MELT
like that spike of ice dangling from the eaves
crystalline and moist like tears on my sleeves
it’s so fleeting and not long for this place
soon to be crashing on earth sans grace

it melts like my heart did when I met you
it’s a mystery with glorious glints of blue
it sparkles like your eyes when we locked
when my heart’s want could not be blocked

glassy smooth, with a forming drop at its tip
wet like my kiss upon your trembling lip
gravity pulls the delicate drop into its lair
like we pulled each others body into a pair

the sun glances to see the ice melt
heating like the warmth our faces felt
shards of diamonds tumble to the ground
glimmering like stones of love all around

the icicles have gone, waiting for the freeze
love has come swirling on the brisk breeze
we watched it patiently drop away
two hearts fueled by liquid spray

SILENT ALL THESE YEARS
My parents were divorced by the time I was five years old. My mother raised me and my sister on her own. In the end, it was probably the best for everyone involved. My father had two dirty little secrets that threatened any attempt at being a family. He was an alcoholic. He also was an angry drunk who became physically abusive toward my mother. We’re not talking a shove and a slap abusive. Before my mother made the decision to leave him, she spent nearly a month in the hospital–most of the time in a coma.

When I was old enough to understand the concept of divorce and what had transpired between my parents, it certainly colored my relationships with each parent. I adore my mother and admire her courage in doing something that was not favorably looked upon at the time. Her concern for her children’s safety and her own, led her on the road to becoming a single parent with two small children. While there were times that this path was difficult, she always made sure that my sister and I had everything we needed. With her support and help, I was able to become the first person in my extended family to graduate from college. In her 30s, my mother made the decision to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She is my role model, my inspiration and she loves me unconditionally.

My father and I, on the other hand, have had an uneasy and torturous relationship. He was rarely in our lives as children. When he was, it was usually a quick visit to ply us with gifts. When I was about 12, he took my sister and me to Disneyland. I think for my sister, her relationship with my father was completely different as she was too young to remember any of the turbulent past. I could never forget it. When he called to speak to us, I always felt uncomfortable. By the time I was 17, I made the decision to sever all ties with my father. It was my decision alone and not influenced by any other person. I will probably never forget the exact instant it happened. Midstream a telephone conversation, I remember saying ‘I don’t want to talk to you any more. Please don’t call me.’

It was an emotional experience for me. I think I understood the word catharsis in one fell swoop. Yet, it was a strangely liberating experience. To this day, I’ve not spoken to or seen him. One thing I made sure of was that my decision in no way impacted my sister’s relationship with our father. She continues to have a relationship with him. He visits her and her two children and they all seem to have a fairly good connection. To his credit, after many years he began to deal with his alcoholism. But, it has taken a toll on his body and recovery appears to be a road filled with relapses.

I think Christmas always brings some memories of him–mostly bad ones. I’ve never regretted the decision I made. Yet, in many ways throughout my life, there have been unmistakeable imprints of my father in my life. Even before I realized I was gay, I just knew that I never wanted to be married. I also told myself that I never wanted to have children. In college, I was always weary of overindulging in alcohol. I’m not sure if I thought because he was an alcoholic that there was a chance I could be. I don’t feel the same way about these things now necessarily–but the fact that they had some impact on my life is undeniable.

When I finally came to terms with my homosexuality, of course I went through all questioning. Was I gay because I lacked a father figure? Was I gay to spite my father? Was I gay because I was a mama’s boy? The questions were unending. All of this now seems so silly. I know that I am who I am because that was the way it was meant to be. But the fact, that my father directly or indirectly made me question all of these things about myself just seemed to fuel a hatred. It’s not an easy thing to say that you hate a parent. Yet, there are sins of a father that are unforgiveable.

Running around doing Christmas shopping, decorating my tree, and preparing for a great holiday, I was reminded of all of these things in the back of my mind. In spite of all of them, I love Christmas. With all the negative things that I associate with my father, I think in some strange way he made me appreciate the wonderful simplicities in life. I love my life. I love my family and friends. I’m a better person in spite of the anger I save for my father. Forgiveness doesn’t seem practical–as I can never forget. But, the silence has taught me so many more things than forgiveness ever could.

WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER SHOP WALMART
A Florida woman who went to an early bird sale to purchase a DVD player for her mother was knocked unconscious and trampled by crazed shoppers. After suffering at least one seizure, the woman was found by paramedics on the floor on top of said DVD player.

ROCKIN’ REMIXES
01. “Fly Again (Scumfrog Mix)”–Kristine W.
02. “Waiting For You (Thick Dick Remix)”–Seal
03. “I Can Give You Everything (Arthur Baker House Remix)”–Wet Wet Wet
04. “Nobody Knows Me (Peter Rauhofer Remix)–Madonna
05. “The Terrace (Cassius Combustion Remix)”–Linus Love
06. “Stand Back (Archigram Vocal Club Remix)”–Linus Love f/ Sam Obernik
07. “Situation (The English Breakfast Mix)”–Yaz

CLASSICALLY QUOTABLE
“The debate over gays in the military was never really about balancing civil rights with national security. Britain, Israel, Canada and Australia are among 24 militaries that lifted bans on gay soldiers without undermining unit cohesion or combat readiness. These experiences show that the choice is not between gay rights and military readiness. It is between prejudice that compromises national security and equality that enhances it. And that’s no choice at all.“

—Mr. Nathaniel Frank, in his Op-Ed piece for The New York Times (11.28) entitled “Why We Need Gays In The Military”

THE POST-GAME
Why is it that cornbread dressing tastes so much better the day after? Yes, I just polished off another plate of Thanksgiving leftovers.

I spent the day with my mother, sister and her family. It was a nice day filled with the customary overindulgence and warmth. After everyone had their fill of turkey and ham, we spent hours laughing and screaming over ancient video games. We played PacMan, Rally X and Bosconian. Even though these precursors are simplistic when compared to the modern-day overloaded graphic eye candy that are video games today–these excercises in hand-eye coordination are no less fun. Then it was on to ice skating short programs(Cup Of China) on ESPN2.

After everyone left, I settled down to the Trading Spaces marathon on TLC–with pumpkin pie and fresh whipped creme of course.

Sometimes, simplicity is such a good thing.

A BUSH IN IRAQ
If only it were burning.

Between the ghastly amounts spent on security for President Bush’s sojourn to Great Britain–and now a ’surprise’ visit on Thanksgiving to Iraq, the photo-op happy President proves once again that he and his machine can’t pass up another opportunity for material for his next campaign commercial. Have I mentioned I don’t like the President lately?

BE THANKFUL
‘TWAS THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING, BUT I JUST COULDN’T SLEEP
I TRIED COUNTING BACKWARDS, I TRIED COUNTING SHEEP.
THE LEFTOVERS BECKONED – THE DARK MEAT AND WHITE
BUT I FOUGHT THE TEMPTATION WITH ALL OF MY MIGHT

TOSSING AND TURNING WITH ANTICIPATION
THE THOUGHT OF A SNACK BECAME INFATUATION.
SO, I RACED TO THE KITCHEN, FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR
AND GAZED AT THE FRIDGE, FULL OF GOODIES GALORE.

I GOBBLED UP TURKEY AND BUTTERED POTATOES,
PICKLES AND CARROTS, BEANS AND TOMATOES.
I FELT MYSELF SWELLING SO PLUMP AND SO ROUND,
‘TIL ALL OF A SUDDEN, I ROSE OFF THE GROUND.

I CRASHED THROUGH THE CEILING, FLOATING INTO THE SKY
WITH A MOUTHFUL OF PUDDING AND A HANDFUL OF PIE.
BUT, I MANAGED TO YELL AS I SOARED PAST THE TREES….
HAPPY EATING TO ALL; PASS THE CRANBERRIES, PLEASE.

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY, MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES ‘N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP,
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS, MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS

WORLD AIDS DAY 2003
December 1st will mark the 16th annual World AIDS Day. The day will have different significance to different individuals, but a common thread will be the rememberance of 22 million individuals worldwide who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. It’s also a day to educate, motivate and mobilize people to be aware of the impact and devastation of AIDS not only one those who have lost their lives–but to those left behind without a loved one.

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) has estimated that over 42 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, and millions more will be infected by the end of the decade. Approximately 900,000 Americans are living with HIV/AIDS (some of whom don’t even know they are infected). In addition, some 40,000 are newly infected with HIV in the United States alone each year. The statistics are staggering and mind-numbing. Yet, it is only by continual information, awareness and education that each of us can make our own small difference.

The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation (with funding from the CDC) has looked at HIV/AIDS infection rates by many different criteria. One of the most interesting tools they have devised is a state by state comparison of the reporting of AIDS cases. Their data is complete through December 2001.

As an individual one of the most important and proactive things you can do is have yourself tested for the HIV antibodies. A recent study by the firm Witeck-Combs Communications/Harris Interactive for the CDC found that most gay men and lesbians have been tested for HIV antibodies. However, 35% of their sample of gay men and lesbians were unaware of their HIV serostatus. Conversely, nearly 60% of heterosexuals haven’t been tested.

I’ve made it a practice to have a test done each year when I have my routine physical and blood workup by my physician. It’s not so much that I feel I have put myself in a high-risk situation, but more for my own knowledge and to protect anyone I may have sexual contact with. It’s a duty and responsiblity that I don’t take lightly.

QUEER EYE SOUNDTRACK
The theme song to the hit show “Queer Eye For The Straight Guy” has been released commercially for radio and clubplay. The single “All Things (Just Keep Getting Better)” by Widelife has been remixed by several high-profile DJs. A video clip shot on the Brooklyn Bridge by director Wayne Isham will soon go to video outlets. Now comes word that the first soundtrack album to be spawned from the television show will hit store shelves on February 10, 2004. Entitled “What’s That Sound”, the album will feature tracks by Elton John, Basement Jaxx, Jamelia, Fischerspooner, Billy Squier, Liz Phair, In-grid and a Chemical Brothers remix of Kylie Minogue’s “Slow”. The album, released by Capitol Records, is the first in a planned series of albums.

HOT LIST
01. Tori Amos’s “Tales of a Librarian: A Tori Amos Collection“–wonderful set, gloriously remastered
02. Hayden Christensen in “Shattered Glass“
03. Madonna’s “Remixed & Revisited [EP]“
04. Gary Larson’s “The Complete Far Side“
05. Benjamin McKenzie

WORD OF THE DAY
edaphic

SONG LYRICS OF THE WEEK
“boy gets discovered
as winter melts
flowers competing for sun
years go by
and i’m here still waiting
withering where some snowman was
mirror, mirror
where’s the crystal palace
but I only can see myself
skating around the truth who i am
but i know, dad, the ice is getting thin

when you gonna make up your mind
when you gonna love you as much as i do
when you gonna make up your mind
’cause things are gonna change so fast
all the white horses have gone ahead
i tell you that i’ll always want you near
you say that things change, my dear”

—”Winter” by Tori Amos

SCENE FROM A TELEPHONE CONVERSATION

X: So are you seeing anybody?
A: My right hand.
X: (*uncomfortable silence*)
A: Seriously. But, I think my hand is about to file a worker’s compensation claim.
X: (*uncontrollable laughter*)
A: Of course, you could always take pity on me and offer your services…
X: Not tonight, I have a headache.

THE RULES
This weekend I ended up re-watching Roger Avary’s “The Rules of Attraction“–not once, but twice. I hadn’t seen it since the movie was released. Despite the critical drubbing the film took, I found the film essentially disturbing, affecting and I liked it. It’s now safe to say, that I love the film.

Though Roger Avary’s screenplay is a fairly faithful interpretation of Bret Easton Ellis’s 1987 book, the film is unique in that it plays within no actual time constraints or the rigidness of sequencing. The film’s characters could exist in the 80s, 90’s or present day. You’re not sure if your watching a day, a week, a month. The characters themselves are shallow and two-dimensional at first glance. But, upon repeated viewings, you pick up on many non-verbal cues and plot devices woven into Avery’s flawless direction. These little nuances are left for you to find and interpret. The dynamic at work is want. Whatever these characters may have in their lives (be it money, people, sex), they are all wanting something else. It is the yearning in the characters and their circuitous paths toward trying to find satiation of this want that creates a complex dynamic in the film. Suddenly, the voice-overs and time reversals take on more significance when you know where the characters will ultimately succeed or fail. The troika of James Van Der Beek, Shannyn Sossamon and Ian Somerhalder are brilliant in their subtle (and often disturbing) portrayals of people who want–and more importantly need. Though they try alcohol, drugs, and self-affliction, they are never able to find satisfaction. The movie also never finds a storybook ending for its non-apologetic characters. By allowing the viewer to draw their own judgements of the characters, Roger Avary has crafted a visually stunning and hauntingly effective film. If you haven’t seen it–or its been awhile since you’ve seen it–check it out.

Additionally, you can find a complete free downloadable screenplay at Roger Avary’s website. It is quite interesting in the voluminous production shooting notes that are included in the script. It’s available as an Adobe .pdf and well worth viewing.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES ON THE JACKSON MEDIA FRENZY
01. Last Thursday when the whole Michael Jackson booking saga took place, I was watching CNN when Jermaine Jackson called in and berated anchor Kyra Phillips. While Phillips held her own against Jackson’s anger, his claims that the actions against his brother were “a modern-day lynching” seem nothing more than inflammatory. Jackson further went on to say, “my brother is not eccentric” and “I’m sick and fucking tired of people speaking on my brother’s behalf and my family’s behalf who do not know us”. That his brother is not eccentric is simply laughable. The fact that most of the Jackson family have put their lives and follies in the public eye leaves them open to the media scrutiny. By Friday, Jermaine Jackson was being interviewed by Barbara Walters. Jermaine’s protests come off as nothing more than a second-rate singer looking for free publicity.

02. It’s laughable that the Santa Barbara District Attorney sealed the complaint and warrant. Within two days, the name of the alleged victim, details of the alleged crimes, love notes and other sordid information was plastered all over the internet and most media outlets.

03. The ridiculous sight of news helicopters trying desperately to catch shots of Michael Jackson’s plane, arrival and booking was pathetic. How this is deemed newsworthy and demanded hours of continuous news coverage is a mystery to me. Even sadder, is the fact that helicopters followed Jackson’s vehicle down the Las Vegas strip upon his return. I suddenly had flashbacks of O.J. Simpson’s white Bronco.

04. This morning, there if an “official” statement on Mr. Jackson’s website claiming that the charges are “predicated on a big lie”.

05. Someone needs to tell Gloria Allred to get a life. First, she hooks up with Amber Frey. Now, she’s leading a crusade to have Jackson’s children removed from his custody. Here I thought Mark Geragos was a first-class media whore. It seems he has competition.

06. That mugshot. That scary resemblance to Joan Crawford. That horrific make-up. This is a movie right?

07. CBS has once again proved they have no backbone. Weaseling out of airing their Michael Jackson special (after cancelling the airing of “The Reagans”) is a sad statement on the intertwining of the network’s entertainment and news divisions. Further, it appears CBS nor Ms. Allred have heard of the phrase “innocent until proven guilty”?

FAVORITE RECENT CD REVIEW
“All the while, Ms. Spears works hard to prove that she’s hot-blooded, although she sounds colder than ever. The album is almost perversely devoid of personality — a final act of rebellion, perhaps, against the music industry. Ms. Spears will cobble together an album, if she absolutely has to, but don’t think she’s going to get all personal. That’s what television specials are for.“—Kalefa Sanneh, Arts/Culture Desk Reviewer The New York Times

SIMON COWELL
As part of the publicity blitz for his new book, “I Don’t Mean to Be Rude, But…” (in stores December 2nd), Simon Cowell gave an interview to Billboard’s Carla Hay. Cowell has some interesting comments on the state of music and the “American Idol” phenomenon. Among his assertions is that Madonna is “over” and “desperate”, Britney Spears was “never sexy”, Beyonce and J.Lo have “the X-Factor” and Clay Aiken “is the best thing to happen to ‘American Idol’”. That cheeky Simon.

