I DREAMED A DREAM OF A DAY YET TO COME

I just woke up from a dream and I had to share it....

It was a typical sunny May afternoon in Times Square, New York City.

Impatient taxi cab drivers were shouting from their windows and honking their horns. Street vendors were selling their t-shirts and roasted nuts, and a long haired cowboy in underwear was strumming his guitar, without getting much attention from the crowd.

Tourists from all over the world were crowding the sidewalks along Broadway, gazing up at the latest risqué Calvin Klein billboard, moving like a giant machine with many opposing parts, yet in harmony - each part focused on its own specific task without taking notice of the others.

A classic New York City scene, and then, as if upon command, the crowd stopped and parted, and from within, a small but boisterous group emerged, unaware of their surroundings.

Each member was wielding at least one camera - some had two or three. Most were packing small handheld video cameras and they were snapping pictures and taking movies like Japanese tourists at the Grand Canyon.

Stunned by the small cluster’s complete and total oblivion, the crowd fell silent and watched in confusion as screams of joy and surprise bounced off the soaring structures and neon lit signs above.

There did not appear to be a connected conversion between anyone in the animated group, and the onlookers stood stupefied watching the sidewalk circus.

Sunglass hawkers and book vendors that line the edge of the side walk stood on tiptoes to get a glimpse and small children tugged at their parents' pant legs to get attention and were promptly placed on adult shoulders.

Among the bemused mass of observers was a man of considerable age - grayed, wrinkled and slightly stooped. Like the rest of the audience, he watched the unfolding walkway assemblage for what seemed liked minutes, but was more like seconds.

“Not your typical Midwest tourists visiting New York,” he thought, “are they street performance artists?”

He observed their brightly colored t-shirts – vivid shades of yellow and green, as well as some light blues, heather reds and grays. Several shirts were adorned with slogans - PEACE, LOVE, and RBloggers4Peace, and some were wearing unsightly, vibrant pink sandals on their feet.

If not street performers, he thought, perhaps anti-war demonstrators, but he wasn’t convinced because he had never heard of camera sporting demonstrators, and they most certainly were not hammy enough – they did not notice the crowd had frozen around them.

The shouting within the group continued out of control – getting louder and louder and there was some unintentional pushing and shoving as each member vied for the best shot.

It was virtually impossible to concentrate on what any one person was saying and much to the surprise of the elderly man; he noticed not a single camera was pointed up at the marquees and signs overhead. Every camera was aimed within the group.

Finally, feeling fearless, and curious to learn more about the disruptive troupe, the elderly gentleman took a step closer toward the chaos.

He found it nearly impossible to decode a single word there were saying with all the shouts and squeals, but he stayed focused. Concentrating all his energy, slowly, individual voices become more distinct and clear.

“Niecey, come do a vlog with me.” Sounding almost pornographic the aged eavesdropper nearly stepped back into the fold of the crowd, but curiosity got the better of him.

“Bobby, turn this way. Kelly, look into the camera.” The old man looked in their direction and thought maybe it was a group of Broadway actors – they surely had the looks.

“Michele, will you please get out of the way. I’m trying to shoot Liz. No, No Liz, look at me.” He peered at who he believed to be Liz and Michele. He could not take his eyes from Liz’s statuesque exquisiteness and Michele’s beautifully shy smile. Certainly they are stars, he thought to himself.

“Tammy, stop slobbering all over Gpawilli – you too Meli.” Feeling a little envious of the good-looking bald man, he briefly considered what it would be like to have those two lovely ladies ravishing him in the same manner.

“M, move your glass of Jack. I can’t see your face. Kim, will you please tell M to move that glass.” The observer was entranced. Who was this mysterious M and what powers did Kim have over her? Another fleeting thought was, is that Jack Daniels in that huge glass, and is it legal to drink on the corner of Broadway and 45th St? .

“Gia, come stand by me.” He noticed many people yelling for Gia and he could understand why, her entire body appeared to be silhouetted by a halo of yellow.

“Are you talking Kelly G or Kelly W?” He overheard someone ask. There seemed to be some confusion among the group - they acted like they know each other, but possibly did not. Someone quickly gestured for both Kellys to make their presence known and he noted their different, but shared beauty.

“Karen, move your head a bit this way?’ The interloper recognized Karen to be a striking woman who possessed both warmth and understanding – another crowd favorite.

“Gary, where is Patty?” Believing he had a fuller understanding of this roving band of misguided misfits, the man concluded that Gary must be some sort of organizer, and he also wondered about Patty, and what wonderful gifts she must bring to the group.

“Kari…Kat, grab your Flips and let’s go in there.” Bobby was pointing directly in front of him - to the one remaining adult oriented establishment in Times Square. The two ladies, deep in a frenetic conversation, stopped for a moment to see where he was pointing, and quickly returned to their voluble discussion. With a thunderous laugh Bobby continued, “but we can buy Jakie a gag gift or something he can hang in his new place, besides think of the Vlogging possibilities.” This was the second time the old guy had heard someone saying the word vlog. He didn’t know what it meant but it knew the word sounded vulgar to him.

“Tammy, I told you and Meli to leave poor Gpawilli alone.” Oh, to be that lucky Gpawilli fellow, the man thought.

Leaning too far in, the man lost his balance and fell into the theatrical throng of tourists, breaking the invisible wall between the watchers and the watched, and he was instantly overtaken by the masses.

“Mister, will you please take a picture of me and my friends," yelled Liz?

Before the brave stranger could utter a response, M gently, but firmly grabbed him by the hand, without spilling a drop of Jack, led him to the side, and directed him. The crowd parted and each member assembled, reconfigured, reassembled and posed for the photo.

The hi-jacked makeshift photographer took one picture and was descended upon like a lame wildebeest in the company of hungry lions. Hands, arms and cameras were flying everywhere. Ten, twenty, thirty camera wielding hands were wildly thrust in the daring outsider’s direction.

“Mine too please.”

“Over here Mister.”

“Will you please take one with my camera too, sir?”

Shouts, requests and orders were thrown at the commandeered man like he was a short order cook.

DING!

The group came together again and more photos were taken. They grouped and regrouped, arranged and rearranged and the photographer patiently snapped pictures until every individual had all the shots they wanted.

Another sidewalk spectator was recruited for the final shot which included the old man surrounded by all the beautiful ladies, with the men standing in the rear.

After numerous enthusiastic kisses on the cheek, firm handshakes and hugs, air kisses and shouts of thank you and goodbye, the group started moving north on Broadway.

The enraptured crowd stood around nervously, unsure if they should applaud, eventually disengaged from the action and enveloped the loud group who disappeared as fast as they appeared.

In their dust stood the benevolent widower, with a knowing smile on his face, pondering what he had just experienced, until, like a sledgehammer to the head it hit him that he had failed to ask who they were, where they came from or what they were doing in the city.

It didn’t matter.

Wrapped in the warmth of their joyfulness and noticeable appreciation, he too stepped into the crowd and made his journey home.

Several hours later, as he was sitting in his favorite chair, absentmindedly watching as Larry King butchered another interview on CNN, and assessing his day, he realized that he had not stopped smiling since his encounter with the crazy group of strangers. It had filled him with more pleasure than he would ever be able to convey to his friends when he later retold the story, but deep down he was still disappointed that he failed to inquire about their mission in the city.

Just then his companion Sam, a 13 year old beagle, walked over to his chair with his leash in his mouth. It was time for their late night walk.

It was well past midnight and the crowds on the street had thinned considerably as the tourists and Broadway audiences moved on to their homes, hotels, or other parts of the city.

Rounding the corner by the New York City Center he was astounded to see a large crowd was still gathered. Had a tour bus forgotten to pick up its passengers, he thought.

The closer he approached he started to hear loud enthusiastic voices and with each step the voices became familiar, as did the faces.

He instantly recognized Gary, and Bobby, as well as Michele, Liz, Karen, Niecey, Gia, Kat and Kari, and the Kellys. M and Kim were there and M had replaced her glass of Jack with Kim’s hand, and there was Tammy and Meli, with Gpawilli stuck in between.

