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Tits Possible

We came; we saw; we conquered; we tired of conquering; we sat down to rest; we were overthrown; we retired in Seattle; the food was great.

Yesterday was all about the downtown. We pranced about the Market, with a little time on the side for Piroshky... oh yeah! Then came the marathon downtownshopwalk. Highlights:
--I do believe Barneys employs only homosexual males. Too bad they all thought I was straight and touched-in-the-head based on my attire of a green hoodie and jeans.
--One word: gelato.
--Marie's near outburst of glee as we passed a music store and allowed her to enter.
--Watching the flying fish guys accidentally hit an old lady (one if their grandmothers, I believe) with a stuffed toy fish. Well, that wasn't exactly a highlight. More like, "What the f*ck is going on?!"
--Two words: huge pomegranetes!!!
--Sarah failed to find her sacred New Balance orange shoes. But settled for some blue-and-yellow ones.
--Three words: Abercrombie and Fitch. Why, you ask? My keen vision, of course. As we passed Westlake Center, a few blocks from AandF, my eye fixed on something through the store's front window: a male pec. Assuming it was one of those largerthanlife nudie posters they put up to fuel my already raging gay hormones, I gave it little notice - but of course kept staring. A little less than a block from AandF, I saw the pec move. I swooped to the right (almost hitting an old lady - how chivalrous, James) to get a better look. Yes, AandF, had a buff guy standing just inside their entrace shirtless to attract visitors. It worked.
"Guys, we have to go into Abercrombie NOW!!!!"
Yes, we went in. Was he a model, employee, or just some friend of an employee? Who the hell cares! Enjoy the view! We made a lap through the store and out, and Zach even snapped a few photos with Sarah's digital camera. Yes, he posed. Yes, I'll post them on here when Sarah sends them to me. Yes, they're gorgeous.
Zach claims its especially noteworthy that the dude had a pimple on his face; which means, according to him, that the model had his human flaws displayed, too.
Yeah - sure, Zach. Human flaws. First off, I wasn't looking at his face, much. Second, I think the "flaw" of the pimple is a bit... outshined by the rest of him, so to speak. Kind of like how the death of a bacterium on the front right leg of a mosquito getting swatted in a skyscraper in Hong Kong is "a bit outshined" by the Big Bang. Pimple my ass! He was beautiful!

Whew. My hormones are under reigns for now. For now.

Next, Market Fresh Improv and Theatresports! Both improv shows are under the care and management of Unexpected Productions. Sarah, of course, is anxious to check out the improv scene in any locale she graces with her presence. And I, for one, am becoming more and more of an improv fan. So we went for BOTH of their evening shows. The first, Market Fresh, was an improvised Christmas Carol - based on audience suggestions. I am both proud and ashamed that my suggestion for Scrooge's "new" occupation was picked - a pathologist. Oopsie. The whole show was fantastic, though.
Theatresports, the second show, was just as fantastic. I saw some fantastic individual acts on stage, and some great team coherence. I could definitely become a fan of these shows. Again, a crappy suggestion of mine was chosen - Jane Austen novels. Oh, James... whywhywhy?!

They ended the show with a modified Shakespeare play - "Viking Men." Highlights included "and lo, I shall sit prettily," numerous references to a woman's chastity, and the frequently misspoken phrase "tits possible." Thank you and goodnight.

The Fourth

Yesterday = Capitol Hill Exploration.

Capitol Hill is a bit of a contradiction for yours truly. It is an area of Seattle I enjoy thoroughly, but feel the least "at home." Not exactly welcome. But also not entirely rejected. Limbo - which I suppose is saying quite a lot since Capitol Hill is also Seattle's unofficial gay district.

But, bethatasitmay, the Five Midwesterners (Seattlites Zach and myself - along with Iowan visitors Sarah, Brett, and Marie) ventured over there after sleeping in WAY too long to see what Mischief we could stir up:

--Shopshopshop: Yes, it was the day-after-Thanksgiving. Thus, I was drawn by sales at Panache and Rado (don't worry; I'd saved up). The purchases at Panache were unexpected - David and I frequented that shop last summer when we were mere interns, enjoying its atmosphere. But, this was a shock to me, I was too fat for most of their clothes. I eventually had dubbed Panache the Anorexic Shop. David, having the metabolism we all lust after, and the spritely will to be seen in tight-fitting, oh-my-God-that's-almost-see-through clothing, had a ball there. I merely came along for the ride. But yesterday, lo-and-behold, I walked out with a shirt and a pair of jeans. Go figure. No - not see-through. My will is still sub-spritely at best, puppets.

--We also dragged the Midwesterners to a more "mature" shop - the well-hidden Crypt. I was drawn by the Matrixesque full-body leather coat. I may be gay, but Carrie-Anne Moss looked hot in that get-up (despite the slicked back hair). Sarah also insisted on a return visit to Toys in Babeland. Another no-kids shop. Always more hilarious than The Crypt. No, I didn't get anything noteworthy at either locale.

--Dinner at the Ethiopian restaurant. I swear, I'm in love with that waiter (hewillbemine!). Dessert at Dilletante's.

--Barsbarsbars!: Of course, after all that adventure, we couldn't leave behind the bars. After all, Zach and I are on a mission to convince Sarah to move here! I added a fourth bar to my list-of-Seattle-gay-bars-James-has-ventured-to-so-far (Hey! So I'm the slow guy in the class! Sue me. I'll be satisfied when the number of gay bars I've been to corresponds to the number of months I've lived here... only two more to go!). Started out at the Rosebud ("Oh, James... Gin and tonic? You're not even a law student... yet!" - Don't worry; I switched to beer later.), and moved later to Manray and R Place. I thought we were done, but no! It was time to introduce me to Neighbours! I did not dance at Neighbours (hadn't had enough to drink, after all), but resolved to return and do just that quite soon!

--Despite the gaybarbashing I'm capable of (and, hell, famous for), I really did find myself having fun last night. Maybe I was just in good company. Or maybe I am lightening up. It was also quite an ego boost to catch a few guys staring at me. (Yes, damnit, that is a good thing.) Showed me that I'm not entirely past my prime as a dumpy, poorly-attired, over-read, 23-year-old Midwesterner-turned-Seattlite. Maybe I indeed CAN get along in this city and "be accepted by 'my own people' someday" - so to speak.

Boomboomboom. Today: downtown and stuff.

Zsa Zsa Gabor

The house is a mess.

But, the Thanksgiving 2003 gathering hosted by Marcella and yours truly was a huge f*cking success!

The Gathering:
--Turkey with a pre-baking brine soak. My feeble mind cannot fathom the osmosis rules that would actually account for the bird's ability to absorb AND retain moisture. But we devoured it.
--The Brits: Gareth, Grainne, and Janet - appetizers from the Northern Irishman and First-Thanksgiving Scot; pumpkin pie and whiskey provided by the English. Also much wine.
--Bread and kitty stories provided by Hadley; drop-in dessert visits provided by Lori, Delia, William, and Alejandre.
--The Midwesternerns: Last-minute casseroles provided by Brett and Marie; Hollandaise sauce(s) and steamed veggies from Zach and Sarah.
--Potatoes, brine-soaked Turkeygoodness, stuffing, chocolate tart, and winewinewine courtesy of Marcella and myself.

Thrills and Chills:
--Small burn on my thumb courtesy of a vengeful oven.
--Our microwave sparked. Let's chuck the f*cker.
--I feel like I don't even deserve the title co-host. I helped cleaned until the wee hours of the morning; but other than that, this was Marcella's show. Thank God. I think the Jamesversion would've involved screaming, more burns, and a lot more drinking.
--Two rousing games of Cranium. Highlights: Sarah's (one-armed) Zsa Zsa Gabor impression, and my (two-armed) Jack Nicholson impression. Both failed miserably to stir our respective teams with right answers.
--Other Craniumisms: 3% of Earth's water is fresh (two-thirds of it encased in polar ice caps), Elvis hated Robert Goulet, I can't mold a dam out of clay, Gareth can hum "Like a Virgin" almost TOO well, and THREE geology questions were asked! And I knew the answers! Wo-hoo!
--Great view of The Mountain yesterday.

Mt. Rainier, as seen from Bainbridge Island (veryvery close to Seattle). Not my pic, not my view, but damn - what a mountain.

VisitorVisit:
--Wednesday, whilst waiting for Marie and Brett's flight to get in at SeaTac, Zach spent a good deal of time trying to convince Sarah and I to go to law school. I must say, it's a possibility I never really considered before; but hey, I guess I shouldn't burn any bridges at this point.
--Showed Brett, Marie and Sarah around the International District and Pioneer Square Wednesday after their flight got in: Bubble Tea, Vietnamese Soup, Uwajamaya, walkwalkwalk, Elliott Bay Book Company, busbusbus, and so much more!

