I don't know if I have ever heard her whimper before. I got Raymond up and we checked her over again, checked her feet and legs and pressed gently all over her to no effect. We walked her and she pottied, so she wasn't constipated.

I went over everything. She hasn't been in the basement so she couldn't have gotten to anything poison. She hasn't had anything like chocolate. I did give her a small pork chop bone, which she loves. There is a big disagreement over pork bones, if they are good or not... She adores then so. I worried that she might have swallowed a piece that was too big.

I called one of the three emergency animal hospitals and they suggested some kind of back or neck injury which is common with dachshunds and she is half dachshund. I kept her with me for a couple hours to just watch her and she barely moved. When I picked her up to take her to bed she cried and yipped. I was a f*cking mess.

Took her to bed and laid her between us. Then instead of doing what she always does, lay there maybe five minutes, lick me, and then crawl over Raymond and sleep on his side, she just lay there all night long. I woke up numerous times and turned on the light, afraid she wasn't breathing, but she was.

This morning she seemed a lot better.

But still... Off. She went under a chair surrounded by clothes and that denning instinct scared the shit out of me and I called a vet. They wondered too about her back.

So I took her in even though they had no appointments until this afternoon. The idea was that the doc could do a quick check and then they would keep her for observation. They might do x-rays which will be expensive but worth it.

I started to cry a little and asked the nurse -- why did I feel she was worth the cost of expensive x-rays when I had never felt that way about animals before. Why was she different. Why were all the animals I've had in my life, even my beloved Sheltie Ramses, just animals but she was sooooo different.

She explained that Sarah was probably my soul dog. I've read about that. Ususally only one of those a life time. I am starting to cry again and can't see teh secreen. Please offer doggie prayers or whatver you belive in. I, so oworried and trying not too.

They will call me this afternnon. The quick check did show they don't think there is anyythng wrong with her back. She has been thre for two or three hours and there is no word.

She hs got to be okay. She is the LIGHT of my life...

This is fun, sexy, cool and more. Skyler Stone, thank you! And Mike Smith, may I be your second gay kiss please?

Watch this! And please please please help it go viral by watching it (even if for only seconds) at YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02BnYko9rns

Skyler Stone And Mike Smith, Two Straight Men,
Kiss At Chick-Fil-A To Support Gay Marriage


If you're not feeling Chick-fil-A burn out by now, you're stronger than most folks.

Ever since the fast food chain's President and COO Dan Cathy confirmed that he is against gay marriage last month -- and records of the company's charitable arm's anti-gay donations were re-exposed -- a controversy has relentlessly raged pitting LGBT advocates and allies against those who support Chick-fil-A.

Everyone from the mayor of Boston to Sarah Palin to the Jim Henson Company, which voided a relationship with Chick-fil-A after Cathy's comments, has spoken out on the issue.

And just when we thought we'd seen everything, a new viral video has appeared on YouTube featuring two straight men who kiss -- to put it mildly -- at a Chick-fil-A in Hollywood to show their support for gay people.

In the video, entitled "Chicken With A Side Of Hate," the men, comedian and actor Skyler Stone and his friend, comedian Mike Smith, freshen up on what seems like a ridiculous amount of toothpaste, mouthwash and breath mints, ask for advice on male-on-male kissing from two gay men and then advance hand in hand over to the Chick-fil-A on Sunset and Highland in Hollywood.

To see what happens once they get there watch the video above.

Though some may argue that Stone and Smith missed the point of LGBT people's problem with Chick-fil-A -- that not only is Cathy against marriage equality but the company has also donated millions of dollars to anti-gay causes (the comedians make purchases from the restaurant) -- their hearts seems to be in the right place.

What do you think?

Male Homosexuality Study: Gay Men Have Evolutionary Benefit For Their Families, New Research Suggests
By: Natalie Wolchover
Published: 06/12/2012 12:59 PM EDT on Lifes Little Mysteries

While female sexuality appears to be more fluid, research suggests that male gayness is an inborn, unalterable, strongly genetically influenced trait. But considering that the trait discourages the type of sex that leads to procreation — that is, sex with women — and would therefore seem to thwart its own chances of being genetically passed on to the next generation, why are there gay men at all?

Put differently, why haven't gay man genes driven themselves extinct?

This longstanding question is finally being answered by new and ongoing research. For several years, studies led by Andrea Camperio Ciani at the University of Padova in Italy and others have found that mothers and maternal aunts of gay men tend to have significantly more offspring than the maternal relatives of straight men. The results show strong support for the "balancing selection hypothesis," which is fast becoming the accepted theory of the genetic basis of male homosexuality.

The theory holds that the same genetic factors that induce gayness in males also promote fecundity (high reproductive success) in those males' female maternal relatives. Through this trade-off, the maternal relatives' "gay man genes," though they aren't expressed as such, tend to get passed to future generations in spite of their tendency to make their male inheritors gay.