There was one other face in the crowd that looked very familiar, but he could not get a good look because she was being swarmed by the masses so he continued to walk closer.

When he was within a few feet of the group, they turned in unison and he was met with shouts and screams of recognition. Each of the girls kissed him on the cheek again, and the men hugged him like he was family.

Liz and one of the Kellys excitedly yelled, “We were just telling…”but they were cut off. From within the group stepped the unfamiliar, yet very familiar face.

Extending her hand, she said, “You must be the wonderful man that I was just hearing about. You helped make the Rblogger’s day one they will never forget. You are very kind. Thank you, sir. What is your name?”

“No need to thank me Rosie,” he said, “My name is Edward and I must thank them. They made an old man very happy today.”

“Well Edward, these are the RBloggers. They are a ragtag group of strangers-friends from around the country who came together over the past year and annoy their families and friends by spending far too much time visiting my website and talking to each other online. They carry Flip video recorders everywhere they go and spontaneously record themselves doing almost anything, and they all traveled here tonight to see me in No No Nanette, and you helped make their visit very memorable.”

With a full heart, he nodded his head and said, “Rosie, congratulation on the show, and you and your adoring RBloggers are very welcome.”

Edward then turned and slowly walked into the night with his old friend Sam, leaving the enthusiastic crowd behind.

He continued to hear their enthusiastic sounds of happiness, appreciation, adoration and joy - not just while he walked away – they rang in his heart the rest of his life.

The above was unknowingly inspired by Meli... Thank you

EASTER TWO YEARS AGO ON THE BIG ARON

Two years ago, during my brief residence in Fort Lauderdale, I went to Key West with my friend Antonio for the Easter weekend. We drove down on Friday and returned home on Sunday.

That Saturday was memorable because we were invited (and acepted) to visit Antonio's friends, Daniel and Tais, on their 153 foot luxury yacht, "Big Aron," which was anchored several hundred feet of the shore.

Antonio is Brazilian and knows Daniel and Tais from Rio de Janero, and his hometown of Port Alegre, Brazil.

I spent the entire glorious day chain smoking cigarettes, guzzling dom perignon (my guess is we went through at least two cases for maybe six people), grazing on delicious food, and trying to understand my new friends' Portuguese conversation.

For most of the day we were on the top deck - talking, laughing, eating and drinking, and then after a full tour of the yacht, we went down below to one of the lower level aft decks for lunch.

Lunch consisted of a green salad which was followed by a mouth watering lobster and shrimp, grilled to perfection.

Along with Daniel and Tais, there were two other couples on the yacht, including Adriana, a big Brazilian movie star who wore a barely there string bikini. There was also a staff of 10: the captain, Daniel's personal chef, four deck hands and 4 others who constantly circulated around us, refilling drinks, emptying ashtrays and bringing us food.

Antonio was helpful translating the conversation, and Tais, who spoke some English, graciously tried to include me in the conversation, which centered on the topic of sex, penis size, and more sex.

Oh the rich.....

The above pictures are some that I found on the internet because my pictures of that day, and I have many, are being held hostage in my old laptop which has died. One of these days I will retrieve them an make a real movie of that amazing day.

.... and this year I think I will be spending it at the ballpark.

IF I WERE A TERRORIST

Simple and to the point.

WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!

DUTCH TO LEGALIZE SEX IN PUBLIC PARKS, HUH?

First there was the De Wallen (The Red Light District)and then the "Coffeeshops." Now uber-liberal Amsterdam has decriminalize consensual sex in it's most popular park - Vondelpark.

In the world of bizarre, but real news, I found the following article on Telegraph.co.uk:

DUTCH TO LEGALISE GAY SEX IN PUBLIC PARK

Dutch council officials will permit gay sex in public areas but fine dog owners who let their pets off the leash in Amsterdam's Vondelpark.

Paul van Grieken, an Alderman in the Oud-Zuid district of the city, has startled many Amsterdammers, despite their famously liberal attitudes, with plans to allow public sex as part of this summer's new rules of conduct for the country's best-known park.

"Why should we try to impose something that is actually impossible to impose, which also causes little bother for others and for a certain group actually means much pleasure?", he said.

Amsterdam's beautiful Vondelpark in the centre of city draws hordes of summer visitors, families, skaters and joggers.

But the park's rose garden has become famous as a trysting spot for gay men looking for uncomplicated sexual encounters.

Mr van Grieken stresses that tolerance to "cruising" gays, aimed at protecting homosexuals from violence, will have "strict rules attached".

"Thus, condoms must always be cleared away, it must never take place in the neighbourhood of children's playgrounds and the sex must be restricted to the evening and night-time," he said.

The new park rules have the blessing of the Dutch police, who have urged all Dutch parks to follow Amsterdam's lead.

But Amsterdam's dog owners are less impressed. The new park code of conduct will set out stiff fines for dogs that are allowed to run around the Vondelpark off the leash.
"Research showed that many people find this disturbing," said Mr van Grieken.

But Amsterdam's dog owners are less impressed. The new park code of conduct will set out stiff fines for dogs that are allowed to run around the Vondelpark off the leash.

"Research showed that many people find this disturbing," said Mr van Grieken.

One dog owner protested: "As long as the park has existed, we've been allowed to let our dogs run freely. It's outrageous that we will be punished from now on but public sex won't. If they can drop their trousers, why can't I let my dog loose?"

Screw your brains out, clean up after yourself but don't let your dog off the leash.

After reading the last paragraph I got a mental image of a man holding his leash-free dachshund in his arms while talking to the reporter. In the blurred background are a couple of guys going at it.

HAPPY 46TH BIRTHDAY ROSIE

The RBloggers, in conjunction with a several celebrity types, wish Rosie O'Donnell a Happy 46th Birthday. How Kelly W, et al, pulled this together, I will never know.

The most preciousness happens at 6:25 in the video with Miss Noelle.

Happy Birthday Rosie

MAKE ROOM AT THE TABLE FOR ANOTHER JESUS LOVING HOMO HATING POLITICIAN

It is late and I am tired, but I had to post this clip...

Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern (sallykern@okhouse.gov) was tape recorded at a republican meeting ranting against the homosexual lifestyle. Unaware that she was being recorded she claimed the homosexual threat is more dangerous than terrorism.

People like this have no place in government. Do you think her words would have been different had she been aware that she was being recorded - of course!

Another closet bigot exposed, but we shouldn't be surprised. There are hundreds and thousands of people just like this small-hearted bible-beater who usually say these things only in the confines of their own homes, or within a group of like-minded hypocrites.

I was able to catch an interview on a Tulsa station where she did not deny making the remarks but contends the tape was manipulated to misrepresent what she said.

I think Ms. Kern, the wife of a Baptist minister, is now trying to manipulate the truth.

I hope this education advocate is not trying to teach our children to lie when caught!

THE RICHES - SEASON PREMIERE MARCH 18TH

My favorite series last year was The Riches on FX and the new season premieres March 18th.

The show is about living the American Dream, or more accurately, stealing the American Dream. In the vein of the 2002 movie "Catch Me If you Can" starting Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, The Riches is a show about a family of grifters ("Travelers") who are involved in a deadly accident and decide to take over the lives of the deceased accident victims.

The characters are original and 3 dimensional, the writing refreshing and quirky, and the cast headed by Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver is brilliant.

Rent the first season now to be caught up in time for the March 18th premiere episode.

ELLEN SPEAKS UP

Ellen DeGeneres is one funny lady. I've always enjoyed her but unlike my pal Rosie O'Donnell she is rarely political, and at times that has bothered me.

When bad things happen to good people, or any people, it is often easier to ignore it, but it is rarely, if ever, the right thing to do. I believe it is the responsibility of those with a voice to defend those that are voiceless and often faceless.

Recently Ellen did just that and did the right thing. She gave a voice to a murdered 15 year old boy named Larry from Oxnard, CA. In doing so she also gave a voice to the thousands of other gay youth around the country who are spat upon, beaten-up, and verbally abused by their peers and others.

