Well our drive out to Palm Springs has taken place and I am not not in sunny Boulder Colorado but rather in rainy Palm Springs. I tell ya, the cold in Boulder really isn't that bad becasue we don't have the wetness. I think the summer in New Zealand may have actually been more of a challnege than the winter thus far in Boulder. Live and learn....
Anyway, the drive to Palm Springs went pretty quikly. Probably a little too quickly while I was at the wheel since I got pulled over. Luckily for me, if there is anyone that can get out of a speeding ticket it is me. When the cop came up to the window I had to really pinch my wrist had so I wouldn't be tempted to give him a "Sir Sandwich". I served one up on the bike in Kona to a ref and got a yellow card turned into a red card so I figured speaking was not my best bet on this one. "Do you have any idea how fast your were driving?" Of course I did but I waited silently for him to state the obvious. "wow, I really had no idea. These new cars just ride so smooth and we were on a down hill...." *smile* *look dumb* *smile* He went back to his car and took ten years to finally come back and let me know that he was jusst going to give me a warning. Exhale.
I decided to let Sasha drive the rest of the way. Driving 80 on an open highway in a car that can easily go 100 while feeling like it is 55 is just torture to me. So someone else had to do it and I decided to just read and chat with Fiona. I think the mini stress of the possible ticket gave me a headache. Sasha of course had the answer. "Brandon- All good real estate agents have a few nessisary items in their glove box. A flashlight, tape measure, Sharpie pen, marble to test floor level and 800 milligram pills of Ibuprophen becasue almost all clients will give you a massave headeache." It was like a freaking horse pill. But it did the trick and before I knew it I was headache free and less than a 100 miles from Vegas.
We decided to stop just outside of Vegas so we wouldn't have to sell a bike to pay for a hotel room. We all just cramed in one room and I got to share a bed with the lovely Fiona. Now I had to warn Fiona that while on the surface it would seem that she would be safe sleeping with me. This is not entirely true. I let her know that other "girlfriends" of mine that have slept with me have been molested in the wee hours of the night. Cicely and Jessica have both had their asses grabbed in a very innapropriate way while I was long gone in dream land. I told her that she would need to whack me upside the head if I fouund my way on her side of the bed. This wouldn't be hard as they seemed to only be full size beds. I built her a nice pillow wall in the midlle. She told me in the AM that I behaved but the bed was a freaking wreck!. She looked dissapointed haha!!!
The two of us went out for an easy 30 min run. It was so nice to be able to run. Even though I am still "dealing" with issues in my foot I was happy too be out running. I have decided that no matter what happens with my foot there is only so much I can do about it. One thing I can do is not let it affect my mood. I think staying in a good mood about it is part of the healing process. Not always easy for me to do but I am trying.
The run gave me a nice little buzz as well as the tripple shot mocha that I had :-) I am really turning into a caffeine junkie. It makes me so happy! Anyway, we made it to Palm Springs in a short few hours and settled in. Mitch has a nice new house and I am staying there with none other than Mike Montgomery. There must be something about this time of year that the two of us just can't be apart. In the past we have been in New Zealand hammering away at an Epic Camp. I decided that I was not going to be doing anymore camps, Epic or not, unless they were small training groups that I knew or I was one of the people running the camp. I made the exception here because the camp was going to be smaller and Mitch's house is now in Palm Springs rather than Yucca Valley so everything would be really close and easy. He has also been nice enough to have me help out with stuff so I wouldn't have to pay. As well, I can stick to my training and not do anaything crazy that could jeapordize my body.
Today was our first day and we all rode together. It was a nice sane ride of a bout 3 1/2 hours. There were a few small picks up between Mike and myself but nothing cray. I now have an SRM Power Meter so I am pretty excited to start some training with power. I am going to use the camp to learn the device. I know Joanna will be excited to get a hold of the data. She has her theories about me. We shall soon see if they are true.
That's the report from Palm Springs. The camp is off to a great start and there is a nice group of people here. Hopefully the weather will cut us a break so we can get the Idlewile (sp?) ride in on Monday. That is one of my favorite rides of all time. I will make sure to pop a picture or two up when I can get them downloaded.
Cheers,
bdc
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Are we ever having that damn swim race??!!
Well my flu kicked my butt pretty hard and left me with lungs that made me sound like some 85 year old woman named Hellen that smoked 2 packs a day. I am feeling much better now and back at it but I seem to leave bits of my lung every where I go. So with that, Carole and I did not get to have our SHOWDOWN as of yet. Nor did JZ and Marky V get to have their challenge. However, as soon as I am a little further away from this I am making Sharpie race me. Unfortunately, with out trying to be negative, I think I am going to get my ass handed to me. She appears to be very motivated these days and is flying through the water again. I on the other hand feel as if I have bricks tied to my ankles. But I ain't SCUUURD! I'll still give it my best and see if I can somehow break her!
I think that the swim race may actually end up taking place in Florida. JZ, Billy, Carole and myself are going out to Clermeont for 10 days of training. JZ was going to be out there before hand so we all decide that we would meet her and extend her trip so we could all train. It should be a good time. Although, our housing just fell through so we may be sleeping in the back of a pick up truck. I don't think that would be all that strange for the area.
I am getting a mini camp in prior to the Florida trip in Palm Springs. My good buddy Mitch is holding one of his tri camps out there and asked me if I could come out and help while I get some training in. My friend Sasha and Fiona are driving out Thursday so I am tagging along. We are going to take two days to make the drive and I am really looking forward to the road trip. It should be a blast. Hopefully there will be something funny to write about. I have been sooooooo bored lately when it comes to topics to write about. Well maybe I have just been a bit uninspired because plenty of things have happened that I could turn into a good tale. I can't believe I am not going to write a little bit about Michael "Bong Hit" Phelps. I don't smoke weed (Anymore). But I totally like the guy way more now. And Debbie needs to stop crying!
I'll keep you posted on the travel, training and fun that is to be had in the next few weeks. Side note to anyone that reads this in LA: I had to go to the ER when I got that nasty flu and I honestly think it would be faster for someone in need of an ER to fly out to Boulder rather than going to Cedars. I have never in all my life been seen so fast. The doc even came in and "hung out" for a while. It was brilliant.
I think that the swim race may actually end up taking place in Florida. JZ, Billy, Carole and myself are going out to Clermeont for 10 days of training. JZ was going to be out there before hand so we all decide that we would meet her and extend her trip so we could all train. It should be a good time. Although, our housing just fell through so we may be sleeping in the back of a pick up truck. I don't think that would be all that strange for the area.
I am getting a mini camp in prior to the Florida trip in Palm Springs. My good buddy Mitch is holding one of his tri camps out there and asked me if I could come out and help while I get some training in. My friend Sasha and Fiona are driving out Thursday so I am tagging along. We are going to take two days to make the drive and I am really looking forward to the road trip. It should be a blast. Hopefully there will be something funny to write about. I have been sooooooo bored lately when it comes to topics to write about. Well maybe I have just been a bit uninspired because plenty of things have happened that I could turn into a good tale. I can't believe I am not going to write a little bit about Michael "Bong Hit" Phelps. I don't smoke weed (Anymore). But I totally like the guy way more now. And Debbie needs to stop crying!
I'll keep you posted on the travel, training and fun that is to be had in the next few weeks. Side note to anyone that reads this in LA: I had to go to the ER when I got that nasty flu and I honestly think it would be faster for someone in need of an ER to fly out to Boulder rather than going to Cedars. I have never in all my life been seen so fast. The doc even came in and "hung out" for a while. It was brilliant.
Friday, January 23, 2009
TIMEX/TRISTAR Showdown Update
I thought I would post an update on the TIMEX/TRISTAR Showdown between myself and Carole Sharpless that was supposed to take place on the second Saturday of January. I figured that most people probably just thought I lost the swim race because I didn't write about it. Actually it was postponed by Princess Zeiger. I can call JZ a Princess because of the "takes one to know one" policy.
Anyway, Joanna scheduled some eye correction surgery and wasn't going to be able to swim for a few days, one of which would have been second Saturday in January. She wanted to TT a 1,500 with us as well and convinced us to switch the date. This clearly works to Carole's advantage because it just gives her more time to sharpen up the swim skills she has had all her life. Myself on the other hand will probably not benefit as much simply because my top end in swimming is not even close to where hers can be. I guess this just means that when I WIN it will be even more deserved!
Since the race has been postponed to the 31st JZ is going to get a little race of her own. Marky V (Markyv.com) challenged JZ to a different kind of 1,500 race. Their challenge is to see if JZ can beat him but she is allowed to swim on his feet. He gets to flip on the left side of the wall and she gets to flip in the right side of the wall unless she passes him and then it would switch. Mark is one of the fastest swimmers in the sport and JZ is one of the fastest ladies. It will be a good challenge.
Unfortunately for me, I just had a quick stint in the ER with a fever of 106. I got some strain of the flu and now have a ton of crap in my chest. I also seem to have busted a rib from all my coughing. Sleeping has been pure joy. I haven't been in the pool for over a week but that won't stop me. I am focusing on rest and recovery and if I can get my lungs clean by the 29th I am just gonna go for it! Sharpie has been out of town and hasn't had the comfort of our group to train so I am going to assume she slacked a bit. I mean, I did get a few texts asking if it was okay that she was at a Wendy's or something.
So there is the quick update. Hopefully we will all be ready to go ahead with this race. My next challenge is to JZ. I want to take her on in a 1,500. She has to swim and I get to use a buoy and paddles. For some reason my ability to swim with paddles makes me 5 times faster than without. It will still be hard to beat her though.
Anyway, Joanna scheduled some eye correction surgery and wasn't going to be able to swim for a few days, one of which would have been second Saturday in January. She wanted to TT a 1,500 with us as well and convinced us to switch the date. This clearly works to Carole's advantage because it just gives her more time to sharpen up the swim skills she has had all her life. Myself on the other hand will probably not benefit as much simply because my top end in swimming is not even close to where hers can be. I guess this just means that when I WIN it will be even more deserved!
Since the race has been postponed to the 31st JZ is going to get a little race of her own. Marky V (Markyv.com) challenged JZ to a different kind of 1,500 race. Their challenge is to see if JZ can beat him but she is allowed to swim on his feet. He gets to flip on the left side of the wall and she gets to flip in the right side of the wall unless she passes him and then it would switch. Mark is one of the fastest swimmers in the sport and JZ is one of the fastest ladies. It will be a good challenge.
Unfortunately for me, I just had a quick stint in the ER with a fever of 106. I got some strain of the flu and now have a ton of crap in my chest. I also seem to have busted a rib from all my coughing. Sleeping has been pure joy. I haven't been in the pool for over a week but that won't stop me. I am focusing on rest and recovery and if I can get my lungs clean by the 29th I am just gonna go for it! Sharpie has been out of town and hasn't had the comfort of our group to train so I am going to assume she slacked a bit. I mean, I did get a few texts asking if it was okay that she was at a Wendy's or something.
So there is the quick update. Hopefully we will all be ready to go ahead with this race. My next challenge is to JZ. I want to take her on in a 1,500. She has to swim and I get to use a buoy and paddles. For some reason my ability to swim with paddles makes me 5 times faster than without. It will still be hard to beat her though.
Monday, January 5, 2009
What The Poop?
Well I am back in Boulder after 7 days with the folks. It was nice to see them and also watch their progress. My dad is training for Wildflower (they live on the course) and he has never done one. I was impressed that he came out and rode the entire long course loop. I was just happy to be riding outside!
Now that I am back in BOCO and the New Years Beer mile is over (I sucked) and JZ's New Years Party is done (I hid for a good while upstairs) it was time to get everything rolling again. Our Saturday morning swim group that I like to call "Saturday Morning Cartoons" was back in action. JZ had no problem dishing out a hard set that was supposed to help Carole and myself get ready for the Timex/Tristar Showdown. Which, by the way, seems to be growing with competitors. More on that later. Considering this was the WORST swim I have had in months I am very thankful for the "other" event that took place in the pool that crazy morning.
As I was walking on deck to the pool freezing my nuts off because someone stole my new swim parka, I saw Carole and JZ getting ready to jump in. I swim in the same lane with Carole and she was off before I could even say "hi" to her. That is odd as she never likes to start without the group. When I got in I kept noticing that she was standing up a lot and acting kinda weird. I didn't really think much of it because, well, we are all usually acting kinda weird. I figured Carole was probably getting ready to flash me or something! She tends to do that with me. Conversion tactics that don't work.
Anyway, about 300 into the warm up she stops at the wall and is laughing. I thought she swallowed a leaf or something. Looking back on all this I can't believe how clueless I was that something was up. I even noticed JZ stopping and laughing for a second. Normally she is buzzing away like a humming bird on the warm up trying to lap me on 200's and when stopped she is barking orders at us!
Soon enough I discovered what all the laughter was about. However, when it happened I didn't put 2+2 together. So, as I am swimming along I finally look down and notice that there is apparently a log of poop sitting at the bottom of our lane. I literally did a freaking double take, stopped and yelled to Carole and JZ that we had a log in the lane. Before I could hear Carole or JZ respond I went down to investigate how bad this was going to be.
Under water I didn't want to get too close to it but I had to make sure it was in fact a poop log. As I got closer it continued to pass the identity check. The only thing fishy about it was that it wasn't "glowing". You know what I mean, poop tends to have that halo around it that can look like an angora sweater. It looked dense and dark, divots and all.
When I came back up you would think I would say "We need to get out of the water!" But no, what do I say? "You guys have to come check out this poop log!" I was in disbelief that someone would crap in the Flatiron pool. And let me tell you, this one did not come from a kid. It was adult size.
Carole and Joanna were cracking up. I know they love poop humor just as much as I do but there were no signs of them freaking out. Carole then proceeds to tell me that it was in fact a potato, a black potato that she has been wanting to plant in my lane for about two weeks. How the potato was discovered is so funny to me and you can read that on sharpies blog (www.carole-sharpless.com) I have been laughing about that blog and the poop incident since it has happened. I would like to thank Carole for getting my abs back!
When Billy finally showed up we tried to pull the stunt on him but he was in such a mood from being up all night with his new puppy that nothing was going to make him laugh. Some lady showed up towards the end of our workout and almost jumped out of the water. Carole quickly told her what it was and she too started laughing. We laughed all the way to the hot tub and then realized that we had left the potato in the water. Did we go back and get it? Of course not! Kelly Reed just showed up to swim and we didn't want to deprive her of the joke. Plus, she was directly related to the potato.
Anyway, check out Carole's blog. She tells the story way better than I have. I will post in a few about the growth of the Timex/Tristar Showdown. Hopefully my horrific swim on Saturday is no indication of how I am going to swim in the Showdown. I have a HEAD SCRATCH to win!
Now that I am back in BOCO and the New Years Beer mile is over (I sucked) and JZ's New Years Party is done (I hid for a good while upstairs) it was time to get everything rolling again. Our Saturday morning swim group that I like to call "Saturday Morning Cartoons" was back in action. JZ had no problem dishing out a hard set that was supposed to help Carole and myself get ready for the Timex/Tristar Showdown. Which, by the way, seems to be growing with competitors. More on that later. Considering this was the WORST swim I have had in months I am very thankful for the "other" event that took place in the pool that crazy morning.
As I was walking on deck to the pool freezing my nuts off because someone stole my new swim parka, I saw Carole and JZ getting ready to jump in. I swim in the same lane with Carole and she was off before I could even say "hi" to her. That is odd as she never likes to start without the group. When I got in I kept noticing that she was standing up a lot and acting kinda weird. I didn't really think much of it because, well, we are all usually acting kinda weird. I figured Carole was probably getting ready to flash me or something! She tends to do that with me. Conversion tactics that don't work.
Anyway, about 300 into the warm up she stops at the wall and is laughing. I thought she swallowed a leaf or something. Looking back on all this I can't believe how clueless I was that something was up. I even noticed JZ stopping and laughing for a second. Normally she is buzzing away like a humming bird on the warm up trying to lap me on 200's and when stopped she is barking orders at us!
Soon enough I discovered what all the laughter was about. However, when it happened I didn't put 2+2 together. So, as I am swimming along I finally look down and notice that there is apparently a log of poop sitting at the bottom of our lane. I literally did a freaking double take, stopped and yelled to Carole and JZ that we had a log in the lane. Before I could hear Carole or JZ respond I went down to investigate how bad this was going to be.
Under water I didn't want to get too close to it but I had to make sure it was in fact a poop log. As I got closer it continued to pass the identity check. The only thing fishy about it was that it wasn't "glowing". You know what I mean, poop tends to have that halo around it that can look like an angora sweater. It looked dense and dark, divots and all.
When I came back up you would think I would say "We need to get out of the water!" But no, what do I say? "You guys have to come check out this poop log!" I was in disbelief that someone would crap in the Flatiron pool. And let me tell you, this one did not come from a kid. It was adult size.
Carole and Joanna were cracking up. I know they love poop humor just as much as I do but there were no signs of them freaking out. Carole then proceeds to tell me that it was in fact a potato, a black potato that she has been wanting to plant in my lane for about two weeks. How the potato was discovered is so funny to me and you can read that on sharpies blog (www.carole-sharpless.com) I have been laughing about that blog and the poop incident since it has happened. I would like to thank Carole for getting my abs back!
When Billy finally showed up we tried to pull the stunt on him but he was in such a mood from being up all night with his new puppy that nothing was going to make him laugh. Some lady showed up towards the end of our workout and almost jumped out of the water. Carole quickly told her what it was and she too started laughing. We laughed all the way to the hot tub and then realized that we had left the potato in the water. Did we go back and get it? Of course not! Kelly Reed just showed up to swim and we didn't want to deprive her of the joke. Plus, she was directly related to the potato.
Anyway, check out Carole's blog. She tells the story way better than I have. I will post in a few about the growth of the Timex/Tristar Showdown. Hopefully my horrific swim on Saturday is no indication of how I am going to swim in the Showdown. I have a HEAD SCRATCH to win!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
TIMEX / TRISTAR SHOWDOWN!
A few weeks ago our little training group of Billy Edwards(www.billythekidtriathlete.com), Carole Sharpless(www.carole-sharpless.com), Joanna Zeiger(www.joanna-zeiger.com) and myself were at the pool doing our Saturday AM swim workout. Usually it is some form of torture that JZ has come up with. Anyway, I am not really sure how it came to be, but a swim challenge between Sharpie and myself developed. I think JZ said that Sharpie could "kick my ass" in a 1500 meter swim. I love it when my coach has 100% faith in me! Probably pay back from when she was drinking something out of an Ironman Arizona glass and I said; "Sure ya can finish that?" Clearly you have to have thick skin in this group.
Anyway, the TIMEX/TRISTAR challenge is set for the second Saturday in Jan. It will be a 1500 short coures meter race at altitude in Boulder! I am calling it the TIMEX/TRISTAR Challenge because Sharpie races on Team Timex(www.timex.com/gp/node/n/242470011and) I race for Tristar(www.tristarathlete.com).
My background is running and Sharpie is one of those "fish" people. In 2007 she came to support in Kona (she is the worlds best cheerleader!) and was out for a ride with Billy and JZ and had a horrible crash. Broke both wrists and and really busted her already "not so great" back as well as some other stuff. Basically she was messed up pretty bad. Long story short she is on the mend and as the rest of us proceed to get fat in the off season, Sharpie seems to be getting fitter as each day goes on!
Right now we are very similar in the pool. I know she HATES that I can keep up right now! However, with her swim background, I could be totally screwed by the second weekend in Jan. Swimmers don't loose their mojo. They just put it away for a while and with her new found motivation to humiliate me at the Flatiron pool, it is clear she is polishing up the swim mojo to be nice and shinny!
Lets not forget to mention the fact that I think both her and JZ are trying to sabotage me. First, I show I up to our lifting session and Sharpie is all bubbly and hands me a loaf of pumpkin banana bread that weighed around 12 pounds. "Happy Holiday honey!" Then I go over to JZ's for one of our group training rides because it is as cold as witches fart outside and JZ hands me a basket of homemade chocolate truffles. I know what's up. They know I have no self control and they are trying to fatten me up before the race. Clearly it is working because I ate both treats in one sitting. JZ called to inform me that she made more but this time I stayed away from the house! I'm on to you both!
Regardless of how fat I get from now until the second Saturday in January the race is on. I really think that a swim race is a wonderful idea for triathletes. We rarely do that and in my mind you NEED to race to get better. I think we should race once a month in the pool to get that burn and use it as a marker for where our swimming is. Plus, the race has been a great motivator for the both of us. Sometimes in the winter months (I have been in summer for the last 3 years so I am talking out of my ass) you need that extra motivation!
This race is not just for bragging rights. If I win (which I will!!! OHHH!! YEAH!!!) Sharpie has to scratch my head for 30 min while I lie back and make uncomfortable sexual type groans. If she wins (Whatever!) I have to clean her car inside and out. I might just do it for her anyway cuz that is the kind of guy I am....Awweeeeeee. NOT! Take that shit to the car wash and get back to scratching my head! Haha!
Seriously though, both Carole and I have been working really hard at our swimming and general training. We have the best crew and are so fortunate to be living in Boulder. I think we may film the race so I will try to post some clips if we do that. Even if I get my ass (and mouth) handed to me, I know the effort will ultimately help both of our swimming and that is the real goal at hand.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday. I will be sure to post a blog after the Beer Mile and New Years party at JZ's. I have a feeling there will be plenty to write about!
Cheers,
bdc
Anyway, the TIMEX/TRISTAR challenge is set for the second Saturday in Jan. It will be a 1500 short coures meter race at altitude in Boulder! I am calling it the TIMEX/TRISTAR Challenge because Sharpie races on Team Timex(www.timex.com/gp/node/n/242470011and) I race for Tristar(www.tristarathlete.com).
My background is running and Sharpie is one of those "fish" people. In 2007 she came to support in Kona (she is the worlds best cheerleader!) and was out for a ride with Billy and JZ and had a horrible crash. Broke both wrists and and really busted her already "not so great" back as well as some other stuff. Basically she was messed up pretty bad. Long story short she is on the mend and as the rest of us proceed to get fat in the off season, Sharpie seems to be getting fitter as each day goes on!
Right now we are very similar in the pool. I know she HATES that I can keep up right now! However, with her swim background, I could be totally screwed by the second weekend in Jan. Swimmers don't loose their mojo. They just put it away for a while and with her new found motivation to humiliate me at the Flatiron pool, it is clear she is polishing up the swim mojo to be nice and shinny!
Lets not forget to mention the fact that I think both her and JZ are trying to sabotage me. First, I show I up to our lifting session and Sharpie is all bubbly and hands me a loaf of pumpkin banana bread that weighed around 12 pounds. "Happy Holiday honey!" Then I go over to JZ's for one of our group training rides because it is as cold as witches fart outside and JZ hands me a basket of homemade chocolate truffles. I know what's up. They know I have no self control and they are trying to fatten me up before the race. Clearly it is working because I ate both treats in one sitting. JZ called to inform me that she made more but this time I stayed away from the house! I'm on to you both!
Regardless of how fat I get from now until the second Saturday in January the race is on. I really think that a swim race is a wonderful idea for triathletes. We rarely do that and in my mind you NEED to race to get better. I think we should race once a month in the pool to get that burn and use it as a marker for where our swimming is. Plus, the race has been a great motivator for the both of us. Sometimes in the winter months (I have been in summer for the last 3 years so I am talking out of my ass) you need that extra motivation!
This race is not just for bragging rights. If I win (which I will!!! OHHH!! YEAH!!!) Sharpie has to scratch my head for 30 min while I lie back and make uncomfortable sexual type groans. If she wins (Whatever!) I have to clean her car inside and out. I might just do it for her anyway cuz that is the kind of guy I am....Awweeeeeee. NOT! Take that shit to the car wash and get back to scratching my head! Haha!
Seriously though, both Carole and I have been working really hard at our swimming and general training. We have the best crew and are so fortunate to be living in Boulder. I think we may film the race so I will try to post some clips if we do that. Even if I get my ass (and mouth) handed to me, I know the effort will ultimately help both of our swimming and that is the real goal at hand.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday. I will be sure to post a blog after the Beer Mile and New Years party at JZ's. I have a feeling there will be plenty to write about!
Cheers,
bdc
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Proposition 8
Some time has passed now since the historic presidential election of Barack Obama. I am a supporter of Obama and voted for him because of his stance on many of the pressing issues this country faces. However, I do understand the importance of him being the first black man to become a US President. Politics aside, I think it should be recognized as a milestone, even if you did vote for the other guy.
Unfortunately while we took this great step forward, we also took a few back. There were several issues on ballots across the country that pertained to the equality of gay people. Yes, in the "Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave" we spent millions of dollars and hours of time focusing on whether or not two people that love each other can take part in the same union that people with opposite genitalia do. Sounds kinda silly when you put it that way....
The biggest loss gay people saw in the election, besides the one in Arkansas that bans gay and single people from adopting children, was Prop 8 in California (which I will be focusing on) and proposition 2 in Florida. The proposition amended the constitution of California to ban same sex marriage. The issue was previously granted by the California Supreme Court, saying that it was "unconstitutional to deny same sex couples those rights". That is why the opposing side had to attempt to amend the constitution. Now it is "constitutional" to ban same sex marriage.
Organizing my thoughts on this issue is a bit challenging because I have so many. Clearly there is plenty being said about the Mormon Church that encouraged its members across the country to donate to the "yes" side of the proposition. Twenty two million dollars of encouragement. But let’s not give Mormons ALL the credit. You had plenty of other religions with their hands in the cookie jar. Not to mention the hordes of minorities, who continue to suffer from discrimination, casting their vote to ban marriage. I mean, even Dr. Laura Schlesinger, a Jew, is against the idea of gay marriage. I sure wish I could invent a time machine. I wonder where and when I would send her? Perhaps to a time where she could see just how far discrimination can go. Nazi Germany did not start on a large scale. It was a seed that continued to get watered. Prop 8 is a seed.
That last comment might get me in trouble but it leads me right into the sub discussion of this issue which is that of comparing struggle. A huge majority of the Californian black community played a role in passing Prop 8. Many black people do not see the parallels between the civil rights movement and the gay rights movement. It seems they feel that it takes away from their hard times. Well, I guess it is more that, what gay people go through is nothing compared to what black people went through and still go through to this day. I totally get that but still think they need to take the time to examine the issue purely from the perspective of discrimination. A perspective they should fully understand.
I think black people should see the comparison to the civil rights movement not as an insult or threat to their struggles but rather a compliment. HELLO! Black people have paved the road on the idea of anti discrimination. And another "HELLO!", Gay people aren’t just white! We come in all colors, except of course, that shade called Iranian. Apparently they don't make that color.
And you also have to think of the issues in terms of percentages. Black people make up a larger percentage of people in this country than gay people do. If there were as many gay people in this country as there were black people I think you would see a higher percentage of anti-gay crimes being committed than you do now.
But let’s forget all that and discuss why so many black people didn't have our back on this issue. Plain and simple, you have religion, misinformation and CHOICE. I am a huge believer that the main reason gay people struggle on these issues is because it is seen to most as a choice or "lifestyle". Can I tell you how much I HATE it when people refer to my being gay as a lifestyle? Doing triathlon is a lifestyle. Being gay is like being left handed. But again, even if it WERE a choice I’d say "SO WHAT!"
Arguing against racism is a lot easier than arguing for gay rights because there is no way to deny the color of one’s skin. Homosexuality is not as “black and white”. Black people don’t have to come out with their “blackness”. It’s hard to continue to argue for discrimination on something that "just is". However, I bet if we put a proposition up in the South to take away some of black people’s rights it just might pass. But hey, it would have been voted on by the people. I guess that makes it okay!
Part of this issue seems to also be that everyone is so nice. I have gotten quite a few "nice" e-mails from my Mormon friends that I had in high school not understanding why I am so enraged at the Mormon Church's role in this. They say things like "we don't hate gays. We just think marriage should be kept between men and women. Would it be okay if we gave you the same rights but didn't call it marriage?" I feel some cursing coming. FUCK OFF!!
It should be noted that Mormons prohibited blacks from holding the priesthood in the LDS Church until 1978. Holding the priesthood was a right given to every other adult male. Without the priesthood, blacks were forbidden from entering Mormon temples like the big one on Santa Monica Blvd that you see in all the protests. They also could not participate in eternal marriage ceremonies there which effectively consigned them to a lesser version of heaven. Mormons place their whole concept of heaven on forming eternal families through marriages or “sealings” in their temples.
Mormons are finally coming around to the fact that people are born “homosexual”. They don’t really like the word gay. The catch for them, which is also the catch in a lot of other religions, is that it is a sin and it should not be acted on. So basically they acknowledge you are born that way but you are never supposed to act on those urges and desires for love, sex and compassion that heterosexual people have. Do Mormons really believe that a god would ever create so many of his children to be gay and consign them to a life of loneliness? And per religion, aren’t we all created in God’s image? Doesn’t that mean that there is a part of God that is gay too?
I am really getting sick of being nice about this. Everyone is hiding behind the "nice" side of this. It is time to get mad. Is it worth getting mad over marriage rights? You bet it is because this goes deeper than marriage rights. Look up the suicide rates of gay youth. Look at how gay teens have been treated. Look at people like Matthew Shepard. When the COUNTRY allows for some of its members to be seen as second class citizens which this marriage crap does, then you justify the public treating them that way.
The part that kills me on this is that it was the Churches that made this happen. I really think the Mormon Church should become an example and loose their tax rights. They had their hands too deep in this political arena. If Mormons were going to lose their rights for practicing religion I would certainly vote for them to be able to keep them. They should be able to practice their religion even if I feel it is a stupid religion. I think most religions are lame but I don't want to take that right away from people. Believe whatever you want just don't impose your views on everyone else, let alone the government. SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!
I have heard the argument that some are worried that if gay marriage passed and their priest or whatever didn't want to perform the marriage, he or she could be arrested for discrimination. Give me a fucking break! Churches are absolutely protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and have always had restrictions on who they choose to marry. It's their choice to perform marriages OR NOT and always will be. First off, if your church doesn't believe in gay marriage and you are gay YOU NEED TO FIND A NEW RELIGION!! Secondly, you don't see Catholic priests being arrested for discriminating against people that have been divorced.
Let’s talk about how sacred marriage is. Really? Is it sacred? Is there something sacred about two drunk people in Vegas that get married in a drive through? Look at the freaking divorce rate! Tell me what is so damn sacred these days about it? If you want to save marriage you need to make DIVORCE illegal. Then maybe people would think a bit more before they tie that knot which usually ends up around their neck. If you ask me we need to take marriage out of government all together. Make everyone able to get civil unions and if you wanted to get "married" in your church then so be it. Just don't invite me.
Another problem right now is that people think civil unions are the same as marriage. They aren't. If I have a civil union with your brother and he dies, you, as the sibling, have more rights over him and the estate than I do. I’m talking about inheritance rights -- automatically rather than having it have to go through probate, not having to pay tax upon inheriting the property, and not having to adjust the tax basis of the property if you decide to sell it. The biggest "right" is actually attached to Federal law -- it's rights of survivorship to Social Security and other retirement plan (pension) benefits.
Some people have said "why don't gay people just set things up contractually then?" Well that costs money and we shouldn't have to do it the longer and harder way. EQUALITY people. It ain't that complex. Besides, many of the rights attached to marriage cannot be set up via contract. Same sex partners in a civil union or even opposite sex domestic partners aren't entitled to federal Social Security benefits. That only comes with the word "marriage." Not to mention that if I wanted to add a domestic partner to my health insurance, I would have to pay tax on it. My employer is kind enough to offer it, but because the IRS doesn't recognize same sex couples as "married" even in MA and CT where it is legal, I would still have to pay tax on the cost of that insurance because of the word "marriage." Again, please tell me how my getting married affects you?
I have done quite a bit of world travel in the last 3 years. It sure would be nice to know that if I met someone in another country and it went well that he could come back and live in the US with me. Straight people can do this. I have plenty of friends that are married to no US citizens. In fact, two of my friends that were both non US citizens actually got married in the US. Does that make any sense?
One more issue and then I am done. About the whole "I don't care what people do in the bedroom”: Is your straightness restricted to the bedroom? NO! Is being gay only about having sex? NO! People that say “I don’t care what you do in the bedroom” make me want to drop kick them to the moon! If you are in a straight relationship I want you to take a few days and see how many times a day you throw your sexuality in my face.
“Man! All that straightness just makes me SICK! Do they have to hold hands and wear those rings? It just makes me so uncomfortable when they talk about it. I can't even get dressed in a locker room with out hearing about all those straight guys’ talk about the pussy they got on Saturday night.. And what about those women that go on and on about planning their weddings or talking about how their boyfriends don’t pay any attention to them. ICK!
Clearly I don't feel this way and I hope what I just said sounds ridiculous. "Yeah but if we let gay people have equal rights I don't want my kids seeing that and turning into a Mo." Look people, I have been hanging with straight people all my life, and as much as they try to convert me, nothing has happened thus far. I mean, I do tend to smell my clothes to see if they are clean but as far as having a taste for pink taco.....hasn't happened.
I think the best way to really understand how I feel is by watching this video clip below. Keith Olbermann is not my favorite but he really hits the nail on the head here. I would love to hear some arguments against what he says. And please, get out those bibles so I too can find fun and utterly retarded reasons for stoning you!
Actually, I think I am going to go make up some signs right now and go harass all the fat people for their gluttonous behavior. GOD HATES FAT PEOPLE!!!!! MAYBE IN HELL YOU CAN LOOSE SOME WEIGHT CUZ IT WILL BE LIKE A SAUNA!!!! JESUS DID IRONMAN!!!! THINK OF ALL THE STARVING KIDS IN THE WORLD NEXT TIME YOU GO TO WENDYS!!! FAT PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO BREED!!!! MOOOW!!!! ....Ohh this is fun! Now I see what all those crazy FAG HATERS get out of this. LOL...I'm just kidding of course....
This is the link to the clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnHyy8gkNEE
Here is clip with screenwritter and executive producer, David Lance Black. He produced the upcoming movie "Milk" with Sean Penn about Harvey Milk. He was also a writer for the HBO show Big Love. Black is gay and grew up as a Mormon.
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=13
As well, "Talk of the Nation" on NPR had some intersting points about Prop 8. Less than 20 min.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97266934
Unfortunately while we took this great step forward, we also took a few back. There were several issues on ballots across the country that pertained to the equality of gay people. Yes, in the "Land of The Free and The Home of The Brave" we spent millions of dollars and hours of time focusing on whether or not two people that love each other can take part in the same union that people with opposite genitalia do. Sounds kinda silly when you put it that way....
The biggest loss gay people saw in the election, besides the one in Arkansas that bans gay and single people from adopting children, was Prop 8 in California (which I will be focusing on) and proposition 2 in Florida. The proposition amended the constitution of California to ban same sex marriage. The issue was previously granted by the California Supreme Court, saying that it was "unconstitutional to deny same sex couples those rights". That is why the opposing side had to attempt to amend the constitution. Now it is "constitutional" to ban same sex marriage.
Organizing my thoughts on this issue is a bit challenging because I have so many. Clearly there is plenty being said about the Mormon Church that encouraged its members across the country to donate to the "yes" side of the proposition. Twenty two million dollars of encouragement. But let’s not give Mormons ALL the credit. You had plenty of other religions with their hands in the cookie jar. Not to mention the hordes of minorities, who continue to suffer from discrimination, casting their vote to ban marriage. I mean, even Dr. Laura Schlesinger, a Jew, is against the idea of gay marriage. I sure wish I could invent a time machine. I wonder where and when I would send her? Perhaps to a time where she could see just how far discrimination can go. Nazi Germany did not start on a large scale. It was a seed that continued to get watered. Prop 8 is a seed.
That last comment might get me in trouble but it leads me right into the sub discussion of this issue which is that of comparing struggle. A huge majority of the Californian black community played a role in passing Prop 8. Many black people do not see the parallels between the civil rights movement and the gay rights movement. It seems they feel that it takes away from their hard times. Well, I guess it is more that, what gay people go through is nothing compared to what black people went through and still go through to this day. I totally get that but still think they need to take the time to examine the issue purely from the perspective of discrimination. A perspective they should fully understand.
I think black people should see the comparison to the civil rights movement not as an insult or threat to their struggles but rather a compliment. HELLO! Black people have paved the road on the idea of anti discrimination. And another "HELLO!", Gay people aren’t just white! We come in all colors, except of course, that shade called Iranian. Apparently they don't make that color.
And you also have to think of the issues in terms of percentages. Black people make up a larger percentage of people in this country than gay people do. If there were as many gay people in this country as there were black people I think you would see a higher percentage of anti-gay crimes being committed than you do now.
But let’s forget all that and discuss why so many black people didn't have our back on this issue. Plain and simple, you have religion, misinformation and CHOICE. I am a huge believer that the main reason gay people struggle on these issues is because it is seen to most as a choice or "lifestyle". Can I tell you how much I HATE it when people refer to my being gay as a lifestyle? Doing triathlon is a lifestyle. Being gay is like being left handed. But again, even if it WERE a choice I’d say "SO WHAT!"
Arguing against racism is a lot easier than arguing for gay rights because there is no way to deny the color of one’s skin. Homosexuality is not as “black and white”. Black people don’t have to come out with their “blackness”. It’s hard to continue to argue for discrimination on something that "just is". However, I bet if we put a proposition up in the South to take away some of black people’s rights it just might pass. But hey, it would have been voted on by the people. I guess that makes it okay!
Part of this issue seems to also be that everyone is so nice. I have gotten quite a few "nice" e-mails from my Mormon friends that I had in high school not understanding why I am so enraged at the Mormon Church's role in this. They say things like "we don't hate gays. We just think marriage should be kept between men and women. Would it be okay if we gave you the same rights but didn't call it marriage?" I feel some cursing coming. FUCK OFF!!
It should be noted that Mormons prohibited blacks from holding the priesthood in the LDS Church until 1978. Holding the priesthood was a right given to every other adult male. Without the priesthood, blacks were forbidden from entering Mormon temples like the big one on Santa Monica Blvd that you see in all the protests. They also could not participate in eternal marriage ceremonies there which effectively consigned them to a lesser version of heaven. Mormons place their whole concept of heaven on forming eternal families through marriages or “sealings” in their temples.
Mormons are finally coming around to the fact that people are born “homosexual”. They don’t really like the word gay. The catch for them, which is also the catch in a lot of other religions, is that it is a sin and it should not be acted on. So basically they acknowledge you are born that way but you are never supposed to act on those urges and desires for love, sex and compassion that heterosexual people have. Do Mormons really believe that a god would ever create so many of his children to be gay and consign them to a life of loneliness? And per religion, aren’t we all created in God’s image? Doesn’t that mean that there is a part of God that is gay too?
I am really getting sick of being nice about this. Everyone is hiding behind the "nice" side of this. It is time to get mad. Is it worth getting mad over marriage rights? You bet it is because this goes deeper than marriage rights. Look up the suicide rates of gay youth. Look at how gay teens have been treated. Look at people like Matthew Shepard. When the COUNTRY allows for some of its members to be seen as second class citizens which this marriage crap does, then you justify the public treating them that way.
The part that kills me on this is that it was the Churches that made this happen. I really think the Mormon Church should become an example and loose their tax rights. They had their hands too deep in this political arena. If Mormons were going to lose their rights for practicing religion I would certainly vote for them to be able to keep them. They should be able to practice their religion even if I feel it is a stupid religion. I think most religions are lame but I don't want to take that right away from people. Believe whatever you want just don't impose your views on everyone else, let alone the government. SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE!
I have heard the argument that some are worried that if gay marriage passed and their priest or whatever didn't want to perform the marriage, he or she could be arrested for discrimination. Give me a fucking break! Churches are absolutely protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and have always had restrictions on who they choose to marry. It's their choice to perform marriages OR NOT and always will be. First off, if your church doesn't believe in gay marriage and you are gay YOU NEED TO FIND A NEW RELIGION!! Secondly, you don't see Catholic priests being arrested for discriminating against people that have been divorced.
Let’s talk about how sacred marriage is. Really? Is it sacred? Is there something sacred about two drunk people in Vegas that get married in a drive through? Look at the freaking divorce rate! Tell me what is so damn sacred these days about it? If you want to save marriage you need to make DIVORCE illegal. Then maybe people would think a bit more before they tie that knot which usually ends up around their neck. If you ask me we need to take marriage out of government all together. Make everyone able to get civil unions and if you wanted to get "married" in your church then so be it. Just don't invite me.
Another problem right now is that people think civil unions are the same as marriage. They aren't. If I have a civil union with your brother and he dies, you, as the sibling, have more rights over him and the estate than I do. I’m talking about inheritance rights -- automatically rather than having it have to go through probate, not having to pay tax upon inheriting the property, and not having to adjust the tax basis of the property if you decide to sell it. The biggest "right" is actually attached to Federal law -- it's rights of survivorship to Social Security and other retirement plan (pension) benefits.
Some people have said "why don't gay people just set things up contractually then?" Well that costs money and we shouldn't have to do it the longer and harder way. EQUALITY people. It ain't that complex. Besides, many of the rights attached to marriage cannot be set up via contract. Same sex partners in a civil union or even opposite sex domestic partners aren't entitled to federal Social Security benefits. That only comes with the word "marriage." Not to mention that if I wanted to add a domestic partner to my health insurance, I would have to pay tax on it. My employer is kind enough to offer it, but because the IRS doesn't recognize same sex couples as "married" even in MA and CT where it is legal, I would still have to pay tax on the cost of that insurance because of the word "marriage." Again, please tell me how my getting married affects you?
I have done quite a bit of world travel in the last 3 years. It sure would be nice to know that if I met someone in another country and it went well that he could come back and live in the US with me. Straight people can do this. I have plenty of friends that are married to no US citizens. In fact, two of my friends that were both non US citizens actually got married in the US. Does that make any sense?
One more issue and then I am done. About the whole "I don't care what people do in the bedroom”: Is your straightness restricted to the bedroom? NO! Is being gay only about having sex? NO! People that say “I don’t care what you do in the bedroom” make me want to drop kick them to the moon! If you are in a straight relationship I want you to take a few days and see how many times a day you throw your sexuality in my face.
“Man! All that straightness just makes me SICK! Do they have to hold hands and wear those rings? It just makes me so uncomfortable when they talk about it. I can't even get dressed in a locker room with out hearing about all those straight guys’ talk about the pussy they got on Saturday night.. And what about those women that go on and on about planning their weddings or talking about how their boyfriends don’t pay any attention to them. ICK!
Clearly I don't feel this way and I hope what I just said sounds ridiculous. "Yeah but if we let gay people have equal rights I don't want my kids seeing that and turning into a Mo." Look people, I have been hanging with straight people all my life, and as much as they try to convert me, nothing has happened thus far. I mean, I do tend to smell my clothes to see if they are clean but as far as having a taste for pink taco.....hasn't happened.
I think the best way to really understand how I feel is by watching this video clip below. Keith Olbermann is not my favorite but he really hits the nail on the head here. I would love to hear some arguments against what he says. And please, get out those bibles so I too can find fun and utterly retarded reasons for stoning you!
Actually, I think I am going to go make up some signs right now and go harass all the fat people for their gluttonous behavior. GOD HATES FAT PEOPLE!!!!! MAYBE IN HELL YOU CAN LOOSE SOME WEIGHT CUZ IT WILL BE LIKE A SAUNA!!!! JESUS DID IRONMAN!!!! THINK OF ALL THE STARVING KIDS IN THE WORLD NEXT TIME YOU GO TO WENDYS!!! FAT PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO BREED!!!! MOOOW!!!! ....Ohh this is fun! Now I see what all those crazy FAG HATERS get out of this. LOL...I'm just kidding of course....
This is the link to the clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnHyy8gkNEE
Here is clip with screenwritter and executive producer, David Lance Black. He produced the upcoming movie "Milk" with Sean Penn about Harvey Milk. He was also a writer for the HBO show Big Love. Black is gay and grew up as a Mormon.
http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=13
As well, "Talk of the Nation" on NPR had some intersting points about Prop 8. Less than 20 min.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97266934
Friday, November 7, 2008
In The Works....
Hey All,
Don't you worry! My blog on PROP 8 is in the works.....
bdc
Second Class Citizen of The United States
Don't you worry! My blog on PROP 8 is in the works.....
bdc
Second Class Citizen of The United States
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