My IJ [entries|archive|friends|userinfo]
IJ

[ userinfo | insanejournal userinfo ]
[ archive | journal archive ]

Holy hell! A 513 Epiphany! [Dec. 25th, 2009|03:12 pm]
[Tags|, ]

I posted it to [info]making_qaf.

Let me know what you think!
link5 comments|post comment

Merry Christmas! And happy whatever else you choose to celebrate! [Dec. 25th, 2009|12:13 am]
[Tags|]

To all you wonderfully, fabulously queer folk out there who celebrate the holiday in whatever fashion:



May you have a warm, wonderful, happy, safe, and joyous Christmas among those you love!



And to those of you whose dreidels spin the other way, hope you had a very happy Chanukah

or whatever other festive winter holiday you celebrate!


♥ Flame
link6 comments|post comment

The QaF meme you guys did last week [Dec. 18th, 2009|06:17 pm]
[Tags|]

Happy Chanukah! (just under the wire)
And Happy Belated Birthday to Bunny (and anyone else I may have missed)!

And because I'm listening to someone ramble on the phone and trying to catch up with weeks of F-list stuff.

( Answers to the oft-bizarre questions below, if you care. )
link2 comments|post comment

A sad day on Liberty Avenue [Dec. 4th, 2009|06:27 pm]
[Tags|]

I am very sad to see that Pegasus, my favorite club on the real Liberty Avenue in the real Pittsburgh, is closing this week after nearly 30 years in business.

For you QaF fans, Pegasus was kind of like a cross between Woody's and Babylon, with it's own little baby Babylon (18-21 section) to one side. It was warm and welcoming and played great music. It was small enough to be intimate -- much smaller than Babylon -- but big enough to be a real party.

I have fond memories of dancing with, gyrating with, laughing with, hanging out with, and making out with a number of fun and friendly, bubbly and beautiful young men and women there. I will never forget it.

R.I.P. Pegasus. I'll miss you.

Full article with lots of details here.
link11 comments|post comment

What the heck, why not? [Oct. 30th, 2009|11:09 pm]
[Tags|]

Gakked from [info]qafmaniac et al.:

Leave a ONE WORD comment that you think describes me. It can only be one word. No more. Then copy & paste this into your journal so that I may leave a word about you.
link12 comments|post comment

[info]_alicesprings' fic meme -- I'll play! [Oct. 23rd, 2009|09:52 pm]
[Tags|, , ]

This seems like a good way to try to get back into the swing of things around here.

[info]_alicesprings said:
I'd like you to rec five fics, one in each category. It doesn't have to be your absolute fave (who can narrow it down?!) but just a really good fic for each category.

I'm going to try to pick some that I really like but aren't on every list I see.

AU: Ten Days of Christmas by bentrumorsbentrumors

Post-513: Live Action Short by [info]flashfly

Drabble: Chiquitita by [info]brianswalk

Humour or Crack: The Mikey thingy by sparkledarksparkledark

Gapfiller or fic from during the show's run: Hothouse Flower a lovely 116 GF written in '03 by DeAnna Zankich

If you enjoy them, don't forget to let the authors know it!
link8 comments|post comment

Only two more days! [Oct. 23rd, 2009|06:05 pm]
Only two more days to sign up for the QaF Holiday Gift Exchange at [info]qaf_giftxchnge.
Come join in the fun!

Info here.
Sign-ups here.
linkpost comment

Deb's T-shirts [Sep. 6th, 2009|04:11 pm]
[Tags|, ]

Okay, so I've been meaning to post this for ages, but never got around to it.
But today's qaf_rewindqaf_rewind post (found here) inspired me to get off my ass and finally post it, so here goes.

I think I got most of them, but I'm sure I'm missing a few, and I know I haven't figured out what's on some of them. So please pitch in! Many eyes are better than just two!
Comment if you find that any that are missing, if something needs correction, or if you figure out any that I wasn't able to. I'll keep editing as I rewatch and notice things as well. With a good group effort, I'm sure we'll get a complete list!

[Stuff in square brackets like this] are descriptions of images on the shirts.
* Asterisks stand for text I couldn't figure out.
? Question marks, unless they're obviously part of the saying on the shirt, stand for other stuff I couldn't figure out.
The color of the shirt follows the saying.

( List of Deb's T-Shirts )
link10 comments|post comment

Reminder: Gale's DH episodes airing today through Friday [Sep. 1st, 2009|05:28 pm]
[Tags|, , ]

Sorry I forgot to put this up last night, but better late than never.

Gale's DH episodes. Today through Friday. Two at a time. 3-5 p.m. Lifetime.
linkpost comment

Oh okay, I'll play [Aug. 28th, 2009|01:25 pm]
[Tags|]

Well, mine's about half right...
( Apparently the quiz thinks I'm... )
link4 comments|post comment

Catching up [Aug. 26th, 2009|06:34 pm]
[Tags|]

If I owe you a comment or a reply, or there's a post you were expecting from me, or a post of yours you're surprised I haven't replied to, be assured I'm trying to get caught up over the next few days.