Ellen encouraged her viewers to find out the candidates' beliefs on gays and reconsider their votes when the candidates to not respect and value the contributions of all people.

Thank you to my dear friend, actually, my oldest friend, Ronda, who brough this clip to my attention.

Just Another Sunday Afternoon

Click to Play

For the past few weeks I have had several requests for the the rodeo video I promised from the AGRA rodeo held the weekend of January 19th and 20th, however, the problem is I never put it together. That charged today. This afternoon I took the time to go through the 1 1/2 hours worth of video, most of which was poorly shot or just plain horrible, and came up with this video.

Enjoy!

AN EVENING WITH LISA LAMPA-HOOHA

Beware - The following post contains material that may be offensive to some readers

Last night Fettit and I went to see Comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean, the Insult Comic, Lisa Lampanelli at the Celebity Theater here in Phoenix.

We started the evening with a couple of cocktails at Josh and Steven’s house and were joined by Ray and Mark, and then we all rode together in one vehicle.

As we entered the building, about an hour before the show’s scheduled start time, we were told Lisa was in the theater doing a meet and greet and signing autographs. So we got in line and ordered drinks prior to going into the theater.

After recovering from the cocktail sticker shock(the drinks were something like $425), we headed into the theater to find our seats, and to possibly get a glimpse of the Lisa...who wasn’t difficult to find. She was sitting at a table at the end of a “buy my crap” line. On the wall above her there were baseball caps, girly t-shirts and g-strings. People were taking pictures and talking with her as they filed past.

We made our way over to her and stood observing about 5 feet from her. After a few minutes, and cocktail emboldened, I decided to approach, but the “buy my crap line” was too long and I didn’t want to stand in it. A second later, I realized that there was no one near her, so I made my move. Instead of going to the end of the line I just walked straight up to her and as I was approaching she immediately started with the “here come the queers lines.”

I introduced myself and told her how much I enjoyed her and she started spouting off the "queer this and big girl that" comments.

I told her that we play her video at parties and get-togethers to which she mentioned something about the homos loving her and then I told her that I went online some months back and requested she come to Phoenix. To this she snidely yelled, “So it’s your fault I am here in Phoenix.”

I told her the weather is perfect today and she smiled and agreed about the weather, and called me a fucking homo. I then asked her if she was staying for the weekend and she barked, "Are you fucking kiddin me... I'm outta here is three hours."

Sensing my time was limited, I thanked her for coming, kissed her on the cheek and walked away. Well actually, I would have stayed and talked to her longer, but her security guard thought I was stalking her and he escorted me away from her.

It wasn’t like there was anyone immediately behind me waiting for an autograph or anything.

Afterwards I regretted not taking a photograph with her to post here (just like I forgot to do when I met Rosie O'Donnell). My friends encouraged me to go back and get one, but the moment had passed - it didn't feel organic. Instead I stewed about it until I got my second $375 cocktail.

The show started 30 minutes late and there were two female comics who opened the show. They weren’t very memorable so I can't tell you either of their names.

The first one did a couple of funny Home Depot/Black and Decker/softball/lesbian jokes.

All I remember about the second one was her ugly dress.

Then Lisa came out and started with her familiar humor. Through the evening she maligned the Mexicans and berated the blacks. She bashed the old bastards, criticized the cripples, and enflamed the faggots (rattling off an endless list of gay monikers). Leaving no stone unturned, or ethnic, religious, or sexual abomination untouched, she harassed the Hebes, carped about cunts and assaulted Asians and Arabs. No one was off-limits and no subject taboo.

She slammed television-titan Oprah, telling the crowd it was time she just “licked Gail.” She also ranted about the oral sex, uncircumsized penises, sex with black men, and the celebrity roasts for Pamela Anderson and Flavor Flav.

At one point she was in the audience talking to a “white devil” when some guy behind her tried lifting up her dress. Staying in control, she soundly beat the guy with her microphone and continued on like nothing had happened.

She did not disappoint - she was offensive and loud and just what the crowd came to see. I’d go see her again and again.

