Thank you, military people. Well, most of you.

Today I read a fun little news item about a local military recruiter who was nasty to a local job hunter, who in turn was nasty to the recruiter, who became even nastier to the job hunter, who became slightly nastier to the recruiter, who became … well, you get the idea.

My second thought upon reading it (I'll skip my first thought) was, “Hmmm. That recruiter might benefit from some conflict de-escalation training.”

But then again, if the military knew how to deescalate conflict, they probably wouldn’t need recruiters in the first place.

(For the full story, click here. For the email exchange, simply get yourself some antacid and scroll down. I’ve copied and pasted from The Jersey Journal’s website so that you can be offended conveniently, without having to click on anything.)


Here's some of the email exchange
Monday, March 26, 2007

Here's some of the email exchange between Corey Andrew of Jersey City and Sgt. Marcia Ramode on Feb. 27 and March 1 as provided to The Jersey Journal by Andrew. Misspellings, capital letters and grammatical errors are as they appear in the emails:

Sgt. Ramode: My name is Marcia Ramode, and I am United States Army recruiter. I saw your resume on career builder and we have lots of vacant positions in Logistics, Administration...If interested please give me a call at my toll free number.

Andrew: Awesome! Sounds great! The US Military has so many vacant positions and opportunities. I had no idea. I'm seriously considering contacting you. One thing, I'm not up on current politics but since its 2007, I would imagine also that I am now able to serve in the US military as an openly gay man, right?

Ramode: WELL IF YOU ARE GAY WE DON'T TAKE YOU. YOU ARE CONSIDERED UNQUALIFIED.

Andrew: Wow! Unqualified to serve my country just because I'm gay? It's because they think I might all of a sudden desire one last kiss from my fellow male solider if ever facing death at the hands of the enemy in a fox hole, isn't?... Funny, the US Government doesn't mind taking my "gay" dollars every tax season or out of my paycheck every two weeks. I'm stunned that the US ARMY could afford to be so choosey when I see sergeants on my school campus and in the local shopping Mall...begging teenagers to enlist.

Ramode: YOU ARE DEFINITELY UNQUALIFIED, NOW TAKE YOU GAY SELF SOMEPLACE ELSE WE DO NOT TOLERATE GAY PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN ANY PART OF THE MILITARY. AND IF IT BOTHERS YOU PAYING TAXES THEN MIGRATE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY.... AND IF IT BOTHERS YOU ABOUT THE US MILITARY RECRUITING THEN YOU GO TELL THE BOARD OF EDUCATION .... AND IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE RECRUITERS RECRUITING IN FRONT YOU HIGH SCHOOL THEN COMPLAIN TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OR BETTER YET TRY COMPLAINING TO MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND SEE WHAT HE HAS TO SAY... YOU SHOULD SAY THANK YOU MILITARY PEOPLE FOR WHAT YOU DO SO THAT YOU CAN LIVE A FREE LIFE IN THIS COUNTRY. FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

Andrew: Before you go on waving your flag all over the place let me first inform you, that as an African American who's ancestry is most likely MORE deeply rooted in American history than yours ever will be...I respect the millions of soldiers fighting to protect my rights every day but just so you know, those rights include me being gay... I applaud servicemen and women everyday for their role in our country's protection. However, for you and the government to deem homosexuals "unqualified" to risk their own lives and defend their own freedom as well as their country's freedom, is moronic.

Ramode: OH I FORGOT TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YES YOU MIGHT TO TRY TO KISS A SOLDIER IN THE FOXHOLE SO THAT IS A NO NO.

Andrew: You are living proof that "Don't Ask Don't tell" is a fallacy. You initially rejected me without any consideration whatsoever of my integrity, or abilities. This behavior is at the very core of the discrimination that has plagued the USA for decades. You should know that I never had any intention of joining the military; I simply wanted to have this discussion to prove a point. With over 2,500 cases of anti-gay harassment acts against gay soldiers, including bashings and murders, for you to say the US Military only takes "straights" is delusional.

Ramode: YOU HEAD OFF TO THE GAY LAND OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE NO MORALS AND GET RID OF YOURSELF. PERSONALLY I THINK BEING GAY IS DISGUSTING AND IMMORAL.... AS AN AFRICAN HAVE NO PLACE TO SAY YOUR ROOTS ARE DEEPLY ROOTED HERE. MY ROOTS ARE MUCH STRONGER THAN YOURS. YOU WERE BROUGHT HERE BEING YOUR WILL POWER WHEREAS MY ROOTS RUN FROM THE NATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN. I HAVE MORE RIGHTS HERE THAN YOU AND MY ROOTS HAVE BEEN HERE EVER SINCE BEFORE THE AMERICAS WERE DISCOVERED...YOU TAKE YOUR GAY A-- OFF SOMEPLACE AND GO TO SOME OTHER COUNTRY AND BADMOUTH THE MILITARY...TAKE YOUR A-- BACK WHERE YOU BELONG NOT HERE.

Andrew: Clearly with your limited vocabulary and poor spelling, the Army mayhave been the only option YOU had in life. Granted, there are highly intellectual people in the military. You're just not one of them. ...Native American history you are so proud of and research their position on homosexuality. They are very tolerant and accepting of homosexuals believing that the inner spirit is true to itself in its nature. They are less tolerant of fools than they are of homosexuals. So take that to your next rain dance.

Ramode: YOU GO BACK TO AFRICA AND DO YOUR GAY VOODOO LIMBO TANGO AND WANGO DANCE AND JUMP AROUND AND PRANCE AND RUN ALL OVER THE PLACE HALF NAKED THERE AND PRACTICE YOUR GAY MORALS OVER THERE THAT'S WHERE YOU BELONG....I AM REPORTING YOU AS SPAM AND ADDING YOU TO MY BLOCK SENDER LIST SO I DO NOT HAVE TO HEAR FROM YOU AGAIN....

I love a good 'shat' in the morning

not one, not two, but three Shatners, I love William Shatner, talk about a man who can do no wrong, he even managed to have his own TV show with the word 'hooker' in the title, talk about a crusader pushing envelopes!

I have been having a few flashbacks to some odd times in my life recently. I grew up watching the cheesy old star trek TV show and I’m starting to wonder if it may have coursed irreversible damage to who I am today. For some reason I keep doing William Shatner impressions. To all ‘would be singers’ out there who think they suck (or know they suck) this man gives you hope.

The final part of my ‘YouTube’ trilogy (be-warned there might be prequel’s)


yay, rock-et-man, give me this over pop idol any day!

He also now kinda looks like my dad, which is odd!

WHOA

Bodyform.........

Bodyform...........

for you......... (note me doing a William Shatner impression of the song)



o yeah baby, you better believe it

immersed

This is kind of an odd blog for me to make as I don’t really talk about Scotland so much, but for some reason I felt the need to share this video. It also kind of backs up my moan from an earlier blog concerning the weather. I have been missing the cloudy and moody weather of Scotland lately (although it is winter here) it is actually very difficult to actually see 'the sky' so I went walking in the annals of the internet and 'youtube' to find some inspiration (and not just for the ‘Wwooow-bodyform’ adverts for Aaron like usual, UK readers cringe with delight).
The video below is of the Edinburgh skyline, time-lapsed to show the wild and crazy sky that can be seen on an almost daily basis. You get the idea of the drama and the passion of movement, the dramatic and extreme light changes that influenced my childhood so much. The romantic tenure of my past really seems to have haunted and immersed my mind, my paintings and my Yoga practice of late.
Many times I’ve sat upon Arthur's seat and watched the rain clouds float by as the colours of green and blue merged into warm browns and on into the darkness as the sun sets over the distant hills. Many an evening I sat and watched the moon from my humble tenement window as the golden yellow sandstone buildings shine pale in the light against the dark overtones of the Gothic city streets. So excellently encapsulated by the Philip Glass music, it really does capture something that is unique to Scotland and Edinburgh that makes you actually miss the damp and cold.
Maybe it’s time for a trip back.........



it also captures that strange mystery cloud that emanates ominously like the 'eye of Sauron' over in Fife!

m

Failure to blog

WARNING: This post is going to be a wordy mish-mash of miscellaneous household updates. Here goes.

I promised to blog about each of our Meatapalooza adventures, but I have failed. Oh, how I’ve failed. There have been six Meatapalooza events altogether, but I neglected to document the last four. Each was fabulous, of course, and worthy of its own lengthy and detailed write-up. But for the sake of time, I’m just going to summarize.

At Meatapalooza 3, we served stuffed sole. What was it stuffed with? Scallops and crab. I can’t remember what the sides were. (Maria, if you remember, will you post a comment?) At any rate, it was really good. I don’t always love fish, but apparently I enjoy it quite a bit when it’s stuffed with more fish. Hmm.

At Meatapalooza 4, we served Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Red Bell Pepper, Tomato, and Basil Sauce. Maria pretty much took charge of the sauce, and she did a fantastic job. It was deeee-liiii-ciioouuus, with many vowels and an interesting spicy flavor. Again, I can’t remember what the sides were. Probably potatoes au gratin and a veggie. (Maria, once again, please comment if you remember any of this.)

At Meatapalooza 5, we served Pork Chops with Sweet-and-Sour Apples. This one was good, too. We’ve really gotten good at cooking meat, if I do say so myself. You may find this difficult to believe, but I have forgotten what the sides were. (Maria, I will not be offended if you just delete this post and redo it. Sheesh. I remember having broccolini and I remember having carrots, but I can’t remember which menus they were a part of.)

Meatapalooza 6 was bittersweet — not because of the chosen recipes, but because it was our last regular Meatapalooza event. We decided to revisit the Steak with Shallot-Merlot Sauce that we enjoyed so much at Meatapalooza 2. We served it up with potatoes and salad. (Thank goodness I can at least remember what we did a week ago.)

But the last regular Meatapalooza event is not the last Meatapalooza event. Oh, no. We still have boxes of burgers and hot dogs, which means we’re about to start planning … the Meatapalooza Finale!! We’ll keep you posted on that.

All Meatapalooza events are sponsored, of course, by my brother Jonathan.

So that’s the Meatapalooza update. Now, let's move on to: Aaron’s birthday! Many of y’all came out (no pun intended) for Aaron’s “Pretty, Pretty Princess Party” on February 3rd. Maria and I made two birthday cakes, one of which we failed to photograph because we were mostly focused on this drag queen Ken princess cake:

In addition to cake, the birthday boy received many fine gifts, including the Showgirls box set (which I can’t believe even exists) and two copies of The Devil Wears Prada. For those of you who weren’t able to attend, here are a few favorite photos from the evening:

So that’s the scoop on Aaron’s birthday. In other news, Moray’s father and sister came to visit in mid-February. They’re both adorable, and I hope they had a great time despite the insanely cold weather we were experiencing.

Aaron and I finally painted our office, nixing the bright white in favor of cozy shades called Warm Muffin and Falling Leaves.

Maria has been working her hinder off doing graphics for an event-planning company. By my estimation, she has done 623 events in the past 14 days. She deserves a nap.

Moray has been teaching yoga regularly, several times a week. You know that saying, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”? That saying does not apply to Moray. He can, he does, AND he teaches.

I’m sure I’m missing many things, but I think that’s enough household updates for now. I’m gonna finish up with a non-household item and send out a hearty “Good job, guys!” to Friends Susan and C.J., who played an excellent game of bocce yesterday. Susan, in particular, was really on her game and brought our team (the Beeyotcces) within an inch of victory. We hadn’t played in months, so, despite the loss, I’m quite proud of our performance.

Phew. I'm going to stop typing now.

Alec Wilder Centennial Concert

A little delayed, but I wanted to mention Andi Smela and I are performing a few art songs at the upcoming Wilder Centennial Concert at Merkin Concert Hall (129 West 67th Street). We're doing 3 songs, "Have You Ever Crossed Over To Sneden's", "Vocalise #1", and "Blackberry Winter" (this one is arranged by yours truly). They are all really, really lovely songs, and Andi sings them beauuuutifully. Here's Judy's press release for those interested:

2007 IS ALEC WILDER CENTENNIAL YEAR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2007

For more information contact
Judy Bell (212-594-9795)

NEW YORK, NY - The year 2007 commemorates the centennial of composer, Alec Wilder, an American original, and is already being celebrated worldwide with entire concerts and performances of Wilder’s music at colleges and universities planned throughout the United States, England, Italy and Australia. For information on how to present a Wilder centennial program or to learn more about this amazing man and his music, please go on-line to: www.alecwildercentennial.com

While tribute concerts have taken place in New York City for more than twenty consecutive years, Sunday, April 29th will be a special Centennial program honoring Mr. Wilder’s substantial music contributions at 6:30 pm in Merkin Hall, 67th St. west of Broadway. The concert is being organized by a small but intensely devoted following, known collectively as the Friends of Alec Wilder, dedicated to perpetuating the memory and life's work of this uncommon American composer.

Co- Honorary hosts for the program will be Rex Reed, legendary writer and critic and Harvey Phillips, former tuba virtuoso and founding member of the New York Brass Quintet. The program will include the Sonata No. 1 for Flute and Piano performed by Virginia Nanzetta and Suite No. 1 for Horn, Tuba and Piano played by David Jolley and Morris Kainuma as well as selected octets and art songs. Jackie Cain, vocalist, Gene Bertoncini, guitarist, and Bill Mays, pianist will represent Wilder’s jazz repertoire.

Alexander Lafayette Chew Wilder (1907-1980) was born in Rochester, New York. He studied composition and counterpoint privately at the Eastman School of Music, but as a composer was primarily self-taught. As a young man he moved to New York City and made the Algonquin Hotel – the renowned enclave of America’s brightest names in literature and art – his permanent residence, while traveling widely and often.

Uncompromising and always original, Wilder was a prolific writer who incorporated a unique blend of American musical traditions – among them jazz and the American popular song – and basic "classical" European forms and techniques in many forms: sonatas, suites, concertos, operas, ballets, art songs, woodwind quintets, brass quintets, jazz suites – and hundreds of popular songs. A member of the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame and author of American Popular Song 1900-1950, Wilder is remembered for his absolute independence and incorruptible integrity as a composer.

Mitch Miller and Frank Sinatra were initially responsible for introducing Wilder’s work to the public. It was Miller who organized the historic recordings of Wilder's octets beginning in 1939. Combining elements of classical chamber music, popular melodies and a jazz rhythm section, the octets became popular and eventually legendary – through these recordings. Wilder wrote over twenty octets, giving them whimsical titles such as "Neurotic Goldfish," "The Amorous Poltergeist," and "It’s Silk, Feel It."
Frank Sinatra, an early fan of Wilder's music and an avid supporter, persuaded Columbia Records to record some of Wilder's solo wind works with string orchestra for an album in 1945, with Sinatra conducting. The two men became life-long friends and Sinatra recorded many of Wilder's popular songs.

Wilder’s work enjoys broad appeal with a wide range of artists from classical to jazz musicians as well as popular singers by successfully appealing to their diverse styles and conceptions.

Our society likes to “label” or place composers in a category, but with Wilder this has always been a problem. Many times his music wasn't jazz enough for the "jazzers," or "highbrow," "classical" or "avant-garde" enough for the classical establishment. In essence, Wilder's music was so original that it didn't fit in any of the preordained musical slots and stylistic pigeonholes. His music was never out of vogue because, in effect, it was never in vogue, its non-stereotypical character virtually precluding any widespread acceptance. Most of his chamber music was unpublished until near the end of his life. A whole new generation of performers and audiences are now hearing many of his chamber works and songs for the first time as dozens of new CDs are continually being released.

No one will ever be sure just how much music Alec Wilder wrote. Sketches of music-sometimes entire pieces- have shown up in friends’ private collections now preserved in the Sibley Library, Eastman School of Music; many never reached performance or publication. Wilder’s printed music is available from his publishers: TRO The Richmond Organization (212-594-9795) and Shawnee Press, Inc. through its Margun Music catalog (800-962-8584). The abovementioned website provides a selected list of Wilder’s printed music and recordings.

It's people!

Soylent green is made of people!

You have got to be F****** kidding me!

Human Genes in Your food

I like the quote (and there are a few) "If these pharmaceutical crops end up on consumers' plates, the consequences for our health could be devastating"

Scarier still, I have been reading the 'Daily Mail'