Mother Sheehan

The Republican Machine is at it again. This time it is a poor mother who has lost her son in Iraq. They set out their talking points trying to tear her down, stopping at nothing in their quest to destroy the truth.

What is her crime exactly, oh yeah, she wants a few words with the President. He hasn't met with anyone he disagrees with for years. All his audiences are pre-screened and ask him pre-screened questions. Sounds more like the leader of North Korea than of the US doesn't it? "Yes fearless leader, I want to tell you how much I appreciate all you have done for us." Jeff Gannon wasn't the first plant and he won't be the last.

Getting back to Cindy Sheehan. I know not all parents react to the death of a child in the same way. It seems there have always been grieving mothers of soldiers at war. But no one can discount the way they handle their grief. They have to do what works for them. Any way to ease the pain and suffering they have endured/are enduring. Just trying to imagine that kind of pain is too much for me.

So, let's send Cindy our love and support. So the Borg and their constant barrage will not be the dominant voice heard by America. Whether we think our kids should come home now or not, we all know that this war has only made the war on terror an even bigger nightmare. Iraq is now the center for terrorists from all over the mid-east. What a giant mistake.

Not to mention what is has done to the price of gasoline...

Scotty O Goes to the Fair

Well, we made it out to the State Fair today. It is the 100th anniversary of the fair (in Detroit) although it is the country's oldest state fair, originally begun in 1849 (which is old by new world standards).


We had a nice time there. We saw (and smelled) some livestock, learned about animal husbandry, and the miracle of life. Ate corn dogs and elephant ears. Walked down the midway. A good time was had by all. The weather was just perfect.

These are some of the photos from my day.

Summer's End

Why is it that every year, summer starts in all the stores in March, and fall starts in early July. I went out to try to find some pool supplies in late July, and most stuff was gone. Try to find summer clothes in August and most of them are gone as well.

Do retailers ever actually live in the moment? I can find Halloween decorations in August, but not plastic patio furniture. I can get Christmas decorations in September, but the fall clothes are mostly gone.

It must really drive the teachers crazy. Hearing about back to school sales in July when they are not even half way through their summer vacations. I imagine the only folks not bothered by this time-shifting retailers like to do are the retirees. They can just relax and live their lives from day to day not really caring what's going on around them. I look forward to being one of them some day.

So, I just hang out in my pool, in the heat, knowing that it really is summer for at least another 5 weeks or so. Trying to keep my reality in the present moment. I sweat on a bike ride, looking for a cool breeze. Baking in the summer sun.

Podcasting

I recently discovered the world of Podcasting. For those of you who don't know what it is, just download iTunes from apple.com and click on podcasts in the Music Store.

Anyway, I have a first generation iPod, 20 gig, and have been listening to music on it for years. Now that I have discovered podcasting, I need more room. So, this week I ordered the latest (4th generation) iPod, 30 gig, from Amazon and am expecting delivery any day now.

Out there in the podisphere there are many interesting and many truly awful podcasts. The only way to find out what's what is to download some podcasts and give them a listen. I have downloaded many gay and non-gay casts. I also listen to some of the more mainstream and commercial ones too. What's really nice about podcasting is that you get to listen to your favorite shows (I love Al Franken and On the Media), when they are convenient for you. Great on a long bike ride or when walking on nature trails, or even driving in the car.

I listened to some gay shows that sounded like they were created by Hollywood's central casting. Bitchy queens, with high pitched voices or lisps, dishing dirt and calling each other girlfriend. All talking about sex and, of course, the penis. As if that is all there is to gay life. I suppose that is really how some folks are, but it really puts me off. I guess I need to hear from people more like myself, regular guys leading fairly ordinary lives. Where sex is just one part of their lives, not the be all and end all of it.

There are podcasts out there for every interest, so give it try. You might just discover a brave new world.