Steve's Journal

Foods: Gone but Not Forgotten

Tue, 14 Jun 2005 19:27:51 GMT

I need a subject change. I'm hungry. There have been a few foods over the years which I really enjoyed but were taken off the shelves. My two favorite discontinued foods are:

Nabisco Ideal Cookie Bars - rectangular dark chocolate covered peanut butter crunch cookies. To this day, thinking about these cookies makes my mouth water. I wish Nabisco would consider selling them again.

Campbell's LeMenu TV Dinners - these were my favorite TV dinners of all time and I'm a TV dinner aficionado. My favorite entree was Chicken Parmesian.

Does anyone else have a favorite discontinued food?

Cafeteria Food... YUCK!

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 13:48:22 GMT

Our cafeteria at work is infamous for making bizarre things. It's not bad enough they make strange things, but the overall food quality is substandard. Our cafeteria is federally subsidized, so we pay about 1/2 of what we would pay if we went out to eat. Today's menu includes:

Soup – Hot and Sour Chicken
Entrees – Grilled Salmon Croissant,
asparagus and horseradish cream
Beef and Broccoli Stir fry, jasmine rice
Accompaniments – Szechwan Beans, Fresh Beets,
Jasmine Rice, Red Bliss Potatoes

I keep a running list of items that I think are bizarre or bad. Here's the worst of the worst:
broiled peaches; curried lamb stew; shrimp and pumpkin soup; salmon loaf; egg and bacon pizza; mussel stew; smoked whitefish & potato chowder; seafood quiche;
oyster hoagie; stuffed pineapple with turkey salad; ocean clam creole; african peanut soup; battered cod nuggets; shrimp taco salad; oxtail soup; lima bean and bacon soup

My biggest complaint about the cafeteria is that they fry things together. There's nothing worse than biting into an onion ring that tastes like a perch. YUCK!!!!

Six Favorite Songs

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 15:15:14 GMT

My six favorite songs at the moment are:

1. Don't Phunk With My Heart - Black Eyed Peas
2. This Moment - Melissa Etheridge
3. Sunday Morning - Maroon5
4. You and I Both - Jason Mraz
5. Just Remember I Love You - Firefall
6. Come on Down - Crystal Waters

Pope Hitler II Speaks...

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 12:45:35 GMT

Not that anyone cares, but Pope Benedict XVI (pseudo-Hitler) spoke yesterday to a crowd in Rome and denounced that gay marriage is pseudo-matrimony and once again said gay marriage is a threat to the family. Who's family? I am so fed up with "c"hristian hypocrites. If they want to strengthen the family, simply ban divorce. I predict that Mr. Ratzinger will drive more people from the church in his "to be" short Papacy than did John Paul II did over 26 years. Times are changing and religious communities must change with the times.

Some other thoughts on the phony Catholic Church...

Catholic Priests will never be allowed to marry. Why? Plain and simple: Economics. If priests had to live by the rules which they dictate to the followers, (namely no abortion or birth control, and sex for the sole purpose of procreation), the church would be responsible for supporting thousands of large families. The Church would bankrupt itself. Therefore, they choose to dictate to others how to lead their lives, yet they themselves live by different standards.

Women will never be allowed to be priests. Why? Plain and simple: Economics. Most nuns take a vow of poverty. I have two friends who are ex-nuns. While in the sisterhood, they earned $5 a month... yes, $5 a month. The average parish priest earns about $35,000 a year. If women became priests, the church would be paying out a lot more money. Why give women equal rights in the church when they accept living as slaves?

Plain and simple, the Catholic Church, like most large Churches, is primarily about making money, not helping people. The way the Church and it's leaders have handled the pedophile scandals is a disgrace as well. It's bad enough that thousands have to live with the scars of molestation, but to then turn around and blame their ills on gays is an abomination. Bad enough they don't take responsibility for their actions but to then turn around and scapegoat a marginalized community to shift attention is just plain evil. This Vatican crew is among the most hateful ever.

