Some February Lovin' from Miss Shirley D. Licious...

February 13th was the latest excursion for Miss Shirley D. Licious of the Utah Cyber-Sluts. Our charity bingo night was to raise funds for the Children's Box House, which I believe is similar to the Ronald McDonald House. It was also my good friend Paul's birthday. He asked that I not embarrass him by mentioning it was his birthday to the other sluts. Paul and Lynda's support is invaluable on bingo night and throughout the month, so I held my tongue. Paul was nice enough to allow a couple of pictures together. Here, you'll notice the lovely red heart necklace my friend, Dixie, let me borrow (Thanks, Dixie) and how horrible the makeup turned out. Well, to be fair, the make up was fine until the flood of sweat washed it away. Not sure if it was just Shirley going through "the change with a wicked hot flash, or if the velvet dress in the blazing inferno of a community center contributed. I'm pretty sure I lost 3 pounds in sweat that night.
In the end, it was announced that we had raised $1,775 and donations as people left were suggested to help them "round up" to $1,800. Total donations came to $2,175, which made us very happy.


This is Fonda Dixx. She is doing an awesome job as current Madame. LOVE the hair.


The picture is dark, but I'm calling a bingo game. Actually, a really cute guy had just stood up to spin without raising his hands over his head or doing the "jazz hands" effect. Considering the prize he was about to win was valued at nearly $100, I had to stop the show and make him spin again. Jazz hands, dammit, are required. Oh, and I called him a bitch for resisting, which went over well with the crowd.


Party fouls have become SO much fun. This guy is a really good sport about them, often getting multiple fouls in one night. Here he is wearing the pink "Marge Simpson" wig of shame, which is so nasty I don't even like to carry the thing to the offender's head let alone wear it. Not sure, but his frequent offenses may have something to do with his idea that people can only donate by shoving the dollar bills in his pants instead of his hands. More than a couple went in for change. We don't require that, but damn, if it didn't make some wonderful eye candy. Yum.

Another of our "regulars" was slow cookin' the pizza and we had to strip him down. Sorry gay guys and ladies, but I did not get pictures of that. The mental image of his nice ass has been enough to keep me satisfied for over a week now. So, use your imagination and you are probably close. He was a good sport, which we as sluts really appreciate.


This is Katherine Heartburn being as fabulous as ever. I love the shiny dot sparkling through from her boob. That and the hair. LOVE the hair.


This is the night before. My boy, G, is taking the picture and enjoying the show. November's fiasco taught me the value of a "dry run" to make sure I had all the costume pieces together. I didn't bother with the stockings or flip/flops, but the rest was pretty much spot on. The lovely handbag was donated by my good friend Pati. It is black velvet to match my exquisite dress. Thanks, Pati.


Here I am trying to add volume to the wig with hairspray and my trusty comb. Next month, I need serious help with my hair and make-up.

Shirley and her groupies. This was Jaime and Pati's first time, Sanna's second and I can't even count how many times Lynda has come. Each month more and more people from work hear how much fun it is and they make plans to come. Our group already fills one long table. Getting there early is no longer optional to get a seat.

Here is another picture with Paul; this time more of a full length view. It kind of looks like a pant-suit combo, but no. It was a long, luxurious black velvet dress with a fabulous sparkle top accented by a barrage of red feathers, sparkle glasses, heart earrings and a heart necklace. Down below, you can barely see the red/black stripe stockings and, unfortunately, can not see the jewel-encrusted pink flip-flops from the Walmart store that have become a staple in Shirley's wardrobe. Hair design by my good friend, Pati.

Next month's bingo will be on Friday, March 13th at 7:00 PM. Columbus Community Center. Our new sponsor, Overstock.com, will be bringing the prizes and funds raised will support the Lupus Foundation of Utah. Theme: Mardi Gras. I went shopping yesterday for beads and love them so much that I just couldn't resist. Even though today is another "naked Sunday," it is technically "naked Sunday with beads. Hope to see all of you next month.

Which one are you?

This cartoon was passed around work the other day and it made me laugh and then made me wonder. The poor swimmer thinks he is going to help someone and will soon find he has been deceived and will himself need assistance.

Those sharing a certain circumstance with me will understand when I say we feel like the swimmer carrying on dangerously close to a situation we will not approve of later. Those in another circumstance with me just now will understand how I feel a bit like the shark or others may say the proverbial spider to the fly. I won't bore you with the details of either as it may incriminate me and/or those I associate with. But, you know who you are and none of this should be a mystery. So, please enjoy the cartoon as much as I did.

Celebrate love wherever it is found...

A Valentine's Day wish from Suze Orman

Schadenfreude

This video was passing around work yesterday and I just couldn't help but laugh and say, "Holy Crap" except I didn't say crap. So much for good Samaritans. Sometimes work pressures and money woes make a good laugh as valuable as gold. I really needed this laugh when it came.

The Germans have a word to describe my taking pleasure at this guy's misfortune: Schadenfreude. I was first introduced to that word by listening to the soundtrack to the Broadway musical, Avenue Q (track 16)
.

Even though Avenue Q robbed Wicked of the Best Musical Tony award, meaning I'll be forever bitter, I would still like to see it some day. It deals with a lot of real-life issues in blunt ways others merely cower at like Schadenfreude, masturbation and internet porn, everyone being a little bit racist, the sensuality of aging strippers and people you love who turn out to be complete bastards. The fine people who bring Broadway to Salt Lake have commented that this show is to adult in nature for the local audience. The same thing robbed us of the touring Sweeney Todd last year for the awful Annie (remember my review about fat orphans and wrinkled sets?). So, if any of you would like to go to New York or another city not afraid to grab its balls and admit they have people who would like to see such a such, let me know.