While no one knows which genes, exactly, these might be, at least one of them appears to be located on the X chromosome, according to genetic modeling by Camperio Ciani and his colleagues. Males inherit only one X chromosome — the one from their mother — and if it includes the gene that promotes gayness in males and fecundity in females, he is likely to be gay while his mom and her female relatives are likely to have lots of kids. If a daughter inherits that same X-linked gene, she herself may not be gay, but she can pass it on to her sons.

But how might the "gay man gene" make females more reproductively successful? A new study by Camperio Ciani and his team addresses the question for the first time. Previously, the Italian researchers suggested that the "gay man gene" might simply increase androphilia, or attraction to men, thereby making the males who possess the gene homosexual and the females who possess it more promiscuous. But after investigating the characteristics of 161 female maternal relatives of homosexual and heterosexual men, the researchers have adjusted their hypothesis. Rather than making women more attracted to men, the "gay man gene" appears to make these women more attractive to men.

"High fecundity, that means having more babies, is not about pleasure in sex, nor is it about promiscuity. The androphilic pattern that we found is about females who increase their reproductive value to attract the best males," Camperio Ciani told Life's Little Mysteries.

Turns out, the moms and aunts of gay men have an advantage over the moms and aunts of straight men for several reasons: They are more fertile, displaying fewer gynecological disorders or complications during pregnancy; they are more extroverted, as well as funnier, happier and more relaxed; and they have fewer family problems and social anxieties. "In other words, compared to the others, [they are] perfect for a male," Camperio Ciani said. Attracting and choosing from the best males enables these women to produce more offspring, he noted.

The new study will appear in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Of course, no single factor can account for the varied array of sexual orientations that exist, in men as well as in women. "It is quite possible that there are several influences on forming a homosexual orientation," said Gerulf Rieger, a sexual orientation researcher at Cornell University. He noted that environmental factors — including the level of exposure to certain hormones in the womb — also play a role in molding male sexuality. But as for why genetic factors would exist that make men gay, it appears that these genes make women, as well as gay men, alluring to other men.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/12/why-are-there-gay-men_n_1590501.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular

Senior Anglican Clergy: “Church Should Rejoice” Over Equal Marriage
by Edmund Broch
21 April 2012, 12:59pm

A group of leading clergymen of the Anglican Church have, in a letter to the Times, said that equal marriage is a cause to celebrate, and that the Church of England has “nothing to fear” on account of extending marriage to same-sex couples.

In the letter, several prominent figures, including five former bishops, have written that recent statements by “church leaders past and present” may give people the wrong impression that the Church as a whole is against equal marriage. “Marriage is a robust institution,” the letter continues, “which has adopted much over the centuries. It has moved beyond the polygamy of the Old Testament and preoccupation with social status and property in pre-Enlightenment times. While the Prayer Book states that marriage was ordained first for “the procreation of children” the modern marriage service begins by emphasising the quality of relationship between marriage partners “that they shall be united with one another in heart, body and mind”.

“That there are same-sex couples who want to embrace marriage should be cause for rejoicing in the Christian Church,” the letter adds.

A leading signatory of the letter is Dr Jeffrey John, the openly gay dean of St Albans, whose appointment as Bishop of Reading in 2003 had to be withdrawn due to protest from conservative factions within the Church. Other signatories include Canon Giles Goddard of the General Synod, the suffragan bishop of Buckingham, and the deans of Norwich, Guildford and Portsmouth.

"We believe the Church has nothing to fear from… civil marriage for same-sex couples,” the letter continues, saying it ”will be for the churches to then decide how they respond pastorally.” It also welcomed recent statements by the Bishop of Salisbury and the new Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral calling on the Church to support equal marriage for same-sex couples.

The government consultation to extend civil marriages to same-sex couples by 2015 has drawn considerable criticism from traditional factions within the Catholic Church, some Tory MPs, and Muslim leaders in Scotland. However, it has also drawn criticism from pro-equality members of religious groups, as it proposes to exclude same-sex couples from any religious wedding ceremonies. The consultation will officially end in June.

We reproduce the entire letter for our readers below:

Sir,

A number of recent statements by church leaders past and present may have given the mistaken impression that the Church is universally opposed to the extension of civil marriage to same-sex couples. We believe that does not adequately reflect the range of opinion which exists within the Church of England.

Marriage is a robust institution which has adapted much over the centuries. It has moved beyond the polygamy of the Old Testament and preoccupation with social status and property in pre-Enlightenment times.

While the Prayer Book states that marriage was ordained first for ‘the procreation of children’ the modern marriage service begins by emphasising the quality of relationship between marriage partners ‘that they shall be united with one another in heart, body and mind.’

