Many Things To Say

The Artist: Simpler Times? Brilliant!

2012-01-20T19:34:00.000-05:00

Brilliant, visually stunning, amazing, heart-warming, unconventional... It's so nice to see that a movies like this can still be made and make it to general release, even if it took so long and this is coming from a Bona Fide spectacle geek. The Artist is incredibly risky and it's impossible to divulge any of those many risks without ruining the experience. Wrapped around the stock market crash of 1929 it is filmed in black and white and presented in the original 35 mm aspect ratio. But there is so, so much more.

Winner of Golden Globes Best Picture (Comedy or Musical) it seems clear that HFPA gave it the comedy or musical designation to avoid it having to go head to head against favorite and winner The Descendants or Hugo and the rest of the company. No need.

Now that I have seen The Artist, it is my clear favorite for for Best Picture at the Oscars. It certainly should win, cinematography, musical score and others for set decoration and artistic direction or whatever those all are.

I know it is trite, but this really is a "feel good" movie. In an era of remaking or remastering movies into 3-D the viewer is swept into a time that we think of as simpler and are reminded that it wasn't ... but we got through it ... in no small part to movies like this.

Clooney speaks about equality...

2012-01-16T14:05:00.000-05:00

After winning Best Actor in a Drama at the Golden Globes, George Clooney uses his press interview to comment on Gay Equality and Mitt Romney:

A Photo to the Globe and Mail

2012-01-13T12:59:00.001-05:00

In the wake of some recent challenges to the legitimacy of the same gender marriages of Americans performed in Canada The Toronto Globe and Mail requested photos. Kyle and I sent this....

We were married in Toronto City Hall on February 22, 2008, the anniversary of my parents wedding in 1946. Our witness were the The Rt. Rev. Jack McKelvey, Bishop of Rochester, and his wife Linda McKelvey.

Besides expressing our lifetime commitment to each other, the ceremony provided us with contractual of the protections afforded other married couples. The most important of these is health insurance for Kyle. The protection of the ones we love afforded to all Americans is all we seek.

Despite marriage in NY we are still not afforded federal assurances. Everyone that believes in equal protection under the law, needs to continue to work for the end of DOMA and marriage equality in every state. LGBT people and allies, speak up, speak OUT!

Message Framing

2012-01-07T11:02:00.000-05:00

A well framed message about the LGBT Movement:

This is about everyday Americans who want the same chance as anyone else to pursue health and happiness, earn a living, be safe in their communities, serve their country, and take care of the ones they love.

What are the important concepts and vocabulary included?
What do you think is intentionally redirected or intentionally left out?

The meeting of the NEA Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Committee, met in Washington, DC this weekend. We had a presentation from Sean Lund from Movement Advancement Program. The messaging/framing aspects were very familiar. What was very helpful was the addition of specific vocabulary to be used when presenting LGBT issues to the moveable middle. I will be writing about some of these in more detail.

Sean Lund

Fred Sainz

Sean was followed by Fred Sainz, VP for Communications and Marketing at HRC (The Human Rights Campaign). The messages were very well aligned. MAP, GLAAD, NGLTF and HRC are all listed on the powerful documents, "Talking About.." which target specific LGBT issues and audiences.

It is encouraging to see this collaboration.

2011-12-29T22:15:00.001-05:00

Time for JibJab's Year in Review:

Funeral for a Friend

2011-12-13T22:26:00.001-05:00

Funeral for a Friend

When "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was released I missed it. I was steeped in classical music. But I do remember listening to the Album when I was driving along Route 17 in the Catskills. It was the fall of 1974. The Album opens with "Funeral for a Friend" and includes "Candle in the Wind." It was less than a year since my best friend had been killed in a car crash. Both of these songs tore at my heart and I listened to them over and over.

John Franklin Delelys and I were friends in high school went to The State University of New York at Geneseo together. We graduated together (Rod Serling was our commencement speaker) and started teaching elementary school in 1973 at different schools in the Rush-Henrietta School District... from which we had graduated in 1969.

We were unlikely friends. John was handsome, popular and talented. I was a social misfit, a gay kid in high school 40 years before Glee. We shared a love of theater, but I still am at a loss to know what John saw in me or how we became friends. I know I admired him. He was an idol for me. As we become friends, it stunned me to find out that he was really more shy and insecure than I could ever imagine being.

When John died it was the second great loss in my life. My father had died in January of my senior year.

This Saturday I turned 60 and today John would have been 61. I was feeling a huge sense of loss as I approached this decade. The time that I had been given to live that was denied John was weighing heavily on me. More personal was the realization that my already faulty memory was becoming worse. I really couldn't conjure up much about John.

He and I went camping on Middle Saranac Lake the summer of 1969. I remember the place where we camped. It was so serene. I remember that John was incredibly patient with me when we climbed Mount Ampersand. John ran track, I was a couch potato. But he saw me to the stony top and that incredible view. To this day, given a choice of a sunny beach or a mountain, I will choose the latter. That's just one of the things that I now realize that John gave me.

I took a picture of John there and turned it into a oil painting. This summer I saw John's sister Johanna for the fist time in many. many years. She still has that very primitive work in her house. I connected with John's younger brother on Facebook this summer as well.

But the memories were so dim.

Enter Sharon Manna (then Sharon Davey). Sharon dated John at Geneseo and we both sang with Geneseo Chamber Singers. I have kept in touch with Sharon very occasionally. Our lives went in very different directions and the only common denominator in our lives was our love for John.

Two days before my birthday an email arrived. Sharon sent me some wonderful pictures but more importantly Sharon sent me memories. She reminded me of a Mickey Mouse watch that I gave John. (Last year at Disney World I bought one for myself, without a conscious memory of the gift.) Sharon reminded me that he was much fonder of my mother than I was... and much more.

Sharon reminded me of things I had forgotten and told me of things that I still can't remember.

This year I got and iPad and wonderful dinner, a chance to see Billy Elliot on stage... all wonderful gifts.

But the best gift was the reminder of how wonderful my friendship, cut tragically short, was. The reminders of how lucky I was to have known John Franklin Delelys. Thanks, Sharon. You gave me a gift beyond value.

And thank you, John. God gave me the gift of your friendship. God gave me your example of innocent, unconditional love.

I miss you.

A picture I took of Sharon and John at Geneseo

Sharon Took this of John at Panther Mountain. It reminded me of Ampersand.

Sharon's picture of John rowing. I remember that too.

Church of England Civil Unions Progress, Nigeria... not so much.

2011-12-07T13:35:00.003-05:00

Taken from a GLAAD newsletter:

In the United Kingdom, the Church of England announced that they will not force vicars to perform civil partnership ceremonies. The two-page briefing note (PDF) cites that Church premise may be used to approve of the registration of civil partnerships without a formal endorsement from the General Synod. The Archbishop of Westminster came out in support of civil unions, all the while maintaining that there is something distinctive in the nature of marriage that sets it apart as the foundation of family life. The Scots may beat the Brits to the punch, however, as they begin their consultation on civil marriage equality this week as promised.

In Africa, Nigeria’s senate passed a broad scope anti-gay marriage bill. Under the proposed law, marriage or participating in a same-sex marriage ceremony, public displays of affection would be considered criminal acts.

Hillary Speaks at UN Human Rights Conference

2011-12-07T13:11:00.007-05:00

Please take 30 minutes at listen to this entire speech. It will surely be quoted out of context and used by those opposed to equal rights for LGBT people. Only if you are prepared can you help to put it in context.

It makes the point that minority rights have never been won without strong, visible support from those who are not a part of the affected minority. So even if you are not lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, your support is crucial, indeed, especially if you are not LGBT, we need your voice. We need you to be informed.

Thank you, Hillary. We even forgive you a bad hair day.

Siri

2011-11-18T23:17:00.001-05:00

Getting Stoned on the Great Wall

2011-11-02T23:34:00.001-04:00

It really is GREAT when you are stoned.

Toronto and Niagara Falls

2011-11-02T17:38:00.004-04:00

Oh Canada! Our trip started with a success story. Although Mike left his passport in Sacramento we got into Canada to see the Bills trounce the Redskins at the Rogers Centre.

The next day was Halloween. Loads of fun on Church Street and Kyle and I dressed up as bartenders at Woody's.

The next best costume was this nice lady being devoured by a great white...

Then off to Niagara Falls:

From beneath the falls...

And the next morning from our hotel room overlooking the falls...

What you see is not always what you get...

2011-10-21T16:14:00.001-04:00

What is this? Are you sure?

Openly Gay and Hot Straight Ally

2011-10-21T16:10:00.004-04:00

We love Ben Cohen so much. Brit Rugby star Cohen (below right) has become a the straight jock voice for LGBT inclusion, especially in sports. On the left is Billy Bean, pro baseball player who came out after he retired. That the usual sequence that Cohen is working to undo.

Obama Can Do No Right

2011-10-20T18:16:00.002-04:00

Qadaffi is dead. Republican response: Great, but if we had only acted more boldly and quickly fewer lives would have been lost.

So we should have handled this more like Iraq? Gone in with guns blazing?

We all know that Obama can do no right.

One reaction, I think from Marco Rubio, was that we should have acted more quickly and with bipartisan consent of congress. Seriously? Does anyone else see that as an oxymoron with the current congress?

What about, "We managed achieve our objective by supporting local forces without any troops on the ground. Congratulations, President Obama, Commander in Chief."

Mac Support for Disabled Users

2011-10-18T15:25:00.003-04:00

I was searching for a cheat sheet of commands that Apple's iPhone recognizes. (I can't afford the 4s with Siri). I found my answers on ATMac, a site for disabled Mac Users. I was very impressed and enlightened. One article specifically highlights games that are not time dependent. They do not depend on the users speed or coordination. I am not disabled, nor am I tremendously coordinated, but I found this site very cool.

Apple has been ahead of the curve on building accessibility into their devices.

On thing that happened when the 4s released that is disturbing. A app which did what Siri does was removed and disabled. I hope that Apple at least makes this available to the disabled community without having to buy a new 4s.

Today's Unknown Iris 10/11/11

2011-10-11T21:44:00.005-04:00

I have quite a few irises in my garden that are an unidentified cultivar. Some came from sources that named them as something they clearly are not. Others just got lost in the days before I was careful about labeling. Some were just beautiful bloomers from Dana Borglum that might well be random seedling that are the work of happy bees.

I'd like to put them out there for my readers (both of them) to help me to ID. They are probably nothing brand new, and probably fairly common.

Here's the first to bloom in my garden. It is clearly a standard dwarf bearded (SDB) iris.

Comment below or send me email at rochnyguy@me.com.

Thanks!

Mormons and Cults and the Constitution

2011-10-10T21:27:00.005-04:00

I am not a big fan of the LDS Church. This is because they spent big bucks to support Prop 8 in California and in less than honest ways to boot. Much of the money was funneled through the Roman Catholic Church because it would be more acceptable. These two faiths have one thing in common. They both claim to be the "one true faith." There has been little love between them because of this mutually exclusive tenet, but decided that the oppression of the homosexual menace was more important. My enemy's enemy is my friend.

Yesterday a Baptist pastor, Robert Jeffress, referred to Mormonism as a cult. He was a guest on Chris Matthews today, and all in all, I was impressed by him. I agree with him on little but he really seems to be a straight shooter. He stuck with his characterization of LDSers as cultist, but stood some unfair attacks by Mr. Matthews fairly well. He handled Chris's clarification that he did not mean a Jim Jones, or Charles Manson type of cult by saying "no, that's not the type of cult I mean..." Really isn't a cult any group of people with a particular set of beliefs that aren't yours? Isn't religion and cult interchangable, especially if your are an atheist? OK, hold on ... I am on the internet! I'll be right back.
10 seconds later...

Good old Wikipedia:

Cult

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article gives a general cultural account of "cult". For its usage in the original sense of "veneration" or "religious practice", see Cult (religious practice). For its use in a scientific, sociological context see New Religious Movement. For other uses, see Cult (disambiguation).
The word cult in current popular usage usually refers to a group whose beliefs or practices are considered abnormal or bizarre.^[1] The word originally denoted a system of ritual practices.

So I hold on... let's check out the second part since pastor Jeffress seems to have indicated he did not mean the current cultural reference.

10 more seconds...

Cult (religious practice)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article discusses cult in the original and
typically ancient sense of "religious practice" (from the Latin cultus).
In traditional usage, the cult of a religion, quite apart from its sacred writings ("scriptures"), its theology or myths, or the personal faith of its believers, is the totality of external religious practice and observance, the neglect of which is the definition of impiety. Cult in this primary sense is literally the "care" (Latin cultus) owed to the god and the shrine. In the specific context of Greek hero cult, Carla Antonaccio has written, "The term cult identifies a pattern of ritual behavior in connection with specific objects, within a framework of spatial and temporal coordinates. Ritual behavior would include (but not necessarily be limited to) prayer, sacrifice, votive offerings, competitions, processions and construction of monuments. Some degree of recurrence in place and repetition over time of ritual action is necessary for cult to be enacted, to be practiced"^[1]

Cult is embodied in ritual and ceremony. Its present or former presence is made concrete in temples, shrines and churches, and cult images (denigrated by Christians as "idols") and votive deposits at votive sites.

