Jericho's Doghouse

Photos from the Signing Ceremony

2007-05-15T07:50:00.000-06:00

Yep, that's John shaking hands with the governor of Oregon,
Ted Kulongoski.

Car-Free, Day 1

2007-05-10T11:55:00.000-06:00

It is with a heavy heart that I write of the passing of Beatrice, a Great Lady and a Reliable Automobile. Beatrice was, as you may have previously read, my Subaru station wagon and primary transportation for the past 12 years. She was well over the 200,000 mile mark. It was her Time.

Wednesday was my first day living car-free. I am already accustomed to traveling on Denver's public transit, but have always considered it an inconvenient alternative to simply driving my way around town. I managed to get to work in the morning, lunch at Chipotle, shop at Tattered Cover, and finally a jaunt to the Denver Public Library Central Branch (where I checked out this book) — all via bus, light rail, and 16th St. shuttle. Having my school RTD pass was a godsend!

I can't honestly say how long this lifestyle will last. I hope to spend most of June in Portland with John, so the soonest I might look into finding a new car will be July. If I'm feeling REALLY confident getting around Denver on my own reconnaissance by then, maybe I'll decide to remain car-free until I move to Portland full-time next year.

Good work in Oregon

2007-05-10T08:14:00.000-06:00

Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski Signs
Basic Fairness Legislation: House Bill 2007 and Senate Bill 2

Kulongoski answers moral call to treat all Oregonians with fairness and dignity, to provide Oregon families with needed rights and responsibilities in times of crisis
(Salem, Oregon) This morning, in a public ceremony attended by well over 100 citizens and legislators, Governor Ted Kulongoski signed two bills into law ensuring that all Oregon families are treated with basic fairness and that all Oregonians can live and work free from the sting of discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.

In a passionate speech at the signing ceremony, Basic Rights Oregon's Executive Director John Hummel told the crowd, "Our hope is simple. It is for the day when Oregon families will no longer be forced into uncertainty in times of crisis, and when no Oregonian will be fired from their job, denied housing or denied an education--simply because of who they are or who they love. Today marks a moment in time when Oregonians proudly made hope a reality, and created a fairer, more equal Oregon."

House Bill 2007, the Oregon Family Fairness Act, creates legal recognition for same-sex couples and their families through Domestic Partnerships. These Domestic Partnerships provide some, but not all, of the protections, rights, and responsibilities afforded to straight couples through marriage contract. It is different from marriage in several important ways, including the lack of portability to other states and lack of more than 1100 federal rights like Social Security survivor benefits.

"This pro-family bill will bolster family security, by providing critical protections in times of crisis," said Hummel. "It is a tremendous step toward equality."

Senate Bill 2 outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation in areas such as employment, housing, public accommodation, public education and public services. Religious employers, organizations and institutions are exempt.

"After 34 years of working to end discrimination, this law was long overdue." commented Hummel. "The Oregon Equality Act creates uniform law across Oregon so that protection from discrimination doesn't depend on one's zip code and the rules for employers, landlords and business owners are clear and consistent."

The passage of these bills carries national implications as well. According to an analysis released today by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, recent passage of anti-discrimination legislation in four new states, including Oregon, has resulted in "the percentage of the U.S. population living in a jurisdiction protecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people from discrimination [to] rise to 52 percent, crossing the halfway mark for the first time."

The study also noted that "Five years ago (in 2002) just one state, Vermont with 0.2 percent of the [U.S.] population, offered broad protections to same-sex couples. When the bills passed this session take effect, seven states (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon and Vermont), with 20 percent of the population, will offer broad protections to same-sex couples."

Responded Hummel to the Task Force study, "Once again Oregon is a national leader in providing basic fairness to all its families. Today is a proud day to be an Oregonian."

Basic Rights Oregon

2007-05-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

Basic Rights Oregon is very pleased to announce that John Hummel will be joining our staff as Executive Director!

We deeply appreciate all of the input we received from BRO supporters throughout our search process, and we are confident that our extensive search has allowed us to find the right person to lead Basic Rights Oregon. John is a passionate advocate for the GLBT community and is equally passionate about the specific political, organizing and advocacy work of Basic Rights Oregon.

John has a long history of commitment to the GLBT community. He became actively involved with the GLBT civil rights movement in his native state Idaho. He was the first openly gay attorney in the state. Hummel helped organize Idaho's first gay pride and activist organization, Your Family, Friends & Neighbors (YFFN). YFFN produced Boise's first public pride celebration in 1990. Hummel served as president of YFFN and the Idaho AIDS Foundation, and was active as a cooperating attorney for the Idaho ACLU.

YFFN activists became the nucleus of the No On One Coalition, the campaign that defeated Idaho's statewide anti-gay ballot initiative, Proposition One, in 1994. Hummel served on the staff of the No On One Coalition, and his companion Brian Bergquist, who died in 1998, served as the campaign's chairperson.

John is currently the legal director of The Center's Legal Initiatives Project (CLIP). CLIP is the legal services outreach program of The Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Colorado, Inc., based in Denver. Its mission is to promote the equality, dignity, and human rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people, and those with HIV and AIDS.

John and his partner Ben Riggs will be moving to Oregon in May, and John will officially join the Basic Rights Oregon team on May 7th. At that time there will be opportunities to meet John through community meetings.

Sincerely,
Jim Morris & Cris Land
Board Co-Chairs
Basic Rights Oregon

News from The Center

2006-09-15T09:48:00.000-06:00

Although it's been some time since my last post, I can think of no better way to return than to share some of John's recent good news. The Associated Press picked up John's press release yesterday (full text below), and their story has been posted on over 85 newspaper sites this morning.

***************
The State of Colorado has ruled that the firing of a transgender woman was illegal sex discrimination.

In a first-of-its-kind ruling for Colorado, the state’s fair employment practices agency has ruled that Intermountain Testing Company (ITC) of Greenwood Village discriminated against Danielle Cornwell, a transgender woman, on the basis of her sex.

(Denver, Colorado, September 14, 2006) — The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) has issued a “probable cause” finding that Intermountain Testing Company (ITC) illegally discriminated against its transgender employee, Danielle Cornwell, on the basis of sex when it fired her.

“This finding is a great step forward, not only for Ms. Cornwell, but for all transgender victims of discrimination in Colorado,” said one of Cornwell’s attorneys, Mari Newman of the Denver civil rights firm Killmer, Lane & Newman, LLP.

Cornwell, a resident of Arvada, was known for most of her life as David. In June 2005, Cornwell informed ITC that she was a transgender woman and would begin transitioning to the female gender, which would include wearing female clothing and going by the name “Danielle.” Only a month later, ITC terminated Cornwell's employment.

ITC, based in Greenwood Village, is in the business of providing testing services to the construction and manufacturing industries. Cornwell had worked as a radiographer and testing technician for ITC for over 15 years, since 1990.

CCRD concluded that ITC's alleged reason for terminating Cornwell, "lack of work," was not credible but rather a pretext for unlawful sex discrimination. CCRD found that Cornwell was one of the most senior and experienced employees of the company, had a satisfactory job performance, and was the only female technician, while much less senior and less qualified male employees kept their jobs.

“ITC’s decision to fire Ms. Cornwell was sex discrimination, pure and simple,” according to CLIP Cooperating Attorney Mari Newman. “The company was happy to employ Ms. Cornwell as a man doing what it considered to be a ‘man’s job.’ When Ms. Cornwell became a woman, however, the company was no longer willing to allow her to continue the work she had been performing successfully for years as a man.”

Danielle Cornwell expressed gratitude that CCRD has found that ITC had discriminated against her as a woman. “I’ve worked hard all of my life. My work and my abilities did not change along with my gender.”

CLIP Legal Director John Hummel is representing Cornwell with Newman. He added, “We are delighted that CCRD has recognized that transgender employees are entitled to protection under the sex discrimination laws as all other men and women. This ruling follows in the footsteps of similar rulings from other states, and demonstrates Colorado’s clear understanding that discrimination against transgender people is intolerable.”

ITC and Cornwell are now scheduled to participate in a mandatory “conciliation” meeting to attempt to resolve the complaint. The meeting is scheduled at CCRD in early October.

The case is entitled “Danielle Cornwell v. Intermountain Testing Company, Inc.,” Colorado Civil Rights Division (2006). A copy of CCRD’s probable cause determination in Cornwell’s case may be obtained through The Center’s website at www.glbtcolorado.org.

There and back again

2006-07-10T13:49:00.000-06:00

There's nothing quite like a ten-day road trip to make one appreciate the quiet domesticity of home! John and I returned to Denver late Saturday evening, after 14 hours on the road from Boise. Gabby the Dog-sitter and Jericho the Dog greeted us warmly, though we were both too bleary-eyed from driving to be very good company.

Our travels began ten days earlier with an overnight stay at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs, CO (see my previous post). These hot springs are gorgeous and inviting; a highly recommended getaway only three hours drive from Denver! From Steamboat we traveled through rural Colorado and Utah to Salt Lake City, where we stayed at the Hotel Monaco. Our favorite convenience stores along this drive had names like "Kum & Go" and "Loaf 'N Jug", which kept the two of us giggling well into Utah.

The best reason to visit Salt Lake City, as it turns out, is the incredible Sam Weller's Zion Bookstore. While I certainly loves me some Tattered Cover, Sam Weller kicks TC's literary ass. I could have browsed used books all day, but John had us on a tight schedule. We only had a few hours to make the drive to Jerome, ID, and the evening Vespers service at the Monastery of the Ascension.

From Jerome we traveled through the Ketchum/Sun Valley resort town (where we had a delicious breakfast at The Kneadery) to Stanley, where we stayed the next several days with John's family. We passed the time reading by the Salmon River, visiting with family, swimming (in John's case) in Stanley Lake, attending the local 4th of July Parade, and playing cards. John's extended family has an obsession with Liverpool Rummy, an extremely addictive pastime of which I am the newest convert.

Our trip concluded with several days in John's hometown of Boise, ID. John and I stayed with his parents in their beautiful home, which John's father designed fifty years ago. Until moving to Denver in 2004, John had spent his entire life and career in Boise, so it really shouldn't have surprised me that John was approached by friends and admirers nearly everywhere we went. This was particularly evident at the Flying M Coffee House, John's favorite place for strong coffee, funky art, and WiFi access. Boise is truly a beautiful town -- I look forward to my next visit!

Click here to see the "best of" photos from our Road Trip 2006.

John & Co.

2006-07-10T13:43:00.000-06:00

Will, Staci, Berta, Mary, John & Lori

Friday, July 7, 2006

Color & light

2006-07-10T12:07:00.000-06:00

On our last day in Boise, John's father Charles gave us a tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. John grew up attending St. John's, as well as the adjoining St. Joseph's Catholic School. John's great-grandfather was the architect who designed St. John's Cathedral in the early 1900s.

As you can see from my photos, I have a distinct fascination with stained-glass windows. The windows of St. John's tell the story of Christ's life, from Annunciation to Ascension. There are also several representations of saints, my favorite being the glorious St. Cecilia window positioned dramatically behind the organ (the instrument she presumably invented).

Stanley Lake

2006-07-07T14:57:00.000-06:00

This photo of me & John was taken at Stanley Lake on July 3. We've since traveled to Boise, where John has been showing me around the city and introducing me to his Idaho friends. Tomorrow is our travel-home day -- 13 long hours of driving; wish us luck!

Brothers and sisters

2006-07-03T15:01:00.000-06:00

Here's a photo of John and his sister Kay. The shot was taken outside our cabin in Stanley, ID, beside the Salmon River.

Strawberry Park

2006-07-01T11:14:00.000-06:00

John & I began our road trip to Idaho last Thursday afternoon. We traveled as far as Steamboat Springs, CO, where we spent the night in a rustic cabin at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. We soaked in the hot pools for hours before turning in -- it's hard to imagine a more relaxing, luxurious way to begin our trip!

See John's slideshow of photos from our stay at Strawberry Park.

This old Apple

2006-05-31T09:23:00.000-06:00

I've been looking for ideas for putting my old G3 Tower to good use. (via Boing Boing)

Running with Autograph Hounds

2006-05-19T08:54:00.000-06:00

Two days ago John and I attended a reading and book-signing by Augusten Burroughs, one of John's all-time favorite authors. Augusten was promoting his new book, Possible Side Effects, but is probably most well-known for Running with Scissors (the movie adaptation of which will be out this fall, starring Annette Benning, directed by Nip/Tuck's Ryan Murphy... not that I'm excited or anything).

As you can see, Augusten's fashion sense is pretty laid back, so he fits into the Denver scene flawlessly. After he read an excerpt from his new book (15 rather tedious minutes), Augusten took Q&A for the rest of the presentation (45 really entertaining and informative minutes). Many of the questions centered around his Recovery, his writing style, and his new movie (!!! so excited !!!) -- I was SO proud of John, who asked Augusten if he ever missed the advertising business, his pre-writing career in NYC.

Augusten had some insightful tips for aspiring writers. The first tip is a bit stock, but appropriate: write every day, no matter what you write. This is such a simple, obvious piece of advice, yet is perhaps the hardest discipline yourself. Augusten's second suggestion: read, read, read; in particular, read books that are challenging. In my own experience, if a book is tough to get through, I usually QUIT half-way through -- I mean, why not? My free time is valuable, after all. Augusten encourages perseverance with the difficult books -- reading a book outside your usual interests will broaden your range and stimulate your writing.

If you've never read Augusten Burroughs, John recommends Running with Scissors. That's where I'll start.

Cabin with a View

2006-05-02T16:23:00.000-06:00

John & I officially had a GREAT time in Estes this weekend, but are both happy to be home. (Although, as I type this post, the neighborhood is a bit noisy -- have I mentioned that our new neighborhood can get a little noisy? From time to time?)

Here are a few more trip photos, beginning with three taken from our cabin's front porch. I really should have insisted on a better view...

John & me, also on the front porch...

Finally, here I am, hard at work, chained to the piano bench for hours at a time...

The chorus members have a very high opinion of me (according the sign on the piano). Speaking of the piano, have you ever SEEN such a fine instrument?

Dinner at the Dunraven

2006-04-28T18:53:00.000-06:00

John and I are in Estes Park for the weekend at the YMCA of the Rockies. It's a work weekend for me, as I am accompanying a Denver choir on their spring rehearsal retreat. We just had dinner at the Dunraven Inn and are now checking out the surprisingly zippy wireless internet at the Y's main administrative building.

When we checked into our cabin, we were very pleased to see that there were Bibles in each room and a copy of The Lord's Prayer on the bed...

Obviously this is to discourage any immorality during our stay.

Here's a nice pic of John, Mark & Michael (Mark's BF) outside the Dunraven Inn...

News from Wheaton

2006-04-21T14:13:00.000-06:00

The Chicago Tribune today published Healing message for gays: Bus tour stirs debate at Wheaton College by Trib staff reporter Meg McSherry Breslin. Here is an excerpt from the article:

In the spirit of "freedom riders" who boarded buses to protest segregation during the 1960s civil rights movement, Reitan gathered predominantly gay and lesbian Christians to visit students on Christian campuses. The 33 activists, current college students or recent graduates, began the bus ride in March and will conclude the tour by month's end.... Knowing that the riders were coming to campus with or without their blessing, Wheaton officials decided to welcome them, said Wheaton Provost Stanton Jones.

Throughout the day Thursday, riders shared their own stories and led small group discussions outside a student cafeteria with students talking about Bible passages and the reasons behind their long-held Christian beliefs. Although many Wheaton students said they felt homosexuality was immoral, they welcomed the Equality Riders visit. Some said they knew of homosexual classmates struggling over their sexual identity....

The college's decision to allow dialogue surprised and pleased Wheaton alumnus Jay Johnson, who joined the riders on the Wheaton campus in support of their efforts. Johnson, who graduated from Wheaton in 1983, said he had to enter counseling as a condition of his continued enrollment after a roommate outed him as a homosexual. The counseling--aimed at getting him to deny his homosexuality--did damage that took years to overcome, Johnson said.

"It reinforces this notion that there's something wrong with you, and it further reinforces the fear and isolation you feel," said Johnson, now an ordained Episcopal priest and the director of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif.

Last year, I had the opportunity to reunite with one of my old Wheaton College roommates who shared with me his own experience of the counseling that Jay Johnson describes above. My former roommate wasn't my only college friend in ex-gay counseling at Wheaton: he confirmed several other participants, one of whose heterosexual wedding occurred two years ago (I know, because I was the wedding soloist!) Neither of my two friends escaped this experience unscarred; one fights bitterness toward his oppressive fundamentalist past, while the other embraces the fundamentalist expectations of wife and children (even though he is undeniably homosexual).

My experience at Wheaton was quite different; I have nothing but positive memories associated with my undergrad in the Wheaton College Conservatory. Of course, I wasn't dealing with the overwhelming emotions of coming out. In hindsight, my self-imposed Closet served to insulate me from institution-enforced counseling/brainwashing.

I'm heartened to read that Wheaton has engaged in conversation with the Equality Riders (rather than arresting them, which occurred at Liberty and Brigham Young Universities) -- maybe there's change in air at Wheaton College.

A homophobic email from Wheaton College

2006-04-19T08:12:00.000-06:00

This morning I received an email "prayer request" from my alma mater Wheaton College:

I write to ask you for your prayers.

On Thursday and Friday of this week we will be visited by a group of homosexual activists traveling on a bus tour across the United States to various Christian college campuses. Their agenda is to draw negative media attention to institutions who maintain an historic biblical stand on the issue of homosexuality. This, of course, Wheaton does. (See Wheaton's Community Covenant) Hence our place on their list of targeted institutions.

We did not invite these visitors to our campus. But since they are intent on coming anyway, we decided to make a virtue out of a necessity by turning their coming into a teaching opportunity for our students. Given the ongoing changes in our culture, today’s students are potentially facing a lifetime of confrontations over the issue of homosexuality. What should be their Christian response? We have endeavored to prepare our students to respond to these visitors with the biblical balance captured in the injunction to “speak the truth in love.”

Wheaton’s provost, Dr. Stan Jones, a psychologist who has done extensive work in the area of human sexuality, has prepared a biblical rebuttal to the false teaching of this group. (See “CACE Resources on Homosexuality”) These and other written materials, along with various scheduled meetings and chapels, have been devoted to helping our students understand the many issues and shape a balanced Christian response. This process has been highly educational for all involved.

After this event is over, we will let you know how it went. In the meantime, please pray for us, asking that God will be glorified, His truth will be upheld with grace and humility, and our Christian witness to a watching world will be an effective one.

Thank you.

Duane Litfin
President
Wheaton College

Procrasti-posting

2006-04-15T10:30:00.000-06:00

Spell with Flickr (via Lifehacker)

Easter brunch, anyone?

2006-04-13T09:23:00.000-06:00

via Boing Boing

Scavenging

2006-03-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that I spent the entire day playing with my new MacBook Pro, but sadly, I've still been moving. Although it's been a week since the actual movers moved my bed and TV and a few boxes of books (and ALL of John's stuff -- which was very wise, as it turns out), I'm still cleaning out closets, drawers, storage rooms, etc.

It's amazing the strange stuff you find when you're going through boxes you haven't seen in, well, years. Today I found:

A rumpled stole (from a Wellshire choir robe)
$38 in fives in ones, stuffed into a folded piece of paper
A charcoal drawing I purchased in Venice (rolled, but in great shape -- must frame!)
A green "Wheaton College Conservatory" sweatshirt
Previously "lost" snapshots of my graduating class at the Conserve
My passport (why was it in the box? who knows.)

Providence

2006-03-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is a post from the "exciting news" department.

It's sometimes hard for me to believe that I work for an organization that actually appreciates the work that I do. Especially when said organization is a CHURCH. It's no secret that I've been burned by churches in the past (one in particular), but honestly, is there anyone out there who HASN'T? I can hear my former roommate Mark saying, "Jericho, bitter really isn't a good color on you."

My current employing organization truly appreciates me. Case in point: I'm writing this post on my brand spankin' new MacBook Pro, complete with iSight & Photobooth (which, as you can see from the photo, is simply too much fun!) among other super-fancy, shiny functions.

I'm too excited to write more. My hands are shaking!

Coffee break

2006-03-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

I just picked up a cup of coffee on one of my multiple trips from the old house to the new house (Beatrice loaded to the brim with the nearly the last of my stuff) -- this specific coffee shop on 12th Avenue made me think of Gabby and her Hungarian Adventure. I can't wait till you're back in Colorado, Gabs!

Rooms are for sleeping, tchotchkes are for displaying

2006-03-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

Treblemaker asked for more pictures of the house, so here are some of the bedrooms, and one more of the infamous three little pigs.

My Mom made me that quilt! Ain't it pretty?

John graciously gave me more information regarding the pigs. You see, John has a pig collection, although he apparently never planned to have a pig collection. I mean, after all, does anyone really NEED a collection of little pig tchotchkes? (G-sam was pretty excited to find that John had written a Yiddish word on one of his moving boxes!)

Some time ago, John's brother noticed that John had a few pig figurines sitting around his house. Assuming that John must obviously COLLECT pig figurines, the brother proceeded to give John MORE pigs for Christmas, birthdays, etc. Suddenly, John found himself with a pig collection. The three little pigs depicted in the pictures are John's favorite. He thinks they look cute!

Frankly, I think they look a little demonic.

Three pigs

2006-03-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

Gabby has accepted my challenge to blog every day, even if it's only to say, "Hi, today was good, coffee is good, puppies are good." Here's my first daily post, Gabs!

John and I are settling in at our new place. Because John simply cannot feel comfortable until every box is unpacked and everything has a place, our house looks like it's been lived in for a few months instead of a few days! We officially moved in last Thursday, although I will still be moving boxes of crap for many days to come. Which also kind of describes my doctoral degree program.

Here's our shiny kitchen!

I've never actually had a dining room before!

Jericho the Dog finds the new house comfortable, if disconcerting.

John's three little pigs -- you'll have to ask him why, cause I really have no idea.

A fabulous endorsement

2006-03-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Boing Boing: Justin Watt and ACLU win parody case
Justinsomnia: A Response to Liberty

Equality Riders arrested

2006-03-10T12:56:00.000-07:00

Although they had been warned to stay away by Jerry Falwell herself, more than 20 gay activists were arrested today on the campus of Liberty University. The members of the Soulforce Equality Ride began their brave journey earlier this week; they plan to visit conservative Christian colleges across the country to inspire discussion of GLBT issues and peacefully confront discrimination.

Nearly every one of my fellow high school students went on to attend Liberty University. Ever the rebel, I ended up traveling to Chicago to attend the Conservatory at Wheaton College. I'm curious to see how Wheaton will respond to Equality Ride when they visit the campus on April 20-21.

Beatrice turns 200!

2006-03-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

Many of my friends know and love Beatrice, my '92 Subaru Loyale station wagon. Beatrice found me in West Virginia back in 1995. Two years later we together traveled across the country to Boulder, CO; Beatrice carried all my earthly possessions (except for a couple thousand comic books that remain in WV to this day) in her ample chassis over the two-day journey. In the nine years since then, Beatrice has seen me through repeated commutes from Boulder to Denver (1997-2000) and from Denver to Boulder (2000-2006), racking up the mileage on a daily basis.

Beatrice and I celebrated a milestone last week when her odometer finally passed the legendary 200,000 mile mark. Congratulations, Beatrice! Here's hoping you hold up for another 100,000!

At some point, I should probably consider looking for a new car.

Impossibly fun

2006-02-28T23:43:00.000-07:00

Earlier today Apple announced some fun new toys, including their new Intel Mac mini and the iPod Hi-Fi stereo. While these products are certainly impressive, Engadget's collection of fantastic (albeit imaginary) product mock-ups that answer the question "What Would (Steve) Jobs Do? [WWJD?]" goes a lot farther toward fulfilling this fanboy's fantasies. My favorite new imaginary Apple item? Definitely the iWedge, an iPod converted into an "elegant doorstop"!

treblemaker!

2006-02-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Last night my friend treblemaker gave a spectacular voice recital at CU-Boulder. Treblemaker is a fellow doctoral student in choral conducting, and a frequent reader of (and commenter on) Jericho's Doghouse. Yummy post-concert reception "good eats" were provided by treb's husband Andy, a bona fide member of the Cult of Alton Brown.

Treblemaker's mom introduced herself to me after the recital at the reception. We had not had the pleasure of meeting before, but treb's mom still seemed to recognize me. She walked right up to me and asked, "Excuse me, but are you one of the Fab Four?"

Several more pictures from treblemaker's recital (with appearances by Andy, Trudi, g-sam, phineas & jericho himself!) can be seen here. Today also happens to be treb's birthday, and yesterday was our dear friend Gabby's birthday -- Many Happy Returns to the birthday twins!

A little bit Country, a little bit Liberal

2006-02-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

If anyone missed seeing Dolly Parton's appearance on The Ellen Show this week, click over to The Malcontent and watch the video clip. Last fall Dolly released her new album Those Were the Days, a collection of bluegrass covers of several 1960's anti-war protest songs (including Blowin' in the Wind, Where Have All the Flowers Gone?, Imagine, Where do the Children Play?). Now Dolly has garnered an Oscar nomination for Travelin' Thru, a song she wrote for the fantastic movie Transamerica.

With any other artist these two projects would immediately be labeled "controversial" or "subversive" (because they kinda ARE); but Dolly Parton somehow manages to charm her way through disarming interviews, smiling and flirting throughout. In addition, both the album and the song (AND the movie) are truly fantastic! I obviously adore Dolly for her musical talent, but I passionately respect her for her subversive musical projects.

The "O.I."

2006-02-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

While watching Olympic figure skating competition is a perfectly enjoyable experience, watching the daily wrap-up show Olympic Ice is SO much more fun! The show is hosted by the hilarious Mary Carillo, whose dry sense of humor is elevated by her relative ignorance of figure skating. Mary is joined by my favorite FS commentator, Dick Button, as well as Scott Hamilton and the Canadian FS pair Jamie Sale & David Pelletier. Recently there have been several special appearances by everyone's favorite Ice Princess, Johnny Weir. Johnny's presence led Mary to coin the segment title "Weir Eye for the Skate Guy" -- well, isn't that special?!

USA Today recently published this rave review of Olympic Ice; here's an excerpt:

Hosted by the breakout star of these TV games, the martini-dry Mary Carillo, USA Network's Olympic Ice (6 p.m. ET/PT) is a tiny corner of subversive humor in a locked-down, pre-programmed Olympic universe. What could have been your standard collection of pre-event speculation and post-event gushing is instead a freewheeling hour that is playful without being childish and critical without being caustic.

Patricia Nell Warren speaks about Johnny Weir in this fantastic OutSports Olympic coverage:

Sunday, the Olympic Ice posse interviewed Johnny Weir. He had visibly calmed down and lightened up after his medals debacle. There was no more talk of missed buses and missing auras. Johnny assured Carillo that he has learned a lot and is ready to work hard and come back better next time around. The atmosphere was positive, light-hearted... and at one point Mary Carillo declared that there was going to be a new cable show titled "Weir Eye for the Skate Guy." USA splashed the title across the screen in huge letters. Which is the closest that the networks have come to dealing openly with Weir's sexual orientation.

I wish I had found the delightful Olympic Ice sooner; sadly, the final episode airs tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. (MST).

Big news

2006-02-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have some big news to share: John and I have rented a house together! I just had a meeting with our new landlord, at which there was lease-signing and check-writing, so everything is now completely official. John and I will be living in Denver's historic Whittier neighborhood in an immaculate, beautifully remodeled 127-year-old house. Jericho the Dog is particularly thrilled with the large back yard with wooden privacy fence, as well as the close proximity to Fuller Park (an off-leash dog park).

This will be the first time I've ever Moved In with a boyfriend. John and I have been together for a year and a half, and the timing of this feels really good. I'm a little anxious over the learning curve of adjusting to living with each other, but my intuition says we'll manage pretty well.

Whenever I'm faced with any Great Unknown--new job, new relationship, new living situation--I always think of spunky Little Red Riding Hood from Sondheim's Into the Woods and her precise emotional reaction when faced with the prospect of knowing new, valuable things: Little Red & I are both "excited AND scared!"

Turn turn turn

2006-02-21T22:51:00.000-07:00

I haven't been much of a figure skating fanboy of late. There was a time, however, when lutzes, loops, flips, & axels were regular mainstays in my vocabulary. After the last Olympics four years ago, I simply lost interest in strum und drang of the figure skating world.

Even though I no longer regularly follow the "sport" of figure skating, I have been eagerly watching the Games in Torino. Did anyone else think the men's programs were pretty lackluster? Particularly the men's long program -- booooooring. And what about that queen Johnny Weir, the self-described diva of men's figure skating? Johnny, girlfriend, I encourage you to lose the snarky attitude, be a man, and just come the rest of the way out of the closet.

Tonight was SUCH a different story with the women's short program. All of the skaters were exceptional, much more exciting and more consistent than their male colleagues. I didn't even miss Michelle Kwan, particularly with the superb performance by gorgeous Sasha Cohen. I'm holding my breath for the women's long program, and maybe a gold medal for Sasha!

Apparently, once a figure skating fanboy....

Trees & swans

2006-02-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

I truly despise using the flimsy excuse, "But, I've been REALLY busy!" Everyone's pretty busy, in my opinion, so this excuse doesn't really fly with me. The truth of the matter is that I actually get much LESS done when I have scads of free time. Why? I guess because I spend most of my free time watching TV and picking my toenails.

I was REALLY busy today, but managed to get a lot done. Number one task on my list? Take down my Christmas Tree. Yes, I'm referring to the tree I only put up this year because Gabby was visiting and I thought she would enjoy the house being more "christmas-y". Well, it only took TWO MONTHS to get it down (cause, y'know, I've been REALLY busy). On the positive side, I really enjoyed looking at my pretty tree during January and February!

Last night John took me to see Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, which is in Denver for a few days. The dirty little secret this supposedly well-rounded, cosmopolitan boy hides? I've never been to the ballet before. Not Nutcracker, not Sleeping Beauty, not even the traditional Swan Lake. I'm still not so sure about those ballets, but I figure I could sit through anything that features bare-chested, homoerotic swans!

What can I say? Swan Lake was fantastic, and I may be ballet's newest convert. I was particularly entranced by the creative lighting, which was as crucial to the storytelling as the characters. The chamber orchestra was pretty good, but the intonation suffered toward the end of the show (indicative of their exhaustion after 2 1/2 hours?) The dancers were incredible, however; truly, an evening well spent!

Valentine

2006-02-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

It seems as though I only blog on major holidays lately. Forgive me, friends, for being so negligent of Jericho's Doghouse -- much, much more writing in the near future, I promise.

BTW, jiminycricket81, I just listened to your voicemail -- you're most welcome, and I hope your V-day has continued to be great!

You know, it's well worth mentioning that I have very rarely celebrated Valentine's Day in the past. I'm happy to share that this year marks my second annual V-day celebration, thanks to my Significant Other and Best Friend -- John, I love you.

Merry Christmas Eve!

2005-12-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hungarian Adventure on Holiday Hiatus

2005-12-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Gabby has come home for the holidays -- hooray!!!

G-sam, treblemaker and I went to pick her up at the airport last night after her three long flights (Budapest to London, London to Chicago, Chicago to Denver). Here are the pics of our happy reunion.

Good reviews

2005-12-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

St. Martin's Chamber Choir received a nice review in the Denver Post this morning, although I must acknowledge that the reviewer has some of her facts in error (but I forgive her, as she said such nice things about someone I know!)

Last week, the Post also published a great write-up of several local choirs, including Ars Nova, the Boulder choir where our dear friend "treblemaker" regularly makes treble.

Blossoms of light

2005-12-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Some friends and I attended the wonderful Blossoms of Light exhibit last Wednesday night at the Denver Botanical Gardens. We had such a good time I've decided to share some pictures, even though most of them are BLURRRRRRRY -- it was, like, COLD, see, and my hands, they shake.

On another note, I've been battling a nasty sore throat and head cold ever since Wednesday night -- it just hit me out of nowhere. Add to the fact that I have choral concerts every night this weekend and a wedding to sing this afternoon ("all i ask of you" -- ick), and you have one sick, stressed-out boy desperate to keep his singing voice through the weekend.

Happiness awaits on Monday, however, cause Gabby's coming home for the holidays -- hooray!!!

Lovin' Logo

2005-12-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight I'm vegging in front of Logo, the new gay TV channel from MTV. It took me a while to get into this basic cable channel which I assumed would simply repeatedly play gay films in their cleaned-up, edited-for-TV movies. Which it does, of course.

But it also plays fabulous little shows like Quintessential Queer Cinema, which I'm watching tonight. This wonderful mini-doc is actually a modern, updated Celluloid Closet-LITE. It focuses on the movie opinions and reminiscences of contemporary "out" celebrities & actors like the Indigo Girls, Isaac Mizrahi, Heather Matarazzo, & Christopher Sieber (on whom I have SUCH a crush!), and directors like Don Roos, Todd Haynes, & John Cameron Mitchell. Fun, seriously -- check it out.

Denver Methodists take a stand

2005-12-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

I posted this announcement earlier today on my church's blog, but decided it was important enough to cut & paste the entire post here on Jericho's Doghouse. I am very proud of my congregation and pastor for their acceptance, their openness, and their action with intention.

Here's the post...

At last month's Administrative Board meeting we discussed appropriate responses to the recent ruling of the United Methodist Judicial Council which supported the exclusion of a gay man from membership in a local United Methodist congregation in Virginia. In addition to drafting a letter of protest from the Christ Church congregation, the Ad Board encouraged Rev. Waters to gather local clergy support in placing an advertisement in local Denver newspapers decrying the Judicial Council decision and proclaiming the "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" vision of Denver's United Methodist churches.

The result of that Christ Church Ad Board meeting can be seen in today's editions of the Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News. The News additionally printed a supportive article, "Methodist clergy blast gay exclusion," which can be viewed here. The advertisement, which was signed by 124 clergy members of the Rocky Mountain Conference, appeared as follows:

(Click on the image for a larger view of the advertisement.)

Snow queens

2005-12-05T21:32:00.000-07:00

MountainMurphy fowarded me an email containing several items of swell holiday cheer -- here's one of my favorites...

Why do I suddenly feel like watching a rerun of Nip/Tuck?!

Snow

2005-12-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by my friend Phineas' blog to post a few pics of today's gorgeous snowfall in Denver. It was one of those wet snows, just warm enough to stick -- to basically EVERYTHING! As usual in my neighborhood this time of year, there seems to be an unspoken contest to one-up each other's outdoor Christmas lights; it's nice to see that once again NATURE wins first prize!

One of the MANY reasons...

2005-11-28T23:22:00.000-07:00

...why I LOVE my boyfriend! Cause he gives me extravagant birthday gifts, like the first four seasons of Gilmore Girls on DVD. Thank you, John!

Family

2005-11-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Several years ago I spent my first Thanksgiving Day completely alone. And I had the BEST Thanksgiving ever! I would absolutely have preferred to spend the day with my family, but it's pretty rare for me to be financially viable enough to buy the plane ticket home. So, instead of yet ANOTHER Thanksgiving dinner spent among a well-intentioned family of strangers, I spent the day blissfully alone, baking pies, decorating a Christmas tree, and watching an all-day marathon of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Festive, much?

Ever since that cathartic, solitary Thanksgiving Day I've felt completely different about the holiday. Now, instead of simply avoiding invitations to strangers' Thanksgiving dinners, I have become proactive -- I HOST!

This year I was fortunate enough to host nine of my dearest friends, mostly fellow grad students and their partners. For the past three years, my friend Lynell has graciously helped me prepare the turkey (& pies, stuffing, potatoes... the usual suspects) -- I honestly wouldn't be able to host without her!

To all my Thanksgiving attendees -- thank you for spending the day with me last Thursday, for sharing a holiday that hasn't always a "fun" experience, for bringing your dishes and desserts and drinks, and (most of all) for being my family in Colorado.

For more Thanksgiving pics, please take a look at my entire Thanksgiving 2005 photoset.

Jericho meets Anne Rice; plans speech; is star-struck

2005-11-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

Anne signs as I look on, expressing my gratitude with great eloquence,
"...umm ... I luv yer books... Lestat's swell..."

I think Anne's pretty blonde assistant might be checking me out.

"Don't ask...don't spell"

2005-11-20T15:47:00.000-07:00

I have long suspected that everyone's favorite young wizard-in-training Harry Potter would eventually grow up and come to certain inevitable realizations regarding his sexual orientation. For those of you who believe likewise, I am pleased to pass along this clip from E!'s The Soup (QuickTime req'd), which you will no doubt find supremely validating!

Special thanks to the friend who brought this hilarious clip to my attention -- may she ever remain a most excellent purveyor of slash fanfic.

Joss Whedon, tv star, blogger, god

2005-11-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

This is a post for Buffy fans -- head over to WHEDONesque and check out this post from Joss, in which he (sarcastically) reacts to the underwhelming performance of Serenity, the future of Buffy in comics, the oft-rumored Spike movie, and the new TV careers of his Buffyverse actors. Here's a sample statement regarding those last two topics...

The infamous Spike movie. Still haven't finalized anything, but I feel that very soon I'll be able to go to James and say something a lot more interesting than "Wouldn't it be cool if..." 'Course, I just hope he's free some time this decade. See how my peeps is all actifying! Tomorrow night is AMIAS, (that's alias with Acker in it.) Happy. And totally jealous.

Anyone see Joss on last night's Veronica Mars? Seriously brief, self-deprecating, yet very funny cameo appearance as a guy behind the counter at a rental car agency.

"Actifying" -- Joss speak funny!

(RE)View: Movies that improve with repetition

2005-11-06T21:38:00.000-07:00

Everyone who knows me (or reads the Doghouse) is aware that "I HEART MOVIES". In addition to my habitual attendance at local movie theaters, one of my favorite hobbies in life is RE-watching movies, over and over again. Not every movie lends itself to RE-viewing, and you might be surprised at the movies that I personally enjoy in repetition. The movies I most frequently RE-view are rarely award winners (though sometimes), but each one has some particular, unique quality that moves me to view and RE-view again and again.

For example, I am currently RE-viewing Psycho Beach Party, the over-the-top Charles Busch parody about a murderous surfer chick with multiple personalities. I can watch this movie repeatedly, enjoying every minute of every viewing. Some of the delights can be chalked up to the superb comedic performances by Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under), Nicky Brendan (Buffy), Thomas Gibson (Darma & Greg) and the über-indie-hunk Matt Keeslar.

Of course, Psycho Beach Party is not exactly a GREAT movie, but I love it regardless. It's campy fun with drag queens and gay surfers, movie stars and mysterious murders, go-go dancing and well-oiled wrestling. Can you beat that? Plus, there are about five seconds of Lauren Ambrose singing, which is worth the price of admission for any fan of the dearly departed 6FU.

See Psycho Beach Party. Better yet, see it with several friends, at least some of whom are gay, and begin to add words like "copacetic" to your everyday vocabulary.

Two steps back

2005-11-03T17:57:00.000-07:00

It's not been a easy week for the United Methodist Church, thanks to two specific rulings of the UM Judicial Council that are likely to have far-reaching negative effects on GLBT community. A former Iliff student (and self-proclaimed "liberal church nerd") has written an excellent description of the Judicial Council decisions and her subsequent reaction in Open hearts, open minds, open... what? See particularly Kerry's link to a recently released pastoral letter from the Council of Bishops (who "object strongly to the ruling" -- surprise).

While I am disturbed by this week's news, I am even more excited to witness the passionate responses of UM congregants and clergy. We need our grief and anger to achieve change. And I have a strong feeling that change is on the way.

Sweeney "Odd"

2005-10-26T23:18:00.000-06:00

Odd, yes, definitely, but I LOVED the experience of seeing this show. The new Sweeney Todd on Broadway is just getting underway in previews, and I was fortunate enough to be in Manhattan to see it! Obviously, I was most excited to see the incomparable Patti LuPone playing one of her signature roles. And even though I KNEW that this would be an avant garde, revisionist interpretation of Sweeney, that knowledge could in NO way prepare me for the actual event.

The setting is an asylum, possibly Fogg's Asylum from the traditional Sweeney. A cast of ten are onstage for duration of the performance, acting their roles, singing their songs, and (as if that weren't enough) playing their instruments. Yes, Toby plays a violin, Anthony & Johanna play celli (so erotic!), Mrs. Lovett plays various percussion and tuba (laughs ensue), and Sweeney himself finds time to strum the guitar. There is no pit orchestra, only the ten people onstage.

While this production is certain to be controversial--loved by some, hated by more--I am still in SHOCK at the amazing talent of these actors. They not only memorized their lines and their songs (all performed beautifully) but also their instruments' score. For the ENTIRE SHOW. And the music was virtually continuous -- one number blended seamlessly into the next, effectively keeping the audience from applauding until the end of each act. (Has this director possibly studied ritual theory?)

Sweeney Todd officially opens on November 3. What will critics think? What do fans think? I hope that Sondheim worshipers (like me) will give it a chance. It's more creepy, stark, shocking, exciting, bloody, visceral than any traditional Sweeney production. It needs to be experienced.

Since returning to Denver, I've had a ton of fun surfing the blogosphere to see what people think of this new Sweeney. Zawadi Bill and The Playgoer both have superbly written reviews of the show (even though Bill hates Michael Cerveris' Sweeney, and errantly believes Patti has a FALSETTO) and are both much better writers than I will ever be. Highly recommended. Also, be sure to read bookslibretti's experience of waiting outside the stage door to meet Patti LuPone.

Digital chorus

2005-10-22T17:24:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite pieces at MOMA (New York's Museum of Modern Art) is the Forty Part Motet installation by artist Janet Cardiff. Forty individual speakers have been arranged around a large, acoustically reverberant room, with each speaker representing the voice of one singer. The speakers play a looped performance of Thomas Tallis' Spem in alium motet for forty voices. The effect is pretty phenomenal -- you can sit in the center of the room and hear the amazing acoustical conglomeration of the forty voices (singing forty different parts), or you can walk amongst the speakers and listen to the individual voices.

So, not simply the recording of a choral performance, but a digitally replicated choir. While the music is beautiful and the choir superb, the true art form of this exhibit is the SPACE. Although a simple room, it is the room's acoustic that blends the sound into a choral whole, rather than a digital recording effect.

"An Overgrown Path" describes a different installation of the same performance piece, including a nice description of the work by the artist.

Wonderful town

2005-10-22T14:44:00.000-06:00

I'm back in Denver after spending a few days in Manhattan earlier this week. John was attending a GLBT legal roundtable at Brooklyn Law School, so I tagged along for a little vacation time. I managed to keep John particularly busy when he wasn't involved in the conference -- we were able to hear the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra perform in concert at Carnegie Hall, spend an afternoon at the Modern Museum of Art, and catch the new production of Sweeney Todd (currently in previews -- I'll have much more about the Sweeney experience later!)

I also got to have lunch with Alex, an old friend and superb tenor, living in NYC and making his living as a professional singer. I had a great time catching up with him, hearing about his personal and professional successes. A nice city dweller (yes, they exist!) took this picture of us near my hotel on 3rd Avenue...

Iliff Coming Out worship service

2005-10-13T14:58:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I participated in a wonderful chapel service at the Iliff School of Theology, celebrating National Coming Out Day. The GLBT students did a great job of planning a worship service that was both authentic and informative (not an easy task when tackling a controversial social issue). I encourage you to take the time to view the local news coverage of the event from 9News.com -- watch the streaming video and listen especially for the great congregational singing of "You are the Seed" (United Methodist Hymnal #583) and Holly Near's "Singing for Our Lives (Gentle, Angry People)", led by yours truly.

My True-Love Hath My Heart

2005-09-30T07:56:00.000-06:00

My true-love hath my heart, and I have his,
By just exchange one for the other given.
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss:
There never was a bargain better driven.
His heart in me keeps me and him in one;
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides:
He loves my heart, for once it was his own;
I cherish his because in me it bides.
His heart his wound received from my sight;
My heart was wounded with his wounded heart;
For as from me on him his hurt did light,
So still, methought, in me his hurt did smart:
Both equal hurt, in this change sought our bliss,
My true love hath my heart and I have his.
––Sir Philip Sydney (1554-1586)

Earth, Wind & Fiber: Or, How John Stewart & That Lesbian saved TV

2005-09-18T22:39:00.000-06:00

OK, so, I LOVE awards shows but am infrequently at home to see them air "live." Take tonight, for instance. I had the usual choir rehearsal until 8:00pm, but I thought ahead and TAPED the Emmy's beginning at 7:00. SO, I'm watching the end of the show live, but filling in the boring spots (like commercials and long speeches) with the taped beginning of the show. It's kind of like watching an independent film structured around a non-linear plotline. But, with Ellen. And Captain Kirk.

So, here are my Emmy 2005 thoughts, non-linear-ly, with many sentence fragments...

John Stewart is the most entertaining straight male on TV. Even with his hands down the front of his pants. Looking for his speech...duh!
Ellen is funny. It was nice to see her lesbian lover Portia de Rossi (from the brilliant show Arrested Development) prominently featured in several candid audience shots.
Desperate Housewives is not as good as its creators like us to think it is. Congrats Felicity. The non-nominated Lauren Graham (AKA "Lorelai Gilmore") deserved your award.
Patricia Arquette??!! You have GOT to be kidding me.
I really enjoyed Warm Springs. I'm glad it won. I obviously need to see the Peter Sellers movie.
Commentary from The Family Guy cast was great! Do yourself a favor and watch this show. Cartoon. Whatever.
Jeremy Piven was robbed. Entourage is superb, but that Raymond show sucks. Everyone loves him but me.
Tony Shaloub deserves all the awards the industry is able to give. Plus, he beat out Raymond, who I despise, as has been previously established.
You know, I liked Doris Roberts waaaaaay back in Remington Steele. But then, you all know how I feel about Raymond. Two words -- nursing home? Oh, yeah.
I was really rooting for Ian McShane, who stars in the BEST show currently airing on television, which is Deadwood, in case you were wondering. James Spader is just plain icky. Plus, I think he might have an Oedipus complex -- seriously bad speech.
Lauren Graham (previously mentioned) is stately and gorgeous, in addition to being talented. She glowed onscreen, and was only seen presenting an award. I LOVE you Lauren!
John, love of my life, did you SEE Veronica Mars singing the Fame theme song? Guess what -- she can really SING!
HOLY DESERTED ISLAND, BATMAN! I'm thrilled, yet shocked, to see Lost win Best Drama. It's nice when one of my all-time favorites wins BIG. And beats The West Wing. Hooray!! (Glad I bought those DVD's this week!) AND, congrats to J.J. for winning Best Director for the pilot -- both awards well-deserved.
My favorite moment of the evening... The nominated writers of Da Ali G Show portrayed as male porn stars (and one infamous Royal), each in a moment of release. Offensive, really.

Hmmm... guess the Doghouse needed a post about my some of my meaningless interests. The Emmy's were fun, as always. More entertaining than the Oscars, IMHO.

My Friend Flicka

2005-09-18T21:08:00.000-06:00

I'm not quite sure how to respond to what I've seen on television this night of nights.

It's just past 9:00pm MST, and the lovely opera star Frederica von Stade has appeared on the Emmy's broadcast performing, omigod I can hardly believe this, the original theme song from STAR TREK. On an "Ahhhhhhh." Oh, and not by her-considerable-self, but in friggin DUET with Captain James Tiberius Kirk, AKA William Shatner.

Flicka, darling, my musician-half is weeping (and gnashing teeth), but I think my geek-half just climaxed. Seriously.

More on the Emmy's after they've finished airing.

The wheels on the bus go round and round

2005-09-12T22:18:00.000-06:00

I had a curious day visiting Boulder. I traveled by bus, which is an exercise in patience. Given the price of gas, bus travel that has already been purchased (via exorbitant student fees) is more fiscally responsible than pumping tank after tank of fuel into Beatrice. She's my 92 Subaru station wagon, in case you were wondering.

There is a surprising feeling of empowerment that comes from riding the bus, knowing that you can still get where you need to go without your own personal horseless carriage. Perhaps this public transit excitement stems from the lack of any such amusement during my backwoods upbringing. Even West Virginia had the usual horrifying school-bus rides, but that's another post altogether.

It was a quiet day, mostly. I saw friends, did some proof-reading, got a haircut, listened to some choral music, read up on Britten's Hymn to St. Cecilia. The highlight of my day was also quiet, a silent realization that life at school continues in my absence, and that I don't really miss being there. While I loved hearing the voices of the choir, both greeting me and singing in rehearsal, I experienced a calm joy at being finished with that part of my life.

So, a curious, quiet day.

Happy birthday, Kurt

2005-09-09T18:19:00.000-06:00

Best wishes to my darling friend Kurt as he celebrates his birthday today. If you haven't yet seen Kurt playing "Rocky" in The Rocky Horror Show at the Avenue Theater, he's gotten rave reviews and the show's been extended through the end of the month, so go buy a ticket. (And by "extended", I mean...)

While I was enjoying a walk with Kurt around Capitol Hill last weekend, I was delighted to experience Kurt's first sighting as a Denver theater celebrity. A smitten young woman walked right up to us and said to Kurt, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but you are SO FANTASTIC in Rocky Horror!" Need I say more?

Honestly, I get more attention walking with Kurt than I do walking Jericho. And they both have YELLOW hair!

Coffee thoughts

2005-09-09T14:37:00.000-06:00

Ahh... Friday afternoon. So nice to take a break in my local Peaberry's Coffee and browse the web with their free WiFi. So mindless, actually, which is nice.

This week my new job finally began to kick my ass. It's a small church with a small program, but a bit daunting when the ENTIRE program begins all on the same day. Add to the fact that this Sunday is September 11 (a date wrought with meaning), the pastor is out of town until Sunday, a gigantic memorial service replete with family drama takes place tomorrow (good thing watch Six Feet Under, huh?), a trip to the theatre with the youth group tonight (sans youth, I just found out -- go figure!) and my weekend is truly complete. By the way, do any of you know how DIFFICULT it is to get people to agree to be Sunday School teachers?!

On the other hand, it's nice to have work! And income. Money shiny.

Grief, jealousy & a first anniversary

2005-09-05T14:55:00.000-06:00

It's been a bizarre week, bizarre enough to keep me from blogging much until today. Although I don't personally know anyone who was affected by Hurricane Katrina, I must be one of the few people in the country who can claim such. Even without the personal contact, how can I not be shocked by the images and stories I've been seeing non-stop on the nightly news? In a way, I think it's been harder for my mind to comprehend the tragedy BECAUSE I lack a personal frame of reference. As to my dearth of posts, who really wants to read about my frivolous interests when there are truly tragic events to be understood and grieved?

Adding to my blogger depression is the departure of my friend Jiminycricket to her new adventures overseas. As much as I'm saddened by her absence, I must honestly admit to being more JEALOUS of her new experiences, particularly since she will be sharing them with people other than ME. (I'm rarely this self-absorbed, really!)

Since I'm being all HONEST or whatever, I should probably examine my feelings about school. It's definitely weird watching my friends pick up where they left off last semester, all the while knowing that someone else has my desk (someone really COOL) and another someone has my job (someone really YOUNG). I am elated to be finished with the classwork-assistantship portion of my doctorate -- absolutely, positively, no question! However, if I'm being honest with myself, I suppose I'm grieving THIS loss a little, as well.

Well, this HAS been a cheery post! I simply must end with something positive -- my better half John and I celebrated our one-year dating anniversary last week. John surprised me with a supremely yummy dinner at Barolo Grill, one of Denver's best eateries. This is a first for me in more ways than one; it's my FIRST one-year relationship. Surreal, much? Definitely, but also very exciting!

Spike & Xander share a meaningful glance

2005-09-05T13:19:00.000-06:00

What better way to spend a holiday morning than watching some ever-entertaining episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I had forgotten this hilarious scene from "Beneath You" (the second episode of Season 7, written by Doug Petrie).

Nancy, a minor one-episode BtVS character, tries to comprehend 7 seasons of romantic intrigue on Buffy. (via BtVS Episode Guides and Transcripts)

NANCY: Xander, who is this woman?
XANDER: Anya? She’s… Anya. My ex.
NANCY: Oh.
ANYA: Hey, nobody’s bragging here!
[She gets up and starts to leave but Spike grabs her.]
ANYA: Hey! Hands off the merchandise, Spike. You don’t get to go there
again.
SPIKE: Please… I’ve already forgotten about our little time together.
NANCY: I thought you were Xander’s ex-girlfriend?
ANYA: I am.
NANCY: But you and Spike?
ANYA: Had a thing.
SPIKE: Didn’t last.
NANCY: But weren’t you Buffy’s…
SPIKE: Briefly.
BUFFY: Never serious.
NANCY: Is there anyone here who hasn’t slept together?
[Xander and Spike exchange a look.]

Life's a Banquet

2005-09-05T12:37:00.000-06:00

"Labor Day. That's sometime in November, isn't it?" -- Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame.

A few holiday-weekend links in honor of the best movie EVER! If you haven't seen it, SHAME on you...

IMDB site
Get the DVD
Read the eBook, by Patrick Dennis
Uncle Mame: The Life of Patrick Dennis
Rosalind Russell links & pics
Fantastic scholarly article, Auntie Mame: The Power of the Fool
Drag Diva Charles Busch as Auntie Mame

Six Feet Under, a final word

2005-08-25T14:39:00.000-06:00

I hadn't planned to post again about the end of Six Feet Under, but this is pretty cool. If you've seen the finale (don't spoil yourself!) check out these obituaries on the HBO site. (via kottke.org)

A link especially for Andy...

2005-08-22T08:55:00.000-06:00

Klingon Fairy Tales

"You can't take a picture of this. It's already gone."

2005-08-22T00:25:00.000-06:00

I am sometimes secretly embarrassed by my devotion to the television drama. I mean, really, even though you and I know that Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the face of TV doesn't mean EVERYBODY is equally as aware. Given that "shame" and "embarrassment" have subtle variations in definition, I am unashamedly devoted to Buffy, but am occasionally embarrassed to admit my fervor in mixed company.

I've spent this evening reading blogger reactions to tonight's series finale of Six Feet Under. This episode had a visceral, emotional effect on people. Why? How can something as seemingly meaningless as TELEVISION hold the power to make people weep? To grieve? Funny, for a minute there, I felt like I was describing the power of MUSIC.

Whenever I think seriously about my TV viewing habits, I try to convince myself of the conventional wisdom that TV is a waste of time. So many acquaintances of mine, being obviously more enlightened than I, proudly trumpet the absence of television in their homes. I'm certain this makes them feel superior, and I know for a fact that it makes me feel inferior.

So why, then, can a waste-of-time television show make people FEEL so much? Is it simply escapism? A fanciful interlude from a harsh reality? The characters on Six Feet Under aren't REAL people, right? But then, I'm reminded of the many questions brought up by What the Bleep Do We Know -- what IS real, for instance? If hundreds of thousands of people watched Six Feet Under tonight and became emotionally (and spiritually?) invested in the living and the dying of these characters, isn't that the essence of reality? Are these characters not an intense reality for the talented actors who portray them? For the writers?

I feel a little sorry for people who intentionally deprive themselves of an experience like I had this evening watching the Six Feet Under finale. Television, like LIFE, is basically full of crap, I'll admit. But I intend to keep watching.

Six Feet Under, in memoriam

2005-08-21T13:42:00.000-06:00

The final episode of Six Feet Under airs tonight on HBO. I have heard this show variously described as life-changing, revelatory, ground-breaking, pretentious, boring, self-involved -- everyone who's SEEN this show has an opinion (which some consider to be the very definition of art). While I'm the first to admit that Six Feet Under has occasionally left my high expectations a little underwhelmed, the past several episodes have been pretty damn impressive. I'll miss you, Fisher family & neurotic friends!

Sentimental Sunday

2005-08-21T13:06:00.000-06:00

Heard this quote in church today... I find it applicable to all gender identities, and I basically agree with the sentiment (except for kids' hands in my hair, cause you just never know where those little fingers have been!)

The following words were spoken by Audrey Hepburn when she was asked what made a woman beautiful.

She replied,
1. for beautiful lips, speaks words of kindness
2. for lovely eyes, seek out the good in people
3. for a slim figure, share your food with the hungry
4. for beautiful hair, let a child run their hands through it
5. for poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.

Happy birthday, James

2005-08-20T23:17:00.000-06:00

James Marsters, who played the character "Spike" for seven years on Buffy & Angel, was born 43 years ago on August 20, 1962. Happy b-day, James! Call me... really...

Taize tragedy

2005-08-17T10:27:00.000-06:00

Earlier this morning I heard the sad news about the murder of Brother Roger, founder of the Taize community. Although I have never had the privilege of visiting the Taize community, I have been indelibly influenced by their music and worship style, as have thousands like me internationally. When my congregation sings "O Lord, Hear My Prayer" this Sunday, my own prayer will be suffused with grief and sadness.

Veronica Marsathon

2005-08-12T09:16:00.000-06:00

The love of Jericho's life is REALLY into Veronica Mars. The second love of Jericho's life, the incomparable Joss Whedon, is also REALLY into Veronica Mars! Read Joss' Ode to Veronica, then watch the show every Wednesday night on UPN.

I'm a geek, but then you knew that...

2005-08-10T18:31:00.000-06:00

Cool news for geeks like me...
Preview the new, very pregant season of Alias,
AND...
Battlestar Galactica wins a Hugo Award.

DOGHOUSE COMICS: Depths

2005-08-10T18:24:00.000-06:00

Concrete is one of the finest examples of comics literature on the market. I've been reading Paul Chadwick's Concrete for years, or perhaps I should say, every couple of years when a mini-series is released. Recently, I was captivated by "The Human Dilemma", a fascinating exploration of parenting and population control (and you're thinking comics are still only for kids?) Just released today, Depths is an affordable collection (only $12.95) of Chadwick's hard to find early Concrete stories. I picked up my copy this afternoon at Mile High Comics, and I cannot wait to get started reading!

Prodigal blogger

2005-08-08T08:41:00.000-06:00

The Doghouse has been vacant for the past couple weeks while I began my new job, then spent a week in West Virginia visiting my family. I'm back in town and looking forward to getting back on schedule. Also, I am in utter horror that it is already the SECOND week of August -- where did the summer go?

My Scorpio Rising sometimes needs this reminder...

2005-07-23T14:17:00.000-06:00

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.

~ The Merchant of Venice Act 4, Scene 1 - by
William Shakespeare

Shiny

2005-07-22T10:45:00.000-06:00

Why everyone should watch Firefly (via WHEDONesque), beginning tonight on the Sci-Fi Channel.

Potteriana

2005-07-21T13:52:00.000-06:00

I like Harry Potter. I do not LOVE Harry Potter. I bought The Half-Blood Prince when it came out last weekend, but immediately gave it to my boyfriend to read first. I'm certain that it will be perfectly enjoyable when I get around to reading it.

On the other hand, I definitely enjoy supporting J.K. Rowling and her Potter series against the hard-core fundies and their seemingly endless list of grievances towards Harry Potter, imagination, literacy... I could go on and on! Check out Bookslut's recent article, A Masterpiece of Satanic Deception, then read this review of an anti-Harry Potter video.

I also recommend this recent Wall Street Journal editorial (found via Kottke.org), which takes Harry Potter symbolism in an entirely different direction. JiminyCricket81, I'm particularly interested in your take on The Order of the Phoenix as an allegory for 1930s England (i.e., "Voldemort" as Hitler, "Dumbledore" as Churchill).

Midsummer funk

2005-07-21T13:19:00.000-06:00

I've had a large amount of down-time this week, which means I've had way too much time with only my thoughts to keep me company. I've begun to understand that the more empty time I have in my schedule, the harder it is to motivate myself to be productive. What a quandary; MORE free time equals LESS productivity!

Meanwhile, my mind still goes and goes, round this bend and that, ending up in the vast, mysterious wasteland of Paranoia. For example...

My roommate's new relationship with his boyfriend has been going extremely well; Paranoia leads me to believe that I will soon be evicted.
My doctoral degree work has been on hiatus so far this summer; Paranoia states that I will never finish my DMA.
I've begun moving into a nearby church office in order to start a great new job that will help pay my bills; Paranoia reminds me of horrific past experiences working for unhealthy churches and insists that this time will be no different (and, as a bonus, I will never finish my DMA).

Cynical, much? Meanwhile, back in the real world, my roommate has no plans to evict me (I asked), the church job will be great (the pastor agrees), and the completion of my degree will eventually transpire (a few months of rest won't halt the process). Hopefully, I'll snap out of this funk soon; until then, I'm blaming it on the HEAT -- it was friggin' 105 degrees in Denver yesterday! My brain is baking! (And not in the good way...)

I HEART MOVIES: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

2005-07-19T10:10:00.000-06:00

A very entertaining film, CatCF succeeded primarily in its brilliant first act by focusing on young Charlie Bucket and his delightfully quirky family. As mentioned by most reviewers, Johnny Depp was certainly disturbing as Willy Wonka, but isn't that the purpose of the character? As a child, I was so disturbed by Gene Wilder that I avoided the original musical adaptation with a passion! The musical numbers in the current version are splendid as performed by the hundreds of digitally xeroxed Oompa-Loompas -- these are new Danny Elfman songs, so don't expect to hear Johnny sing "Candy Man" (omigod, I'm getting the willies just thinking about it!)

If you're tired of reading boring reviews (that are rife with spoilers nowadays), I highly recommend The Gothamist's take on movie-watching etiquette as an alternative, Charlie and the Broken Social Contract.

Let's Do the Time Warp Again

2005-07-18T15:18:00.000-06:00

My friend Kurt is currently playing "Rocky" (the buff guy with bleached hair in the gold underpants) in a local production of the Rocky Horror Show. This show was originally produced at a new dinner theater south of Denver, but, as one might imagine, it was not a big hit with the dinner theater crowd. The new venue, Denver's Avenue Theater, sounds like a much better fit -- I can't wait to see the show this time around! Check out these excellent reviews in the Denver Post and Westword, then go do the Time Warp this weekend!

I HEART MOVIES: Heights

2005-07-15T11:23:00.000-06:00

Perhaps I've seen one too many summer blockbusters of late, but I really enjoyed the quiet drama of Heights. This is a simple relationship film, whose plot you've undoubtedly seen before, following a set of seemingly unrelated characters during a day in the life in Manhattan. Heights revels in the fact that everyone on the island is connected (just "two degrees of separation" in Manhattan!) and soon all the characters are intimately involved in each others' business.

This is not a perfect movie; the conventional plot twists, for instance, can be seen a mile away. That being said, the actors are wonderful to watch as they inhabit their characters with depth and personality. Glenn Close is magnificent (no big surprise) and the he's-so-gorgeous-my-eyes-hurt James Marsden gives a wonderfully conflicted performance as the sexually-confused character at the center of the drama. It's nice to see that Cyclops can act (and has pretty eyes!)

Personally, I was most delighted to see Rufus Wainwright in a small role, playing a darling, queeny boy who seriously needed a bigger part. Rufus, my love, isn't it time we met in person? Did you get all my letters? Did you enjoy the photos? OK... Stalker Boy leaving now.

Heights is currently playing in Denver at The Mayan.

Gay, in other words

2005-07-12T23:28:00.000-06:00

Relating to my previous post, Bruce Vilanch recently wrote a thought provoking editorial in the latest issue of The Advocate regarding the terminology of the word "gay" when used (often in a derogatory manner) by both GLBT and straight people. Highly recommended reading.

Lifestyle choices

2005-07-12T22:56:00.000-06:00

Earlier tonight, a lesbian friend was relating an innocent comment that was made to her regarding the two of us sharing the same "lifestyle". At first, I honestly passed over this comment without much thought. While discussing the conversation with my boyfriend, however, a few casual observations came out, so to speak.

What is the "lifestyle" that best describes me? A lifestyle of music making, of movie watching, of literature reading, of playing with my dog? A lifestyle of studying, of learning, of teaching? A lifestyle of diversity, of inclusion, of compassion, of forgiveness, of love?

No, sadly, the person who made the comment was probably referring to the "lifestyle" of my sex life. Of whom I choose to sleep with. Of whom I happen to have biological attraction! Is that really a lifestyle? When the average heterosexual person meets the average homosexual person, why do they immediately imagine said homosexual in the act of intercourse? I CERTAINLY don't envision late-night Cinemax every time I meet a straight person! (...eww...)

I don't have hard feelings about the comment. This was just someone's way of trying to verbalize something they don't really understand, but are sincerely working at understanding. I see culture changing all around me, every day, even under great resistance and duress. I believe in a better world -- I hope to see it one day.

I HEART MOVIES: ...but War of the Worlds left me thinking, "Tom, babe, lithium is a GOOD thing!"

2005-07-11T11:02:00.000-06:00

The Doghouse has been free of post-age for the past few days, due primarily to a large musical performance obligation I was finally able to complete this past weekend (after unbearably LONG daily rehearsals leading up to the Saturday performance). My resentment was too strong during the process to trust posting my generally genial thoughts -- now, however, I'm just happy that the event's over!

I decided to unwind yesterday by going to see a movie with my boyfriend, which is one of our favorite pastimes. Since I'm not likely to be able to drag him to see the critical bomb Fantastic Four (though I might try to catch it myself later this week), we ended up at War of the Worlds.

Tom Cruise is as cute as ever, but gave an uncommonly MANIC performance, much like the real-life persona he's been exhibiting in the media of late. The movie was harsh in its cynical judgment of human behavior in the face of terror and destruction -- I was far more terrified of the mobs of desperate human beings than I was of the alien tripod killing machines! Inducing gut-wrenching visceral reactions from beginning to end, War of the Worlds certainly succeeds in terrifying its audience. It's a shame, however, that by the end of the movie the only emotion all that terror brought about in this audience member was apathy.

I always avoid reading spoiler-filled movie reviews until AFTER seeing a movie. If you've seen Spielberg's lastest destruction flick, do yourself a favor and check out this hilariously accurate review at Movie Juice. I'll leave you with my favorite quote from the review:

No actor plays under-12 panic like flying saucer-eyed Dakota Fanning. "I'm the pre-teen Maggie Smith," says Dakota, "if Maggie Smith had a stripper name."

God is still speaking

2005-07-06T18:10:00.000-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to be the pastoral-musician-in-residence for the annual meeting of the New York Conference of the United Church of Christ. It was a fantastic experience, to be involved with a Christian denomination that is so open and progressive -- these are the change-bringers, people! At this meeting, I was privileged to make music side by side with one of my dearest friends, an openly-lesbian woman who is an ordained UCC pastor.

Two days ago, July 4th, 2005, the UCC continued to make me proud by passing a resolution to support "equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender." Take a moment to read the following two articles about this landmark decision:

Let Freedom Bling

2005-07-04T14:48:00.000-06:00

Happy
4th of July,
2005!

Yummmy...

2005-07-03T18:20:00.000-06:00

Jericho's friend Rachel is really enjoying her "berrie-kabob" at the 2005 Cherry Creek Arts Festival.

Smart ART

2005-07-03T17:52:00.000-06:00

There is no better summer event in Denver than the fantastic Cherry Creek Arts Festival. I will admit, I can't actually afford to buy ANYTHING at the festival, but looking is free and informed compliments seem to be appreciated. Here are some of the artists whose work I enjoyed seeing earlier today...

Wes Magyar (Denver, CO): Of all the paintings I saw, Wes' work was the most stunning, particularly his exciting, somewhat disturbing "The Vow".
Paul Eshelman (Elizabeth, IL): I love the simple, clean look of Paul's pottery -- this is art that's meant to be in use.
Allan Teger (Vero Beach, FL): I'm always on the lookout for Allan's FUN Bodyscapes series at each year's Festival -- must be seen to be believed! I especially liked "Cowboy" and "Crane".
Craig and Charlene Sainsott (Smithville, TX): If I could afford it, I would definitely buy one of their ultra-sleek Space Rings -- gorgeous.
John Wesley Williams (Renick, WV): His photos don't do justice to the phenomenal woodwork -- some of the most beautiful wood furniture I've ever seen. Plus, John is from Renick, my grandmother's hometown!

When I needed a break from the Festival, I enjoyed the air-conditioning and espresso in our local bookstore, The Tattered Cover. When I wanted to actually PURCHASE some art, I took in the cool stuff at my favorite Cherry Creek store, The Artisan Center.

The Seraphim Circus, vol. 1

2005-07-01T11:08:00.000-06:00

Just this morning I received word from my old Wheaton College roomate David Orris that his first CD, The Seraphim Circus, vol. 1, has just been released. I just ordered a couple copies from CD Baby and promise to post my thoughts after I've had the chance to give the album a few listens.

I can't wait to be able to say, I knew David Orris when...

I feel pretty, and witty, and...

2005-06-30T16:57:00.000-06:00

After a long day of cleaning out my desk in the graduate assistant office, I'm taking a respite in the gloriously air-conditioned (it's been a hot day) student center here at CU-Boulder. Later tonight I'm singing a gig (West Side Story choral selections) with the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra conducted by Michael Christie. Today is Michael's birthday, which makes him a Cancer (like my boyfriend), and he's turning 31.

31?! Why, yes, gentle reader, that happens to by MY AGE. On one hand, it's truly inspiring to see a another young conductor who's professional career has been wildly successful and is just getting hotter. On the other hand, I can't help wonder if I've just been coasting.

Granted, orchestral conductors tend to achieve maestro status a bit earlier than choral conductors (who generally only achieve this status post-mortem!) I've spent the past three years working on my DMA in choral conducting, full-time, with a graduate assistantship. This was a conscious choice, an academically-oriented career path. Sometimes I just like to imagine what life would be like if I'd made different choices.

For now, I'm still content being a grad student. Most of my "might-have-been's" come from the hard knowledge that my assistantship is finally over, and now the REAL doctoral work begins.

So long, tuition waver!
So long, monthly stipend!
So long, asbestos laden choral library office!
So long, being the choral program's indentured servant!

Hello, the rest of my life.

A Fellow Doggieblogger

2005-06-29T10:08:00.000-06:00

I honestly had no idea that blogging was so contagious. In the short week since I opened Jericho's Doghouse, I've literally only told SIX people about my new undertaking (including dear Jiminycricket81). After checking out Jericho's exploits (and political opinions), one of those friends was immediately inspired to begin a new blog, giving voice to the wisdom of her faithful canine companion -- check out MountainMurphy, the irresistably CUTE little guy you see in the picture.

Hmmm... I wonder who does Murphy's head shots?

Oh, Canada!

2005-06-29T00:21:00.000-06:00

Earlier today, Canada became the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. And as the Gay News Blog reports, "WORLD DOES NOT END!"

Ex-gay group is barred from national PTA conference

2005-06-28T13:50:00.000-06:00

On the same weekend that I was so proud to participate in the family-affirming Field Day event as a part of Denver's PrideFest celebration, the Dobson-sponsored Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays organization (PFOX) attempted to preach their anti-gospel message at the national PTA conference. While I am thrilled with the PTA for barring this organization's discriminatory ideas from their conference (while at the same time embracing the participation of PFLAG), I am appalled at my own ignorance of this group's existence. Read more about it in the excellent Gay Viewpoint blog article, The right wing is still waging war on its self-proclaimed 'gay agenda'. Only this time the target are LGBT children, their teachers and the PTA.

And another thing, do you suppose it's just an eerie coincidence that this ex-gay organization's monicker is PFOX?

Post-PrideFest 2005

2005-06-27T16:32:00.000-06:00

Denver's PrideFest 2005 was a huge success over the weekend. The event received good coverage in the local newspapers -- The Denver Post posted a great article about the new Family Field Day event on their website yesterday, and added another article about the PrideFest parade and festival earlier today.

To avoid a blistering sunburn (which I've received at past Pride events), I slathered on copious amounts of sunscreen and decked myself out in Kenneth Cole sunglasses and a stylish PrideFest 2005 baseball cap. I may have looked like the gay Unabomber, but I managed to end the day sunburn-free.

I generally LOVE all street festival food. After all, where else can you eat Cheesecake-on-a-Stick, funnel cakes by the dozen, and an entire slow-roasted Turkey Leg all in one convenient location? (C'mon, I can practically hear you all moaning, "Yummmmmy!)

The festival booths were very good this year. I have another Sagittarius friend, Mike, who joins me every summer in exploring the vendors and exhibitors at many of the local street festivals. Mike and I hit every booth along the festival boulevard, which included area gift boutiques, GALA choruses, gay-friendly businesses, and local churches with inclusive-outreach ministries. I was especially pleased to run across a booth from the Iliff School of Theology, an inclusive institution with which I'm personally proud to be associated.

As always, heartfelt thanks to The GLBT Center of Colorado for their incredibly hard work in putting together and running this annual event.

Work it, Doggie Diva!

2005-06-25T15:05:00.000-06:00

These are some FABULOUS photos from the uproarious "doggie drag show" at Denver Pridefest's Family Field Day in Cheesman Park. I had a wonderful time attending this new event -- it's very encouraging to see Denver's GLBT community together with their children and other family and friends. A special thank you to The Center for organizing this fun afternoon -- I hope it will return again next year!

post hoc ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore because of this)

2005-06-25T10:08:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Jiminycricket81 has just blogged some truly excellent news about an upcoming trip to study in Hungary. The day after planning and participating in a cathartic Summer Soltice ritual (which involved much screaming, rock throwing, and poetry reading) Jiminy received word confirming a full financial scholarship to attend the Kodaly Institute in Kecskemét for the next academic year. Full ritual script is included on Jiminy's post, in case anyone reading is in need of catharsis, or perhaps miracle.

Do baklava and ouzo mix?

2005-06-24T18:27:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm about to find out when I attend Denver's annual Greek Festival tonight. Opa!

"Fag Stag?" May I hear the word in a sentence, please...?

2005-06-23T22:25:00.000-06:00

In honor of PrideFest in Denver, here is an unofficial (but queerly accurate!) Gay Glossary of affectionate terms that I will undoubtedly hear many times over this coming weekend.

As an added point of interest, the aforementioned glossary was found in the Boise Weekly (yes, as in IDAHO), an alternative newspaper published in my boyfriend's hometown.

Dear iPod Shuffle: Why won't you play iTunes files?

2005-06-23T17:37:00.000-06:00

I have owned my iPod Shuffle for about a week now, and I am finally learning to LOVE the little stick of gum. When I first purchased the item, however, I immediately uploaded an album I had downloaded from iTunes earlier in the day. Much to my surprise and frustration, the Shuffle simply wouldn't play -- I assumed that I had purchased a defective device! Fortunately for my emotional well-being, a little research into the Apple Discussion Boards revealed that I was far from the only person experiencing a problem with my Shuffle.

It seems that the Shuffle has some compatibility issues with the protected encoding on some (though not all) iTunes files -- OR, possibly, the encoding was somehow damaged (?) during my specific download. Once I REMOVED the downloaded album, and replaced it with several files I had physically ripped from CDs, the Shuffle worked perfectly. Ironic, isn't it, that Apple's cool new iPod is riddled with problems that are somehow CAUSED by music files downloaded from their own site?

Ask me if I'm upset -- my answer: not really. I simply burned the offending files onto a disc and re-ripped them back into iTunes the old-fashioned way.

Now the downloaded iTunes album plays on the Shuffle.

Show your Pride

2005-06-23T10:43:00.000-06:00

Denver's annual PrideFest is one of our local street festivals I MOST look forward to every summer. The GLBT Center of Colorado describes the event:

Celebrating the lives and achievements of GLBT people everywhere, The Center is proud to be the sponsor and organizer of Denver’s annual PrideFest parade and celebration held in June. Over 150,000 from the Western region come to Denver to participate in this event, the largest GLBT gathering within 1,000 miles.

If you're in Denver this weekend, come out and see the Pride Parade this Sunday morning at 9:30am, then join us at 11:00am for the festival in Civic Center Plaza.