Dick Cheney: Always remember what you say

I was listening to the radio the other day when I heard a clip of Dick Cheney talking about the war in Iraq. What I didn't know at the time was, this clip was taken from a C-SPAN interview with Cheney back on April 15, 1994. He was asked why we did not go into Baghdad during the first Gulf War and take out Saddam.

His answer is surprising. Or not surprising - depending on how you look at things. He stated that "not many American lives" were worth being lost in order to topple the Saddam regime. He also stated that it would be a "quagmire."

So here is the video so you can see for yourself:



So what changed between 4/15/2004 and when we actually toppled the Saddam regime that made it worth those American lives?

I found his comments to be quite prophetic. He KNEW what he was talking about, and I AGREED with him then (and agree with this position still today). What I don't understand is why his opinion changed, every thing he said has come true. This man is nothing more than an opportunist, a liar, a war-hawk, and has, along with this administration, put our soldiers in harms way for a war HE KNEW was unwinnable, a war HE KNEW would turn into a "quagmire." This is ONE of the reasons why I support his impeachment.

Comments are appriciated.

Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

Bionic Woman

Now for a bit of braining numbing banter - especially after the "hard-hitting" topics as of late.

I am psyched about the remake of the Bionic Woman (probably the only hit NBC will have). Here is a extended preview of the new series. I can't wait!! And "bonus!!!" it starts on my sister's birthday 9/26/07 (so I know that will bring good luck).




Of course NOTHING could replace the original series.




I used to LOVE the original series with Lindsay Wagner, (and as a gay boy- of course I liked her more than The Six Million Dollar Man). The best had to be the episodes with the Bionic Woman VS. the FEMBOTS.......CLASSIC!!!!!



Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Back to it: Last Week Revisited

It's been a week since I wrote. I have been busy, not to mention, I needed a break from the unbelievable amount of negativity from the previous week.

Before I go on with the point of this blog post - might I mention that has formally written a comment comment on my blog. Though I disagree with her, I must say her comment was well written and well thought out.

Ms. Patterson has also responded publicly on her blog to a comment I wrote on her blog earlier (which nonetheless sparked the controversy.)

I plan to respond to Ms. Patterson's post - not out of spite or anything like that, but to get us out of the "spin-zone" that I hate so much. Ms. Patterson is certainly passionate about what she does, and for that I applaud her. However, serious reservations remain, and I will discuss those in detail on a later date.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Angry People: Smart Alex

Well, it seems as if a simple statement on my part has turned my blog into a whirlwind of controversy. GOOD. But unlike other bloggers, I am choosing not to delete comments written by others, because I believe in free speech and in exposing those who are obviously ignorant and patently idiotic. I refer back to the comments on my blog by Smart Alex:

Mr. Alex's latest attempt at intellectual commentary is as follows (you can click this link to see it if you don't believe my copy)

"Think twice about who opened the can of worms. Johnny shouldn't open his mouth if he doesn't want comments back. As for sucking Johns balls, well I think Jenny or John would be much better suited to that task than I considering they both have intimate knowledge of ball sucking and I don't. And if you really want enlightened on pole smoking Jenny, stop by any time. I'd be glad to give you a few pointers. You're welcome to dress me down too as suggested. I only wish you'd find Patterson under my clothes. Not only is she smart, she friggin' hot! I hope the board passes a resolution that states she must wear thongs and push up bras to meetings!"

To which I respond:

1) I assume that you, Mr. Alex, believe that a simple statement referring to Ms. Patterson's ethical tightrope walk, is opening a can of worms. How unfortunate. I was simply pointing out that this miscarriage of her position was inappropriate. Especially for someone who states in her blog that she began her career in politics in order to “make a difference,” and “change what is wrong.” Unfortunately for Ms. Patterson, she has failed, and never learned that “ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY.”

2) I never said I didn’t want comments back. In fact, unlike others [Ms. Patterson], comments left on my blog are not censored.

3) I cannot speak for sucking on John’s balls. That was his comment. What I find particularly interesting about your comment is your fascination with me and my private sexual life. I do not broadcast that, and yet you have made some very dramatic assumptions…..maybe you should heed your own advice and, “stay out of the affiars [sic] of which you know nothing.”

