Just watch:
08
Feb
10
Cheat Sheet: Palin Style
05
Feb
10
Hoover Syns
Yes, there’s more to my Vegas trip! Alan and I went to the Hoover Dam near Boulder City, Vegas just 40 miles (give or take) from the Strip. We rented a car (a very HOT Prius) and booked it to the Dam. The drive is fantastic as are the views from the car. Not much traffic there (in Jan at least). The tour was $11 and you go into the bowels of the dam and find some interesting tidbits about it. Very awesome stuff – I suggest it to anyone that goes to Vegas and gets bored by all the slots and sluts.
04
Feb
10
Dirty Vegas
I was headed to the Liberace Museum in Vegas Saturday and was introduced to ‘behind the scenes’ Vegas-style. I took some pictures of said locales when I could and have posted them below…
That said, the Liberace Museum is actually a great place to visit as is the gay bar next to it: Goodtimes. The staff was awesome as well as the prices for their drinks! A HUGE shout out has to be given to the un-named woman that helped us find our way on the bus system. I spoke with her during the ride to the museum and she was so interesting and informative. She thought it was great that we got bus passes (smart idea she said) and told me about her life in Vegas as a security officer. She’s part Filipino and part Hawaiian – no front teeth – but she has had to take care of 3 teenaged kids. My hat goes off to her…
As far as that goes – anyone who lives in Vegas has not a very easy time of it – especially the gays. The bars we went to there, off the Strip, we had to be buzzed in and there were cams to see who all was coming in (one bar had an incident of some straight guys coming in with knives). Another hat goes off to the bartender, Heath at Goodtimes. $2 Recession drinks during Happy Hour, a great smile and conversation.
Away from the Stip was rougher, seedier, and a little dirtier but I will probably remember those times more. Especially the gay line dancing at Charlies!
03
Feb
10
Reflections on a Kindle….
There I was, minding my own business on my recent flight to Vegas for time in the sun, drinking a bit, gambling a bit – you know – - – VACATION! Hundreds of people go on vacation each week – to get away from it all. It was nice – but there I was – in my seat on the airplane when I heard the voice….
“Please turn off all electronic equipment before we land.”
They say this about 30 min before landing – everytime and that’s not the time it takes if you have to circle due to air traffic.
But – you know what? I kept on reading my book – then I had a think to myself, “What if I bought that frickin’ Kindle/Sony Reader/etc.?!?!?!?!??” I’d have to turn it off and be bored for 30 min to an hour or so….
Then I looked around….
No one had this contraption.
Again… NO ONE.
A handful of people had that all precious I-Pod of theirs and a couple of people had their laptop to watch a movie – but the majority of people either slept or read a book – -
Yes, an ACTUAL book.
Think about it – you don’t have to turn it off before and after departure… you don’t have to worry about breaking it if you drop it… .it can get reasonably wet and it’s still usable… you can lend it to your friend right away after you read it… you can leave it on the plane/train/bus for the next person to read…. well, there’s a lot you can do with a book.
One important thing was that I was reading it well into the landing of the plane and taxiing around until we got off and got into the terminal.
Take that, you Kindle you!
(Not to mention, book don’t need to be recharged — there’s no worry EVER about not getting to read a book due to a low battery…..)
28
Jan
10
Lake Titicaca
Like Meg: I love this name!!! And then, I was wondering where the F*** it is! Well lo and behold, I found a map online – - – who knew?
About the Lake (from “Bolivia Handbook” by Footprint Handbooks)
Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake on earth at 11,463 feet altitude. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia, the Andean peoples refer to the lake as “The Sacred Lake: and legends say that the first Inca rose from its depths and went out to found the Inca Empire. Actually two lakes joined by the Strait of Tiquina, it sprawls over 3,500 square miles, fed by waters from the melting snows of the Andes.
earby, on the Bolivian side of the lake, arose the population and ceremonial center of Tiahuanaco, capital of one of the most important civilizations of South America. Tiahuanaco ceremonial sites were built along the lake’s shores, indicating that the lake was considered sacred at least 2,000 years ago.
Excavations have uncovered the remains of five civilizations, one on top of the other, the last one ending a hundred years before the first Inca. Tiahuanaco was a pilgrimage site for the Incas.
At the time of the Spanish Conquest, one of the most important religious sites of the Inca Empire was located on the Island of the Sun. Titicaca was perceived by its ancient cultures to be an inland sea connected to the ocean, mother of all waters.
Today, people still believe that the lake is involved in bringing rain and that, closely associated with the mountain deities, it distributes water sent by them. The people who utilize the lake’s resources still make offerings to her, to ensure sufficient totora reeds for boats, for successful fishing, for safe passage across its waters and for a mild climate.
QUICK FACTS: (Gathered from a variety of places and not verified)
- About half the lake resides in Peru and half in Bolivia
- It is the highest navigable body of water at 3,821 (12,507 feet) meters
- It covers 8,300 square km, sunning 190 km NW to SE & is 80 km across
- It lies in a 60,000 square km basin between the coastal & eastern Andes
- The average depth is over 100 m with deepest point at 281 m
- 25 rivers, mostly from Peru, flow into the lake and a small outlet leaves the lake at Desaguadero on the Bolivia-Peru border, which is only 5% of the inflow with the rest lost in evaporation.
- The lake is the remnant of a vast area of water formed in the Ice Age known as Lake Bolivian
- The traditional totora-reed boats take 3 days to build and last 7-8 months while wooden boats take longer to build but last 7-8 years
- If someone falls into the lake, like a fisherman, it is traditional not to rescue them but to let them drown as an offering to the Earth Goddess Pachamama.
28
Jan
10
Toyota Syns
Lots of Toyotas are being recalled – turns up you can die from something they left out. Accelerator sticking and/or brakes don’t work – one person already dead… Still I love my Toyota!
Check out what they’re recalling:
Toyota’s U.S. sales suspension
2009-’10 RAV4
2009-’10 Corolla
2007-’10 Camry
2009-’10 Matrix hatchback
2005-’10 Avalon
2010 Highlander
2007-’10 Tundra
2008-’10 Sequoia
27
Jan
10
Quote of the Day: From NPR
“If Apple’s tablet turns out to be everything publishers and techies are dreaming of, it could make e-book readers like the Kindle seem as quaint as a paper book.” by Lynn Neary
27
Jan
10
The Wonder Syns
Yesterday, an old friend of mine came in town to visit Lisa and I! It was great to see her and catch up with her from the good ol’ days of college! Much wine and cocktails were had by all – and even some Doctor Who. Today she’ll find out if she gets to move back here from Nevada!
In other exciting news, she sat next to Jason Hervey in the airport. She was kind of stunned I guess but then figured it had to be him – so she asked. Turned out it was him! I had a crush on him ever since I could remember – so hearing about it was kind of cool. He’s in L.A. now, has 2 kids, etc – latest project he worked on was that Scott Baio reality show – but still kind of cool.
The guys been in after school specials, the Love Boat, Wonder Years, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, Simon and Simon – I mean – trivia wise – he’s like an idol for me!
Spotting famous people is always fun – I usually miss out on them tho – I”m not very good at it and rely on others to either let me know that they’re near or what I missed – I think it’s because I’m too self involved? NAH!
Oh, by the by, Bicardi and Lemonade, not a bad idea – and hey, add a little diet Coke too.
Happy Hump Day!
26
Jan
10
Odd, Right?
Something odd is happening:
3 years or more ago – guy is interested, I’m interested – chat, chat, chat – finally ask him to meet and he says he’s dating someone and they’re moving in together….
Fine
About a year ago – same guy chats it up – we should meet, etc. A week or so after the date he tells me that he met someone….
Now: Wants to do something again…
Should I?
Just throwing this question into the cosmos…..
*sighs*
25
Jan
10
Goatee vs. Van Dyke
What gets my goat – as of late – is the fact that most men don’t know what to call their facial hair.
Men’s description of themselves, especially in online dating/chat sites, put that they have a goatee and they show a picture of themselves (hopefully, anyway) in a Van Dyke. WTF! Don’t men know the difference – and why don’t they?
For all you guys out there – - – A Goatee: A Beard formed by a tuft of hair on the chin.
Yep, just the chin – you know – like a GOAT. Hence the name. If you have more hair goin’ on on your face – you DO NOT have a goatee.
A VAN DYKE consists of a goatee and a moustache – - see photo below:
I know I”m just speaking to no one on here and no one probably cares about this – but I just wanted to vent! Hope you have a GREAT rest of the week and with all that said – both versions of this look sexy as hell.
Just sayin’…
22
Jan
10
McCain and Prop 8
I think she’s pretty cool! Go Cindy!
Another ally in getting equal rights for all -
BRAVO!
21
Jan
10
Desk Items
I’m just looking around my desk and noticed that I have some odd things on my desk….
A Lobster
A Plastic Kitty
A Bunny with Ballons
Buda
Chapstick (which I don’t use ever)
Eraser putty
The Scream Blow Up Doll
3 Pairs of Sunglasses
6 Books “Strengths Finders 2.0″ to hold up my laptop
Mommie Dearest Picture
Saline Solution
Aleve
2 Blue Pub Dogs
A half of a loaf of Bread
Miso Soup Packages
Empty Snapple Bottle
Paper clip containers (2 of them)
White Out
2 Turtles – plastic
A Zebra
Pink and Yellow Post-its…..
and that’s just what’s in front of me – - -
What’s on your desk?
20
Jan
10
Zima?
Remember when drinking this was ‘cool’? I had a TON of it in New Orleans at OZ, but that was the time we lost Trevor and groped a statue in the French Quarter – I also made out with a drag queen, got love beads, a coffee and beignets at 7am afterwards, but I digress….
From www.whatscookingamerica.net:
Beignet Recipe
1 cup lukewarm water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, room temperature & beaten
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup evaporated milk
4 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons instant active dry yeast
Vegetable oil*
Powdered sugar for dusting
* Use just enough vegetable oil to completely cover beignets while frying.
Using a mixer with a dough hook, place water, sugar, salt, egg, butter, evaporated milk, flour, and yeast in the bowl. Beat until smooth. If using a bread machine, select dough setting and press Start. When dough cycle has finished, remove dough from pan and turn out onto a lightly oiled surface. form dough into an oval, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until well chilled (3 to 4 hours) or overnight.
To prepare dough, remove from refrigerator and roll out on a lightly floured board to 1/2-inch thickness. Cut into approximately 3-inch squares or circles.
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 360 degrees F. Fry the beignets (2 or 3 at a time) 2 to 3 minutes or until they are puffed and golden brown on both sides, turning them in the oil with tongs once or twice to get them evenly brown; beignets will rise to the surface of the oil as soon as they begin to puff. NOTE: If the beignets don’t rise to the top immediately when dropped into the oil, the oil is not hot enough. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels, then sprinkle heavily with powdered sugar. Serve hot.
NOTE: The dough can be kept for up to a week in the refrigerator – it actually improves with age; just punch down when it rises. Dough can also be frozen; cut and roll, or shape doughnuts before freezing.)
Makes 18 beignets.
19
Jan
10
R.I.P. Pizza Man
A local establishment burned down last night (3:33 am) - Pizza Man.
I used to live by this place back in my 20s and went there on occasion – with friend or with family – it was a HUGE Milwaukee institution.
Grecian Delights is gone as well – a place in the same building and no one was hurt in the fire, except all those bottles of wine..
Much sadness is going on today – If you have a story or know of Pizza Man – let me know.
18
Jan
10
A Single Syn
“A Single Man” was just released here in Milwaukee this weekend and it’s simply AMAZING! Colin should have won for best actor at the Globes but alas and alack – Julianne Moore is splendid and Tom Ford has such a great eye – the movie was like sipping a martini. Yep, sipping a martini.
Now off to important things:
Globe talk:
Alan wins best chili and Lisa best brownies! I win for having great friends to enjoy the Golden Globes with!
Best Golden Globes: Mariah Carey – did you see her golden globes? OMG!
Worst Golden Globes: Drew Barrymore’s rocky speech
Unmentionable Golden Globes: Ricky Gervais talking about his unmentionables.
Denying the Globes: Robert Downey Jr.’s not needing to thank anyone for his award.
Annoying Globes: All of those pans into the audience and all they can focus on is an almost dead Beetle?
Best Debauchery of Avatar: Arnold’s “Ava Dar” pronunciation.
Most interesting, hum, scary, hum Addams Family style presenters: Cher and Christina A.
Best Looking Lesbian: Jodi Foster (ok Jane Lynch was smokin’ too!)
Best Looking Couple: Heidi Klum and Seal (HOTTTTT!)
Glad I tuned in moments: Mo’nique – Glee – Martin Scorsese’s eyebrows – botched plastic surgeries – Jane Lynch’s dress!
Who was robbed? True Blood, Precious herself, Colin Firth and all the best songs were just ‘ok’ songs…
Will I watch again next year? OH YA, BABY!
By the by…. Can anyone tell me why botox is a good thing??? I give you Exhibit A: Jay Manuel
Looking plastic is not real…. but that’s me….
15
Jan
10
Holiday Party: More, more, more
Found 2 more pictures from the our holiday party this past December. Thought I’d share them with all y’all…
I was going through my music the other day and had to post the albums that got me to where I am today :
#10 – Culture Club: Color By Numbers
Why? My mom got me hooked on this group – she’s the one that wanted the album because of Boy George’s voice and she was right on the money – his voice is amazing and he was my first view into acceptance of who you are no matter what you look like or who you love.
Favorite Song: Church of the Poison Mind
# 9 – Xanadu Soundtrack: ELO and Olivia Newton John
Why? Do I really need to explain? The title track alone is enough to influence my life, but the rest of the album? WOW!
Favorite Song: Suspended in Time
# 8 – Depeche Mode: Violator
Why? Sure we all had our pseudo goth moments and mine was violator among others – dancing alone on the dance floor to Personal Jesus or Enjoy the Silence in your own bedroom – whatever the case is – Great Moody Music!
Favorite Song: World in My Eyes
# 7 – Cyndi Lauper: True Colors
Why? I saw the Change of Heart music video and I fell deeper in love with Cyndi’s music – on top of that there was also the title track which has gone on to become a HUGE gay anthem, because , well, Cyndi ROX!
Favorite song: Calm Inside the Storm
# 6 – B-52s: Bouncing Off the Satellites
Why? This was my first CD from the B’s and I fell instantly in love with them! Songs like, Theme for a Nude Beach, Wig and Summer of Love… Truly a masterpiece of aural pleasures!
Favorite Song: Girl from Ipanema Goes to Greenland
# 5 – Erasure: The Innocents
Why? Andy Bell was gay culture when I was coming out and ALL of these songs gave voice to what I was thinking…
Favorite song: Yahoo!
# 4 – Lords of Acid: Lust
Why? Play the whole album while with that someone very special – - trust me…..
Favorite song: I Must Increase My Bust
# 3 – Enigma: MCMXC A.D.
Why? Hypnotic – probably a reason why I listed it after “Lust”….
Favorite song: Mea Culpa
#2 – Tori Amos: Little Earthquakes
Why? My friend Jason brought it the gay club I went to when I was 20-21 and put it on because he saw the video that day of Silent All These Years and had to get the CD and had to bring it to dance to. He had the club put it in and he danced by himself. I looked over and heard the song and saw a couple of people gravitate to the dance floor and sway along with the music and I closed my eyes and when I opened them – I was one of the people there with Jason, enjoying the moment – I’ve gotten all of her music since then… It also helped that the back of the CD looked phallic, just sayin’.
Favorite song: Leather
#1 – Cyndi Lauper: She’s So Unusual
Why? The definitive feel good album of the 80s – more of the who the f*** cares what you look like, what you sound like, who you are – just be the best you can be – - Yes, once again Cyndi ROX -
Favorite song: All Through the NIght
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Now, there is a group of people I didn’t mention because, I think it’s implied if you know me - but ABBA ruled my whole childhood growing up – I had ALL of their albums by age 10 and I’d say that all of those would be my top albums, so I don’t list any of them because really – there’s no need – I just had to give them the honorable mention here –
Peace Out.
13
Jan
10
Smallville: Population Minus One
I think I’ve said this before but …. Everyone has been on frickin’ Smallville EXCEPT for Teri Hatcher…
WTF!
Teri – get thee on to that show before it ends ASAP!
Dean Cain, Margot Kidder, Christopher Reeve, Terrance Stamp, Annette O’Toole, etc have ALL been on it – so what makes you so special?
Aren’t you ‘Desperate’ enough?
Just satisfy the comic/TV/movie geeks and at least play a woman in the crowd or cafe – something?
Just a thought….
12
Jan
10
The Walkers: Reunion?
I suggest to you, gentle TV viewers – the cross-over of the new decade – -
The ABC drama “Brothers and Sisters” gets a visit from their deceased father, William Walker’s brother’s widow…. yes, sister-in-law from New York City…..
Karen Walker….
Could Megan do drama?
Could she make Karen believable in a drama?
She could be the right kind of spice to liven up this show – and provide a foil within the family business – - interesting, huh?
I thought so….
12
Jan
10
Will Young
My new favorite obsession: Will Young – openly gay winner of 2002 Pop Idol in Britain – why haven’t I been all about him before? Why hadn’t I known about him – well hold on to your seats – - see him in action – you will like him too, oh yes, you will like him too!
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