BABYSITTING 101
I spent most of my weekend babysitting my niece and nephew. At ages 11 and 8, to say they left me exhausted and ragged would be an understatement–though I love them dearly. I also learned more about Yu-Gi-Oh! than any gay man should EVER know.

GIFTS….FOR ME
I usually like to try and get all of my holiday shopping done early to avoid the madness of the last-minute mall mobs. In the past several years, I’ve found myself shopping on-line for a lot of my gifts. While there are certain perks to in-store shopping, there’s a lot to be said for staying in bed and shopping in your underwear. Alas, there are some items that just don’t lend themselves to shopping at home.

Yesterday, I made my first mall crawl and started ticking people off my list. The truth be told, I love to shop. There’s a certain unexplicable chemical reaction that happens in my body. A strange cocktail of adrenaline and serotonin that fuels a rush to spend money. If someone could figure a way to bottle that energy, there would be addicts across the globe. Shopping is good for you. Especially when you can’t help but pick up a few things for yourself. Afterall, the spirit of giving should apply to purchaser as well. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself.

While trolling for gifts, I had to stop and pick up some new music. Among my purchases:

–“Afterglow”–Sarah McLachlan
–“At Last”–Cyndi Lauper
–“Tales of a Librarian: A Tori Amos Collection”–Tori Amos
–“Motown”–Michael McDonald

I also purchased the new concert DVDs by Coldplay (”Coldplay – Live 2003“) and Linkin Park (”Live in Texas“), a very colorful sweater and a funky pendant lamp.

PAGING DR. ROMANO(*spoiler alert*)
I’ll be the first one to admit that I love to hate Dr. Romano (played by Paul McCrane) on “ER“. But, I don’t think I could have imagined the cruel irony that would await the character in last night’s episode entitled “Freefall”. Romano, who lost his arm last season in a freak accident with a helicopter tail rotor, apparently was not meant to be near helicopters. In a wonderfully tense and well-written episode, a helicopter crashed on take-off from the hospital’s helipad and tumbled off the side of the building and exploded in the emergency room entrance bay. Oh, did I mention it apparently fell on top of Dr. Romano? Yikes!

LA LEWINSKY
I’m not sure which is more disturbing: the fact that Ms. Lewinsky can still garner major press or the descriptions of her social life.

In a December GQ interview, Ms. Lewinsky makes the shocking revelation that her White House liaison is a liability on the dating scene. No! Really? Ms. Lewinsky bemoans the fact that while she dates occasionally–her romantic relationships have been short-lived. Maybe her beaus are afraid she’ll save another piece of clothing? Linda, are you writing this all down?

THE KING OF ?
Speaking of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, looks like Wacko Jacko is up to his eyeliner in trouble and tabloid press. After Martin Bashir’s pseudo-documentary detailing Michael Jackson’s peculiar sleeping habits, is it really that much of surprise that he finds himself confronted with child molestation charges? Whether Jackson is guilty or innocent, he really only has himself (and his bizarre behavior) for painting a target on his back. I did find the press conference yesterday to be quite a stunning show of ego on the part of Santa Barbara District Attorney Tom Sneddon. This is going to be off the bizarre meter.

BUSH & THE AARP
Am I the only one that finds it incredible that the AARP is actually supporting the Bush Administration’s pathetic attempt at a Medicare prescription drug bill? They are already running commercials showing their support–while at the same time claiming “it isn’t perfect, but…”. By pushing reform that encourages private companies to create new preferred provider organizations, the Republicans hope that seniors would select them over the traditional system under Medicare. Meanwhile, the very purpose of Medicare–a standard benefit at a uniform price–is totally thrown in jeopardy. With the proposed reform, more seniors will end up either not having adequate medical services or not be able to afford them.

QUICKTAKES
01. No Doubt’s video clip for their cover of Talk Talk’s “It’s My Life” is awash in color and tongue-in-cheek humor. Directed by the brilliant David LaChapelle, the circa 1930’s clip worships Gwen Stefani’s Harlowesque beauty.
02. Mark Geragos. Legal Eagle or Whore? Discuss.
03. I’m fascinated by the WTC Memorial submission by the team of Gisela Baurmann, Jonas Coursmeier and Sawad Brooks entitled “Passages of Light: Memorial Cloud“. It’s such a unique and mesmerizing idea.

MASSACHUSETTS & MARRIAGE
The Supreme Court of Massachusetts set in motion a number of probabilities with their 4-3 decision Tuesday on the issue of gay marriage. At first glance, it would seem to be a resounding victory for the seven same-sex couples who sued for the right to marry under Massachusetts state law–and it is. But, it is in the ripple effects that this ruling will have in the debate between factions for and against gay marriage–and the bigger issue of acceptance of homosexuality as a country–that the greater victories are to be had.

In their decision, the Justice’s majority opinion states the following:

01. “The question before us is whether, consistent with the Massachusetts Constitution, the commonwealth may deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred by civil marriage to two individuals of the same sex who wish to marry,” according to the majority opinion. “We conclude that it may not.”

02. “[Denying gay couples the right to marry] is incompatible with the constitutional principles of respect for individual autonomy and equality under law.“

03. “Whether and whom to marry, how to express sexual intimacy, and whether and how to establish a family — these are among the most basic of every individual’s liberty and due process rights–and central to personal freedom and security is the assurance that the laws will apply equally to persons in similar situations. “

04. “Barred access to the protections, benefits and obligations of civil marriage, a person who enters into an intimate, exclusive union with another of the same sex is arbitrarily deprived of membership in one of our community’s most rewarding and cherished institutions.“

While the governor and many political leaders have decried the outcome, the court’s ruling does impact Massachusetts in several ways. The state legislature is given six months to rewrite the state’s marriage laws for the benefit of gay couples. While it is very likely that a constitutional ammendment will be sought to overturn the ruling, such an effort could not be voted upon by Massachusetts citizens until 2006. Therefore, the legistaure could write law legalizing same-sex marriage or it could do nothing and let the court’s ruling go into effect. Outside of Massachusetts there is the likelihood of a Supreme Court challenge to the ruling, as well as continued pressure by President Bush and Congress to limit the definition of marriage to a man and woman.

Particularly intersting about the wording of the Massachusetts ruling is the fact that some legal scholars believe the ruling applies strictly to marriage and that creating a separate class of domestic union–such as civil unions–would not be acceptable. This, of course, would differentiate the ruling from the Vermont case that resulted in the adoption of civil unions.

MARRIAGE & ME
While I’ve never had a particularly strong opinion one way or the other on the issue of gay marriage, I have always maintained that two people who wish to commit to marriage should have the right to do so. Unfortunately, many times the issue of marriage is so deeply rooted with religious beliefs that it is hard to separate the legal definition–and the rights that come with it–from the idea of the religious definition.

I’ve never understood the argument that same-sex marriage would “undermine” the institution of marriage. As each marriage is a separate entity unto itself, I’m not sure I see the logic. If heterosexual couples choose to have an open marriage, commit adultery or divorce–are they undermining the institution and religious law of marriage. If they are, why is no one outraged by this? The fact is that in today’s society, the act of sex is separate from the act of marriage. You can no longer fairly argue that marriage is sacrosanct to having children. Whether a person or government chooses to recognize the committment of two loving individuals, you have to make a case that is fair and just for that union to not receive the benefits and protections offered to every other union of heterosexual individuals. In the end, it becomes a question of fairness, dignity and justice.