4) While considering your innate fascination with my private sexual life, you further commented on some fairly specific sexual acts that you are absolutely sure that I (in your words) “have intimate knowledge of ball sucking.” First of all, I find this diatribe offensive, inappropriate, and completely lacking of any merit. Secondly, your fascination of all things sexual, lends to your total lack of credibility and your desire to remain adolescent.

5) Finally, your comment directed towards Jenny simply shows that you are nothing more than an egocentric, sexist, individual that chooses to devalue women because you are sorely lacking in integrity, personal accountability, and an inability to view the opposite sex as anything other than an object for your lustful thoughts and desires. Basically, your choice to attack people with sexually suggestive insults only proves my point that you are intellectually stymied, and unable to hold a debate that requires thought, due diligence, and critical thought.

On those points, Mr. Smart Alex, I eagerly await your response. Anyone else that wishes to comment...please feel free, I would be delighted to have input from others in the blogosphere as well.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Sam Harris

I love Sam Harris. By far, one of the most prolific artists of my generation. Severely underrated and under-appreciated, there is something to be said of having the most wins on the talent contest Star Search. His music got me through many a tough time in high school.
"Sugar Don't Bite" was the first single off his self-titled debut album. The single peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200, and #29 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. Though he never made it as a "major player" in the pop world, Sam has followed up his chart success with television (most recently on CBS's The Class), and Broadway. So here is is debut single.....and get out the mousse!

Angry People

I was recently the recipient of an anti-gay statement by a gentleman named Smart Alex concerning a comment that I made on another blog, by Kellie Patterson. My comment was directed at Ms. Patterson, concerning her conflict of interest in communicating information via her blog that stated her position on a possible teacher's strike in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, while also a member of the Board of Education.

I simply stated: " I think it is a crying shame that you are even allowed to have this blog associated with your position as a Board Member....shame on you."

My feeling is that she is blurring the lines between her duty as an member of the Board of Education and her right to state her opinions in her personal blog. But when she clearly states that she is a "Cuyahoga Falls Board Member," I feel that she has crossed the line ethically.

To this comment, someone obviously followed my comment to my personal blog to file this anti-gay statement...

"Smart Alex said...
I think it's a crying shame that you actually think anyone cares what a pole smoking mama's boy like you thinks about Patterson's blog. Go sew a rainbow quilt and stay out of the affiars [sic] of which you know nothing."


So to his comment I respond politely: Mr. Smart Alex ...learn to spell...and:

1) Obviously Mr. Smart Alex, you must have cared enough to go TO MY BLOG to write your little epithet - so at least I know ONE person cared.

2) I have never smoked a pole. Did I miss something here? hmmm...you must be mistaken on how things actually work.

3) Mama's boy? Hell yes....and proud of it. If you had a mother like mine you most certainly would be as well. Besides, nothing wrong with loving your mother - I think maybe your mother dropped you on your head one too many times.

4) Last I checked it wasn't "rainbow quilts" that people sewed. They are AIDS memorial quilts, and there is a "rainbow" flag. Get it right. But I don't know how to sew, anyway - so it really doesn't matter.

5) As far as staying out of affairs "of which you know nothing about," I say: I used to live in Cuyahoga Falls (on Second Street nonetheless) for over 10 years, and I grew up in North Eastern Ohio - so I am sure I know a lot more about Cuyahoga Falls and what is happening there than you, Mr. Alex, know about....."pole smoking," "Rainbow Flags and Memorial AIDS quilts,"....

SO while you, Mr. Alex are busy "hiding" behind a nondescript blogger name (with no picture and no posts), I am standing LOUD AND PROUD of who I am - and am making my opinions known without the fear of a closet. Maybe you should simply take a bit of your own advice and not play with the big kids (you simply will not be able to keep up intellectually.)


I do not fear you or your comments. They make no difference to me, but they do show your ignorance. My life is full. My life is grand. I stand before you an honest, hardworking, gay man (hey! that rhymed!) If you do not like that: It's totally your dilemma.

So I look forward to hearing more from you Mr. Smart Alex. I am sure my readers would appreciate your nonsensical banter - it certainly helps my cause.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Big Brother 8: Update: Dustin backdoors Nick?!

Here is our most famous reporter Buck describing the latest on Big Brother 8 and more...I wish I had half the "wit" Buck has.....jealous much? HELL YEAH!

Flashback Fridays: Sunday Edition

As you have noticed, I am not very good at following a formulation. So I have to make exceptions to the rule (and since it is my blog, I can do what I want!)