By extension, "cult" has come to connote the total cultural aspects of a religion, as they are distinguished from others through change and individualization.

The comparative study of cult practice is part of the disciplines of the anthropology of religion and the sociology of religion, two aspects of comparative religion. In the context of many religious organisations themselves, the study of cultic or liturgical practises is called liturgiology.

Oops, looks like I am part of a cult too. Truth to be told Mormons are less "culty" than the Episcopal Church. But the CJCLDS is a cult by the traditional definition. However, to be fair, Pastor Jeffress should point out that they are less "culty" than many mainstream churches and way less that the RCs. Baptists, as I understand them are really low on the cultiness, but there must be a little. I suspect he knows that.

Where I think Chris Matthews missed the mark and Pastor Jeffress scored big was on the Constitution. In discussion of how religious beliefs might be used as a litmus test for voter, Matthews quoted Article 6, paragraph 3 which concludes:

... no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.

Mathews was clearly implying that this would make it wrong for Jeffress to consider the beliefs of a candidate when we enter the voting booth. Jeffress called him on that, and Matthews would have been well advised to concede.

It is logically incorrect for anyone to vote for or against anyone based on their religion. It is especially incorrect for someone to vote for someone who professes their Christianity, as many do, and then lives out a life and hold beliefs that would most like give Jesus the shivers. But the Constitution does not dictate for whom anyone can vote. The Electoral College was originally intended to insulate the election of a President from an ill informed electorate. That however is no longer its raison d'être. Now it just keeps politicos in business and confuses many.

Bottom line. Cult members can run for President. If you're an American you can vote for anyone for whatever reason you like and be as ill informed as you like. Makes me proud.

Watch Matthews and Jeffress on Huffington Post

Steve Jobs 1955-2011

2011-10-05T20:38:00.004-04:00

It seems so personal. Apple has been such an important part of my life since my first Apple II+ with 48K of memory. That's right. Not 48GB. Not 48MB. 48K. The word processor displayed everything in uppercase letters. Caps were displayed in inverse and printed in upper and lower case on the dot matrix printer. The hard-copy printed at rates of minutes per page, not the othe way around.

And then there was the IIe, the IIgs, the first portable and the Newton (those last two belonged to the school district). I never had the monochrome box, but I did own a "Bondi Blue" iMac. Now I am on my third laptop. And of course the string of iPods is impressive. It wasn't until iPhone 4 was released that I finally lined up at AT&T.

Now, as Steve Jobs is remembered I watch and remember as the designs unfold.

Steve Job's vision of design being a functional extension of the human mind was elegant genius.

Certainly Jobs will join the likes of Edison and Ford in the history of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. Jobs.

Married! So?

2011-10-03T22:32:00.003-04:00

I know we have been legally married in Canada for 3.7 years and in New York since the summer. All that has been pretty abstract.

Last week we went to the DMV to get enhanced licenses. NY issues these for travel to Canada. They contain an ID chip which makes them acceptable for travel to Canada and Mexico, cost less and arrive faster than a Passport.

When we arrived the first time the DMV was not happy with Kyle's birth certificate because it was falling apart. This time we both arrived with rand spanking new birth certificates, but no proof of current residency. That means a current bill or pay stub. We thought we were doomed.

One of the employees suggest that we could swear residency for each other.

Here is the first legal document that used our new new status...

It was nice to legally use the word "husband."

It's a little thing, but maybe others of you think it's important to introduce the person you love as the person you legally share your life with.

If you do, and you haven't told someone else that you think it's important that all Americans deserve that right, maybe you should. It's the way we change others. One person at a time.

Dana Borglum & The Randolh Perry Medal

2011-09-30T00:25:00.007-04:00

The Randolph-Perry Medal is awarded annually by the American Iris Society for the best Species X Iris hybrid. Species X is a cross between two species. In this case a cross that was previously thought impossible... but the bees did it on Dana Borglum's Iris Farm.

'Ally Oops' (Borglum, Registered 2000) SPEC-X, height 18" (46 cm), blooms Early Midseason. Standards and style arms light blue; Falls yellow, blue veining; foliage tall, ribbed center. Parentage unknown --- presumed siberian X Iris pseudacorus . Borglum 2002. Randolph-Perry Medal, 2010.

Iris pseudacorus is commonly known as a "flag."

And the winner for 2010 brought his medal to the GRIS (Greater Rochester Iris Society) meeting last Thursday.

Dana Borglum and Randolph Perry Medal

The Last Iris Planting of the Year

2011-09-24T15:25:00.004-04:00

These from Nola's Iris Garden...

Keeping Up Appearances
Black, 2000

Heaven
Ghio, 1997

Gay Parasol
Schreiner, 1973

Fimbriated Space
Sutton, 1998

Milk On Apricots
Niswonger, 2000

Chivalry
Wills, 1943

Handiwork
Ghio, 1982

Devonshire Cream
Sutton, 1999

Barbara My Love
Maryott, 1988

Hot Gossip
Blyth, 1992/93

My Friend Jonathan

Miller, 1984

University of Michigan Spectrum Center PSA

2011-09-24T15:22:00.001-04:00

This is featured at today's Michigan game.

The Spectrum Center: "Huddle Up" from Filmic Productions on Vimeo.

May First GRIS! ...and an unknown

2011-09-22T12:34:00.003-04:00

I am going to my first meeting of the Greater Rochester Iris Society meeting tonight. I have soe many questions...

Here are two pics of one of the mysteries in my garden. It's the same plant, but the light sure makes a difference. First is a sunny day, second is overcast. It's a beauty for those who like vivid. When purchased in a group from one of the big online garden plant suppliers, it was ID'ed as "Too Sweet"

The Identification of an unknown iris cultivar with certainty is next to impossible. Given the 10's of thousands of named cultivars that's not surprising. Recently I sent off a picture of one cultivar that clearly was not what I had been calling it. "Too Sweet" seemed like a great name for an iris with a fuschia-pink self (Standards and falls of the same color) and brilliant tangerine beards. It seemed "too sweet" in the literal sense of a candy that is cloyingly sweet.

Here is the real "Too Sweet" according to Dave's Garden. It's not on the AIS Wiki.

This is Prom Night:

My source for Iris Investigation believes this is the one. I agree on most points. The color is right. The shape is right. The plicata on the hafts and veining on the fall is more pronounced.

What a project it would be to photograph all blooms under exactly the same light conditions. Of course they would all have to be grown with exactly the same moisture, sun and soil conditions....

It's a challenge, but they are still fun to grow and a spectacular flower!

From Mid-America

2011-09-01T14:25:00.004-04:00

Fancy, Paul, Nickel and Thomas

I have posted the irises I ordered from Mid America. Now they are here! One bonus I selected was sold out. Next year I will order "Toronto" but this year I have these two:

I MUST HAVE IT
2011, Paul Black

TB , 35" (89cm) , Early-Midseason
It is all about color. Rich, glowing coppery terra-cotta flowers have a soft blush of rosy violet around dark burnt red orange beards. Easy grower and rapid increaser. It’s easy to have this colorful iris. It’s a bonus. Check out our bonus offer on the inside front cover of this catalog.
Sdlg. N62A: Romantic Gentleman X Stop Flirting

BLUSHING
2011, Paul Black

TB , 32" (81cm) , Midseason-Late
Blushing is a lovely little color gem for smaller gardens. Light buttery yellow standards are infused mid pink over centers. Perky, flared falls are white with wide blended pale yellow margins and peach blushed hafts. Soft tangerine over white beards are the perfect accent. Cute, smaller, compact flowers are carried gracefully on show stalks with 4 branches plus spur and 10-12 buds. Excellent vigor and winter hardiness.
Sdlg. O9YY: Body and Soul X Bundle of Love

They're Here!

2011-09-01T13:28:00.005-04:00

Two packages arrived on my doorstep today. One from Mid-America Irises and on from Pleasant Valley. This is live blogging as I open the packages to see what surprises await!

The Richards at Pleasant Valley

Kendall Richard and his family at Pleasant Valley has included 2 gifts

Clarence
1991, Zurbrigg

'Clarence' (Lloyd Zurbrigg, R. 1990). Sdlg. ZZZ. TB, 35" (89 cm), M & RE (Aug/ NC & VA). S. white, tinted violet at top; F. light blue violet, white center and hafts; cream beard; sweet fragrance. Parentage unknown. Avonbank 1991.

Goldfinger

1997, Sutton

This Tall Bearded Iris has standards that are medium rellow over cream/pale yellow falls with bright orange beards and 3/4" yellow horns. This space age iris blooms mid-season and is 35" tall. Hybridizer: Sutton '97

Mid-America Iris Purchases

2011-08-29T22:31:00.004-04:00

I treated myself to three 2011 Introducions from Mid America.

Action Packed (TB)
2011, Black

'Action Packed' Sdlg. O177C 36" (91cm) , Midseason-Late

Hybridizer's Comment: Zip, zing, zowie, it’s an Action Packed spectacle that is sure to get you excited. Buff standards are increasingly webbed with wine veins moving from centers toward margins. A nest of showy white veins surrounds orange gold beards on plush purple black falls. Wine and gold striped styles provide that extra punch needed to get your attention. Three branches with 8-9 buds produced by vigorous, clean plants keeps the excitement going. 'Magic Masquerade' X (('Sensual Elegance' x 'Romantic Evening') x 'Snowed In')Mid America Garden 2011

Frontline (TB)

2011, Paul Black

FRONTLINE
TB , 40" (102cm) , Midseason-Very Late
Frontline takes the reverse blue amoena pattern and adds an exciting new dimension. Instead of solid blue standards, they blend from dark violet blue to icy white with centers heavily veined dark violet blue. They are a pleasing and different contrast to very wide and ruffled near white falls. Subdued tangerine to white beards don’t draw the eye away from the dramatic standards’ pattern. Strong show stalks have 3 branches plus spur and about seven buds. Growth is strong and healthy.
Sdlg. O141A: Gothic Romance X (Cameo Appearance sib x (Lotus Land x Intimidator))

I'm on Fire (IB)
2011, Thomas Johnson

I'M ON FIRE
IB , 25 (63cm) , Midseason
Put on your sunglasses to protect your eyes from this brilliantly colored jewel. Standards are bright coppery orange with styles a few shades darker. Vibrant rusty orange falls are set afire by screamingly bright orange red beards. Form that is sometimes a bit quirky adds to its allure and distinctiveness. You’ll see this one from across the garden.
Sdlg. TA113B: Yahtzee X Decadence

While I was raising my total to qualify for 2 bonus selections I also ordered

Decadence

2004, Blyth

'Decadence' (Barry Blyth, R. 2001). Seedling H83-G. TB, height 38" (96 cm), Mid bloom season. Standards creamy apricot, faint rose midrib flush; style arms creamy apricot; falls light plum burgundy, 1/4" creamy apricot edge; beards tangerine; heavily ruffled and laced. 'Temple of Time' X 'Louisa's Song', Keppel, Tempo Two 2004, 2004/05.Honorable Mention 2006, Award of Merit 2008, Wister Medal, 2010.

Dracula's Kiss
2009, Schreiners

This floral wonder is our entry into the exciting new color class of red bearded dark Iris. Its dusky prune purple standards darken to black purple in the falls. The most outstanding feature is the caterpillar-like bright tangerine beards. These have been inherited undoubtedly from its pollen parent, Local Color. In addition Dracula's Kiss consistently produces 9-12 buds per stalk on a four-branched stem. Seedling # PP 602-A.

Conjuring Cat

2005, Black

'Conjuring Cat' (Paul Black, registered 2005). Seedling J445D . TB, height 44" (112 cm), mid season bloom. Standards warm white, narrow peach-gold band, medium peach at base, green gold veining up midrib; style arms warm white, medium peach fringing on crest; falls warm white, medium violet heavily lined and washed wedge-shaped central area extending from beard to petal edge, buff center line, yellow peach hafts, narrow peach band around lower half; beards bright orange; ruffled, lightly laced; pronounced spicy fragrance. 'Notorious' X 'Blush of Color'. Mid-America 2005.

Can't wait to post the bonuses when they arrive!

Pleasant Valley 2nd order

2011-08-29T21:44:00.004-04:00

Email marketing works on me. Pleasant Valley sent me a special sale promotion and I could not resist.

In 2009 I ordered an end of year special from them. Maybe they will repeat it this year. 20 named irises for $40, I think. In the meantime here's what I ordered that I expect to arrive any day.

'Electric Shock'

1996, Messick

'Electric Shock' (Virginia Messick, registered 1995). Seedling M87-37. TB, height 34" (86 cm), Mid bloom season. Standards white, washed dark blue; falls white, washed blue; beards dark blue; ruffled; sweet fragrance. Olympiad X Cosmic Dance. Messick 1996.

'Idol'

1999, Ghio

'Idol' (Joseph Ghio, registered 1998) Seedling 93-2G2. TB, height 38" (97 cm), early, mid, late season bloom. Standards golden apricot orange; falls solid claret red; beards red. 'Chinese New Year' X 'Romantic Evening'. Bay View 1999. Honorable Mention in 2001, Award of Merit in 2003.

'Liaison'

1986, Ghio

'Liaison' ( Joseph Ghio, R. 1986). Sdlg. 81-36V. TB, 36" (91 cm), M. S. pink with peach midrib; F. deep velvety purple, pronounced 1/8" pink band; orange beard; lightly ruffled. 'Ringo' X 'Magic Man'. Maryott's Gardens 1986.

'Lurid'

1987, Byers

'Lurid' ( Monty Byers, R. 1986). Sdlg. C86-3. TB, 36" (91 cm), M-L. Lightly ruffled white; red orange beard, long horns. A-3-1: ('Startler' x 'Sky Hooks)' X 'Heaven Helped'. Moonshine Gardens 1987.

'Terre De Feu'

1997, Cayeux

'Terre De Feu' (Richard Cayeux, registered 1997) Seedling 89131 A. TB, height 33" (85 cm), early to mid season bloom. Standards bright copper red; falls copper red, large metallic violet heart; beards bronze. Supreme Sultan X Gold Galore. Cayeux 1997.

2nd Trip to Borglum plus

2011-08-27T22:02:00.007-04:00

The second visit to Borglum's was well after bloom season. Most of the Daylilies were also done, but I got a beutiful clump of "Shock Wave," a brilliant solid orange.

The primary reason for the trip was to get some more solid stock in preparing for my shipment to David Cupps. The Dykes Medal collection is getting more complete. I had Silverado and Dusky Challenger from David, but one did not survive las winter and the other was not very vigorous. I asked Dana about Starwoman. "That one the Dykes Medal? It's an intermediate or smaller. I think I have a clump and I break you off a few." Indeed it is intermediate an winning the Dykes was an accomplishment. I can't wait to see it and David got a rhizome.

I have included "Vision in Pink" from my first Borglum visit and Italian Velvet a bonus from Schreiner's.

Yaquina Blue
1992, Schreiner

'Yaquina Blue' (Schreiners , registered 1992). Seedling W18-2. TB, height 37" (94 cm), mid season bloomer. Ruffled medium blue (RHS 96B); beards yellow, tipped white. N59-A: (J78-3: (('Cup Race' x 'Tufted Cloud') x 'Sailor's Dance') x I 38-A: ('Sapphire Hills' x ('Parisian Blue' x (('Blue Linen' sibling x (J 274-A x 'Violet Harmony')) x ('Swan Ballet' x 'Snowy Heron'))))) X L 100-A: (I 144-G: ((((('Black Onyx' x N 371-1) x 'Grand Ball') x ('Sterling Silver' x ((('Pierre Menard' x ('Blue Rhythm' x 'Chivalry')) x 'Harbor Blue') x ('Blue Sapphire' x 'Harbor Blue')))) x unknown) x 'Neptune's Pool') x G 119-H, 'Royal Regency' sibling). Schreiner 1992. American Dykes Memorial Medal 2001 .

Silverado
1987, Schreiner

'Silverado' (Schreiner, R. 1986). Seedling S92-D. TB, height 38" (97 cm), Mid bloom season. Ruffled butterfly blue (HCC 645/3); self beard. K 440-5: ('Starina' x 'Navy Strut') X 'Carriage Trade'. Schreiner 1987. American Dykes Medal, 1994

Dusky Challeneger

1986, Schreiner

'Dusky Challenger' (Schreiner, R. 1986). Sdlg. 1983-AA. TB, height 39" (99 cm), Mid to late bloom season. Ruffled silky rich purple; deep violet black beard. Unknown parentage. Schreiner 1986. American Dykes Medal 1992.

Gypsy Romance

1994, Schreiner

'Gypsy Romance' (Schreiner, R. 1994). Sdlg. W 603-1. TB, 37" (94 cm), Medium Late Bloomer.
Ruffled violet raspberry (RHS 77A), hafts washed bronze; beards blue purple. R 720-D: ('Louisiana Lace' x 'Entourage') X T 879-B: (L556-1: (G 510-A x 'Fabulous Frills') x 'Starcrest'). Schreiner 1994.

Poem of Ecstacy

1997, Hager

'Poem of Ecstasy' (Ben Hager, registered 1995). Seedling T5431Pk /DpLv. TB, height 36" (91 cm), mid season bloomer. Standards clear peach pink; falls smooth deep lavender; beards soft tangerine; fluted, ruffled. T4235CrPk /Lv: (Merry Madrigal x Mother Earth) X Adventuress. Cooley 1997.

Starwoman

1998, Smith

‘Starwoman' (Marky Smith, R. 1997). Seedling 90-26E. IB, height 25" (64 cm), Mid bloom season. Standards blackish royal purple (blacker than RHS 86A), faint lavender grey marks at deep purple midrib; style arms strong mauve violet, edges greyer; falls pearl (lighter than 156D) ground, 1/2" (1.1 cm) darkest black violet (darker than 86A) rim and center stripe, dark violet dashing and stitching within rim; beards blue violet at end, gold-tipped blue violet central area, yellow in throat; ruffled; slight sweet fragrance. ‘Chubby Cheeks' X Keppel 83-8A: (‘Snowbrook' x sibling). Honorable Mention 2001, Award of Merit 2003, Sass Medal 2005, American Dykes Memorial Medal , 2008 . Aitken's 1998.

Vision in Pink

1987, Wood

'Vision In Pink' ( V. Wood, R. 1986). Sdlg. 83-28. TB, 34" (87 cm), M. Pink; tangerine beard; slight fragrance. 79-16: (('Flaming Arrow' x Gaulter 71-30) x 'Carved Angel') X 'Paradise'. Corlew 1987.

Italian Velvet

2006, Keppel

'Italian Velvet' (Keith Keppel, registered 2005). Seedling 99-157D. TB, height 36" (91 cm), mid season bloom. Standards wisteria violet (M&P 41-F-8), midrib flushed peach buff (2-B-8), inside base patterned port (56-E-12); style arms capucine orange (9-I-8) edge, lavender midrib, crests wisteria violet, red brown edge; falls blacker than port wine (56-J-12), velvety; beards white lightly tipped brazil brown (8-L-8) to henna (6-J-12) tips in throat. 95-97E, 'Quandary' sibling, X 'Crazy For You'. Keppel 2006.

New Acquisitions from David Cupps

2011-08-27T21:17:00.006-04:00

Heart of Glass

T.Johnson 07; Heavily ruffled and laced flowers have clear medium pink standards with no peach or coral tones. Styles are darker coral pink. White falls have greenish texture veins over their centers with hafts and diffuse bands of clear medium pink. Beards have white bases overlaid soft tangerine. A totally lovely and feminine creation with well branched show stalks to properly display these beauties.

Thanks to David for sharing some beauties from the Bluegrass Iris Society sale...

Guilt Free Sample

Black 07; Feel no guilt when you pick some of these pretty flowers to bring inside. With strong growth, super branched stalks and buds, there'll be plenty more to enjoy in the garden. Lacy light peach styles peer from between lacy baby ribbon pink standards. Hafts of the lacy milk-white falls are blushed peach and topped with bright red-orange beards. Winning numerous awards including 'Best Pink' at 2010 Firenze Italy International Iris Competition.

Frisk Frolic

Black 08; The sun’s bright and the day cheery; it’s time for a Frisky Frolic. Generously ruffled, petite flowers are pinkish mauve. Horizontally flared falls are sanded overall red-purple and standards have a fine network of darker texture veins and muted buff bands. Styles are coral-peach. Bright red-orange beards add to the fun.

New Iris Acquisitions, round 2

2011-08-25T22:40:00.008-04:00

The second delivery of irises came from Pleasant Valley Iris Farm. I ordered from them in 2009 and was very pleased that all the rhizomes were healthy and true to name. Their prices are also reasonable.

Here are online photos of what arrived. Everything seems to be establishing itself well.

Kiss the Dawn
1994, Kerr

'Kiss The Dawn' (Frederick Kerr, R. 1994) Sdlg. 89-03-02. TB, 35" (89 cm), M. S. pinkish red violet; F. peach pink, veined darker, with distinct pinkish red violet edge; beards red orange; ruffled, lightly laced; slight fragrance. 'Feminine Wiles' X 'Prom Night'. Rainbow Acres 1994.

Kinkajou Shrew
2000, Kasperek

'Kinkajou Shrew' (Brad Kasperek, registered 1999). Seedling 94B-18A. TB, height 38" (97 cm), early to mid season bloomer. Standards red purple (RHS 72B), white streaking with occasional red purple dot; falls darker beetroot purple (71A), white streaking, light golden yellow hafts; beards cadmium orange, large; ruffled; pronounced fragrance. 'Gnus Flash' X 'Footloose'. Zebra 2000.

Lace Legacy
1992, Greenwood by Aitken

'Lace Legacy' (Doris Greenwood by J. T. Aitken, registered 1992). Seedling G83A -1. TB, height 34" (86 cm), Medium bloom season. Heavily laced light apricot orange, paling to white around bright orange beards; slight fragrance. Parentage unknown. Aitken's Salmon Creek 1992

Mother Earth (I had this, but it is so lovely I wanted to start a fresh grouping)
1988, Hager

'Mother Earth' ( Ben Hager, R. 1987). Sdlg. T3703RfBi . TB, 37" (94 cm), EM. S. oyster cream, tinted lavender near edge and beige through center; F. lavender, paler around beard, beige on hafts; pale blue white beard. 'Scenario' X 'Pleasure Dome'. Melrose Gardens 1988.

Rustler
1988, Keppel

'Rustler' (Keith Keppel, R. 1987). Sdlg. 81-95B. TB, 37" (94 cm), M. S. antique gold (M&P 12-L-8) flushed faded rose (5-KI-9); F. henna (6-J-12), paling to antique gold at margin; florida gold (10-L-8) beard tipped chrome orange (10-K-2); slight sweet fragrance. 'Laredo' X 'Dazzling Gold'. Keppel 1988.

America's Cup
Hybridized by McWhirter; Year of Registration or Introduction: 1988

Conjuration
1989, Byers

'Conjuration' (Monty Byers, registered 1988). Seedling D1-1. TB, height 36" (91 cm), mid to late bloom season. Standards white, edge lightly infused pale violet blue; falls white, suffusing to deep bright amethyst violet edge; white beard tipped tangerine; fuzzy white horns; ruffled. B-37-10: ('Sky Hooks' x 'Condottiere') X 'Alpine Castle'. Moonshine Gardens 1989. American Dykes Memorial Medal 1998

Golden Panther
2000, Tasco

'Golden Panther' (Richard Tasco, R. 2000). Seedling 94-30-30. TB, height 34" (86 cm), Mid bloom season. Gold overlaid bronze, highlighted darker bronze at edges; style arms bronze gold, edges lighter lemon yellow; beards bright golden orange; heavily ruffled. 'Guadalajara' X 90-02-03: ('Marsh Light' x 'Dazzling Gold'). Superstition 2000. American Dykes Memorial Medal, 2009

Edith Wolford
1986, Hager

'Edith Wolford' (Ben Hager, R. 1984). Seedling T3917RfY /Bl. TB, height 40" (102 cm), Mid bloom season. Standards clear canary yellow; falls mid-blue violet; blue beard tipped orange; ruffled. 'Merry Madrigal' X 'Freedom Road'. Melrose Gardens 1986. American Dykes Medal 1993.

Snowed In (a free bonus)
1999, Ghio

'Snowed In'(Joseph Ghio, R. 1998). Sdlg. 93-90L3. TB, 34" (86 cm), EML. S. light blue, thin tan edge; F. violet black, white sunburst pattern around red beard. 88-180P: ('Notorious' x (('Success Story' x ('Fancy Tales' x 'Alpine Castle')) x (('Persian Smoke' x 'Entourage') x (('Strawberry Sundae' x ('Artiste' x 'Tupelo Honey')) x 'Borderline' sib)))) X'Romantic Evening'. Bay View 1999.

Gay Male Athlete Allies

2011-08-25T12:06:00.002-04:00

I'm no jock. Never was. I enjoy baseball and learned to watch tennis with my ex and college football with my husband.

Sports, especially team sports and contact sports have been bastions of macho homophobia. Thanks to a new generation and some courageous allies, the world is becoming a better place for jocks and all of us.

Ben Cohen, Hudson Taylor, Michael Irvin, Mike Chabala, and Nick Youngquest open up about homophobia in the sports world and what role they can play as loud and proud allies.

READ MORE at http://www.omgblog.com/sporty/#ixzz1W3cLmiwu
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives

First New Acquisitions of 2011

2011-08-24T10:50:00.003-04:00

The first new irises in my garden for 2011 came from Borglum's. My annual trip there included 5 clumps. At $7.50 a clump these are a quick way to fill up the garden and share with friends. Take a plastic bag, a shovel and have at it...

Vision in Pink, Let's Boogie, Kevin's Theme. Jurassic Park and Copper Classic came home with me.

