9 To 5

Today is the silver anniversary for one of my girls break out movie…Dolly Parton (yeah, I know I’m a gay cowboy…YEHAA!!) in the movie 9 To 5. I remember going to Studio 28 in Grand Rapids and watching this movie with my mom, and despite not having any work experience I still loved the movie.

Twenty-five years later and people can still relate to the movie, because we’ve all had a boss that we thought was a complete moron, too pushy, said offensive comments, or just a flat-out jackass.

Unless you’re one of the lucky few that go to work every day and really love what you do, then you probably won’t be able to relate. However, for the rest of the slaves out there working for a paycheck this song is for us!!

Come on sing it with me!!

Tumble outta bed
And stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
Yawnin’, stretchin’, try to come to life
Jump in the shower
And the blood starts pumpin’
Out on the streets
The traffic starts jumpin’
And folks like me on the job from 9 to 5
Chorus:

Workin’ 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by
It’s all takin’
And no givin’
They just use your mind
And they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it

9 to 5, for service and devotion
You would think that i
Would deserve a fair promotion
Want to move ahead
But the boss won’t seem to let me in
I swear sometimes that man is out to get me
Mmmmm...

They let your dream
Just a’ watch ’em shatter
You’re just a step
On the boss man’s a’ ladder
But you got dream he’ll never take away

On the same boat
With a lot of your friends
Waitin’ for the day
Your ship’ll come in
And the tide’s gonna turn
An’ it’s all gonna roll you away

2nd chorus:

Workin’ 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by
It’s all takin’
And no givin’
They just use your mind
And you never get the credit
It’s enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it

9 to 5, yeah, they got you where they want you
There’s a better life
And you think that I would daunt you
It’s a rich man’s game
No matter what they call it
And you spend your life
Going funny if you want it

3rd chorus:

Workin’ 9 to 5
What a way to make a livin’
Barely gettin’ by
It’s all takin’
And no givin’
They just use you mind
And they never give you credit
It’s enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it

Happy Friday fuckers!

The President HAS BEEN SHOT!!

Today the President was taking a short trip from the Washington Hilton, where he talked before union representatives, back to the White House. Outside the hotel’s VIP entrance, reporters waited to ask the President questions, along side the reports were some tourists and onlookers who jostled for position, hoping to see the President as he emerged.

As the President came out he waved to the reporters and crowd of onlookers. At that moment, a man in a tan raincoat pointed a .22-caliber revolver and fired six shots in two seconds. A Secret Service agent pushed the President into the waiting limousine, and it immediately jolted out of the driveway.

Even though the President was seriously injured he told his wife "I forgot to duck". He also joked with the doctor as he went into surgery saying “I hope you’re a republican”.

....oh, did I forget to mention that today is the anniversary of when President Ronald Reagan that was shot...nearly a quarter of a century ago? My bad…

Anyway, although Reagan recovered his press secretary James Brady never did. It was this event in time that would eventually lead to President Bill Clinton to sign the Brady Bill in 1993, which required a five-day waiting period and a background check for handgun purchases.

President Reagan shot on:
March 30, 1981 at 2:25

The Great Wall of America

Today the debate rages on, as the US Senate Judiciary Committee discusses immigration reform. It comes as millions of people across the country protest the new bill that would make it a felony to be not register as an immigrant in America. It’s a tough subject that is driven by emotional, financial, and political interests that seem to be fueling the debate over the right to live and work in this country.

Many are saying that America was built on immigrates and that we’re losing sight of our roots. Are we really though, or is this simply a way to make those that are illegally in this country step forward and be accounted for? There are an estimated 11 million immigrates, mostly Mexican and from South America, who reside in the United States. Can you imagine the impact they would have on the American economy and political arena if they were registered voters and tax paying citizens? What would a day be like in LA if all immigrates didn’t show up for work or suddenly disappeared? The city would come to a screeching halt, that's what would happen. Immigrants to America come from all over the world and work, buy homes, and are building a life…without ever registering or moving towards citizenship. While other citizens or immigrants are working with the government to legally become a part of this country are in a way paying for the freeloaders.

