[ Saturday, December 31, 2005 ]
Gay Celebs WhoCome Out Late in Life
I have been reading a LOT lately. Anything from my buddy Michael Craft's Mark Manning series to Clive Barker's "Abarat" books, to many murder mysteries to, my latest fetish, biographies.
The authors of "Paul Lynde: Center Square" spent a lot of time researching it. They recount seemingly every detail of his life. Two problems, however. The writing is dry, mechanical. Secondly, they do not inspire feelings one way or the other for Lynde. If you liked him before reading this, nothing will change your mind. If you didn't, ditto. A good bio inspires empathy for its subject matter - with the obvious exceptions of Hitler, George W. Bush or Karl Rove.
Another recent read has been "Tab Hunter Confidential." Tab dishes some *serious* dirt herein and has fascinating Hollywood stories to tell. The writing style is superlative (must be the co-author's work) and it's a fun, fast race to the finish. (One quick story: Tallulah Bankhead called her maid "Cunty.")
2005 also brought out a series of musicians, featured in this blog. Part of me wants to cheer. But part of me thinks "What took them all so long?"
I was reading a recent issue of The Advocate that sums up my thoughts on this subject perfectly. The author does a better job than I might so I defer to his wisdom. The column, entitled "There Won't Be Trumpets", was printed in the January 17th, 2006 edition. It was written by John Morgan Wilson, award-winning author.
"Forgive me if I don't stand up and cheer every time another aging celebrity like Tab Hunter, Richard Chamberlain, or George Takei ventures from the closet when his career has failed or to score a book
deal or play a play, exorcising his shame, and grab a final 15 of fame. They're under no obligation to take a political stand, of course, and have every right to come out if and when they choose. But let's not treat them as heroes after they waited decades while others risked so much to make it safe for them."
Marcus [12/31/2005 10:39:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Thursday, December 15, 2005 ]
Ah. The things one, er, comes across on the Internet.Artificial foreskin for circumcised men
Viafin-Atlas
http://www.viafin-atlas.com/index.asp
are the world leaders in the manufacture of artificial foreskin for circumcised men. After 20,000 hours of research and development over five years, Viafin-Atlas proudly offer the SenSlip - the world’s first ever artificial retractable foreskin for circumcised men.
Here's what they have to tell us about themselves:
The SenSlip is an innovative concept, designed to promote male sexual health and well-being. With patents pending worldwide, it is practical, comfortable to wear, and most importantly - it works.
Exclusively for circumcised men, the SenSlip will help to restore the sensitivity of the penis, and protect the glans from the dryness and chafing caused by constant exposure to, and rubbing against, clothing. It looks, feels and works similar to a real foreskin.
Although a natural foreskin can never be replaced, the SenSlip can help to reverse the thickening and keratinization of the glans.
Marcus [12/15/2005 12:07:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Tuesday, December 13, 2005 ]
A Big Fat PainWhat would happen if you or I were caught purchasing 2,000 painkillers from four doctors in a six-month period?
Is "long jail sentence" the first thought that came to your mind?
But then again your or I probably would not have bought them from a pharmacy near our home on Palm Beach island. And unless we are truly unfortunate our names are not Rush Limbaugh.
But the Mouth of the Airways has the money to hire a high power attorney like Roy Black to help keep his corpulent ass out of the hoosegow.
Call me naive but I have always felt that if one was innocent, there was no need for big bucks representation. In short, the truth shall set you free.
Associated Press writes: "A judge in Palm Beach County has ruled that prosecutors can subpoena Rush Limbaugh's doctors as part an investigation into whether the conservative talk show commentator illegally bought painkillers.
"The judge ruled that Florida laws do not prevent doctors from talking with prosecutors if the information is relevant to the prosecution of a crime. But he notes that laws prohibit the discussion of a patient's medical condition and information disclosed by a patient during treatment."
It has been over a year since Limbaugh admitted his addiction to painkillers. He is still not charged with a crime. I guess a lot of money can KEEP you free.
Marcus [12/13/2005 07:44:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Tuesday, November 22, 2005 ]
Bio Blizzard:David Brock
For some reason, I have been reading a lot of biographies lately. I am wrapping up a history of Warner Communications as told by a 33-year veteran of the company. It's called "Exploding." In my "waiting to be read" pile you'll find a pile of books including Christopher Kennedy Lawford ("Symptoms of Withdrawal"), Tab Hunter ("Confidential") and Paul Lynde ("Center Square").
A few months ago I read David Brock's "Blinded By the Right." I had been a fan of Brock's based on his work for his myth-busting Media Matters and his regular Air America radio appearances with Al Franken on the same subjects.
As I read his book, I felt somewhat sorry for the poor, deluded, once-closeted man who was "blinded by the (ideology of) the Right." But as I read more I grew to dislike him. Within the pages of his book, Brock admitted that he had driven drunk and left the scene of an accident. At that time he had no problem crucifying Anita Hill (of Clarence Thomas infamy) and Hillary Clinton. (He has since made amends to Hill.) He loved the money that the far right paid him as evidenced by his expensive car, his Georgetown digs and his extravagant lifestyle. I see this as blood money.
By the time I finished reading the book I was totally disgusted with Brock. I still feel that way. I do not want HIM representing me as a gay person.
Marcus [11/22/2005 08:56:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Monday, November 21, 2005 ]
When I'm
Pissed Off I Take ...
Fukitol
It's the wonder drug for the new millenia.
For more info, be sure to visit the website by clicking here. You'll be glad you did!
Just say "Fukitol."
Marcus [11/21/2005 08:44:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Sunday, November 20, 2005 ]
They're . . .Coming . . .
OUT! #3
Sixties teen idol Lesley Gore has - finally - come out of the closet. (Why "finally?" She's 59 years of age.)
Yep, the recording artist who scored with such megahits as "It's My Party (I'll Cry If I Want To)"and "You Don't Own Me" told After Ellen, "I have a partner of 23 years and I have a cocker spaniel ... named after Billie Holiday, one of my favorite singers. And I thought, you know, a little gender confusion makes a better person. A little adversity in life at an early age. It’s character building." As for lesbian life back then Gore says, "there was very little acceptance of gay people. I think the record industry, by and large what’s left of it, is still totally homophobic."I think it’s much less so in the film industry now, but the record industry, it’s always been a man’s world. ... I had a conversation just a couple of days ago with Kathleen Hanna of Le Tigre, and she said to me, 'Who were your female mentors?' And I said, Gosh, I didn’t have any. There weren’t any."
Why is it that every article on Gore mentions the two songs above? MY personal fave (as an early teen) was " Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows." It was - and still is - a truly 'feel-good' song. Not familiar with it? Check it out!
Marcus [11/20/2005 10:09:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Saturday, November 19, 2005 ]
Yee-Haw! A Stud FarmFormer "Hollywood Madam" Heidi Fleiss, whose previous career running a call-girl ring landed her in prison, is returning to the world's oldest profession -- to open a Nevada brothel catering to women.
Fleiss said she is taking applications from men seeking to work in what she says will be the world's first licensed brothel catering exclusively to female clients.
"The Hollywood Madam is looking for a few good men out there," she told Reuters in a telephone interview.
Fleiss said she is aiming for an initial stable of about 20 male prostitutes who would charge $250 an hour -- far less, she said, then the fees paid by clients of the call-girl ring she ran a decade ago.
Having, ahem, personal knowledge of the profession and having a lot of friends in the business, at least one important question, er, comes to mind.
Mind you, all the guys I know are gay and service a gay clientele. That might make a little difference.
But Heidi is talking about employing only 20 men in her stable. How many times a day does she think they can rise to the occasion? All the Viagra in the world doesn't help if one's partner is unattractive. The "erection-injection" should not be over-used. You can mess up your moneymaker. Is the guy expected to ejaculate with every client? Doesn't always happen in the real world and is physically impossible for most men to do multiple times per day.
Additionally, the $250 fee seems a little on the low side to me. The average fees for male escorts run from $150 to $250. (You can get real skanks for less. *shudder*) I would think women would need to pay more for "straight" men since they are much less available. Also, if it were MY stable, I would have 20 studs . . . per eight hour shift. Then I'd bring in the next batch. If someone from the first team didn't work earlier, let him stay. It IS survival of the fittest. (Pun most definitely intended.)
With this set up, each guy could make approximately $300 - $350 per day. (Two jobs at $125 each, two $50 tips.) That's for about two hours of actual "work."
No, I have not spent a lot of time thinking about this. I just read the news item and this is all stream-of-
consciousness. Thing is, it is so obvious that it is easy to write about.
I hope it works. That means the concept will be exported elsewhere.
Marcus [11/19/2005 09:10:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Saturday, November 12, 2005 ]
Kutcher Is Cool!Yeah, he may be playing the world's oldest teenager and maybe his MTV show is a little stupid. But Ashton Kutcher DID get the girl in real life.
In real life, he is also a human rights advocate. Who knew? Here is an interesting paragraph from the October issue of OUT Magazine.
Not shy about showing off his goods in front of other guys, Ashton was once an underwear model. Parading around on the catwalk with no more than briefs on takes a lot of cojones, and he concurs: "Believe me, it is hard to look cool in a thong in public."
But in private he once tried on thongs for a Gucci executive "and no one had to tell me he was gay! Hell, I didn't bat an eyelid. I didn't care then and I don't care now."Kutcher is too skinny and hairless for me. I do, however, find what's inside most attractive.
Marcus [11/12/2005 10:31:00 AM] (1) comments
[ Friday, November 11, 2005 ]
They're . . .Coming . . .
OUT! #2
Peter: What was Barbara Streisand's eighth album?
Howard: Color Me Barbra.
Peter: Stud!
Howard: Everybody knows that!
Peter: Everybody where? The little gay bar on the prairie?
(Dialog between Kevin Kline and Tom Selleck in their film "In and Out."
I am thrilled at the number of brave men and women who have decided to come out. The common theme seems to be that previously they were not ready. I am excited that they are now comfortable enough to do so.
From glbtq: Vibraphonist Gary Burton (b. 1943) is a contemporary jazz musician who has publicly come out of the closet. A prominent composer and bandleader, Burton has had an exemplary career working with many of the leading figures in contemporary jazz, such as Stan Getz, George Shearing, Carla Bley, Keith Jarrett, and Pat Metheny. Although married twice, Burton had always known that there was a gay side to his personality. He had gay relationships before and in between each of his marriages.
And from August 25th, 2005 issue of The Advocate: "Vibraphone virtuoso Gary Burton has been a pioneer since his birth in Indiana 62 years ago: He taught himself to play, backed fusion legend Stan Getz, headlined three albums of his own before age 25, gave young Pat Metheny a break in his Burton Quartet, and came out more than 20 years ago--winning four of his five Grammys since then. Now a host on Sirius satellite radio, Burton continues to explore new frontiers with his latest CD, Next Generation, showcasing youthful new talents such as 17-year-old guitar sensation Julian Lage."
More. More. MORE!
Marcus [11/11/2005 08:48:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Thursday, November 10, 2005 ]
They're . . .Coming . . .
OUT! #1
("I want the world to know. I want to let it show" from "I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross.)
What a fertile time period for musicians who are outing themselves. 'Bout time.
As some of you know, I honestly believe that every gay and lesbian person in the world should come out. They will learn that not only is it more comfortable outside the closet, but that there is usually little if any retribution. With only a couple of exceptions (gotta love Mom!) I was generally met with a resounding "So?"
So where are we today? Let's start with the oldest first. One that many not be a surprise to you.
Despite all his success -- don't forget the perennially sold-out Christmas concerts or the internationally syndicated radio show or Saxophonic, the album that caught a Grammy nomination -- Dave Koz felt like there was a piece missing in his particular puzzle. He hadn't come out.
So in April 2004, just two days before his 41st birthday, he did just that.
Dave Koz. Role-model. Brilliant musican. (Handsome guy, too!)
Marcus [11/10/2005 08:40:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Wednesday, November 09, 2005 ]
Jackson U.S. Exile?According to published news reports:
Michael Jackson will come back to the United States, but it's unlikely the King of Pop would ever make it his home again, says his father.
So? Who gives a flying you-know-what? Also, considering that his one-time friends are staying away in droves from his hurricane relief project, maybe Michael finally understands that no one wants to be associated with him.
As a public relations guy, my short advice to MJJ would be to "disappear" for a few years. Then, if he can FINALLY record a killer-thriller album again, attempt a comeback.
Marcus [11/09/2005 08:19:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Tuesday, November 01, 2005 ]
Balls, ButNOT Brains
Sometimes you reluctantly give someone credit for having balls . . . if not brains. In this case, Spokane Mayor Jim West displays MASSIVE orbs. Although bravado alone will not help him prevail.
Here is an excerpt for an October 25th online Advocate column. You can read the entire article here. Read it. There are a lot more details that really spell out the entire scandal.
West says he'll sue newspaper for violation of privacy
"Spokane, Wash., mayor Jim West, facing a recall election over a City Hall sex scandal, says he'll sue The Spokesman-Review newspaper for invasion of privacy.
"The newspaper in May broke stories contending that West trolled a gay online chat room, offering young men city jobs in exchange for sex. Several young gay men told the newspaper they were offered perks, trips, or City Hall jobs and appointments by West, who has said he did nothing illegal. The FBI is investigating whether those offers and appointments constituted an abuse of public office . . .
"Spokesman-Review editor Steve Smith said Friday he doubts West will ever make good on his threat but wishes the mayor would file suit prior to the special election so voters would have more information before making their ballot choice. "We're confident that in any legal action brought by Jim West and anybody else associated with this story...we'll prevail in court on all counts, on all levels," Smith said. "We stand behind our stories without qualification..."
"A lawsuit would allow the newspaper to depose West under oath, Smith said, "so questions he's been ducking for months could be answered in time for the recall election." West said he wants to wait until after the election so the lawsuit won't become an issue that will confuse voters."
What irks me the most about this hypocrite is that, while a practicing homosexual, he frequently opposed gay-friendly legislation. Maybe, after his ass is thrown out of office in the recall election, he'll figure out that all the anti-gay work that he did worked a little too well. That it worked against him.
Couldn't happen to a more deserving guy.
One final thing. This comes courtesy of the Seattle Times last May.
"In the week following the news that the conservative Republican may have molested boys in the '70s and is cruising for barely adult males now, West has transmogrified himself into a gay-pride activist. "I am being destroyed because I am a gay man," West told The Spokesman-Review."
Marcus [11/01/2005 07:35:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Monday, October 31, 2005 ]
Do You Wantto Know a Secret?
How about a whole LOT of secrets? You, my friend, are a prime candidate for www.postsecret.com
Here's how it works. Anonymous people write their secrets on a postcard and mail 'em in. If chosen, it will be posted online.
Some are funny,
Some are thought-provoking,
Some are frightening.
But all are worth your time.
Marcus [10/31/2005 08:33:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Sunday, October 30, 2005 ]
Idiots On Parade #10:"American" Family Association
What sort of sick, twisted mind could POSSIBLY have come up with the following scenario? This is one of the most disgusting things I have ever read. Fortunately, it is SO off the wall that the intended audience of business professionals will ignore it. The scary part is that the intended audience of AFA members will believe every word.
Far-right group accuses Walgreens of spreading HIV
"As a corporate sponsor of next year’s Gay Games, the Walgreens pharmacy chain will profit from numerous HIV infections certain to be acquired at the Chicago event, according to a recent editorial by a member of the notoriously antigay religious group the American Family Association. The
commentary, written by the AFA’s director of special projects, Randy Sharp, and published on the Christian news Web site Agape Press, says, “Historical precedent promises that homosexual encounters will take place by the thousands, in bars, public parks, and shopping mall restrooms.”
"Sharp accused Walgreens, which has donated $100,000 to the Games, of pulling off a marketing coup. “Walgreens must be salivating at the prospect of new customers this will create.... Someone at Walgreens deserves a huge bonus for the idea to increase sales by helping drive events that result in the need for the company’s drugs.”
(MORE)
Words fail me.
Marcus [10/30/2005 09:04:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Saturday, October 29, 2005 ]
Life After WilmaBrief note:
As some of you know I live in Fort Lauderdale. We bore the brunt of Hurricane Wilma. (It went "Bam-Bam!") Phone service was restored just yesterday. We still don't have electricity but we bought a generator in Orlando when we evacuated. Water must be boiled to be potable and there is a nighttime curfew in effect.
More later.
Marcus [10/29/2005 09:47:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Sunday, October 23, 2005 ]
Calling Occupantsof Interplanetary Craft!
With all allowances for my sanity, I am happy to announce that I signed up "The World According to Marcus" for an experiment called "Blog in Space."
I received this particular missive just last night:
"The Blog in Space team is confirming that blog transmission is underway for the third time. This confirms that your blog has been catapulted at ... " (MORE)You can read the entire certificate here. I would like to take exception to one suggestion, however.
"If they ask to be taken to your leader, contact the White House immediately. If you can't get through to the President, ask for the Vice President and follow the line of succession from there."
Sorry, BIS, no can do. Not only is that man not MY leader but he does not possess the cranial matter to handle interplanetary contact. No, I'd chose someone such as Senator Barrack Obama from Illinois. Now THAT man has a developed brain stem!
Now where is my old "Klaatu" album? Gotta have the right background music. "Klaatu barada nikto."
Marcus [10/23/2005 08:25:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Saturday, October 22, 2005 ]
Stoopid Survey #2I may have have to use the iWon.com survey question as a regular resource. One can tell when they can't think of anything clever to write or just don't care. Like today, maybe?
The latest edition of baseball’s Fall Classic gets underway tonight as the Houston Astros take on the Chicago White Sox in the first game of the 2005 World Series.
Who are you rooting for in the World Series?
Astros -- Any team named after beer (Stroh's) is good enough for me!
NE Patriots -- Brady can win ANY thing - even games he's not playing!
I'll watch it - but I don't have a favorite -- My Barcalounger faces the TV, there is a mini-fridge with lotsa cold ones in it right beside and the missus knows to keep the chip bowl full. What do I care who's playing or what games it is? {bbbbrrrrraaaaapppPPPHHHH!}
I have no interest in the Series -- My television, if even on, is always tuned to PBS.
I'm not sure -- What SPORT is the "Series" anyway? Is there a TV poker version of it I can catch instead?
Marcus [10/22/2005 08:44:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Friday, October 21, 2005 ]
Stoopid Survey #1Many websites feature some form of a daily survey on them. I guess it's a great way to fill space, no matter HOW unscientific they are.
I'm not going to lock myself into a daily routine (that would make me like them then, wouldn't it?). But every now and then, you will find something like the one below. This question is a version of one posted on iwon.com today.
"Are you in favor of simplifying the federal income tax code if it means that popular deducations and credits might be eliminated?"
Yes! -- I don't mind paying my fair share of taxes but the current forms are unreadable!
No! -- Simplify?! And put all those tax preparers out of business?
I Don't Know. -- In fact, just thinking about this is making my head hurt.
Marcus [10/21/2005 09:15:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Wednesday, October 19, 2005 ]
Lies and the Lying Liars . . . (Thanks, Al!)Anyone who knows me personally knows that I abhor liars. I suspect that readers of this blog have also figured that out. Liars take many forms. There are are pathological types who lie when the truth would suit better. Some people compound lie after lie and forget what they previously said.
I also believe in certain rules of behavior in life. For example, hubby and I just bought a new vehicle with 31 miles on it. I am NOT one of those rude bastards who will park diagonally over two spaces so that it doesn't get scratched. I will park at the far end of the lot and walk - and accomplish the same goal. Get the picture? Add to the mix that I have difficulty walking - yet I still refuse to park illegally.
Now let's jump forward (pun intended) to Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise. In the not too distant past Ms. Holmes told everyone she’s still a virgin and will stay that way until her wedding night. But now we understand that she is with child? Miraculous conception? (I guess if we are assuming TC is the daddy, it WOULD be a miracle.) Talk amongst yourselves.
Talk about this as well. A New Zealand-based website that says it is devoted to "exposing Tom Cruise's moronic behavior in his relentless crusade to promote the Church of Scientology" has been ordered by church lawyers to stop using the domain name www.scienTOMogy.info.
The reason: Web surfers might confuse it with the real thing.
Gee. They must think ScienTOLogists are more stupid than even *I* think they are. And that's pretty bloody stoopid.
(Check out ScienTOMogists It's a hoot!)
Marcus [10/19/2005 05:05:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Saturday, October 15, 2005 ]
I See London, I See France...
...I See Saddam's UNDERpants!
Marcus [10/15/2005 10:30:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Thursday, October 13, 2005 ]
Skin and SkivviesSpurt from the Start(ing Line)
How could I NOT post this pic? For the record, I'll take the hairy daddy on the right with the cap and sunglasses. For the rest of the record, this photo was taken at the ninth annual Underpants Run, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2005, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Giving credit where credit is due, thanks to AP for use of the photo. Read the entire story HERE.Marcus [10/13/2005 10:30:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Tuesday, October 11, 2005 ]
“Act Like You’veBeen There Before”
Sports has not been a huge topic of interest on this blog. Not because I don't like sports. In fact, I love sports. Although I play a little, my favorites are the pros, in this order: Baseball, football, hockey and basketball.
I moved from Boston to south Florida for a long time so like a good local I cheer for my hometown teams. I still hold a deep place in my heart for my beloved Red Sox, though. If or when they are eliminated, the beaseball season is over for me.
Unlike last season, the Dolphins have a pulse this year and the Panthers have come out of the box strong. With all the improvements they have made, the Heat should at least make the finals, if not take the whole thing.
Ahem.
There is one thing about football that annoys the piss out of me. It is a penalty situation but it is rarely called. Even if it is, the consequences are relatively minor.
I am referring to excessive celebration after scoring a touchdown. No player names will be mentioned here because I refuse to glorify them but you will know who most are.
I personally do not understand all the booty-shaking and fist-waving and chest-puffing and all the rest some players do. (Some of these "men" look like little girls doing the Tarentella out there. Doesn't anyone tell them how stupid and chilodish they look?!) Spike the ball and get back to your bench. Kicking things up several notches is the player who hid a Sharpie pen in his sock, autographed the ball and gave it to a fan. Another time he hid a cellphone in the goal post so he alledgedly could call his mom with the good news.
Do we need "goal post police"?
Legendary coach Bear Bryant said it best: "Act as if you have been there before."
Or, in other words: "Oh look. I have caught another touchdown. Ho-hum. This is becoming a regular thing, isn't it."
Marcus [10/11/2005 08:38:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Sunday, October 09, 2005 ]
@#$% and&^%* and,
Oh Yeah: !&#$
ProfaniWiki is a website including damn near every cuss word I have ever heard - and many that I have never encountered. To say that it is comprehensive would be an understatement.
I endeavor to keep "TWATM" PG-rated. So here is a small excert of some of the words you will find on ProfaniWiki. You will have to go to the site and click on the words for the definitions. (Imagine. I am finally showing some restraint. Must be my age.)
Badly made kebab
Badly packed bacon sandwich
Ball rind
Bancroft
Bandido
Baps
Barber's Pole
Barclays
Barking Spider
Barlow
Barse
Bashing the Bishop
Bastard
Batty boy
Bawbag
Bean twiddler
Bearded Clam
Beast
Beast with two backs
There you go. Just enough to whet your, er, appetites.
BONUS POINTS: If you think ProfaniWiki resembles Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia that anyone can edit, you are correct - AND a web nerd.
Marcus [10/09/2005 02:52:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Saturday, October 08, 2005 ]
A "Sense-ible" Experiment:Please Click Through
Since the inception of this blog nearly three years ago, I have personally absorbed all associated expenses. Quite frankly, they are minimal but they do exist.
So I was interested when Google announced a new program for bloggers called "AdSense." The short explanation is that I will receive a modest amount of money for each click-through. Here's how Google explains it. I am reprinting this paragraph because there is a fascinating sentence in there.
"Earn more revenue from your website, while providing visitors with a more rewarding online experience. Google AdSense™ automatically delivers text and image ads that are precisely targeted to your site and your site content — ads so well-matched, in fact, that your readers will actually find them useful. And when you add Google WebSearch to your site, AdSense delivers targeted ads to your search results pages too. With AdSense you earn more ad revenue with minimal effort — and no additional cost."
Here are a couple of ads I just copied from my blog:
Google's promo says "delivers text and image ads that are precisely targeted to your site and your site content." REALLY?! Pro-Bush promos when I am a lifelong Democrat? Bush promos on a site where I continually refer to him as "the Shrub" and insist that Karl Rove is "Bush's brain?!"President George W Bush
Free to Join.
1000's of pictures of
Beautiful Republican Singles
George W. Bush
Are You Happy Bush Won?
Cast Your Vote and
Get $250 at Starbucks
Even better was the day when I posted my comments on the homophobic Jamaican dancehall performers. There was a promo for music by the very same individuals!
I know that no one personally chooses which promos go where, that they are instead chosen by spiders and keywords. This is just silly, however. My readers aren't looking for "1000's of pictures of Beautiful Republican Singles." (At least that's what I divine from my mailbag.)
I haven't written to Google yet but I might. This experiment isn't going to do me any good if the ads are not attractive to my readers.
But in the meantime, do me a favor: Please click on the ads. Let's see what happens!
Marcus [10/08/2005 04:01:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Friday, October 07, 2005 ]
I LOVE Judge Judy!The "Judge Judy" TV show has been a guilty pleasure of mine for several years now, almost as long as it has been broadcast. I have one TV and VCR in my home set to tape the show daily. That way I can watch it, without commercials, at my pleasure.
When I speak with others about the show, the common denominator of love is that Judy gets to speak her mind. Her old favorite was to wipe her hand across her forehead and ask a plaintive "Does it say STUPID" across here?"
I have also read a couple of her books, including "Don't Pee On My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining" and "Keep It Simple, Stupid."
One show that I particularly DON'T like is CNN's "Larry King Live." King has access to some of the most important people in the world. Yet, when they appear with him, he lobs friendly little marshmallow questions to them instead of hardballs.
I was watching "Anderson Cooper 360" the other evening and noted that Judy was scheduled to be King's guest. Judge Judy is smart enough to run circles around King and thus made it an interesting interview.
One thing she said stuck in my mind. I can't recall the exact quote but you'll get the idea.
Larry asked her how she felt about gay marriage. Judy replied that with all the real problems in the world, don't we have more important things to worry about? She said that if two people would like to be referred to as "married" instead of in a "civil union," so what? She went on to say that if a couple loves each other and wants to set up a household, whose business is it?
I LOVE Judge Judy!
Marcus [10/07/2005 09:45:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Thursday, October 06, 2005 ]
Miers is NOTthe Shrub's Real Choice!
I have a theory. The Bush boy is not clever enough to have devised this plan by himself - but Karl Rove is.
The Miers nomination is nothing more than a smoke screen. She has been offered up to fail. The White House knows that she will not pass muster. She's not even a @%#$ing JUDGE, ferchrissakes! She is personal counsel to the unelected President. She would have to recuse herself from many, many cases.
The next nominee will be the one who Shrubbie really wants. He can pout "oh, you mean Democrats. You won't affirm ANYone I nominate." That was he can put the screws on to approve the next person.
I honestly believe this - and I am NOT a conspiracy-minded kinda guy.
(What I can't believe is that I wrote an entire piece on Miers without pointing out her resemblance to a vampire.)
Marcus [10/06/2005 09:45:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Wednesday, October 05, 2005 ]
That Was ThenThis Is Now
That was then . . .
We've got a question for Florida Governor Jeb Bush: It's 10 p.m., do you know where your children are? Well, at that time on October 7, 2000 Bush's 16-year-old son John (aka Jebby, if you can believe it) was getting busy in a Jeep Cherokee in the parking lot of a Tallahassee mall. As this police report notes, a pair of nosy rent-a-cops caught Bush and a 17-year-old female companion fogging the car's windows--both were naked from the waist down, save Jebby's socks. The underage lovebirds were not charged, though officers made sure to note "the political ties of subject #1."
By the way, Jebby's studly big bro George is also a criminal wannabe. "George P. Bush might be a hunkalicious young Republican, but he still seems a bit creepy. So The Smoking Gun wasn't too surprised to learn that "P" was involved in a troubling 1994 incident described in this Metro-Dade Police Department report. On December 31, 1994, Bush showed up at 4 AM at the Miami home of a former girlfriend. He proceeded to break into the house via the woman's bedroom window, and then began arguing with his ex's father. Bush, then a Rice University student, soon fled the scene. But he returned 20 minutes later to drive his Ford Explorer across the home's front lawn, leaving wide swaths of burned grass in his wake. Young Bush avoided arrest when the victims declined to press charges."
Hmmm. I wonder how much it cost the Bush family to get charges dropped. More than the cost of landscaping, I'm sure.
This is now . . .
"One of President George W. Bush's nephews -- the youngest son of Florida Governor Jeb Bush--was arrested early today and charged with public drunkenness and resisting arrest. John Ellis Bush, 21, was nabbed at 2:30 AM by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents in Austin (Jeb Jr.'s street corner arrest came in one of the capital's popular bar districts). According to the below arrest warrant, filed with the Travis County Municipal Court, an intoxicated Bush, "continually pushed against this officer and struggled as I attempted to handcuff him." After about four hours in custody, Bush was released on $2500 bond for the resisting count (the intox charge was covered by a personal recognizance bond)."
The apple doesn't fall far from the, er, Shrub.
Jeb has political aspirations. Hah! After the mess his big brother has made and considering his inability to parent his own kids, I seriously doubt that will happen.
Remember Noelle, the Xanax queen? Hopefully voters will remember Jeb's whole twisted family.
"Noelle Bush, the 24-year-old daughter of Florida Governor Jeb Bush, was arrested and charged with trying to fill a false prescription at a Tallahassee pharmacy. With Uncle George preparing to deliver his first State of the Union address tonight, Noelle got nabbed trying to illegally score a Xanax 'scrip at a Walgreens. She was charged with fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance and released pending a court appearance."
Marcus [10/05/2005 01:58:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Monday, October 03, 2005 ]
Shouldn't a JusticeBe a JUDGE First?
Some news or political items are left unblogged here for various reasons. Mostly, there are simply too many things to cover so I chose the ones of interest to me. Some speak for themselves. (Tom DeLay, anyone?) Some are so outrageous that they demand attention.
White House counsel Harriet Miers has no judicial record. None. Zero. Zippo. Nada.
Does this make sense to ANYone other than the Shrub? Maybe the answer lies herein:
Dismissing Democratic charges of cronyism, Baby Bush said: "I picked the best person I could find. People know we're close." Bush has known Miers for more than 10 years, first as his personal lawyer and most recently as a White House counsel.
Real judges should be insulted that someone with no bench experience is considered better than they are.
Here's another clue. Keep in mind that Sandra Day O'Connor has been the swing vote on the Supreme Court, a true free thinker.
"I've known (Miers) long enough to know she's not going to change, that 20 years from now she will be the same person with the same judicial philosophy she has today," Bush said. "She'll have more experience. She'll have been a judge, but nevertheless the philosophy won't change, and that's important to me."
It never fails to amaze me when a politician can stare into a camera and lie, lie, lie - with a straight face. On the infrequent occasions when they are challenged on their BS, the individual will tell a BIGGER whopper. (And I am definitely talking about DeLay now.)
I'll be out of the country for a couple of weeks around late October/early November. I should have some opportunity to blog from the road. Hopefully the R & R from all this nonsense will do me some good.
I have a LOW tolerance level for BS.
Marcus [10/03/2005 09:50:00 AM] (0) comments
[ Sunday, October 02, 2005 ]
It's Right at the Tip of My FingersSnap!
That's the name of the homophobic one-hit wonders who fell into it with (I've Got) The Power."
Anybody heard from them lately? Other than their creditors, that is? (Slap!)
Marcus [10/02/2005 10:02:00 PM] (0) comments
[ Saturday, October 01, 2005 ]
NOW Who's "Got the Power?"Amazing how the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Years ago, a r&b/dance act the name of which I forget had a hit song called "The Power." (Most folks think it's called "I've Got the Power" but it's not. A clip from the tune is now being used to sell batteries on TV commercials.
The act had been booked into a Boston nightclub. It wasn't until the afternoon of the show that they learned that it was a - horrors! - gay club. One of the boys in the band beat up the club mananger. (Guess that showed HIM what a man he was.)
The same group was scheduled for an interview session on a local FM station and a club gig here in south Florida. I was outraged. I was on the Pride Committee at the time and called the programming manager at the radio station. I won't name him or the station because he is gay.
Long story short, he believed me, did a little research and dropped the boys radio appearance. NOW who's got the power?!
This was a one-hit wonder situation and the group hasn't been heard from since. (Someone will recall its name and write to me.
Today, someone is finally doing something about the hateful, inciteful and homophobic song lyrics from popular Jamaican dancehall artists.
What's the problem? I'll let Scotland Yard tell you:
"Scotland Yard say that a number of reggae artists may be committing hate crimes in the way homosexuality is handled in their songs.Now for the good stuff.
"The diversity unit at Scotland Yard suggest that there is a case to answer with regard to offences and are recommending that the CPS look at putting a case together - and have suggested a wide range of people who should be taken in as a result.
"Detective Chief Inspector Clive Driscoll of the Diversity Directorate at New Scotland Yard has told OutRage!: “The transcript of the CD, in my opinion, does show offences”.
"The three singers under investigation are Elephant Man, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man. Their songs variously urge the shooting, burning and drowning of gay people. (Emphasis mine.) All three singers are Jamaican but their records are widely distributed in the UK and other countries."
(Read more here.)
A Jamaican judge has ordered Reggae star Buju Banton to stand trial for his alleged role in an attack on six gay men. Banton, 31, and Horace Hill earlier pleaded not guilty to beating the men at a Kingston, Jamaica, house in June 2004.
Fans gathered outside the courthouse Friday, cheering the dancehall star and blasting a recording of "Boom Bye Bye," his song the gay community claims incites violence against homosexuals, the Jamaican Observer reported Saturday. These people would probably have been cheering for Scott Peterson as well.
Sample lyrics:
Boom bye bye to a sound bwoy in
The shot ti fly now that sound bwoy lie dead
Two shots dead to dem chin, enemy or friend
Fake the funk, I put the junk to a muthaf**kin end
Not only is he a real sweeheart, but Banton is a natural born poet as well, eh? Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is free on $50,000 bail pending his trial Oct. 19.
International gay rights groups are paying close attention to the case. Banton is among eight Jamaican dancehall artists who have been targeted by gay rights groups in the United States and Europe for their homophobic lyrics. Both countries have been sucessful in preventing concerts from these "artists."
This blog will keep you updated. Let's hope that this will not turn into another case of "checkbook justice," mon.
Marcus [10/01/2005 09:38:00 AM] (0) comments
