This could happen to you.

This is so sad.

Even though Tami and I are legally married, it means nothing in the eyes of the law. While my family will not be a problem if something happens, her family may be.

Cover your ass..ets.

I am misty. It is sad to see the end of an Era.

Mom kept us home to see the first man on the moon. We watched every thing we could about space flight. We all love science. We are all Trekers ( I know )

While we watch the last flight of the Space Shuttle Enterprise lets hope we will be around for the first launch of the Starship Enterprise.

We Need Help

How do I begin...

We need help.

My wife had an accident 20 years ago when her knees were badly damaged. She has suffered 14 surgeries that kept her on her feet but are now failing to support her. She needs both knees replaced to get her back to school and back to work.

My legs have always had problems walking too far and that distance has become shorter over the last few years. Now I can't make it thru the grocery store with out pain and weakness. It may be blockage in the artery that leads to my legs. I inherited the bad cholesterol and can not take the current medications to lower it. It is getting harder to stand for long and now my left knee is swollen and painful.

We both have worked full time jobs but have never been able to afford health insurance so there is no coverage and the cost is far beyond our reach.

We are part of a wellness plan at a clinic but they can not even order an X-ray or MRI to look into the problem. They can refer us to doctors that can give us a good price for the tests but again, the cost is out of reach.

The clinic can prescribe pain medications and monitor the basics but is unable to help.

I was sent home after confirming a problem with blockage in my left corroded artery because they could not do anything more for me. 2 weeks later I had 2 mini strokes.

Neither of us can work at this point and she had to drop out of school because it became such a problem getting around. Now we are both signing up for SSI/SSD.

It seems to me that rather than spending money on medications, medical monitoring, and SSI/SSD while we suffer and can not work, that the money would be better spent on fixing the problems and getting us both back on our feet so we can work and she can finish school.

The situation is growing worse every day. It is depressing and painful to have our quality of life slow to a halt when there are ways to repair the problems.

Can someone please help?

R-rating prevents kids from seeing anti-bullying documentary

From America Blog Gay comes this news.

ByNick Seaver

I’m a little late to this story, but there is a new documentary coming out from The Weinstein Company entitled, Bully. While it would seem a movie about the problem of bullying wouldn’t be too controversial given it's about what kids deal with everyday, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has given it an R rating.

Here’s the problem – kids are the ones who need to see this and an R rating stops it from being played in a lot of schools. It’s rated R for the language, which fails to recognize that every word in this movie has been heard in every high school in America.

The irony here is that the MPAA seems to be trying to protect kids from seeing what bullying looks like while the movie is trying to show the impact of bullying in an effort to elevate efforts to stop it. These kids don't need to be sheltered - they see it or live it every single day. Looking the other way doesn't stop kids from bullying, it doesn't reduce the damage done by those words and actions, and doesn't stop kids from seeing suicide as a reasonable escape from bullying. Sticking our heads in the sand isn't the solution (it clearly hasn't worked so far).

There’s a petition at Change.org that you can sign telling the MPAA to reduce the rating to PG-13. Take a second and sign on and share it.

Here’s the trailer:

"8" The Play

I just finished watching "8". The play based on the Prop 8 trial.
I can't say enough. Watch it and learn what happened. Please pass this on to everyone you know and love no matter which side they are on.
Thank you to everyone involved.

Surfers riding the biggest waves on the planet

From thechive.com comes this beautiful video.

Don't Go To Russia

OHIO: Gay Activists Work To Place Repeal Of Marriage Ban On November Ballot

From joemygod.com

This my home state. Good luck. I don't think it will pass. Lived there, done that, only go back for a funeral.

Activists in Ohio have launched a drive to place a repeal of the same-sex marriage ban on the November ballot.

The Freedom to Marry Coalition expects to file more than 1,700 signatures of registered Ohio voters; 1,000 valid signatures are required in the first step of placing a constitutional issue before Ohio voters this fall or possibly next year. The proposal would change the Ohio Constitution — amended in 2004 to block same-sex marriage — to say that the state and political jurisdictions define marriage as “a union of two consenting adults, regardless of gender.” It also would stipulate that “no religious institution shall be required to perform or recognize a marriage.”

The proposed amendment will be submitted to Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today. (Tipped by JMG reader Arthur)

Labels: 2012 elections, LGBT rights, Ohio 

Davy Jones RIP

He was very cute, compact, could sing and had a funny dance. The accent topped it off. 
I watched the Monkeys. Can't say it was my favorite show but then there was not 1000+ stations.
Cable had not been invented. I did listen to their music on the radio all the time. It was so exciting that Davy Jones was going to be on the Brady Bunch!
There was no VCRs or DRVs then so you were parked and ready when the TV warmed up.
The Partridge Family was the one I loved. I saw David Cassedy in concert but I was in love with Shirley Jones. I had a thing for her ever since I saw her in Oklahoma. I have a thing for musicals too.

I watch as another piece of me slips away....
Good-by Davy Jones........and Thanks for sharing.

Here is a great site posted For Davy Jones.

Bill Maher’s New Rule: "If you’re a working-class American who still votes Republican ... you’re stupid"

I think he nails it!

Homecoming Kiss Draws Nasty Comments

 

This picture of the marine homecoming kiss has gone viral. It was picked up by network news programs and the response has been mixed. I went to several papers and read pages full of comments. I found them to be about a 60/40 split between the lovers and haters.
I did not see death threats but then many of the threats and really bad things were taken down. There were some nasty things left up. Here are a few samples.
 Click here for full story


Sir_Drinks_Alot (Name says it all)
Feb 27, 2012

Personally, this makes me sick to my stomach, and I hope an IED comes his way.

Feb 27, 2012

The Taliban will probably post this on the walls of their caves, as evidence that their opponents are a troop of limp wristed, pickle-smoking, girly-men. And, in the case of these two exhibitionists, they would be right.

 

Sgt. Brandon Morgan thank you for your service to our country. Many of your fellow Americans wish you and your partner Dalan Wells the very best.

 

I am appalled that ABCNews would post this kind of trash. Especially when there are more news-worthy things happening in the world. These people should keep that crap in their bedrooms. For all the good they have done, it is worth nothing after the focus is put on their sexuallity. Just plain nastiness!!!!!!!!

 

This is disgusting and sick!!!!!! Send him back and put him on point!!!! Need to get America back to the values that once made it great!!!

 

Absolutely disgusting…and on top of it, a Marine no less…I always thought Marines were real men but now I see some are just ‘girls’ in men’s bodies…time to update their slogan: “The Marines: the few, the proud, the gay”

Gorgeous Time-Lapse Video - The Best So Far

Found at Buzzfeed.com

SCOTUS Refuses NOM Appeal

Just in from joemygod.com...

The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear an appeal of a lower court ruling that NOM must disclose its donors in their successful battle to repeal same-sex marriage in Maine.

Via SCOTUS Blog:

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a constitutional challenge to a Maine law that requires those seeking to raise and spend money in state election campaigns to organize as a political action committee for that activity, and make significant disclosures about their financial operations. That was challenged in a petition, National Organization for Marriage v. McKee (11-599), after the state law was upheld by the First Circuit Court. The NOM is an organizations set up to promote the traditional view of marriage as being reserved solely for opposite-sex couples. It argued in challenging the PAC requirement that states do not have the constitutional authority to impose such obligations unless an organization has election campaign activity as its “major purpose.”

Is this finally the end of the road for NOM's flouting of Maine's campaign finance law? Will they now comply? Will we at last see the bejeweled Catholic hands pulling the strings at NOM? Experts? (Tipped by JMG reader Glenn)

SHOW US ! Nothing has happened to them so far but I think they are at a dead end. If the CC is behind it....well...... TAX THEM!!!
I would love to see Brian Brown Behind Bars!

Lastest BS from NOM and Brian Brown

This was in my mail today.

Monday, February 27, 2012 Dear Barbara, Same-sex marriage advocates claim they are just asking for their rights and want to be left alone...that there are no consequences to redefining marriage. But tell that to the 14-year-old girl who is getting death threats because she dared to stand up and tell the Maryland legislature to vote no on same-sex marriage. And if you think it's bad now—just wait until after the bill is signed into law. This Barbara, this is what NOM stands up to and fights against every day. HELP FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE TYRANNY OF "TOLERANCE" BY MAKING A DONATION TO NOM TODAY! 14-year-old Sarah Crank testified before the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on January 31st. She urged the committee to give her "the best birthday present ever," by "vot[ing] no on gay marriage." She continued: "I really feel bad for the kids who have two parents of the same gender. Even though some kids think it's fine, they have no idea what kind of wonderful experiences they miss out on. I don't want more kids to get confused about what's right and okay. I really don't want to grow up in a world where marriage isn't such a special thing anymore." CLICK HERE to listen to Sarah's complete 60-second testimony. She is brief, polite, and totally non-threatening. Just a happy, smart young girl. But it obviously struck a chord because within minutes after her testimony was posted online, the comments quickly turned vicious and ugly. As documented by TFP Student Action responses to her testimony included: "And now everyone knows her name, so hopefully she will feel what its [sic] like to be harassed and bullied..." "My god I hate people like this. Most (not all) Americans are [expletive] retards. If I ever see this girl, I will kill her. That's a promise." I do think that any threat is wrong. The people that wrote the bad comments should be ashamed. That said.....NOM and this 14 year old lamb is full of S##T. That girl got up and said what she has been programed to say due to her indoctrination into the crazy end of Christendom. Just because you feel bad or that your God does like LGBT people or that it is your birthday is not a reason for those kids and their loving parents should have to suffer. If you really want to feel bad think of the extra taxes, lack of health insurance, no Social Security benefits, or the people like you who make them feel like they don't count or their families are not good enough. How about one parent dies and the kids are ripped away from the other parent because the law sees them as legal strangers. How about the surviving parent losing the house because they can't pay the extra taxes a REAL spouse would not and no SS to help out. I feel sorry for the kid. She does not have a clue to the damage her words have.

Obama is a Snob for Wanting an Educated Country-Santorum is a FLIP FLOPPING ASS!

Santorum is a FLIP FLOPPING ASS!
Watch this and check out this other info then we'll talk

Supported Headstart: He's now against
Worked with Joe Lieberman for more affordable college: Now says it's not for everyone
Supported Pell Grants: Now supports cuts to the program
Click anywhere and go to buzzfeed.com for more info. They have a great list!

I attended Kent State University for a total of 8.5 years and it was the best thing I ever did for myself.
I learned alot about myself and the world. I know that I can do anything I want if I work at it. I found focus and passion for my craft. I became part of .....the world.

This guy and the asshats that cheered want to keep people from learning about their part in the bigger picture. They need to keep them dumb so they can control them. Any crowd that would listen to this and cheer can NOT have had an education past high school.

The enrollment in colleges by "Non-traditional" has increased by 50% since the recession and the government is paying for most. New jobs ARE coming and by the time these people graduate, there will be a job market for the educated. People that can think and solve problems. People who will question and find solutions.

They want and need are drones who will not have a clue. Who will listen to this drivel and cheer.

Is that the kind of country you want?

Bob Green, former DJ and ex-husband of Anita Bryant, dies at 80

From the Washington Post comes this gem.

It was rumored he was gay. She seems cold.
Here is just part of the article. Click on the Post to read the whole thing.

By Elinor J. Brecher and Steve Rothaus, Published: February 23

Bob Green, a onetime radio DJ who married pop singer and Miss Oklahoma Anita Bryant, was found dead Jan. 26 at his home in Miami Beach. He was 80.
Mr. Green managed his wife’s rise to stardom as an entertainer and Florida citrus spokeswoman, then followed her into anti-gay activism, which ultimately destroyed their careers — and marriage in 1980. For more than 30 years, Mr. Green lived quietly, alone and resentful.

“Bob internalized a lot of his own anger and frustration and disappointments,” said Bryant, 71, on Wednesday from her home in Oklahoma City. That’s what happens “if you don’t let your faith rise up and you give into all those anxieties.
“The trouble with life is that it’s so daily,” she continued. “You have to have a mind-set that you’re going to work out your problems and God is going to help you. But he’s not going to lay it all in your lap.”

I was in my last days of high school when she was telling lies in Florida. I remember when this happened!

I knew I was different but still had not connected the dots. We did not talk about it then. I did know that what she was doing was wrong and I should be paying more attention to this issue. Getting information was hard in the pre-computer age and the public library did not have the info I was looking for. I would have come out at a much earlier age if I was young today. I knew I was different since kindergarten.
All this talk of "homosexuals"  cut her stardom short. No one wanted to have her as a spokesperson.

Petition: Banks Should Condemn Uganda

Found at joemygod.com

Over 170,000 people have signed a petition demanding that two major international banks issue condemnations of Uganda's pending "kill the gays" bill.

With the “Kill the Gays” bill looming in Uganda’s parliament, Citibank and Barclays have unique and necessary voices that could help stop this bill in its tracks. Their presence in Uganda is significant, and their voices in opposition to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill could have a profound impact in keeping LGBT people safe in Uganda. Ask Citibank and Barclays to publicly condemn Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” bill, and send a loud message to Ugandan legislators that criminalizing homosexuality with lifetime prison sentences and the death penalty won’t be supported by major international businesses.

For a ton of info on the "Kill the Gays" bill click here.

People! We are all connected and the World has to speak up about this. People have already been killed and raped because of the fear and lies.
Lies,  junk science, and religious zealotry that came from American Hate Groups.
These Hatemongers are losing the "culture war" THEY started here so they spewed their vomit on a less informed and under educated country to create such fear and hatred of LGBT people that they want to pass the bill to kill them!
LGBT people live it fear for their lives. If they don't get killed in the streets first, they could spend their life in prison or die. Plus, if a person knows of or harbors a gay person, they could go to jail for not reporting them.
Sign the petition and pass the word.
No one should have to live this way and we must speak up!

Quote Of The Day - Sgt. Brandon Morgan

From joemygod.com. Click on the link for the warm fuzzy article.

"I'm glad I can be an inspiration to someone." - USMC Sgt. Brandon Morgan, upon learning that his "homecoming" photo had gone viral yesterday. Click on the link for the warm fuzzy article.

Hypocrisy Among Friends and Family

Hypocrisy as defined by Merriam-Webster : a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not.
We often accuse people of being a hypocrites. Politicians that say one thing and vote another. The person in the next cubical that is friendly to your face but whispers bad things under their breath.  The religious folks that attend church every Sunday but go home and kick the dog, pop a beer, and beat their wife or have sex with their kids. The religious leaders that protest against gays but later get caught with a "Rent Boy"
It is one thing to know a stranger is a hypocrite. It is easy to stay away from them and/or vote them out of office. It is another to be friends or have family that are.

Dealing with family that are hypocritical can be amusing at times. Pointing it out to them can be helpful or start a huge fight. Either way, they are your family and you just suck it up.
 My baby brother does not take a stand on anything nor does he vote. I am a Democrat. The rest are  conservative Republicans. I find this to be a great source of sad amusement.

I don't have health care. I have not had a job that offered a plan I could afford. I think health care should be affordable or free for everyone. It is necessary to the growth of our nation to have healthy productive people and no one should die from something treatable. They do not. To them it is a privilege and if you don't work hard enough to afford health care then suffer. Sounds cruel to me. So they suffer.  I find a clinic that can help or point me in the right direction. They don't want socialized medicine yet my folks are on Medicare/Medicaid as well as paying for health coverage.

The biggest problem I have is that they will all be voting for one of the GOP clowns this November. They will support the GOPers platform and issues because most of them will not touch their lives.  They don't have health care because they don't want it I guess. My brothers will not be getting abortions and they all think immigrants should go home. If they do stay, speak English. This is a tough bunch to love sometimes.
The kicker is that every GOPer wants to repeal every right and protection from us gay, lesbian, bi, and transgender folks. They do not want us married or even civil unionized. This is where my amusement ends.  I am a married lesbian.

Ya see...it is not okay to say you love me and respect my "commitment" but vote for people that do not. It is not cool to be okay with my marriage but vote for people who want to take it back.
It is much easier to deal with my family now that I don't live so close but religion and politics are still forbidden subjects to discuss when we talk on the phone or Skype. We are family and we have to agree to disagree.

So what happens when you find out that a friend has proven to be a hypocrite? We choose our friends for many reasons and as friends we often look the other way when they make a bad choice. It is not our place to tell our friends what to do but to support them if the bottom falls out. I have had many friends. Some for a short time and some for decades. The short ones just fizzled out for one reason or another. The long ones  become more like family because you are there come thick or thin. Not that I have not had issues with some of the bad choices they made but their choices don't affect me so much as it affects them. I am out spoken and honest with my friends and I expect that in return.

A friend does not say one thing to your face and another on facebook. A friend does not seem to be on your side of the issue then post the opposite on their wall. A friend is one who comes when you call crying. Is one who will not hesitate to offer a kidney. Is one who is there when your spouse dies. Who has said they love you. Who said they love your kids. Who sits with you in the ER. Who is thrilled it is nothing to worry about.
I can be friends with people that don't think we should be married if they are honest about it from the start but a friend does not say that they think our marriage is cool for years then facebook it isn't when equal marriage comes to town.
I am not sure what to do. I do know my wife is hurt. She has been friends with this person for 20-25 years.
Maybe I'll do what friends do. Talk about it over a cup of coffee.

Utah House Bans Birth Control Education - Bad Idea

Yesterday at joemygod.com was this article

The Utah House has passed a bill banning any mention of contraception in sex education classes. If a school does offer sex ed, it has to be abstinence only.

The state House passed HB 363 in a 45-28 vote following extensive debate. The bill -- which now goes on to the state Senate -- would lift the current requirement that all public schools must teach sex ed in grades 8 through 12. If the bill passes, districts would decide whether to offer sex ed classes that teach an abstinence-only curriculum, or not offer the course at all. Republican state Rep. Bill Wright sponsored the proposal. "We've been culturally watered down to think we have to teach about sex, about having sex and how to get away with it, which is intellectually dishonest," Wright said, according to The Salt Lake Tribune. "Why don't we just be honest with them upfront that sex outside marriage is devastating?"

Rep. Wright say his bill was prompted by Planned Parenthood materials which "promote promiscuity."

Abstinence only does not work.  Teenagers WILL have sex, Sex ED or not, and there is nothing you can do about this given.  Not giving them the tools and education to make better choices WILL cause more teen pregnancy and STDs including AIDS.
I am all for abstinence as one option but not the only one. It will be interesting and sad to watch the stats climb in Utah. It is sad to know that their kids are going to suffer because their leaders are so afraid of sex themselves that they want to keep their kids in the dark about the many dangers of having unprotected sex.

The GOP clowns all want to end abortion even from rape, no gay adoptions, and end prenatal care with insurance coverage. First, they are all men! They do not have to carry an unwanted child. They will not be the ones adopting those unwanted children. No prenatal care means more sick and dead babys.  Second, who is going to pick up the tab for all those sick, dead, and unwanted children?

I don't understand how "Small Government" can crawl into every womb and tell women what to do as if we don't understand what is going on. We are not stupid or in the dark about our bodies. (Unless you live in Utah). Sounds like "BIG" government to me.

How about the GOP get their collective heads out of the bedroom, quit thinking about others sex lives, and get on with the business of jobs and the economy like you said you were going to do.
Get rid of the red noise and floppy shoes too.