Recently I talked with a co-worker of mine who is Mexican, and even though she recognizes both sides of the debate she does think it’s completely unfair the benefits some immigrates receive. She told me about her 1 year old son who she can’t get insurance for, and how her husband and her struggle every week to make ends-meat. She said that she's has friends that aren’t citizens who earn tax-free income (granted it’s often hard work other Americans wouldn’t take), get special insurance and other benefits even citizens can’t collect.

In DC, the Mexican Government is weighting-in on the issue and fighting for the rights of their transplanted citizens. Honestly, should we really even be listening to what they have to say, especially considering their Constitution doesn’t allow foreign influence in the making of Mexican laws? Ummm, quid pro quo Mr. Fox!

If the immigration bill passes it would require all illegal immigrates to register, asked to leave the US or be considered a felon. It would also tout the construction of a 700 mile fence, which would be one of the largest manmade boarder barrier in the world—second only to the Great Wall of China, which spans 4,163 miles. Are we in fact building a modern day Wall between the US and Mexico?

On one side of the fence you have eager individuals looking for new opportunity and living out the American Dream. On the other, you face a snobbish society that refuses more labor intense work and has grown expect more of everything across the board— cheaper products, more cost effective labor, and more services for less.

This issue is a double edged sword and there will be winners and losers whatever the Senate decides.

For more information on the new bill:

• http://www.visalaw.com/advocacy.html
• http://www.wolfsdorf.com/newbill.htm

Failure to Depart

A mix-up at the airport postponed my NYC trip to another time. It’s almost as though there was a force pushing me away, whether it was old people in my way, no cabs, running late, canceled and overbook flights, or 100 people waiting to take standby. Next thing I know I’m back on the train heading home after a 11 hour wait and see day at the airport. Despite everything that was against my trip, I would like to believe there is some reason fait decided to curb my vacation to the Big Apple.

There’s always a raison d'être for when things don’t work out, and trying to take a positive perspective is the only way you’ll keep from going insane. Even though I gave up a vacation day, lost some money, and was frustrated, I did get to spend the day with Ben, ate a tasty burger at Chili’s, and then got to do some very interesting people watching (airports are awesome for seeing just how tragically lost the traveling public really is). Not to mention that night I went out and saw a ton of friends that I wouldn’t have seen if I was out of town. PLUS, as a result of going out Friday night, I ran into my bud Justin who is going to help me complete one of New Year’s resolutions of learning how to mix music.

Even though I’ve got this wicked positive attitude these days, I can’t help to feel a little letdown. Man, I would have looked totally hot on the dance floor at Element or Roxy’s. Oh well, a little disappointment never hurt anyone and I can hit up New York another time.

Jesus As a Black Drag Queen

After watching South Park’s Scientology episode on the web the other day, and a recent story about Jesus in the drywall at a church in Alabama, the two made me wonder if Christians around the world would reject Jesus if he returned and didn’t look or deliver a message they liked. What if Jesus came back as a big fat black smelly drag queen with tattoos and piercings and a foul mouth, would Evangelicals still accept him?

Would they accept the divine word of Jesus or rise up against him? What if he came back and said “oh gay people? Shit, motherfucker, they’z ok! I love them, just like I love the wacko in Westboro Baptist Church who likes to put words in my mouth.” *two snaps up* Would they still consider Jesus/God the Omega and savior, or the Devil trying to deceive them?

If the depiction of Christ has drastically changed over time and we create an image to reflect what we think is right, then how can we believe that the story of his life hasn't been distorted either? The Bible has never given any physical description of Christ or how he spoke. In fact, probably the closest description we have of Jesus is in Isaiah 53:2b, which says “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”

Isn’t it fascinating how Jesus keeps getting a make-over and looking more Ned Flanders rather than a Hebrew slave? Maybe that’s because people want their savior to look like them, and the fine white folks around the world couldn’t bare it if he was black or anything different than what they imagine in their little noggins.

Do a Google search on “Jesus” under their images, and all you’ll find are pictures of him with light brown hair, light eyes, and fare skin. Folks, Jesus was JEWISH!!!! He wasn't white with pretty long hair, a manicure, and blue eyes--that's Hollywood! Mel Gibson said that he made “The Passion of Christ” in Aramaic because he wanted to make his movie as accurate as possible. Yet, his Jesus looks more like a Hollywood projection then anything else, and if you talk to any scholar they would tell you that the most popular language at the time was Greek. Yet, did you hear Greek at any point in Mel’s film? Umm, no!

Church of Troylogy

London, UK-- The battle over Earth has begun between Scientology (aka Tom Cruise or at least his lawyers) and South Park’s creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The controversy comes just days before the premier of South Park’s 10th season in the UK, and Wednesday’s premier in the US. The episode which was banned from the US has been popping up on websites all over the Net such as YouTube.com and other popular sites. The episode is a parody of the Church of Scientology. Addition controversy came after Isaac Hayes left the show after the show's satirizing of religion—and now his own Scientology.

Rumors have been floating around that Tom Cruise used his influence at Paramount/Viacom to pull the episode in which Tom Cruise himself is ridiculed in an ongoing scene known as “Trapped in the closet”. In the scene Tom Cruise, along with John Trivolta and R. Kelly, are asked repeatedly to come out of the closet. Cruise is said to have refused to promote Mission Impossible 3 if the South Park episode airs on Viacom owned Comedy Central. Oh Tom, you’re so silly!

Religion is so ridiculous! In Afghanistan a man could face the death penalty if he's found guilty of converting from Islam to Christianity. The trial of Abdul Rahman is being watched closely by the United States and Washington has expressed its concern about religious freedom. What kind of religion requires you to die if you chose to reject it or your status in the Church is determined by how much money you donate? Every religion has been builtup in power by following similar hierarchy and structure. They all have a ‘savior’, sins (rules), and over time have become more complex and misunderstood.

Why all this hate? There’s too much fighting in the world and too many people that aren't getting along. All modern religions are so wacked out, weird, based on old information, or outright scams. That’s why I decided to start my own church, the Church of Troylogy. Interested in being a member? Excellent, here is the criteria for being brainwashed…I mean ‘joining’:

• You cannot be a faggot!!! (unless you’re a famous closeted actor)
• Summer is the holy season
• A minor donation (a mandatory registration fee for the registration of being register+60% of your earnings+your first born+soul= salvation)
  

Simple right?! If you join now, you'll get a free t-shirt and a bobble head of St. Troy of our holy brethren.

See the video: http://65.58.242.81/southpark_scientology.php

CNN Studio on fire?

Moments ago there was a fire in the CNN news room in Atlanta. The anchors were quickly evacuated and the channel temporarily went to a static screen before they switch to the New York studio. It still isn’t clear what exactly happened or how severe the emergency is, but it seems there is news developing in CNN's own studio.

It appearst that CNN is back on, but in fact it's just looping the news from earlier...

Update!! 2:05 CST. CNN returns to the air live after a brief technical fire. You'll be happy to know Chuck Robert's hair was untouched.

Bye-bye Belmont

Chicago, IL (Belmont)--For anyone that takes the Red Line through the Belmont stop, you may have notice some significant changes happening. Over the past five months an estimated seven buildings have been demolished or are scheduled to gone by the end of March. Is the removal of these buildings simply the preliminary stages of the new multi-million dollar station (scheduled for completion in 2008), or the requiem of a diverse and unique strip in Lakeview?

I started using the Belmont El stop as my main hub for getting around Chicago almost five years ago. Since then I have seen many changes happening in Lakeview, whether it’s new condos, the closing of some of my favorite restaurants, and the opening of some new favorite shops (Kafka and Ping Pong comes to mind). However the most prominent changes have come recently on Belmont between Racine and Clark. Numerous homes have been eliminated, a few larger buildings (like the Bottom Lounge and Belmont Batish Church), and now the biggest structure being removed brink by brick this week—the three story Belmont Army Surplus building.

The street is probably one of my favorite strips in Chicago because it’s got this edge that other streets in the area lack. All walks of life parade down this street, and whether you’re a flamer stumbling out of Berlin at 4am, a breeder baseball fan, a punk rocker checking out the Alley, a trendy hipster, or an out-of-towner freaked out by the transsexual prostitutes…you’ll find a place on Belmont. Back when the Chicago Bulls ruled the NBA, it was this street where Dennis Rodman got his hair colored. It also has the home of the original Ann Sather’s, one of the best late night clubs in the city (Berlin), the Belmont Rocks (known for late night rendez-vous *wink wink*), and a slew of strangely unique shops between Sheffield and Broadway.