I am slowly plowing my way through my f-list, my e-mails, and my notifications.

Hope you understand; it's been a busy few weeks.
link

"Friending": Who, what, where, when, why, and how. [Aug. 4th, 2009|11:10 pm]
[Tags|]

I've seen a lot of confusion and upset about "friending" on both LJ and IJ recently, so rather than repeating myself over and over, I've decided to make a post about this to which I can simply refer people when the subject comes up.

To "Friend" or Not To "Friend"...
( that is the question. Oh, and how and why to 'friend', too. )
link5 comments|post comment

My first and second thoughts on seeing this article: [Aug. 3rd, 2009|02:44 pm]
[Tags|, ]

First, I don't think this needs to be remade, at all.

Why is there so little original material making its way on to film and onto Broadway stages these days? (Rhetorical question. Get off your asses, grow some balls, and start creating, folks! Sigh. Maybe when the economy turns around more...)

But that said, if they're going to remake this one, I can totally see Gale in the role!
I know that won't happen, but I can totally see it.
link2 comments|post comment

Robert Gant doing the samba! [Aug. 2nd, 2009|11:06 pm]
[Tags|, , ]

Robert learning the samba on Show and Tell. Enjoy!
link1 comment|post comment

A comment about the first episode of Torchwood's "Children of Earth" [Jul. 7th, 2009|02:19 pm]
[Tags|]

Amazing episode. It had pretty much everything you could want in the first in a multipart drama.

Except one thing made me go WTF and is still bugging me. A lot.
( very mild one-line 'spoiler' below - doesn't impact on any plot points at all, so not really a spoiler )
link4 comments|post comment

Dear fanfic writers: Stop the wank and do something about it. [Jun. 23rd, 2009|12:51 pm]
[Tags|, ]

I don't understand why there need to be arguments about warnings on fanfic.
(No, the current ones aren't in the QaF fandom, but it's happened here before too, and my point is relevant to all fandoms whether there's current wankage happening or not.)

The fact is that some people feel that they want or need warnings, for any of a number of very valid reasons (and maybe some not so valid ones, but so what).

Others, like me, while we understand that, don't like reading warnings and very much prefer not knowing in advance that a story is about xyz because it definitely changes the reading experience for us. Some people think that's stupid, which is their prerogative.

It is clear that there are many people in each camp. That is not going to change.

So why waste effort and bandwidth arguing about it? Wank doesn't help anyone and just creates animosity in fandom. Be proactive and do something about it.

The problem would be solved if all fic writers just made their warnings so that they need to be highlighted to be seen. It's a simple solution that makes everyone happy -- warnings that are easy to see if you want to and easy to not see if you don't want to. No big debate needed, it's a win/win.

( Here's how to do it and what it looks like: )

Also, feel free to link to this post from anywhere, or to ignore it if you prefer. But please do not comment here with further arguments about why you like/don't like warnings; that's been done ad nauseam elsewhere. I have no interest in becoming involved in this argument. I'm simply offering one possible solution.
link21 comments|post comment

Don't forget, Robert's new series premieres tonight! [Jun. 16th, 2009|11:14 am]
[Tags|, , ]

Personal Affairs (p.k.a. PAs), the new series starring Robert Gant, premieres tonight at 9:00 PM on BBC 3.

If you're lucky enough to see it, especially since many of us don't have access to BBC 3, please come back and let us all know your thoughts.

Click here to check out the scheduled air dates so far.
linkpost comment

To all my friends who are fans of both Blingees and Adam Lambert: [Jun. 11th, 2009|08:05 pm]
[Tags|, ]

To all my friends who are fans of both Blingees and Adam Lambert:

You should go here, as it will make you very happy:
http://community.livejournal.com/ontd_ai/402360.html

Personally, I think it's a little redundant ;) Adam is sparkly enough in his original unblingeed form -- hell, his own (hysterically awesome) brother called him "a glittery alien from planet Fierce!" (and "the human equivalent to a Flying Ferrari.")

But since I know some of you will enjoy the post anyway, I thought I'd let you know. Have fun! :)
link4 comments|post comment

Random thought while watching 204 [Jun. 7th, 2009|04:14 pm]
[Tags|]

( Random thought while watching 204 )

ETA: Crap, I just noticed that I posted this here in error. I meant to post to [info]making_qaf. Please address all further comments to my post there.
link4 comments|post comment

Re: The Yes/No Meme that's making the rounds [May. 30th, 2009|03:44 pm]
[Tags|]

1 - I updated mine because I recalled a few things that changed a few of my answers, and because I was so tired and bummed out when I did it I wasn't really being my usual self. I've also posted replies to a few of your questions, and you're welcome to hit me with more.

2 - When I first saw this meme, I thought it was going to be a really dumb one, but it's turning out to be really interesting. I'm learning fun stuff about you guys and feel like I'm getting to know you better.

