Alarming Trend

Anyone else noticing an alarming trend over the weekend? The Bush Administration has been issuing various warnings to Syria and Iran, specifically using the phrase, “Weapons of Mass Destruction” with Iran. Could this be the beginning of America propaganda to link Iran with Iraq, which has been falsely linked with 9/11? Are Americans as a whole dumb enough to fall for it? Seems to be the case, when a recent poll shows fifty percent of Americans believe Iraq was behind the 9/11 attacks. Just in case you’re one of them, Iraq WAS NOT behind 9/11, but our president sure makes it sound that way without actually saying it. The Al Qaida headquartered in Afghanistan were the ones responsible and we already invaded a country over that incident. I think perhaps the most sad part about all of this, is that us Americans are responsible for it all; Al Qaida, Iraq, and Iran. Part of me says we deserve what we get, and the other says we need to clean up after our mistakes.

I must admit though I fell for the Administration’s propaganda suggesting the Iraq war would be swift. It has become increasingly clear the conflict could last well into the summer, and if Iraq wasn’t a supported of terrorist organization it will quickly become one. Just think 4,000 suicide bombers, a number told by Saddam, are preparing themselves to defend Iraq against the American invaders. Depending how the upcoming thrust plays out, much could be surmised about the future of America in the Middle East and the potential for terrorist attacks on America and Americans around the globe. Things are only going to get worse the longer this war plays out, and I think its obvious Bush’s foreign policy won’t do anything to help the matter.

Furthermore, its readily agreed by many one of the problems America faced during the Vietnam quagmire was the politicians telling the military how to fight the way. The general and whatnot have been trained to fight wars, politicians have no place in such an arena. Guess what has been happening with the Iraq war? Donald Rumsfeld has been calling the shots, cutting the ‘Powell Doctrine’ to pieces. He may actually be the reason this war is going to take so long, since he scaled back the number of troops, etc that were being sent it. The Powell Doctrine, used during the first Gulf Conflict was to use overwhelming force to quickly defeat the enemy. I wonder what Powell was doing during the meetings when the administration was discussing the war, serving everyone coffee?

What a great day

Today was a really good day for me, Melissa and I went for a walk to and around Lake Calhoun. I think we live like 6 blocks away or something like that, and though it was chilly the sun was shining and keeping us warm. It was a pleasant experience - I can't express how peaceful it was.

Last night was splendid as well, hung out with Cat-guy for the evening. He's starting to take notice and make improvements to his nest. It was so charming last night shopping for rugs, lamps, etc. and seeing his face light up as we placed them about. I'd write more, but I don't know how to express my elation in words right now.

Patriotism

"If patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel, it is not merely because evil deeds may be performed in the name of patriotism ... but because patriotic fervor can obliterate moral distinction altogether."
-Ralph Barton Perry

Gay Standard Time

Why are many gay men always late? Melissa had commented on this many times before, because all the gay guys she knows are always late, and it doesn't matter the event. I'm totally guilty of this all the time, although lately I've been getting to work with lots of time to spare. Are we fussing with our hair for too long, even-though we have considerably less? Is our sense of style so defined we have to go through several revisions of our outfits? Could it be all of these? Personally I had a huge problem getting to meetings and classes on time, and of course I wouldn't walk in late so I missed a lot. A few months ago I caught five minutes of Dr. Phil - I'm not a fan mind you - and he was talking with someone who finds themselves perpetually late for things. He suggested it has to do with arrogance and a lack of respect for the other people we're late meeting. Lack of respect is not an issue, but I'll admit arrogance can sometimes get the best of me especially with lame classes I don't want to attend. My friend Dan has a theory, its called GST or Gay Standard Time, kind of an all encompassing excuse without solid merit but still used unequivocally. Joe on the other hand simply says its because we need to get pretty - hmmm which sounds better? I'm going with GST - don't question the GST.

IKEA is coming!

Last night I found out from the pianoforte blog that IKEA is coming to the Twin Cities Mall of America, and I've been bouncing off the walls ever since. I am so frickin' excited its beyond explanation, and most people I've talked don't even know what it is. Catman was like, "Oh, that yuppie shit they had in Fight Club?" I kindly pointed out his discretion and moved on talking about how excited I was for the big day, even if its not until next summer.

Just say no to extroverts

Cat-man and I have been seeing a lot of each other lately. Even-though I've only known him a week and a half, I feel very good about him and I can say its more than normal feelings when you first meet someone. He happens to be the first introvert I've ever dated, and I'm really seeing the benefits. Last night was a good example, my energy level was practically non-existent - I couldn't get excited about anything we talked about. Not that conversation wasn't at least a little stimulating, I just hadn't had recharge time all day but that didn't mean anything was wrong with me. In a previous relationship, a situation like this would have resulted in an interrogation of a hundred variations of "What's wrong?" It was FU%%ING impossible to explain to that guy everything was fine, he just couldn't comprehend the concept. With Cat-man he asked me once if everything was alright, that it wasn't about him. When I said no and explained I hadn't had some recharge time and was simply kaputt, he understood completely and was quite accommodating. I don't know if I can explain how great that felt, to be understood so easily without a conversation verging on an argument.

So if I ever get back on 'the market' it might come with a moratorium against extroverts. I'm sorry but you guys just don't have a clue and never will.

A little of everything

What seemed planned to be a busy weekend turned into kind of a humdrum, but I wasn’t sitting on my ass for the entirety. Friday night I went out with who I’ll refer to as Cat-man, at least until I come up with something more endearing, and didn’t come home until the next afternoon. Nothing happened that I wouldn’t be proud to tell mom, then again I had no problems telling her I’m applying to become a sperm donor. She was like, “Well you get paid pretty well for that, right?” Totally, but the challenge is getting accepted after a lengthy application and screening process. I figure even if I don’t get accepted it might prove to be an interesting life experience. On the other hand, lets be honest, this is the only way my boys are ever going to swim home if you know what I mean and I know you do.

The website should be getting a new addition in the upcoming few weeks – lets just say its called “Its All About M.E., the Melissa and Erik Show” and I get to start playing with iMovie. I’m so excited and you will be too when you start seeing the first shows popping up. We haven’t started filming yet, but we have some wicked ideas, and our chemistry is second to none. So watch out for that, and if you’re in the area perhaps you could get a cameo – let me know I’m not even kidding. I’m such a hit-whore – but I won’t stoop to the low of getting on some list and trying to get votes. I don’t want worthless hits and I don’t want people visiting the website and not getting at least one laugh out of the deal. Its all about content folks, my website isn’t blowing the critics over in terms of technical achievement so all I have is my content.

I’ve read some blog-type sites, and one in particular has a very jaded owner at the helm. He hates making new layouts, and pretty much does nothing but bitch how much he hates doing the whole thing and doesn’t know why he continues. So it got me to thinking why I bother working on a website, especially when I’m such an amateur when it comes to the whole thing – I can’t even get rollovers to work right. Maybe you have even thought about why I do it, or why would you even want to do one – I mean what is the point of putting yourself out on the web. Does anybody really care? Am I just wasting my time? Well I’ll tell you why I do it. Not to get approval from anyone in particular, but because it’s a gratifying means of expressing myself. If I could paint or write poetry better I would be doing that, but I can’t. Besides I love playing on my computer and well the math just adds up with the result being a webpage. I suppose I enjoy the challenge of putting the pieces together and seeing what works and what doesn’t work getting people into the site.

I’m starting to work on some other ideas to expand the scope of the website and maybe even make a little money in the process. I’m not sure if I’ll do that donation link stuff, but then again it costs money to operate this site and I’m not exactly rolling in the dough right now either. I guess I’ll just try a variety of things and see what works and what doesn’t. In the meantime send me your thoughts about this website, blogging in general or just your opinions on the meaning of life. I would love to hear from you – note this is another reason for the website because I never call people to talk so this works as a substitute.

Relationships...

We've all been there one time or another, you're not dating anyone and no one seems likely to enter the picture anytime soon. Then your friends and relatives start to tell you this wonderful line, "You know things happen when you least expect it." 'F' those people and their damn saying because its a loaded line of BS.

Up until a few days ago, that was my position on the matter completely and it wasn't about to change. Now I can be patient when it comes to dating but even I was at the end of my tether. I bet you can guess what happened, the next part of my story. Thats right, I met someone and though I can't say anything earth moving will happen but it certainly restores my faith. It all happened very quickly, but a man fulfilling all of the descriptions of someone I was looking for just happened to come along. Its been great and I hope something more comes out of it.

So hang in there, you never know! (lol - I had to say it)

Bitch got a job

Well what do you know, Erik finally got a job and is finally among the working class. And you though I was just a lazy turd - like that isn't true. It was a close morning since we had a light snow storm making traffic slow as hell. I almost slid into the back end of a truck, but fortunately my brakes came back from vacation in time. I made it to work on time though and everything went smoothly.

I don't know about the whole cubicle environment, but at least the people are nice and seem approachable. Business casual isn't what I was expecting, I almost hate to see what Friday's are like or if its just the additions of jeans. The dress code is very relaxed. So maybe I'm a little overdressed, but damn't thats alright - dress for success right?