This is the trailer for the upcoming made-for-television movie, Prayers for Bobby, on Lifetime, January 24th. This is an important film that I would love for me entire family to watch with me. Consider this an open invitation to them and to any friends who would like to see it as well. I'll bring the pizza and root beer and of course the Lifetime. I'll confirm the time and update the post. Hope to see you there.
Anyone who knows me with any degree of accuracy is well aware of my LOVE for what I refer to as "Cheese Balls." Technically they are called "Fried Macaroni and Cheese," but that is not near as fun to say as "Cheese Balls." My good friend, Josh, introduced me to these gooey balls of heaven a couple of years ago. For me, it was love at first bite. 
Since that time, I haven't been able to get enough and frequently make excuses to go get them at TGI Friday's. Other places have offered something similar on their menu, but most just can't get it right. The horrible aftertaste from (BLANK's) attempt just celebrated 15 month anniversary. I'm not sure they have ever changed the oil. =0
My job involves working with a team in Manila we lovingly refer to as the PHLRO SSG. The past few weeks, their team manager, Shei (short for Sheila) has been visiting our office in Salt Lake. We had a chance to take her out to dinner and guess where I suggested? You know it. 
They have five TGI Friday's in the Philippines, but I'm not sure if they have a different menu. Now that Shei has tasted the awesome power of the cheese ball, she has offered to check out one of the local Friday's to see if cheese balls are available. Carl, the PHLRO team's representative homosexual, has invited me for a visit. Seeing Carl and the others on the team would be nice, going all that way would turn from great to wonderful if I could have me some cheese balls.
The only exception to my rule about liking cheese balls at some place other than Friday's is at The Cheesecake Factory. They offer a unique take on the classic in that instead of seven balls, they give only four, but they are each quite large. The four baseball sized orbs are encased in a crust of Parmesan cheese and come sitting in a creamy marinara sauce that is simply to die for. If you like your cheese balls with alcohol as I do (see below) and you are at the Factory in Salt Lake, remember to go after noon as they remember where they put the keys to the bar about that time. Dumb ass Utah drinking laws. God, don't get me started. Ok, now I'm started. With the exception of Bud Light Lime, which is delicious, Utah 3.2 beer tastes like horse piss (yes, and don't ask). Real men (the kind I'm attracted to) drink German beer that is easily twice that strength.
This is a picture of me being fat and happy. I have a cheese ball in one hand and a mudslide in the other. Mudslides, for those who do not know, are AWESOME! It is basically a chocolate milkshake (complete with ice cream) with a nice blend of alcohol that I'm pretty sure includes Bailey's Irish Cream Whiskey. Oh My God!!! Having the two is like a little piece of heaven on earth. The only thing that could top the experience is two orders of cheese balls and another round of drinks. Some sort of margarita is being enjoyed by someone in the picture, but I prefer the full dosage of fat the ice cream and deep fried goodness offer. Getting drunk is not required to enjoy cheese balls. Indeed, I have had them both buzzed and with root beer. But, given the chance, a nice frosty mudslide on the side is the way to go.
Anyone want to go for cheese balls? I'm game. Of course, you may need to drive me home (I do not condone drinking and driving), but being the designated driver can have its benefits, especially if you are a cute boy. =) Enjoy.
The IHG summer party was held, well, a few months ago in the summer. =) These past few months have really slipped by quickly. It was a really fund day with my family. Due to a twist of fate, I was able to bring a few that rarely get to do fun things with me and my "regular" groupies.
This rattle snake was HUGE. I just kept thinking about Harry Potter and how I hope everyone around us was a Muggle. For those who know me, I have a very strong fear of snakes. While that is true in EVERY sense of the word, I also hold a bizarre fascination with them. So, a trip to the zoo would not be complete without a visit to the reptile house, even though the smell inside that building is so foul that long-term exposure would probably be toxic. Seriously, OPEN A WINDOW. They have a tropical atrium area where birds fly freely and their excuse is that the birds would fly out an open window. One word solution: SCREENS. 
It is quite possible that building hasn't been properly ventilated since I was a kid nearly four decades ago. Hopefully, the money they will now collect as a result of the recent election can help make my mandatory visit to the snake house less than a miserable experience in trying to hold my breath for an hour. Yes, I vote for the additional funding. Now let's just hope they use it responsibly.
This skeleton of a snake's head has been there creeping me out and fascinating me since I was a kid. Also of interest, though I didn't get a picture, is the Styrofoam board showing where various mounted bugs came from. I remember always wanting to move to Australia because that was the one foam piece that didn't have any bugs, at least as evidenced by their lack of colorful dots. I believe this snake head came from a python and they are showing how once you get inside their jaws, you probably aren't coming out. This alone prevents me from visiting 3/4 of the world as I don't want to get eaten whole by snakes the size of school buses. What? I saw the movie Anaconda. 
Since my last visit to the zoo, they have taken out the hippopotamus building and added an old-fashioned carousel. Awesome. As you can see, even someone as big as I am could ride without fear of breaking the animals. This penguin didn't know what it was getting in for when it signed up as a carousel pole dancer, but I held on and tried to be gentle. =) 
The zoo has two of these lion drinking fountains. When I was growing up, I think they only had one. It was always right outside the elephant house, which has been renovated to accommodate a bunch of monkeys and an ATM machine. Classy. The fountain still works, though. The elephants have moved to a very nice new facility that gave me quite a bit of hope regarding the (then) upcoming vote for more funding. There was a time when the zoo's management was highly criticized for the frequent deaths of many large ani
mals (like the large polar bear, a giraffe and an elephant), and for shady business dealings regarding the construction bid process for the new entrance. Things look quite positive at the zoo and I'm quite pleased IHG moved their summer party there this year. It was nice as well, because the concentration of regular people vs IHG people was fairly well balanced throughout the day, even after they were supposed to be closed to the public. 
Riding the train was included with our IHG party passes. The seats were far smaller than when I was a kid, but then again, I had more hair then as well. The kids also enjoyed playing on a large playground while we enjoyed a nice sit-down chat on a bench. 
The kids enjoyed playing with this water fountain of sorts. It is a big black ball with the various continents carved into it like a globe. It would spin around until the continents were no longer visible. It is located right at the front of the zoo, which made for a very convenient meeting place when some of my family had to arrive later than the rest of us.
The white Crocodile was visiting during the IHG summer party. It has since moved on to another zoo. Apparently there are only 10 or so albino crocodiles in the whole world. The amount of water being moved in this video lead me to ask an attendant if it was a water filtration system, or if the croc was doing it all. The latter was true.
This is a clip of the German cast of Wicked at what looks like a press conference. Wicked opened just over a year ago in Stuttgart, Germany. I bought the German version of the soundtrack last year during my trip to see Josh. Even though I do not understand most words, it is fun to listen to and compare with the English version. Going to Stuttgart and seeing it in person is on my To Do list. Josh and I saw Mamma Mia in Essen, Germany and I was surprised at how much I understood from knowing the English version so thoroughly. If you'd like to come along for Wicked, let me know.
This made me laugh on a day that I really needed a laugh. Hope you enjoy.
(The advertisements are annoying. Sorry. I just clicked the boxes to close, but don't tell Jack Black or the fine folks at Funny of Die.)
A timeless story of innocence lost and humanity found.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (or in American English, Pajamas) is a film that profoundly moved me. Stories of the Holocaust have always interested me as evidenced by a multitude of research papers throughout my school years. This one is a bit different as it is told from the perspective of a young German boy, Bruno (played beautifully by English actor, Asa Butterfield), whose innocence doesn't understand the very adult world around him. In one scene, a camp inmate helps dress young Bruno's wounded knee where he discloses peeling potatoes has not always been his life's work. It nestled a bit of naive humor on a very grave subject, but did so without becoming preachy or condescending. It was interesting to hear the story told from the German perspective. The hauntingly beautiful James Horner score adds the perfect balance of innocence while never letting us forget the true nature of the environment.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is based on a 2006 novel by Irish novelist John Boyne. Tossing the nonsense Twilight books aside, this will be my next read.
Currently, the movie is only playing in 406 theaters throughout the United States (3 of which are in Salt Lake). With Twilight and another James Bond movie out, I hope this unique film doesn't get swept away without notice. If you see it playing in your area, I strongly encourage you to go see it. Please note, however, it is PG-13 for a reason. The subject matter may be difficult for some to watch. Difficult, but as I said, profoundly moving.
This short video is borrowed from Refusetohate.com. It helps put a few current issues into perspective. In it, we are encouraged to find out more about Bayard Rustin. I first found out who he was last summer while Josh finished his degree at the University of Utah. He quickly became one of my heroes. He is only mentioned briefly in the video, but I would also strongly encourage you to find out more about him and how his mostly unsung contribution helped change the face of this country for good. We are all better because people like Bayard Rustin are willing to stand up and let their voice be heard.
Refuse to Hate from Refuse to Hate on Vimeo.
MSNBC's Keith Olbermann delivers an emotional Special Comment on the outcome of California's voting of Prop 8 which eliminated the right of same-sex couples to marry.
Last Friday night, a large public rally marched through the streets of Salt Lake City. I've included the KSL news story for those of you (like myself) who may have missed it. Friday was my mom's birthday and while dinner plans didn't work out, when I called to wish her well, she was thrilled that I did not plan to march. That was the best present I could have given her. One of my mom's biggest fears is that my rather opinionated and outspoken personality would naturally gravitate toward the news media covering such events. She fears the neighbors will see, then condemn her for being a bad mother. That issue has been covered in previous posts in this blog (see June posts if you missed it). Every Pride day (now weekend) mom gets a bit anxious about what the neighbors will think. She didn't say, but I suspect my not marching in Friday's protest, and thus not getting interviewed on TV, was the best present she received. Maybe some day she and my other family members will realize that I am the same Steven they knew and loved before I came out and their isn't anything to be ashamed of, especially if the neighbors found out.
This march protested the huge percentage of donations the church (and those directed by Church leaders) made toward passage of California's Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage. Some reports had the donation percentage at 40% of all funds donated on the "Yes for 8" campaign came from the Church. They were also very aggressive in finding and punishing church members who opposed Prop 8, saying members are expected to support their leadership. While I agree with that sentiment, I also believe in a church of over 12 million members, differing opinions will naturally play a part. It would be nearly impossible to keep such a large membership to only one voice, but that is exactly what the Church did. News reports have shown everything from formal censure to removal of temple recommends and even excommunication. That, to me, is quite a heavy hand for voicing an opposing view.
I understand that one of the requirements for tax-exempt status is to remain neutral in political battles. Not sure if that is true, but would be consistent with the many letters read throughout my youth from the sacrament meeting pulpit before major elections. The letters always encouraged participation in the political process, but stated the church did not support, nor endorse and political party or candidate. While their support for Prop 8 was a ballot initiative, not a party or candidate, I understand that also violates the rules for retaining tax-exempt status. At least one complaint has been filed with the IRS against the Church challenging their tax exempt status after such a thorough involvement in this campaign. Although additional research is needed on my part about the specifics of the claim, I joined the cause and signed the petition.
Gays are not asking for special rights, but the same rights as everyone else. Homosexuals are regular people just the same as straight people are. They deserve to have the same rights. Anything less is encouraging discrimination. We did not choose to be gay. Why would we actively choose to be a minority whose basic rights at happiness are robbed at nearly every turn? Straight people frequently suggest we may not have chosen to be gay, but we chose to be out. What an asinine argument. There are many who live that way, but are they happy? Is living a lie fair to anyone who is involved? The homosexual? The spouse? And any children? No. For every one's sanity, we should push them to be the very best person God made them to be. Living in a way contrary to what God created me to be is arrogant on my part. There must be a purpose in difference, or we would all be the same. I believe it is to help us all learn tolerance and respect. Not marching Friday night fulfilled a birthday promise to my mom (I ended up having to work through the entire event). But watching the news story makes me a little bit sad that my voice wasn't there supporting the cause I believe so strongly in. By not marching, my silence enforced complacency and said what the Church did to get Prop 8 to pass was OK, and it wasn't. Living with regrets is not healthy, but if I had it to do over again, I would have marched and hoped my mom would have understood and loved me all the same.
Video Courtesy of KSL.com
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=14&entry_id=32216
This is the link for the San Francisco Chronicle article (below). There were many comments below the article, both for and against Steve's actions. If interested, check out the link. At the end of the day, it comes down to whether or not you are for or against promoting discrimination, for or against separation of church and state, and simply doing the right thing. There is a lot of fear out there, but most of it is just biased rhetoric. I encourage everyone to look at those you know and love. Chances are, there is at least one homosexual. For those who know me, perhaps I am that token representative. There is no proof that gays love any differently than straight people, or would be less effective as parents. Why should we allow anyone to be treated as if their love didn't matter?
Homosexuals yearn for equal treatment. Look at how many homosexual couples have gone to California to get married, knowing full well that bigoted voters may invalidate such actions in November. Tons. I'm so excited for two friends of mine who did, but also saddened that I may never get that chance. Why shouldn't I have a chance at happiness like everyone else? I didn't choose to be gay. Why should I be discriminated against because of something I didn't have a choice in? Please, I urge you to do whatever you can to defeat Prop 8.
The signs on the front lawn of former 49er quarterback Steve Young's Peninsula home say "No on Prop. 8," which normally wouldn't be much of a story in the Bay Area, a gay-friendly region which is the center of opposition to the effort to ban same-sex marriage in the state.
But Young isn't only a Hall of Fame quarterback. He's also the great-great-great grandson of Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon church. The church has pushed hard and publicly for Prop. 8 and Mormons have pumped millions into the campaign.
Young also isn't just any church member. During his years in the NFL, he was one of the nation's most visible Mormons. He graduated from BYU, which was named for his ancestor, and received his law degree there. In a 1996 "60 Minute" interview, he said that he still had plans to go on the church mission he missed in college and had no problem tithing 10 percent of his earnings to the church. He retains close ties to Utah, married his wife, Barbara, at a temple in Hawaii and even served as narrator for a short video on the Mormon church and its history, done for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah.
Given all that, it's surprising to see Young's family lining up on the opposite side of the church, especially after Mormon leaders in Salt Lake City sent a letter last June that asked all California church members to do all they could to support the Prop. 8 effort by "donating of your means and time to assure that marriage in California is legally defined as being between a man and a woman."
While it's Barb Young's name that appears on the checks, she made it clear in a statement issued today through Equality California that the contributions are a family affair.
"We believe ALL families matter and we do not believe in discrimination, therefore, our family will vote against Prop. 8," she said.
Later, she clarified her remarks with this update: "To expand on my earlier email, I am very passionate about this issue and Steve is completely supportive of me and my work for equality. We both love our Church and are grateful that our Church encourages us to vote our conscience. Steve prefers not to get involved politically on any issue no matter what the cause and therefore makes no endorsement."
Besides French Toast, French Dip Sandwiches and the occasional French Fry, this may be the only other thing the French have given us that I like. I don't know what any of it says, but I sure like it. Catchy little tune and the visuals are stunning. =)
Enjoy. I did. (Three times.)
Amazing Race: Watch Video and Join the Ultimate Fan Community - CBS.com
The Amazing Race is one of the few television shows I find the time for. As my house has the best reception in the family, my regular "groupies" make the pilgrimage each week for my Race parties. Nothing extravagant, really. A simple dinner and I try to have an activity to keep Rebecca occupied and entertained while her parents watch the show. For those of you who wonder, Dave, my brother-in-law tapes the show so I can watch it after they go. Tonight, we made pumpkin shaped mini-cakes, then decorated them.
As the theme music builds, excitement and adrenaline start pumping in my veins. When each team is flashed on the screen during the opening credits, we will either pause or scream, "OUT" as loud as we can to "honor" those who have fallen at the end of previous episodes. We mourn those we liked, but lost and cheer those we didn't care for, but are still in. This season, we especially like mocking the dumb blond ladies who just can't seem to read their clues. Sometimes I wonder how they were ever approved for the show, but then remember a certain demographic (not gay men, mind you) are interested in watching pretty blonds run about, even if they lack intelligence. Too bad many decisions are made based on what it will do to the ratings.
I found this link (above) to watch a clip and join the shows fan club. I haven't yet, but will. I love the Amazing Race because it takes me to places I'll never visit. For other places, I'm curious to see what it looks like, but am really glad to not be there personally (like all the places with snakes) . My family may not approve, but if you are a cute boy who wants to come over for my Race parties, please do. The more the merrier.
Thanks, Josh, for finding this SNL sketch. In classic "Steven" fashion, I fell asleep 15 minutes before this aired. Let's just say that darn couch got me again. =) Enjoy.
Is it possible to be pro-Palin, but anti-McCain?
Golly these fellers' r funny. They made me laugh.
Hope you enjoy this as well.
Did you ever see that scary Alfred Hitchcock movie, "The Birds" where a town is suddenly host to an aviary convention? The birds in that film lined the fences, the electric wires, even the school's playground jungle gym, but more importantly wanted a bit more than to poop on people's freshly washed cars. The image of a lady running and screaming down the street being harassed and ultimately overtaken by a large raven (I always thought it was a crow)haunted my childhood. Every so often when out enjoying nature, large birds will still make me duck my head and shiver in fright fearing it will come peck my brains out like that unfortunate woman. Alfred Hitchcock sure did know how to make fictional movies that scared me. Or maybe it wasn't based on fiction at all?
Yesterday, I was huddling inside my cozy house thinking I should probably start cleaning or doing something clever when I looked outside and gasped in horror. Take a look for yourself...
The birds also lined the fences that boarder the backyards of the houses on my street, but those pictures didn't turn out. Yes, Josh, they were blurry. =( In fact, most of my pictures don't turn out. I think it must be the camera. =)
These birds were not large, but their vast numbers were a bit intimidating. It was bitter cold outside and I kept hoping they were just stopping by for a rest on their way to St. George. I guess not. Many of the birds are still there today. Did they see how plump and delicious I would be when I walked my garbage to the dumpster way down the street? Maybe they are stalking my every move and will be reporting back to the really big birds who missed their chance to peck my brains out the last time we met. Don't know for sure, but images of those "When animals attack" television shows kept flashing through my mind.
I lived if any of you wondered. Today, that is. =)
Except for the really scary part if it came true, sometimes I think it would be fun for McCain to win so we could continue to see Tina Fey as a spot-on Sarah Palin. Unfortunately, this is the real world and getting a good laugh now and then is not a reason to elect someone vice-president. Sorry SNL writers/producers, if may mean having to stretch a little farther, but the country needs Obama.
Weddings are not where I typically like to hang out and spend my rainy Saturday afternoons. They depress me for one and the awkward social interaction makes me so claustrophobic that it physically becomes difficult to breathe. In the "old" days, I dreaded going to weddings because there was always a nosy relative I haven't seen in years who inevitably asked the question, "When are we going to come to one of these for you?" or the even worse, "We know the perfect girl for you." I honestly feel the most alone when I'm in a crowd of people.
Still, for as much as I dislike weddings, I enjoyed going yesterday to celebrate Kim and Travis' marriage. It was a simple affair with white and purple (I'm not allowing myself to type lavender) decorations tactfully strewn around the room. While I first had my doubts about what to wear to a wedding held at the local fitness center, it really was beautiful and comfortably casual. (It did NOT hurt knowing that strong, muscular men were working out and showering just a few feet away. Yes, I'm that gay!)
I thought the cake was especially beautiful with purple flowers and white boarders. The cake table had a nice arrangement of crystal, wedding mints and purple napkins. The table accents were simple, yet elegant.
Kim has been my co-worker, my boss and my friend for much of the four and a half years I've been in Guest Relations. On more than one occasion, she has seen more potential in me than I've been able to see in myself. Kim was largely responsible for landing me the promotion for my current job and has frequently been my number one supporter. It will be sad to no longer use KK as my quick code in Outlook, but then again, when is Kim and Travis' wedding about me? I'll just have to get used to Kim Worthen. Change is never easy, but for a friend like Kim, I'm willing to sacrifice (typing KW will require two hands). =)
A note about my gift, just in case Kim ever reads this: Yes, I went with Pyrex. How can you go wrong with Pyrex? It can go from freezer, to fridge, to oven, to microwave, to dishwasher. This set included lids for ease in bringing goodies to work potlucks and such. Since I'm frequently at work and always like to share (except drinks, hugs with women and fruit), I thought it the perfect gift. Kim, if you don't think so, instead of trying to return it to the Wal Mart store, just give it to me and I'll give you the cash. My opinion: One can NEVER have enough Pyrex.
Thanks, Kim and Travis, for allowing me to take part in your wonderful, rain-filled wedding day.
On the way home from the fish hatchery, we stopped for ice cream in Kamas. We usually stop at Dave's, a quaint little hamburger/ice cream stand that has awesome signs posted like, "This is NOT Burger King and NO, you can't have it your way." and "Everything is hand made to order, so if you want fast food, don't even order." AWESOME!!! Except that there were easily 100 people ahead of us in line, so we didn't stop there.
Instead, we went around the corner to the city drug store where they feature an old fashioned diner with stools and everything. The only other time I've been there was on the way home from scout camp when I was 12. I was riding home in the front of my Scoutmaster's truck squished between him and two other guys (seat belt laws were not quite what they are today). Jay wanted ice cream and since he was driving, we were forced to get two scoops, each being approximately the size of my head). SO GOOD. Until we were about 12 minutes outside of Kamas when I completely zonked out and ice cream melted all over everyone. Awe, good times.
This time, while waiting for our order (again, not known for their fast food), my dad eyed a very large (and yes, ugly) picture frame at the street yard sale we parked next to. To our horror, he bought the thing and thought it would be fun to pack it home in our already filled SUV. Michelle had just purchased the vehicle and didn't want the picture strapped to the top, so we tryied every which
way to accomodate our new passenger. Dad didn't care about the picture, but needed the frame for some project (that I really hope doesn't involve my house). In the end, it just wouldn't work and the picture and ugly frame were both left in Kamas. Dad, who is never discouraged from finding room at home for another piece of junk offered to drive up the following Monday in his truck to collect the painting. 
Once my dad sets his mind to something, you might as well not even try stopping him (which includes becoming the self-proclaimed most loyal Wheel of Fortune and Price is Right home audience member of all time). We should have just kept on-a-going instead of stopping for ice cream (can you believe I just typed that?) since we went to the IHOP store for pancakes on our way home. We were all full from the ice cream (did I mention each scoop is about as big as my head?), but it was all part of Rebecca's birthday trip to the hotel (see previous posts) and she wanted IHOP. Now that she is five, she has already started planning her next birthday adventure. This year, she ended up with our celebrating her birthday throughout August (due to schedules and what not). I taught her well. =)