3 - I'm also finding out some interesting things about my f-list as a group. Most strikingly, I find it astounding that more of you have been on t.v. than have eaten oysters! I never would have predicted that. My f-list seems to have a profoundly unadventurous palate, even among those who seem otherwise pretty adventurous in life.

4 - Way too many of you have never given blood. Please consider doing so. There is a profound shortage of blood products available for people who need them, in this country anyway (I can't speak for others). It's really not that big a deal for most people, and what you are doing for someone is huge. If you can't, for whatever reason, then so be it. The key thing is that the people who can, do.
link15 comments|post comment

In answer to a question from a friend... [May. 20th, 2009|01:06 am]
[Tags|, ]

Why do I love Adam Lambert?

I did not start off as a big Adam fan. I loved Allison and liked several of the other men and women in the competition too. But Adam grew on me and quickly made it obvious that as a performer, he was in a different class than the rest of the contestants. Finally, he completely won me over when he totally blew me away with his (first) live performance of "Mad World" (despite not quite nailing the last note).

I love Adam because he's got a versatile voice with which he finesses both ends of the dynamic range when most don't even bother to go there,
because he understands how to bring out the excitement in the understated, as well as how to go over the top without going over the line,
because he's a ballsy and vibrant performer who understands how to interact with an audience as well as his fellow performers, and how to command the stage as a star and still respect his fellow performers,
because he's got enormous balls (metaphorically) without being arrogant,
because he hasn't let the AI machine or conservative pressure bully all the originality of spirit and style out of him or the makeup off of him,
because he makes me eagerly anticipate seeing what he's going to do next,
because he hasn't apologized for or tried to explain away the many photos of him in flamboyant makeup and costumes or macking on men,
because his behavior has been consistently mature and professional without being uptight or boring,
and
because he's handled Seacrest, the judges, and the press brilliantly.

Oh, and he gets extra credit points for having done Burning Man and being happy to be compared to something out of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

This is a guy who clearly loves performing and loves life, and is taking both by the balls and unapologetically running with them.

No, his voice isn't perfect, but it's pretty damn amazing, and I get the feeling he understands that one always keeps learning and is dedicated enough that he will never stop working on honing his skills. You could even see that throughout the competition.

Put all that together, and yes, I'm an Adam fan.

Win or lose, this guy's going to have a great career, and I wish him all the best in that and in life.
link6 comments|post comment

My brain is getting some interesting exercise tonight [May. 20th, 2009|12:37 am]
[Tags|, ]

Picking up, dialing, waiting, hanging up, and repeating on auto-pilot ad infinitum from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. with my right hand, while simultaneously reading my f-list and posting a few times, doing all my typing and maneuvering with my left hand A big accomplishment for an extreme right-hander!

I'm pretty sure Adam Lambert's going to be responsible for the first repetitive stress injury of my life.
1-866-436-5703 kids. Just do it! You can do a lot in 20 minutes.
link17 comments|post comment

Damn [May. 6th, 2009|02:51 am]
[Tags|, ]

I wish Adam had nailed that last note of his live version of "Mad World", because I'm fucking addicted to his version of this song and his live version is so much better than his studio one -- the Boleroesque crescendo of tension laid over a driving rhythm is great and his dynamics are amazing -- except for that last fucking note. Sigh.

Or perhaps I should say, I wish he'd done with the studio version what he did with it live, just longer and a little more polished. That'd be even better. The studio version's not bad, but it doesn't have the tension and the spark of the live one, it's more plodding than driving, and they've taken a lot of the richness out of his voice with the processing as well.
link2 comments|post comment

Hey vidders and filmmakers [Apr. 10th, 2009|01:50 am]
[Tags|]

I know there are a number of brilliant and talented vidders and filmmakers on my f-list, and I thought you should know about this great opportunity! You can show off your talents, help a fantastic cause, and have a chance to win up to $2500. Have fun fighting back!

Submit your pro marriage equality video to the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Project:Pushback video contest!
linkpost comment

My QaF smile for the day [Apr. 3rd, 2009|07:10 pm]
[Tags|]

One of the contestants currently on Jeopardy is named Jennie-Rebecca. :)
link6 comments|post comment

Could you guys please do me a favor by reading this and taking this poll? [Mar. 11th, 2009|07:24 pm]
[Tags|, ]

For the past three weeks, I've been having a problem with my IJ Inbox, a.k.a. Message Center. It tells me You have X new messages! but won't show them to me, and the area where the messages would be says "No Messages". A few weeks ago, the messages would show up after a few days. But now, it's been accumulating them without showing them to me for almost a week -- it's currently telling me I have 35 messages, and I still can't see them.

This is not "comment rot". The comments are still there in the posts; they are not disappearing. The email notifications are being sent and received properly. "Comment rot" started happening to people months ago. This problem only appeared 3 weeks ago.