"Let's Boogie" at Borglum's
1997, Schreiner

'Let's Boogie' (Schreiner, R. 1997). Seedling BB 1814-A. TB, 37" (94 cm), Early thru mid bloom season. Standards and style arms creamy peach (RHS 193); falls beetroot purple (71A), 1/8" cream white mid-stripe; beards tangerine. Sweeter Than Wine X V 248-A: (Latin Lady x (Craig #41, unknown, x Breaking Dawn)). Schreiner 1997.

"Kevin's Theme" arrives in Mendon
1993, Kerr

'Kevin's Theme' (Frederick Kerr, R. 1993) Sdlg. 88-17-1. TB, 38" (97 cm), ML. S. ivory yellow with blue violet center flush; F. blue violet, lightening to white around beard; beards yellow, tipped blue violet; ruffled; slight musky fragrance. 'Edith Wolford' X 'Lullaby of Spring'.

"Jurassic Park" in the bag
1995, Lauer

'Jurassic Park' (Larry Lauer, R. 1995). Seedling 89-7-2. TB, 36" (91 cm), Early thru mid bloom season. Standards and style arms canary yellow; falls blended lavender blue purple, yellow veining and edging; beards yellow, tipped blue purple; slight sweet fragrance. 'Best Bet' X 87-29: ('Edith Wolford' x Denney 81-5-1: (('Regents' Row' sibling x 'Winterscape') x 'Midnight Love Affair')). Stockton 1995.

A clump of "Jurassic Park" planted in Mendon

Iris Racaps begin as the "Season of the Borer" ends.

2011-08-23T22:32:00.006-04:00

It's been a long summer in the garden and I have not really updated this blog in a while.

The iris blooms in June were wonderful! As were the daylilies in July and some are still blooming...

August, however brought about the heartbreak of iris borers.

I thought the foliage was not looking so great but when I started cleaning up I discovered that, for the first time to my knowledge, the borers had invaded.

The war is now over for this season. Because of the advanced stage of development, no insecticide could be used. The only thing to do was to dig up every rhizome, discard the worst, wash them, put them in a 10% bleach bath for an hour, rinse them, dry them and replant them.

Given my collection of more than 50 cultivars and 5 to 10 rhizomes of most, that was a task. I had to label each and keep them separated. Splitting them and making room for new acquisitions also meant having to dig 4 new beds.

The good news is that many seem to be showing new growth and now I know what I need to do next year!

It's my plan to recount the season on this blog and record the new plantings. Earlier this year we had an iris bloom party and my good friend Andy Smith too some stunning photos. I posted then in Andy Smith Photos, part 1 and part 2. I will discuss all cultivars as I recap.

Marriage Equality Flag update

2011-07-30T12:00:00.002-04:00

Super Gay Man Flies Over Mendon

2011-07-24T19:04:00.003-04:00

God Bless Google...

On the first day of marriage equality in NYS, google added a special feature to the street level view of any spot in NYS. Here's our house.

If you missed it, keep your eye on the little character in the bottom half of the screen.

Statement from Episcopal Bishop of Long Island

2011-06-25T14:16:00.003-04:00

Bishop Provenzano shows the kind of leadership the Epsicopal Church needs!

"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being?"

These words taken from the promises in the Baptismal liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer can be prayed more clearly today as the Gay and Lesbian community and all of New Yorkers begin to live into the reality and joy that same gender marriage is now law in New York. To the many LGBT members of the diocese I celebrate this day with you, your loved ones and families. Today the New York Senate has helped us all move yet closer to living the reality that there are no outcasts in the church. The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island will engage this new law with a generous and open response allowing, under the provision of our General Convention, the use of rites for same gender marriage by priests of this diocese who believe they are called to preside at the exchange of vows, once the law has taken effect in 30 days.

Respecting the dignity of every human being will also be lived out in our continued care for those who do not celebrate this milestone in the lives of God's people. Respecting the dignity of every human being includes those who feel a sense of loss and anger. The love and charity of Jesus Christ proclaimed in the gospels does not have winners and losers. We are all God's people, redeemed and sanctified by the enormous love of God made real in Jesus Christ. Let us all move forward in the knowledge of that love and charity and more fully live into the reality of being the Body of Christ.

The Right Reverend Lawrence C. Provenzano

Bishop of Long Island

Just in from shooting off firworks...

2011-06-24T22:56:00.002-04:00

Marriage Equality in NY!

Just in from a quick display. My husband kept me from opening a bottle of Moet for myself. It feels so surreal. I thought I'd have lots to say. But I am speechless.

Severabilty and religious exemptions...

2011-06-24T21:35:00.002-04:00

Severabilty and religious exemptions...

We can live with this silliness. It will be challenged. It will be decided in court.

Senator Saland, HE's Our MAN!

To the floor...

2011-06-24T20:44:00.002-04:00

To the floor.... 8520

Assembly Voting: 7:54 PM

2011-06-24T19:54:00.001-04:00

Passed 82-47 ... now off to the Senate.

Assembly Voting: 7:51 PM

2011-06-24T19:51:00.000-04:00

On the Assembly Floor 7:43

2011-06-24T19:43:00.002-04:00

7:43 Assemblyman O'Donnell introduces the Bill on the Floor of the Assembly.

A08520

Even the feed you can hear the competing forces yelling outside.

Mr. Boyle to oppose on the grounds that it will be in the courts for years to come.

No one else rose. Vote in Progress.

Our Personal Anti-Christ

2011-06-24T19:10:00.002-04:00

Our Personal Anti-Christ

He who shall not be named on an unrelated issue:

Here Starteth the Live Blogging...

2011-06-24T18:48:00.003-04:00

Here Starteth the Live Blogging...

The NY State Senate stands at ease, the Assembly has just started their session.

I feel like I have been here before, but not since 2009. The past week has been false starts and promises on Marriage Equality. A trip to Albany proved painful. The venom being spewed in the name religion, Christians and Jews helping me remember why even now I have a viscerally negative reaction to most places of worship and people of faith that have not proved themselves welcoming.

6:55 Skelos has just reported 4 bills, not us. Now a non-controversial calendar... guessing that we are not on that either, though it is the Assembly.

The "protections" in the modified bill are embarrassing. As we all know no one can be forced to marry anyone, gay or straight. That means the much is redundant. The other parts are protecting bigotry and fear. But if that is what we need, so be it. Someday soon it will be as relevant as Jim Crow and as embarrassing.

7:05 PM Not much

Google's Gay Surprise..

2011-06-24T13:31:00.003-04:00

Search Google this month for non LGBT related stuff and you get the usual...

But search for something LGBT related things and look what happens! IheartGOOGLE.

How it feels - Theocrats on the March

2011-06-23T16:20:00.004-04:00

I was chatting with my friend Carl the other day. "I am so weary of having my rights being treated as a political football." I know how he feels. These last two weeks have been horrid and now that we have had this passed forward to the 3rd day after the official end of the session in Albany the frustrations just build.

I was feeling charitable enough on Monday to remind him that this is part of price of democracy. If we were in a totalitarian state there would be no hope. It always reminds me of the reason I am proud to be an Episcopalian. Our polity, and the hard work of many years of prophetic and energetic leaders, has allowed us to move forward on issues of radical welcome for LGBT persons. In the Roman Catholic church this has not happened. It is a patriarchy that cannot evolve.

This charity is fleeing as theocrats attack me.

The United States of America and New York State are republics, representative democracies. The rights of minorities can be protected when government sees and acts on these inequities. The genius of the founders is not in what they did, but what they prepared for. The prepared a system that could react to slavery, and eventually actions striking down Jim Crow laws. They prepared the way for the right of women to vote though they could hardly have imagined it. The founders knew that there would be things that they could not imagine. The system was established with this in mind. Today we call in visionary.

The "separation of church and state" is similarly worded in a broad way. It simply says that there shall be no state religion. We are not and cannot be a theocracy. The wisdom of this is all too evident in many parts of the world today.

And yet those who want purport to worship the Constitution cannot see its true brilliance. Many of these same people fail to see the same brilliance in Scripture.

They chose to sacrifice the human rights of others on the altar of their personal beliefs. Sadly many of these are Christian.

Let us all pray that the human rights of all are defended in the NYS Senate this week and that the United States of America never become a theocracy.

"I am a Republican. I Was Born That Way"

2011-06-21T16:39:00.003-04:00

My Senator is quoted in the Advocate:

"I am Jim Alesi. I am a Republican. I was born that way," said the Rochester-area lawmaker, in a confident display of his familiarity with Gaga-esque lingo. He called the potential marriage equality vote the most important of his 20-year career and noted the change from 2009, when the bill failed in the state senate with no Republican support and he, thought to be a potential yes vote at the front of the roll call, instead cast an “anguished” vote against it.

“I no longer have anguish. My vote will be yes,” said Alesi. “And my name begins with A. I am the first Republican vote to be cast in the New York state senate and I am proud to be a Republican. I will also be proud to be the first Republican voter to vote for marriage equality in this state, to lead off what I hope will be a succession of more than just enough votes,” he said.

WOW

2011-06-21T15:48:00.001-04:00

In the previous blog, you saw my sign, "Thank You Senator Alesi."

Today the Senator spoke to the rally in Albany. I will be voting for this Republican as long as he is my state senator.

In Albany Monday 4#ssm

2011-06-21T12:50:00.004-04:00

In Albany Monday for Marriage Equality

Bryan Bedell+, Kit Tobin+ and the belly of yours truly were in the background video on CNN yesterday. They were interviewing Senator Ball, a key swing vote. It was a pretty lousy interview.

The best guess from those of outside is Republican Conference is that they want to spend as much time wrangling so they can say they did all they could to protect the religious opposition. I am a bit loathe to jinx anything, but when the NY Post says it's a done deal, (The Fox News of "news"papers) it's a good sign that we will see marriage in NY this week.

The halls of the capitol were hot, physically and emotionally. It was hard not to sing along with some favorite hymns and songs of the Christian opposition. I just gave in because they are my songs too. "We shall not be moved," was really the message of the day. The shout downs seemed a waste.

One gentleman approached me wear my Episcopal Diocese of Rochester polo to tell me that the Bible was very clear... I said, "John 16:12"

Can you quote that for me. Fighting the urge to say, "You don't know?" I said, "“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."

"You mean you believe that in dynamic scripture?"

"Yes I said, what a great way to put it!" He wandered off obviously not believing that "God is still speaking."

Today it has been reported that the Republican Caucus has come up with more protection to add so that those who object on religious grounds will not be forced to have to do business with a "gay wedding." I would be glad for whatever language they want to be included. "No straight florist shall be required to decorate for a gay wedding." Like any Lesbians or gay men would hire a straight florist. It would be challenged in court and declared illegal soon enough. The opposition know that. No language will be acceptable to them.

Thanks to Bryan for driving... wish he had told me his A/C wasn't working though. I would have made Kyle go car-less!

Keep praying and calling the senators that are on the fence.

Company ... WOW!

2011-06-16T22:35:00.003-04:00

Cristina Hendricks and Neil Patrick Harris in Company. Wow.

Cristina Hendricks and Neil Patrick Harris in Company. Wow.

Went out of curiosity, not my favorite show, but Wow. Sondheim's genius is hard to match and this cast of popular people knocked it out of the park. Stephen Colbert? Who knew. Patti Lupone and "Ladies that Lunch" was a showstopper.

Seeing NPH in bed with Hendricks and her Dolly Partonesque attributes was a tad ironic. But Harris played the part with perfection. The casual, amused observer transformed to "Being Alive" with seemingly effortless aplomb and belted out the ballad as skillfully as any Broadway baby.

The comedic timing was perfect, not a word George Furth's book or Sondheim's lyrics was wasted.

Here's the scoop on this production from Wikipedia:

2011 New York Philharmonic Concert

In April 2011, Lonny Price directed a staged concert production,^[18] with Neil Patrick Harris as Bobby, Stephen Colbert as Harry, Craig Bierko as Peter, Jon Cryer as David, Katie Finneran as Amy, Christina Hendricks as April, Aaron Lazar as Paul, Jill Paice as Susan, Martha Plimpton as Sarah, Anika Noni Rose as Marta, Jennifer Laura Thompson as Jenny, Jim Walton as Larry, Chryssie Whitehead as Kathy, and Patti LuPone as Joanne. Paul Gemignani conducted a 35-piece orchestra, which uses the original orchestrations from the first Broadway production. This concert follows a long tradition of Stephen Sondheim concert productions at the New York Philharmonic, including Sweeney Todd and Passion.^[19]^[20] A filmed presentation of the concert debuted in select movie theatres June 15, 2011.^[21] The cast of the production gathered again for a live performance at the 2011 Tony Awards, hosted by Harris, on June 12, 2011.^[22]

Makin Stuff Up.

2011-06-16T18:02:00.003-04:00

The right wing "traditional values" group FTP has to make stuff up to be upset about...

Can you guess their complaint about this?

Of course perspective escapes them. Hmmm? Freudian?

And etiquette is observed as when a group of flags of EQUAL HEIGHT is displayed the American flag is at the left.

A Letter to Our State Assemblyman

2011-06-16T10:31:00.002-04:00

A Letter to our State Assemblyman, Sean T. Hanna, who voted against marriage equality. Happily he was in the minority.