From the bottom of the Hudson...

These are four of about 25 shots emailed to me about the recent efforts to raise the downed airplane from the bottom of the Hudson River.


The water is a nasty shade of brown that I really hope is just from all the stirred up sediment. Some of the later shots that didn't make the cut showed huge ice chunks floating in the river. Going down in the river and then having to stand out on the wing waiting for rescue while hoping the boat arrived before the plane sunk must have been terrifying. The fact that no one was killed simply amazes me. The pilot and crew did an incredible job thinking fast under pressure. No wonder they were honored at the recent inauguration and at the Super Bowl yesterday. It would have been nice to also see a picture of the people all standing on the wing, but these pictures came about the plane's recovery. I'm sure a Google search would provide you the rescue pictures if you'd like.

I am reminded of the time just over 10 years ago now when my parents and I went to Hawaii. By the time the safety announcement had gotten to the point of saying, "A portion of this flight may be over water" I had already watched the friendly, safe shores of California slip away. I'm thankful we didn't have to go through what those passengers did, and even more thankful to not have been eaten by a shark. This won't stop me from flying as I have friends now in Germany that I'd really like to see again. On the contrary, it gives me hope and faith. The talented pilot and crew took care of this set of passengers, just as I would trust my future captains and flight crew to take care of me. Not every plane that crashes kills everyone. That is a myth. In some circumstances, death can't be avoided and if I'm ever on one of those flights, let's hope the end comes quickly. This is an example of where we need to trust in the bigger picture; trusting that we may not always be in control, but accepting the outcome all the same. As we never know when our end will come, I at least plan to work a little harder to make the time I've been given more valuable and rewarding; rewarding to me if not to everyone else as well.

Switching to all Digital.

This sure feels like me when something goes wrong and I can't just push the start button. Internet and computer savvy as far as they have "dumbed" down the technology. Luckily, I have satellite television (hooked up by someone else), so this won't happen to me in a few weeks.

Did Mormons go too far?

Activists claim that money from the Mormon Church was the deciding factor in passing Proposition 8 in California - banning gay marriage. The church claims to have only spent a few thousand dollars on the campaign, but ANP has uncovered evidence that may expose a gaping hole in that claim.

What About Gay Marriage?

Prayers for Bobby

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.

Love is not a hollow, empty word, but rather one of active caring.

Cheese Balls with Shei

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.

Gay Marriage Debate: Jon Stewart vs Mike Huckabee

A day at the zoo

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 animals (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.

Wicked Der Zauberer und ich /The wizard and I cast presentation

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.

Prop 8 - The Musical

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.)

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

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.

Refuse to Hate...

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.

Do unto others...

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.

A missed opportunity...

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

Steve Young is just awesome!!!

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.

Steve Young's wife lines up against Mormon church on 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."

So, the French aren't all bad...

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

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.

The real one? She's here? Uh, oh.

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.

A little sarcasm in the morning...

Please help put an end to discrimination.

Some joke that homosexuals have the right to get divorced just like everyone else. Some say gay marriage will never work because homosexuals are all over-sexed slutty whores who can't commit to one person. Or that they really don't want it in the first place. Others contend allowing gay marriage would be an end to society as we know it because the traditional family would be destroyed. To all of these comments, I say, "NONSENSE."

Yes, some gays are promiscuous, but we do not have a corner on the market. Straight infidelity is so common that many popular motion pictures have been made about the subject. Unfaithful with Diane Lane and Richard Gere for one and Fatal Attraction with Michael Douglas and Glenn Close for another.

My point is that much of the argument against marriage equality is based on false stereotypes and fear. Gays have "earned" the reputation for sleeping around because there hasn't been a marriage option for them. By not allowing gay marriage, society is telling gays it is not only ok to have shallow relationships, but expects them to sleep around since commitment is for straights.

I have personally met many gay couples who have fought against these societal expectations and have been together, loving each other for years. Good friends of mine, Ron and Todd, for example, recently traveled to California (a trip that shouldn't have been necessary) to get married. They have been together for 14 years. They are just as happy as any newlyweds I've met. Since being allowed by the California Supreme Court, thousands of gay couples have flocked to get married there. If allowed to continue as married couples (meaning if Prop 8 is defeated), will some of them eventually get divorced? Probably. But then again, divorce among the straight community is just about 50%. The gay couples I've met (and the homosexuals who have yet to meet that someone special) yearn for equality. They yearn for a time when they are not treated differently just because of who they are attracted to and love.

If gays were allowed to marry, would the traditional definition of family be destroyed? No. It would be expanded to understand that there are differences in our society. In the recent past, it was thought that women needed to stay home and clean all day while the men went off to work. After a long, hard-fought struggle, women are now respected in the workplace as being just as capable as their male counterparts. As a society, we have found that women are no different from men in making business decisions and running companies. The traditional family definition of the 1950's has certainly changed, but families still move forward. Should we ever go back to the June Cleaver and Lucy Ricardo world? No. The family dynamic has changed, but for the better. The same can be said for gays who want to marry and start a family through adoption or other means. Family means people who love and support each other where their financial and other resources are pooled for the betterment of each other. This can apply to gays and straights alike. Every child should have a loving home to grow up in and it really shouldn't matter if that home has a mom and a dad or two dads or two moms. Love is the important key.

Please stop discrimination. If you are in California, please vote NO on prop 8. If you are outside of California, please do what you can to stomp out discrimination of all types. Thank you.