The problem is simply that there seems to be an increasing delay (initially 24 hours, now almost a week) between when the comments appear in the numerical tally at the top of the Message Center and when actually show up in the Message Center.

I've reported the problem to support, and was told
"Unfortunately this is the only report we have on this issue on the support board."
and they told me to comment to [info]squeaky if I want to find out if this is an issue that may have to do with the recent problems he's been having. I already had, and received no reply.

Before I write to him again, I'd like to see if I'm really the only one having this problem. If I'm not mistaken, at least one of you ([info]pour_us_a_road), was experiencing similar problems earlier this week. How about the rest of you?

So if you could do me a favor and fill out this poll about it, I'd really appreciate it. I'd like to be able to give [info]squeaky some broader info than just my own experience.

Thanks! You guys are the best!

So first, go to your IJ Inbox, a.k.a. Message Center, here. Then take the poll:
( Poll under here. )
link48 comments|post comment

I'm baaaaaack... [Mar. 4th, 2009|08:24 pm]
Hey kids!

Well, I'm back from my hellacious 5-minutes-online-per-day-max week and a half of exile. I'll still be more busy than usual for the next few weeks, but I should be able to be around a bit, if not as much as I have been in much of the past.

On my To Do List:
-- post some of the interesting stuff that's been going on lately with the QaF alums over at [info]qaf_alumsnnews
-- stop by the QaF Friending Party (this should be on your To Do List too!)
-- check out the QaF IJ Trivia Contest (come on over and play too!)
-- reply to comments
-- and try to work my way back through the last two weeks of my f-lists.

I hope you're all well and having fun! I missed you guys and am very glad to be back.

Love, hugs, and kinky etceteras,
Flame
link10 comments|post comment

Well now ... [Feb. 4th, 2009|02:54 pm]
[Tags|]

... this sounds interesting.

What a cast!
link1 comment|post comment

How bizarre. [Jan. 28th, 2009|12:44 am]
[Tags|, , ]

So I was just watching 112 as I was getting ready for bed -- keep in mind that I have probably seen this episode at least several dozen times -- and I suddenly noticed something that I'd never noticed before. It's amazing to me that that can still happen.

Come on over to the new comm, [info]making_qaf, and see what I noticed. Then check out the profile page and first post so you know what the new comm's all about and join us if you're interested!
link5 comments|post comment

It fills the void [Jan. 26th, 2009|09:35 pm]
[Tags|, , ]

Awhile ago I noticed that there was nowhere on IJ to discuss the QaF cast and crew's pre-show careers or new projects, new airings of QaF, etc. and created [info]qaf_alumsnnews to fill that void.

Early last week, I noticed another void in the IJ QaF fandom -- the lack of an appropriate venue in which to talk about all the stuff behind the scenes of QaF, any time. So again, to fill the void I am announcing the birth of a new comm, [info]making_qaf -- a comm for discussion of QaF's development, casting, extras, locations, sets, production design, costuming and wardrobe, makeup, hair, writing, scripts, plotlines, direction, cinematography, sound, editing, art direction, animation, special effects, stunts, choreography, continuity, timeline, bloopers, advertising, promotion, press, interviews, etc.

I haven't posted anything of import to it yet, and won't have time to until at least tomorrow afternoon, but don't let that stop you. Feel free to start without me! Discussions can range from the serious to the silly, as long as they are relevant.

So, if you're 18 or over, please come check out [info]qaf_alumsnnews and [info]making_qaf. Join (and add to your f-list), post, discuss, whenever you like. Just please read the profile pages first so you know what each comm is all about and what the comm rules are.

Enjoy!
link1 comment|post comment

Comments [Jan. 23rd, 2009|11:48 pm]
[Tags|]

Quick question:

Is there any way to get IJ to send you e-mail copies of comments you write, in addition to copies of the ones other people leave for you? LJ does it, but I can't figure out how to get IJ to do it -- the relevant check box on the bottom of the http://www.insanejournal.com/manage/comments/ page won't allow itself to be checked -- and it makes me nuts not to have copies of my own comments unless someone replies to them.

I should mention, I have a permanent account.
Thanks!
link6 comments|post comment

The world reacts to the Obama inaugural [Jan. 21st, 2009|03:18 pm]
Thanks to Joe for the referral to this one.

Obama headlines worldwide. Pretty cool. Note that they're each clickable to enlarge.

And yet again, I forgot to pick up The Times this morning and everyone's long since sold out. Damn. Oh well.
link2 comments|post comment

Pressing Inaugural Fashion issue [Jan. 20th, 2009|11:17 pm]
So everyone's talking about Michelle's outfits and evening dress. But what I want to know is, what's with the white tie without tails, Mr. President? Is it just me, or is that a bit bizarre?

ETA: I mean, historically the white tie without tails was what the help wore to distinguish them from the guests at black-tie events. I don't get it. I'd love to hear the reasoning behind this from whoever advised him to wear that ensemble.

