This country (and moreover, the world) is definitely in a recession, and I see it first-hand. I wonder how much worse things can get? I received my student loan money this past week so I have a very false sense of security right now. I was also given two lines of credit, one of which was already more than doubled after only two payments. Its strange that banks are continuing to just throw credit cards out there like nothing. I don't have the greatest credit in the world, but I'm working on it. I just didn't think in this time of crisis for the entire world that I would get all this credit offered to me.
And then last night, I was a bit shocked when I passed by a gas station on my way home from work. The price had dropped down to $1.58 a gallon. I don't remember the last time I paid that price. It had to have been a few years back. Needless to say, I whipped my Jeep into the station and filled up my tank for only $22. Wow. I just read that oil prices per barrel are at their lowest since May of 2005, and they are expected to keep slipping bit by bit. Gas/oil prices have been dropping every single day for literally 65 days straight, when I was paying over $4 in Cleveland for a gallon.
I have already noticed the impact the prices are having on my restaurant. Yes, it may be getting closer to the holidays so more people are out, but I knew that if gas prices kept dropping, people would come back to eat again. And they did, at first. They just weren't tipping very well at all. I was actually kind of shocked to be getting the horrible tips I was receiving. Now, things are changing. People have gotten back to throwing their money at me, which is such a good feeling. Restaurants and eating out are one of the first things to get cut out of a budget in tough times, and the first to come back full force once things begin to get better. But nothing else is really getting better... banks are still closing, automakers are on the verge of a collapse, and the housing market is so bad that people aren't even putting for-sale signs in their yards anymore; no one is out there to buy them.
With all this extra money in our wallets, I think people will begin to spend a bit more... but what happens when this drives the demand for oil back up? It seems like a vicious circle, because gas prices will go back up. Then no one will have extra money again. Demand will go back down. Repeat. And repeat. And repeat. I just really wonder what will happen to our world in the near future, and how the hell anyone will be able to fix it, if fixing is even an option.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
exhausted
This week has sucked the energy out of me. I'm so exhausted! It is now the weekend, and all that means for me is workworkwork. Fridays are my day to take one 3 hour class at school and the rest of the day is dedicated to laundry, cleaning, and homework for my other classes. Its the only slightly real off day I have. Saturdays and Sundays I work my job and finish up more homework. My boyfriend has been staying over almost every night, and we're always up late talking, watching movies, or playing games, so I haven't been sleeping much.
Even though I'm totally beat, this week has been really great. Probably the best week I've had in a long time. My pal Laura's going away party was last night and I took my bf up to the bar to meet her and have some drinks. And we drank. A lot. I probably shouldn't have driven home afterwards. But almost everyone from work was there, and it was a load of fun. Everyone thinks my boyfriend is adorable and so nice. Not surprising, because its true. And they all love me too so I had a lot of them come up to me throughout the night telling me how happy they were to see me happy with someone. It was a really good feeling. And there was no drama. No fighting between everyone I work with, which is funny because usually something breaks out between the little cliques. It felt pretty old-school actually.... back in the day, working at my old restaurant, and going out in huge groups of fellow employees/friends and everyone just getting along and having fun.
I'm sad to see yet another great person like Laura leave Cleveland. She's taking off to Miami, which makes me super jealous. I think she may come back one day, but in the meantime, who do I have to joke with and say terrible (yet hilarious) things to en Espanol? Hah. She is one of the funniest mother effers I've ever met.
On the bright side, this weekend brings TT's return visit to Cleveland just a little bit closer... one more month, b*tch! I can't wait. And my boyfriend and I are seriously thinking about a trip to New York City for New Year's Eve, which would be totally awesome. We had a big talk about just going places and experiencing the world. I just want to travel again and go to new places like I used to years ago, even if its just a quick 2 day trip to some different town a couple hours away. I'm glad I found someone who thinks the same way as I do and enjoys visiting new places too.
So I have to work tonight, thank goodness its only a couple hours. I just feel like after Pittsburgh I want a day where I don't have to do anything at all. I want to lay around and be a complete bum. I guess Winter break is coming in less than 3 weeks so maybe I can hold out and survive until then...
Even though I'm totally beat, this week has been really great. Probably the best week I've had in a long time. My pal Laura's going away party was last night and I took my bf up to the bar to meet her and have some drinks. And we drank. A lot. I probably shouldn't have driven home afterwards. But almost everyone from work was there, and it was a load of fun. Everyone thinks my boyfriend is adorable and so nice. Not surprising, because its true. And they all love me too so I had a lot of them come up to me throughout the night telling me how happy they were to see me happy with someone. It was a really good feeling. And there was no drama. No fighting between everyone I work with, which is funny because usually something breaks out between the little cliques. It felt pretty old-school actually.... back in the day, working at my old restaurant, and going out in huge groups of fellow employees/friends and everyone just getting along and having fun.
I'm sad to see yet another great person like Laura leave Cleveland. She's taking off to Miami, which makes me super jealous. I think she may come back one day, but in the meantime, who do I have to joke with and say terrible (yet hilarious) things to en Espanol? Hah. She is one of the funniest mother effers I've ever met.
On the bright side, this weekend brings TT's return visit to Cleveland just a little bit closer... one more month, b*tch! I can't wait. And my boyfriend and I are seriously thinking about a trip to New York City for New Year's Eve, which would be totally awesome. We had a big talk about just going places and experiencing the world. I just want to travel again and go to new places like I used to years ago, even if its just a quick 2 day trip to some different town a couple hours away. I'm glad I found someone who thinks the same way as I do and enjoys visiting new places too.
So I have to work tonight, thank goodness its only a couple hours. I just feel like after Pittsburgh I want a day where I don't have to do anything at all. I want to lay around and be a complete bum. I guess Winter break is coming in less than 3 weeks so maybe I can hold out and survive until then...
Friday, November 21, 2008
a quick roadtrip
So I just returned last night from Pittsburgh with the boyfriend. We left on Wednesday and made an overnight trip out of it. The drive went by pretty fast, it took us about 3 hours to get there.. I was a bit mad at first because he got to my place late and I couldn't get ahold of him for about a half hour.. but I let it go because I didn't want to ruin the trip before we even left.
We talked and listened to music all the way there (mostly country, and while *I* drove which made me crazy, but I was about to make him suffer through Rasputina so whatever) and got to our hotel to clean up and change. We went downtown to pick up my little sister and then over to Diesel on the south side to see Rasputina and get something to eat.
I've been to Rasputina shows before and they've never played early. There's usually an opening act or two and then they come onstage about 10 or 11pm. Well, as we were about to pass Diesel I mentioned that we should probably stop and look in or maybe get our door tickets or whatever. I asked the bouncer when Rasputina was going to start and to my utter dismay, he replied.. "They're almost done!" F*CK! I was SO angry I didn't even know what to say! The whole point of this trip, aside from just having a decent time away from Cleveland was to see Rasputina. I love them and I really plan on going to every show within 200 miles of where I live as long as they're performing. I was so angry that I had missed the whole concert. We should've left hours earlier, but oh well. I thought positively and realized hey, I'll still get to see at least their last song of the night. AND we didn't have to pay 18 bucks a piece to get in. So whatever. They did 1 more song... Bad Moon Rising, which I love, and then left the stage but came back for an encore of two more songs. I'm glad I got to see them and I'm glad my boyfriend and sister got to see them too. He turned to me after the first song and said (making me wish he had seen the entire recital because he's been making fun of me for a month now) "Wow. I have chills right now." I'm glad he liked what he was hearing!
So after that we went to a bar down the street. I guess everything in freaking PA is 21 and up, even though I've been to some bars downtown that mark people over 18 as underage and still allow them in. We wanted at least a beer or something, especially me, since we had just driven so far to miss something that I had been looking forward to for a couple months.
"Nope! Absolutely not! She can't come in!" The bouncer told me this and was actually pretty mean about it. I told him I was from Cleveland, she was my little sister, and we just drove here. I asked about marking under and he just got meaner. Whatever. So she went to Starbucks and we stayed and had a really quick drink. We talked to the bartender and I guess since because Pennsylvania is a commonwealth state, they have different laws regarding alcohol and age. SO retarded. You can't even buy alcohol past certain times of night, nor can you purchase any at a convenience store or whatnot.. only state-licensed liquor stores. WTF. So dumb. Thank goodness I live in Ohio. We're a bunch of drunkies here.
I took my sister and boyfriend to dinner and we had an decent time. Then we got lost and ended up on the top of Mt. Washington. Eh. So after dropping my sis off at school we went to a couple bars downtown that were completely dead, but we ended up talking a lot and had a really good time.
The next day, I had a trip to the Andy Warhol Museum because I knew my boyfriend had never been there, let alone seen much art in his lifetime... which is fine, but I wanted to take him somewhere different.
I think he liked it. He was acting so goofy and he just made me laugh the whole time... and then he was trying to interpret some of the works he saw, and I just thought to myself the whole time, "how... adorable." I told him I will totally go out hunting and let him teach me how to gut a deer sometime, or stick worms on the hooks when we go fishing. We're not totally different from each other. We grew up in similar families, same religious background, and our mothers seem to be long lost twins. But I think we ended up growing to enjoy things in life that are on completely opposite sides of the spectrum, which in reality is probably a really good thing. I was outdoorsy for most of my life, but I always felt the urge to be a city boy in a way. I still kind of feel like I'm a country boy plopped down into the city, but I love my surroundings and I feel happiest when I'm surrounded by skyscrapers and bums begging for spare change and cigarrettes.
We did a bit of light shopping, I bought a new cologne set at Macy's and he was conned into buying some bullshit sacks full of herbs that go in the microwave... kind of like Vick's Vaporub but without the hassle of spreading that gunk all over yourself. We ate and headed back to Cleveland, hitting a major blizzard in the snowbelt halfway back. That drive just dragged on forever at 20 miles per hour on the turnpike, but we were still having a good time. He just makes me laugh and smile a lot. I love him.
I wish I could've stayed in Pittsburgh longer.
I wish I could've spent more time with my sister, or that she was 21 already.
I wish I could've seen Rasputina's show.
But I'm trying to be positive, of course. I loved visiting Pittsburgh, and I really had a good time being back in my old stomping ground. I got to see my sister, even if for just a little while. I got to see Rasputina play three awesome songs.
The relationship I have feels so much more real now. I want to go everywhere with him.
We talked and listened to music all the way there (mostly country, and while *I* drove which made me crazy, but I was about to make him suffer through Rasputina so whatever) and got to our hotel to clean up and change. We went downtown to pick up my little sister and then over to Diesel on the south side to see Rasputina and get something to eat.
I've been to Rasputina shows before and they've never played early. There's usually an opening act or two and then they come onstage about 10 or 11pm. Well, as we were about to pass Diesel I mentioned that we should probably stop and look in or maybe get our door tickets or whatever. I asked the bouncer when Rasputina was going to start and to my utter dismay, he replied.. "They're almost done!" F*CK! I was SO angry I didn't even know what to say! The whole point of this trip, aside from just having a decent time away from Cleveland was to see Rasputina. I love them and I really plan on going to every show within 200 miles of where I live as long as they're performing. I was so angry that I had missed the whole concert. We should've left hours earlier, but oh well. I thought positively and realized hey, I'll still get to see at least their last song of the night. AND we didn't have to pay 18 bucks a piece to get in. So whatever. They did 1 more song... Bad Moon Rising, which I love, and then left the stage but came back for an encore of two more songs. I'm glad I got to see them and I'm glad my boyfriend and sister got to see them too. He turned to me after the first song and said (making me wish he had seen the entire recital because he's been making fun of me for a month now) "Wow. I have chills right now." I'm glad he liked what he was hearing!
So after that we went to a bar down the street. I guess everything in freaking PA is 21 and up, even though I've been to some bars downtown that mark people over 18 as underage and still allow them in. We wanted at least a beer or something, especially me, since we had just driven so far to miss something that I had been looking forward to for a couple months.
"Nope! Absolutely not! She can't come in!" The bouncer told me this and was actually pretty mean about it. I told him I was from Cleveland, she was my little sister, and we just drove here. I asked about marking under and he just got meaner. Whatever. So she went to Starbucks and we stayed and had a really quick drink. We talked to the bartender and I guess since because Pennsylvania is a commonwealth state, they have different laws regarding alcohol and age. SO retarded. You can't even buy alcohol past certain times of night, nor can you purchase any at a convenience store or whatnot.. only state-licensed liquor stores. WTF. So dumb. Thank goodness I live in Ohio. We're a bunch of drunkies here.
I took my sister and boyfriend to dinner and we had an decent time. Then we got lost and ended up on the top of Mt. Washington. Eh. So after dropping my sis off at school we went to a couple bars downtown that were completely dead, but we ended up talking a lot and had a really good time.
The next day, I had a trip to the Andy Warhol Museum because I knew my boyfriend had never been there, let alone seen much art in his lifetime... which is fine, but I wanted to take him somewhere different.
I think he liked it. He was acting so goofy and he just made me laugh the whole time... and then he was trying to interpret some of the works he saw, and I just thought to myself the whole time, "how... adorable." I told him I will totally go out hunting and let him teach me how to gut a deer sometime, or stick worms on the hooks when we go fishing. We're not totally different from each other. We grew up in similar families, same religious background, and our mothers seem to be long lost twins. But I think we ended up growing to enjoy things in life that are on completely opposite sides of the spectrum, which in reality is probably a really good thing. I was outdoorsy for most of my life, but I always felt the urge to be a city boy in a way. I still kind of feel like I'm a country boy plopped down into the city, but I love my surroundings and I feel happiest when I'm surrounded by skyscrapers and bums begging for spare change and cigarrettes.
We did a bit of light shopping, I bought a new cologne set at Macy's and he was conned into buying some bullshit sacks full of herbs that go in the microwave... kind of like Vick's Vaporub but without the hassle of spreading that gunk all over yourself. We ate and headed back to Cleveland, hitting a major blizzard in the snowbelt halfway back. That drive just dragged on forever at 20 miles per hour on the turnpike, but we were still having a good time. He just makes me laugh and smile a lot. I love him.
I wish I could've stayed in Pittsburgh longer.
I wish I could've spent more time with my sister, or that she was 21 already.
I wish I could've seen Rasputina's show.
But I'm trying to be positive, of course. I loved visiting Pittsburgh, and I really had a good time being back in my old stomping ground. I got to see my sister, even if for just a little while. I got to see Rasputina play three awesome songs.
The relationship I have feels so much more real now. I want to go everywhere with him.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Domestic Partner Registry Introduced
A domestic partner registry was being introduced at a Cleveland city council meeting this past Monday, according to the HRC. This would be a contract existing within Cleveland city limits only, not surrounding cities. I believe that if the city of Cleveland ends up putting this on the books, other cities lying to the West, South, and East would eventually follow suit. For instance, the area I live in is one of the gayest cities in the Cleveland land area, and classified as a Gay Village according to Absolute Astronomy's website. I see no problem passing a measure toward granting domestic registries here, especially since they apply to gay and straight couples alike.
I didn't know, but Cleveland Heights, an eastern city/suburb of Cleveland, has had a domestic partner registry since 2003!
Clicky to read about the impending passage of the registry in the city of Cleveland.
I didn't know, but Cleveland Heights, an eastern city/suburb of Cleveland, has had a domestic partner registry since 2003!
Clicky to read about the impending passage of the registry in the city of Cleveland.
a well-deserved break
So I'm taking the next few days off. Well, not completely. Just off of work until Saturday. I still have classes. My school loan money is pouring into my checking account in the next day or so and I already have all my tuition paid off...I've been paying out of my pocket since August (yet another reason I'm broke right now) so I think its high time I get out and have a bit of fun, involving a bit more than stopping at a local bar in Cleveland.
Tomorrow the boyfriend and I are going to Pittsburgh for an overnight trip. I'm so excited! We're going to see Rasputina play and hang out with my lil sis down there as well. Then I really want to go to the Andy Warhol Museum; I went once in highschool but its been years since. Maybe the Mattress Factory too if there are any open exhibits right now. I still have class tomorrow and Friday morning and a bit of homework to take care of before the weekend, but that should be cake.
In the meantime, my mood thing is working. I've stepped it up a few notches and I'm having the best week I've had in a long time, as far as a very positive outlook goes. And I'm making craploads of money at work, for the first time in what seems like ages. Its a good week so far, and its only gonna get better.
And of course... I have a video to post. I happened upon this one again tonight, haven't seen it in a year or so. For some reason, I think its so freakin funny.. and it never gets old (to me, at least). Enjoy!
Tomorrow the boyfriend and I are going to Pittsburgh for an overnight trip. I'm so excited! We're going to see Rasputina play and hang out with my lil sis down there as well. Then I really want to go to the Andy Warhol Museum; I went once in highschool but its been years since. Maybe the Mattress Factory too if there are any open exhibits right now. I still have class tomorrow and Friday morning and a bit of homework to take care of before the weekend, but that should be cake.
In the meantime, my mood thing is working. I've stepped it up a few notches and I'm having the best week I've had in a long time, as far as a very positive outlook goes. And I'm making craploads of money at work, for the first time in what seems like ages. Its a good week so far, and its only gonna get better.
And of course... I have a video to post. I happened upon this one again tonight, haven't seen it in a year or so. For some reason, I think its so freakin funny.. and it never gets old (to me, at least). Enjoy!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Madonna Vogues
Alright.. I'm gonna back off from the politics for a moment and post a video from Madonna's Sticky & Sweet Tour. Vogue is one of my favorite songs and this video makes me so mad that I didn't get a ticket to Detroit for tomorrow. Eh, I'm broke and went to California earlier in the summer so I emptied out my Madonna ticket fund for spending money (OH and it was worth it, I just wish I had saved more!)
Here she is....
Here she is....
prop 8 lawsuit
A Proposition 8 lawsuit has been filed. If you're interested in law and referential court documents, take a look at this PDF file, in which the terms of the lawsuit are laid out for the courts. The suit is 28 pages long. I just found it this morning and have to go to school...umm, NOW! oops so I'll be reading it in more detail later.
http://www.sfgov.org/site/uploadedfiles/cityattorney/PROP8-CHALLENGE.PDF
http://www.sfgov.org/site/uploadedfiles/cityattorney/PROP8-CHALLENGE.PDF
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Addressing the Nation
Barack Obama has already embraced technology, evident with his overwhelmingly successful Internet and email campaign leading up to the election. Now, he takes his Internet love affair one step further via BarackObamadotcom's Youtube channel and Change.gov, which will contain a weekly address to the nation in online video form.
I'm very interested and excited that Obama is doing something like this. I don't watch television, and over the past 8 years it just seems to me that I haven't seen George W. address the nation very many times... well, I wouldn't know, now would I? But I never hear anything about him speaking anymore. Either no one cares, or he just hasn't been doing it. I know there is a radio address, but I don't even know where to tune in, nor do I care to listen to that country bumpkin blabber on and stumble around about things, trying to give our nation hope when he has done nothing but destroy it for us. Not to mention the fact that if I hear him use the word "resolve" one more time in a sentence, I think I may just end up losing my mind.
The first address contains nothing new... the president-elect touches on a few points from the campaign, including job creation, digging out of the recession, and green energy. Click these links to subscribe to both his Youtube channel and Change.gov.
Watch here:
I'm very interested and excited that Obama is doing something like this. I don't watch television, and over the past 8 years it just seems to me that I haven't seen George W. address the nation very many times... well, I wouldn't know, now would I? But I never hear anything about him speaking anymore. Either no one cares, or he just hasn't been doing it. I know there is a radio address, but I don't even know where to tune in, nor do I care to listen to that country bumpkin blabber on and stumble around about things, trying to give our nation hope when he has done nothing but destroy it for us. Not to mention the fact that if I hear him use the word "resolve" one more time in a sentence, I think I may just end up losing my mind.
The first address contains nothing new... the president-elect touches on a few points from the campaign, including job creation, digging out of the recession, and green energy. Click these links to subscribe to both his Youtube channel and Change.gov.
Watch here:
video posted via Youtube, Friday, November 14th, 2008
HRC Email for the Cleveland Area
Cleveland City Council MeetingMonday, November 17 - 7:00 p.m.
Last week, the Cleveland City Council approved resolutions supporting the Ohio Equal Housing and Employment Act and recognizing Transgender Day of Remembrance in Cleveland.
At Council on Monday, November 17, Councilman Joe Cimperman will introduce an ordinance that will create a Domestic Partner Registry for the City of Cleveland.
There are also several other pending pieces of key LGBT legislation. You can read more about them and the Domestic Partner Registry here.
Thank you to Councilman Joe Santiago (Ward 14), Councilman Matt Zone (Ward 17) and Councilman Cimperman (Ward 13) for their leadership on these issues!
What do you need to do?
1) E-mail, call, or write your City Council Member and thank them for their support of the LGBT community. Also, ask them to support ordinances creating a domestic partner registry and banning discrimination in Cleveland on the basis of gender identity in employment and housing. Find your Council Member here.
2) Come to the City Council Meeting on November 17 at 7:00 p.m. Show your support of the Cleveland City Council's efforts to make Cleveland a City that stands for Equality!
********************
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Sunday, November 23
Walking Vigil - 4:30 p.m.
Starting Location:
Lincoln Park
Kenilworth Ave. and W. 11th St.
Cleveland, OH
Ending location:
Pilgrim Congregational UCC
West 14th St. at Starkweather Ave.
Cleveland, OH
Please join the Human Rights Campaign and TransFamily in Tremont to commemorate the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
At 4:30 p.m. we will begin our walking vigil in honor of those who have lost their lives as a result of being transgender.
We will also recognize those who have helped move the transgender community forward.
Friday, November 14, 2008
uhhhuhhuh fire uhuhuhhh
Oh boy, do I love firefighters.. and cops.. and FedEx drivers.. any man in uniform, really. I'm not picky. Does it come as a surprise that my boyfriend is a trained firefighter? Not at all. He has a really.. really.. hot uniform too... But I digress! I recorded a fire I saw earlier today in Cleveland whilst doing laundry. I jumped out of my car because I thought the laundromat was on fire, but it was across the street behind the building, thank goodness. If only I had zoom on my Blackberry, because there was some serious hotness down on the street below... and I ain't talkin about the fire!
from butch to b*tch
I'm one of the butchest gay guys I know. But when it comes to Madonna, I turn into a little bitch. This...would be me.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
time travel with christina aguilera
I was not impressed with Dirrrty Xtina's last attempt at an album; I guess I'm just not much of a fan of music with sounds and influences from the 1930s and '40s (unless it's Madonna and her I'm Breathless cd).I just caught wind of her developing effort, in pre-production and planning stages now; there is no release date set as of yet, but she will be working on the new cd in 2009.
FMQB reports:
"Christina Aguilera is looking to the future for her next CD. Aguilera is working with electronic-oriented artists such as Sia Furler, Goldfrapp and Ladytron to collaborate on a more 'futuristic' fourth album, which she'll continue to work on in 2009."
As soon as I read this, I was pretty excited. It seems as though the former Mouseketeer has jumped in a time machine and hurled herself forward, all the way to the year 2025, with the new sounds that will (hopefully) be contained on the new cd. Wonder what look she'll be sporting as well... Didn't she already try to pull off the space-cadet/alien look a while back??
Well, here's "Keeps Gettin' Better". She looks like Lady GaGa. Hmm.
....
In other former Mouseketeer news, Britney's Circus is coming on December 2. Only a few more weeks until you get to listen to this ad nauseum. Sounds like Blackout to me pretty much, and I'm already over it. Does anyone else smell a stinker?
goodbye, bigots
Mormon Church members are leaving their faith in droves.
The Mormon Church played a huge role in the passage of Proposition 8 in California. Monetary contributions made up $20 million or more in support of destroying the right of gays to marry in the state. In the past week, gay and civil rights activists have been demonstrating in front of churches all over the state, stopping traffic and generally causing chaos for churchgoers on Sunday mornings.
A website of Andrew Callahan, a high priest of the Mormon Church, who is being excommunicated for his anti-prop beliefs. It contains letters of literally HUNDREDS of individuals, even entire families, who are leaving the Mormon Church because of its involvement in politics (which the church is against) and its bigoted attitude toward the LGBT community. Click HERE.
While all the Prop 8 wars are raging on in California, a Connecticut judge decided this week to allow gay marriages in the state.
Here are some clips of notable people speaking about Prop H8te:
Drew Barrymore was out and about in California leading up to the vote.
Bill O'Reilly pissed me off on his show recently (he always does anyway).
Just my opinion... when they talk about these churches being "private institutions", I believe they can no longer be classified as such since they became involved in a clearly public and political campaign against the rights of a certain group. And as far as black churches go? Black voters may have turned out in higher numbers to help elect the first black president, and yes it may seem like equal rights activists are being PC by not attacking those institutions, but black churches did not contribute to the passage of a hate initiative monetarily like the right wing fundamentalist white churches did.
What a rollercoaster week for gay rights this has been!
The Mormon Church played a huge role in the passage of Proposition 8 in California. Monetary contributions made up $20 million or more in support of destroying the right of gays to marry in the state. In the past week, gay and civil rights activists have been demonstrating in front of churches all over the state, stopping traffic and generally causing chaos for churchgoers on Sunday mornings.
A website of Andrew Callahan, a high priest of the Mormon Church, who is being excommunicated for his anti-prop beliefs. It contains letters of literally HUNDREDS of individuals, even entire families, who are leaving the Mormon Church because of its involvement in politics (which the church is against) and its bigoted attitude toward the LGBT community. Click HERE.
While all the Prop 8 wars are raging on in California, a Connecticut judge decided this week to allow gay marriages in the state.
Here are some clips of notable people speaking about Prop H8te:
Drew Barrymore was out and about in California leading up to the vote.
Bill O'Reilly pissed me off on his show recently (he always does anyway).
Just my opinion... when they talk about these churches being "private institutions", I believe they can no longer be classified as such since they became involved in a clearly public and political campaign against the rights of a certain group. And as far as black churches go? Black voters may have turned out in higher numbers to help elect the first black president, and yes it may seem like equal rights activists are being PC by not attacking those institutions, but black churches did not contribute to the passage of a hate initiative monetarily like the right wing fundamentalist white churches did.
