Happy Mother's Day!

I took the train from Philadelphia to Aberdeen, MD, early this morning
where I was met by my mother. From there, I drove her to Valley View
Farm, a garden super store in Hunt Valley, MD. She was like a kid at
Disney World. This is her Mother's Day gift. I bought her a variety
of plants and herbs. She seemed to have a good time.

Cezanne @ the Philadelphia Museum of Art

I went to the Cezanne exhibit. The "Beyond" part is other artist inspired by Cezanne. It really was a very cool exhibit. Beside the painting by Cezanne would be a similar painting by Picasso and Matisse and a variety of other artists.

In addition, the museum has an amazing collection. Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Manet --and many more! And that is just the European wing, which is half of one floor. I'm about to hit the American wing.

Here's a very small example of what you can expect to see. Below is "The Bather" by Cezanne.

The painting belolw is by Marsden Hartley called "Canuck Yankee Lumberjack at Old Orchard Beach, Maine" done in 1940-1941. Hartley was a nice homosexual boy from Lewiston, Maine (1877-1943).

Evening Walk in Philly and Chinese Food

Shane had to work all day, but wanted to see some sites when he was finished.  We took an evening walk so he could see the Liberty Bell (from the outside of the building) and Independence Hall.  Below are a few photos from the walk.  It began to rain on our way home. 

We came upon this sign near the Liberty Bell site.  I was not aware of these Demonstrations before.

 

On the way back, we stopped at Chinatown for dinner.  As always, Shane had Sweet and Sour Chicken.  I had Broccoli in Garlic Sauce.  I was given the choice of regular broccoli or Chinese broccoli.  I chose Chinese broccoli, which is much different than regular broccoli.

Kids! What's the Matter with Kids Today?

Every school in PA and the surrounding states has a school trip here
today. It makes me turn into Paul Lynd in Bye Bye Birdie. They
couldn't be less interested in being here -- just like me when I came
here about 35 years ago.

Darwin Exhibit Closed

To get to see this exhibit, I'm going to have to come back tomorrow
evening. It will be open from 5-8 pm. It is the American
Philosophical Society Museum, which is adjacent to Independence Hall.
It includes Darwin's handwritten pages from On the Origin of Species.
Go to their website at www.apsmusuem.org.

Waiting to Tour Independence Hall

It is a cool, damp day in Philly, but the rain is holding off. I'm
outside Independence Hall waiting for my tour.

Liberty Bell

Yesterday I posted a photo from the web of the Liberty Bell, but I
took this one in person. Independence Hall is in the background.

On the Train to Philly

I'm on the train to Philadelphia. This is Havre de Grace, MD, which is
about 15 minutes from where I grew up. I grew up in Rising Sun, MD.
Havre de Grace is a cute little town with lots of antique stores and
an amazing candy store (Bomboys). It also has a cool decoy museum.

Off to Philly

Shane has a business trip to Philadelphia and I have lots of leave, so I decided to go with him and visit the City of Brotherly Love. We're taking the train up this afternoon. I haven't been there to see the historical sites since a school trip as a kid. I didn't really appreciate what I was seeing then. I plan to be doing some postings this week using my iPhone.

11 Years Together Today

Today is our 11 year anniversary. This is not a wedding anniversary obviously. This is the date we've always considered our anniversary. It was 11 years ago today that we had our first date. We met online (I know, how sleazy) and Shane drove down to the DC area from Connecticut. He had car trouble and was very late. We saw a play at the Kennedy Center and went to the Holocaust Museum (I know, very romantic).

It wasn't until several months later that we actually moved in together. The photo above is from our third date. We had been to Provincetown, MA, for a long weekend and this was taken on our way home when we made a stop-off in Rhode Island.

We've had our ups and down, but I never thought I would find someone that would make me this happy. Maybe one of these anniversaries we'll be able to actually get married. I love you Shane!

Hate Crimes Law 101 with Rachel Maddow and Judy Shepard

This is an excellent overview of what the Hate Crimes Law is all about. I never really understood why a hate crime was really necessary, since the crime itself is already against the law. This explains very nicely why hate crime legislation is needed and what it will do. It also includes the clip of NC Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and her beyond belief ignorant statement that Mathew Shepard's murder was not based on his being gay. I guess anyone can become a member of Congress. What a dumb ass.

Top 10 New Names for Swine Flu

The Government doesn't like the ring of the name, "Swine Flu." It gives a bad name to pigs and pork products. They suggest renaming it H1N1. That just won't catch on I'm sure. Below are my top 10 suggestions for new names for the Swine Flu.

10. Fox News Fever
9. Porky Plague
8. The Population Deploder
7. R2D2/CP30
6. OK to Eat Pork Flu
5. 1918 Revisited
4. Obama’s Outbreak
3. La Epidemica de Porko
2. The Gay Marriage Scourge
1. The Disease We Dare Not to Speak It's Name

Let me know if you have any suggestions.

Marion Barry with 4 Marriages Protests My Right to Marry

Let former Mayor for Life Marion Barry and his staff know how you feel about his participation in today's anti-gay rally against marriage equality! Barry participated at the rally at "Freedom Plaza" with various "religious leaders."

This link contains e-mails for Barry as well as all of his staffers:

The following is a letter written by "Elizabeth," which I found as a comment on Joe.My.God. today.

Dear Councilmember Barry,

I was incredibly disappointed to learn about your participation in today's anti-gay rally at Freedom Plaza. The rally contributed to the ongoing stigma that gay Americans face, as we were compared to animals, pedophiles, and Satan, all because we want our government to recognize our families the same way it recognizes straight families. I find it absolutely represensible that an elected official would take part in such a divisive and demonizing event.

At the rally you reportedly defended your position against gay couples saying, "I am a politician who is moral." Forgive me sir, but I'd rather not take my lessons on morality from you of all people.

I am a tax-paying citizen who works, volunteers, and supports my family and my community. I am just trying to support my family the best I can, which is why it is wrong for you to deny my family the rights and recognition that other families take for granted.

To add insult to injury by going out of your way to paint me as immoral is simply enraging. I hope you find the heart to consider the real hardships that gay families face because of government-imposed discrimination, rather than rushing to denounce us.

You are a National joke and an embarrassment to all Americans, especially African Americans.

-------------------------------------

Awesome letter Elizabeth. The last paragraph, however, is my language. I sent it to Marion and hope you all do too.

Gay Presbyterians Ministers Must Stay Closeted

The Associated Press reported yesterday that another effort to allow gays and lesbians to serve as clergy in the Presbyterian Church was defeated on Saturday.

Though I'm an atheist, I did grow up going to church and I eventually became a member of the Presbyterian Church. I haven't been to church in years (hence the atheism), but I am somewhat surprised that the Presbyterians are still dragging their feet on this issue. I thought they were a bit more progressive than that.

The AP story did add this quote: “The tide is turning before our very eyes in understanding that GLBT men and women are loved by God and called to ministry,” said the Rev. Janet Edwards, co-moderator of More Light Presbyterians, which supports changing the ordination standards. “The church is catching up with the love Jesus has for all God’s children.”

I guess not enough of them is catching up with Jesus's love yet.

New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest #191

Fluffy suddenly realized this was not the best way

to test his "pigs are dumber than horses" theory.

The above is the cartoon for New Yorker Cartoon Caption Contest for week #191. Let me know if you come up with a caption. I just couldn't come up with anything for this one. I'm not happy with this caption at all. It is weak, but let me know if you come up with somehthing better. I shouldn't be difficult to beat this one. Click on the link to enter your caption.

Churches that May Have Violated Political Restrictions Wait for IRS Response

According to a recent Associated Press article, nearly 7 months after defying a prohibition on endorsing candidates from the pulpit, 33 churches across the country are still waiting to learn whether the Internal Revenue Service will take action against them. Why are these Political Action Committees given tax exempt status? My guess is there are many more than 33 churches guilty of this sort of activity. 

The AP article states that "legal experts suggest a number of possibilities: The IRS has nothing to gain from a costly and mainly symbolic battle; it has limited resources; or it could still be deciding how to respond."

The clergy "urged worshippers to vote according to conservative views on abortion and gay marriage. Several endorsed Republican presidential candidate John McCain." It sounds fairly black and white to me.

Under the IRS code, places of worship can distribute voter guides, run nonpartisan voter-registration drives and hold forums on issues, among other things. But they cannot endorse a candidate, nor can their political activity be biased for or against a candidate. Churches that violate the rule can lose their tax-exempt status.

The protest was organized by the Phoenix-based Alliance Defense Fund and involved pastors in 22 states.

See the complete article here.

Goodbye Bea Arthur -- We'll Miss You

The Garden -- Before and After

Shane and I did some gardening today. All we have is this small flowerbed in the front of our house. Below are some before and after shots. We're really taking a chance planting our flowers before Mother's Day. We have had them stolen out of the ground before, we suspect to be given the the thief's Mom for Mother's Day.

You Will Eat Your Babies? Westboro Baptists Protest at MD High School

A small group of crazies from the Westboro Baptist Church protested at Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, MD, yesterday because the school was named after a gay man. The Washington Post story states that about 500 students from the school staged a counter protest.

One of the Westboro signs read, "You will eat your babies." Where does that even come from? I am sure the Gap loves the fact that one of the Westboro protestors was wearing a t-shirt with "GAP" across her ample bosom. Unfortunately, the biggest gap seemed to be in her education.

The good news is that the Walt Whitman students shouted down the crazies big time. It is hard to imagine that happening when I was in high school. Some change is a good thing.

It's World Malaria Day -- Do Something

Nearly 3,000 children die everyday from malaria. Think about that number -- that is 3,000 everyday. Malaria most frequently infects young children, who are often not strong enough to survive the disease.

Today is World Malaria Day. One of my favorite charities is AmeriCares. I've been supporting them for years. They do amazing work and there is always a link to the organization on the sidebar of this blog.

Americares is involved with malaria programs worldwide. One of their most recent projects is in Myanmar (Burma). Critical malaria medicines and anti-mosquito treatments donated by AmeriCares are helping to stop the spread of this deadly disease in Myanmar and in other places around the world.

Despite being highly preventable, malaria kills up to 3 million people each year. Severe symptoms include labored breathing, high fever, painful joints, violent nausea and coma, as well as massive convulsions that can lead to death.

Preventing malaria is just one of the many missions of this organization. The need is overwhelming. They are in Darfur helping refugees. They are working to stop Cholera in Zimbabwe and other parts of the developing world. AmeriCares helps the victims trapped in Sri Lanka’s Civil War. They work extensively in Africa including health programs in HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and anti-blindness initiatives.

What you give to Americares saves lives. This is not a bloated operation with fancy offices where only a small percentage of your money is actually doing good. More than 98% of their total expenses directly support programs and relief for people in need, and less than 2% represent administrative costs. I know times are tough these days, but most of us can spare something for people in incomprehensible desperate need. Click here to donate.

Thanks.