Live 8: Ho-Hum

Fri, 03 Jun 2005 15:34:55 GMT

I just read the lineup for Live 8 in Philadelphia on July 2. Live 8 is the 20 year follow-up to Live Aid, which also took place in Philadelphia (and London). Unlike Live Aid, I think this will bomb. First of all, the event is being held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (a few blocks from where I work); a major thorofare in the city. Live Aid was held at an arena far from the center of town. Second, there are no tickets; the event is open to the public free of charge. Third, I think the lineup is poor. Scheduled acts include: Bon Jovi, Dave Matthews, Jay-Z, Maroon 5, P. Diddy, Stevie Wonder, Keith Urban, Il Divo, Rob Thomas, the Kaiser Chiefs, 50 Cent, and Sarah MacLachlan. Given that this is the only venue in America hosting a Live 8 concert, there are many other artists I think should be included. Three of the acts aren't even American: Dave Matthews (South African), Sarah McLachlan (Canadian) and Keith Urban (Australian). And three of the four members of Il Divo are foreigners (a Frenchman, A Spaniard, and a Swiss). Not that I have anything against foreigners, but America is so chock full of musical talent, I don't think this is the best possible lineup for Live 8 Philadelphia.

After the concert, the city will have 2 days to clean up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and set up again for Independence Day activities which are traditionally very big in Philadelphia. On July 4, Elton John, Philly's own Patti LaBelle, Ruben Studdard and Stephanie Mills will be on this same stage. There's a lot going on in Philadelphia these days.

Marriage

Fri, 03 Jun 2005 14:23:16 GMT

According to a recent survey, 55% of New Jersey residents believe gay marriage should be legalized. Seven NJ couples have been battling the courts for gay marriage rights in NJ. I suspect it will eventually wind up in the NJ State Supreme Court; one of the most liberal state Supreme Courts in the US. So I believe NJ will also allow gay marriage within the next 5 - 10 years.

NJ also has the highest average household income of any state as well. I wonder if there is a correlation between wealth (income levels) and support for gay rights? Surely, the states at the other end of the spectrum: Mississippi, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Arkansas, etc. will likely never approve gay marriage unless federal laws are changed.

Better than the Tractor Pull

Wed, 01 Jun 2005 01:09:51 GMT

I brought my son out to the playground tonight here in South Jersey... What an experience! I saw two women get into a knock down, drag out fist fight in front of their kids. The police came and arrested both of them. Then I had to stop this little (I'm guessing 6 year-old boy) from running around calling the other kids "faggot". The silver lining in it all was this hot flat-topped, full goateed, muscle daddy bear! Major WOOF! He was there with three kids, but kept staring at me. I guess that's why they call it the playground!

My Top 25 Pop Songs for the Week Ending: 5/15/2005

Tue, 17 May 2005 18:51:40 GMT

25 Best of You - Foo Fighters
24 Nothing to Lose - Josh Gracin
23 You Are Everything - Vanessa Williams
22 Just a Little Bit - 50 Cent
21 Candy Shop - 50 Cent featuring Olivia
20 Could've Been - Kimberley Locke
19 1 Thing - Amerie
18 Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
17 Since You've Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson
16 Breathe (2 AM) - Anna Nalick
15 Chariot - Gavin DeGraw
14 Collide - Howie Day
13 Baby Mama - Fantasia
12 Lonely No More - Rob Thomas
11 Don't Phunk With My Heart - Black-Eyed Peas
10 Sunday Morning - Maroon5
9 You're My Better Half - Keith Urban
8 Rich Girl - Gwen Stefani & Eve
7 Truth Is - Fantasia
6 Hate It or Love It - The Game feat. 50 Cent
5 Ordinary People - John Legend
4 We Belong Together - Mariah Carey
3 Signs - Snoop Dogg feat. J. Timberlake
2 Home - Michael Buble
1 You and Me - Lifehouse

Survivor 11: Guatemala

Tue, 17 May 2005 14:35:38 GMT

I just learned today that Survivor 11 is being held in Guatemala, the birthplace of my son. I'm psyched to learn more about the beautiful country through this reality show. However, the news has already caused a big stir in the adoption community. (I belong to several online adoption boards.) The show is being taped in Tikal Guatemala; home of some of the most spectacular Mayan ruins. Many people are suggesting that filming and doing a reality show on sacred land is sacrilegious. Again, I'm just glad I will have the opportunity to see more of Guatemala on TV.

My 12 Lists

Sun, 15 May 2005 04:10:45 GMT

Piggybacking off of SFHaretik, here's my 12 Lists:

Twelve Movies:
- Airplane
- Boys Don't Cry
- Don't Be a Menace to South Central (while Drinking Your Juice in the Hood)
- Fahrenheit 9-11
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Philadelphia
- Queens of Comedy (my personal favorite)
- Serial Mom
- Shawshank Redemption
- The Passion
- The Song of Bernadette
- Toy Story I

Eleven Good Bands / Artists:
- Melissa Etheridge
- James Taylor
- Stevie Wonder
- Madonna
- Cher
- Steely Dan
- Garth Brooks
- Donna Summer
- Mary J. Blige
- Janet Jackson
- Chicago

Ten Things About Me:
- I'm a parent of an adopted child
- I have my MBA
- I live in 2 places: both in NJ and in DE
- I've been to 32 countries and 33 states / I had a flight out of Newark NJ airport on 9/11/2001
- I love exercise, bodybuilding, and sports
- I love music and have an extensive music collection
- I work for the Federal Government
- I'm easygoing and fun-loving
- I'm gay, a Cancerian, politically liberal, and Catholic (not for long)
- I love Crossword Puzzles

Nine Good Friends:
- Allan - 7 years
- Annalisa - 23 years
- Chris - 16 years
- Chip - 38 years
- Claire - 7 years
- Chuck - 5 years
- Doug - 1 year
- Janine - 11 years
- Striker - 4 years..... and yes, his real name is Striker... and not Jeff...

Eight (actually 13) Favorite Food / Drinks:
- Spaghetti and Meatballs
- Chicken Parmesean
- Fajitas
- Cheeseburgers
- Cheese (American, Monterrey Jack, or Swiss)
- Chocolate (favorite is Godiva scallop shells)
- Ideal bars (Cookies no longer made by Nabisco)
- Rita's Water Ice (you have to be from the Mid-Atlantic to understand)
- Lime Green Snapple, or sometimes Whata-Melon Snapple
- Diet Pepsi Twist
- Potatoes (whether fried, baked, or mashed)
- Spearmint Leaves
- Woodbridge Cabernet Savignon

Seven Things I wear daily:
- Baseball Cap
- Underpants
- Tank Top
- Sneakers
- Flannel Shirts
- Socks
- Pants / Shorts

Six Things That I Hate:
- Ignorance / Bigotry
- Right-wing Republicans, particularly homophobic politicians....even worse gay homophobic republicans!
- Drugs
- Seafood
- Cockroaches, Snakes, Bugs, etc.
- Pedophiles

Five Things I Do Daily:
- Laugh, Laugh, Laugh
- Overthink life / Reflect on Life
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Eat

Four Show I Watch:
- Reality TV: American Idol, Cheaters or Big Brother
- Sitcoms: Will and Grace
- News: Larry King Live, 20/20, or Primetime Live
- Talk: Ellen, Oprah, The View, or The Tonight Show

Three Places I've Lived (There are only 3 in my 42 years)
- West Collingswood, NJ
- Wilkes-Barre, PA
- Rehoboth Beach, DE

Two Things I Want:
- Eternal Happiness
- A Fulfilling Well-Rounded Life

One Person You Want to See Right Now:
- My Son Aaron

Bear Group

Sat, 14 May 2005 02:59:34 GMT

I was thinking tonight... it'd be fun to start a bear group. Are there any internet bear groups? I even came up with a name...