I will end now with one of her jokes…

A little boy is in the bathtub with his little sister and he asks his father, “What is that between her legs?” To which the father replies, “That is where the angel split her with the golden ax.”

Astonished, the little boy says, “Wow... he must have perfect aim because he hit her right in the cunt.”

THE END!

TONIGHT IN PHOENIX - LISA LAMPANELLI

Tonight a group of us are going to see "The Insult Comic" Lisa Lampanelli at the Celebrity Theater here is Phoenix. This woman is too damn funny. Watch this short video of her if you are not easily offended and can take a funny joke or two.

I previously mentioned Lisa Lampanelli back on September 10th, 2007. She cracks me up and we watch the DVD of her show everytime someone comes over who hasn't seen it, hell, we've taken it to Josh and Steven's twice so they could show it to people.

That is how funny she is!

NOT SHIRT NO SHOES - NO SERVICE - OH AND DO NOT SELF-SEAT!!

Fettit and I went out to lunch today. We do this every Sunday, but today, instead of being served margaritas, warm chips and salsa, we were treated to attitude and rudeness.

We are always on the lookout for the best margarita in town, or at least the latest one, and willing to try new places, but today when we went to the Tempe Marketplace, a new mega-shopping complex not far from the house, all we got was heaping helping of ire and disappointment.

Driving into the shopping center we spotted a sign for the San Felipe Cantina which intrigued us Margaritas and Mexican food. I've been fighting the flu so I haven't been drinking but the lure of a good margarita and some chips and salsa is all it took for me to drive the parking lot for 10 minutes searching for the ideal parking spot.

As we enter the restaurant I noticed that it was not busy. There were two tables inside that were occupied but most of the business was on the patio - exactly where we wanted to sit.

We stood at the hostess stand for a few minutes, well probably several seconds, and no one ever approached us so we walked over to the bar and asked if there was a host/ess seating people. The beautiful blond bartender told us yes but she didn't see her, so she handed us menus and sent us on our way to the high top patio table of our choice.

After being ignored for 15 minutes, with waitresses circling like buzzards but never landing, Fettit decided to go to the bar to get our margaritas - infuriating me.

As I watched him at the bar, waiting for our drinks. I got more upset by the minute and I knew I couldn't sit still any longer.

I pass him on his way back to the table as I am going to the hostess stand to request a manager.

Once at the front desk, I am again ignored for a couple of minutes, probably 45 seconds, until the two young ladies in front of me decide to stop talking. The hostess turned around and asks "how many in your Party?' I tell her where I am sitting, on the patio, right side, corner table, and ask to see a manager and she instantly glazes over and the demon hostess-bitch from hell takes over.

Snottily, with hand on hips, she snaps "Did you self seat?" "No,” I snapped back and retreated toward our flouted table.

The hostess was obviously annoyed by me and as I turned on my heels and sturdily started marching back to my table I knew I may have been party to, or perpetrated, the ultimate hostess crime.

In her eyes I had "self sat." I had been so bold as to pick my own seat, without being escorted by a hostwench.

Several minutes passed, and I endured the hostwenches looks of dread from across the restaurant, along with the extended glares of her co-workers, but yet no manager came to the table.

Finally, a five minutes after my meeting with hostesstien, the manager arrived.

I knew the second I laid eyes on him and his casual "I'm chill" demeanor that I wasn't going to find a sympathetic ear.

I explained that we had been sitting for 15 minutes while several employees passed our table and that in order to get a drink we had to go to the bartender directly.

The first thing from the manager's mouth, "Did you self-seat?"

My first impression confirmed, I knew there would be no satisfaction.

The manager mumbled something and then asked if we were ready to order to which I said, "no."

We never want to be rushed at a restaurant but we do like to be acknowledged - you know - I'm so sorry - I’m really busy right now and will be with you in a second.

Seems pretty simple to me – just acknowledge we are in your station.

No one ever came to our table for another 15 minutes, not even a look in our direction until, as I was talking to Fettit about their lack of service, the Bride of Chucky hostess approached without me seeing. As she placed the chips and salsa on the table, after overhearing me complaining, she felt the need to respond.

"Well" spewing venom she snidely spat, "you self sat," to which I responded, "no, we did not seat ourselves or else we wouldn't have menus. And by the way, you are very rude."

Ensuring she got the last word, she sneered, "No, you are rude" and continued on her way.

Even prior to my altercation with the unpleasant, uber-bitch hostess I was upset with the lack of attention from the wait staff, and lack of interest from the manager... Don/Sean/John, whatever it was, but this was the breaking point.

A few minutes later, after deciding to leave, the manager came back and I filled him on everything that had recently transpired. This time, unlike the first time, he was apologetic. I even told him that that I would be writing a letter of complaint to the web address on the menu.

Sean/John/Don offered to buy our margaritas but I told him we had gone to the bar to get them and paid already. He asked if we wanted two more but we declined (although in the back of my mind I was softening.)

He "confided" to us that they were short staffed because half of the crew was out at the Renaissance Festival (after having come in for breakfast), and that it was hard to find decent workers who took their responsibility seriously and didn't come to work hung over from the night before.

I guess after a few minutes of intimacies he felt we were buddies, and I allowed him to believe it, but it certainly didn't make up for the lack of service. What did intrigue me was the thought of the free margaritas, but when I asked Fettit if he wanted another he just gave me that knowing look and said, "No, we are leaving."

On a brighter note, we did end up at one of our favorite restaurants...Julio's in Scottsdale. Fettit had the fish tacos (the closest he will ever come to fish) and I found strength in my spinach enchilada.

There is a lesson here to be learned though.

Along with:

Thou Shall Honor Thy Mother and Father
Though Shall Keep the Sabbath Holy
Thou Shall Not Steal
Though Shall Not Kill

Do Not Jay-Walk
Always Use Your Blinkers
Do Not Pass on the Right

Never Leave the House in Dirty Underwear

I learned

DO NOT SELF-SEAT

I’ve sure I will be using it often.

WAR MADE EASY

A peace and honesty driven friend of mine had this clip on her site and I had to pinch it for mine. She has blessed me with the compliment of sharing my photos, movies and writings on her site and today I return the favor.

The government and the media have colluded to take this country to war.

War Made Easy - I need to rent the DVD.

CONTRIBUTE TO HILLARY

The ISM emailed me yesterday and told me he made a contribution to Hillary's campaign for President. I did so last year but his email prompted me to give again. This is a very crucial time for her campaign and the future of the United States of America.

Barack Obama may be a good man but is he qualified to run the most powerful nation on the planet? I haven't made up my mind yet, but I can tell you as time goes by I have less confidence in him.

I have yet to hear substance. I see all the crowds being whipped into a frenzy with talk of change but I haven't heard anything to back it up.

CHANGE FOR CHANGE SAKE IS NOT WISE.

We need a leader in the White House who can work with congress and other world leaders on the tough problems we face at home and abroad. I feel with all my heart Hillary is the answer.

Hillary needs your support now more than ever and that is why I am encouraging everyone to contribute what they can.

WE NEED STRENGTH AND SUBSTANCE NOT SLOGANS.

Below is the email response I received after making my donation. I could not agree more.

I just made a contribution to Hillary Clinton, and I hope you'll join me in supporting her campaign.

America is ready for a president who brings our voice, our values, and our dreams to the White House. After seven years of George W. Bush, Americans want real change and solutions for the problems we face every day. Hillary will be ready to take on America's challenges from day one.

I contributed, and you should too! Visit Hillary's website today to give:

www.hillaryclinton.com/joinme

GO BACK TO THE FUTURE - ELECT HILLARY

My friend Scott at www.Scott-o-rama.com asked me to write a guest article for his site explaining why I support Hillary. I thought I would post it here as well even though it will be seen by many more people on his site than mine....

I have been a supporter, vocally and financially, of Hillary Clinton’s since the day I first saw her with her husband, then Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton. Prior to the 1992 election I had never heard of either of then, but once I heard them speak, together and separately, I knew I was listening to a new generation of politicians.