Assemblyman Hanna,

We write to thank the Assembly for their history making support of marriage equality. We are saddened that you did not support this legislation.

As constituents and neighbors we would like you to know that we were married in Toronto 3 years ago after 8 years together. To have some legal recognition of our love and commitment to each other was more amazing than we ever thought it would be. Even more we were blessed to have the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester and his wife of 40+ years as our witnesses.

We hope that you can someday find it in your heart to ask forgiveness of the small, yet important part of your constituency that was hurt personally by your vote. You may also come to realize that you are not even representing the majority of your constituency if polls are to be believed.

If you voted against this on the grounds of your personal understanding of morality, that is not why you were elected. You were elected to be a leader, a visionary with a vision for the rights of all. And yet we will pray for you that the loving God that we know may soften your heart to realize that we are all God's children, all God's beloved.

Please save the paper of a form response, but feel free to stop by for coffee and chat with us and find out how our family is no different from yours.

Regards,

Neil and Kyle

Andy Smith Photographs of My Irises (part 2)

2011-06-14T23:25:00.001-04:00

Unknown Orange

Too Sweet

Unknown Siberian

Exotic Star (TB - 1974, Plough)

One Extended Evening

2011-06-14T23:17:00.003-04:00

We went to the first of 3 extended evenings tonight. The Fellowship of the Ring was on the big screen tonight. To see this again, and in the extended version, as it was meant to be seen was totally engrossing. There is much exposition that was left out of the original release, especially the gifts of Galadriel, which enrich the story. Next Tuesday its The Two Towers and a week after that The Return of the King. All this leading up to the first release on Blu-ray.

I could frighten Kyle by threatening to get all the action figures out.

Andy Smith Photographs of My Irises (part 1)

2011-06-14T12:43:00.004-04:00

Andy Smith photographs my irises...

Last Sunday, Kyle and I invited a few folks over to see the irises at beak bloom. Among the guests was Andy Smith. His photography has been a part of some great exhibits. I asked if he would mind taking some pictures and he obliged. I was so impressed with what he did that I have to share them.

Rare Treat (TB - 1987, Schreiner)

Mystic Shrine (TB 1942, Weed)

Exotic Star (TB - 1974, Plough)

Batik (BB - 1986, Ensminger)

Orange Harvest (TB - 1988, Brown)

Note: The lighting and film takes the natural colors of these cultivars toward the red end of the spectrum. For instance the "Rare Treat" is a described as a cornflower blue.

Ally Oops

2011-06-11T15:27:00.002-04:00

My new purchases from Borglum's this year included Ally Oops, for which Dana was just award a medal from American Iris Association. Gotta join that!

Even though the season is almost done, since I am getting back to the blog (freed from some evil in my life) I will be recapping the season soon... and the daylilies are on their way.

2000, Borglum

'Ally Oops' (Borglum, Registered 2000) SPEC-X, height 18" (46 cm), blooms Early Midseason. Standards and style arms light blue; Falls yellow, blue veining; foliage tall, ribbed center. Parentage unknown --- presumed siberian X Iris pseudacorus . Borglum 2002. Randolph-Perry Medal, 2010.

Careful, the things you say

2011-06-10T23:45:00.003-04:00

Careful the things you say, children will listen... Three parts of Anderson Cooper's report (in there parts) on the the "Sissy Boy Experiment" government funded program at UCLA in the 1970's.

Read my husband's blog and his comments here.

Then watch Bernadette from Into The Woods

Die Walküre in HD

2011-06-02T00:52:00.002-04:00

Tonight I went to Die Walküre, Live from the Met in HD.

It was really wonderful. Siegmund stole the show for me. OK so I had a huge crush on Jonas Kaufman. Truth to be told there wasn't a singer who was anything less than stunning.

Stephanie Blythe as Fricka has a very small part in the 5 1/2 hour epic, her acting was the least engaging. She comes across as a bitchy wife and not the "moral compass" that she is supposed to be.

There are lengthy scenes of repetitious staements of love, hate, jealousy, etc. And I mean lengthy. But the talent of the singers and Wagner enveloping score make it impossible to get bored. Knowing a little about the leitmotifs really helps.

The set is a mechanical wonder and used so cleverly it is fascinating.

There are some drawbacks to HD closeups. Seeing the ends of the set marks and bolts is one. Another was watching Siegmund drool. Apparently the cutey has overactive salivary glands. Watching Sieglinde wipe it of his chin took a bit of the passion out of that love scene.

So you expected a classy review? As a Wagnerite from way back, I can only say it was an evening well spent. I can't wait to see the Trilogy completed next season. (There are four operas, but Das Rheingold is in one act and most would agree it is just a lengthy [only 3 hours long] prologue.)

Back to being Me

2011-06-02T00:48:00.002-04:00

I have resigned from the Integrity Board of Directors. I won't go into the reason, but it's nothing immoral or Anthony Wiener like. I will miss working with some really wonderful people. I am also looking forward to having my own life again. My blog has been neglected. That will change.

Gays and Sports... the world is changing

2011-05-24T13:36:00.002-04:00

Kal Lwanga sport columnist for SBNation-Chicago writes about gays and sports

May 24, 2011 - It surprises some of my friends that I’m a sports fan and a sports writer. I’m gay, and the assumption–even among my friends–is that "gay" and "sports" are antithetical.

That assumption, of course, is wrong. But it’s widely held.

It’s that assumption Rick Welts, president and CEO of the Phoenix Suns, who has 40 years of experience in sports, wanted to publicly set aside when he decided to come out.

"Nobody’s comfortable in engaging in a conversation," Welts told the New York Times in the story that broke the news, "This is one of the last industries where the subject is off limits."

Read the rest here

NEW POLL and MAP offer hope in NYS

2011-05-11T13:12:00.004-04:00

According to a poll released today public opinion continues to trend toward marriage equality in New York State with a record high of 58 percent support and a record low of 36 percent opposition. The study comes from the non-partisan Siena Research Institute

and acoording to this map...

Our Senator's district may reach to southern Canada where marriage equality is already in place. Perhaps this will help him vote with public opinion and his conscience and convince others in his party to break ranks with their leadership.

The Death of Osama and War

2011-05-02T12:15:00.003-04:00

I feel no angst about celebrating the death of Osama Bin Laden. I will not judge the reactions of others. He was an evil man. He killed thousands. And twisted the word of God to justify it. What I feel great sorrow about is that so many lives have been lost trying to avenge 9/11. And I honor and respect those who have lost or risked their lives for what the believe is right.

.. Last night we watched Restrepo for the second time and just before a key point, a push notification from MSNBC came through. "President to announce, Osama Bin Laden is dead."

This operation was well planned, carried out quickly, and the Muslim tradition of burial honored. The evil has been removed... and only Osama and God know if he is in the paradise that he believed in.

War is not to be entered into without "good cause." It because of that the I celebrate the removal of Osama from this world. I was his action and that of his follower that precipitated the deaths of thousands of civilians, Muslims with whom he did not agree and then the thousands of troops that fought and are fighting wars that may or may not have had anything to do with al-Qaeda. Clearly there was a great deal of combat which had nothing to do with 9/11 that the American people have been led to believe was somehow connected. If only this kind of operation had been carried out years ago. We can only speculate to no avail why.

Now it has been done. This is the type of response that any country should be proud of when its soveriegn territories are attacked, its citizens slaughtered. What we need to reflect on is when we my have been guilty of the same.

We must also remember that the ultimate heresy for any of us is to presume to know the mind of God and act in God's name except to "Love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34

Anthem for Doomed Youth
Wilfred Owen
1893-1918

What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?

--Only the monstrous anger of the guns.

Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle

Can patter out their hasty orisons.

No mockeries for them from prayers or bells,

Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,-

The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;

And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?

Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes

Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.

The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;

Their flowers the tenderness of silent minds,

And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

2011-04-20T10:52:00.000-04:00

A serious campaign for same-sex marriage in NY, led by Governor Cuomo

from AMERICAblog Gay | A great people deserve their rights by Joe Sudbay (DC)

It looks like New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is using his political capital to pass same-sex marriage. A new campaign organization, New Yorkers United for Marriage, will be launched today -- and it's led by consultants close to the Governor. He's putting his brand on this effort. And, Cuomo plays to win. Michael Barbaro at the NY Times has the scoop:

But Mr. Cuomo, who has vowed a personal push to win passage of same-sex marriage this year, has instructed his staff members to oversee the campaign to ensure it runs smoothly.

In weekly meetings over the past four weeks, at the governor’s office in Manhattan, high-level aides to Mr. Cuomo have repeatedly pressed advocates to communicate to lawmakers and the public with one voice.

“If this gets done, it’s through coordination,” the governor’s top aide, Steve M. Cohen, has told the advocates, according to those who have participated in the Friday afternoon sessions.

To that end, four influential gay rights groups — the Empire State Pride Agenda, the Human Rights Campaign, Freedom to Marry and Marriage Equality New York — will form a single organization called New Yorkers United for Marriage.

The coalition is hiring Jennifer Cunningham, a veteran labor and media strategist who is close to the governor and has advised his campaigns. Ms. Cunningham and her firm, SKD Knickerbocker, will oversee the coalition’s media campaign and political strategy.

This is serious.

First, getting the groups to sacrifice their own brands for the greater cause is a critical step. We know how advocacy groups spend a lot of time trying to insure they can take credit -- or avoid blame. But, in New York, there will be one campaign with one goal: Passing marriage. I suspect that if any of the groups try to push their own agenda or brand, they'll be smacked back into line by the Cuomo crew.

Then, the Governor's team is basically running the show. They know how to do this kind of campaign. This is going to be an intense, sophisticated effort. The Governor is making it clear that passing same-sex marriage is important to him. And, he is the most powerful politician in New York, by far.

I'm impressed. It sounds like this will happen fast. So, get ready.

2011-04-20T10:01:00.001-04:00

Today in "Living with DOMA"

Today I submitted our marriage license to HMS Employer Solutions, based in
Jeffersonville, Indiana. I did this as required by RASHP, a consortium of Rochester area school districts, to verify my husband, Kyle, is eligibile to be covered as spouse on my health care policy.

(It should be noted that the school district already has a copy of my marriage certificate on file which they accepted as proof of our marriage. So after 35 years with this benefit, worth thousands of dollars and untold peace-of-mind, I was finally given equality of contractual benefits.)

HMS requires an additional document dated within the last two months: A joint bank account statement, a joint household bill, joint mortgage payment or the front page of our federal tax return filed jointly. We have none of these as the mortgage and all bills are in my name. And because of DOMA (the so-called, Defense of Marriage Act) I am forced to lie and flle as single, under penalty of, ironically, perjury.

The HMS website proudly claims: HMS Employer Solutions has identified more than 60,000 ineligible dependents, saving millions of dollars for employers.

(Is it any of my former employers business how my mortgage is held or my bills are paid?)

I called HMS and explained the situation. After consultation with a supervisor, I was told “Your company does not recognize ‘domestic partnerships.’ I am not in a domestic partnership. I am married.

My employer had to offer me coverage under Martinez v Monroe County (http://www.courts.state.ny.us/Reporter/3dseries/2008/2008_00909.htm) which was decided in favor of the defendant. Under this decision contractual benefits offered to married couples had to be offered to all married couples, regardless of the jurisdiction in which they were married.

I have called and left a message with my employers benefits department. I remain confident that this will be resolved in favor of my current coverage.

It does stand ,however, as further testimony as to why marriage equality is needed, not only by every state, but by the federal government. DOMA must be repealed.

The First Woman I Ever Loved...

2011-02-18T16:32:00.001-05:00

The First Woman I Ever Loved...

..well besides my mom.

Here's How Minds are Changed

2011-02-14T13:25:00.002-05:00

It's all about telling our stories. And sometimes it can be in one sentence.

Thomas Roberts, MSNBC daytime occasional anchor, interviewed the Lt. Gov. of Maryland on proposed marriage equality legislation. The governor say he will sign it.

It was a positive interview, but the end really had the personal hook. Roberts closes by saying how wonderful it will be for him to be able to get married in Maryland.

Congratulations Egypt! Bravo President Obama

2011-02-11T11:23:00.005-05:00

What a glorious day for democracy.

This should be President Obama's "tear down this wall" moment. I have heard a reporter on MSNBC say that many of the protesters wanted President Obama to say more, to be more forceful.

This moment belongs to the protesters in Egypt. There can be no doubt of that.

President Obama's mature, measured statements that constantly called for immediate change. What happened behind the scenes we will not know for years to come. But the the public face of this President and his administration throughout this potentially volatile situation have been impeccable. This situation has had no open tone of anti-Americanism, but only of Egyptian patriotism.

Congratulations Egypt! Bravo Mr. President.

3 minutes that will change you.

2011-02-01T23:48:00.001-05:00

Please spend 3 minutes to watch this. It will change you.

Ugandan LGBTActivist Beaten to Death

2011-01-27T17:07:00.003-05:00

Blood on Too Many Hands

The following is from an article in the NYTimes. Note that on the "Rolling Stone" (not the American Newspaper) cover he is pictured next to Bishop Christopher. Bishop Christopher recently toured the United States with the support of IntegrityUSA. Please keep David Kato, his family, Bishop Christopher and his family in your prayers.

Watch Rachel Maddow tonight. She will undoubtedly have more information on this. She has been the chief national news source for information on the treatment of gays in Uganda and the disturbing ties with "Christian" evangelical missionaries form the US.

For another point of view read my husband's blog on this and follow the links.

NAIROBI, Kenya — David Kato knew he was a marked man.

Multimedia

Related

The Lede Blog: Before His Death, Ugandan Gay Rights Activist Explained Hostile Climate (January 27, 2011)

As the most outspoken gay rights advocate in Uganda, a country where homophobia is so severe that Parliament is considering a bill to execute gay people, he had received a stream of death threats, his friends said. A few months ago, a Ugandan newspaper ran an antigay diatribe with Mr. Kato’s picture on the front page under a banner urging, “Hang Them.”
On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Kato was beaten to death with a hammer in his rough-and-tumble neighborhood. Police officials were quick to chalk up the motive to robbery, but the small and increasingly besieged gay community in Uganda suspects otherwise.
“David’s death is a result of the hatred planted in Uganda by U.S evangelicals in 2009,” said Val Kalende, the chairwoman of one of Uganda’s gay rights groups, in a statement. “The Ugandan government and the so-called U.S. evangelicals must take responsibility for David’s blood.”
the rest at NYTimes

British B and B meets the Law

2011-01-24T14:12:00.002-05:00

A gay couple was turned away by British B and B owners because they said that accepting them challenged them. Watch this fascinating 15 minute clip where the issue is debated.

My favorite audience comment is a gentleman who points out that in Bethlehem about 2000 years ago an couple about to give birth to a child out of wedlock would certainly have been turned away by an innkeeper with deeply held religious convictions. Makes one wonder, was there really no room at the inn?

Wearing Black

2011-01-21T21:34:00.002-05:00

The Crawford/Houghton household will be wear black. Keith Olbermann was fired by MSNBC. If it weren't for Rachel Maddow we would be boycotting.

And it has come to this...

2011-01-08T15:58:00.003-05:00

RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT?

In Sarah Palin's PAC memorable "crosshairs" add, Gabrielle Giffords was one of the targeted congress members.

Let's hear from her that it is time to stop the madness in today's political arena.

A Pima, county sheriff was on the phone with MSNBC to report that Giffords was not dead regardless of reports to the contrary. He counted himself a friend of Representative Gifford. Toward the end of the interview he spoke with passion and eloquence in a personal plea that the craziness end.

The comments of this law officer might well make us all think of how difficult law enforcement is in country where people are encouraged to carry weapons at public gatherings.

A minority Gay view on the Enterprise Affair

2011-01-04T14:07:00.004-05:00

This gay man is not with the majority of gay voices regarding the captain of the Enterprise. No, not James Tiberius Kirk, Capt. Owen Honors.

The films were offensive, to women and to Lesbian and Gay folks. Michelangelo Signorile on OutQ XM radio suggested yesterday that the point of these movies was to keep gays in the closet and enforce "Don't Tell." At some deeper level we know that bigotry is about power and control. Too often we give to much credit to this being a conscious decision. Our political correctness and lack of a bit thicker skin damages our cause.

This was an example of ignorance and insensitivity. It was a perfect opportunity to educate. The removal of Capt. Honors has made that a lost opportunity. He will be a victim in the minds of the the many men and women that came to his defense. Honors was well like and, by all accounts, a capable leader. His dismissal makes him a martyr to political correctness and he will be seen as a victim of the repeal of DADT by a shipload of 19 year old sailors, most of whom will not be able to see this as anything but black and white.

A reprimand and a public statement of apology could have been the start of building support for the education which is key to making gay men and lesbians welcome in the military.

THE STARBUCKS

2010-12-29T13:34:00.001-05:00

At THE STARBUCKS where my nose was bitten off by a jackal.

Christmas in Winder

2010-12-26T20:43:00.001-05:00

Christmas is winding down in Winder.

Yesterday Mike and Laurie, Jessie and Russell with baby Laura Kate arrived at Freta's for Christmas day dinner.

On Christmas Eve, Kyle & I went to Midnight Mass at the Cathedral Church of St. Phillip.

Today Pam & Jeff came back from southern GA. They joined Elaine, Freta, Kyle and me for dinner.

And the snow is still on the ground.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Winder, GA United States

Why we elected the wrong President

2010-12-07T22:05:00.002-05:00

Why we elected the wrong President

What a difference a day makes...

The release of of the "compromise" on "tax cuts" is appalling.

I compromise assumes that both start from a clear position and then meet somewhere in the middle. In no way can anyone feel that the President started anywhere but in the middle and moved 3/4 of the way toward the Republicans. A good compromise leaves both sides equally unhappy. There are no unhappy Republicans. They are already using this concession in their fund-raising literature. The Democrats are all unhappy, and many of them (this one included) are miserable. There is no semblance of Democratic principals of giving a break to the middle class and making the wealthy pay back to society for they way in which they have been blessed.

The term "tax cut" in the context of this discussion is totally erroneous. The tax rates that have been in place for 10 years are being left alone.

To paraphrase Steven Colbert, "As one of the top 2% income earners I look forward to not hiring anyone new in 2011 with the same amount of money I had in 2010."

Earlier this year I got into a tiff with a conservative friend about the "birther"/socialist crap. "I just don't trust Obama," she said.

Today... me neither.

Why we elected the right President

2010-12-02T12:24:00.004-05:00

Why We Elected the Right President

This morning's hearing on DADT should help people to better understand why we chose the right President of the United States in 2008.

Senator McCain is clearly incapable of seeing beyond his own narrow world view or of thinking outside the box. It is without question that the senator served his country proudly and suffered in Viet Nam. Currently however his an aging, out of touch man. At the outset of hearings, he petulantly objected to a the time that each questioner would have and referred to this a "transcendant issue." Beyond the fact that he has constantly come up with new reasons to ignore a report he promised to observe, his questions show just how like George W Bush he is in looking not for reasons to inform a decision, but reasons to support a decision he has already made.

He is clearly angry about the fact that his concepts of LGBT people are dissolving around him.

Senator McCain's focus on debunking the study is that the direct question was not asked, "Do you favor the repeal of DADT?"

As a military man, his dismissal of the military leader's approach to gathering information is quite surprising. The idea that active duty military be allowed to vote on a question like would be unprecedented. In fairness, the senator admitted that the responses to a direct question should be used as only one factor in the decision.

There is another major problem with the idea of polling troops. Regardless of the guarantees of privacy in response, in an era of DADT how many would respond positively given peer pressure and the fear that they might be labeled gay or gay-loving. Let's not forget the make-up of young enlistees. Most are straight out of high school. (This was tangentially referred to in response to why the response of Marines are more negative than any other branch of the armed forces.) Their life experiences with openly LGBT people are limited as is their education. Their understanding is highly influenced by the "icky" thoughts of gay sex and not an understanding of sexuality.

And the first caller on C-SPAN demonstrated why a vote on this is a bad idea. He was an active duty soldier at Fort Drum. He didn't want his children serving with people who were "abnormal." I wonder if he knew our "abnormal" friend when he was serving at Fort Drum?

Watching this hearing reminded me that, no matter how well intentioned, Dan Choi and his friends chained themselves to the wrong fence when they chose the one surrounding the White House. The President has made his support of repealing DADT clear. It is the Senate that is unable to function democratically, that is using tricks of Parliamentary Procedure to block the opinion of a majority. Perhaps chaining themselves to the doors of the Senate chamber would have been more appropriate, if not more effective.

I have been frustrated with President Obama's ability to move things faster. I wish he would point out in this debate that the majority of the citizens of the United States of America voted for Barack Obama directly in opposition to John McCain.

You Voted For It....

2010-12-01T13:36:00.002-05:00

You Voted For It....

You got it.

The GOP vows to block everything until they get their way... and they're not even in control yet.

Meanwhile at the AFA...

2010-12-01T12:28:00.002-05:00

Today's email from the AFA (American Family Association).

Lame Duck Congress to push through a repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

Call your senators today: Vote "No" on the repeal. The stakes could not be higher.

Really? The stakes could not be higher? Really? There's nothing like hyperbole to reveal desperation.

How about refusing to extend unemployment benefits to people who are about to enter the holidays without money for food? How about the fact that almost every reputable economist says that the extension of benefits will help the economy to boot.

DADT repeal is a no-brainer for everyone but "white evangelicals.

Really AFA, get a grip.

Except for white evangelicals...

2010-11-30T15:51:00.002-05:00

Except for white evangelicals...

I usual read the headlines and summaries from One News Now, just to keep my liberal blood flowing. Today, however, I had to click on the link for this lead:

Christians differ on lifting 'don't ask, don't tell'
A new survey from the Pew Forum says most American Christians -- with the exception of white evangelicals -- favor letting homosexual men and women serve openly in the military.

A sad statement about this ultra conservative source is that they either did not see the racism in the summary or were reveling in it. (Trust me, this is not a site for non-biased journalism.) Either way it it was revealing.

And of course with the release of the report, all proponents are trying to moderate their positions. Now pray that the Senate sees and deciphers the handwriting on the wall.

Sometimes Dudes Marry Dudes...

2010-10-30T14:25:00.001-04:00

Sometimes Dudes Marry Dudes...

WARNING... "F"-Bomb ahead. And well dropped...

FCKH8.com Straight Talk About Gay Marriage from FCKH8.com on Vimeo.

Half of San Francisco

2010-10-28T23:08:00.002-04:00

Half of San Francisco...

Was doing what were. Project Runway. World Series. Project Runway. World Series... and then the unthinkable... Mondo LOST... ick! horrible. Read ProjectRungay blog

But it's a shut out. Two outs top of the ninth. SF (Gay Mecca) - 9, Texas (Dubyah's Team) 0... NADA. ZIP....

And....... one walk. Francouer, high to right field... IT'S OVER! First shut in World Series since 1962 (can that be true?)

No Matter. Take that Texas!

2010-10-26T19:16:00.001-04:00

From Joe.My.God:

The latest result of avoiding the Elephant in the Room:

ARKANSAS: School Board Member Celebrates Gay Suicides And AIDS

From Independence County, Arkansas: Midland School District board member Clint McCance took to Facebook to mock the suicides of LGBT youth and celebrate the deaths of gay people from AIDS.... (read the rest here)

Why Progressive Christians must speak up and speak OUT

2010-10-15T17:53:00.002-04:00

Here it... the reason that progressive Christians must speak up and speak OUT

Could NY Politics get worse?

2010-10-10T21:12:00.003-04:00

Could NY Politics get worse?

Yes.

In my neck of the woods signs say "I'm mad too, Carl. PALADINO for Governor."

My sign will say, "I'm mad that a hooligan and homophobe can win a primary in my state."

Earlier he told a reporter that he would "take him out." Today, Mr. Paladino spoke in NYC to reveal his homophobic side:

"Not suprisingly, Paladino said he would veto any legislation that seeks to legalize gay marriage in New York.

"I just think my children and your children would be much better off and much more successful getting married and raising a family, and I don't want them brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option," he said. "It isn't."

Calling himself the "religious values candidate," he said "I will not support immoral legislation."

Apple Schmapple

2010-10-01T14:11:00.002-04:00

That's right, "Apple Schmapple." I know. I'm a Mac Disciple.

Two days ago I went into the Apple store. I wanted this new Apple TV thing! I was told, "It will be released in early October."

"Could you be more specific?"

"Sorry, we don't know more than that," said the sweet young thing.

"Can it stream any video from the web?" I asked.

"Let me get you someone who knows more."

10 minutes later another Apple Blue Shirt approached.

"Can I help you?"

"Yep. I want to know more about Apple TV."

"We can learn together!" he said and led me to an iMac where he brought up the website.

While I politely listened, he told me nothing I did not know. "We haven't seen it yet."

Huh? Must not going be here for a while...

This morning I opened my e-mail in the doctor's office. Apple TV is here! Order online or come in to an Apple store.

Off I went after my appointment. Arrived at 12:10.

"I'd like to get an Apple TV," I said to yet another Blue Shirt.

"Yeah! I saw got that email too. Let's see where they are. I just got in."

An older Blue Shirt looked at him and said "They're sold out."

"I was here the day before yesterday and ...."

"Man, I guess we are both gonna have to wait!"

OK, Apple. So you are the best at what you do... except when it comes to customer service.

Flashing back to my 2.5 hours with the AT&T guy, who could not get the order in on day one of iPhone 4.

Fool me twice shame on you. Fool me once... I mean fool me twice... you know. It's not nice to fool people!"

More thoughts on Tenure

2010-09-30T21:25:00.002-04:00

More Thoughts on Tenure

My last blog post inspired some great discussion on Facebook. I hope some of those folks will start reading my blog. It's over here at nhoughton@blogspot.com.

"Tenure exists to protect bad teachers."

"Tenure keeps you from being fired."

These are two comments that are commonly thrown around. As Lawence O'Donnell says, "When you come to my show you are entitled to your own opinions, but you are not entitled to your own facts."

These two statements are simply not true. Tenure make sure that seasoned teachers are not dismissed without cause and due process.

Twice I sat on a tenure panel. For those who don't know how the process works in New York it goes like this.

When a tenured teacher is brought up on charges they must go before a panel of 3 people. One is chosen by the school board, one by the union and the third is a professional arbitrator. These charges may include incompetence, insubordination or moral turpitude (look it up, it's as ambiguous as it sounds) among other things.

A lawyer represents the teacher, another the district. They each present their evidence and the panel renders a decision by majority vote.

When I served the first time the teacher was dismissed by unanimous vote. The district had documented clearly through observations and attempts to offer support to improve performance that this person should not be teaching.

The second time, the documentation and the evidence presented by the district was poor. The witnesses presented by the teacher were convincing. That teacher's credentials were not revoked.

So why is an educator entitled to this kind of protection? Well let's suppose that a parent or a group of parents show up in the Principal's office with a complaint that evolution is being referred to as if it were science, or that rumors were running around that that teacher was a homosexual and the Principal decided that rather than standing up for that teacher it would be easier to start writing poor evaluations and... well, you get the picture.

The concept here is something called "academic freedom." It allows teachers to open up discussions on controversial issues without the fear of being muzzled or fired. (This is certainly more of an issue at the middle, high school and college level.) Dealing with controversial issues in an academic setting is important. It allowed me to read aloud books by Mildred Taylor. She writes about the realities of a segregated, Jim Crow south in wonderful and blunt terms. I lived that segregation growing up in Florida and collecting "mortgage" payments from people in shanties and wondering what was so cool about the "colored" bathrooms that I could not use. I expect I brought a reality to bigotry that many other white teachers could not.

I have been blessed to work with some wonderful principals. They supported me. They allowed me to bring my passions to the classroom and the school. But once upon a time...

I walked into school and was greeted by the principal who called me into his office. "Your in some deep shit now," he said. The blood drained and I search my mind for what I could possibly have done.

"Last night at the dinner table one of your students told his parents that you said _____ in class." Please insert the most offensive word for vagina that comes to mind. "They have called the Superintendent and he is meeting with them in an hour."

My response was, "(name), do you believe that I would have said that?"

He replied, "Well, you never know what might slip out."

"That is a word that I DO NOT USE. EVER." I left the office and went to a planning space to gather myself for the day. My colleagues covered for me, I was so upset.

After a half an hour of going over the previous day, I finally figured out what had probably happened. The kids were playing a word game. One smart aleck (probably a Facebook follower), came up with a smirk and said, "Mr. H, is 'prick' a word?"

"Yes," I had replied, "You can 'prick' your finger with a needle. Remember Sleeping Beauty?"

My best guess is that the old "telephone game" had taken over and by the time kids went home the word had been changed. I called the parents and explained. All was fixed.

With that kind of administrative support, who needs enemies? Well I know I was glad for tenure.

And of course there are the times when I chatted with several students (and one fellow teacher) about why "That's so gay" is hurtful. (So, like you meant that's so 'WONDERFUL?')

A few parents with torches and pitchforks and no tenure and this "non-crappy" teacher may not have completed a 35 year career.

I hope that some of you might rethink your positions on tenure. And thanks to "Academic Freedom" we can agree to disagree about that.

MSNBC: Say it isn't so...

2010-09-29T17:01:00.003-04:00

MSNBC has let me down!

God knows I love RACHEL and like Keith and Ed and the gang. But this education week thing has shown that MSNBC is a vulnerable as anyone to heavy spin.

The whole thing started with a great gathering of teachers in front of Prometheus and over the famous Rockefeller Plaza ice skating rink. There we many voices of reason. Many teachers who tried to explain that tenure does not protect bad teachers it only provides due process.

One young teacher stood up and said, "I don't need tenure."

She has become the clip of the week. The head honcho in the NYC school system said, "we need more passionate wonderful teachers like this."

Sure you do bucky... until she makes too much money, or is stuck with a class that is loaded with parents that question her methods, challenge her choice of literature, don't agree with her stance on evolution, etc. Then you will let her fry and the years of union activists that have fought to protect her from the whims of administrators or wacky parents.

Oh, and by the way Mr. Chancellor, do you even know that she can teach her way out of paper bag? Have you observed her? Here's a great example of why we need tenure! A young teacher gets up and kisses your ass on TV and she's the best thing since sliced bread. What if she gets on National TV one day and says the Chancellor has no clothes... and she has no tenure?

MSNBC, shame on you for playing into this! Ed Schultz, now's the time for you to get your Union suit on and tell it like it is.

Dear Dems: Go Forth and Make Hay

2010-09-27T17:42:00.002-04:00

Dear Dems: Go Forth and Make Hay

Two things from today's news should be noted:

Americans are split 50/50 on how they feel about Health Care Reform in a series of polls. BUT one poll suggests that 40% who are unhappy with HCR are unhappy because it did not go far enough. 40% of 50% is 20%. So, on average 70% of Americans think HCR is a good thing or that they want MORE.

The Republicans just blocked giving subpoena power to the congressional investigation of the oil disaster in the gulf.

OK Democrats, stop being wimps about taking credit for what you have done and shaming the Grand Oil Party for their obvious pandering to BP et. al.

On Mosques and Book Burning and Responsibility

2010-09-08T11:56:00.002-04:00

On Mosques and Book Burning and Responsibility

This morning I watched the news story on MSNBC about the "pastor" who is not only threatening to burn the Koran, but standing in front of the sign, "International Burn the Koran Day." His defense was pretty much "they started it."

Perhaps taking responsibility for his own actions is on order. Perhaps the media taking the responsibility for fanning the flames is in order.

And so the real message of of Christianity and Islam continues to be subverted.

Follow Up from my Friend

2010-08-10T18:58:00.006-04:00

I received a reply from my friend.

She took issue my characterization of the email as a diatribe. It was a comment on character, she said. I think when the bottom line is that you have presented evidence to show that President Obama's objective as turn the US into a socialist state diatribe is fair. But more troubling is, as I said the tenor of the message and the tea-party mentality that makes this sort of thing acceptable.

The President of the United States is a target in a carnival game, next to Osama Bin Laden...

For the information only, here is the text of the forwarded message. Diatribe? You decided.

SINCE IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP UP WITH EACH NEW REVELATION ABOUT THIS GUY AND HIS BELIEFS, THIS IS A GREAT REFERENCE LIST TO START WITH!

KEEP THIS CIRCULATING, GOD KNOWS THE OTHER SIDE IS DOING THE SAME THING WITH THEIR PROPAGANDA

The Fundamental Transformation of America

When Obama wrote a book and said he was
mentored as a youth by Frank,
(Frank Marshall Davis) an avowed Communist,
people said it didn't matter.

When it was discovered that his grandparents,
were strong socialists
who sent Obama's mother to a socialist school
where she was introduced to Frank Marshall Davis. He was
later introduced to young Barrack Hussein Obama
People said it didn't matter.

When people found out that Barrack Hussein Obama was
enrolled as a Muslim child in school and his
father and stepfather were both Muslims,
people said it didn't matter.

When he wrote in another book he
authored "I will stand with them (Muslims)
should the political winds shift
in an ugly direction"
people said it didn't matter.

When he admittedly, in his book,
said he chose Marxist friends
and professors in college--
people said it didn't matter.

When he traveled to Pakistan ,
after college on an unknown
national passport,
people said it didn't matter.

When he sought the endorsement of the
Marxist Party in 1996 as he ran
for the Illinois Senate,
people said it doesn't matter.

When he sat in a Chicago Church
for twenty years and listened to a preacher
spew hatred for America and
preach black liberation theology,
people said it didn't matter.

When an independent Washington organization,
that tracks Senate voting records, gave him
the distinctive title as the "most liberal senator,"
people said it didn't matter.

When the Palestinians in Gaza
set up a fund raising telethon
to raise money for his election campaign,
people said it didn't matter.

When his voting record
supported gun control,
people said it didn't matter.

When he refused to disclose who
donated money to his election campaign,
as other candidates had done,
people said it didn't matter.

When he received endorsements from
people like Louis Farrakhan and
Mummar Kadaffi and Hugo Chavez,
people said it didn't matter.

When it was pointed out that he was
a total newcomer and had absolutely
no experience at anything except
community organizing,
people said it didn't matter.

When he chose friends and acquaintances
such as Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn
who were revolutionary radicals,
people said it didn't matter.

When his voting record in the Illinois
senate and in the U.S. Senate
came into question,
people said it didn't matter.

When he refused to wear a flag,
lapel pin, and did so only
after a public outcry,
people said it didn't matter.

When people started treating him as
a Messiah and children in schools
were taught to sing his praises,
people said it didn't matter.

When he stood with his hands over
his groin area for the playing of the
National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance,
people said it didn't matter.

When he surrounded himself in the White house
with advisors who were pro-gun control, pro-
abortion, pro-homosexual marriage and wanting to
curtail freedom of speech to silence the opposition
people said it didn't matter..

When he said he favors
sex education in Kindergarten,
including homosexual indoctrination,
people said it didn't matter.

When his personal background was either
scrubbed or hidden and nothing
could be found about him,
people said it didn't matter .
When the place of his birth
was called into question,
and he refused to produce a birth certificate,
people said it didn't matter.

When he had an association in Chicago
with Tony Rezco--a man of questionable character and
who is now in prison and had helped Obama
to a sweet deal on the purchase of his home--
people said it didn't matter.

When it became known that George Soros,
a multi-billionaire Marxist,
spent a ton of money to get him elected,
people said it didn't matter.
When he started appointing White House Czars
that were radicals, revolutionaries,
and even avowed Marxist/Communist,
people said it didn't matter.

When he stood before the Nation
and told us that his intentions were to
"fundamentally transform this Nation"
into something else,
p eople said it didn't matter.

When it became known that he had
trained ACORN workers in Chicago
and served as an attorney for ACORN,
people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed cabinet members
and several advisors who were
tax cheats and socialists,
people said it didn't matter.
When he appointed a Science Czar, John Holdren,
who believes in forced abortions, mass
sterilizations and seizing babies from teen mothers,
people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed Cass Sunstein as Regulatory
Czar who believes in "Explicit Consent,"
harvesting human organs without family consent,
and allowing animals to be represented in court,
while banning all hunting,
people said it didn't matter.

When he appointed Kevin Jennings, a homosexual,
and organizer of a group called gay, lesbian, straight,
education network as Safe School Czar and it became known
that he had a history of bad advice to teenagers,
people said it didn't matter.
When he appointed Mark Lloyd, as Diversity Czar,
who believes in curtailing free speech;
taking from one and giving to another to spread
the wealth; who supports Hugo Chavez,
people said it didn't matter.

When Valerie Jarrett was selected as Obama's
Senior White House Advisor and she is an
avowed Socialist,
people said it didn't matter.

When Anita Dunn, White House Communications Director
said Mao Tse Tung was her favorite philosopher- -
and the person she turned to most for inspiration,
p eople said it didn't matter.

When he appointed Carol Browner as Global Warming
Czar, and her being a well known socialist working
on Cap and trade as the nations largest tax,
people said it doesn't matter.

When he appointed Van Jones, an ex-con and
avowed Communist as Green Energy Czar,
who since had to resign when this was made known,
people said it didn't matter.

When Tom Daschle, Obama's pick for health
and human services secretary could not be
confirmed, because he was a tax cheat,
people said it didn't matter..

When as President of the United States ,
he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia ,
people said it didn't matter.

When he traveled around the world
criticizing America and never once
talking of her greatness,
people said it didn't matter.

When his actions concerning the Middle-East
seemed to support the Palestinians
over Israel , our long time ally,
people said it doesn't matter.

When he took American tax dollars to
resettle thousands of Palestinians
from Gaza to the United States ,
people said it doesn't matter.

When he upset the Europeans by
removing plans for a missile defense system
against the Russians,
people said it doesn't matter.

When he played politics in Afghanistan by
not sending troops early-on when the
Field Commanders
said they were necessary to win,
people said it didn't matter.

When he started spending us into a debt
that was so big
we could not pay it off,
people said it didn't matter.

When he took a huge spending bill
under the guise of stimulus
and used it to pay off organizations,
unions, and individuals
that got him elected,
people said it didn't matter.

When he took over insurance companies,
car companies, banks, etc.,
people said it didn't matter.

When he took away student loans
from the banks and put it
through the government,
people said it didn't matter.

When he designed plans to take over
the health care system
and put it under government control,
people said it didn't matter.

When he claimed he was a Christian during the election and tapes were later made
public that showed Obama speaking to a Muslim group and 'stating' that he
was raised a Muslim; was educated as a Muslim; and that he is still a Muslim--
people said it did n't matter.

When he set into motion a plan
to take over the control of all
energy in the United States
through Cap and Trade,
people said it didn't matter.

When he finally completed his
transformation of America
into a Socialist State ,
people finally woke up---
but it was too late.

Add these up one by one and you get a phenomenal score that points to the fact that Barrack Hussein Obama is determined to turn America into a Marxist-Socialist society.
All of the items in the preceding paragraphs have been put into place. All can be documented very easily. Before you disavow this do an internet search.

The last paragraph alone is not yet cast in stone. You and I will write that paragraph. Will it read as above or will it be a more happy ending for most of America ?

If you are an Obama Supporter don't be angry with me because I think Barrack Hussein Obama is a socialist. Far too many facts support he is indeed a Socialist.

If you seek the truth you will be richer for it. Don't just belittle the opposition. Search for the truth. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Constitutionalists, Libertarians all need to pull together or watch the demise of a free democratic society. Pray for Americans to seek the truth
and take action for it will keep us FREE.

Our biggest enemy is not China , Russia , North Korea , and Iran our biggest enemy is a contingent of politicians in Washington DC .
The government will not help, so we need to do it ourselves.
Send this to everyone in your mailbox.

P. S.: I would like to add that one of the biggest enemy -- if you still think "it doesn't matter" is the person that looks at you when you consult your mirror!!

=

Open Letter to a "Conservative" Friend

2010-08-09T12:48:00.005-04:00

Open Letter to a "Conservative" Friend...

Earlier today I opened an an email from a dear friend of many years. It was entitled "Didn't realize he did so much that DIDN'T MATTER....Interesting read." The lengthy missive went on to present a "logical" string of facts to prove that President Obama is a socialist. It closes with "Add these up one by one and you get a phenomenal score that points to the fact that Barrack Hussein Obama is determined to turn America into a Marxist-Socialist society."

I stopped all that was on my agenda to respond:

Dear Sharon,

There is so much we have in common. Much more than separates us. One of those things is a that we love this country... one might say we are patriotic.

I am saddened when I see this sort of "logic" trying to prove that the President of the United States is a socialist. There is no question that his political leanings are more progressive (or liberal, if you prefer) than conservative. It was because of his promises, his progressive agenda that he was elected.

As an openly gay man, those positions have given me great hope that I might be granted all the Constitutional rights and responsibilities that I have been denied based on who I love. I voted for this man because he promised to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." I voted for him because he promised that my then partner, now husband, would have access to the health care he was denied because our marriage was not legally recognized. I have a very personal understanding of what health care reform means. I can tell the story of the stress that exists when someone has no health insurance. Frankly, I have been disappointed that he has been unable to fulfill many of these promises as quickly as I would have liked.

Without regard to whether we agree on these issues, or others however, the letter you forwarded to me causes great concern. There is a propensity to label those with whom we do not agree in terms which are laden with emotion. When a conservative sees someone labeled as "socialist", or a liberal see someone labeled as a bigot, or "hater," conversation ceases. Civil discourse and dialogue stops, and that which makes us an effective example of representative democracy is weakened.

What can we do about this? Often we feel helpless as individuals to change such broad societal trends. But change must start somewhere. We can stop forwarding letters like this to anyone. I suspect that this will stop you from forwarding such emails to me. Please consider stop forwarding inflammatory material this to those with whom you agree.

We can stop labeling people in terms that are extreme. It is an easy way to make them the "other." It brings all chance of meaningful engagement to an end.

Let's all work together to mitigate separation and facilitate discussions based on our common humanity. Let's play to our best instincts, that which those of us people of faith might call a grace-filled placed.

Fondly,

Neil

TOMORROW: Decision on Prop 8 challenge decision...

2010-08-03T22:50:00.002-04:00

The first level Federal Court decision on a Prop 8 challenge will be issued tomorrow. The constitutional lawyers who argued on opposite sides of Bush v. Gore have joined together to challenge the constitutionality of Prop 8. This proposition overturned the right of same-sex couples to marry in California. Olsen and Boise. liberal and conservative, agree on little... but they do agree that denying equal access to marry is a denying the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness to one group of Americans on grounds that are not defend-able under the Constitution of the United States of America.

It's not "We the STRAIGHT People..."

From Joe.My.God....

This is it. The decision on Perry Vs. Schwarzenegger will be issued by Judge Vaughn Walker tomorrow (Wednesday).
The federal court announced today that it will release its decision in the American Foundation for Equal Right’s landmark case, Perry v. Schwarzenegger, on Wednesday. Text “EQUAL” to 69866 to get a text message with the official decision on your mobile phone the moment the court releases its decision, or sign-up for an email alert at equalrightsfoundation.org. Join AFER on its Web site to watch a live press conference with our plaintiffs and co-counsels Ted Olson and David Boies following the release of the decision. As we receive news about the details of the release, AFER will update our Facebook and Twitter profiles, along with our Web site.
While most on our side are confident the decision will go our way, the result will likely be appealed immediately.

UPDATE: Rex Wockner adds: "The Perry order will be e-filed between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. PDT tomorrow (between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. EDT - between 21h and 23h GMT/UTC). It will be available electronically to the public not only through PACER but also directly from the court's website free of charge soon after it is e-filed."

The adorable, optimistic, Episcopalian below will be riveted.

BOL Provincial Workshop: Martinsburg, WV

2010-08-03T22:25:00.002-04:00

BOL Provincial Workshop: Martinsburg, WV

And on we move... Another group gathered to discuss ways in which we can move forward in Christ for full inclusion!

Water and Waste Reduction in Airports

2010-08-02T14:43:00.004-04:00

Water and Waste Reduction in Airports

How much do you pay for bottled water in an airport? How much waste is created by plastic water bottles from that water? Here's an idea for a solution.

The TSA won't let you bring bottled water through security. Many of us end up spending hours on the other side of security clearance and we need water. If you go to the food outlets or the news store they will gladly sell you 2 cents worth of water for 2 dollars.

So how about a better solution that saves us money and saves a little space in the land fills?

In the Northeast water dispensing machines are not so common, but in the West they are everywhere. So why not put them in boarding areas in airports? You can bring in a reusable water bottle and fill it for 25 cents. It saves you some money and saves the environment another plastic bottle.

OK entrepreneurs, take this idea and run with it. I'd be happy is you sent me $0.005 cents a dispense.

http://www.facebook.com/?tid=1560439775766&sk=messages#!/group.php?gid=144060898945535&v=info

Spinning Gold into Dog Poop

2010-08-01T22:18:00.003-04:00

Chelsea's wedding ... a reason to celebrate or divide?

Somtimes it is just amazing that folks can turn joy into dog poop. Chelsea Clinton's marriage has given the "Concerned Women for America" a chance to celebrate love, and hope and commitment. Instead they choose to use it as a platform to warn of the evils of interfaith marriage.

Worldview perspectives, it turns out, are important on a daily basis. The Christian worldview is rooted in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ — making him the Lord over the Christian’s life. The Christian faith — indeed, virtually all religious faith, if taken seriously — is inherently exclusive because it is the lens through which all of life is viewed and shaped.

If doctrine is more than just cultural observances, there is no way it can merely be a casual, insignificant part of a believer’s life. For the true Christian believer, this means a life lived in light of Christ’s singular claim that He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Taking His claim seriously, that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), means that all decisions are made in light of His teaching and commands. This includes His teaching that marriage is intended by God to be a life-long covenant — not just between the couple, but sealed by God and witnessed by fellow believers in the couples’ church community. That said, real Christian marriage includes a commitment to follow Christ, both in lifestyle and in childrearing.

I guess I should be happy to know that they are not just hung up on the same-sex thing, they are also worried about the same religion thing. Well, more specifically about the same one-true-religion thing.

It's been a while since I have thought back to theology of abundance approach to life. What is it with spending so much time being mean and crabby and mean and negative and MEAN... when there is so much to celbrate. Glass half full or half empty? For so many it's glass empty, broken and walking through the shards with bare feet.

That anyone who believes in God can stay mired in that is a real mystery.

Anne Rice is OUT ... of Christianity that is.

2010-07-29T15:13:00.002-04:00

From Joe.My.God comes a quote from Anne Rice's Facebook page. She's done with Christainity. Ms. Rice who very publicly returned to Christianity in 2005 has done a one-eighty. This is bound to be great fodder for discussion. I wonder how her son, Christopher feels about this?

"For those who care, and I understand if you don't: Today I quit being a Christian. I'm out. I remain committed to Christ as always but not to being 'Christian' or to being part of Christianity. It's simply impossible for me to 'belong' to this quarrelsome, hostile, disputatious, and deservedly infamous group. For ten ...years, I've tried. I've failed. I'm an outsider. My conscience will allow nothing else.

"In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life. In the name of ...Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen."

- Famed novelist Anne Rice, from her Facebook page.

BOL Provincial Workshops

2010-07-29T14:37:00.005-04:00

Another Believe Out Loud Workshop Well Received

The third in a series of Provincial Workshops about Believe Out Loud was just completed in Danbury, CT. This event targeted toward Episcopalians in Provinces 1 and 2, was held at St. James Church in Danbury, CT. The rector and local Integrity/Danbury members were wonderful hosts. Chap Day, Province 1 Coordinator and John-Albert Moseley, Province 2 coordinator facilitated this session we me. Many, many positive comments were received and participants left energized and ready to return to their home parishes to Believe Out Loud.

Of all the major protestant denominations, the Episcopal Church is the only one without a welcoming congregation designation that is consistent across the church. We have chosen to adopt the Believe Out Loud branding. This creation of Intersection is intended to be a universally recognized symbol of welcome to LGBT people. It goes beyond just saying "We welcome all." It includes a very intentional model of how to discern what that welcome looks like. Integrity has worked to modify the process so that it more clearly reflects the polity of the Episcopal Church. Our designation then becomes "Believe Out Loud Episcopal Congregation (BOLEC)."

The program focuses on understanding the steps to become a BOLEC as well as learning tools to spread the good news that your church lives out out Baptismal Covenenant, "to respect the dignity of every human being."

We share our stories and learn how to tell them effectively to others. Using parts of Marshall Ganz model of public narrative, we look for challenges, choices and outcomes in the stories of what brought us to discovering our mission in the Church. We learn about graceful engagement and how to frame our stories in ways that they will be heard by others.

If you wish to join us, please go to www.integrityusa.org for additional scheduled events. We will be in Martinsburg, WV this weekend and then in Atlanta, Austin and central Ohio. Another event is in the works for Denver in September.

JOIN US!

38 Years of LGBT Supportive Leadership

2010-07-18T22:55:00.003-04:00

38 Years of LGBT Supportive Leadership in The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester:

"History" was the theme of Pride in Rochester this year. That played well with the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. We have 38 years of history of supporting the LGBT community in Rochester. Our placards celebrate our leadership starting in 1972 with Cannon Walt Szymanski and Bishop Robert Spears. This leadership has been unbroken through Bishop Burrill, Bishop McKelvey and now Bishop Singh.

This year we set a new mark in that history with an African-American lesbian priest celebrating our annual street Eucharist. The Rev. Deborah Brown also preached on the Gospel text about the "good" Samaritan. Although never labeled as "good" she pointed out, the entire phrase is now capitalized. We are all good, created in God's image, and need to claim our goodness, she posited.

This was the first of three Pride Parades in which our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Prince Singh, was able to join our contingent. During the first year of his episcopacy, he was at Lambeth and last year at General Convention. He was greeted by cheers and thanks by thousands of parade participants and onlookers.

His wife, Roja, and son, Eklan, joined us as well.

Tomorrow Prince and his family leave for a month long visit to his homeland in southern India. As we marched along he shared that word of his support for an inclusive church had spread to his home parish and he was dis-invited to preach there.

"It all good," he said, "I will be preaching at several Cathedrals."

And so it goes. We will continue to witness to God's Love that is more inclusive and amazing that we deserve or can imagine. We will continue to believe... OUT LOUD!

Time Away

2010-07-14T17:25:00.002-04:00

The Believe Out Loud workshops are really keeping me going. In a church where there is so much politics (which to be sure has been our friend) and so much jockeying for power and control these experience are so thoroughly refreshing. For the most part people can lay aside the silly stuff and really celebrates what brings us together and Episcopalians who love this church and are celebrating its move into a future which is long overdue.

Allowing that the word's of Our Lord may have been edited for publication, I can only see him saying, "It's about damn time."

It seems that we are beginning to move beyond a time of much that has slowed our movement and frankly kept some of us a afraid of stepping on a mine. I could hardly be considered the paragon of political correctness. We certainly come to group with diverse tastes in liturgy, with varying sensitivities to and viewpoints on completely inclusive language and broadly different musical tastes. But when we mix it up and are authentic with one another, the nit-picking is recognized as nothing more than that. We focus on what the core of our mission is and how we can accomplish it together. Effective synergy requires an assumption of good intent. It requires an open-mindedness toward one another and only when that can be achieved can we be ready to gracefully engage those with which we disagree.

I think if we examine ourselves we will find that at as movement our lack of ability to work together has caused many lost opportunities.

This Workshop Series has thus far represented diversity within the Episcopal Church. Registration in Portland was about 50% female. In San Diego about 35% female. We have had a good mix of gay and non-gay. More people of color and a broader range of ages has been a problem... but it is a problem for the whole church, not just for our group of LGBT and supporters but for the larger church.

These workshops have been a model of how we can work together. Sounds simple... and it really is.