MEN-O-PAWS

What do you guys think??

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Fri, 13 May 2005 03:11:16 GMT

I thought I'd give a plug for my second home, Rehoboth Beach Delaware. I have a second home (condo) there and spend most weekends at the beach. I know most of you haven't been to Rehoboth Beach, so I thought I'd share a bit with you. Rehoboth Beach is a booming community along the Delaware Atlantic coast. For years, Rehoboth Beach has been the primary gay beach resort on the East Coast between Provincetown and South Beach (Miami). Rehoboth Beach is the primary beach resort from Washington DC area residents and Delawareans, and is the secondary beach resort for Baltimorians and Philadelphians. Rehoboth Beach has a huge gay community: about 33% of the residents of the condo community in which I live are gay / lesbian. There are several gay / lesbian venues and 3 gay beaches (2 men's beaches and 1 women's beach). Rehoboth Beach is not only a beautiful bedroom beach community, it is an upscale gay and lesbian resort area. In addition to the beaches, there is 160 discount outlet stores (Tanger Outlets...btw Delaware is the home of TAX FREE shopping), an incredible Jazz Festival featuring A-list talent, and an annual Film Festival featuring many gay / lesbian flicks. If you haven't been, you should definitely consider a visit!!!

As for the beaches, there are two areas frequented by gay men:
1. Poodle Beach, which is appropriately named, and frequented by younger, musclebound guys
2. North Shores (part of Cape Henlopen State Park) is frequented by BEARS BEARS BEARS!

North Shores is the only beach I am aware of that is for Bearmen! It's awesome. Furthermore, some of the best beards I've ever seen in my life have been seen at North Shores. There are many great bushy bearded guys that call Rehoboth Beach, or Sussex County Delaware, home.

As for nightlife, there is the Double L, the leather bar at the beach. To learn more, go to: http://www.doublelbar.com/

To learn about the gay community at the beach, go to: http://http://www.camprehoboth.com

To learn more about Rehoboth Beach, go to: www.rehoboth.com

To find out what is going on in Rehoboth Beach and when, go to: www.rehoboth.com/events.htm. NOTE: Delaware Pride Festival is 9/10/2005 at Cape Henlopen State Park, noon to 6pm.

Below is a picture of the "Bear Beach", North Shores.

I HOPE YOU GUYS CAN VISIT SOMETIME. IF AND WHEN YOU DO, LET ME KNOW!!!

Lesbian fantasy...

Fri, 13 May 2005 02:02:21 GMT

I know all of you, much like me, are tired of hearing the story about the runaway bride from Duluth Georgia, Jennifer Wilbanks. This has been the most over reported story this year. I thought I had heard it all until today. When Jennifer was first picked up in Albuquerque, she was interviewed by police. According to the initial police report, Jennifer claimed she was sexually assaulted by both the male and female abductor, a Hispanic man and a Caucasian woman. Jennifer said, "The individuals placed her on her right side on the floor of the van and made her face the back door. The male then began driving while the female stayed in the back of the van with Jennifer ...."

This woman has now managed to offend just about every minority group. Why would this woman, who was on the verge of getting married, make up an outrageous lie which included a claim that she was sexually assaulted by a woman? This story is just too bizarre!

The Dumbest Ad Campaign

Tue, 10 May 2005 00:23:13 GMT

I just saw a commercial on TV. I still can't believe it. It's a commercial for Aspercreme pain relieving creme. Their new advertising slogan is "You bet your sweet Ass...percreme!" Who the hell dreamed up this one?

Another Homophobic Politician OUTED!

Mon, 09 May 2005 18:21:54 GMT

Last week, The Spokane (Washington) Spokesman-Review outed homophobic Spokane Mayor, James E. West. West, one of the most influential Republicans in Washington State has long fought to ensure gays in the state are not afforded equal rights. He's not just a homophobe, but a very outspoken homophobe. Mr. West spent 20 years in the Legislature, rising to the highest post in the Senate when Republicans had control. He opposed virtually every gay rights measure.

Turns out the Mayor had a profile on Gay.com. The newspaper decided to investigate to see if this was true. They hired a forensic computer expert to authenticate Mayor West's online persona - he was known as RightBi-Guy in a chat room through Gay.com - and for creating a fictional teenager who pretended to be friendly with the mayor in instant messages and online chats. Sure enough, the Mayor took the bait. Turns out, the Mayor has an affinity for young men (under 18). According to the paper, he has led a double life for in excess of 25 years. In one of the online chats recorded by the newspaper, the Mayor reportedly said, "Remember, I'm very closeted. No one knows I like guys. It's just that the openly gay guys are a little over the top for me. I don't really like the in-your-face attitude some guys have. And the massive political agenda either."

For the complete story, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/08/national/08spokane.html

I personally cannot stand snakes like this. As a rule, I don't believe in outing people, but for politicians like Mr. West and former Congressman Edward Schrock of Virginia, I have no sympathy.

For those of you that don't know the story of Mr. Schrock, you should go to www.blogactive.com and review his story from last August. Mr. Scrock hailed from one of the most conservative Congressional districts in Virginia; the Virginia Beach home to the Reverend Pat Robertson and his Ministry. Mr. Schrock was also co-sponsor of the Federal Marriage Amendment. A 25-year Navy veteran and married father, Mr. Schrock was placing phone personals on chat lines seeking gay sex with younger gay men. Surprise! This hypocrisy boggles my mind.

Stories of two other homophobes have really bothered me in the last few months. First, Douglas S. Smith, a high ranking Boy Scouts of America official, plead guilty in March in a Texas court to receiving and distributing child pornography. Mr. Smith was one of the BSA leaders that fought vigorously to ensure that gays could not be involved in the Scouts.

Last, but NOT least, I am really bothered by Pope Benedict XVI. In 1986, the then Cardinal Ratzinger, issued his notorious "Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons," stating of homosexuality that "the inclination itself must be seen as an objective disorder." Also in the letter, after deploring anti-gay violence, Ratzinger justified it: "When civil legislation is introduced to protect behavior to which no one has any conceivable right, neither the Church nor society at large should be surprised when other distorted notions and practices gain ground, and irrational and violent reactions increase." The Cardinal justified violence against gay rights advocates quoting a phrase in Leviticus 20:13, "their blood shall be on their own heads." In the same letter, Ratzinger called gay rights advocacy a threat to the family. Ratzinger was also the mastermind behind the banning of Dignity, the Gay Catholics organization, from using church property to congregate and break bread. As a Catholic (and likely soon-to-be ex-Catholic), I can't begin to express my anger at the Catholic church for their radical views, their teaching of hatred of gays, and most importantly, their blaming of "homosexual priests" for the child molestation crisis in America. I wonder what's going on in his closet!

Rap Music / 50 Cent

Sun, 08 May 2005 03:54:34 GMT

I'm not a huge fan of rap music, but occasionally I hear a song that really grabs my attention. Recently, I have really taking a liking to "Hate It Or Love It" by 50 Cent. The song has enjoyed much mainstream success: it is currently #2 on the Billboard HOT 100. The first lyric of the song, "Comin' up I was confused my momma kissin' a girl" peaked my curiosity. I did some searching on the web. It turns out 50 Cent's was raised by his grandmother after his bisexual mother was murdered when he was 8 years old. I did some further research and found that he was recently quoted in Playboy,
“I ain’t into faggots. I don’t like gay people around me, because I’m not comfortable with what their thoughts are. I’m not prejudiced. I just don’t go with gay people and kick it - we don’t have that much in common. I’d rather hang out with a straight dude. But women who like women, that’s cool.”

Needless to say, I'm no longer interested in listening to 50 Cent's music. I can't stand straight guys who think lesbians are cool, but have issues with gay guys.

Beard Advice Needed!

Thu, 05 May 2005 19:52:29 GMT

Please help me.... my thick bushy goatee is getting a bit unruly. I love the big goatee / beard look; in fact, I would let it grow a foot long if I didn't have to work. Unfortunately, I work in the very very conservative industry of banking. My coworkers aren't real keen on the unwieldy bush on my chin. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can make it look kept, yet let the length continue to grow? Has anyone here tried to braid their facial hair? Does anyone else have facial hair tips for straightening or conditioning? I tried to straighten (relax) my facial hair last year and instead burnt my chin with the chemicals. (I know, I'm a mess!) I'm open to all suggestions! Thanks in advance for your input!
Steve

Gotcha Day: Portrait of a Gay American Family

Tue, 03 May 2005 11:03:21 GMT

One year ago today, my son was officially adopted. Many in the adoption community refer to that day as "Gotcha Day". It's hard to believe a year has passed since that day. My son was 14 months on his Gotcha Day. Now, at 26 months, he's developing a personality and talking a lot.

Last week, Chuck, my partner, was brushing one of the two cats. When completed, he threw away the hair. A small tuft of hair remained behind. My son, Aaron, picked up the hair, and with a tiny amount of spit, affixed it to his chin. He was walking around for about 5 minutes with this orange goatee. I guess he wanted to feel like one of us.

Anyway, the attached pic was taken this past Sunday.

40 Years of Gay Rights in America

Sun, 01 May 2005 15:53:30 GMT

On July 4, 1965, 40 men and women staged the first gay and lesbian demonstration in front of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. On Sunday, May 1 (today) in Philadelphia, the National Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the GLBT Civil Rights Movement is being recognized. Today's Celebration will commemorate these Gay Pioneers and 40 others recognized as Civil Rights Heroes in the GLBT community.

For more information, go to:

http://www.equalityforum.com/

My son Aaron

Sun, 01 May 2005 03:00:05 GMT

Here's a pic of my son Aaron. He turned 2 years old on February 10. He was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He arrived in the US on May 6, 2004. It took me four years to successfully adopt a child. Being a real dad is incredible. There is nothing quite like it. Anyway, here's his pic.

Beardzzzzz....

Sun, 01 May 2005 02:21:41 GMT

Hey guys. I notice there are a lot of bears on this board and I just wanted to add a shot of my goatee from a few years ago. My goatee is even bigger now. I'm a huge fan of facial hair myself. I'm attracted to guys with lots of facial hair. I have had facial hair of some kind for the better of the last 20 years. I prefer the big goatee on myself over the beard, but I constantly mix it up. Anyway, here's a pic of myself.

American Idol Season IV

Fri, 29 Apr 2005 14:29:32 GMT

What's going on with American Idol this year? I'm sure everyone has the same complaint. The poor singers stay while the good singers get eliminated. My favorites this year have both been voted off. Are there many other American Idol fans out there?

TOP 10 All-time Favorite American Idol Contestants
10 - Tamayra Gray
9 - Josh Gracin
8 - Clay Aiken
7 - Fantasia Barrino
6 - Constantine Maroulis
5 - Anwar Robinson
4 - LaToya London
3 - Kimberley Locke
2 - Kelly Clarkson
1 - Jennifer Hudson

First Post

Thu, 28 Apr 2005 13:07:17 GMT

Hey All. I finally did it! I signed up for LiveJournal. I'm anxious to start blogging about sports, politics, religion, music, and many other topics. With every entry, I plan to do a Top 10 list on some subject. I hope you check back from time to time and see what is going on with me, in my life and in the world.
Steve