While it is my desire to find a relationship based on a long-term committment, I’m not sure that I personally would ever need the validation of using the word marriage to describe my love and union. Yet, I do see all of the practical issues that same-sex marriage advocates fight for: the right to make medical decisions, the right to military benefits, the right to beneficiary of insurances and retirements, et.al. So many rights that are given simply by virture of engaging in heterosexual union and finding recognition in law. In that respect, the rights of marriage should be afforded to persons of any sexual orientation.

Make no doubt that a fight has been won. But, the battle is far from over.

ISN’T IT IRONIC?
01. Michael Jackson. Allegations of child molestation. Release date of greatest hits album.
02. George W. Bush in England. Still making speeches that the war in Iraq is “necessary” and “justified”.
03. Paris Hilton. Socialite. Sex video scandal. Fox television show premiere.
04. George Michael. Accuses Sony Music of slavery. Goes to court and loses. Signs new contract–with Sony Music.

THE MAYOR’S MOUTHFUL
The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, has a few words to say about President Bush’s upcoming visit.

Livingstone, who visited the United States earlier this year, aroused the ire of many conservatives by calling the current administration “the most corrupt and racist American administration in over 80 years“. Amid the ridiculous scope of security precautions being taken for Bush’s visit, Livingstone is one of the highest-ranking officials to level blazing criticism at the U.S. President.

On the eve of the Bush visit, Livingstone has been quoted in the U.K. press as saying, “Some U.S. journalist came up to me and said: ‘How can you say this about President Bush?’ Well, I think what I said then was quite mild. I actually think that Bush is the greatest threat to life on this planet that we’ve most probably ever seen. The policies he is initiating will doom us to extinction.”

In response to the visit, Mr. Livingstone is organizing a “peace party” at London’s City Hall. Of the protest, Livingstone says, “I don’t formally recognise George Bush because he was not officially elected. So we are organising an alternative reception for everybody who is not George Bush.“

Bravo, Mr. Livingstone! Bravo!

GEST v. MINNELLI, ROUND 2
On the heels of David Gest’s $10 million dollar lawsuit–in which he claims among other things that Minnelli beat him–comes a response from the Minnelli camp in the form of a countersuit. Asking for $2 million dollars, Liza’s lawyers have detailed charges accusing him of stealing money from her, insulting her publicly and trying to fire members of her staff who questioned his practices. Part of the suit claims Gest began displaying diva-esque traits, “holding himself out as the ’star.’”

Diva-esque? Me thinks the problem is more like “Homo-esque”.

APPLES & ORANGES
While supposedly working yesterday morning, I was wasting my time participating in that ever-popular sport of channel surfing. In the spirit of scientific experimentation, I was going back and forth between CNN, MSNBC, and FOX news channels. While the breaking news on CNN and MSNBC was the verdict of the John Allen Muhammad trial and its dissection, FOX treated its viewers to live coverage of Rush Limbaugh’s return to radio after a quickie stint in rehab.

I’m sure that this proves some significiant hypothesis of human nature. However, I was too busy watching Jerry Springer to figure out the ramifications.

SOLE INFATUATION
I’m not a boot person. However, hoping to contribute to an upturn in the economy, I’ve succumbed to these “Tricky Thick” boots from Kenneth Cole. Next stop, the pursuit of hedonism.

THE HOT LIST
01. Cyndi Lauper
02. Kurt @ unprotectedtext.com
03. Chip Wass’s Jolly Roger T-Shirt
04. Stash Tea
05. Virtually Lost

MAJOR COMBAT OPERATIONS OVER?
Since that infamous speech aboard the aircraft carrier, I think it’s safe to assume that announcement was premature–if nothing else. In recent days, U.S. military forces have carried out major offensives with ominous code names such as “Operation Iron Hammer” and “Operation Ivy Cyclone“. With the escalating death toll of soldiers in the month of November and an Associated Press report that estimates that 3,240 civilian Iraqis have died between March 20 and April 20 (a figure based on data from only half of Iraq’s hospitals), one can infer that things are not as positive as the White House would like us to believe.

The collison of two Army Black Hawk helicopters over the weekend killed 17 soldiers near Mosul. The deaths brought to 420 the number of American troops killed in the Iraq war, 281 of them since Bush declared the end of major combat operations.