What a rollercoaster week for gay rights this has been!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Change for Cleveland?
Cleveland City Council considers registry for domestic partners
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Henry J. Gomez and Gabriel Baird
Plain Dealer Reporters
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Henry J. Gomez and Gabriel Baird
Plain Dealer Reporters
Several Cleveland City Council members want to create a
domestic-partner registry for same- and opposite-sex couples who seek privileges
reserved for the married.
The registry could cultivate a gay-friendly image for
Cleveland and ultimately boost the city's revenue. The registry would be
nonbinding, meaning employers and other organizations would not be forced to
extend health care benefits to unwed couples or allow visits with a hospitalized
partner. But supporters hope the registry will encourage the granting of such
rights.
Councilman Joe Cimperman, a sponsor of the idea, said a
registry would help Cleveland as it bids to host the 2014 Gay Games, a sporting
event with a global audience. In addition, fees paid by those who register could
pour some much-needed cash into city coffers.
Passage in Cleveland would come when such groups are
struggling to obtain rights nationwide. Last week, California voters outlawed
gay marriage. Four years ago, Ohioans approved a constitutional ban on same-sex
marriage and civil unions.
...
Wow. We'll have to see how this ends up panning out for Cleveland.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
what goes around
I've really been trying to have a good attitude this week. I think I've calmed down a bit, gotten a little more relaxed, and its beginning to make me feel better in such a stressful time of my life.
Sunday, I was really pissed when I came to find out that something I had bought from a woman at work was either stolen or thrown out after I had left it there Saturday night, even though I left it in a safe place near the manager's office. I was really upset about it, especially since I still owed money for it.
Last night at work, I was in a bad section, as usual. But I ended up doing decently well and then...one of my parties left a Nintendo DS on the table. I immediately snatched it up and put it in my pocket. I figured, eh, I'll pawn it or sell it to someone. After a little while thinking about it I began to feel guilty about doing something like that, even though I had felt wronged by someone taking something of mine. At the same time, what goes around comes around, and I figured it wouldn't do me much good to take someone else's belongings like that. A phonecall came into work just as I was getting ready to leave. It was the father of the little girl who had left her pink DS on my table. "I have it right here for you, its safe and sound." The father was so happy and said he was definitely going to leave me something for holding on to it for him. I told him that was really nice of him.
I totally forgot about it after last night. When I went in to work today, one of the bartenders told me there was an envelope for me. I got excited, thinking the DS that I had held in my pocket was worth about 150 to 200 bucks... but in the envelope was a crisp five dollar bill. I was a little ticked, but you know, at least I didn't have a guilty conscience. I actually felt a little good about it afterwards.
A bit later, my manager came up to me and told me she had the package I had left by the office. She had placed it in a corner of the office and it got buried under a few things.
What goes around definitely comes around.
Sunday, I was really pissed when I came to find out that something I had bought from a woman at work was either stolen or thrown out after I had left it there Saturday night, even though I left it in a safe place near the manager's office. I was really upset about it, especially since I still owed money for it.
Last night at work, I was in a bad section, as usual. But I ended up doing decently well and then...one of my parties left a Nintendo DS on the table. I immediately snatched it up and put it in my pocket. I figured, eh, I'll pawn it or sell it to someone. After a little while thinking about it I began to feel guilty about doing something like that, even though I had felt wronged by someone taking something of mine. At the same time, what goes around comes around, and I figured it wouldn't do me much good to take someone else's belongings like that. A phonecall came into work just as I was getting ready to leave. It was the father of the little girl who had left her pink DS on my table. "I have it right here for you, its safe and sound." The father was so happy and said he was definitely going to leave me something for holding on to it for him. I told him that was really nice of him.
I totally forgot about it after last night. When I went in to work today, one of the bartenders told me there was an envelope for me. I got excited, thinking the DS that I had held in my pocket was worth about 150 to 200 bucks... but in the envelope was a crisp five dollar bill. I was a little ticked, but you know, at least I didn't have a guilty conscience. I actually felt a little good about it afterwards.
A bit later, my manager came up to me and told me she had the package I had left by the office. She had placed it in a corner of the office and it got buried under a few things.
What goes around definitely comes around.
Monday, November 10, 2008
new week, new attitude, new music
I feel really good going into this week. After a wretched weekend of work and way too much bitching and complaining on my part, I am making a conscious effort to change my mood and how I treat other people. I'm getting so mean at work anymore. I know its stress from the job and from school, as well as missing spending more time with my boyfriend, but I shouldn't be taking it out on people the way I do. I think by having a bad attitude, I'm just creating more stress for myself. I just need to relax and remember that Christmas break is coming up a lot sooner than it seems to be. I need some time off.
I spent last night and this morning downloading all kinds of new music. Actually, its all one kind of music, just by different artists. I've chosen more relaxing adult-contemporary music, as well as being foreign and not mainstream at all. Its having a calming effect on me, which I think I need.
Some of the artists I'm now listening to:
Sia (since last week, I haven't been able to stop listening to her.)
Emiliana Torrini
Flunk
Hooverphonic
Mugison (a bit on the crazier side, I still need some of that!)
Brazilian Girls (a little crazy too. I liked them because of Jique but just grabbed their first CD the other day)
Flunk and Emiliana remind me a lot of Bjork, one of my absolute favorite artists (second only to Madonna, of course).
Just another reason for you to tune to http://last.fm. They will connect the artist that you're listening to with similar artists. I love exploring to see what else I may like. My 30 gig iPod is now at full capacity. I had to uncheck about 300 songs today to add 6 more CDs worth of songs!
Are you listening to anything new this week?
I spent last night and this morning downloading all kinds of new music. Actually, its all one kind of music, just by different artists. I've chosen more relaxing adult-contemporary music, as well as being foreign and not mainstream at all. Its having a calming effect on me, which I think I need.
Some of the artists I'm now listening to:
Sia (since last week, I haven't been able to stop listening to her.)
Emiliana Torrini
Flunk
Hooverphonic
Mugison (a bit on the crazier side, I still need some of that!)
Brazilian Girls (a little crazy too. I liked them because of Jique but just grabbed their first CD the other day)
Flunk and Emiliana remind me a lot of Bjork, one of my absolute favorite artists (second only to Madonna, of course).
Just another reason for you to tune to http://last.fm. They will connect the artist that you're listening to with similar artists. I love exploring to see what else I may like. My 30 gig iPod is now at full capacity. I had to uncheck about 300 songs today to add 6 more CDs worth of songs!
Are you listening to anything new this week?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
alcohol ban in effect
My boyfriend and I decided to ban alcohol for a week or so. That means no beer, wine, or going out to the bars for a little while.This was actually his idea a few days ago. We tend to enjoy drinking and getting our buzz on. From my recent blogs, it would seem that alcohol and bars causes us nothing but problems, whether one of us gets a bit jealous of something or a full-scale fist fight erupts (not between us of course, but with other people). I, of course, jumped at the idea to do things other than go out to drink.
We went out Wednesday night and had several drinks with his best friend, the one who was present during the whole jealous-rage face-scratching event a couple weeks ago. We only went to a straight bar, but I joked around a lot with my bf in front of his friend and, although my boyfriend knew I was just screwing around and kidding, his best friend may not have and kind of did the whole throwing-up-of-the-hands-and-walking-away thing, trying to leave us to our "argument", which it most certainly was not. We ended up talking about it, a bit drunkenly, that night when we got back home. Everything was resolved and we didn't fight, but both of us were a bit uneasy about the situation. Alcohol takes us there quite often.
He turned to me the next night and said, "Let's not drink for a week." I said okay, not even questioning why. I don't care, I don't need to drink. I just enjoy it, I like getting a buzz. I'm not a big drinker at all; I don't drink at home, or by myself, unless we're pre-gaming a bit together before a night out.
He added: "I want to get to know you completely sober. No alcohol. We don't need to go to the bars for a week, let's just hang out together, me and you." This little statement made me so happy. I suggested board games. He screamed, "Scattagories!" (or whatever its called). Renting movies. We talked about walks outside around the city, saving money, and even going on a trip somewhere. Camping? Pittsburgh? New York for New Year's Eve? Sure! Why not!
I've met a lot of different types of guys in my lifetime. My boyfriend may be younger than I but he, strangely enough, is more mature, sensible, down-to-earth, and level headed than any "man" I've ever known. You would think a 21 year old would be concerned with nothing but drinking, partying, and just having fun, but he is so much deeper than that.
I bought a coffeemaker and I've been getting in the habit of making a pot when we get up in the morning. This morning, even though we didn't have much time to talk before we had to get to work, we sat at the kitchen table and just talked over coffee. He told me tonight that he's looking forward to the future when we'll have coffee talk every morning.
Last night, we hung out, listened to music and made fun of each others tastes, shuffling through my iTunes library. We went to the video store and browsed for what was probably 45 minutes and actually learned a lot about each other just discussing movies and seeing what each of us were looking at and interested in. Tonight, we skipped the bar--imagine that, on a Saturday night after a long day at work for both of us! We talked about school, what classes we are taking next semester, and the professors that we've had (even checking ratemyprofessor.com and laughing together over all the stories written there). Don't let me fool you; we've had so many conversations together about any godforsaken thing that pops into our minds, but this time, its completely sober. Its completely real. It feels really good to know that someone wants to get to know me as much as I want to get to know him.
*sigh*
far from over.
In the aftermath of Tuesday's vote, do gays and lesbians in California have a reason to believe that they have been abused, discriminated against and relegated to a separate-but-equal status? Yes, and that's why this fight is far from over. There will be a challenge under the U.S. Constitution. In the 1960s, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a California constitutional amendment that limited fair housing on the grounds that prejudice could not be put into a state Constitution.
No one can forecast the outcome of this next fight, but there is bound to be some fallout that may harm those religions that so vehemently insisted that their beliefs be placed in the California Constitution. All religions require tolerance to flourish, but in Proposition 8 some religious groups aimed at and wounded gay people in California.
Clicky and read more.
Friday, November 7, 2008
aftermath of the election
After Obama's victory, supporters no longer have any direction in their lives.
So wrong... but still, a bit funny.
So wrong... but still, a bit funny.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
obamadonna
Madonna's Obama T-Shirt at the Sticky & Sweet Tour, San Diego, CA
Madonna showed her support for Obama after the election at her "Sticky & Sweet Tour" stop in Southern California.
Video footage from the tour: Madonna Speaks
Madonna's "Get Stupid" Video Interlude from Sticky & Sweet Tour
Just a few more reasons why I LOVE MADONNA!!
california's prop 8
Demographics
Although overall polling for Proposition 8 shows a close race, within subgroups there are some large differences in sentiment, based on a poll conducted between October 18-28 by the Field Poll.
A "yes" vote takes away the right to marry. Opponents of Prop 8 have not conceded yet as all the votes for California have yet to be counted. Yesterday, civil rights groups moved very quickly to file court challenges in order to strike down the amendment. In my opinion, change is coming quickly. Obama was against the proposition while McCain, of course, supported it. Four years ago in the last presidential election, California residents were split 60-40. This election year, the numbers have evened out and currently stand at 52-48, still denying the right to marry. Thirty states now have marriage bans. Arkansas added a measure to their state laws banning single people, gay or straight, from adopting children or being a foster parent.
How sad is is that the right to marry is being defended by so many people who support the sanctity of marriage while roughly 50% of all marriages end in divorce? And to deny two people who love each other the right to marry or who wish to raise a child in a loving atmosphere is simply ridiculous. People are not thinking clearly and without bias. It has nothing to do with sanctity; these ideas and obvious voter turnout is because of fear of people who are different from them. America was founded on the differences between its citizens. Such a negative time for our country, but also a really positive move, looking back in time, in the right direction. Its just going to take a little more time, and this is only a setback. You know the saying: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Right?
And just a quick note: its very interesting to see how our country, mainly white, voted in an African-American president, yet blacks turned out in record numbers and discriminated against a specific minority. The pot calling the kettle black just works in so many ways, but I don't want to sound racist. There are still more straight, fearsome people in the world; I think straight black people are way more biased when it comes to LGBT issues.
Although overall polling for Proposition 8 shows a close race, within subgroups there are some large differences in sentiment, based on a poll conducted between October 18-28 by the Field Poll.
source: Ballotpedia.org
A "yes" vote takes away the right to marry. Opponents of Prop 8 have not conceded yet as all the votes for California have yet to be counted. Yesterday, civil rights groups moved very quickly to file court challenges in order to strike down the amendment. In my opinion, change is coming quickly. Obama was against the proposition while McCain, of course, supported it. Four years ago in the last presidential election, California residents were split 60-40. This election year, the numbers have evened out and currently stand at 52-48, still denying the right to marry. Thirty states now have marriage bans. Arkansas added a measure to their state laws banning single people, gay or straight, from adopting children or being a foster parent.
How sad is is that the right to marry is being defended by so many people who support the sanctity of marriage while roughly 50% of all marriages end in divorce? And to deny two people who love each other the right to marry or who wish to raise a child in a loving atmosphere is simply ridiculous. People are not thinking clearly and without bias. It has nothing to do with sanctity; these ideas and obvious voter turnout is because of fear of people who are different from them. America was founded on the differences between its citizens. Such a negative time for our country, but also a really positive move, looking back in time, in the right direction. Its just going to take a little more time, and this is only a setback. You know the saying: What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Right?
And just a quick note: its very interesting to see how our country, mainly white, voted in an African-American president, yet blacks turned out in record numbers and discriminated against a specific minority. The pot calling the kettle black just works in so many ways, but I don't want to sound racist. There are still more straight, fearsome people in the world; I think straight black people are way more biased when it comes to LGBT issues.
sia
Sia Furler.I literally just found out about her the other day. I was listening to one of my old favorite songs by Zero 7 called Destiny, and thought to myself... "who actually sings this?" Zero 7 collaborates with several different artists so I wasn't sure. I've loved Destiny for years since I watched an episode of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy when they played a fast dancy version of the track during the hectic makeover part of the show, then the original, soft and slow mix at the end when the reveals in the show were made. I loved the sound of this song and looked for months before I could find it, finally.
So, Sia. I downloaded several of her tracks when I found her and all I can say is wow. She has an amazing voice, and I was pleasantly surprised seeing her do a live rendition of one of my new favorite songs, The Girl You Lost to Cocaine, for a radio station. She sounds simply wonderful live.
If you've never heard of her, she's an Aussie vocalist. She was an unknown until she moved to the UK and began producing music there. She is also bisexual, and I read that on Ellen she said she never thought it was a big deal until people started talking and worrying about it. Well, why should she think its a big deal? Thats personal. Eh, I digress. But definitely check out this clip of her performing for KCRU live. She is just so cute, and sounds absolutely wonderful. This song is my new fav, on repeat in iTunes now!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
victory!
Wow. What a great night!! I haven't felt more uplifted and positive in so many years. Barack Obama's post-election speech tonight from Chicago left me with nothing less than chills, teary eyes, and hope for our country. I'm so optimistic for change in America. Change was needed, and we are headed in the right direction. Finally.
My favorite quote from Barack's speech tonight:
"It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."
Just hearing him speak the word "gay" to the world gave me so much hope for my own future; hope that I never had before. I may not get married anytime soon, but I know that over his next four years in office, Barack Obama will help me get to the places I want to be in life, equal to everyone else in this country. Able to adopt a child and raise them with many of the same wonderful values and morals instilled in me by my own parents; able to afford health care for myself and my loved ones; able to be defended by hate crime legislation for gay men and women who have never been protected in the past; able to express my love for someone and have it recognized legally.
Two more months and Ol' Bushy is history. We now have to figure out how to get ourselves out of the messes that have overtaken our country in so many different ways. I'm so excited for the next four years!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
election day.
Well, its election day, and I can't wait to get in to the polls up at Garfield to cast my vote for Barack Obama! My boyfriend is voting for Obama too, so we woke up and naturally talked politics for a while before I booted him out of my apartment. I wanted to check opinion polls online and look over the issues again before I take off and stand in line. Hopefully the lines won't be too long, but I don't work until 5pm so I have plenty of time. I reserved today for nothing else. I think we'll be slow at work tonight, so I'll get to go home and watch the results start to pour in around 7pm. I'm so glad I live in Ohio, a state which essentially decides the presidential election every four years. Of course, I'm much more hopeful this year compared to 2004 when I actually remember crying when John Kerry lost my state. But I most definitely feel positive today and think that Obama supporters will come through for Ohio and turn the results in his favor.
I heard some people at work talking about one of the ballot issues that allows ONE casino in Ohio. They were saying that it won't create jobs in Ohio. They said that there won't be any casinos in Cleveland. I say, BULLSH*T. The reason the initiative is on the ballot is because there are already plans for construction of a casino in Southwest Ohio near Cincinnati. That will open the doors to casinos opening all over the state. I personally do not gamble, but I think I should have the option. I can imagine a sleek, new casino opening in the Flats in downtown Cleveland, along with several shops, restaurants, and new businesses. So you think a casino won't create more jobs? Of course it will! Instead of everyone coming from out of town to Cleveland for stupid bachelorette parties and DRUNK DRIVING (if you've ever trekked along West 6th or West 9th on a Friday or Saturday night, you know what I'm talking about) people will bus in from all over and go to the casinos for a night on the town. And what better a place than on the river or lakefront? What about a casino on a boat that travels the Cuyahoga river and goes out on the lake, offering beautiful views of downtown from the water? I think it sounds wonderful, and it will definitely create an influx of wealth to downtown areas. So I'm voting for passing Issue 6.
I also found this website (http://www.electoral-vote.com/) which points out some very interesting points and a neat map of the country. They also have a really interesting little paragraph about one particular location in the country where polls have already closed!!
The First Election Results Are in Already
The polls have already closed in Dixville Notch, NH because all 21 eligible voters have cast their ballots. This village of 75 people traditionally opens the polls at midnight on election day and closes them a few minutes later after the last voter has performed his or her civic duty. Barack Obama got 71% of the vote here today. Dixville Notch is not a good bellwether, however; it has voted solidly Republican for decades. The last Democrat to carry the Notch was Hubert Humphrey in 1968. It is probably not a good start for McCain to have early election day news dominated by a story about a solidly Republican rural village voting overwhelmingly for Obama.
Make sure you get out and VOTE today!!! If you don't vote, you can't say ANYTHING. For the next FOUR YEARS. And I know for some of you, that could be really tough (wink). Well, I'm off to cast my ballot!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
blowing a wad...
Of money. What did you think I was going to say? Get your mind out of the gutter. I spent a lot of money that I don't have today.
Favorite purchases of the day:
-a box of Whoppers
-a Pizza
-a Swiffer WetJet
Yes. My brand new Swiffer. I have been dreaming of one since the day I looked at the apartment in which I now reside. It has hardwood floors throughout, no carpet. Thank god, I hate carpet. It just always looks dirty and those high-traffic areas are a bitch to keep up with. Plus I hate to vacuum.
My shiny, new little Swiffer is so cute, and when I opened the box, all I could do was inhale; the whole plastic-wrapped purple and silverness of the thing was scented in, no, not that nasty China-plastic-y and styrofoamy smell, but sweet... purpleness. I don't even know how to describe the smell but it just smells... yummy.
Anyway, I just finished swiffering (I wonder if that word is in the dictionary yet?) my entire apartment. I even moved furniture, which is more than I can say from my days of vacuuming my old apartment (which always felt like a chore). I was opting for a regular Swiffer, and then looked at the Swiffer vacuum, but the former seemed too cheap for my needs, the latter way too expensive. I enjoy the WetJet. Its perfect for sweeping up dust, as well as scrubbing away all that Taco Bell mild sauce and Burger King ketchup that always seems to end up splattered on the floor.
I mentioned to a friend that I had bought one today and how much I love it. His response? "I personally want a Filipina maid." Classy.
The only gripe I have about the Swiffer WetJet is that I kept accidentally hitting the button on the handle, prematurely ejaculating the cleaning solution on things that I didn't mean to, or on a section of the floor that was already done, making me have to redo sections. It also says that one of the pads will go for 8 large rooms, but after 3 rooms and a small hallway (which is all I have) I had to throw the thing out. I guess one pad a week on cleaning day will do the trick with some light sweeping during the week to take care of those pesky renegade dustbunnies.
So yeah. I was having so much fun swiffering and pressing the button and squirting the stuff all over the place that I didn't even realize I had broken a sweat until I sat down to admire my work.
4 out of 4 stars for the WetJet yay!
Favorite purchases of the day:
-a box of Whoppers
-a Pizza
-a Swiffer WetJet
Yes. My brand new Swiffer. I have been dreaming of one since the day I looked at the apartment in which I now reside. It has hardwood floors throughout, no carpet. Thank god, I hate carpet. It just always looks dirty and those high-traffic areas are a bitch to keep up with. Plus I hate to vacuum.
My shiny, new little Swiffer is so cute, and when I opened the box, all I could do was inhale; the whole plastic-wrapped purple and silverness of the thing was scented in, no, not that nasty China-plastic-y and styrofoamy smell, but sweet... purpleness. I don't even know how to describe the smell but it just smells... yummy.
Anyway, I just finished swiffering (I wonder if that word is in the dictionary yet?) my entire apartment. I even moved furniture, which is more than I can say from my days of vacuuming my old apartment (which always felt like a chore). I was opting for a regular Swiffer, and then looked at the Swiffer vacuum, but the former seemed too cheap for my needs, the latter way too expensive. I enjoy the WetJet. Its perfect for sweeping up dust, as well as scrubbing away all that Taco Bell mild sauce and Burger King ketchup that always seems to end up splattered on the floor.
I mentioned to a friend that I had bought one today and how much I love it. His response? "I personally want a Filipina maid." Classy.
The only gripe I have about the Swiffer WetJet is that I kept accidentally hitting the button on the handle, prematurely ejaculating the cleaning solution on things that I didn't mean to, or on a section of the floor that was already done, making me have to redo sections. It also says that one of the pads will go for 8 large rooms, but after 3 rooms and a small hallway (which is all I have) I had to throw the thing out. I guess one pad a week on cleaning day will do the trick with some light sweeping during the week to take care of those pesky renegade dustbunnies.
So yeah. I was having so much fun swiffering and pressing the button and squirting the stuff all over the place that I didn't even realize I had broken a sweat until I sat down to admire my work.
4 out of 4 stars for the WetJet yay!
yikes. this woman could be president.
Read this article. Its quite humorous-yet extremely frightening at the same time. I just can't fathom the possibility of a woman with such a low intelligence level and no common sense being a "heartbeat away from the presidency". Insane.
Palin takes prank call from fake French president
Nov 2, 2008 7:24 AM EST
TORONTO - Sarah Palin unwittingly took a prank call Saturday from a Canadian comedian posing as French President Nicolas Sarkozy and telling her she would make a good president someday.
"Maybe in eight years," replies a laughing Palin.
The Republican vice presidential nominee discusses politics, the perils of hunting with Vice President Dick Cheney, and Sarkozy's "beautiful wife," in a recording of the six-minute call released Saturday and set to air Monday on a Quebec radio station.
Palin campaign spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt confirmed she had received the prank call.
"Governor Palin was mildly amused to learn that she had joined the ranks of heads of state, including President Sarkozy and other celebrities, in being targeted by these pranksters. C'est la vie," she said.
The call was made by a well-known Montreal comedy duo Marc-Antoine Audette and Sebastien Trudel. Known as the Masked Avengers, the two are notorious for prank calls to celebrities and heads of state.
Audette, posing as Sarkozy, speaks in an exaggerated French accent and drops ample hints that the conversation is a joke. But Palin seemingly does not pick up on them.
He tells Palin one of his favorite pastimes is hunting, also a passion of the 44-year-old Alaska governor.
"I just love killing those animals. Mmm, mmm, take away life, that is so fun," the fake Sarkozy says.
He proposes they go hunting together by helicopter, something he says he has never done.
"Well, I think we could have a lot of fun together while we're getting work done," Palin counters.
"We can kill two birds with one stone that way."
The comedian jokes that they shouldn't bring Cheney along on the hunt, referring to the 2006 incident in which the vice-president shot and injured a friend while hunting quail.
"I'll be a careful shot," responds Palin.
Playing off the governor's much-mocked comment in an early television interview that she had insights into foreign policy because "you can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska," the caller tells her: "You know we have a lot in common also, because ... from my house I can see Belgium."
She replies: "Well, see, we're right next door to different countries that we all need to be working with, yes."
When Audette refers to Canadian singer Steph Carse as Canada's prime minister, Palin replies: "Well, he's doing fine and yeah, when you come into a position underestimated it gives you an opportunity to prove the pundits and the critics wrong. You work that much harder." Canada's prime minister is Stephen Harper.
Palin praises Sarkozy throughout the call and also mentions his wife Carla Bruni, a model-turned-songwriter.
"You know, I look forward to working with you and getting to meet you personally and your beautiful wife," Palin says. "Oh my goodness, you've added a lot of energy to your country with that beautiful family of yours."
The Sarkozy impersonator tells Palin his wife is "so hot in bed" and then informs her that Bruni has written a song for her about Joe the Plumber entitled "Du rouge a levres sur une cochonne" - which translates as "Lipstick on a Pig."
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama derided his Republican challenger John McCain's call for change in Washington as "lipstick on a pig," days after Palin made a lipstick joke at the Republican convention. The McCain-Palin campaign then released an ad implying Obama was calling Palin a pig with that remark.
The caller asks Palin if Joe the Plumber is her husband and adds: "We have the equivalent of Joe the Plumber in France. It's called Marcel, the guy with bread under his armpit."
He also tells the Alaska governor that he loved the "documentary" made about her and referred to a pornographic film with a Palin look-alike made by Hustler founder Larry Flynt.
She answers tentatively, "Ohh, good, thank you, yes."
The callers then reveal the prank and identify themselves and their radio station.
"Ohhh, have we been pranked?" Palin asks before handing the phone to an aide who ends the call.
Obama's campaign spokesman Robert Gibbs, commenting on the prank, said: "I'm glad we check out our calls before we hand the phone to Barack Obama."
By CHARMAINE NORONHA Associated Press Writer
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