In 1992, after having grown-up in the 1960s and having experienced all that goes with that, both Bill and Hillary brought something new to the political arena. Their passion and belief that government could change, and change for the better, was rooted in the ideals of the 1960s.

When the country elected Bill Clinton President of the United States in 1992, we were unconsciously voting for Hillary as well.

It was instantly acknowledged that Hillary Clinton’s intellect was equal or superior to that of her husband’s. She was already an accomplished lawyer, business woman and community activist. She was smart, strong and had a complete sense of herself – an identity outside that of her husband’s.

She was a new genre of First Lady. She wasn’t a classic beauty with an arm-length long pedigree like Jacqueline Kennedy, nor was she the grandmotherly Bess Truman and she certainly wasn’t matronly Barbara Bush. Accomplished and outspoken, she was a partner in the presidency.

Since that time my support for Hillary has never wavered. For me, she is without peer. It excites me that she is the first serious female candidate (no offense Shirley C) with a shot at winning the presidency, but more importantly that she is one of the smartest, most experienced, and fair-minded candidates ever.

Fashions and seasons may change, but the conscripts who authored our constitution were purposeful in our government’s design. They, unlike our current president, understood that negotiation and concession were essential and key to our form of government and so does Hillary Clinton. She is a practical politician who realizes the need to stand firm for what she believes, but pairs it with the understanding that sometimes there is a need for compromise.

Hillary also understands, unlike the current president, the importance of relationship building, both abroad and at home. She is well respected and admired by the leaders of countries around the globe, and has many admirers among her Republican counterparts.

Today while contemplating writing this I remembered that several Republican senators have given Hillary high praise over the past few years. One such Republican was none other than Arizona’s war-hero Senator John McCain, who very well may be her opposition in the November election.

During an appearance on “Meet the Press” on February 20, 2005, John McCain was asked his thoughts on a Hillary presidency and he said, “I am sure that Senator Clinton would make a good president.” Although he made it clear he would be supporting the Republican candidate, he reiterated, “I have no doubt that Senator Clinton would make a good candidate.”

Additionally, Tom Cole was the (Republican) House Majority Whip in April 2005 when he told the National Journal that “She (Hillary) projects strength and the capacity to run the country, to pick smart people, to know when to compromise. Those are things that the last few years have proven to me she can do. I don’t see any of our guys who could beat her…..”

That gives me hope that other Republicans can see the promise of a Hillary presidency. As a person who rarely votes for my personal interests, I have to hope there are others who vote for what is best for the country.

As trite as it may sound, I vote for people.

I vote for those who don’t understand, or were never shown, their significance in the process. I vote so the uneducated may someday learn their potential. I vote so no child goes to bed hungry. I vote so senior citizens do not have to choose between medical prescriptions and food.

I vote for the factory worker who works for 30 years and then loses his pension as the company relocates overseas. I vote for the veteran whose life was torn apart by the separation from his family as he served his country in an ill-conceived war and then returned home with a mutilated body and splintered soul. I vote so that in 25 years my great-grandchildren will be able to breathe clean air and drink clean water.

During the past eight years we have endured a moral and spiritual depression where opportunity and serenity were overthrown by a furtive, omnipotent, hypocritical, greedy dictatorship and due to that greed we have the largest division of wealth this country has ever experienced. Few people could handle the challenges that face our country but I believe Hillary can, and will, put us back of track economically.

I trust she will restore our place in the world community. She is uniquely qualified as she has known many of the world leaders for upwards of 16 years. She understands the complexity of these relationships and she has the maturity to know we cannot accomplish anything globally without the support of other countries.

Although Hillary stands on her own merits and will be the ultimate decision maker, I believe in the extension of the Clinton legacy, and I look forward to celebrating the repudiation of the mega-wealthy and returning this country to the middle class, and giving every American the opportunity of reaching their full potential.

I genuinely hope people listen to Hillary’s position on the issues, instead of listening to the pundits, and if they do they will discover what I have known all along…Hillary is the smartest and most qualified for the job.

I say we need to GO BACK TO THE FUTURE AND ELECT HILLARY!