They really are totally cute together, regardless. :)
link6 comments|post comment

Barack Hussein Obama, 44th President of the United States of America [Jan. 20th, 2009|05:41 pm]
[Tags|, ]

Finally our country, our people, our civil rights, our reputation, and our responsibilities will again be championed by someone mature, intelligent, eloquent, introspective, responsible, sophisticated, approachable, and competent under pressure.

This is a man who understands that there are shades of gray not just black and white, who understands that government should act ethically and defend religious freedom not impose religious morality in law, who will not compromise our rights and freedoms in the name of their defense, who is respectful of and in open communication with the citizens of this country and the rest of the world rather than condescending to us and them, who understands the critical value of education rather than belittling it as an elitist pursuit, who understands that science isn't myth and vice versa, who seems committed to advancing this country toward equal rights for all, who holds himself and all of us to high standards rather than pandering to the lowest common denominator, and inspires us to want to live up to those expectations. And his wife is right there with him.

I find myself thinking: Free at last, free at last! Thank god almighty (or whatever it is*), we are free at last!

There is so much more swirling around in my head, but I am honestly too overwhelmed by emotion -- intense relief, pure joy, historical gravitas, renewed pride and hope, etc. -- to have the wherewithal to eloquently express everything that's in my heart today. I may add more later as it comes to me.

I wish my parents had lived to see this day.

And all my best, most healing thoughts to Senator Kennedy in his immediate recovery and ongoing fight. I'm glad he was there to be a part of this.


* I'll explain what I mean by that at another time. I actually have an essay on my philosophical/religious beliefs in progress at the moment. I got inspired to write it by some things that came up over the holidays. It should be ready within a few weeks.
link8 comments|post comment

Addendum to earlier post [Jan. 16th, 2009|01:34 am]
For those of you who liked my earlier post, couldn't see the clip, or missed it all together...

To see the cutest condom commercial ever in even higher resolution and with the added bonus of a few cute "outtakes," check it out here on the director's website.
linkpost comment

Cutest condom ad ever [Jan. 15th, 2009|05:57 pm]
( Very clever, Durex. Very clever. )
link10 comments|post comment

Because I needed to decompress after a crazy day, the movie meme from everywhere [Jan. 10th, 2009|08:39 pm]
I am a movie buff, so I would have been shocked to see that I've only seen 81 of the following 200+ films, except that the list is heavily weighted toward exactly those types of movies I don't particularly like (i.e. horror, stupid comedy, and stupid action).

The meme instructions say:
Mark the ones you've seen. There are 243 films on this list. Copy this list, paste it in your journal. Then, put x's next to the films you've seen, add them up, change the header adding your number, and click post at the bottom. Have fun!

Word has it that if you've seen more than 85 movies on this list, you have no life.
Well, though I've only seen 81 of these, there are only a handful on the list that I would want to see but haven't. The rest I wouldn't want to waste my time on. However, I would venture to say that I have seen over a thousand other films that are not on this list. And you know what? I do have a life, and good films are one of the many things I enjoy in it. :)

( Read more... )
linkpost comment

Back from my bed [Jan. 3rd, 2009|12:57 am]
Hello all!

I'm back. After my cold started to resolve the day before Christmas, I got much sicker a few days later. So since submitting my [info]qaf_giftxchnge post, I've only been online for a sum total of about eight minutes. (Speaking of the [info]qaf_giftxchnge, go check out the wonderful S1 fic [info]pinkfriction wrote for me! I haven't read the rest yet, but I'm looking forward to it.)

The only time I've ever had a comparably bad cough was when I got pertussis from one of my patients a few years ago, and that was only worse because it lasted for over a month and each paroxysm lasted forever. This time the paroxysms weren't nearly as bad, but they were so frequent and irresistible that despite various cough suppressants, I couldn't sleep for more than half an hour at a time for about five days. I was totally trashed and every muscle in my neck and torso was screaming in pain. Then, once my doc finally hit on a combo of narcotic and non-narcotic cough suppressants that actually did the trick, I finally slept... almost continuously for the past three days. Not totally better yet, but back to well enough to function.

I honestly have to say that while I'll scan quickly back through my f-list for the ten or so days I missed, I just don't have the time to respond to all the things I might have, had I come across them as they came along. Sorry.

Anyway, I hope you all had a better time over the holidays than I did.
May you all have a very happy, healthy, fun, and fabulous 2009!

Much love,
-- Flame
link10 comments|post comment

Happy Chanukah! [Dec. 21st, 2008|05:58 pm]
So it's a quiet first night of Chanukah for me as I'm still a bit under the weather, but there will be celebrations with friends later in the week.

Here's wishing a very happy, happy Chanukah to all of you who celebrate!
link11 comments|post comment

Sick. [Dec. 21st, 2008|02:00 pm]
Crap. Turns out my "premonition" the other day was right. I knew I'd end up getting sick the minute that lady at the drugstore shoved her coughing, snot-nosed two year old into my arms so she could run after her four-year-old destructo twins. She was cute as hell (the kid), and I Purelled myself as much as I could immediately thereafter, but she coughed directly in my face one too many times. And now, inevitably, I'm sick. Stuffed up sinuses, swollen tender nodes, myalgias, and a tickle in my throat I can't get rid of. Unngh... I don't feel good.

However, on the bright side, the snow is still pretty and my furnace is still working, so after I make myself something to eat (it sucks being alone when you're sick) I can snuggle up and watch the birds and the squirrels play in the snow for awhile. Then I'll reply to some comments and emails that are waiting for me. Maybe I'll even read some fic today, and if I feel up to it later -- probably after a nap -- post some of the stuff I've been meaning to post for awhile now. I certainly don't feel good enough to do any work or go out today.
link8 comments|post comment

Happiness is... [Dec. 19th, 2008|10:49 pm]
I've been happier and less stressed out during the past couple of days than I've been in weeks, perhaps even months.

Why?

We finally got some snow!!! About two inches a few days ago, and just as it had almost all melted... another 5-6 inches today! I made today my errand day (rather than tomorrow) just so I could be out and about in the snow all day. It was wonderful.

In case you couldn't tell, I love snow.

First, it's just absolutely beautiful.
I love the way it looks when it's falling.
I love the way the world looks covered with a sparkling blanket of white.
I particularly love how beautiful it makes the trees and bushes, highlighting every branch.
I love the snow at night when it makes everything seem to glow and sparkle.
I love the patterns it makes on windows.
I love the way the house I grew up in looks in the snow -- it's like a fairytale.
I love Manhattan in the snow -- especially the really big snows when the streets are devoid of vehicles and everyone walks or cross country skis everywhere, and plays and sleds in the park together deep into the night.

I love how crisp and fresh snow smells.
I love the way it feels and sounds when I walk in it.
I love how quiet and serene it makes everything.
I love how quiet, cooperative, and playful it makes everyone.
I love how cozy it feels to stay inside bundled up by a fire watching the snow.
I love getting all bundled up and going out into the snow to walk, to play, even to shovel.
Snowmen. Forts. Snowballs. Angels. Catching snowflakes on my tongue. Sledding, or just grabbing a piece of cardboard and hitting the nearest hill. Taking my Dad's old microscope outside and looking at all the beautiful forms that snowflakes take. I love how snow brings out our inner children.
But the best is just walking -- alone or with a loved one -- in the quiet, lovely snow.
link4 comments|post comment

Okay kids, check out this silly, wonderful, star-studded brilliance: [Dec. 3rd, 2008|08:32 am]
[Tags|, , ]


Prop 8: The Musical

Courtesy of Towleroad:
Hairspray composer Marc Shaiman (whose boycott lead to the resignation of Sacramento's California Musical Theatre creative director Scott Eckern following his donation to Prop 8) wrote and conceived this hysterical short piece (presented with a wink and a nod by the 'Sacramento Community College Players'), which was directed and staged by Hairspray director and choreographer Adam Shankman and features plenty of folks you will recognize.

Shaiman plays the piano. Jordan Ballard, Margaret Cho, Barrett Foa, J.B. Ghuman, John Hill, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph, Rashad Naylor, Nicole Parker star as 'California Gays and The People That Love Them'. John C Reilly as a Prop 8 leader, and Alison Janney as his wife. Kathy Najimy as his second wife. Jenifer Lewis as a riffing Prop 8'er. Craig Robinson as a preacher. Rashida Jones, Lake Bell, Sarah Chalke as Scary Catholic School Girls from Hell. Katharine "Kooks" Leonard, Seth Morris, Denise "Esi!" Piane, Lucian Piane, Richard Read, Seth Redford, Quinton Strack, and Tate Taylor as The Frightened Villagers.

Jack Black stars as Jesus Christ, and Neil Patrick Harris is billed as 'A Very Smart Fellow'.

( Check out the video under here or at the link above )
link6 comments|post comment

Hey New Yorkers: Pissed about the passage of Prop 8? [Nov. 9th, 2008|10:39 pm]
[Tags|, ]

Come join New York City's first Prop 8 protest on Wednesday evening.

Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Location: Manhattan Mormon Temple,
125 Columbus Ave at 65th Street (NE corner across from Lincoln Center)

PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION - BRING SIGNS -- ALERT THE MEDIA

"Tens of thousands of our brothers and sisters are in the streets in California and Salt Lake City and around the country protesting the votes banning same-sex marriage in California. Join them! Make your voices heard right here in New York City. We will tell the Mormon Church how we feel about its relentless campaign to condemn and control our lives. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was, by far, the biggest financer of California's heinous and hateful Proposition 8. The Mormon Church begged their members to donate money to Prop 8, pouring 20 million dollars into the campaign. And their attacks on us didn't start there and aren't about to end. They're plotting right now to bring their money and influence to bear against the LGBT community everywhere in this country, including trying to prevent marriage equality in New York."
linkpost comment