Like many things when you have a major change such as this, it has the potential of destroying the character of an area. Yes the new station will be an enormous improvement, and the changes may make the area safer (not that it's bad now). Some people may view the demolitions and new construction as a welcomed and way-overdue change, but will this ultimately alter the urban attitude of the area? Is it going to bring the street closer to the cookie-cutter like Addison Street? I really hope not!


Picture of Belmont Station on March 7, 1931.

My new slates!!

After years of using the wall as a headboard, I’m finally getting a real bed. A $100 for the frame and nightstand…not a bad deal. It’ll look awesome in my new apartment.

Return to Brokeback Mountain

Tonight I returned to the theater where I saw Brokeback Mountain for the first time almost four months ago. For whatever reason, I had it set in my mind that I needed to see the movie one last time before it left the big screen.

There I sat, second row to the end, in an empty theater and relived the forbidden love of two cowboys. At times I felt like I was right there with Jack and Ernest, because this evening Chicago was hit with a thunder storm and heavy rain, which seemed to be synced perfectly with the scenes in the movie. When it rained in the movie, I could hear the raindrops hitting the roof of the theater, same thing with the thunder and wind—it was very surreal.

I’m sure that in any movie there are things that you can relate to your life, the story, a character, or even some minute detail. For me it was when Ernest says my name the first time I saw the movie…this round it was when he was putting on the numbers to his mailbox in the last scene. Turns out he has the same address as my home back in Michigan (yeah yeah, I know it's just a stupid coincidence, but still kind of spooky that I picked up on it).

One of my favorite lines is:
“If you can’t fix it, you need to stand it.”

Interesting fact:
The image of the mountains in the background for the movie poster comes from Getty.

La Camisa Negra

Today I wear a black shirt…and I’m looking damn good. =)


My horoscope today:
Letting your fear get the best of you can make your life more difficult. Your current tendency toward scattering your energy may temporarily become less of a problem, but you could retreat so hard and fast that there is little room for any type of positive movement. Acknowledge your apprehension, while consciously using your logic to face it head on.

Hello, my name is Simon

The other day I slept over at the boyfriends’ place and his cat, Simon, jumped on the pillow and started licking my head. I was somewhere between dreamland and being awake when he started the tongue bath, so I wasn’t quite sure what was going on. At first I thought I was dreaming and it wasn’t really happening. It sort of tickled, but the affection was a nice wake up call.

A little about Simon…he’s a black cat that is very friendly and has to be in your business all the time. Unlike his housemate, Mary (a grey kitty), Simon will snuggle up next to you in bed or hang out with you on the sofa. He also likes to drink out of the faucet and meows at you often.

Although I think that having a pet can be restrictive to the life of the animal, there is something to be said about the comfort and happiness pets bring to our lives. It certainly can be a symbiotic relationship where both animal and human benefit, especially when it’s a healthy and loving home. In fact research has shown that elderly people that have pets live longer and happier lives.

Is it any surprise why some people look at their pets as their children, and pamper with extravagant toys, food, or even clothing? The other day I was taking the Red line home and saw an ad for Pet Step, which is three steps that help dogs get on the sofa, car, or bed.

Have you ever known someone that looks like their pet? I wonder if sometimes it isn’t us that pick our pet, but rather it’s them who choose us. Is how we get along with our animals indicative of how we treat others or think of ourselves…maybe.

I’ve had several pets growing up, and often have thought about getting a dog…if I wasn’t in the city. Throughout my youth I had a total of two cats (Dusty and Polo), two dogs (Toby and Benny), some hamsters (forgot all their names), two many fish to count, a bird named Petey, and some hermit crabs.

In my adult life I’ve not owned a pet, but I have dated a couple of people who have. Dogs and cats that I’ve grown to care almost as much, if not more, than the person I was dating. There’s Jack’s Buddy (a fat, but cute, cat), Enrique’s Joseph (a big ass St. Bernard), and now Ben’s Simon and Mary (both American shorthairs). It’s sort of like kids, I get to enjoy them without any of the responsibility. =)