Two reasons why this post did not appear on a typical Flashback Friday:
1) The friday did not conincide with the actual anniversary of this event
2) I was busy on Friday

With that said, my Flashback Friday is taking place on my special 6 year anniversary.


Six years ago, my life changed. Most people will say that of 2001 with 9/11, however, my life altering event happend on July 31. Up until that day, I was living my life as any young person would - taking for granted many things: family, work, life in general. I was invincible...too young to think about death's doorstep, and the implications of what it means to value what is really important in life. My life would no longer be consumed with self gratification.

I learned that what I do with my life directly impacts those around me. My family, my friends, my community. I was given an opportunity to re-evaluate my life ...a second chance to make changes to my life that can positively effect things that are important to me...how many people can honestly say that?

My mother, an integral part of my life, was there by my side the entire time during this crisis of life. My rock. My reason for being the man I am...the woman I could only hope to emulate in my life through my actions and deeds. Though I have made many mistakes in my life up to this point, my mother was always there by my side. This day was no different. Through her love and support (and the love and support of my family and friends) I was able to come through on the other side...become a better person, live life to its fullest, celebrate family and the joys (and sometimes heartaches) that come with it, and to make plans for the future.

This day determined the rest of my life and the path I was going to take. I decided to quit my job (one that I loved until my company was bought by a competitor), take on additional responsibilities with a new job- moving me about 300 miles away from my family to Detroit, MI, while ever aware that my time with my family and friends would be more precious and sacred as never before. I decided to quit being a teenager at heart when it came to adult relationships - I had been "playing the field" keeping my boyfriend at arms length while searching for something that I realized was right in front of me - the love of my life: Steve.

I woke up. I was alive. I was alive for the first time in my life. I was no longer going to take for granted the gifts that God has blessed me with. With that discovery - I soon learned that I was no longer going to allow my job to define me as a person... I needed to have a balance. No longer would I sit back and allow life to pass me by. I was the one with the power to change my life - to do what I needed to do in order to celebrate my life to its fullest. It gave me power. It gave me hope. It gave me...LIFE.

You see how I end each post: "Peace.Love.Live." This is my montra. What I try to do each and every day;
Pray for peace
Love my family, my friends, my partner (my life)
Live each day as if you will not have another chance.

This has changed me. Has made me whole. Thoug sometimes I wonder how my life would be if I never had this single event happen - I do not regret it - for I would not be the person I have become today without it.

This picture represents to me everything that life has to offer...my mom at my side, a second chance at life, and a chance to experience things that may never have come my way if I was not open to that possibility. Everything in life has a purpose, it is up to us to figure out how that purpose should be played out. My life changed on July 31. At the time - I thought I was dead, but 6 years later I have realized that life may be fragile, but it is forgiving.

A few quotes that I try to live by that may bring you some solace, some peace, some reason to make a difference in your life - like they have mine.

"If we don't change direction soon, we'll end up where we're going" - Professor Irwin Corey

"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives." - William James

"Change your thoughts and you change your world." - Norman Vincent Peale

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Reflections

I haven't blogged for a few days. I actually missed it!

My laptop's motherboard died on me, so I had to decide whether to buy a new computer or get the old one fixed. I decided a new computer was in order - 500.00 for a new one with more options and more power or 600.00 to fix the motherboard on a laptop that was 4 years old.....

I also went to Virginia to visit with family. My brother was having a party to celebrate life (free from cancer's grip!)...and to witness the batism of my youngest nephew Joshua. It was wonderful having the entire family together (with the exception of my partner Steve who stayed back in IL), I always have a great time with everyone.

My brother and I fought as we always do. I think he tries so hard to get me to see his side of things (which I do, believe it or not), and I try so hard to get him to see my side of things (which I believe he does not)...that we miss just being together...

See...we will never be on the same side of the issue - it's just not possible. Unfortunately, I think we both get so wrapped up in it that neither of us can see the forrest through the trees. I try so hard not to get into these conversations with my brother - they are hardly productive and usually end up with one, or both of us being hurt, angered, frustrated. I just do not understand how we ended up this way....

I guess what hurts me the most is that while I may not agree with my brother's position on issues, I do believe that I understand his position - though I ardently disagree with it. My brother, however, has absolutely no understanding, nor desire to view my position on anything as legitimate. That is where my anger and hurt enter. It amazes me that we both grew up in the same home, with many of the same challenges.......