As this bloody backdrop plays on, the White House has now put its political muscle behind a proposal to form a provisional government in Iraq by June 2004. The transfer of power would provide President Bush a strategy to pull out U.S. troops as guerrilla warfare escalates. The timing of this new strategy seems a bit alarming and precarious.

Meanwhile, President Bush during an interview with David Frost on the PBS/BBC program “Breakfast With David Frost” made the following dubious statement: “We did the Iraqi people a great favor by removing him, and so I wouldn’t be surprised that any kind of violence is promoted by him, but I don’t know.“

Wow, I feel bettter.

BUSH, PART DEUX
After I finished reading this, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry: Just So You Know

THE COLOR OF MONEY
This weekend I happened to catch a television commercial “promoting” the new $20 bill. I immediately thought, “I can’t believe the government has nothing better to spend its twenty dollar bills on”. Later that same day, I came across a two page spread in a magazine entitled “How To Read The New $20 Bill”. There’s even a website devoted to the “new” $20 bill. I would make some smart comment about the government wasting money, but apparently I’m too dumb to understand the intricacies of the new improved money.

THE BLOG KING
There’s an impressive piece in today’s The New York Times profiling the president of Gawker Media, Nick Denton. The piece not only mentions Gawker, but the newly launched and wildly popular Fleshbot. It also details Mr. Denton’s next incarnation–Kinja.

BEAUTY PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat

A NEW DAY IN LOUISIANA
Lt. Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco becomes the first woman in Louisiana to assume the top helm in a hotly-contested gubernatorial run-off election. Blanco, who had trailed in most polls, pulled 52% of the vote to 48% by her opposition Bobby Jindal. In a spate of recent loses for the Democratic party in the South, Blanco’s win was an important one. Though Jindal picked up the endorsement of New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin (who is a Democrat), the move apparently failed to help Jindal. Blanco picked up the majority vote in her native Acadiana, as well as carrying New Orleans.

In recent weeks, Nagin’s endorsement of Jindal had created quite a stir within the vibrant GLBT community in New Orleans. Shortly after Nagin’s announcement, all seven members of the governor’s Advisory Committee on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Issues resigned in protest. The mayor’s endorsement of the conservative Jindal was called “unconscionable and incomprehensible” by committee members.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT
On Friday night, actress Nicole Kidman was presented with the Career Achievement Award at the 18th Annual American Cinematheque Award. The 36 year-old actress was honored for her contributions to film. Coming off last year’s Best Actress Oscar for “The Hours”, Kidman looks poised to be in the running once again with a troika of brilliant performances in “The Human Stain” and the upcoming “Cold Mountain” and “Dogville“.

FEFE DOBSON
I had a chance to preview a few tracks from 18 year-old Canadian Fefe Dobson’s upcoming debut album this weekend. The first single “Take Me Away” is receiving heavy rotation video play and is starting to break at radio. She an intriguing combination of rocker chick with soul, pop, and dance influences. I’m curious to see how her music is received in the States. Her eponymous debut drops December 9th on Island Records. Meanwhile, you can hear two tracks on her website.

THE SKY IS FALLING
It’s been an interesting couple of days in New Mexico. The northern part of the state has been blanketed in snow. I live in the southern part of the state and we’ve had a drizzling rain. It’s been months since we’ve had any appreciable amount of moisture. The temperatures have finally begun sliding down the thermometer. There is a brisk chill on the morning’s arrival.

I’ve always loved dark, grey, overcast days. Most people hate them and think I’m weird for liking this kind of weather. There’s something very appealing to the writer in me about the brooding mysteriousness of overcast days. They seem to inspire me and get my creative juices flowing. I even get a little kick of extra energy from the vibe. Maybe it is strange–but I love days like this.

Sitting in front of a picture window watching clouds roll by, hearing thunder rumble and watching rain droplets intermittently splat against the glass, I seem to be dwarfed by the massiveness of Mother Nature. The sights and smells are so invading and refreshing. I am warm on the inside.