The Church calls marriage holy or sacramental because the covenant relationship of committed, faithful love between the couple reflects the covenanted love and commitment between God and his Church. Growing in this kind of love means we are growing in the image of God. So the fact that there are same-sex couples who want to embrace marriage should be a cause for rejoicing in the Christian Church.

We welcome current moves by the House of Bishops to consider again its view of civil partnerships and human sexuality. We hope this will lead to a recognition of God’s grace at work in same-sex partnerships and call on the Church to engage in theological discussion and prayerful reflection on the nature of marriage.

We also welcome recent reported statements by the Bishop of Salisbury and the new Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral calling on the Church to affirm same-sex couples who want to take on the commitment of marriage.

It is our belief that the Church of England has nothing to fear from the introduction of civil marriage for same-sex couples. It will be for the churches to then decide how they should respond pastorally to such a change in the law.

Sincerely

Canon Giles Goddard, General Synod, Southwark
The Very Rev Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans

The Rt Rev Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham
The Rt Rev Michael Doe
The Rt Rev John Gladwin
The Rt Rev Lord Harries of Pentregarth
The Rt Rev Peter Selby
The Rt Rev David Stancliffe

The Very Rev David Brindley, Dean of Portsmouth
The Very Rev Graham Smith, Dean of Norwich
The Very Rev Victor Stock, Dean of Guildford

Mrs April Alexander, General Synod, Southwark
The Rev Stephen Coles, General Synod, London
The Rev Clair Herbert, General Synod, London
Mr John Ward LLB, General Synod, London

Thank you to essayel for pointing this out!

So I posted a song the other day and was sad I only got one comment on it, but that is okay. It isn't a comment-whore thing, it is just that I thought it was rather remarkable and that people got a chance to see it. I also understand that while viewing one's friend's list, it is common to skip videos to save time...

That said, I do hope you will check this out... I BLEW me away what these people do in this video...



Also that it is a damned good song, a damned good cover of a song I guess. I hope this goes viral and this group gets known. They are remarkable. They are called
Walk Off the Earth and they are doing a cover of the song called "Somebody that I Used to Know" and I am going to be looking out for them. Maybe they will come to Kansas City!

Special, special thanks to wrjones for pointing this out to me!

Have a great day!
Namasté
Ben

LOL... Okay I need some help...

1) Worst Date: Tell me a story of a really bad one...

(maybe a date that today you can finally look back and laugh but it sure wasn't funny at the time? Or not)

2) You've just had a BAD evening and you want a cocktail or shot or something that will help you deal with it immediately. What would you have?

Here is an interesting little article I found and wanted to share. What do you think? And not just emotionally. I think the writer makes some really interesting points.

Why Same-Sex Marriage Makes Sense Economically

By Betsey Stevenson and Justin Wolfers

The national discussion about same- sex marriage is heating up. Just last week, North Carolina voted to prohibit the practice, and, for the first time, President Barack Obama clearly came out in favor of it.

The debate, which has focused on our evolving views on sexuality, also mirrors a deeper generational shift in how we view and experience marriage.

For our grandparents’ generation, marriage was about separate roles, separate spheres and specialization. Gary Becker, an economist at the University of Chicago, won the Nobel Prize partly for describing the family as an economic institution -- a bit like a small firm that employs people with different skills to produce both income and a well-run household. (To Read More...)

Obama Backs Gay Marriage
Sam Stein
stein@huffingtonpost.com

WASHINGTON -- In a nod to a dramatic shift in public opinion, Barack Obama on Wednesday became the first sitting president to announce his support for same-sex marriage.

In a sit-down interview with ABC's Robin Roberts, Obama completed what has been a markedly long and oft-mocked evolution on the matter.

"I've always been adamant that gay and lesbian Americans should be treated fairly and equally," Obama told Roberts, in an interview that will air in full on ABC's "Good Morning America" Thursday. ( Read more...Collapse )

Obama Same-Sex Marriage Position: Why He Made His Decision
Sam Stein
stein@huffingtonpost.com

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama came to the decision that he personally supported same sex marriage early in 2012, top administration officials told reporters shortly after the president announced that support.

The plan had been to announce his position before the Democratic National Convention. But after Vice President Joseph Biden declared his support for marriage equality on Sunday, the issue touched off a political firestorm and the timeframe for Obama's announcement was expedited. ( Read more...Collapse )

Who would have thunk it?

Certainly not me.

Who would have thought that this little part of the anatomy, of the muscular structure, had its very own name?

I have always loved this feature. It is sort of like a different kind of happy trail.

Twin trails to glory, you know?

Yes, this part of the anatomy has its very own name.

Do you know?

CLICK HERE if you know what it is called and tell me before you see the answer, if you can.

If you know what it is called and if you can click and type without seeing the answer.

So I am reading this book called Summer Fever by Catt Ford, a very hot book I might add, and the two main characters are making love and one's special button is his nipples and for the other one, it is this spot I have "circled." And it mentions the name of this part of a man and I had NO clue what Catt was talking about.

Imagine my surprise when I Google it and find out!

I love it when I read something and come across a new word or phrase.

All right. Did anyone get it?

The answer is...(click here)

By the way, check out that link on Ms. Ford's book. I loved it!

So yesterday pretty much whopped my ass. With getting up and going to church, then lunch, then getting to go see the Avengers, I was done in. At a hot dog on the way home and pretty much crashed the rest of the day. Getting Raymond and Jayli to the theater early was a joke (shrug) so when we got there, the place was filling up fast. And that was a Sunday afternoon. Early afternoon! I don't know when was the last time I went to that theater and it was full, esp on a Sunday. So no handycapped seating for me. No putting up the leg.

But it was well worth it. The Avengers is a very good film. The ONLY spoilerish thing I will say is that all the characters got their full share of air time. AND that there was lots of characterization. No one was cheated, not even Black Widow.

Don't miss this movie on the big screen. It adds totally to the magic. Hope you go. Hope you went. Let me know!

Excelsior!
'Nuff said,
Ben


'The Avengers' are Box Office Superheroes, with $200.3 Million
The opening in the U.S. and Canada is the biggest for any film in Hollywood history. And worldwide? Pow!
By Amy Kaufman and Geoff Boucher, Los Angeles Times
May 7, 2012

It was a weekend that made Hollywood stand back and marvel. "The Avengers," from Walt Disney's Marvel Studios, didn't just break the record for the best opening weekend in Hollywood history — the film smashed through it Hulk style, grabbing up big green fistfuls of money.

The Joss Whedon-directed movie, riding stellar reviews and a tsunami of Twitter love, piled up $200.3 million at theaters in the U.S. and Canada, according to an estimate from Disney. That total, which beat the $169.2-million record set during the opening weekend of 2011's "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2," was turbocharged by pricier IMAX and 3-D tickets. About 52% of those who saw the movie opted to shell out a few extra bucks to watch it in 3-D. IMAX theaters even ran out of seats to sell to moviegoers. ( Read more...Collapse )

'The Avengers' Box Office: Hulk And Friends Score Second-Higheset Single Day Gross Of All Time

Move over "Star Wars," "Twilight," "Dark Knight," "Hunger Games," "Transformers," and "Shrek." "Marvel's The Avengers" has barreled its way to the second-highest single day gross in movie history, sweeping up $80.5 million domestically from 4,349 theaters.

That number places it behind only "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," which rang up $91 million, according to Box Office Mojo.

A strong Friday is obviously a good omen for a movie vying for a record opening weekend. THR notes "Deathly Hallows Part 2" went on to score the highest opening weekend of all time by earning $169.2 million. Many believe "The Avengers" may bring in over $170 million, which would make the first Marvel movie marketed by Disney the new king of the domestic box office.

The film collected $18.7 million from midnight showings alone, the highest midnight open for a superhero movie.

"Avengers" has also been killing it at the international box office, having already raked in over $300 million. The film has already passed all other Marvel movies' lifetime grosses except "Iron Man," and is expected to pass that film by Saturday at the latest.

It's worth noting that "The Avengers" is available in 3-D, and thus benefits from a higher average per-ticket gross.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/05/the-avengers-box-office-records-single-day-gross_n_1483837.html

I am so excited by this, words just cannot say enough. I've waited a lifetime for this movie, a movie about comic book characters that I dare say a hell of a lot of people haven't even heard of, including a superteam called The Avengers in the first place (the British series doesn't count here). I grew up with these guys. I saw a bunch of Marvel heroes done wrong. Then Marvel Comics started making the movies themselves, beginning with Iron Man. Finally they are being done right.

Oh, I wanted to go Thursday, but of course I couldn't. I am getting around surprisingly well, including stairs. I am still quite swollen, but I think this is a reward for myself. If I can go, I am going today!

Wish me luck!

Namasté,
Ben

Can THE AVENGERS Beat HARRY POTTER’s Box Office Record?

As you’re aware, Marvel’s The Avengers is an enormous success. Disney’s massive marketing campaign looks to have paid off in spades, and the film is enjoying the rare enthusiastically positive reaction from both critics and audiences. Joss Whedon’s all-star superhero pic currently stands at a very fresh 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and a respectable 69 on the more nuanced Metacritic scale. Moreover, the film scored a coveted “A+” rating from Cinemascore which measures audience reaction. The film earned $80.5 million on opening day, making it second only to the $91 million take scored by last year’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

That franchise closer currently holds the number one spot on the All-Time weekend chart, but does The Avengers have a shot at dethroning The Boy Who Lived?

Before we get into the All-Time weekend race, let’s briefly discuss the international box office for The Avengers. The film opened early in many overseas markets, and it’s clear that the superhero movie has substantial worldwide appeal. The pic debuted to a $178.4 million international opening weekend, and the current international gross stands at $334.3 million. The worldwide total now looks to land around at least $575 million by Monday, and repeat business in the coming weeks should keep that number moving higher and higher.

It’s important to note that The Avengers is benefiting from 3D ticket prices, so the film has a great advantage heading into the record-breaking race. 2008’s The Dark Knight currently holds the #2 position on the opening weekend chart with $158 million, while this year’s other record-breaker The Hunger Games stands at #3 with $152 million, narrowly edging out Spider-Man 3’s $151. That said, none of these titles had the ticket price uptick of 3D, and only one film stands in the way of The Avengers taking the crown.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 opened to $169 million last summer. Not only did the film enjoy 3D ticket prices, but it had the benefit of being the closing chapter in the highest grossing film franchise of all time. The Avengers also has a built-in audience, 3D, and stellar reviews, but it doesn’t come with the finality that Harry Potter had (that aspect should make The Dark Knight Rises a contender later this summer).

The Friday take of The Avengers is $10 million shy of Harry Potter, which some would assume means it’ll fall short of the All-Time opening weekend title. However, everyone knew what they were getting with Harry Potter. Though The Avengers has a huge built-in audience and a fair amount of general appeal, a lot of people didn’t expect it to be such a great movie. Whedon’s pic should enjoy enthusiastically positive word of mouth this weekend—not to mention repeat business—so we could see an uptick in Saturday and Sunday’s audience.

Estimates have the film earning anywhere between $165 and $175 million this weekend, so the jury’s still out on whether it’ll topple Harry Potter. If I had to guess, I’d say the word of mouth will result in The Avengers narrowly edging out Harry Potter and taking the All-Time opening weekend title. Until The Dark Knight Rises comes to challenge the throne in July, that is.

It’s important to remember that this is all conjecture at this point; no one knows exactly how well the film will do today and tomorrow. What is known is that The Avengers is an incredibly well-liked movie that is playing like gangbusters across the globe. Whether it breaks the All-Time weekend record or not, Disney and Marvel have a colossal success on their hands. This can only mean good things for the superhero genre, and hopefully studios will understand that the movie is a blockbuster not just because it features people in funny costumes and explosions, but because Joss Whedon wrote and directed a quality film that delivers on entertainment, character, and humor.

http://collider.com/the-avengers-box-office-record-harry-potter/164318/

Thank you wrjones for posting this first!

I am so excited.......

Fox’s ‘Fringe’ Renewed For Fifth And Final Season With 13-Episode Order
By NELLIE ANDREEVA

Low ratings be damned — cult favorite Fringe will finish its multi-universe journey with a 13-episode final season. As expected, Fox has closed a deal to renew the sci-fi drama for a fifth season. While a dismal ratings performer in live viewing, Fringe has been a big DVR gainer and a favorite of critics as well as Fox brass. “Fringe has been a point of pride for me, I share the fans’ passion for the show,” Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly said in January at TCA, where he also made it clear that a renewal hinged on renegotiating the deal with producing studio Warner Bros TV and J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot at a lower license fee. “We lose a lot of money on the show,” Reilly said. “We are not in the business of losing money, so we’re trying to figure out if there a number at which we can continue with the series.” After lengthy negotiations over the past couple of months, the two sides came to an agreement, giving the show and its fans a proper ending. “We are thrilled and beyond grateful that Fox – and our fans – have made the impossible possible: Fringe will continue into a fifth season that will allow the series to conclude in a wild and thrilling way,” series co-creator/executive producer JJ Abrams said.

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/fox-fringe-renewed-fifth-final-season-13-episode-231117947.html

Special Note: I tried to post this last night and the Internet was not cooperating and I was too tired and hurt too much to go down to the basement and try to fix the connection…

Ahhhhhhh... Home again.

You know the feeling, right? You cry when you have to leave and you in many ways aren’t ready but oh oh oh it is so nice to be home.

I miss my new DSP family terribly already and who knows when I will see them again? But I am with Raymond, my love, and my sweet little Sarah Jane!

So somehow, even though it was around 2:00 AM before I got to bed last night, I got up at seven am Monday morning and headed into the city. Now figuring it out, and also knowing who to ask, I got to 34th street pretty damned fast, even with Monday morning rush-hour traffic. Came up out of the subway, looked one way, looked the other...

and

oh

my

gosh

The Empire State Building...

There really are no words.

I did it all. Spent the works and got the map and the audio thingie and went to the 80th, 86th and 102nd floors. I am so glad I did.

My fear of falling hit good on the observation deck. There were times I was okay and times I had to shut my eyes and clench my teeth. VERY windy and I just couldn’t believe the people sticking their arms through the fencing so they could take better pictures. It was very hard for me to approach the fence. I would freeze now and again and that wasn’t even counting how cold and windy it was up there. It felt like I could fall and that is what does it. At one point the audio tour has you turn around and look up at the tower/antenna and there was no way I was doing that. I knew I would fall down. I had to sit on the ground and look up and even sitting my weird reverse vertigo HIT me like a house a blazing. It felt like I was falling up. And this guard starts insisting I stand up and I was trying to tell him I couldn’t get up and he wasn’t listening. I finally sorta leaned squatted and he let me alone.

I wanted to stick my arms through to get better pictures but it was so windy and what if I dropped my camera???

The 102nd floor though is very different and very sealed in and small and tight and I felt very secure and not at all afraid and was able to really look.

I think I took a billion pictures. Gorgeous. So unbelievable it doesn’t even seem real. Unreal. Surreal.

I really took my time too.

Then I came down and had a big lunch in one of the restaurants that is a part of the building. I also got my mailing tube for the gorgeous print Paul Richmond gave me. Have I talked about meeting Paul? What a sweet wonderful man. We even got to celebrate his birthday. On the 1 to a 100 scale of straight-acting with 100 meaning a gay man could pass and fool everyone, Paul is about a negative 75. LOL! And I just loved him. What a sweet man!

After lunch I realized I had a few hours and so keeping in mind where I needed to be and trying not to get lost, I wandered around and fell in love with NYC. Last night I was so tired and cranky when I got back to the hotel, and not a little bit scared about wrong buses and such, I almost didn’t go into the city. I was thinking, Nope. I guess I am not going to be one of those "I <3 New York people" after all and felt sad about it.</i>

But after today?

I <3 New York!

I don’t know that I could live there, but what a powerful gigantic astounding astonishing remarkable amazing magick city! It really is like some giant rumbling beast. A gigantic whale of a hive mind being. Alive!

I took hundreds of pictures.

And I found the New York Public Library and investigated it as well. There was a Shelly exhibit as well, including original hand-written poems and such. Awesome. Simply awesome.

Did I mention that the other day Matt and I went to Rockefeller Center? GORGEOUS! And I got Raymond a Dr. Who shirt at the NBC Store. There were about six to choose from and the one I got him said “You Never Forget Your First Doctor.” That was the one! Because Raymond’s favorite Dr is the first one. And I mean the REAL first one. The one from several decades ago.

I made it back to the hotel in time for a trip to the airport where I wound up having to take a shuttle to another terminal but I got there on time and aboard on time and we pulled out on time and then sat for I don’t know how long when LaGuardia suddenly decides (you could hear that the pilot was frustrated as we were when he spoke to us) to put 22 planes ahead of us. TWENTY-TWO! We would have been in KC 20 minutes early and got there nearly an hour late.

But it was okay and Raymond was there and Sarah licked off nine layers of skin from my face and we ate a Minsky’s Pizza (the best pizza I have ever ever ever ever had) and got home and I am writing this and trying not to fall asleep.

I did on the airplane and the awful tight upright seats mean I started snoring loud every time I drifted off and woke myself up! It was humiliating and embarrassing.

But if that is the worst thing that happened, then all is well.

I have a publisher willing to look at four novels from me! She trusts me.

She is my friend.

I got to crying as I left everyone this morning.

But oh what a day.

And now?

Time for bed.

So tired and stiff and sore.

But what a trip.

I will never forget it.

This was a very big deal weekend.

If I can make it there I’ll make it anywhere
It’s up to ME New York New York!

Namasté and goodnight,
Ben

I am worn out! But oh how wonderfully worn out.

I need to just go to bed!

I had breakfast, a very fast one, with everyone this morning and then shot out because I was crying. These people went from friends to deep family very fast.

I got on the right bus and was helped my very nice mutual tourists, one who was quite hunky. And nervous around me. HA!

Then took the right train but in the wrong direction. No one told me you had to get on the train going in the right direction. NO ONE!! I did figure it out quickly though. Asked and was told to get off and go up and over and I was going in the right direction.

I couldn’t call Brak666 because there is no connection in the bowels of New York. Thankfully nothing Clive-Barkerian either.

Lucki8ly Matt was late but we connected within about twenty minutes. And what a sexy bear! Woof! I know bears and bear lovers in KC who would eat him up!

We hugged and I kissed him right there in front of the NYC Port Authority and the New York Times. OMG – what a building! WOW!

Then it was on to Times Square to see what show we were going to see. Yes, it appeared at least that Book of Mormon was sold out, or at least they didn’t need to offer discount tickets. I do not want to hear one single “I told you so.” Be warned.

We thought we were about to get spectacular tickets to Evita! with Ricky Martin (who I really want to have sex with) but then suddenly – alas – there were no Sunday shows.

So we “settled” on Cole Porter’s Anything Goes and it was simply spectacular. I started to cry. I was witnessing a NYC musical. The closing number for act one was right out of the movie-musical De-Lovely and I have never seen anything like it. People who don’t like tap-dancing would be blown away! I can’t say enough out spectacular it was! And act two was wonderful! And there were so many of my favorite Porter songs like – of course – Anything Goes, and then De-Lovely, Blow, Gabrielle Blow and more that I am too tired to remember.

Then sweet Matt agreed to go take the Staten Island ferry – and it id free – where we were able to see the Statue of Liberty. WOW!!!! Unbelievable. She is majestic my friends!

Then we went to one of Matt’s favorite gay bars and I bought us a round of beers and flirted with the very hot bartender. Then it was a rush back to the PA so Matt could catch the bus home.

And me?

I couldn’t help it! I went back to Times Square and who should I run into? The coupe from this morning! Hey pointed me in the right direction and I took about a billion pictures, on top of the billion I took on the ferry. TS at night is so amazing.

Something funny. It wasn’t as big as I expected. It is HUGE, but it is tighter, more compact. But wonderful!

Then it was back to the PA, I got on the right train and in the right direction…

BUT…..

I didn’t know which direction to go once I got off the train! I listened to the wrong person and missed the bus by – literally – seconds. Had to wait on my exhausted feet and knees for over a half hour. That was the eleven at night bus!

Finally got back to the hotel around midnight, somehow packed pretty much everything, went to the lobby and printed my boarding pass and had a cocktail and here it is after one in the morning and I want to get up EARLY in the morning to go see the Empire State Building!

Please wish me good luck.

All in all a spectacular event and experience and I wouldn’t chnge my life for anything!

Because now..?

Well…

Anything goes!

Pleasant dreams!
Ben

PS: Not a drop of rain! The sun came out over Lady Liberty!

So everything is about done as far as the writer’s conference is concerned. Most people have left and the rest are gathering for breakfast this morning. Catered breakfast. Will join them for ten minutes or so, I may or may not be late in meeting B4rak666. But I feel I have to give proper good-byes.

And thank God I am meeting Brak666 today. I have known him nearly ten years and never met him! So wonderful, and what a wonderful LJ friend he is. So sweet and kind and funny and talented and thoughtful and more. Who knows what trouble we will get into today?

PLEASE send out “Broadway-Show” vibes. I must see a Broadway show!

I am going to cry my eyes out in a few minutes. My DSP friends have become family. They are my tribe as well. Who knows when I will see them next?

I am crying now dammit.

SO….

Focus on Manhattan. This is it! NEW YORK CITY!!!!

…there…

I am smiling again.

Just got to get there and not lost.

Please pray that it not rain. Only showers, but that can be too much.

I claim it! PERFECTION! And that’s the truth!

With love,
Ben

PS: Thank you for all your comments and advise and love and light. I have not been able to respond to most of yo. I trust you understand! love!

So a bunch of us are gathered in Elizabeth North's room, and just carrying on. What a fun evening. Here I sit (OMG) with Lynn West, Alix Bekins, Jamie Samms, Amy Lane, Elizabeth and her son, Mary Calmes, Ariel Tachna, Jamie Fessenden and Andrew Grey! Laughing, getting tipsy, having a great time.

What a day.

Got into the city early just as I hoped, went into the village, had a slice of New York pizza, AND I went to the Stonewall Inn! Had two (expensive but strong) cocktails. Talked to a young couple (who aren't going to make it! Girl!) and talked to a bartender that was there the night of the Stonewall riot! Got a T-shirt also!

Raced back to the Gay and Lesbian Center (can't remember their actual name) to the Rainbow Book Fair in it was PACKED! Great time. DSP sold tons of books.

Then we had a lovely dinner at the most incredible Italian restaurant and WOW I am still stuffed hours later.

What a great weekend. It will break my heart as they scatter to the seven winds tomorrow morning, but it will help that I leave early early early to head downtown to meet Brak666. I'm a little scared! Taking the train/subway and that spooks me out. But I will be fine. Think of me! Send me angel energy.

This is it! I was meant to be here this weekend. It is happening! My dreams are coming true. No. They are true!

Namaste,
Ben

It is Saturday morning in New York City and what could possibly be better than that?

Who knows what today will bring?

Last night was so much fun although it was $$$$$. Thank goodness for business expenses! The drag queens were fun and exceptional, funny, the food was amazing – I had the Chicken Parmesan, so good!

It’s the transportation that is the killer!

Send me positive vibes I’ll get to see the Village today!

I need to wake up! Girl! I was in Elizabeth’s (pub of DSP) until about 2AM! Now it is after nine and need to start my day.

Love and Namaste,
Ben

So far my trip has been utterly amazing!

Left early yesterday morning and got in before noon. The flyover Manhattan was breathtaking!

Got to the hotel, immediately starting meeting the whole Dreamspinner Press staff and it was all I could do not to cry. Relax. Happy cry, not sad cry. Everyone has been so wonderful! The hugs! Elizabeth, the co-publisher of DSP, hugged so hard and tight! I felt like our hearts touched. And Lynn! OH!! And Julianne! So kind and darling and sweet and beautiful!

We went to a Walgreen’s to get pop and booze and stuff and the walk back just about killed me. Took me hours to feel better. Really. But on the walk back, way at the end of a street, I saw the silhouettes of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Took my breath away again.

We had the most amazing “Meet and Greet” last night where I met almost everyone who is supposed to be here. We talked, we laughed, we bonded, we got bombed. Free booze!

Today was workshops all day and I am tired, but I don’t dare take a nap! What if I oversleep! We are going in for a dinner at a club called “Lips” where drag queens serve you and perform. About eight of us.

OH! And I found out today I sold my newest story, It Had to Be You! I guess they really liked it and that makes me so happy! I was warned that the edits might be tough with all the historical stuff, but that’s fine.

I have also promised Elizabeth my first novel by July 1st! SO exciting! She wants the novel and is counting on it. She does consider this a promise. I have to do this. It’s my reputation.

There is still quite a few days left. Tomorrow is the huge Rainbow Book Fair. If I can, I am hearing there a shift early since it is in The Village. OMG! The Village! Can you imagine??

Then the RBF and back here. The next day I meet Matt! OMG!

Well, I will post again if I can!

LOVE you all,
Ben

To My LJ Friends ~

Did you know that lawmakers in Russia's cultural capital of Saint Petersburg just passed a law that would make it a "crime" to write a book, publish an article or speak in public about being gay, lesbian, bi or transgender - labeling it "homosexual propaganda"?



I just watched a powerful video illustrating this attack on fundamental rights, and joined thousands in signing a powerful message to the Governor, who has the power to veto the bill.

The message is calling people to boycott vacations and such to Saint Petersburg. I'm hoping friends will family to do the same. St. Petersburg is fairly low on my vacation list, below India and Greece and Britain and more, but I am shocked to find out that in a day where more and more nations and states are passing gay marriage, that this could have happened and the WORLD needs to SPEAK OUT!

Major governments have condemned the bill, and a grassroots surge of calls and petitions hasn't been able to stop it's advance. But with Russia spending $11 billion in the next five years to attract international tourists, and Saint Petersburg's reputation as the cosmopolitan "window to the west," together we will make sure that the powers that be in Russia will hear our people power - and buying power - loud and clear.

Take a minute to watch this video - and sign this letter to the governor, and ask your friends and colleagues to do the same. We only have a few more days to sway the Governor - and every voice counts.

Namaste,
Ben

www.allout.org/stpetersburg-dont-go

California Proposition 8 Unconstitutional, Appeals Court Rules

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A federal appeals court has declared California's same-sex marriage ban to be unconstitutional, paving the way for a likely U.S. Supreme Court showdown on the voter-approved law.

A three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled 2-1 Tuesday that a lower court judge interpreted the U.S. Constitution correctly in 2010 when he declared the ban, known as Proposition 8, to be a violation of the civil rights of gays and lesbians.

The measure, which passed with 52 percent of the vote in 2008, outlawed same-sex unions just five months after they became legal in the state.

Lawyers for Proposition 8 sponsors and for two couples who sued to overturn the ban have said they would appeal to the Supreme Court if they did not receive a favorable ruling from the 9th Circuit.

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2012/02/california-proposition-8-unconstitutional-appeals-court-rules-72332.html

( From Fox News...Appeals Court Rules California's Same-Sex Marriage Ban UnconstitutionalCollapse )

( What This Means, And What Comes NextCollapse )

( Prop 8, California's Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Declared UnconstitutionalCollapse )

Wow, how on earth did I miss this? But then again, I guess I didn’t. Today is the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens. Google even did a doodle inspired by the author and his work and you’ll see it if you are googling today.

Here are two articles that I enjoyed. One is for kids, but hey! Who cares? I hope you enjoy them and that you will take a moment to raised a glass to one of the greatest writers in history.

Happy Birthday, Charles!

Celebrating Charles Dickens’s 200th Birthday
By Raymond M. Lane

Charles Dickens was born at midnight on February 7, 1812, the second of Elizabeth and John Dickens’s eight children.

It was reported that the newborn baby began to cry as the clock struck 12, and many feel that his voice is as real today as it was 200 years ago. Dickens grew up to become one of the world’s most famous and beloved writers. His characters are known throughout the world. click the link to find out more