What else can be said? My brother and I are on the opposite ends of the universe when it comes to politics and social issues. I cannot change him, and he cannot change me. We are at an impasse that I try my hardest not to become entangled. But somehow, someway, we end up in a match......and there are no winners....

My goal is to avoid this kind of confrontation in the future - I would rather not converse with my brother than to only converse on the subjects that cause us division and angst.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Big Brother 8: Update: Dick's in Charge

As I have stated earlier - I am not so good at recapping the shows - (I guess I get to emotionally involved).....but do not fret, our dear friend Buck has us covered yet again....




Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Flashback Fridays: Saturday Edition

I was looking through some old photographs that my sister had dutifully put together for each of the siblings and I came across this picture of my family on our first outing after my parents divorce. I want to say it was 1980. I remember this trip like it was yesterday because of all of the events that took place before and after this picture was taken.


We have a saying in our family...."The Beck Family Vacation...." and it means exactly what it says....forget about National Lampoon....it simple cannot compare!

This picture is of my dad, Aunt Betty, Uncle Harry, Grandma Adams (my uncle's mom), my brother and two sisters, and my Uncle Joe and Aunt Sally at my Aunt Betty's house in Virginia. (By the way...that's me holding my hands on my face for God knows what reason....such the little homo!)

I always loved going there for the hot month of August - but this was the first time my dad took us on his own (without my mother). The trip started out terribly with my mom standing in the driveway sobbing when we left. (I found out when I was much older that she absolutely did not want us to drive to Virginia with my dad but was forced by the court to allow it to happen). Anyway, once we were on the road and all cried out (we were crying because mom was crying) we started getting excited about seeing our Aunt Betty and Uncle Harry and all of our cousins.

All of us had money given to use by our Grandfather, and I being the little banker I was took an old tool box and taped little jewlry boxes (the kind you get when you buy a piece of cosmetic jewlry) to the bottom to make a makeshift cash register (how resourceful). Little did I know that by the time we got near Virginia all of my money and the money of my siblings would be gone. Somehow, we had spent all the money on the way there (I am still a bit clueless on this). Anyway, we were getting to a toll bridge and my dad asked us for money - well....none of us had any - and neither did he so we couldn't get over the bridge to get to our Aunt's (btw - there was no other way to get there....we were stuck!) so eventually as my brother was trying to look at the map to find a way around this toll, my dad stopped at a gas station and my brother (I think) got out and begged the attendant for the money for the toll - luckily a good samaritan was found and we were able to continue on our way....Thank you gas station man!!!

There is more to this story that I will relay in a later post...trust me it gets better!

Flashback Friday

Well, I guess I have failed at this. So look for a "Flashback Friday: Saturday Edition" because I am way too tired to do this tonight!

Big Brother 8: Recap

So while I was on my lunch break, I decided to check out youtube. I came across this video cast called "What the Buck". Anyway, this guy is hilarious! I figured he does a much better job updating people on BB8 than I could!

Seriously....this guy should have his own talk show. So props to THE WHAT THE BUCK SHOW.

Here is a recap from week one. Enjoy!



Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From the Edge: Imogen Heap

I came across this CD after seeing Imogen on David Letterman a while back. I didn't realize this at first, but Imogen Heap was part of the successful brit group Frou Frou. Her music is different, authentic, and strange...which makes it all too good for the radio. You don't find artists like this often. Her layered sounds remind me loosely of Enya, but in a more contemporary fare. Considering the major label (Sony) support (?), Imogen has been placed on various soundtracks and compilation CD's, but has only managed to chart at #145 on the Billboard 200.

Check out:

Imogen Heap's Hide & Seek from the CD Speak for yourself released in 2005.

You can purchase her full length CD at Amazon or at ITunes.

And the video? Wow...


Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Flashback Fridays

This picture means a lot to me for it was a moment in time that I had always wanted to happen. It was taken after the Spring Gala Concert for ETC All American Youth Show Choir in 1984 (or 85). This concert took place at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron, and my grandparents came to see my brother and I perform. I can honestly say that this moment is one that I will always cherish, because my grandma told me how proud she was of me and how well I performed.

