It has been that kind of day. And the week... no, the month... doesn't promise to get much better. I therefore present to you something more absurd than Albee's The Sandbox and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead...
Charlie the Unicorn...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
It's Personal: Pride
Pride n.
It was 40 years ago yesterday that the Stonewall Riots began in Greenwich Village in New York City. The first time a group of gay people actively rebelled en masse against civil authorities in the United States.
And it was 140 years ago that the term 'homosexual' first made it into print. Which implies that there were no homosexuals prior to 1869, right?
Right.
I can see you squirming. Gay and straight alike. Why? Because you know there were homosexuals prior to 1869. But I tell you there weren't. How is that? Because that wasn't the term for people of the same sex who were attracted to each other. What was the term? Well, that depends on the culture.
For ancient Greeks, older men had relationships with young boys. (And for those of you who are wondering, there continues to be significant debate about Romans 1:26-27, i.e. whether it in fact condemns homosexuality globally or refers rather to a more specified subset of people engaged in altogether egregious relationships.) For many African cultures, those attracted to the same sex were seen as normal parts of the community. And in many Native American cultures, those attracted to the same sex were commonly considered more powerful and more well rounded with their 'Two Spirits'. Many were shamans.
I know, that didn't really answer the question. Because I don't know exactly the name given to those attracted to the same sex in years before 1869.
Where did homosexual come from? And gay, for that matter?
Homosexual is more a medical term that distinguished those attracted to the same sex from those attracted to the opposite sex (heterosexual). A useful word in the scientification - ok, not really a word - of the world. Taxonomizing - also not a word - the world.
And once there was a label for it, there was opposition. From the medical community considering it an abnormality. From the Church who found some scripture to ensure the condemnation not only of the act but of the people. And from the state, the leaders of which could justify considering homosexuals 'others' much like African Americans or disabled persons. Just ask Hitler.
Think about it. Which professions were you taught to trust the most in this world? Well, I know for me, I was taught to trust doctors, policemen, and priests. I - and the rest of the 'homosexual' world - didn't have a chance. Quite the conspiracy, if you ask me. But not even a conspiracy. Just rampant ignorance.
Gay? Ah yes, well, that became one of many code words for those men and women attracted to the same sex to use with others to see if they happened to be one of them or not. I mean, everyone used the word. Priests. Doctors. Policemen. Hell, even Bing Crosby.
That and other codes got these 'homosexuals' well into the 1960s. But not without violence. And raids of establishments where these 'homosexuals' went. And discrimination. And segregation. And downright evil.
So, a bunch of what some might consider low-lifes decided that enough was enough back in 1969. That though doctors and policemen and priests. And mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters did not accept them for who they were, they were damn well ready to accept themselves.
That's one kind of pride.
And to those doctors and policemen and priests and mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers who neglect and ignore these 'homosexual' men and women for who God made them just because they think they're better, I suggest you analyze that other definition of pride very closely.
Perhaps pride parades - like the one yesterday in Seattle - have lost much of their meaning. Perhaps they are overly sexual in some instances. And perhaps they don't effectively communicate the love that many same-sex couples share. But, they do serve as a reminder that 'homosexual' men and women, who were taxonomized in the late 19th century as being others often not worthy of respect, are in fact sons and daughters of God who will only be - and should only be - judged when they meet their maker.
With that, I wish all of you - 'homosexual' and 'heterosexual' alike - a very happy pride. The self-respecting kind...
- A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect
- An excessively high opinion of oneself; conceit
It was 40 years ago yesterday that the Stonewall Riots began in Greenwich Village in New York City. The first time a group of gay people actively rebelled en masse against civil authorities in the United States.
And it was 140 years ago that the term 'homosexual' first made it into print. Which implies that there were no homosexuals prior to 1869, right?
Right.
I can see you squirming. Gay and straight alike. Why? Because you know there were homosexuals prior to 1869. But I tell you there weren't. How is that? Because that wasn't the term for people of the same sex who were attracted to each other. What was the term? Well, that depends on the culture.
For ancient Greeks, older men had relationships with young boys. (And for those of you who are wondering, there continues to be significant debate about Romans 1:26-27, i.e. whether it in fact condemns homosexuality globally or refers rather to a more specified subset of people engaged in altogether egregious relationships.) For many African cultures, those attracted to the same sex were seen as normal parts of the community. And in many Native American cultures, those attracted to the same sex were commonly considered more powerful and more well rounded with their 'Two Spirits'. Many were shamans.
I know, that didn't really answer the question. Because I don't know exactly the name given to those attracted to the same sex in years before 1869.
Where did homosexual come from? And gay, for that matter?
Homosexual is more a medical term that distinguished those attracted to the same sex from those attracted to the opposite sex (heterosexual). A useful word in the scientification - ok, not really a word - of the world. Taxonomizing - also not a word - the world.
And once there was a label for it, there was opposition. From the medical community considering it an abnormality. From the Church who found some scripture to ensure the condemnation not only of the act but of the people. And from the state, the leaders of which could justify considering homosexuals 'others' much like African Americans or disabled persons. Just ask Hitler.
Think about it. Which professions were you taught to trust the most in this world? Well, I know for me, I was taught to trust doctors, policemen, and priests. I - and the rest of the 'homosexual' world - didn't have a chance. Quite the conspiracy, if you ask me. But not even a conspiracy. Just rampant ignorance.
Gay? Ah yes, well, that became one of many code words for those men and women attracted to the same sex to use with others to see if they happened to be one of them or not. I mean, everyone used the word. Priests. Doctors. Policemen. Hell, even Bing Crosby.
That and other codes got these 'homosexuals' well into the 1960s. But not without violence. And raids of establishments where these 'homosexuals' went. And discrimination. And segregation. And downright evil.
So, a bunch of what some might consider low-lifes decided that enough was enough back in 1969. That though doctors and policemen and priests. And mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters did not accept them for who they were, they were damn well ready to accept themselves.
That's one kind of pride.
And to those doctors and policemen and priests and mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers who neglect and ignore these 'homosexual' men and women for who God made them just because they think they're better, I suggest you analyze that other definition of pride very closely.
Perhaps pride parades - like the one yesterday in Seattle - have lost much of their meaning. Perhaps they are overly sexual in some instances. And perhaps they don't effectively communicate the love that many same-sex couples share. But, they do serve as a reminder that 'homosexual' men and women, who were taxonomized in the late 19th century as being others often not worthy of respect, are in fact sons and daughters of God who will only be - and should only be - judged when they meet their maker.
With that, I wish all of you - 'homosexual' and 'heterosexual' alike - a very happy pride. The self-respecting kind...
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sporting Rants and Raves (Sunday Edition): June 28, 2009
Happy 49th birthday to Mr. John Elway formerly of the Denver Broncos. Although never a fan of Orange Crush, I respected and admired Elway as one of the greatest QBs of all time. In addition, he participated in one of the best regular season games I've seen, a game that starred Joe Montana as QB of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Broncos' Elway.
Enjoy this trip back in time...
Yankees roll past Mets 5-0
The Yanks are having their way in the Subway Series this year, perhaps doomed by the Castillo drop in their first game. Mr. A.J. Burnett and two Yanks relievers managed to 2-hit the Metropolitans at Citi Field.
Brazil rallies to beat US in Confed Cup final, 3-2
I have mixed feelings about soccer. It's a great sport to play, so I've heard. And even to watch in the stands. In my estimation, it's much like hockey in that the cameras stay glued to the ball and not to the constant machinations away from the ball. To a first time observer - me - soccer looks very much like a fire drill with people descending on a large ball. But I've no doubt that there are formations and intricate strategies associated with the game.
In any case, the United States - after a startling win over heavily favored Spain - had the match against Brazil in the bag. Until they didn't... And found that they had lost 3-2. Alas, poor U.S.
What can Brown do for Indianapolis?
Suddenly, I have a reason to root for the Indianapolis Colts. So, I don't dislike the Colts. I'm rather indifferent, in fact. But now, Mr. Donald Brown formerly of the UCONN Huskies will play for the Colts. And though I'm not a graduate of UCONN, I must admit that UCONN gives to Connecticut the only serious major sports program in the state.
But wait, you might say if you knew I went to the University of Delaware, do you root for the Ravens? Absolutely not, I'd tell you. Why, if Joe Flacco's on the team. Because, I'd say with absolutely no logical reasoning, I just don't like them. And that would be good enough.
Shaq goes back to No. 33
Here is a headline that represents the antithesis of news. Except perhaps for all those retailers who need to know which Cavs jersey to sell. The more important question - and the news of this week - is... Can Shaq push the Cavs and Lebron over the top. I say no. I think the Cavs can win it, but it will be in spite of Shaq and his mouth. But still, it is intriguing.
Answers to Last Week's Trivia
Who had the longest streak of consecutive played games in the history of the MLB?
Cal Ripken
How many games (within 100)?
2,632
How many years did this streak span?
May 30, 1982 - September 20, 1998
In the interests of time, I will take a quick look back in sporting history. Twelve years ago today, Mike Tyson faced Evander Holyfield for the second time. Do you remember what happened?
As far as softball goes, the Thrusters finished at a mediocre 8-8 for the season. And the Buzz finished in 4th at 13-5. Congrats and thanks to both teams for a great season.
And now, I venture out on this perfect Seattle day. To all of my friends and family on the East Coast I hope that you may soon enjoy this weather too...
Until next I write, happy sporting...
Enjoy this trip back in time...
Yankees roll past Mets 5-0
The Yanks are having their way in the Subway Series this year, perhaps doomed by the Castillo drop in their first game. Mr. A.J. Burnett and two Yanks relievers managed to 2-hit the Metropolitans at Citi Field.
Brazil rallies to beat US in Confed Cup final, 3-2
I have mixed feelings about soccer. It's a great sport to play, so I've heard. And even to watch in the stands. In my estimation, it's much like hockey in that the cameras stay glued to the ball and not to the constant machinations away from the ball. To a first time observer - me - soccer looks very much like a fire drill with people descending on a large ball. But I've no doubt that there are formations and intricate strategies associated with the game.
In any case, the United States - after a startling win over heavily favored Spain - had the match against Brazil in the bag. Until they didn't... And found that they had lost 3-2. Alas, poor U.S.
What can Brown do for Indianapolis?
Suddenly, I have a reason to root for the Indianapolis Colts. So, I don't dislike the Colts. I'm rather indifferent, in fact. But now, Mr. Donald Brown formerly of the UCONN Huskies will play for the Colts. And though I'm not a graduate of UCONN, I must admit that UCONN gives to Connecticut the only serious major sports program in the state.
But wait, you might say if you knew I went to the University of Delaware, do you root for the Ravens? Absolutely not, I'd tell you. Why, if Joe Flacco's on the team. Because, I'd say with absolutely no logical reasoning, I just don't like them. And that would be good enough.
Shaq goes back to No. 33
Here is a headline that represents the antithesis of news. Except perhaps for all those retailers who need to know which Cavs jersey to sell. The more important question - and the news of this week - is... Can Shaq push the Cavs and Lebron over the top. I say no. I think the Cavs can win it, but it will be in spite of Shaq and his mouth. But still, it is intriguing.
Answers to Last Week's Trivia
Who had the longest streak of consecutive played games in the history of the MLB?
Cal Ripken
How many games (within 100)?
2,632
How many years did this streak span?
May 30, 1982 - September 20, 1998
In the interests of time, I will take a quick look back in sporting history. Twelve years ago today, Mike Tyson faced Evander Holyfield for the second time. Do you remember what happened?
As far as softball goes, the Thrusters finished at a mediocre 8-8 for the season. And the Buzz finished in 4th at 13-5. Congrats and thanks to both teams for a great season.
And now, I venture out on this perfect Seattle day. To all of my friends and family on the East Coast I hope that you may soon enjoy this weather too...
Until next I write, happy sporting...
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday 13: Surreal Moments
Have you ever had those moments when all you can say is, huh? Or you do a double-take to see if you saw what you just thought you saw? I devote this Thursday 13 to those moment in my life.
- It is my first memory. And most of that is blurred by now. I was 3. Spending time over my maternal grandparents' house. As music went, I knew of only one musical group. The Fab Four was indellibly marked in my brain from before I came out of the womb. Well, on December 8, 1980 I called my Uncle Mark and said, 'I'm sorry about John Lemon.'
- After the iron had hit my skull a quarter inch from my temple, my neighbor exclaimed, 'You have a hole in your head!' She was right.
- In a kitchen with exceptionally ugly powder blue floral wallpaper, my parents sat us down for dinner. A rarity. 'We're getting divorced.'
- I stepped onto the stage and walked to the microphone. The moderator said the word. I repeated it. 'S-E-C-R-A-T-A-R-Y'. 'I'm sorry, that is wrong.' That moment before I broke into tears.
- I sat on the lower bunk in our apartment after having just moved from a significantly larger house. I realized I'd never see Clancy again. Clancy was the dog...
- Playing at Doolittle Park with a friend and my brother, we ran up a shallow embankment. My brother fell, but it seemed no different than any other time he'd fallen. So I laughed at him. Until I realized that his arm was broken. Then I ran home to get my mother.
- I tried to grab for his jersey as he flitted past me. It felt as though I barely grazed him. I fell. When I went to get up, one of my teammates exclaimed, 'Dude, your finger isn't supposed to point that way.' My right ring finger had dislocated at the second knuckle and was resting over my middle and index fingers.
- I hit the telephone pole hard trying to turn around. In that lively game of Suicide all those years ago. I got out of the car, thinking the old man would kill me. There wasn't a scratch.
- I handed her the diamond and ruby ring. 'Will you marry me?' Later, I tried to ask her father for his daughter's hand in marriage. I failed miserably. Mostly because he didn't speak English and my Spanish was questionable at best.
- I stepped out of my room at the seminary with no place in particular to go. Dan Kennedy walked by and said, 'A plane just hit the World Trade Center.' I moved to the common room just in time to see the second plane hit.
- I called Joseph from the corner of 8th and Olive and asked him where George, Washington was. He didn't get it.
- I called a few of my friends who thought I had gone AWOL. 'Hi [insert name here] I'm in Seattle.'
- I walked past the big screen television in the lobby today and saw the word 'Dead'. I thought it was another story about Farrah. Then, I saw the 'Michael Jackson' and thought, wha?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
3WW (Fickle, Sparkle, Wrinkle): An Exercise in Texting
For those of you not visiting from Three Word Wednesday, I encourage you to partake in a rather enjoyable weekly writing exercise. Three words are posted at Three Word Wednesday each week, and you are challenged to use those three words to write a poem, short story, dialogue, etc. Click the link above and see if you can do it.
This week's words: Fickle, Sparkle, Wrinkle
An Exercise in Texting
John: Luv the way ur eyes sparkle. Like stars on a lake.
Nicole: Luv the way ur nose wrinkles when u smile.
John: When am I gonna c u?
Nicole: Whens good 4 u?
John: Whenever
Nicole: So fickle
John: Whats that mean?
Nicole: O u no
John: Krazy lady
Nicole: How do u no?
John: Guessin
Nicole: Good guess
John: Where r u now?
Nicole: Sitting here with the hubby and the kids. U?
John: Starin at u
Nicole: No ur not
John: Ur wearin a purple bathrobe
Nicole: Where r u?
John: Plottin
Nicole: Don't joke
John: Who says im jokin?
Nicole: Whatever
John: So fickle
Nicole: Touche
John: Ull b mine be4 u no it...
This week's words: Fickle, Sparkle, Wrinkle
An Exercise in Texting
John: Luv the way ur eyes sparkle. Like stars on a lake.
Nicole: Luv the way ur nose wrinkles when u smile.
John: When am I gonna c u?
Nicole: Whens good 4 u?
John: Whenever
Nicole: So fickle
John: Whats that mean?
Nicole: O u no
John: Krazy lady
Nicole: How do u no?
John: Guessin
Nicole: Good guess
John: Where r u now?
Nicole: Sitting here with the hubby and the kids. U?
John: Starin at u
Nicole: No ur not
John: Ur wearin a purple bathrobe
Nicole: Where r u?
John: Plottin
Nicole: Don't joke
John: Who says im jokin?
Nicole: Whatever
John: So fickle
Nicole: Touche
John: Ull b mine be4 u no it...
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