Hi there! [Nov. 6th, 2008|05:14 pm]
[Tags|, ]

Well, my mood seems to have stabilized a bit since my post late last night:
... I've been emotionally incontinent and rapid cycling between unbridled joy about this country finally having elected an articulate and intelligent leader, overwhelming soppy emotion over this country having put an African-American in the White House, frustrated angry depression over the passage of anti-gay initiatives all over the country, being pissed as hell because someone fucking stole my New York Times from my front doorstep before I got up this morning and there are absolutely none to be found anywhere, and sheer exhaustion.
I am thrilled and moved by Obama's win. I couldn't stop crying, despite cheering too, through his entire speech. It's a night I will remember the way I do very few events in my life: the moon landing, the fall of the Berlin wall, 9/11...

I am livid and disheartened that Prop 8 seems to have passed -- I figured it would be kind of close, but in my heart I really thought it would be defeated. Though thankfully, the LGBT community in CA isn't rolling over and taking that, so we'll see if the remaining uncounted ballots make any difference, or the lawsuits... I'd be marching in the streets if I was there too! But given that I'm not, I'll be looking for other ways I can help.

My election eve was fun and left me flying, hoarse, exhausted, and energized.( Read more... )
linkpost comment

Today [Nov. 6th, 2008|12:51 am]
Sorry I haven't been online today kids. I promise to reply to your e-mails, texts, comments, posts, etc. tomorrow.

Instead, I've been emotionally incontinent and rapid cycling between unbridled joy about this country finally having elected an articulate and intelligent leader, overwhelming soppy emotion over this country having put an African-American in the White House, frustrated angry depression over the passage of anti-gay initiatives all over the country, being pissed as hell because someone fucking stole my New York Times from my front doorstep before I got up this morning and there are absolutely none to be found anywhere, and sheer exhaustion.

More on my thoughts about all this later.

Love you guys.
-- Flame

p.s. If anyone has an extra copy of the 11/5/08 New York Times they'd be willing to part with, I'd be very grateful -- I have a thing about saving all 6-column editions of the Times. If I catch the asshole who stole mine, I will flay them.
linkpost comment

I voted, did you? [Nov. 4th, 2008|09:46 am]
[Tags|, ]

I voted first thing this morning.

If you can, please go vote if you haven't already!!! But be prepared, I'm hearing about 2 hour waits in some places already. But please don't let that deter you, and protect yourself and others from voter suppression.

-- Remember, in most states, as long as you're in line when the polls close, you are allowed to vote, no matter how long the line is at that time. Call the hotline below if you're not sure and you think you might run into this problem.
-- Bring a book and some water and snacks in case the line is long.
-- Bring some for other people.
-- Bring an umbrella if there's any chance it might rain.
-- Bring lawn chairs for the elderly, pregnant, or infirm.
-- Encourage people not to be deterred by long lines.
-- Consider videoing your voting with a camera or cellphone if you're using a computerized or touchscreen system, so that you'll have documentation in case your vote flips during the process.
-- If you or others have problems at the polls, call the Voter Protection Hotline immediately:
     * 866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683
     * Espanol 888-VE-Y-VOTA / 888-839-8682
     * Asian languages: 800-966-5946
Program it into your cell before you go, or make sure you have it on a piece of paper in your wallet.
-- If despite all your efforts, they won't let you vote for some reason, demand a provisional ballot.
-- Offer people a ride to the polls if they don't have one.
-- Offer to cover your coworkers for a few hours so at they can go vote.
-- Give the people who work for you a break if they're late or need to leave early to go vote.

But most importantly, just go vote! It's more than just a right, it's a privilege and a responsibility.

If you've already voted, thank you! Please consider going back to the polls with food, water, chairs, magazines, etc. for people waiting in long lines, and to encourage them not to give up and walk away.

( Details of my voting experience this morning )

Off to drive people to the polls...
link6 comments|post comment

Happy Halloween! and some Love [Oct. 31st, 2008|10:26 pm]
[Tags|, ]

Happy Halloween everyone! Hope you're having some fun tonight, either out on the town, or at home passing out goodies. I decided to stay in as I'm fighting off a cold, so I've been Purelling every time the doorbell rings -- Pavlov would be proud -- and giving out treats to the kiddies.

Well, the trick-or-treaters seem to have finished their rounds early this year, despite which I got about double the number I've had in any of the last few years. However, there are still leftovers, all of which will be dropped off at my local Obama campaign office for the volunteers.

I received: Luke and Anakin Skywalker, the Grim Reaper, 4 vampires, Batman, a racecar driver, a fairy, a policeman, a gladiator, 3 skeletons, a flapper, 2 pirates, a Power Ranger, a Jack-O'Lantern, a witch, a hippie, a coffeetable complete with lamp and candydishes, Cindy McCain, Dr. Strangelove, 1 'random guy', and a few other things that blew by so fast I didn't have time to figure out what they were.

What were the best costumes you saw this year? And if you dressed up, what did you go as?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Secondly, I was tagged by [info]qafmaniac for the latest meme:

List five reasons you believe in the love! One from each season. You can use pictures, icons, or words. Then tag 5 people.

However, since the trick-or-treaters weren't leaving me much time to hunt for and upload photos, I'm going to go the icons route.

( Which you can find here. )

Love to all of you too!
Boo! Happy Halloween. ;)

p.s. Oh yeah, I have absolutely no idea who hasn't done this or been tagged yet, so if you haven't and you want to, go for it! Show us your love.
link16 comments|post comment

Desperately needed No on 8 donations will be matched today [Oct. 31st, 2008|05:10 pm]
[Tags|]

Tim Gill, the founder of software giant Quark and gay social network Connextion, will match dollar for dollar all donations made by midnight tonight via via the Connextion giving link, here: https://secure.ga4.org/01/3million?source=connexion

UPDATE: From Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California:

The latest Field Poll, released this morning, shows that our campaign ads are working. Now that we are finally up on the air equal with the other side, we have turned our deficit in the polls into a very narrow lead with 49% indicating they plan to vote no and 44% saying they intend to vote yes.

Unfortunately, the same poll found that 22 percent of those surveyed had already voted -- and that this group voted "yes" on Proposition 8, 50 to 44 percent. That's why it is so critical that over the weekend we convince any undecided voters to vote NO on Tuesday. We need your contribution NOW!

This will be an extremely close race that will be decided by the 7 to 10% of voters still up for grabs. We must continue to stay on the air equal with the other side in order to convince these voters to vote NO.

Our new hard hitting television ad, narrated by actor Samuel L. Jackson, reminds voters of the history of discrimination starting with the internment of Japanese Americans during World War 2. Watch our new ad.

We need to raise a minimum of $1.5 million today to keep this ad on the air over the weekend and on Monday. Donate Now!

With your help we will defeat this attempt to eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry the person they love and strip away our dignity. Please continue your support with a donation and ask the people who care for you to do the same keep this new ad on the air.
linkpost comment

A day I've been dreading [Oct. 15th, 2008|02:43 pm]
[Tags|]

This is a day I've been dreading since the first time I read that one of Gale's passions is restoring old Italian motorcycles. Seeing headlines that Gale was severely injured in a motorcycle accident. The tears and nausea were immediate. I've so rarely seen good outcomes from motorcycle accidents. I can only hope Gale is not as severely injured as he might be, and send him all my best.

I've seen so many young men involved in motorcycle crashes come through the ICU, many never recovering fully. Helmets help, but they're no panacea. They don't protect your spine or much else, though they do decrease the frequency and severity of bad head injuries to some extent.

I'm sorry to add to the deluge on your f-lists folks, but I couldn't not make mention of this in my personal LJ.

I was hoping against hope that the shoulder injury we were hearing about was the worst of it, but sadly from my experience, I doubted that would be the case. And if you're really in the NS-ICU... And now we're hearing there's "brain swelling" too. Deep breath... I hope the NS-ICU at USC knows what the fuck they're doing and that luck is with you Gale, and you manage to get through this without any sequelae. We can only wish for the best.

We're all thinking about you Gale and sending you our most healing thoughts. We love you you beautiful, brilliant, talented goof. Now just get better and lay off the damned motorcycles.
link7 comments|post comment

Supreme Court Ignorance Meme [Oct. 1st, 2008|11:42 pm]
[Tags|, , ]

Supreme Court/Vice Presidential Candidate Ignorance Meme
gakked from fiercedivaFiercy

As was demonstrated in an interview with Katie Couric, Sarah Palin is unable to name any Supreme Court Case other than Roe v. Wade.

The Rules: Post info about ONE Supreme Court decision, modern or historic, to your own lj/ij. (Any decision, as long as it's not Roe v. Wade.) For those who see this on your f-list, take the meme to your OWN lj/ij to spread the fun.

======================

This one's interesting. I'm better off than Palin, but I'm hoping to learn something from this meme as I read what people choose, and I'm sure most of us could use a little brushing up in this area.

Oh, and the question she actually couldn't answer was to name any decision other than Roe v. Wade with which she disagreed. I don't know whether she would have done any better without that limitation. I suspect not.

However, I'm going to choose one that I did agree with:

I'll go with the very appropriately named Loving v. Virginia, the 1967 decision that declared Virginia's anti-miscegenation statute, the "Racial Integrity Act of 1924", unconstitutional. It basically stated that race could not be a basis for disallowing marriage between two people and thus legalized interracial marriage.
( Here is the text of Mildred Loving's statement on the 40th Anniversary of the decision )

Here's hoping this also sets a precedent for what I hope will come within my lifetime, the realization and legal recognition at the federal level that gender should be no more of an impediment to marriage than race.
link8 comments|post comment

navigation
[ viewing | most recent entries ]
[ go | earlier ]