Considering that I never felt a lot of love (or any other emotion for that matter) from my grandma, I have to say it was one of the happiest moments I can remember with her. On the other hand, my grandpa (I am actually tearing up as I write this), my grandpa was always there to support and give praise. I loved him so dearly. He was – and still is a major influence in my life. I continue to lean on him for support and encouragement, even though he has passed away.

This was a very difficult time in my life for me personally. I look back at this picture and am still keenly aware of the pain I was feeling. I was struggling with my sexuality, I was struggling with my weight, and I was struggling just trying to make it through being a regular teen-ager. But the only time I wasn’t struggling was when I was on stage. There I could be anyone other than myself. I could make people happy – even my grandma.

When I need to be close to my grandparents, I look at this picture and reflect on this special moment in time. I chose this picture to be my first Friday Flashback simply because of the joy I felt at that moment – like I could do anything, be anything, but most of all be happy and know that I was loved.

Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

Family Values: Case - State Rep. Robert "Bob" Allen

My how the mighty have fallen....just when you think you have heard it all concerning sex scandals and the republican party (Sen. Vittor and the DC Madame)....it now comes to light that State Rep. Robert "Bob" Allen (R-FL) has his own sex scandal to deal with....and McCain has another headache to deal with (as if the Iraq war wasn't weighing heavy enough on his brain.)

http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/13992/now-florida-state-gop-rep-robert-bob-allen-in-sex-scandal/

http://belarius.newsvine.com/_news/2007/07/12/832179-robert-bob-allen-r-florida-arrested-on-solicitation-charges

Interestingly enough....I googled all the major news sites...and not a single mention of this scandal. So much for the Liberal Media.

What makes me angry about this .....is not that Mr. Allen offered to pay an undercover officer 20.00 to give the undercover officer a BJ.....but that this man is nothing more than a HYPOCRITE. His record speaks for itself....another case of DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO.

There are a lot of interesting blog posts about this......(funny how blogs give the news and news gives you Paris).

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2007/07/homoquotable-bob-allen.html

I will leave it at that..... : ) or as Rachel Maddow says "Poking a Sharp Stick at the Soft White Underbelly of the Republican Administration."


Guess now.....we just wait for Bush to pardon him.........

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Web Rings

So I just signed up to join the Chicago Blog Webring. I wonder if this will actually draw more people to my blog. It will be interesting to report on any new traffic in the future. Not to mention, I could use the contacts here in Chicago. I've been here since 2001 and still can count the number of friends on one hand.

C'mon Chicago! Let me know what you are thinking!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Different Picture

So my brother wrote me an email saying that my pictures on my blog were SCARY.

I was sad (I actually thought they were good.)......well, I decided to put up some other non-scary pictures instead. What can I say: my brother does have an impact on me in some ways....

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Big Brother 8: My Opinion

OK. Two shows in and I really can't stand Jen. She is annoying (and psycho!) Wow! She already is having jealousy issues and going psycho girl crazy on Nick.

The disappointing thing about this season, is that none of the guys are really all that good looking. Scary thing is I think Dustin is the hottest guy (and don't ask me why cause I don't know!?)

And by the way....Joe? YUCK! and what is with Nick hanging his arms all over Joe during the choosing of Power of Veto.......is there something you wanna tell us Nick?

Danielle....hey girl, you are cute n'all but eat something ok??????

Cleaning Out the Garage

I am on vacation. Since we are doing our best to remain debt free (yeah, right!), I was unable to go anywhere on vacation, so I am doing things around the new homestead. So today, I decided to takle the garage.

Since we only moved into our new home at the end of March, there were still many boxes of "non-essentials" that needed to be unpacked, organized and eventually used, placed, discarded, or re-packed. So my day consisted of going through all of this "stuff" and making decisions on what to do with it.

I guess I am perplexed by the amount of "stuff" that we moved from one place to another...though I am usually of the mindset to donate or discard/recycle anything that I haven't used in a year's time, my partner doesn't necesarily follow this practice (and let's be honest....there is plenty more that I could do the same to as well...).

So my goal for this summer is to donate as much of the "stuff" that I can, ebay off the stuff that is a potential money maker, and discard/recycle anything that can't fall under the first two. The hard part of this goal will be to have my partner do the same thing (he tends to be more of a pack rat than I - not to mention he has over 4 boxes [extra-large u-haul boxes] of shoes!)....i'm talking Imelda Marcos here!

So if any of you have suggestions on how to make this process go more smoothly, please do not hesitate to leave me a comment!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB