Iowans, young and old speak out for marriage equality

Many of you have seen the video of the eloquent 19 year-old University of Iowa student who spoke in front of the Iowa state legislature a couple weeks back. If you haven't, it's worth watching. Check it out below.



Zach Wahls, who was raised by two mothers, speaks about his normal childhood and upbringing in a truly touching speech. This kid is a future lawmaker himself, if you ask me.

On the other end of the life experience spectrum, is Jean Argus. An 80 year-old native Iowan who speaks about her life in Iowa, her upbringing, and her role as mother to her gay son.

These two people: Proud Iowans, dedicated members of their family and community, and straight; share their personal stories and definition of family.

Testing a picture post!!

TEST: First blog entry via phone....

Hope this works!

Limousines Show - Rickshaw Stop, SF

It has been sooooo long since I've written on here. I'd like to start getting back into it. What better way to start than to post a few fun videos from The Limos show this week. What a great show! Sold out to an energetic crowd who were not disappointed! Great performances throughout the set. Here are a couple fun snipits. You can feel the energy. You should experience a Limousines show for yourself if you haven't yet.

Reba's new single available today on iTunes!!

....and I already know every word. (Of course I do) "Turn On The Radio" was released shortly after midnight on iTunes last night. Once again, she does not disappoint. Catchy, fun, and high-energy. Sure to be yet another hit! I know I'm biased because she could burp the alphabet and I'd buy it. But, this is really a fun song. Reminiscent of some of her 90's hits like "Why Haven't I Heard from You" and "Take It Back". Download it on iTunes here!! Now!

Uber-conservative Senator to appear at gay fundraiser

John Cornyn, the super socially conservative Senator from Texas has agreed to appear at a fundraiser for the Log Cabin Republicans. For those of you who don't know, the Log Cabin Republicans are a group of gay repubs who believe in many core Republican values.

Cornyn is a staunch supporter of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and has opposed same-sex marriage in his state. So, why is he going? He says "Some things we won’t agree on, but I think it’s always better to talk and then try find those things we can agree on rather than just assume there’s no common ground whatsoever.” True, but then he says that same-sex marriage is one thing they "absolutely" won't agree on, but he's happy to talk to them.

Now, here's my issue. WHY THE HELL ARE THERE STILL LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS?!?! I totally get believing in many of the fiscally conservative agendas put forth by the repubs. I do. I agree on many of them myself. But how can you still support a party that has made one of their main agendas disenfranchising you as a people?!?! This party, which once stood for smaller government, and personal responsibility, now uses the gay "movement" as a way to scare people into voting for them! Why would you still be a part of that group?!

It's like Meg Whitman. I agree with a LOT of what she has to say. To be honest, I think she is what this state needs to get back on track. Her welfare reform ideas, her proposed budget cuts, and her no-nonsense management style makes me think that she is our best shot at pulling this failing state out of the downward spiral we've been in for over a decade. But I REFUSE to cast a vote for someone who will work, and put my tax dollars to work, to ensure I do not have equal rights. That is just ridiculous. So, I'll plug my nose and cast a vote for Jerry Brown. Ugh. Point being, you can support ideas from both parties, but you have to look at yourself in the mirror and if you let your bank account take precedents over your identity, you are a sellout and pathetic. I think they should put mirrors in the ballot booths.

So have fun with the sad, pathetic group known as the Log Cabin Republicans, Senator Cornyn. Hmm, sad and pathetic...hey, you guys have THAT in common!

The Fatted Calf is coming to Hayes Valley

Meat lovers in Hayes Valley rejoice! A new French-style charcuterie is opening in our neighborhood!

Taylor Boetticher, who owns The Fatted Calf in Napa, has announced the opening of his newest shop at 320 Fell Street (between Gough and Octavia).

This new shop (which is directly behind me on the same block) will feature cured meats, bread, duck, chicken, salami, prosciutti, hot dogs, beer dogs, etc. Ready-to-eat items along with beer are also coming soon.

The shop, which I heard will keep it's wall-of-windows with delicious salamis and other meats on display, is slotted to open this Fall. Not soon enough!! Can't wait!!

Review: "In the Heights"

Tommy got us tickets for this show last week. I had no idea what it was about, where it was, whether it was a musical or play, nothing. Up to about ten minutes before, I still had no idea what it was or what to expect. All I knew at that point was that it was a musical since, while standing in line, I read the marquis "Tony Award winner - Best Musical" so I thought, eh...can't be that bad.

I was right. Not bad. Not bad at all. Very good actually. Great music, high energy, and talented performers. A great show!

It takes place in the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York and follows the lives of the neighborhood families, who have grown over the years to become one large family.

I won't go into too many details but trust me, you will be entertained. It is playing at the Curran Theatre through June. Go see it!

Tickets can be purchased here

I give it 4 Rebas.

Nite-nite: Gary Coleman 1968-2010

...and the Diff'rent Strokes curse continues. First, Dana Plato dies in a trailor in Vegas, now Arnold.

Gary Coleman, who played Arnold on Diff'rent Stokes in the 80's, died today in Utah at 42. He suffered a brain hemorrhage on Wednesday at his home.

His shortlived success, led to years of money and legal problems. It all started in 1989 when he sued his parents for inappropriately handling his money. He then filed bankruptcy in 1999. He's also been arrested for assault, disorderly conduct, and domestic violence.

The poor guy never really seemed to find happiness. At least now he's found peace.

So that's two of the three kids from Diff'rent Strokes. Todd Bridges, you should count your blessings.

...meanwhile Conrad Bain (who played Philip Drummond) is goin' strong at 87.

Watch this movie!

One of the things I enjoy about my morning commute (ok, the only thing I enjoy about my morning commute) is flipping between my 90's country and Rosie Radio on XM/Sirius satellite radio. Yes, Rosie Radio as in Rosie O'Donnell. Love her or hate her, she has a lot of thought provoking guests on her show.

This morning she had the makers of the documentary Food, Inc. It is a movie about the food industry, the governments involvement, and the damage we are doing to our bodies with the over processed meats and vegetables that we eat.

I haven't watched it yet. We plan to watch it tomorrow night (it's on Netflix Watch Instantly!) but I'm sure it will disturb me and make my already complicated relationship with food, pretty much impossible. Oh well.

Here's the trailer: