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Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Obama Breaks From Bush, Aboids Divisive Stands
By LIZ SIDOTI, Associated Press Writer Liz Sidoti, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON – Barack Obama opened his presidency by breaking sharply from George W. Bush's unpopular administration, but he mostly avoided divisive partisan and ideological stands. He focused instead on fixing the economy, repairing a battered world image and cleaning up government.
"What an opportunity we have to change this country," the Democrat told his senior staff after his inauguration. "The American people are really counting on us now. Let's make sure we take advantage of it."
In the highly scripted first days of his administration, Obama overturned a slew of Bush policies with great fanfare. He largely avoided cultural issues; the exception was reversing one abortion-related policy, a predictable move done in a very low-profile way.
The flurry of activity was intended to show that Obama was making good on his promise to bring change. Yet domestic and international challenges continue to pile up, and it's doubtful that life will be dramatically different for much of the ailing country anytime soon.
Obama's biggest agenda items — stabilizing the economy and ending the Iraq war — are complex tasks with results not expected soon. Even as Obama made broad pronouncements and signed a stream of executive orders to usher in a new governing era, his actions leave unanswered or unresolved questions, including how he will close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp for suspected terrorists.
In other cases, Obama set out new policy, only to signal it could be applied selectively.
He decreed that interrogators must follow techniques outlined in the Army Field Manual when questioning terrorism suspects, even as he ordered a review that could allow CIA interrogators to use other methods for high-value targets. Also, while a new White House rule limits staffers' previous lobbying activities, exceptions were made for at least two senior administration officials.
"It's always a delicate task to maintain your coalition and try to expand it," said George Edwards, a Texas A&M University political science professor. "He's making the moves in the right direction to please his supporters on signature issues. At the same time, he has not elicited immediate outrage from Republicans because he's gone out of his way to reach out to them."
Certainly, some Republicans are griping about Obama's economic stimulus plan and closing Guantanamo. But their protests are somewhat muted, perhaps because little of what Obama has done thus far is a surprise. He had prepared the country and Congress for such steps during the campaign and transition. He also has emphasized a pragmatic, bipartisan approach, and enjoys broad public support.
Most of what he tackled came in areas where there is agreement across the political spectrum for a new direction, although the country is divided over shuttering Guantanamo. Obama long has emphasized solutions over partisanship, and he doesn't seem eager to address issues — at least for now — that create great ideological divides.
That is a sharp contrast with Democrat Bill Clinton, who set the tone for an ideological presidency when he tried to overturn the ban on gays in the military. It pleased liberals, enraged conservatives and angered both the military and Congress, neither of which was consulted.
So far, Obama's only real brush with issues that stoke partisan passions came when he revoked a ban on federal funding for international groups that provide or promote abortions. He did that quietly by issuing a memorandum late Friday afternoon. The move was expected; the issue has vacillated between Republican and Democratic presidents.
Obama was sworn in Tuesday with huge support — 68 percent in a Gallup poll released Saturday — and incredible optimism from the public; Bush left Washington with record-low job approval ratings.
A picture of poise, Obama didn't get rattled when Chief Justice John Roberts flubbed the oath of office, an exercise repeated a day later to ensure constitutionality. He breezed through his speech — which repudiated Bush's tenure though never personally attacked him — without a misstep. Even with the weight of the country's troubles now on his shoulders, he was relaxed as he twirled his wife, Michelle, at celebratory balls.
"I don't sweat," Obama said on the eve of his inauguration — a comment meant literally, and, perhaps, figuratively.
Maybe not. But he has yet to face a crisis head-on as the country's leader, and it's only then that his confidence truly will be tested.
Still, Obama clearly has made the transition to governing.
"It's as if Superman stepped out of a phone booth and became Clark Kent," said Fred Greenstein, a Princeton University professor emeritus of politics. "He's beginning to put aside the rhetoric in favor of listing the policies and doing the checklist. He's not going out of his way to show a lot of flash. It's much more lets-get-down-to-work."
That said, there's a limit to what he can immediately accomplish, Greenstein said, and "the really big things can't be done on Day One, particularly if they are going to be done well."
In a mix of symbolism and substance, Obama used a host of executive tools to put his stamp on the country without having to go through Congress, making statements from the bully pulpit and signing White House directives.
He pledged to take bold steps to reverse the recession while meeting with his economic team, and told top military officials to do whatever planning necessary to "execute a responsible military drawdown from Iraq." He issued new ethics rules for his administration and pledged to preside over a transparent government.
He ordered the Guantanamo detention center shut within a year, required the closure of any remaining secret CIA "black site" prisons abroad and barred CIA interrogators form using harsh techniques already banned for military questioners. He also assigned veteran troubleshooters to the Middle East, and Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Throughout it all, Obama demonstrated noticeable stylistic differences with his predecessor.
The high-tech Obama chose to keep his cherished BlackBerry, becoming the first sitting president to use e-mail. He made an impromptu visit to the White House's cramped media quarters just "to say hello." He also was spotted at one point ducking into the White House press office to consult with an aide. Bush avoided both areas at all costs.
In one Oval Office ceremony, Obama went through each executive order as he signed them, reading parts of each and methodically explaining them. He even halted a few times to ask for clarification from his White House counsel. That sort of deferral to someone else in a public setting and admission of a less-than-perfect command of the facts was never Bush's style.
WASHINGTON – Barack Obama opened his presidency by breaking sharply from George W. Bush's unpopular administration, but he mostly avoided divisive partisan and ideological stands. He focused instead on fixing the economy, repairing a battered world image and cleaning up government.
"What an opportunity we have to change this country," the Democrat told his senior staff after his inauguration. "The American people are really counting on us now. Let's make sure we take advantage of it."
In the highly scripted first days of his administration, Obama overturned a slew of Bush policies with great fanfare. He largely avoided cultural issues; the exception was reversing one abortion-related policy, a predictable move done in a very low-profile way.
The flurry of activity was intended to show that Obama was making good on his promise to bring change. Yet domestic and international challenges continue to pile up, and it's doubtful that life will be dramatically different for much of the ailing country anytime soon.
Obama's biggest agenda items — stabilizing the economy and ending the Iraq war — are complex tasks with results not expected soon. Even as Obama made broad pronouncements and signed a stream of executive orders to usher in a new governing era, his actions leave unanswered or unresolved questions, including how he will close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp for suspected terrorists.
In other cases, Obama set out new policy, only to signal it could be applied selectively.
He decreed that interrogators must follow techniques outlined in the Army Field Manual when questioning terrorism suspects, even as he ordered a review that could allow CIA interrogators to use other methods for high-value targets. Also, while a new White House rule limits staffers' previous lobbying activities, exceptions were made for at least two senior administration officials.
"It's always a delicate task to maintain your coalition and try to expand it," said George Edwards, a Texas A&M University political science professor. "He's making the moves in the right direction to please his supporters on signature issues. At the same time, he has not elicited immediate outrage from Republicans because he's gone out of his way to reach out to them."
Certainly, some Republicans are griping about Obama's economic stimulus plan and closing Guantanamo. But their protests are somewhat muted, perhaps because little of what Obama has done thus far is a surprise. He had prepared the country and Congress for such steps during the campaign and transition. He also has emphasized a pragmatic, bipartisan approach, and enjoys broad public support.
Most of what he tackled came in areas where there is agreement across the political spectrum for a new direction, although the country is divided over shuttering Guantanamo. Obama long has emphasized solutions over partisanship, and he doesn't seem eager to address issues — at least for now — that create great ideological divides.
That is a sharp contrast with Democrat Bill Clinton, who set the tone for an ideological presidency when he tried to overturn the ban on gays in the military. It pleased liberals, enraged conservatives and angered both the military and Congress, neither of which was consulted.
So far, Obama's only real brush with issues that stoke partisan passions came when he revoked a ban on federal funding for international groups that provide or promote abortions. He did that quietly by issuing a memorandum late Friday afternoon. The move was expected; the issue has vacillated between Republican and Democratic presidents.
Obama was sworn in Tuesday with huge support — 68 percent in a Gallup poll released Saturday — and incredible optimism from the public; Bush left Washington with record-low job approval ratings.
A picture of poise, Obama didn't get rattled when Chief Justice John Roberts flubbed the oath of office, an exercise repeated a day later to ensure constitutionality. He breezed through his speech — which repudiated Bush's tenure though never personally attacked him — without a misstep. Even with the weight of the country's troubles now on his shoulders, he was relaxed as he twirled his wife, Michelle, at celebratory balls.
"I don't sweat," Obama said on the eve of his inauguration — a comment meant literally, and, perhaps, figuratively.
Maybe not. But he has yet to face a crisis head-on as the country's leader, and it's only then that his confidence truly will be tested.
Still, Obama clearly has made the transition to governing.
"It's as if Superman stepped out of a phone booth and became Clark Kent," said Fred Greenstein, a Princeton University professor emeritus of politics. "He's beginning to put aside the rhetoric in favor of listing the policies and doing the checklist. He's not going out of his way to show a lot of flash. It's much more lets-get-down-to-work."
That said, there's a limit to what he can immediately accomplish, Greenstein said, and "the really big things can't be done on Day One, particularly if they are going to be done well."
In a mix of symbolism and substance, Obama used a host of executive tools to put his stamp on the country without having to go through Congress, making statements from the bully pulpit and signing White House directives.
He pledged to take bold steps to reverse the recession while meeting with his economic team, and told top military officials to do whatever planning necessary to "execute a responsible military drawdown from Iraq." He issued new ethics rules for his administration and pledged to preside over a transparent government.
He ordered the Guantanamo detention center shut within a year, required the closure of any remaining secret CIA "black site" prisons abroad and barred CIA interrogators form using harsh techniques already banned for military questioners. He also assigned veteran troubleshooters to the Middle East, and Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Throughout it all, Obama demonstrated noticeable stylistic differences with his predecessor.
The high-tech Obama chose to keep his cherished BlackBerry, becoming the first sitting president to use e-mail. He made an impromptu visit to the White House's cramped media quarters just "to say hello." He also was spotted at one point ducking into the White House press office to consult with an aide. Bush avoided both areas at all costs.
In one Oval Office ceremony, Obama went through each executive order as he signed them, reading parts of each and methodically explaining them. He even halted a few times to ask for clarification from his White House counsel. That sort of deferral to someone else in a public setting and admission of a less-than-perfect command of the facts was never Bush's style.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Obama's First Gift to Africa: Rick Warren
By: KELLY JEAN COGSWELL
01/11/2009
If you want to foster AIDS and kill queers in Africa, Rick Warren's the man for you. While Warren's characterization of queers (and Jews and Muslims) as godless perverts fuels bigotry in the US, the real effects of inviting Warren to preside over Obama's inauguration will be felt in sub-Saharan Africa.
He has missions all over the place, and he's rolling in dough and influence built on the best P.R. campaign I've ever seen. He hobnobs with Bono and Melissa Etheridge while liberal journalists regurgitate his press releases, crowning him a moderate evangelical and touting his AIDS campaign, which is little but a thinly veiled mask for his proselytizing work. The last thing he needs is more power. In case you actually care, his campaign for AIDS prevention, in a region decimated by the disease, sneers at condoms, needle exchange, and sex education. He claims all those efforts merely slow the spread of AIDS, while his plan can stop it flat. The secret - abstinence before marriage, religious conversion, and, not included on his website, that perennial favorite, queer-baiting. One of his closest allies in Uganda in his so-called fight against AIDS is Martin Ssempa, an evangelical preacher who blames queers for the disease, makes a show of burning condoms, and this spring organized a rally with the theme "A Call for Action on Behalf of the Victims of Homosexuality," where he spent most of his time railing against queers. As far as treatment goes, Ssempsa offers faith healing in his Pentecostal services if only victims believe enough and make a nice donation. In general, the bulk of his anti-AIDS activism seems to be legal battles to ensure that homosexuality remains illegal and the media continues to portray queers as sexual predators. He's getting it done. Homosexuality is still illegal, and queers face increasing harassment and violence from everyone from the government to their next-door neighbors. Newspapers sometimes print lists of people suspected of being lesbian or gay, opening them up to job loss and physical violence. Several activists are arrested every year. Though a Ugandan judge recently ruled in favor of LGBT activists protesting an illegal raid in 2005, it's more likely in that nation that you'll get government officials like Deputy Attorney General Fred Ruhinde and Minister of Ethics and Integrity Nsaba Butoro, who in 2007 actually joined a coalition of conservative Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and Bahai congregations, "the Interfaith Coalition Against Homosexuality," calling for the arrest, deportation, and even murder of gays and lesbians. And where's the sanctified Rick Warren in this delightful hate fest? Where's the man the New Yorker's Hendrik Herzberg complacently characterized as "much, much less of a jerk than, say, Pat Robertson or James Dobson" and whose inclusion in the inauguration he actually applauded as "another of Obama's brilliant chess moves"? Well... when the Ugandan Anglican archbishop, Henry Orombi, announced his aim to "purify" the Anglican Church by driving out gay and lesbian Christians and their supporters, Warren got right on board. When the Ugandan Church announced its boycott of the global Anglican conference in March last year, Warren told the press, "The Church of England is wrong and I support the Church of Uganda on the boycott." Warren further declared that homosexuality is not a natural way of life and thus not a human right. "We shall not tolerate this aspect at all. "Terrible for queers, Warren and his pals are almost worse for AIDS. Uganda's HIV infection rate, which had dipped from its 1996 height, has been climbing back up in recent times. The problem? Advocates like Warren and Ssempa dumping sex education and condom promotion in favor of abstinence-only programs, which study after study show actually increase risky sex. Homophobia and HIV/AIDS go together in Nigeria, too, where thanks to people like Rick Warren, UNAIDS estimates that only 18 percent of women and 21 percent of men between the ages of 15 and 24 correctly identify ways to prevent HIV. After South Africa, Nigeria has the second largest number of people living with HIV in Africa. The most vulnerable of all are gay men. Warren has supported figures like the archbishop of Nigeria, Peter Akinola, who in 2006 and 2007 campaigned ferociously for anti-gay legislation which stipulated five years' imprisonment to anyone who had anything to do with a same-sex marriage ceremony, participated in gay organizing, or had anything to do with anything gay of any kind "directly or indirectly in public and in private. "Hate-mongering may have become a habit for Akinola. In 2005, he was implicated in the massacre of more than 650 Muslims by a Christian mob tied to the Christian Association of Nigeria. He was president of the group at the time. For all this, Akinola earned praise from Warren in an April 2006 Time Magazine article lionizing him as a defender of the faith, a "Nelson Mandela", and "a model for Christians around the world. "Where's a lightning bolt when you need one?
Visit Kelly Sans Culotte at http://kellyatlarge.blogspot.com/.
©GayCityNews 2009
01/11/2009
If you want to foster AIDS and kill queers in Africa, Rick Warren's the man for you. While Warren's characterization of queers (and Jews and Muslims) as godless perverts fuels bigotry in the US, the real effects of inviting Warren to preside over Obama's inauguration will be felt in sub-Saharan Africa.
He has missions all over the place, and he's rolling in dough and influence built on the best P.R. campaign I've ever seen. He hobnobs with Bono and Melissa Etheridge while liberal journalists regurgitate his press releases, crowning him a moderate evangelical and touting his AIDS campaign, which is little but a thinly veiled mask for his proselytizing work. The last thing he needs is more power. In case you actually care, his campaign for AIDS prevention, in a region decimated by the disease, sneers at condoms, needle exchange, and sex education. He claims all those efforts merely slow the spread of AIDS, while his plan can stop it flat. The secret - abstinence before marriage, religious conversion, and, not included on his website, that perennial favorite, queer-baiting. One of his closest allies in Uganda in his so-called fight against AIDS is Martin Ssempa, an evangelical preacher who blames queers for the disease, makes a show of burning condoms, and this spring organized a rally with the theme "A Call for Action on Behalf of the Victims of Homosexuality," where he spent most of his time railing against queers. As far as treatment goes, Ssempsa offers faith healing in his Pentecostal services if only victims believe enough and make a nice donation. In general, the bulk of his anti-AIDS activism seems to be legal battles to ensure that homosexuality remains illegal and the media continues to portray queers as sexual predators. He's getting it done. Homosexuality is still illegal, and queers face increasing harassment and violence from everyone from the government to their next-door neighbors. Newspapers sometimes print lists of people suspected of being lesbian or gay, opening them up to job loss and physical violence. Several activists are arrested every year. Though a Ugandan judge recently ruled in favor of LGBT activists protesting an illegal raid in 2005, it's more likely in that nation that you'll get government officials like Deputy Attorney General Fred Ruhinde and Minister of Ethics and Integrity Nsaba Butoro, who in 2007 actually joined a coalition of conservative Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and Bahai congregations, "the Interfaith Coalition Against Homosexuality," calling for the arrest, deportation, and even murder of gays and lesbians. And where's the sanctified Rick Warren in this delightful hate fest? Where's the man the New Yorker's Hendrik Herzberg complacently characterized as "much, much less of a jerk than, say, Pat Robertson or James Dobson" and whose inclusion in the inauguration he actually applauded as "another of Obama's brilliant chess moves"? Well... when the Ugandan Anglican archbishop, Henry Orombi, announced his aim to "purify" the Anglican Church by driving out gay and lesbian Christians and their supporters, Warren got right on board. When the Ugandan Church announced its boycott of the global Anglican conference in March last year, Warren told the press, "The Church of England is wrong and I support the Church of Uganda on the boycott." Warren further declared that homosexuality is not a natural way of life and thus not a human right. "We shall not tolerate this aspect at all. "Terrible for queers, Warren and his pals are almost worse for AIDS. Uganda's HIV infection rate, which had dipped from its 1996 height, has been climbing back up in recent times. The problem? Advocates like Warren and Ssempa dumping sex education and condom promotion in favor of abstinence-only programs, which study after study show actually increase risky sex. Homophobia and HIV/AIDS go together in Nigeria, too, where thanks to people like Rick Warren, UNAIDS estimates that only 18 percent of women and 21 percent of men between the ages of 15 and 24 correctly identify ways to prevent HIV. After South Africa, Nigeria has the second largest number of people living with HIV in Africa. The most vulnerable of all are gay men. Warren has supported figures like the archbishop of Nigeria, Peter Akinola, who in 2006 and 2007 campaigned ferociously for anti-gay legislation which stipulated five years' imprisonment to anyone who had anything to do with a same-sex marriage ceremony, participated in gay organizing, or had anything to do with anything gay of any kind "directly or indirectly in public and in private. "Hate-mongering may have become a habit for Akinola. In 2005, he was implicated in the massacre of more than 650 Muslims by a Christian mob tied to the Christian Association of Nigeria. He was president of the group at the time. For all this, Akinola earned praise from Warren in an April 2006 Time Magazine article lionizing him as a defender of the faith, a "Nelson Mandela", and "a model for Christians around the world. "Where's a lightning bolt when you need one?
Visit Kelly Sans Culotte at http://kellyatlarge.blogspot.com/.
©GayCityNews 2009
Important New Poll for MSN Members
New poll for menssocialnetwork
Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for themenssocialnetwork group: With a definate economic slow down in our economy in general - it has shown a definate negative impact on our organization. Our membership numbers are on the decline, participation in scheduled activities has declined.
QUESTION: If our Monthly Newsletter were to go "GREEN" - that is available on the internet for members to read at home on their computer monitor but helping MSN save a tree and money but enabling members to print out all of the pages or just pages of interest)
WOULD YOU CONTINUE YOUR MSN MEMBERSHIP AS A PAID MEMBER NOT RECEIVING A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER IN THE MAIL?
o YES - I WOULD REMAIN AS A MEMBER ALLOWING MSN TO GO "GREEN".
o NO - I PAY DUES TO GET THE NEWSLETTER MAILED TO ME.
To vote, please visit the following web page:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/menssocialnetwork/surveys?id=2813908
Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups web site listed above.
Thanks!
Enter your vote today! A new poll has been created for themenssocialnetwork group: With a definate economic slow down in our economy in general - it has shown a definate negative impact on our organization. Our membership numbers are on the decline, participation in scheduled activities has declined.
QUESTION: If our Monthly Newsletter were to go "GREEN" - that is available on the internet for members to read at home on their computer monitor but helping MSN save a tree and money but enabling members to print out all of the pages or just pages of interest)
WOULD YOU CONTINUE YOUR MSN MEMBERSHIP AS A PAID MEMBER NOT RECEIVING A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER IN THE MAIL?
o YES - I WOULD REMAIN AS A MEMBER ALLOWING MSN TO GO "GREEN".
o NO - I PAY DUES TO GET THE NEWSLETTER MAILED TO ME.
To vote, please visit the following web page:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/menssocialnetwork/surveys?id=2813908
Note: Please do not reply to this message. Poll votes are not collected via email. To vote, you must go to the Yahoo! Groups web site listed above.
Thanks!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Gene Robinson to Deliver Invocation for Inaugural Concert at Lincoln Memorial
January 12, 2009 Chris Johnson
Rev. V. Gene Robinson (pictured), bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church in the diocese of New Hampshire has accepted an invitation from President-elect Barack Obama’s inaugural committee to deliver the invocation at a concert held at the Lincoln Memorial. The concert, which will be held on Sunday, January 18th, is the first inaugural event the president-elect will attend. Bishop Robinson, the first openly gay priest to be ordained bishop by a major Christian denomination, is a member of the Human Rights Campaign Religion Council.
Bishop Robinson is the co-author of three AIDS education curricula for youth and adults and has done extensive work on AIDS in the United States and in Africa. He helped build the Diocese of New Hampshire's close working partnership with the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, advocated for debt relief for the world's most impoverished nations, and lobbied for socially responsible investment within and beyond the Church. He currently serves on the Board of the New Hampshire Endowment for Health, which works for access to health care for the uninsured. He also serves as a Trustee of the Church Pension Fund.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Two wolves.
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'
The old Cherokee simply replied, 'The one you feed.'
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Meet Tab Hunter
For immediate release:
SPEND THE EVENING WITH A HOLLYWOOD HEARTTHROB …
IT’S “TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL” AT THE LOFT!
TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTAL
Saturday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Admission: $10.00 general / $8.00 Loft members
Presented by Wingspan Reel Pride
The Loft Cinema / 3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
795-0844 / www.loftcinema.com
Meet legendary actor, Hollywood icon and All-American movie heartthrob TAB HUNTER Live in Person, at this very special event featuring an on-stage Q&A, film highlight reel, book signing, and a rare theatrical screening of Tab's hilarious cult classic LUST IN THE DUST, co-starring the one-and-only Divine!
Come join Tab Hunter in person for an entertaining evening you won't soon forget, featuring a clip show highlighting his prolific, decades-spanning film career (which includes such cinematic gems as Damn Yankees, Ride the Wild Surf, The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, John Waters’ Polyester and many others), with live on-stage commentary by Tab and author Eddie Muller (co-writer of Tab’s recent autobiography TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL), and a rare theatrical screening of the hilarious 1985 cult classic/spaghetti western parody LUST IN THE DUST (starring Tab and the one-and-only Divine). Followed by a Q&A and book-signing.
Don’t miss your chance to meet legendary movie icon TAB HUNTER, and hear him discuss the wild world of 1950s Hollywood, the ups and downs of teen idol mania, the pleasures and pains of working with Divine, the inside scoop on some of his legendary co-stars, and a whole lot more!
Tab Hunter, a star of stage, screen and television, has appeared in more than fifty films, and has co-starred with some of the most legendary actors and actresses in Hollywood history, including Rita Hayworth, Natalie Wood, Sophia Loren, Lana Turner, Gary Cooper, John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. He has also enjoyed a successful career as a recording artist, and his first pop single, Young Love, was a #1 hit song which topped the Billboard charts for six weeks in 1957. He continues to work as a film producer and currently resides in Southern California.
**Copies of Tab’s book, TAB HUNTER CONFIDENTIAL, will be available for sale at this event.**
10/22/08
Jeff Yanc
Program Director
The Loft Cinema
3233 E. Speedway
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 322-5638
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Rude Behavior at MSN Events
Subject: Rude Behavior at MSN Events
I have been attending and enjoying the MSN Potlucks for quite a while. Last night (9/6/08) for the first time I saw something I thought I would never see happen at an event of this nature.
