President Clinton changes his view on gay marriage...for the better!

I have been a huge fan of President Clinton for many years. I had the privilege of meeting him once in 1997. (Have I mentioned that before? Probably. And I probably will again. It was a thrilling night!) I have a new reason to admire this great man and brilliant politician. He has changed his view and is "now personally" for same-sex marriage!

This is much different from his public stance on it when he was President. I also give him so much credit for admitting that he has changed his mind. So many politicians stick to outdated concepts because they don't want to seem like they are "flip-flopping" (thanks Karl Rove for that term) but President Clinton is a not afraid to say he has changed his mind.

I wish I could be alive 100 years from now to see how his legacy compares to that of his predecessor...what was his name again? Ahh, the memory (nightmare) is fading.

Thank you President Clinton. You continue to be an advocate for progress.

Boycott Manchester Hotels!

Doug Manchester, the owner of The Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel and The Grand del Mar Resort in San Diego donated $125,000 to anti-gay campaigners to help get Prop 8 on the ballot.(No, I did not add links to the hotels because A)We shouldn't be helping their website get hits and B) I don't want to tempt you...the hotels are actually quite beautiful)

Now, "Papa Doug" as he is known has reached out to some groups, offering to donate $125,000 to civil union groups. But, he is non-wavering in his opposition to same-sex marriage. Anti prop 8 groups are no less wavering as they have vowed a second year of boycotts and campaigns to increase boycotts on the Manchester hotels.

The boycott has so far cost Doug Manchester over $7 million dollars, and that's just for the Hyatt property! He has yet to apologize and refuses to meet with boycott leaders.

So, go ahead Mr. Manchester, donate another $125,000 when it comes up on the ballot again in 2010. $125K initial buy-in with a negative $7 million return? What a savvy investment.

Here is a link that I will give you: http://www.saynotomanchester.org/

Protect the insurance companies! ;)

Check out this funny "PSA" done by some celebs including Will Farrell, Jon Hamm, and others. A sarcastic, but poignant commentary on the current healthcare debate and the "neverending suffering" of the insurance companies and their executives.

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

Gavin Newsom welcomes baby daughter!!

Congratulations to Mayor (soon-to-be Governor) Gavin Newsom and his wife Jennifer Siebel-Newsom! They welcomed their first child, daughter Montana Tessa Newsom (we'll talk about the name later) to the world today, September 18, 2009 at 12:39pm.

Mayor Newsom tweeted about his exciting day to keep us all updated:

Arrived at hospital

Ok... I'm nervous--

Baby girl.. :)

Jen doing great.. Not sure she is happy I am on twitter

The newest Democrat in the Newsom household weighed in at 7lbs 12oz and 20.5" long.

Now, the name. Montana? I don't know what to say about this. She is no doubt going to be beautiful with those two parents. Not to mention smart and driven. The only thing not in her favor is that name. I love Gavin Newsom, like super love Gavin Newsom but Mr. Mayor, you didn't just adopt an Alaskan Husky, this is YOUR DAUGHTER!! Tessa Montana maybe? Even that is better. Oh well. I'll shut up about the name. Congrats Newsoms! A very happy day :)

PARK(ing) Day - Cute, but annoying

Living in San Francisco, I have learned to appreciate the precious 5'X15' real estate known as a parking space. I usually do not have too much trouble finding parking when I get home from work but should I come home a little early, or a little too late, I could drive around for a half hour trying to find a spot.

The group Rebar, a San Francisco art collective has started a program called PARK(ing) Day where these precious parking spaces are "leased" (about $300 in quarters dumped in over the course of the day) and used as small parks. This started in 2005 when it was discovered that 70% of downtown outdoor space is dedicated to vehicles and only a fraction of that to the public in the forms of such things as parks and open space.

So, tomorrow, Friday September 18th, you will have an even more difficult time parking in SF as these park people start rolling out sod on your much needed parking space. Don't get me wrong, I think it's noble to try and turn our downtown concrete jungle into a green eutopia but after circling the Moscone Center for an hour, my car just might end up as part of the 5'X15' art display.

President Obama calls Kanye a jackass *audio*

Here is the audio of President Obama speaking "off the record" with some reporters before his appearance on CNBC yesterday.

Listen to in HERE

Nite-nite: Patrick Swayze 1952-2009

Patrick Swayze lost his battle with cancer today. He was 57. I was going to write a whole bio about his life, but, who doesn't know all about Patrick Swayze? He was an awesome dancer, fantastic actor, and not a bad singer, either.

He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2008. What an awful way to go. Wasting away. Cancer sucks.

Rest in Peace Patrick. No more pain.

Kelly Clarkson calls out Kanye better than anybody

I love Kelly Clarkson. Always have. Ever since her first audition on American Idol in Season One I wanted her to win. I followed her through the season, calling every week to vote for her. (I know, get a life) Then, when she went on to release albums, I was right there on opening day to get them...and they were awesome. Every one. I've seen her in concert a few times. Once, with Reba which obviously sealed the deal for me as a die-hard Kelly fan. Reba's husband, Narvel actually now manages Kelly.

Anyway, I have a new reason to love her. This nice, innocent girl from Texas called out Kanye on his dick-move last night better than anyone. Here is her blog entry from her website:

Monday, September 14, 2009

Kanye West

Dear Kanye, What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we're all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like shit. I mean, I've seen you do some pretty shitty things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, asshole ways. It's absolutely fascinating how much I don't like you. I like everyone. I even like my asshole ex that cheated on me over you...which is pretty odd since I don't even personally know you. The best part of this evening is that you weren't even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really??

I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her...so why can't you be?? I'm not even mad at you for being an asshole...I just pity you because you're a sad human being.

On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!!

Taylor Swift, you outsell him ....that's why he's bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl!KC :)

Kelly Clarkson is awesome, for yet one more reason. Cool beans.

Review: Little Ark Grooming Shop SF

My initial reaction was to give this place one Reba. The second Reba is what I call the "benefit of the doubt" Reba. The Little Ark Grooming Shop looks like it could be a nice place to take your pet but my experience was very much one star. I called Little Ark on a Sunday morning to see if I could get my dog, Jarvis' nails trimmed. He's 10 and does NOT like this process so I have to sit with him through it. I used to take him to the Petsmart in Daly City as I lived closer at the time. But since I now live in Hayes Valley, this is way more convenient.

So, I showed up at Little Ark at about 11am on Sunday. There was nobody in the lobby but there was a female employee in the back with all the dogs, she was trying to get to one of the kennels and yelled "move!" to a dog in her way. Now, I say that to Jarvis all the time when he's under my feet. But, he's MY DOG. I don't expect him to be yelled at like that at a groomery. Is that hypocritical? Oh well. Anyway, that was strike one.

So, she came to the front and said "can I help you?" I said "Yes, I'd like to get his nails trimmed" to which she quickly replied "Is he good through it?" I said "No" and before I even got to explain, she ROLLED HER EYES. Really? Strike two. Anyway, I finished my sentence after her dramatic eye roll "No, he doesn't like it and needs me to sit with him" She said "Ok, we'll do it right here then" She quickly pulled out the cutters, I got my dog comfortable on the floor with me and she went to work. She didn't say a word, just trimmed his nails. I guess I'm used to the girls at Petsmart who would reassure him while they cut his nails. That's fine though, I reassured him. No filing, no frills. Just cut and "That's it. Done" I said "Good boy! All done" to which he gleefully jumped up. This was apparently a bit much for her as he's tall and she turned her face away dramatically and said "Ok! Ok!" as in "get your big dog out of my face" Oh, I'm sorry. I thought this was a grooming shop. It's like hiring a nanny that holds your baby at arms length. You signed up for this, don't act you are sitting on my couch as a guest and my dog jumped in your lap. Strike three.

Bottom line, she is the reason for the low rating. I have a feeling this place probably has some very animal friendly staff. I mean, it's in the Duboce Triangle, right outside the Castro. Probably the most animal friendly neighborhood in SF. But, this girl? Uh-uh. Not animal friendly. I guess I'll continue to make the drive out to Daly City. Jarvis is 10 and deserves five star treatment. He doesn't deserve to be treated like a burden from someone in the wrong job with a one star personality.

Two very generous Reba's:

Nite-nite: Gertrude Baines 1894-2009

Gertrude Baines, the oldest living person on the planet, died today at 115. She was born on April 6, 1894. Imagine living in the age we do now, with the internet, satellite, television, iphones, etc. and coming from an era where radio was still being introduced to the world. Where horsepower came from horses. What an amazing life.

This is the part that gets me: Her doctor does not know the exact cause of death but an autopsy is scheduled to be performed. Are you kidding me?!?! Umm, Dr. Witt (her physician), save your time and money. I'm going to announce the cause of death right here, right now...ready? SHE WAS ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN YEARS OLD. There. Please add to the death certificate.

By the way, according to the late Gerty Baines (I just gave her that nickname): "I never drank, never smoked, and never fooled around." Good for you Gerty. As for me, looks like I won't be making it to 115. Cheers!

"Get it in the can" - new commercial

This is funny...all I have to say.

Facebook - Relax people, it's just a website HILARIOUS VIDEO!

I don't know if you've ever been in a relationship where Facebook or Myspace has been used as a tool to make you jealous, piss you off, passive agressively get your intention, or just plain irritate you, but if you have...check this out. You will find it quite amusing.

Ben and Jerry's renames famous flavor in support of gay marriage

When you read the names Ben and Jerry, you are probably reading the packaging of ice cream. Unless, you live in the state of Vermont, where, as of today, you could be reading a same sex wedding invitation. Yes, effective September 1, 2009, gay marriage is officially legal in the state of Vermont and, to celebrate, Ben and Jerry's is changing the name of it's famous "Chubby Hubby" ice cream to "Hubby Hubby"! The newly (and temporarily) re-branded packaging will be available across the state of Vermont and will feature two grooms.

In a statement, a Ben and Jerry's rep said "In partnership with Freedom to Marry we are gathered here to celebrate Vermont and all the other great states where loving couples of all kinds are free to marry legally. We have ceremoniously dubbed our iconic flavor, Chubby Hubby to Hubby Hubby in support, and to raise awareness of the importance of marriage equality."

Way to go Ben and Jerry's! I just wish they offered the packaging here in California. Now there are two things that I can get in Vermont that I can't get here. Way cool gay friendly ice cream and treated equally. Some day.