Namely, RUDE BEHAVIOR.
We had an invited GUEST Speaker, he was commenting about the upcoming Wingspan Annual Awards Benefit Dinner. During his talk a fellow member spoke up, in essence telling the guest to shut up, as he was starting to conclude his speech. Most of us where appalled at such conduct by one of our members, it was very rude and not called for.
The evening progressed and good food and pleasant camaraderie was wonderful.
An added treat we heard two of our talented members one on piano and one with a great opraretic voice perform two songs. It was a splendid addition to the Italian Theme.
We also had Artie, a guest, that offered Line Dance instructions and some 10 to 15 of our members got up to “learn the steps”. We enjoyed the Line dance, too, either actually learning the dance or watching the performance.
Obviously many hands worked hard at presenting such a nice evening, especially the Kitchen and Setup Krew(s). It is terrific to see that the Monthly Potluck is no longer an EAT AND RUN event.
Entertainment was always something that was missing. Kudos go to the Steering Committee for the addition of dinner themes and entertainment.
During final announcements, another GUEST was making a short talk about the GAY Discrimination Proposition (the Marriage Bill), that is going to be on the November ballot. He was simply informing us about the Proposition's attempt to disallow constitutional rights to our community. The same member that made the rude remarks earlier to a guest, this time made a scene. He did not have the courtesy to let the second guest speaker finish their short talk as he stormed out of the hall yelling that MSN was NOT a Political organization. I was shocked by this second outburst of bad behavior and so where other members. Political awareness is as much a part of our social fabric as any other part of life, though our group is non-political and non-religious, information that affects our daily lives can not be ignored.
Many Steering Committee members and Chairman/Presidents have come and gone in our group but so have the times changed. It is important to be open minded. From time to time pressing issues and information should be brought to the attention of our members. Indoctrination should not be tolerated, however, advising/informing our members of a choice that we can make is something that I value. We have come out of the closet and deserve our rights. If we do not make our voices heard at election time who knows what will happen. At first even Hitler had SOME badly informed Gay & Jewish folks that thought he was good. And we all know of their tragic lot. I do hope that someone speaks to this rude person and informs him that his bad behavior at our events was uncalled for and not appreciated by the majority of the membership in attendance.
MSN is a wonderful organization that provides many varied events through the month and supports scholarships and other charitable events through the year. It allows new comers to Tucson to meet other Gay men away from the bar scene. It also helps older gents when needed, in numerous ways. I for one am extremely thankfull for MSN.
(Writer wishes to remain anonymous at this time.)
I have been attending and enjoying the MSN Potlucks for quite a while. Last night (9/6/08) for the first time I saw something I thought I would never see happen at an event of this nature.
Namely, RUDE BEHAVIOR.
We had an invited GUEST Speaker, he was commenting about the upcoming Wingspan Annual Awards Benefit Dinner. During his talk a fellow member spoke up, in essence telling the guest to shut up, as he was starting to conclude his speech. Most of us where appalled at such conduct by one of our members, it was very rude and not called for.
The evening progressed and good food and pleasant camaraderie was wonderful.
An added treat we heard two of our talented members one on piano and one with a great opraretic voice perform two songs. It was a splendid addition to the Italian Theme.
We also had Artie, a guest, that offered Line Dance instructions and some 10 to 15 of our members got up to “learn the steps”. We enjoyed the Line dance, too, either actually learning the dance or watching the performance.
Obviously many hands worked hard at presenting such a nice evening, especially the Kitchen and Setup Krew(s). It is terrific to see that the Monthly Potluck is no longer an EAT AND RUN event.
Entertainment was always something that was missing. Kudos go to the Steering Committee for the addition of dinner themes and entertainment.
During final announcements, another GUEST was making a short talk about the GAY Discrimination Proposition (the Marriage Bill), that is going to be on the November ballot. He was simply informing us about the Proposition's attempt to disallow constitutional rights to our community. The same member that made the rude remarks earlier to a guest, this time made a scene. He did not have the courtesy to let the second guest speaker finish their short talk as he stormed out of the hall yelling that MSN was NOT a Political organization. I was shocked by this second outburst of bad behavior and so where other members. Political awareness is as much a part of our social fabric as any other part of life, though our group is non-political and non-religious, information that affects our daily lives can not be ignored.
Many Steering Committee members and Chairman/Presidents have come and gone in our group but so have the times changed. It is important to be open minded. From time to time pressing issues and information should be brought to the attention of our members. Indoctrination should not be tolerated, however, advising/informing our members of a choice that we can make is something that I value. We have come out of the closet and deserve our rights. If we do not make our voices heard at election time who knows what will happen. At first even Hitler had SOME badly informed Gay & Jewish folks that thought he was good. And we all know of their tragic lot. I do hope that someone speaks to this rude person and informs him that his bad behavior at our events was uncalled for and not appreciated by the majority of the membership in attendance.
MSN is a wonderful organization that provides many varied events through the month and supports scholarships and other charitable events through the year. It allows new comers to Tucson to meet other Gay men away from the bar scene. It also helps older gents when needed, in numerous ways. I for one am extremely thankfull for MSN.
(Writer wishes to remain anonymous at this time.)
Monday, September 1, 2008
McCain's Dangerous Choice
Scroll below to get some of the scoop on Gov. Palin, the Republican's gift
to the Democrats. Richard
INCREDIBLE!!!!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:MoveOn.org Political Action
Date: Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Subject: McCain's dangerous choice
Dear MoveOn member,
Today is John McCain's 72nd birthday. If elected, he'd be the oldest
president ever inaugurated. And after months of slamming Barack Obama
for "inexperience," here's who John McCain has chosen to be one
heartbeat away from the presidency: a right-wing religious conservative
with no foreign policy experience, who until recently was mayor of a
town of 9,000 people.
Huh?
Who is Sarah Palin? Here's some basic background:
She was elected Alaska's governor a little over a year and a half ago.
Her previous office was mayor of Wasil la, a small town outside
Anchorage.1
Palin is strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of
rape or incest.2
She supported right-wing extremist Pat Buchanan for president in 2000. 3
Palin thinks creationism should be taught in public schools.4
She's doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change.5
She's solidly in line with John McCain's "Big Oil first" energy policy.
She's pushed hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be
ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar
bears as an endangered species-she was worried it would interfere with
more oil drilling in Alaska.6
This is information the American people need to see. Please take a
moment to forward this email to your friends and family.
We also asked Alaska MoveOn members what the rest of us should know
about their governor. The response was striking. Here's a sample:
She is really just a mayor from a small town outside Anchorage who has
been a governor for only 1.5 years, and has ZERO national and
international experience. I shudder to think that she could be the
person taking that 3AM call on the White House hotline, and the one who
could potentially be charged with leading the US in the volatile
international scene that exists today. -Rose M., Fairbanks, AK
She is VERY, VERY conservative, and far from perfect. She's a hunter and
fisherwoman, but votes against the environment again and again. She ran
on ethics reform, but is currently under investigation for several
charges involving hiring and firing of state officials. She has NO
experience beyond Alaska. -Christine B., Denali Park, AK
As an Alaskan and a feminist, I am beyond words at this announcement.
Palin is not a feminist, and she is not the reformer she claims to be.
-Karen L., Anchorage, AK
Alaskans, collectively, ar e just as stunned as the rest of the nation.
She is doing well running our State, but is totally inexperienced on the
national level, and very much unequipped to run the nation, if it came
to that. She is as far right as one can get, which has already been
communicated on the news. In our office of thirty employees (dems,
republicans, and nonpartisans), not one person feels she is ready for
the V.P. position.-Sherry C., Anchorage, AK
She's vehemently anti-choice and doesn't care about protecting our
natural resources, even though she has worked as a fisherman. McCain
chose her to pick up the Hillary voters, but Palin is no Hillary.
-Marina L., Juneau, AK
I think she's far too inexperienced to be in this position. I'm all for
a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to
deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up
and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This
is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part- and insulting to
females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting "A
Woman" in that position.-Jennifer M., Anchorage, AK
So Governor Palin is a staunch anti-choice religious conservative. She's
a global warming denier who shares John McCain's commitment to Big Oil.
And she's dramatically inexperienced.
In picking Sarah Palin, John McCain has made the religious right very
happy. And he's made a very dangerous decision for our country.
In the next few days, many Americans will be wondering what McCain's
vice-presidential choice means. Please pass this information along to
your friends and family.
Thanks for all you do.
-Ilyse, Noah, Justin, Karin and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Sarah Palin," Wikipedia, Accessed August 29, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara h_Palin
2. "McCain Selects Anti-Choice Sarah Palin as Running Mate," NARAL
Pro-Choice America, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17515&id=&t=1
3. "Sarah Palin, Buchananite," The Nation, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17736&id=&t=2
4. "'Creation science' enters the race," Anchorage Daily News, October
27, 2006
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17737&id=&t=3
5. "Palin buys climate denial PR spin-ignores science," Huffington Post,
August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17517&id=&t=4
6. "McCain VP Pick Completes Shift to Bush Energy Policy," Sierra Club,
August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17518 &id=&t=5
"Choice of Palin Promises Failed Energy Policies of the Past," League of
Conservation Voters, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17519&id=&t=6
"Protecting polar bears gets in way of drilling for oil, says governor,"
The Times of London, May 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17520&id=&t=7
Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 3.2 million
members-no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our
tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in
here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION,
http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's
committee. This email was sent to Johnny Neumann on August 29, 2008. To
change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To
remove yourself from this list, click here.
to the Democrats. Richard
INCREDIBLE!!!!
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From:MoveOn.org Political Action
Date: Fri, Aug 29, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Subject: McCain's dangerous choice
Dear MoveOn member,
Today is John McCain's 72nd birthday. If elected, he'd be the oldest
president ever inaugurated. And after months of slamming Barack Obama
for "inexperience," here's who John McCain has chosen to be one
heartbeat away from the presidency: a right-wing religious conservative
with no foreign policy experience, who until recently was mayor of a
town of 9,000 people.
Huh?
Who is Sarah Palin? Here's some basic background:
She was elected Alaska's governor a little over a year and a half ago.
Her previous office was mayor of Wasil la, a small town outside
Anchorage.1
Palin is strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of
rape or incest.2
She supported right-wing extremist Pat Buchanan for president in 2000. 3
Palin thinks creationism should be taught in public schools.4
She's doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change.5
She's solidly in line with John McCain's "Big Oil first" energy policy.
She's pushed hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be
ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar
bears as an endangered species-she was worried it would interfere with
more oil drilling in Alaska.6
This is information the American people need to see. Please take a
moment to forward this email to your friends and family.
We also asked Alaska MoveOn members what the rest of us should know
about their governor. The response was striking. Here's a sample:
She is really just a mayor from a small town outside Anchorage who has
been a governor for only 1.5 years, and has ZERO national and
international experience. I shudder to think that she could be the
person taking that 3AM call on the White House hotline, and the one who
could potentially be charged with leading the US in the volatile
international scene that exists today. -Rose M., Fairbanks, AK
She is VERY, VERY conservative, and far from perfect. She's a hunter and
fisherwoman, but votes against the environment again and again. She ran
on ethics reform, but is currently under investigation for several
charges involving hiring and firing of state officials. She has NO
experience beyond Alaska. -Christine B., Denali Park, AK
As an Alaskan and a feminist, I am beyond words at this announcement.
Palin is not a feminist, and she is not the reformer she claims to be.
-Karen L., Anchorage, AK
Alaskans, collectively, ar e just as stunned as the rest of the nation.
She is doing well running our State, but is totally inexperienced on the
national level, and very much unequipped to run the nation, if it came
to that. She is as far right as one can get, which has already been
communicated on the news. In our office of thirty employees (dems,
republicans, and nonpartisans), not one person feels she is ready for
the V.P. position.-Sherry C., Anchorage, AK
She's vehemently anti-choice and doesn't care about protecting our
natural resources, even though she has worked as a fisherman. McCain
chose her to pick up the Hillary voters, but Palin is no Hillary.
-Marina L., Juneau, AK
I think she's far too inexperienced to be in this position. I'm all for
a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to
deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up
and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This
is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part- and insulting to
females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting "A
Woman" in that position.-Jennifer M., Anchorage, AK
So Governor Palin is a staunch anti-choice religious conservative. She's
a global warming denier who shares John McCain's commitment to Big Oil.
And she's dramatically inexperienced.
In picking Sarah Palin, John McCain has made the religious right very
happy. And he's made a very dangerous decision for our country.
In the next few days, many Americans will be wondering what McCain's
vice-presidential choice means. Please pass this information along to
your friends and family.
Thanks for all you do.
-Ilyse, Noah, Justin, Karin and the rest of the team
Sources:
1. "Sarah Palin," Wikipedia, Accessed August 29, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sara h_Palin
2. "McCain Selects Anti-Choice Sarah Palin as Running Mate," NARAL
Pro-Choice America, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17515&id=&t=1
3. "Sarah Palin, Buchananite," The Nation, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17736&id=&t=2
4. "'Creation science' enters the race," Anchorage Daily News, October
27, 2006
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17737&id=&t=3
5. "Palin buys climate denial PR spin-ignores science," Huffington Post,
August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17517&id=&t=4
6. "McCain VP Pick Completes Shift to Bush Energy Policy," Sierra Club,
August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17518 &id=&t=5
"Choice of Palin Promises Failed Energy Policies of the Past," League of
Conservation Voters, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17519&id=&t=6
"Protecting polar bears gets in way of drilling for oil, says governor,"
The Times of London, May 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17520&id=&t=7
Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 3.2 million
members-no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our
tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in
here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION,
http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's
committee. This email was sent to Johnny Neumann on August 29, 2008. To
change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To
remove yourself from this list, click here.
Monday, August 18, 2008
A Six-Figure Solution Missing One Common-Sense Addition
Steve Ralls, The Huffington Post - -
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the picture on the ground in Iraq is quickly making military personnel who can translate Arabic priceless.
This morning's Christian Science Monitor reports that the Army is preparing to offer a staggering $150,000 retention bonus to service members who are proficient in Arabic, "in reflection of how critical it has become for the US military to retain native language and cultural know-how in its ranks." Indeed, as the war in Iraq goes on, and the military subsequently finds fewer and fewer people anxious for extended stays in the desert, retaining trained troops is becoming a critical centerpiece of many commanders' strategies. The supply of Arabic speakers just isn't keeping up with the demand created by ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The military's conventional language training program, the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., could not churn out enough American soldiers proficient in Arabic, Kurdish, Dari, Pashtu, and Farsi, and the military quickly turned to private contractors to fill the gap," reporter Gordon Lubold writes. "Numerous programs have sprouted up, including one at Fort Lewis, Wash., where soldiers are given a 10-month immersion program in language and culture."
The Army is taking almost every step imaginable -- from six-figure bonuses to civilian interpreters in the warzone to recruitment campaigns targeting Arab-American communities -- to beef up its language capability. Every step, that is, except one. Army officials have yet to tell Congress to dump the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that has resulted in the dismissal of more than 5 dozen Arabic speakers who were otherwise qualified and ready to serve.
In fact, as the House Armed Services Committee's Personnel Subcommittee tackled the question of possible repeal in July, not a single representative from the Department of Defense was on-hand to weigh in on the issue. And while, in some ways, that's a welcome change from 1993, when Pentagon brass passionately insisted on excluding gay Americans from the forces, it also underscores that Congress has a critically important role to play when it comes to bolstering military readiness.
Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) has the right idea. A steadfast supporter of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," he has also insisted that, until Congress can muster the will to do away with the law, the federal government should at least be taking steps to keep qualified specialists, like Arabic linguists, in its employ. In February 2007, Ackerman famously queried Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice about her department's efforts to find trained Arabic speakers.
During hearings on the State Department's 2008 budget request, Ackerman noted that Secretary Rice repeatedly emphasized the importance of recruiting qualified language experts to work in the agency. Remembering that the armed forces have fired more than 300 language experts (including those 5 dozen fluent in Arabic), Ackerman wondered, "Can we marry up those two -- or maybe that's the wrong word -- can we have some kind of union of those two issues?"
"Well, it seems that the military has gone around and fired a whole bunch of people who speak foreign languages -- Farsi and Arabic, etc.," Ackerman said. "For some reason, the military seems more afraid of gay people than they are against terrorists, but they're very brave with the terrorists. ... If the terrorists ever got a hold of this information, they'd get a platoon of lesbians to chase us out of Baghdad."
"This absurdity can't continue," Ackerman later wrote in an August '07 Newsday op-ed. "The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is not only wasteful and inefficient, it's unfair and un-American. In the middle of a war we are throwing out good people who have volunteered to put their lives on the line for their country."
There's no doubt that trained Arabic speakers are increasingly worth their weight in gold. No one is arguing that the military shouldn't offer attractive recruitment and retention packages for those who want to join, nor that they should abandon an aggressive campaign to find new people who can get the job done. But on the long list of things our country can do to keep patriotic Americans like Bleu Copas, Cathleen Glover and other Arabic language experts in uniform is to get rid of the counter-productive law that bars them from service.
Retaining good straight troops to the tune of $150,000 may be an investment worth making, but in the long run, that platoon of lesbians might just turn out to be priceless, too.
The Army's six-figure solution to its retention crisis is missing one common-sense addition that could make a very big difference on the ground.
It's time to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This absurdity, as Congressman Ackerman has said, can't continue.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the picture on the ground in Iraq is quickly making military personnel who can translate Arabic priceless.
This morning's Christian Science Monitor reports that the Army is preparing to offer a staggering $150,000 retention bonus to service members who are proficient in Arabic, "in reflection of how critical it has become for the US military to retain native language and cultural know-how in its ranks." Indeed, as the war in Iraq goes on, and the military subsequently finds fewer and fewer people anxious for extended stays in the desert, retaining trained troops is becoming a critical centerpiece of many commanders' strategies. The supply of Arabic speakers just isn't keeping up with the demand created by ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The military's conventional language training program, the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., could not churn out enough American soldiers proficient in Arabic, Kurdish, Dari, Pashtu, and Farsi, and the military quickly turned to private contractors to fill the gap," reporter Gordon Lubold writes. "Numerous programs have sprouted up, including one at Fort Lewis, Wash., where soldiers are given a 10-month immersion program in language and culture."
The Army is taking almost every step imaginable -- from six-figure bonuses to civilian interpreters in the warzone to recruitment campaigns targeting Arab-American communities -- to beef up its language capability. Every step, that is, except one. Army officials have yet to tell Congress to dump the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that has resulted in the dismissal of more than 5 dozen Arabic speakers who were otherwise qualified and ready to serve.
In fact, as the House Armed Services Committee's Personnel Subcommittee tackled the question of possible repeal in July, not a single representative from the Department of Defense was on-hand to weigh in on the issue. And while, in some ways, that's a welcome change from 1993, when Pentagon brass passionately insisted on excluding gay Americans from the forces, it also underscores that Congress has a critically important role to play when it comes to bolstering military readiness.
Congressman Gary Ackerman (D-NY) has the right idea. A steadfast supporter of repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," he has also insisted that, until Congress can muster the will to do away with the law, the federal government should at least be taking steps to keep qualified specialists, like Arabic linguists, in its employ. In February 2007, Ackerman famously queried Secretary of State Condaleeza Rice about her department's efforts to find trained Arabic speakers.
During hearings on the State Department's 2008 budget request, Ackerman noted that Secretary Rice repeatedly emphasized the importance of recruiting qualified language experts to work in the agency. Remembering that the armed forces have fired more than 300 language experts (including those 5 dozen fluent in Arabic), Ackerman wondered, "Can we marry up those two -- or maybe that's the wrong word -- can we have some kind of union of those two issues?"
"Well, it seems that the military has gone around and fired a whole bunch of people who speak foreign languages -- Farsi and Arabic, etc.," Ackerman said. "For some reason, the military seems more afraid of gay people than they are against terrorists, but they're very brave with the terrorists. ... If the terrorists ever got a hold of this information, they'd get a platoon of lesbians to chase us out of Baghdad."
"This absurdity can't continue," Ackerman later wrote in an August '07 Newsday op-ed. "The 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy is not only wasteful and inefficient, it's unfair and un-American. In the middle of a war we are throwing out good people who have volunteered to put their lives on the line for their country."
There's no doubt that trained Arabic speakers are increasingly worth their weight in gold. No one is arguing that the military shouldn't offer attractive recruitment and retention packages for those who want to join, nor that they should abandon an aggressive campaign to find new people who can get the job done. But on the long list of things our country can do to keep patriotic Americans like Bleu Copas, Cathleen Glover and other Arabic language experts in uniform is to get rid of the counter-productive law that bars them from service.
Retaining good straight troops to the tune of $150,000 may be an investment worth making, but in the long run, that platoon of lesbians might just turn out to be priceless, too.
The Army's six-figure solution to its retention crisis is missing one common-sense addition that could make a very big difference on the ground.
It's time to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." This absurdity, as Congressman Ackerman has said, can't continue.
Ethics Complaint Against Senator Tossed
Capitol Media Services
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.13.2008
On a party-line vote, the Senate Ethics Committee on Tuesday threw out a complaint that Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, violated rules when he cut off debate on the last night of the session.
Sen. Jay Tibshraeny, R-Chandler, who cast the deciding vote, said Harper, who was presiding over the floor debate, handled the process "very poorly." But he also noted Harper apologized — though he never admitted violating the rules.
The vote disappointed Sen. Ken Cheuvront, D-Phoenix, who filed the complaint.
"You have three Republicans," he said of the five-member panel. "They whitewashed this whole thing."
Cheuvront also discounted the apology — which came only after the ethics complaint was filed — as meaningless. He said the only message that sends future lawmakers is they are free to ignore the rules and then be able to escape any retribution by simply apologizing.
Harper, for his part, remained adamant he did nothing wrong. He said it was Cheuvront and Sen. Paula Aboud, D-Tucson, who were breaking Senate rules that night by engaging in a time-wasting question-and-answer session on a tax bill in hopes of delaying a vote on a measure to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage.
And Harper said he was justified in shutting off their microphones.
"They did not have the right to retain the floor," he said. "It was a charade."
But Harper continued to sidestep questions of why, if he was entitled to cut off debate, he did not rule the pair out of order. Instead, he said at the time, "I clicked on the wrong thing. I clicked on the clear mics" button.
Instead he apologized for "my less-than-stellar acting when the mics were shut off."
Harper also conceded he did not acknowledge any of the calls from the floor for a "point of order," a parliamentary maneuver designed to call attention to an apparently illegal maneuver. Instead, Harper said, he was focused on a motion to suspend further debate, and "nothing else was coherent to me."
Tuesday's vote is the final word on what became a heated dispute the last night of the session over that Senate vote to ask voters to adopt the constitutional amendment on gay marriage.
Cheuvront said he and Aboud, both of whom are gay, had purposely slowed up floor action. There was the possibility that one of the 16 senators whose vote was necessary to approve the gay-marriage amendment would have to leave.
But Cheuvront charged that Harper, who was presiding over the meeting, acted "in cahoots" with Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor, R-Gilbert, to illegally shut off debate on that tax measure.
Harper said under oath Tuesday that he and Verschoor had discussed ways of cutting off debate.
He said, though, it was clear that Cheuvront and Aboud were not interested in the specifics of the tax bill but only to "keep the marriage amendment from coming to the ballot." That, said Harper, gave him the legal right to cut off "this charade."
And if that intent were not crystal-clear that night, Harper said Aboud admitted to it just recently in a radio interview.
"My intentions are irrelevant," Cheuvront said, saying his right to discuss the tax bill with Aboud for as long as he wants is absolute under Senate rules — even if they decided to talk all night.
Sen. Robert Blendu, R-Litchfield Park, one of the members of the Ethics Committee, said the complaint was little more than sour grapes by foes of the gay-marriage amendment who were unable to block a vote.
"Because one group lost and didn't get their way, we find ourselves with an ethics violation," he said. "That is a very bad precedent for this body going forward."
Cheuvront responded he has been on the losing side on various votes on this issue before, all without filing complaints, because everyone followed the rules.
He also denied the complaint was filed to undermine Harper's bid for re-election and strengthen the campaign of Wickenburg resident John Zerby in the Republican primary.
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 08.13.2008
On a party-line vote, the Senate Ethics Committee on Tuesday threw out a complaint that Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, violated rules when he cut off debate on the last night of the session.
Sen. Jay Tibshraeny, R-Chandler, who cast the deciding vote, said Harper, who was presiding over the floor debate, handled the process "very poorly." But he also noted Harper apologized — though he never admitted violating the rules.
The vote disappointed Sen. Ken Cheuvront, D-Phoenix, who filed the complaint.
"You have three Republicans," he said of the five-member panel. "They whitewashed this whole thing."
Cheuvront also discounted the apology — which came only after the ethics complaint was filed — as meaningless. He said the only message that sends future lawmakers is they are free to ignore the rules and then be able to escape any retribution by simply apologizing.
Harper, for his part, remained adamant he did nothing wrong. He said it was Cheuvront and Sen. Paula Aboud, D-Tucson, who were breaking Senate rules that night by engaging in a time-wasting question-and-answer session on a tax bill in hopes of delaying a vote on a measure to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage.
And Harper said he was justified in shutting off their microphones.
"They did not have the right to retain the floor," he said. "It was a charade."
But Harper continued to sidestep questions of why, if he was entitled to cut off debate, he did not rule the pair out of order. Instead, he said at the time, "I clicked on the wrong thing. I clicked on the clear mics" button.
Instead he apologized for "my less-than-stellar acting when the mics were shut off."
Harper also conceded he did not acknowledge any of the calls from the floor for a "point of order," a parliamentary maneuver designed to call attention to an apparently illegal maneuver. Instead, Harper said, he was focused on a motion to suspend further debate, and "nothing else was coherent to me."
Tuesday's vote is the final word on what became a heated dispute the last night of the session over that Senate vote to ask voters to adopt the constitutional amendment on gay marriage.
Cheuvront said he and Aboud, both of whom are gay, had purposely slowed up floor action. There was the possibility that one of the 16 senators whose vote was necessary to approve the gay-marriage amendment would have to leave.
But Cheuvront charged that Harper, who was presiding over the meeting, acted "in cahoots" with Senate Majority Leader Thayer Verschoor, R-Gilbert, to illegally shut off debate on that tax measure.
Harper said under oath Tuesday that he and Verschoor had discussed ways of cutting off debate.
He said, though, it was clear that Cheuvront and Aboud were not interested in the specifics of the tax bill but only to "keep the marriage amendment from coming to the ballot." That, said Harper, gave him the legal right to cut off "this charade."
And if that intent were not crystal-clear that night, Harper said Aboud admitted to it just recently in a radio interview.
"My intentions are irrelevant," Cheuvront said, saying his right to discuss the tax bill with Aboud for as long as he wants is absolute under Senate rules — even if they decided to talk all night.
Sen. Robert Blendu, R-Litchfield Park, one of the members of the Ethics Committee, said the complaint was little more than sour grapes by foes of the gay-marriage amendment who were unable to block a vote.
"Because one group lost and didn't get their way, we find ourselves with an ethics violation," he said. "That is a very bad precedent for this body going forward."
Cheuvront responded he has been on the losing side on various votes on this issue before, all without filing complaints, because everyone followed the rules.
He also denied the complaint was filed to undermine Harper's bid for re-election and strengthen the campaign of Wickenburg resident John Zerby in the Republican primary.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
M.S.N. Weekly eNEWs for 7 / 24 / 2008
Men’s Social Network
Tucson, Arizona Weekly eNEWs
July 24th, 2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Notice: It might be necessary to “Copy and Paste” the links in this newsletter to the URL address space
on the top tool bar of your browser in order to go to the site to view the contents. Don’t know how to
“Copy and Paste”? See the very end of this eNEWs for a “How To Tip”)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Week on the M.S.N. Calendar - -
Tucson, Arizona Weekly eNEWs
July 24th, 2008
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Notice: It might be necessary to “Copy and Paste” the links in this newsletter to the URL address space
on the top tool bar of your browser in order to go to the site to view the contents. Don’t know how to
“Copy and Paste”? See the very end of this eNEWs for a “How To Tip”)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Week on the M.S.N. Calendar - -
Thursday the 24th: (Triangle Tribe will be back next month.)
7:00PM Bridge with Ike, phone 207-6264
Friday the 25th: Another open Friday night -- why not plan an event??
Saturday the 26th: (Coffee at The Crave has been cancelled until fall.)
7PM Pinochle, call Marvin @ 745-0304
Sunday the 27th: 7PM Dinner OUT at Le Rendez-Vous at 3844 E. Ft. Lowell Rd. Call Thom @ 908-6160 or Davis @ 325-4754
Monday the 28th: An open Monday night -- got anything going??
Tuesday the 29th: Open Tuesday night -- those good old hot summer nights!!
Wednesday the 30th: 7PM Hand and Foot, phone Peter at 881-8276
Weekly Notes:
#1 Lee Roden (better half of the Lee & Merlin team - wink Merlin!!!) “Lee, we all wish you a speedy recovery.” Lee is recovering from a bout with Chicken Pox. Please email Merlin for further information: msnguys@cox.net
#2 We are seeking a volunteer for a new position to be known as “M.S.N. Events Reporter.” This position would require someone that has the time, the writing talent and if possible a digital camera that can attend the various events we hold during the month and submit their article for either the weekly or monthly news.
Although the position is volunteer, any out of pocket expenses involved will be reimbursed if “in the line of duty.” This position would also be involved in helping with the maintenance of our web sites, helping with the weekly e-NEWs and monthly Network Newsletter. Anyone interested??
Drop an email with: “M.S.N. Events Reporter” in the Subject and just a brief “resume” and some ideas of what you feel you can contribute to the overall membership in this position. Thanks much, Thom
email: msn.communicator@gmail.com
#3 All readers - - PLEASE HELP - - In order for us to verify the information we have on file about our members (or non-members), please take a few minutes to send an e-mail to: msn.communicator@gmail.com (this will also let me know that you are receiving this email and it is not going into your SPAM file!!) with SUBJECT: “Brief Profile” typed in the subject line. Your name, (and if you have a significant other, his name and his email address if different than yours), state if you are an annual paid M.S.N. Member, a former M.S.N. member or a friend of the MSN (non-member but a supporter of M.S.N.), your birth date ( & partners BDate), your anniversary date (if applicable) this will allow us to verify the annual directory information that we have; And a list of any of our web sites you are signed up for receiving email from (see very end of this eNEWs for a list) and LAST OF ALL, PLEASE tell us if you would rather receive the monthly newsletter/calendar in the mail, or on line, or BOTH. Thank you.
Happy Birthday this week
Richard Blatnick - July 24th
Bruce Karam - July 28th
Happy Anniversary
Stephen Billings and Perry Higgins
July 24th
--------------------------------------------------------------------
OUT in Tucson and the State this week - -
Check out the local news and events on the following popular web sites - -
To view the latest gay community news and events, visit Wingspan's website at: www.wingspan.org
Catch the latest in our local Gay Newspaper: http://www.tucsonobserver.com
email: msn.communicator@gmail.com
#3 All readers - - PLEASE HELP - - In order for us to verify the information we have on file about our members (or non-members), please take a few minutes to send an e-mail to: msn.communicator@gmail.com (this will also let me know that you are receiving this email and it is not going into your SPAM file!!) with SUBJECT: “Brief Profile” typed in the subject line. Your name, (and if you have a significant other, his name and his email address if different than yours), state if you are an annual paid M.S.N. Member, a former M.S.N. member or a friend of the MSN (non-member but a supporter of M.S.N.), your birth date ( & partners BDate), your anniversary date (if applicable) this will allow us to verify the annual directory information that we have; And a list of any of our web sites you are signed up for receiving email from (see very end of this eNEWs for a list) and LAST OF ALL, PLEASE tell us if you would rather receive the monthly newsletter/calendar in the mail, or on line, or BOTH. Thank you.
Happy Birthday this week
Richard Blatnick - July 24th
Bruce Karam - July 28th
Happy Anniversary
Stephen Billings and Perry Higgins
July 24th
--------------------------------------------------------------------
OUT in Tucson and the State this week - -
Check out the local news and events on the following popular web sites - -
To view the latest gay community news and events, visit Wingspan's website at: www.wingspan.org
Catch the latest in our local Gay Newspaper: http://www.tucsonobserver.com
OUT in the Nation and World this week - -
Gay City News - - check it out - -
http://gaycitynews.com/site/news.asp?brd=2729&pag=460&dept_id=569346
Election 2008 (Links for Information) - -
Top stories, video & features In conjunction with POLITICO go here:
New Trick for Old Dog
If you ever have a question about anything sent to you telling you something they know and want to share with you or if you read an email and think that a deal is too good to be true -- go to http://www.snoopes.com/ and search for the truth about a possible misleading bit of information or a scam.
This in particular upsets me -- I, for one, have passed this along for a couple years now, only to find that I have been misled: “a couple drops Lemon Fresh Joy or Listerine in a bowl of water will kill of at an outdoor party spoiling mosquitoes dead from the sky - -
http://www.snopes.com/oldwives/dishsoap.asp
Oh, and here is all the scoop from snope about Barach Obama, it is already a long list and by the time elections roll around I am sure it will be much longer!!! - - http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/obama.asp
Last but Not Least - - The Jokers Corner
1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.
2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.
3. It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.
5. Don't be irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.
6. No one is listening until you fart.
7. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
8. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
9. If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of car payments.
10. Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes That way, when you criticize them you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
11. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.
12. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day. (and the fish are safe)
13. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
14. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
15. Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.
16. The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.
17. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
18. Duct tape is like the Force. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
19. There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.
20. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
21. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it. 22. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
22. Never miss a good chance to shut up.
23. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
24. No matter what happens, somebody will find a way to take it too seriously.
25. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
__________________________________________________________________
If you have an article or event that you would like to have included in the weekly e-news, please submit your information, comments and suggestions to: msn.communicator@gmail.com
Deadline for the weekly eNEWs is Tuesday by NOON!!!
Hearing from our members is always much appreciated be it good or bad!!
______________________________________________________________
**********How to Copy and Paste (once learnt, never forgott)**********
Highlight
Position the mouse pointer at the top left of the white box above. Press down the left mouse button and whilst holding it down drag the mouse to the bottom right of the text. This should highlight the text to copy.
Copy
Whilst the mouse pointer is over the highlighted text click the right mouse button and select "Copy" (or use the "Edit" menu at the top left of your browser and select "Copy").
Paste
Create a new email as you would normally. Click where you wish the text to be inserted. Press the right mouse button and select "Paste" (or use your email program's "Edit" menu and select "Paste").
Visit MSN Online (a little something for everyone’s taste):
www.geocities.com/msn_tucson_az/
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/menssocialnetwork/
www.groups.yahoo.com/group/menssocialnetwork2/
www.groups.msn.com/MensSocialGroupofTucson/www.frappr.com/themenssocialnetworktucson
Our Newest Sites
http://groups.google.com/group/mens-social-network---tucson/web/mens-social-network
http://msncommunicator.blogspot.com/
Monday, July 14, 2008
8 KINDS OF SEX EVERY COUPLE SHOULD TRY
By Amy Spencer
Sure, you and your guy have good sex. Ideally, you have fantastic sex, as often as possible. But there's more to a solid sex life than just straight-up great sex. A truly amazing sexual connection encompasses lots of different kinds of sex — maybe even ones you wouldn't expect. After all, your relationship isn't one-note, so why should your sex life be?
"You change, you age, and you grow as a couple in an emotional and an intellectual way," says Laura Meers, Ph.D., a psychologist in family practice in Columbus, OH. "Hopefully you're growing and changing sexually too. And the more dimensions there are in a relationship in general, the more you will see those dimensions reflected in your sex life."
See which kinds of sex you and your other half have hit so far. As for the ones you haven't, well...you know what to do.
1. Pushing-Your-Boundaries Sex
There's nothing like the moment when you're lying naked with the man you've known and loved for a long time, panting and puffing, thinking, Wow, we've never done that before.
"People in long-term relationships sometimes crave excitement and stimulation, but don't know how to get it with their partner," explains Meers, who adds that this is one of the reasons people stray outside the marriage. "But you can get that in your current relationship by pushing your regular comfort zone." If you're used to missionary, that may mean trying a new position or a new room in the house; if you're used to stimulation by body parts alone, it may be a sex toy thrown in the mix. And if you feel a little anxious about experimenting, says Meers, all the better: "The anxiety you feel about trying something new mimics what happens when you're with somebody new. So if you can create that feeling within the confines of an intimate, close, trusting relationship, you will keep reenergizing what you have.
"And there's another important benefit: Pushing your boundaries helps build trust between you. "When you communicate a desire to your partner — and, ultimately, try it — you're taking a big risk together," says Anita Clayton, M.D., a professor at the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine and author of the book Satisfaction. Taking that risk, she says, is a bonding activity in and of itself.
2. Maintenance Sex
Let's face it — sex just isn't going to be an eye-gazing spiritual encounter every time. "Some couples think everything has to feel perfect, or you both have to be in a sexual mood to have sex, but if everyone waited for that, sex wouldn't happen very often at all," says Clayton. That's where maintenance sex comes in — when you just do it, even if your engine isn't necessarily raring for a ride.
Just-for-the-sake-of-it sex is vital to a long-term relationship, because no matter how much you love your family, your friends, or your kids, and no matter how much time you spend with them, you won't spend time like this with anyone else. "Sex is the one activity a couple has that excludes other people," says Clayton. "It keeps your bond unique and strong." By making a habit of it, you're building regular opportunities for connection into your lives.
Take it from Olivia, 33, a stay-at-home mom in New Jersey who relies on occasional maintenance sex to keep her relationship energized. "My husband always wants to do it, but as a new mom, I'm tired all the time," says Olivia. "But when I make the effort, I always feel closer to him afterward. Even if the sex is mediocre, it feels like we've come together and nothing can get in the way of our relationship."
And let's not forget how good regular sex is for you: It relieves stress, it burns calories, and it elevates your mood, says Meers. According to Olivia, it also keeps her sex drive steady: "Doing it sometimes when I'm not in the mood keeps me geared up for something much hotter other times."
3. Embarrassing-Moment Sex
It's bound to happen eventually: One of you emits an awkward grunt, your sweat-soaked skin slaps together in a cringe-inducing fashion, or your partner pulls or pushes in such a way as to create a "schluup" sound that both of you would like to forget. As mortifying as a moment like this may be — even with someone you've been with for a long time — it is a good reminder that sex is a raw, Discovery Channel kind of act. It's not supposed to be flawless. "Sex is full of smells and sights and sounds; it's natural," says Debra Herbenick, Ph.D., a researcher for the Kinsey Institute and associate director for the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University. "You're having sex with human bodies, and they do funny things sometimes, and that's okay."
And your ability to deal with a red-in-the-face moment — whether you laugh it off or give each other a sympathetic squeeze — says a lot about the strength of your bond. "True intimacy is about being able to feel comfortable and real with each other in awkward, embarrassing situations," says Ruth Morehouse, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist in Evergreen, CO.
Noelle, a 32-year-old grad student in Washington, DC, remembers her last embarrassing sex moment: "When my boyfriend pulled out, I had my first 'queef' moment, if I can use that word," says Noelle. "We'd been together two years by then, but we were both stunned and didn't know what to say. Finally I said, 'Whoops!' and we just carried on. I was almost relieved, like it was this big hurdle we finally got out of the way. And because, hey, it's normal."
4. Vacation Sex
"My husband and I had the best vacation sex recently in Hawaii," says Francine, a 36-year-old mother of two from New York City. "We were on the top floor of the resort, so we knew no one was above us to see or hear us. And the room had these huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. It felt like we were having sex outdoors, but without the nuisance of the sand going up our butts!"
Ah, yes, the turn-on effect of the tropics. And thank goodness for it, because vacation sex is a vital part of a good sex life. "On vacation, you're at your most carefree, which means you can try new things you won't have to be accountable for at home," says Meers. In other words, you can have sex on the beach or in a car, or flirt madly in a restaurant, or, like Francine, have what feels like sex in public — all of which you might not do at home, for fear someone you know would see you or find out. "Taking risks like this adds to the excitement," says Meers. And ideally, you can bring that burst of excitement back home with you.
The point is, if life in the bedroom is feeling blah, it's often your surroundings that are getting stale, not your partner. So if you haven't had vacation sex lately, do it! You don't need a plane ticket to get started: "Head to a hotel downtown and call it a vacation," says Meers, who often recommends vacation sex to her clients. "You can look forward to it and build it up beforehand for even better sex."
5. Slow-Road-to-Sleep Sex
We all know by now that it's the journey that really matters in life, not the destination. In sex, that means not every sexual experience should be focused on getting to the orgasm(s). But the truth is, not every sexual experience leads anywhere at all. Some nights, you start out on the journey and you'd like to keep going, but, boy, sleep sounds so darn good too...and that's when things peter out.
Luckily, the experts say this kind of sex is still good for your bond. "Even acknowledging that you want your partner is important, whether or not you follow through," says Meers. If you feel sleep coming on, Meers suggests you say to your partner, "'I love you so much and I want you.' Just saying it out loud, that counts for a lot too." In the meantime, you're just two warm bodies who love each other and appreciate that a sweet, simple touch can be enough for the night.
6. Make-up Sex
It's been said you shouldn't go to bed angry. And sometimes, you can take that to a different extreme, ensuring that after a fight you go to bed happy — very, very happy. Yes, we're talking about the wild and intense world of make-up sex, when one minute you're reeling from anger, and the next you're rolling around making passionate love. Make-up sex works because after a fight, you're raw, exposed, and vulnerable — perfect conditions for intense, soul-to-soul physical bonding. "In many ways, make-up sex restores a level of closeness that you may feel was fractured by the argument," says Clayton. "Sex can repair that fracture."
One commonsense caveat: "Some people pick fights in order to be able to make up," says Clayton. Other couples ignore their real problems and have sex instead. If the only time you're getting along is when you're in the sack, maybe you should take a break from the make-ups and face your issues with your clothes on first.
7. Comfort Sex
If you're feeling sad, depressed, grieving, alone, or hurt, sex can be the perfect antidote. Why? Because it's the opposite of all those things — it's about being close, warm, loving, and together. And because sometimes talking about your troubles or sadness isn't what you want, while sex can be.
"My husband's mom had Parkinson's and a stroke, my dad had major heart surgery, and my mom had Alzheimer's, so my husband and I have spent a lot of time in bed comforting each other," explains Beth, 57, a former teacher and stay-at-home mom in Chicago. "In those times, sometimes it's full-penetration sex, sometimes it's just snuggling, sometimes it's manually stimulating each other, but for us it's important. It makes you remember why you're living. If you focus on the bad stuff to the end, it's not worth it. You have to focus on what makes you want to get up every morning, what makes you want to go through every day. And part of that, for us, is the sex.
"That desire for a connection is not only common, says Morehouse, it's important as a life-affirming act in the face of grief. "Sex is a way of declaring your aliveness," says Morehouse. "It's a way of defending yourself against the inevitability of death or loss." Usually, she says, comfort sex is "more poignant, more sweet, and perhaps more emotional than usual" because the desire to connect to life is so great.
And that thriving, healing act can also help people who feel torn apart from each other during a difficult period. "Grief tends to drive a wedge between couples," says Clayton, noting that partners sometimes blame themselves, or each other, during a loss. "I've seen couples break up because something bad happens, but sex can help restore the intimate relationship you have. Instead of letting grief pull you apart, you can use it to pull each other close again."
8. Crazy Hang-from-the-Chandelier Sex
You know what we're talking about: wild, sweaty, so-good-it-makes-you-dizzy sex. No matter how long you've been together, you need to have earthshaking sex like this once in a while — even if it's once in a very long while. For long-term couples, having an extra-hot sexual experience is "like a flashback," says Morehouse. "It can stimulate those early feelings you had toward someone in the beginning, and it reminds you what you're capable of as a couple."
"People think the steamy stuff only happens before you are married or pre-kids, but we are going on 25 years of marriage and still have passionate hot sex!" says Maureen, a self-employed New Jersey mother of three in her mid-40s. She remembers one recent night that felt as hot as the old flames. "I'd just finished cooking dinner, and no kids were home. When my husband came in, he said he was going upstairs to change. But as he kissed me, it evolved from just talking about the day to sex on the kitchen counter. It was totally spontaneous and unexpected!"
This kind of sex is also important on a deeper level. "It requires a lot of intimacy to let your partner see you in the throes of sexual abandon," explains Morehouse. "When you display that side of yourself, you have to deal with questions like, What if my face gets purple or my eyes go back in my head? To express a higher level of sensuality like this is another way of being intimate." And let's not forget how much a toe-curling orgasm does to keep your eyes bright and your soul smiling!
Sure, you and your guy have good sex. Ideally, you have fantastic sex, as often as possible. But there's more to a solid sex life than just straight-up great sex. A truly amazing sexual connection encompasses lots of different kinds of sex — maybe even ones you wouldn't expect. After all, your relationship isn't one-note, so why should your sex life be?
"You change, you age, and you grow as a couple in an emotional and an intellectual way," says Laura Meers, Ph.D., a psychologist in family practice in Columbus, OH. "Hopefully you're growing and changing sexually too. And the more dimensions there are in a relationship in general, the more you will see those dimensions reflected in your sex life."
See which kinds of sex you and your other half have hit so far. As for the ones you haven't, well...you know what to do.
1. Pushing-Your-Boundaries Sex
There's nothing like the moment when you're lying naked with the man you've known and loved for a long time, panting and puffing, thinking, Wow, we've never done that before.
"People in long-term relationships sometimes crave excitement and stimulation, but don't know how to get it with their partner," explains Meers, who adds that this is one of the reasons people stray outside the marriage. "But you can get that in your current relationship by pushing your regular comfort zone." If you're used to missionary, that may mean trying a new position or a new room in the house; if you're used to stimulation by body parts alone, it may be a sex toy thrown in the mix. And if you feel a little anxious about experimenting, says Meers, all the better: "The anxiety you feel about trying something new mimics what happens when you're with somebody new. So if you can create that feeling within the confines of an intimate, close, trusting relationship, you will keep reenergizing what you have.
"And there's another important benefit: Pushing your boundaries helps build trust between you. "When you communicate a desire to your partner — and, ultimately, try it — you're taking a big risk together," says Anita Clayton, M.D., a professor at the University of Virginia's Department of Psychiatric Medicine and author of the book Satisfaction. Taking that risk, she says, is a bonding activity in and of itself.
2. Maintenance Sex
Let's face it — sex just isn't going to be an eye-gazing spiritual encounter every time. "Some couples think everything has to feel perfect, or you both have to be in a sexual mood to have sex, but if everyone waited for that, sex wouldn't happen very often at all," says Clayton. That's where maintenance sex comes in — when you just do it, even if your engine isn't necessarily raring for a ride.
Just-for-the-sake-of-it sex is vital to a long-term relationship, because no matter how much you love your family, your friends, or your kids, and no matter how much time you spend with them, you won't spend time like this with anyone else. "Sex is the one activity a couple has that excludes other people," says Clayton. "It keeps your bond unique and strong." By making a habit of it, you're building regular opportunities for connection into your lives.
Take it from Olivia, 33, a stay-at-home mom in New Jersey who relies on occasional maintenance sex to keep her relationship energized. "My husband always wants to do it, but as a new mom, I'm tired all the time," says Olivia. "But when I make the effort, I always feel closer to him afterward. Even if the sex is mediocre, it feels like we've come together and nothing can get in the way of our relationship."
And let's not forget how good regular sex is for you: It relieves stress, it burns calories, and it elevates your mood, says Meers. According to Olivia, it also keeps her sex drive steady: "Doing it sometimes when I'm not in the mood keeps me geared up for something much hotter other times."
3. Embarrassing-Moment Sex
It's bound to happen eventually: One of you emits an awkward grunt, your sweat-soaked skin slaps together in a cringe-inducing fashion, or your partner pulls or pushes in such a way as to create a "schluup" sound that both of you would like to forget. As mortifying as a moment like this may be — even with someone you've been with for a long time — it is a good reminder that sex is a raw, Discovery Channel kind of act. It's not supposed to be flawless. "Sex is full of smells and sights and sounds; it's natural," says Debra Herbenick, Ph.D., a researcher for the Kinsey Institute and associate director for the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University. "You're having sex with human bodies, and they do funny things sometimes, and that's okay."
And your ability to deal with a red-in-the-face moment — whether you laugh it off or give each other a sympathetic squeeze — says a lot about the strength of your bond. "True intimacy is about being able to feel comfortable and real with each other in awkward, embarrassing situations," says Ruth Morehouse, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist in Evergreen, CO.
Noelle, a 32-year-old grad student in Washington, DC, remembers her last embarrassing sex moment: "When my boyfriend pulled out, I had my first 'queef' moment, if I can use that word," says Noelle. "We'd been together two years by then, but we were both stunned and didn't know what to say. Finally I said, 'Whoops!' and we just carried on. I was almost relieved, like it was this big hurdle we finally got out of the way. And because, hey, it's normal."
4. Vacation Sex
"My husband and I had the best vacation sex recently in Hawaii," says Francine, a 36-year-old mother of two from New York City. "We were on the top floor of the resort, so we knew no one was above us to see or hear us. And the room had these huge floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean. It felt like we were having sex outdoors, but without the nuisance of the sand going up our butts!"
Ah, yes, the turn-on effect of the tropics. And thank goodness for it, because vacation sex is a vital part of a good sex life. "On vacation, you're at your most carefree, which means you can try new things you won't have to be accountable for at home," says Meers. In other words, you can have sex on the beach or in a car, or flirt madly in a restaurant, or, like Francine, have what feels like sex in public — all of which you might not do at home, for fear someone you know would see you or find out. "Taking risks like this adds to the excitement," says Meers. And ideally, you can bring that burst of excitement back home with you.
The point is, if life in the bedroom is feeling blah, it's often your surroundings that are getting stale, not your partner. So if you haven't had vacation sex lately, do it! You don't need a plane ticket to get started: "Head to a hotel downtown and call it a vacation," says Meers, who often recommends vacation sex to her clients. "You can look forward to it and build it up beforehand for even better sex."
5. Slow-Road-to-Sleep Sex
We all know by now that it's the journey that really matters in life, not the destination. In sex, that means not every sexual experience should be focused on getting to the orgasm(s). But the truth is, not every sexual experience leads anywhere at all. Some nights, you start out on the journey and you'd like to keep going, but, boy, sleep sounds so darn good too...and that's when things peter out.
Luckily, the experts say this kind of sex is still good for your bond. "Even acknowledging that you want your partner is important, whether or not you follow through," says Meers. If you feel sleep coming on, Meers suggests you say to your partner, "'I love you so much and I want you.' Just saying it out loud, that counts for a lot too." In the meantime, you're just two warm bodies who love each other and appreciate that a sweet, simple touch can be enough for the night.
6. Make-up Sex
It's been said you shouldn't go to bed angry. And sometimes, you can take that to a different extreme, ensuring that after a fight you go to bed happy — very, very happy. Yes, we're talking about the wild and intense world of make-up sex, when one minute you're reeling from anger, and the next you're rolling around making passionate love. Make-up sex works because after a fight, you're raw, exposed, and vulnerable — perfect conditions for intense, soul-to-soul physical bonding. "In many ways, make-up sex restores a level of closeness that you may feel was fractured by the argument," says Clayton. "Sex can repair that fracture."
One commonsense caveat: "Some people pick fights in order to be able to make up," says Clayton. Other couples ignore their real problems and have sex instead. If the only time you're getting along is when you're in the sack, maybe you should take a break from the make-ups and face your issues with your clothes on first.
7. Comfort Sex
If you're feeling sad, depressed, grieving, alone, or hurt, sex can be the perfect antidote. Why? Because it's the opposite of all those things — it's about being close, warm, loving, and together. And because sometimes talking about your troubles or sadness isn't what you want, while sex can be.
"My husband's mom had Parkinson's and a stroke, my dad had major heart surgery, and my mom had Alzheimer's, so my husband and I have spent a lot of time in bed comforting each other," explains Beth, 57, a former teacher and stay-at-home mom in Chicago. "In those times, sometimes it's full-penetration sex, sometimes it's just snuggling, sometimes it's manually stimulating each other, but for us it's important. It makes you remember why you're living. If you focus on the bad stuff to the end, it's not worth it. You have to focus on what makes you want to get up every morning, what makes you want to go through every day. And part of that, for us, is the sex.
"That desire for a connection is not only common, says Morehouse, it's important as a life-affirming act in the face of grief. "Sex is a way of declaring your aliveness," says Morehouse. "It's a way of defending yourself against the inevitability of death or loss." Usually, she says, comfort sex is "more poignant, more sweet, and perhaps more emotional than usual" because the desire to connect to life is so great.
And that thriving, healing act can also help people who feel torn apart from each other during a difficult period. "Grief tends to drive a wedge between couples," says Clayton, noting that partners sometimes blame themselves, or each other, during a loss. "I've seen couples break up because something bad happens, but sex can help restore the intimate relationship you have. Instead of letting grief pull you apart, you can use it to pull each other close again."
8. Crazy Hang-from-the-Chandelier Sex
You know what we're talking about: wild, sweaty, so-good-it-makes-you-dizzy sex. No matter how long you've been together, you need to have earthshaking sex like this once in a while — even if it's once in a very long while. For long-term couples, having an extra-hot sexual experience is "like a flashback," says Morehouse. "It can stimulate those early feelings you had toward someone in the beginning, and it reminds you what you're capable of as a couple."
"People think the steamy stuff only happens before you are married or pre-kids, but we are going on 25 years of marriage and still have passionate hot sex!" says Maureen, a self-employed New Jersey mother of three in her mid-40s. She remembers one recent night that felt as hot as the old flames. "I'd just finished cooking dinner, and no kids were home. When my husband came in, he said he was going upstairs to change. But as he kissed me, it evolved from just talking about the day to sex on the kitchen counter. It was totally spontaneous and unexpected!"
This kind of sex is also important on a deeper level. "It requires a lot of intimacy to let your partner see you in the throes of sexual abandon," explains Morehouse. "When you display that side of yourself, you have to deal with questions like, What if my face gets purple or my eyes go back in my head? To express a higher level of sensuality like this is another way of being intimate." And let's not forget how much a toe-curling orgasm does to keep your eyes bright and your soul smiling!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
UPCOMING GAY COMMUNITY EVENTS - -
(from Wingspan EVENT CALENDAR)
Jul 13, 2008
9th Annual TIHAN Night at the Sidewinders
9th Annual TIHAN Night at the Sidewinders to benefit the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network's (TIHAN) services for people living with HIV/AIDS! Enjoy the doubleheader against the ...See Full Details
Jul 13, 2008
The Colorful Life of Shellie Lynn
Wingspan’s “Colorful Life Series” features the interesting, exciting and sometimes unusual lives of LGBT people in our community.Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather. At...See Full Details
Jul 19, 2008
Free Beginners Computer Classes for Seniors
If you have always wanted to know more about using a computer and your friends are bugging you to wade into the cyberworld, this is a perfect opportunity. You'll learn from the pro...See Full Details
Jul 20, 2008
Dr. Anne Stericker to Speak at Dezert Partnerz
The July meeting of the Dezert Partnerz group will feature a presentation by Dr. Anne Bradford Stericker, a Tucson therapist who has provided support and counseling to the transgen...See Full Details
Jul 20, 2008
Rainbow Families Bowling
Come join Rainbow Families for two hours of bowling at Lucky Strike Bowl, 4015 E Speedway (just east of Alvernon), July 20 2 to 4 pm.The cost is $6.49 per bowler and includes t...See Full Details
Jul 26, 2008
Free Beginners Computer Classes for Seniors
If you have always wanted to know more about using a computer and your friends are bugging you to wade into the cyberworld, this is a perfect opportunity. You'll learn from the pro...See Full Details
Jul 26, 2008
Senior Pride / Eon Poetry Reading and Open Mic
We'll meet in the library at Wingspan, surrounded by books and words and have some intergenerational poetry fun. This is not a slam, no judges, no competition. It's a chance to s...See Full Details
Aug 02, 2008
Free Beginners Computer Classes for Seniors
If you have always wanted to know more about using a computer and your friends are bugging you to wade into the cyberworld, this is a perfect opportunity. You'll learn from the pro...See Full Details
Aug 02, 2008
Home Matters: Immigration and LGBT Life
The Community Conversation series, celebrating Wingspan's 20th anniversary, opens its third conversation, Home Matters: Immigration and LGBT Life.See Full Details
Aug 09, 2008
Seminarios Hombre a Hombre
Ven con los Hombres y gana $50 en gasolina!Estas Invitado a Una Retirada de HOMBRE a HOMBREEl 9 y 10 de Agosto del 2008Una retirada LIBRE durante el fin de semana para ho...See Full Details
Aug 10, 2008
Seminarios Hombre a Hombre
Ven con los Hombres y gana $50 en gasolina!Estas Invitado a Una Retirada de HOMBRE a HOMBREEl 9 y 10 de Agosto del 2008Una retirada LIBRE durante el fin de semana para h...See Full Details
Aug 17, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: Rainbow Families - Mt. Lemmon Trip
Enjoy a trip up to the cool temperatures of Mt. Lemmon. Meet at the NE corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina Hwy at the McDonalds at 11am to caravan/car pool up the mountian. There...See Full Details
Aug 24, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: Turnabout for TIHAN - "Stonewall Riot"
What is "Turnabout for TIHAN"? Turnabout is an annual show put on by some of Tucson's LGBT clubs and their bar staff. The staff request donations from their friends and customers...See Full Details
Sep 11, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: TIHAN Team Member Orientation
TIHAN (Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network) is seeking a diverse group of volunteers that represent a cross section of our community to join existing volunteers in meeting the progr...See Full Details
Oct 19, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: AIDSWALK 2008, Everybody's Walk
The Twentieth Annual AIDSWALK will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the UA campus on the mall. For registration and information, please go to www.AIDSWALKTUCSON.com. Rem...See Full Details
(from Wingspan EVENT CALENDAR)
Jul 13, 2008
9th Annual TIHAN Night at the Sidewinders
9th Annual TIHAN Night at the Sidewinders to benefit the Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network's (TIHAN) services for people living with HIV/AIDS! Enjoy the doubleheader against the ...See Full Details
Jul 13, 2008
The Colorful Life of Shellie Lynn
Wingspan’s “Colorful Life Series” features the interesting, exciting and sometimes unusual lives of LGBT people in our community.Son, brother, husband, father, grandfather. At...See Full Details
Jul 19, 2008
Free Beginners Computer Classes for Seniors
If you have always wanted to know more about using a computer and your friends are bugging you to wade into the cyberworld, this is a perfect opportunity. You'll learn from the pro...See Full Details
Jul 20, 2008
Dr. Anne Stericker to Speak at Dezert Partnerz
The July meeting of the Dezert Partnerz group will feature a presentation by Dr. Anne Bradford Stericker, a Tucson therapist who has provided support and counseling to the transgen...See Full Details
Jul 20, 2008
Rainbow Families Bowling
Come join Rainbow Families for two hours of bowling at Lucky Strike Bowl, 4015 E Speedway (just east of Alvernon), July 20 2 to 4 pm.The cost is $6.49 per bowler and includes t...See Full Details
Jul 26, 2008
Free Beginners Computer Classes for Seniors
If you have always wanted to know more about using a computer and your friends are bugging you to wade into the cyberworld, this is a perfect opportunity. You'll learn from the pro...See Full Details
Jul 26, 2008
Senior Pride / Eon Poetry Reading and Open Mic
We'll meet in the library at Wingspan, surrounded by books and words and have some intergenerational poetry fun. This is not a slam, no judges, no competition. It's a chance to s...See Full Details
Aug 02, 2008
Free Beginners Computer Classes for Seniors
If you have always wanted to know more about using a computer and your friends are bugging you to wade into the cyberworld, this is a perfect opportunity. You'll learn from the pro...See Full Details
Aug 02, 2008
Home Matters: Immigration and LGBT Life
The Community Conversation series, celebrating Wingspan's 20th anniversary, opens its third conversation, Home Matters: Immigration and LGBT Life.See Full Details
Aug 09, 2008
Seminarios Hombre a Hombre
Ven con los Hombres y gana $50 en gasolina!Estas Invitado a Una Retirada de HOMBRE a HOMBREEl 9 y 10 de Agosto del 2008Una retirada LIBRE durante el fin de semana para ho...See Full Details
Aug 10, 2008
Seminarios Hombre a Hombre
Ven con los Hombres y gana $50 en gasolina!Estas Invitado a Una Retirada de HOMBRE a HOMBREEl 9 y 10 de Agosto del 2008Una retirada LIBRE durante el fin de semana para h...See Full Details
Aug 17, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: Rainbow Families - Mt. Lemmon Trip
Enjoy a trip up to the cool temperatures of Mt. Lemmon. Meet at the NE corner of Tanque Verde and Catalina Hwy at the McDonalds at 11am to caravan/car pool up the mountian. There...See Full Details
Aug 24, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: Turnabout for TIHAN - "Stonewall Riot"
What is "Turnabout for TIHAN"? Turnabout is an annual show put on by some of Tucson's LGBT clubs and their bar staff. The staff request donations from their friends and customers...See Full Details
Sep 11, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: TIHAN Team Member Orientation
TIHAN (Tucson Interfaith HIV/AIDS Network) is seeking a diverse group of volunteers that represent a cross section of our community to join existing volunteers in meeting the progr...See Full Details
Oct 19, 2008
SAVE THE DATE: AIDSWALK 2008, Everybody's Walk
The Twentieth Annual AIDSWALK will take place on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the UA campus on the mall. For registration and information, please go to www.AIDSWALKTUCSON.com. Rem...See Full Details
Friday, July 11, 2008
Selective Service
Registration with the United States Selective Service is required of all male citizens and permanent residents within 30 days of turning eighteen, even if you may not be eligible to serve in the military. You need to register even if you are gay, bi, or trans.
Failure to register with the Selective Service before the age of twenty-six will result in a permanent loss of eligibility for all federal Title IV education financial aid including Pell Grants, federal campus based aid programs, and the federal student loan program. Federal financial aid accounts for over 90% of the money available for education beyond high school, both for college and vocational training
Continue reading Young Gay Men & Selective Service.
Failure to register with the Selective Service before the age of twenty-six will result in a permanent loss of eligibility for all federal Title IV education financial aid including Pell Grants, federal campus based aid programs, and the federal student loan program. Federal financial aid accounts for over 90% of the money available for education beyond high school, both for college and vocational training
Continue reading Young Gay Men & Selective Service.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Homosexuals in the Armed Forces
On June 28th we remember the police riot with which the clients of a NY bar said no more to police mistreatment, and since 1969 more cities and countries have been adding themselves to this commemoration. There are also dates to demand the rights of women, African-origin groups, and other traditionally mistreated social sectors.
We have advanced! Every day more spaces give less resistance to differences, to sexual orientations and gender identities. On of the institutions where it has been most difficult to find respect and tolerance is the Armed Forces.
Two weeks ago, the Minister of National Defense of Uruguay, José Bayardi, at the close of the seminar on "The military institution and the State of Law: Military Justice and Discipline." assured that the fact of homosexuality does not alter the honor of the Armed Forces, recognizing that within them there are persons with these sexual orientations: Homosexuality o Homogenitality
With these affirmations we find that there are advances in the change of imagination, without abandoning the multiple forms of masculinity and homosexuality also awaiting that transsexual can enjoy being within and can act within the military institution without staying within the gender roles imposed by culture, religion and society.
Germán Humberto Rincón Perfetti
Bogotá - Colombia
On June 28th we remember the police riot with which the clients of a NY bar said no more to police mistreatment, and since 1969 more cities and countries have been adding themselves to this commemoration. There are also dates to demand the rights of women, African-origin groups, and other traditionally mistreated social sectors.
We have advanced! Every day more spaces give less resistance to differences, to sexual orientations and gender identities. On of the institutions where it has been most difficult to find respect and tolerance is the Armed Forces.
Two weeks ago, the Minister of National Defense of Uruguay, José Bayardi, at the close of the seminar on "The military institution and the State of Law: Military Justice and Discipline." assured that the fact of homosexuality does not alter the honor of the Armed Forces, recognizing that within them there are persons with these sexual orientations: Homosexuality o Homogenitality
With these affirmations we find that there are advances in the change of imagination, without abandoning the multiple forms of masculinity and homosexuality also awaiting that transsexual can enjoy being within and can act within the military institution without staying within the gender roles imposed by culture, religion and society.
Germán Humberto Rincón Perfetti
Bogotá - Colombia
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Al Sharpton on Anderson Cooper Going to Hell
By: ANDY HUMM
06/26/2008
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During a discussion on Anderson Cooper's CNN show about the attacks that right winger James Dobson made on Barack Obama's religious views, the Reverend Al Sharpton raised some gay eyebrows when he said, "I may have some very conservative personal feelings, but I feel you have the right to live your life differently. I may think that what you do Anderson is gonna put you in Hell, but I'm gonna defend your right to get there."
Cooper replied, "I appreciate all your concerns about my afterlife. I'm personally not all that concerned, but that's a whole other discussion.
"Internet debates arose on Towleroad.com and PageOneQ.com about whether Sharpton, a strong supporter of LGBT rights, was referring to Cooper's homosexuality as his possible sin. But Sharpton, unaware of the controversy, told Gay City News, "I have no idea of his sexuality. I was not talking about him as an individual anyway. It could have been anybody." He said any thoughts he might have about things that condemn people wouldn't include homosexuality. "I support same-sex marriage and have been lambasted by the right for it," he said.
More than a decade ago, this reporter asked Sharpton at a party if his support extended to performing same-sex marriages as a minister. "Step outside," he shot back. "I'll do you right now."
Some wag on Towleroad said that Sharpton must have been referring to Cooper's work on CNN as his sin.
06/26/2008
Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendly
During a discussion on Anderson Cooper's CNN show about the attacks that right winger James Dobson made on Barack Obama's religious views, the Reverend Al Sharpton raised some gay eyebrows when he said, "I may have some very conservative personal feelings, but I feel you have the right to live your life differently. I may think that what you do Anderson is gonna put you in Hell, but I'm gonna defend your right to get there."
Cooper replied, "I appreciate all your concerns about my afterlife. I'm personally not all that concerned, but that's a whole other discussion.
"Internet debates arose on Towleroad.com and PageOneQ.com about whether Sharpton, a strong supporter of LGBT rights, was referring to Cooper's homosexuality as his possible sin. But Sharpton, unaware of the controversy, told Gay City News, "I have no idea of his sexuality. I was not talking about him as an individual anyway. It could have been anybody." He said any thoughts he might have about things that condemn people wouldn't include homosexuality. "I support same-sex marriage and have been lambasted by the right for it," he said.
More than a decade ago, this reporter asked Sharpton at a party if his support extended to performing same-sex marriages as a minister. "Step outside," he shot back. "I'll do you right now."
Some wag on Towleroad said that Sharpton must have been referring to Cooper's work on CNN as his sin.
Mormons Mark Pride with Attack on Rights
By: ANDY HUMM
06/26/2008
Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendly
On Sunday, June 29, a letter will be read at all Mormon worship services worldwide calling on all members to contribute financially and with their time to pass the California initiative this November that would limit marriage different-sex couples.
The letter, from the Office of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said, "The Church's teaching and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.
"Mormon teaching against black people serving in the Church's priesthood was also unequivocal until it became politically untenable for it to maintain. As with polygamy, which was dropped so Utah could become a state in 1896, Church elders received a revelation from God on June 8, 1978 that it was okay to elevate black people to leadership positions.
Dave Melson of Affirmation, the LGBT Mormon group, told the Salt Lake Tribune, "We had hoped the Church would back off and stay on the sidelines on this one." As if!
The Mormon Church provided significant financial resources for the successful campaign to pass a constitutional amendment in Hawaii in 1998 allowing the Legislature to regulate marriage there when state court rulings were moving toward an embrace of marriage equality. They also heavily backed anti-gay marriage campaigns in Alaska in 1998 and in California in 2000.
Despite this direct involvement in political campaigns, no serious challenge to the Church's tax-exempt status has been mounted.
06/26/2008
Email to a friendPost a CommentPrinter-friendly
On Sunday, June 29, a letter will be read at all Mormon worship services worldwide calling on all members to contribute financially and with their time to pass the California initiative this November that would limit marriage different-sex couples.
The letter, from the Office of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, said, "The Church's teaching and position on this moral issue are unequivocal. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.
"Mormon teaching against black people serving in the Church's priesthood was also unequivocal until it became politically untenable for it to maintain. As with polygamy, which was dropped so Utah could become a state in 1896, Church elders received a revelation from God on June 8, 1978 that it was okay to elevate black people to leadership positions.
Dave Melson of Affirmation, the LGBT Mormon group, told the Salt Lake Tribune, "We had hoped the Church would back off and stay on the sidelines on this one." As if!
The Mormon Church provided significant financial resources for the successful campaign to pass a constitutional amendment in Hawaii in 1998 allowing the Legislature to regulate marriage there when state court rulings were moving toward an embrace of marriage equality. They also heavily backed anti-gay marriage campaigns in Alaska in 1998 and in California in 2000.
Despite this direct involvement in political campaigns, no serious challenge to the Church's tax-exempt status has been mounted.
Friday, June 20, 2008
MSN Weekly eNEWs, June 26th, 2008
Men’s Social Network
Tucson, Arizona Weekly eNEWs
June 26th, 2008
(Notice: It might be necessary to “Copy and Paste” the links in this
newsletter to the URL address space on the top tool bar of your browser
in order to go to the site to view the contents. Don’t know how to “Copy and Paste”?
see the very end of this eNEWs for a “How To Tip”)
This Week on the M.S.N. Calendar - -
Thursday the 19th: HIGH NOON last chance to make Pizza Reservations for Friday night -
Give Tom a call @ 744-9036 (see map link below for directions to Tom’s)
7PM Triangle Tribe, call Tom @ 591-2828
7PM Mexican Dominoes, call Jack @ 887-3736
Friday the 20th: 7PM PIZZA NIGHT AT TOM’S make your reservations by Noon Thursday. Don’t forget, we ask for a $5.00 per person donation toward expenses.
Saturday the 21st: 1PM Coffee at Crave, call Lee or Merlin @ 207-5336 (if you feel this event should be cancelled until September or if it would be better to change the meeting time, day or place?? Please, some feed back would be appreciated give Lee a call.)
7PM Pinochle call Steve @ 664-2076
Sunday the 22nd: 7PM Dinner Out at Golden Corral at 4380 E. 22nd St.
call Thom @ 908-6160 or Davis @ 325-4754 (Ken is taking a diet break!!!)
Monday the 23rd: Newsletter and Movie Night, call Arlan @ 323-7414
Tuesday the 24th: Open Night -- visit this site, maybe we can get a few
M.S.N.ers to play games on the internet?? Check this out - -
and have fun:
http://www.games.com/browse-games/all/free-online/#genreBrowse
Wednesday the 25th: Hand and Foot, call Lee or Merlin @ 207-5336
Happy Birthday
Happy Anniversary
OUT in Tucson and the State this week - -
OUT in the Nation and World this week - -
Election 2008 (Links for Information) - -
New Trick for Old Dog
Last but Not Least - - The Jokers Corner
_________________________________________________________________________________
If you have an article or event that you would like to have included in the weekly e-news, please submit your information, comments and suggestions to: msn.communicator@gmail.com Deadline for the weekly eNEWs is Tuesday by NOON!!!
Hearing from our members is always much appreciated be it good or bad!!
_________________________________________________________________________________
**********How to Copy and Paste (once learnt, never forgotten)**********
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Thursday, June 19, 2008
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