Dignity: Intact

Happy Thanksgiving, all! I'm no holiday person by any means; but this one goes down as my favorite. Marcella and I are hours away from hosting about nine friends for dinner, but I managed to get my potatoes all ready and beautiful late last night. Co-hosting is hard work! But, my dignity, for the time being, remains intact.

Enough of this foolishness. See some of the folks I'm thankful for below.
(Warning: All of these photos are OLD. Spontaneous blogging ideas, such as this mini-album, must give way to the fact that I only have OLD F*CKING PHOTOGRAPHS on my computer currently. Go me.)

Dad. Being dad. 'Nuff said.

Ellen, mom, and yours truly. No, my sister and I were not adopted. We simply look nothing like our mother.

My sister would call them "The A Team." Except Michelle doesn't begin with an A. Left-to-right: Michelle, Adrienne, Anitra. Loved, loving, lovely, cherished, and greatly missed. As Pink Floyd would say, girls "how I wish you were here."

I believe Bryn would've said it best here: "No matter how near or far apart, true friends remain in your heart." We all met as Hutch interns last summer and have scattered across the country pursuing our Own Lives. But damn, I miss these guys. L-to-R: David, Hadley, Jill, Bryn, and me.

And how could I forget Sarah? Trusted friend, college troublemaker, and one-armed lesbian web-designer extrodinaire! Bask in her glory.

If it weren't for my lack-of-pictures on this old computer, then I'd have about a dozen more photographs in this entry.
Not pictured, but no less-valued:
Saboora
Zach
Mike & Anna
Brad
Poje
PJ
Pat
David
T-ball
Ben
Jessica
...and many more.

I'm thankful for all of you; and I guess I don't say that often enough.

Baked Mashed Potatoes

And so begins my five-day reprieve from work:

--I journey to SeaTac in a few hours to pick up Sarah; I'll go back tomorrow morning as well to retrieve Brett and Marie. The Midwesterners are invading for Thanksgiving!

--Marcella and I are hosting about a dozen people at our house for Thanksgiving dinner. Well, actually, Marcella's doing most of the work. My responsibility: baked mashed potatoes. My dignity balances precariously on the edge of a knife, here! I'm yet again challenged to cook!

--I do believe that, if Andrew Sullivan and I ever met face-to-face, I'd end up shouting at him most of the time. He and I are definately on opposite ends of the political spectrum. But bethatasitmay, he has put forth an excellent new article bashing the Federal Marriage Amendment in The New Republic. Many thanks to the Poje for showing me this one.

--The relatively new "local news" entry from Strong Bad E-mails had me in stitches... I think due in part to the grammar jingles and the Action News 5 sound effects provided by The Cheat. Check it out!

Now, Zach and I have a mission to entertain Marie and Brett, and convince Sarah to move here!!

Oh, and I have to make baked mashed potatoes. Can't forget that now, damnit.

Proverbs

No Jamescontent to fill in; so instead you get quotations!

“Joyous! How is one to tell about joy? How describe the citizens of Omelas?"
--from The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin

"Do you know what happens when you hurt people? When you hurt people, they begin to love you less. That's what careless words do... they make people love you a little less."
--Ammu, The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

"People in their right minds never take pride in their talents."
--Miss Maudie Atkinson, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

“I laugh because I must not cry.”
--Abraham Lincoln

“…for the states below reason and the states above it have, by their common contrast to the life we know, a certain superficial resemblance. Sometimes there returns to us from infancy the memory of a nameless delight or terror, unattached to any delightful or dreadful thing, a potent adjective floating in a nounless void, a pure quality. At such moments we have experience of the shallows of that pool.”
--from That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis

“The world must be coming to an end. Children no longer obey their parents, and every man wants to write a book.”
--Author unknown, but attributed to an Assyrian stone tablet (dated 2,800 B.C.E.)

“Dance like it hurts. Love like you need money. Work when people are watching.”
--Dogbert, Dilbert by Scott Adams

“An eye for an eye will simply leave us all blind.”
--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"One man's ways may be as good as another's, but we all like our own best."
--Admiral Croft, Persuasion by Jane Austen

“What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.”
--Ecclesiastes 1:9 [You: “But James, why have a Bible verse here? By your own admission, you are not deeply religious – at least in the traditional Protestant sense.” Me: “True, true. But, where else can I find Hutton’s Principle of Uniformitarianism spelled out in such a straightforward manner!”]

“Hide not your talents; they for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade?”
--from Poor Richard’s Almanac by Benjamin Franklin

“Recommend to your children virtue; that alone can make them happy, not gold.”
--Ludwig van Beethoven

“Characters do not change. Opinions alter, but characters are only developed.”
--Benjamin Disraeli

“The state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation.”
--Henry Trudeau

Magnum Opus

Below you'll find my favorite work of art:

The Fighting "Temeraire," Tugged to her Last Berth to be Broken Up (1838)
Joseph M.W. Turner (1775 - 1851); British

Acquisition

'Tis Friday. Let us worship it.

--Twice this week, Seattle acquired a bit of snow. The first fall was nothing significant. The flakes actually melted about four feet from the ground. The second snowfall, which started about 1:00AM this morning, persisted until about a quarter inch of snow covered everything, melting only on concrete and asphalt. Of course, the sun's rays made quick work of it by 10:00AM; but still, this is apparently "quite unseasonable" for Seattle. I believe my labmates accuse me of bringing such weather with me from the Quad Cities.

--Thanks to Zach, I am now the proud owner of the Special Extended DVD Edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Yes, I had a marathon viewing the other day. Love it. Love the Precious.

Orlando Bloom as Legolas. Wo-hoo!

--For Thanksgiving next week, I will acquire three visitors: Sarah, Marie, and Brett. My mission: convince Sarah to move to Seattle. You know you want to, Miffins.

--I dove into the latest issue of Science today, devouring through two articles concerning meteorite impacts, volcanic eruptions, and mass extinctions. For the geologically-inclined, there's compelling evidence that a meteorite impact some 270 million years ago may have contributed to the mass extinction at the Permian-Triassic boundary. No, this isn't the mass extinction in which we lost the dinosaurs. They didn't even exist yet. But this was the largest mass extinction ever. Ever. 90% of marine species were lost; 70% of terrestrial species were lost. Yeah, my fascination with all this makes me a geology nerd, in addition to a biology nerd. But you love me despite that. But, if you've a hankering for geology, pick up the latest issue of Science and give the articles a quick once-over (the second article actually deals with volcanic events that contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs - but read it, too!).

3-D map showing magnetic field variations of the buried Chicxulub Crater on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Not the impact crater itself, but you get the idea. Now, THIS is the impact "they" say contributed to the dinosaur mass extinction 65 million years ago.

--I recently acquired a new credit card. Yes, I'm getting rid of the old one. But still, pray for me. And any new acquisitions I might make as a result. Sha-zam!

Ouch; that hurt my Equality.

Here's the official (albeit brief) White House response to the Massachusetts Supreme Court's ruling in Goodridge vs. the Department of Public Health:

"President Defends Sanctity of Marriage
Statement by the President

Marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman. Today's decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court violates this important principle. I will work with congressional leaders and others to do what is legally necessary to defend the sanctity of marriage."

I hope this doesn't mean the Battle Lines have been drawn. Especially before the Massachusetts legislature has even acted on the court's majority opinion. Polarization is a word that gives me the jibblies, unless of course one is referring to molecular and atomic interactions in a chemistry lab.

President George W. Bush of Texas, I'll make you a deal: I'll keep my nose out of your marriage, and you keep your nose out of mine. Well, assuming that I ever decide to marry someday. *gasp*

Hallelujah

Despite the demands of law school, Joshua Poje, a fellow Augustana College 2003 graduate (also trusted friend and fellow Facts of Life fan) maintains an excellent website with which he (almost) daily fills us in on the workings of his mind. From this, I've seen that Poje and I differ in many of our political views; I'm a self-described blood-sucking liberal, of course. *gasp* But, our big sexy brains always agree when it comes to gay rights.

Hence, Poje and I can agree wholeheartedly with the majority opinion from the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the case of Goodridge vs. the Department of Public Health. Many of my friends, including Poje, let out a triumphant "Hallelujah!" (or whatever ejaculatory phrase of joy you deem most prudent). I, while just as pleased, just let out an exhausted sigh of relief. In my (notsohumble) opinion, it's a civil rights issue - cut and dry.

Anyone who's known me for even a short amount of time knows full well that I see no real difference in families or partnerships centered around homosexual or heterosexual "marriages." I see no logic in the argument that gay marriages or civil unions will bring about the downfall of the institution of marriage, or corrupt "family values." Such pleas, to me, appeal to vague, unsubstantiated notions of "American morality" - an unpalatable mixture of blind patriotism and religious invocation... the stuff of human irrationality. I have yet to see a worthy argument against gay marriage/civil union that appeals to the core of human rationality - a well thought-through and supported expostulation that would appeal to the mind, not the reckless and rash notions of the heart.

I'll hold back from elaborating further. We've all busy lives to lead, after all. If you lust for more Jamesthought, I'll refer you to these two archived entries from my old weblog, and a corresponding archive (dated 7 August 2003) from Poje's site. I love it when Poje and I disagree; I love it even more when we agree. Especially concerning issues like gay marriage. I sincerely hope the Federal Marriage Amendment doesn't pass, and that the Massachusetts legislature at least enacts civil union laws. I fear the country, as a whole, is not prepared for the term "gay marriage." I'd prefer gay marriage, but might just settle for civil unions, for now. It's like a Regent - king in all but name. All the powers, just a lesser title.

But, that's that. Only time will tell how Massachusetts settles this, and how much this decision by the courts will strengthen or hinder the FMA movement. I'm sure I've offended many people with this post and my "radical" views on marriage; but, just to make sure I offend everyone's patriotism, I also oppose a constitutional amendment banning flag burning. Sha-zam!

Time and Again

My Pappaw on my mom's side is a retired dentist. When I was little, he used to hoist us grandkids up on his old exam chair to examine our teeth (he literally built a wing onto his home for his practice - still has all the old instruments and stuff in there - only the old waiting room has been converted into my Mammaw's sewing room). Perhaps he was just checking up on our pediatric dentists; the last time he did that was my first visit to Arkansas with braces on. I believe I was in the eighth grade. In Jonesboro, I'm still identified (if I'm recognized at all - I was four, after all, when we fled) as "One-of-Dr.-Hudgins'-Grandsons."

He's the only relative they [experts on The Family] say I'm "like." Superficially, such a comment would no doubt insult Pappaw. But, I guess they mean a few Jamesisms: my nose constantly in a book; quiet; history-and-science-lover; sarcastic; set-in-my-ways; thorough with some tasks, and withdrawn or indifferent to others; "Those damn slouching shoulders!" [as my parents would say]; reserved; attentive; private ("But James, you can't be 'private' and have a weblog!" - Oh, be quiet.); always trying [and often failing] to do the prudent thing.

Of course, there are blindingly-obvious differences. He's a heterosexual, obviously. And I've no interest in being paid to place my hands in another human being's mouth. Bethatasitmay, I find it oddly comforting that, somewhere in the wild gene pool Wasteland of The Family, there's someone else out there proudly displaying some quirky Jamesism. Maybe I should call them OwenJamesisms.

My Pappaw, Dr. O.J. Hudgins, turned 90 today. No one in The Wild Gene Pool Wasteland of The Family has ever lived that long. There are many things he doesn't know about me, and probably just as many things I don't know about him; but still, go Pappaw!

In other Family news, I again would like to thank everyone for their thoughts concerning my cousin's sudden passing. The visitation and funeral were both held this weekend; literally thousands of people turned out for both. There are other circumstances surrounding this whole ordeal that I have decided to avoid posting about, for the time being. I realize this has offended some of my readers, who take my lack-of-posts regarding my cousin's death as a sign that I do not care. Such an assumption could not be further from the truth; there are merely extenuating circumstances, feelings, and issues that I feel would be inappropriate to share at this time. As I said before, we are doing what we can, and moving on.

Golden

Happy Monday!

This might sting a little. Or tickle. Or smell like bacon.

--Reason #367 why Mark is a good friend: the boy asked me to dinner last night, and went ahead and planned the rest of our evening - relieving me of the Burden of Decision. Vietnamese soup, sarcasm, a two-hour cruise to Bremerton and back on the Kitsap (and the Washington State Ferries serve alcohol - score!), and then the late showing of Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World. Mark, I don't think you read this site, but thank you just the same. Sometimes it's just nice to have it all planned out for me.

--As for Master and Commander, I would, for the most part, agree with the Poje on this one. I quite liked it. (Big surprise - a movie about sweaty men in close quarters pleases me, right? Oh, stuff it.) Honestly, I thought the story was interesting, and the plot took some interesting turns I didn't expect. The acting was pretty good, and exceptional in some cases. Of course, many of the men were handsome. *blushes* Especially the ship's surgeon!! The biologist in me loved their excursion to the Galapagos Islands; though, I seriously doubt half the audience got the pun about "the first naturalist to explore these islands." *shrugs* Ah, what a time I live in!

--The previews for the film included a new disaster flick, The Day After Tomorrow. The premise: the Greenhouse Effect begins in earnest, and raises havoc across the globe. Twisters devour Los Angeles, while tidal floods and freak snowstorms wreck New York. Everyone flees south for friendlier weather. I'm pretty sure the movie won't be anything deeper than Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion, but for some reason I'm drawn to it. I think I'm drawn to Disaster Flicks in general (perhapsI'mpsycho?), though, when I end up seeing them, I find I empathize with the characters way too much. Especially with the poor anonymous schmoo who got vaporized when this-asteroid-slammed-into-the-Chrystler-Building or the random dip who was swept-away-by-that-giant-wave-slamming-into-Battery-Park. And why must New York be destroyed in virtually every "modern" disaster film? Jeez.

--Speaking of films, The Return of the King is approaching. Bow down. Maybe they'll reinsert Christopher Lee's scenes showing the fall of Saruman. I'd love to cram as much of the book into the film as possible. Yes, it's nerdy. Yes, you love it.

--This weekend was eventful in so many ways, and restful like you'll never believe. Work had been hard on my soul lately; so it was good to take two days off, and not set foot in the Hutch.

--As for work, looks like this week is going to be a bit busy. I touched base with Meng-Chao today, a necessity that is actually getting easier and easier. Talking with my PI, at least today, didn't induce a mild coronary episode with me. I actually felt more confident than I had before about the work I'd done, and what I wanted to do next with the experiments I'm tackling. Of course, Meng-Chao put in his two cents and changed the course of this week altogether. But I walked out not feeling like a COMPLETE moron, unlike all the other previous times we'd "touched base."

--But, as a result of our conversation, now Patrick and I are going to tackle a procedure neither of us has ever done before - Biolistic Transformation. I won't go into details, especially since few biologists view this site, and fewer biologists still know much about biolistic transformation in Tetrahymena. But, here are the basic materials: DNA, gold particles, and a "gun" (no, not a firearm - I'm just a research technician!). You can guess which of those three is my favorite! But, Tuesday and Wednesday are going to be long days - especially since this technique is new to Patrick and myself.

--Seeing Patrick apply for law school, and all that, keeps me pressured to at least CONTEMPLATE graduate school on a daily basis. It hasn't left my mind yet. Sometimes, I just think I should take the damn GRE and get it over with. Other times, I think, "Why? You haven't studied one bit. And you KNOW you don't retain information that well. It'd be a waste of money." Still other times, I think, "Good score or bad, you had pretty good grades in college. And you might get good enough recommendations to at least get in a middle tier graduate program..." Blahblahblah. No clear thought has made signifcant headway in my mind. It's a constant tug-o'-war. But, the fact that the ideas are still floating around in my brain is at least encouraging. I haven't given up on the idea... yet.

--I think Jane Austen and I need to split temporarily. Emma is fantastic; but I'm not reading on a consistent enough basis. I might start J.M. Coetzee's Waiting for the Barbarians tonight instead. As always, pray for my brain.

That is all.

Evolution

For lack of any other content:

Super Mario Brothers

Super Mario Brothers 2

Super Mario Brothers 3

Super Mario World

Sweet!

This is the Giant Time.

As part of my brithday present last month, Zach gave me two tickets to see the cast of A Mighty Wind perform numbers FROM THE FILM.
So, last night, at McCaw Hall in Seattle Center, we went, got lost on the way ("Well, that's Intiman Hall... so we should turn east... NO, not that way! That takes us back to the Pacific Science Center!..."), and stumbled onto two hours of sheer halarity!!!

(A Mighty Wind, as you'll be able to tell, is one of my favorite comedies.)

First off: yes, all your favorites from A Mighty Wind were there IN CHARACTER AND EVERYTHING. Fan-f*cking-tastic!

--Jonathan Steinbloom (reading from his little list, and advising us to unwrap our candy before the performance to avoid distracting the performers, and to use extreme caution when going down the stairs to exit the hall)

--The New Main Street Singers - complete with the Bohner couple (Laurie often reminisced about her former days as an "actress" and reminded us that "all the P words are fun to say."), and Parker Posey's character (the name escapes me). They even chastized Seattle for our amorality! Wo-hoo!

--The Folksmen - Or should I say "Folkspersons"? Yes, the bass player came out dressed in his new identity -- Marsha!!!!

--Mitch and Mikey - Pure magic. I didn't quit laughing while they were on stage. Mikey even sang the "SureFlo" advertisement jingle for us!!!

--AMBER COLE!!! Yes, as only Jennifer Coolidge could play her. Those American Pie fans out there will know her as Stifler's Mom. I know her as the socialite ditsy wife Sherri Ann ("We both like soup...") who later embraces her lesbian identity by shacking up with the dog trainer in Best In Show. Now, she is AMBER COLE, famous for golden moments in A Mighty Wind like:

"Thank God for the model trains; because, if it wasn't for those, they wouldn't have got the idea for the big trains."

Leonard Crabbe: "Are you a musician?"
Amber Cole: "Not really... Well, one time I had a friend that asked me if I wanted to play the piccolo; but I said no."

Amber Cole (leftside, honey), as only Jennifer Coolidge could play her.

And now, some of Amber's Pearls of Wisdom from last night:

"Are there any computer men out there?... Oh yah. Because I want one seventeen inches long."

Jonathan Stienbloom: "If there's one word I can think of to describe this wonderful, wonderful music, it... is... folk. Because... well, you are all the folk."
Amber Cole: "Oh yah! I just love to listen to this music while I'm folking!"

"Oh yes!... This is the GIANT TIME... when all the performers come on stage and perform."

Yes, Amber's referring to the finale, where everyone (even her!!!!) came back on stage to sing "A Mighty Wind." But there were more songs than that! Mitch and Mikey kissed (TWICE!!!!!) during "There's a Kiss at the End of the Rainbow." There were tons of songs from the movie, and at least one new one per group!

I've never laughed so hard in my life.

And now, I'll leave you with words from Mark/Marsha, the now-transvestite bass player from The Folksmen, as he's trying to get the audience to make horse sounds for one of their numbers:

"Oh, c'mon! We'll put a saddle on you!... Well, that worked in San Francisco."

The Natural State

First of all, I'd like to thank all who included my family in their thoughts and prayers concerning our shock yesterday. Much of The Family is gathering in Arkansas now, and we're assuming a visitation and funeral are in the works; obviously, though, since my cousin's death was unexpected and out-of-the-blue, plans are sketchy even at this time. As of yet, we still do not know what happened to him; but again, thank you for your thoughts.

As I posted yesterday, this is a tragedy that has only hit me indirectly. I am not close to any of my cousins, nor much of my extended family. I'm something of a Black Sheep, especially on my father's side - for, if my homosexuality is not known (or at least suspected) on their part, there are other wrongs-I-have-wronged and life-choices-I-have-made that conflict largely with the teachings and traditions of The Family. Granted, my parents and sister are ever supportive, ever loving. But, in many cases, I'm a stranger, at best, to the rest of my kin.

Hence, it should come as no surprise, especially to my closest friends out there, that I am not going to Arkansas to attend my cousin's funeral. It is an abrupt tragedy that has affected me, though I know I will not help the grieving process by going. The distance between Washington and Arkansas is one factor - my aforementioned status as Black Sheep is another. I know that I will not dishonor Samuel's memory; and, ironically, I know I will lessen the pain of the loss by staying put. My parents and sister, who are en route as I type, will represent me. I spent yesterday and today discussing this issue extensively with them, and they are in agreement and (as always) supportive. My heart goes out to The Family as a whole, particularly to my aunt, uncle, and Samuel's sister. But my feet are best planted in Seattle soil.

The most unsettling part of this whole ordeal has been speaking to my parents (particularly my mother) on the phone. I've heard her say time and again that it is against "all Natural Order" for a parent to bury a child. That is the only instance I've ever been able to recall in which she invokes the existence of a pre-set "natural law," or inherent way of being. A Natural Existence. And now, hearing her say it, and having it apply to her brother-in-law's family (yes, I know, soon to be ex-brother-in-law's family; but the divorce process hasn't formally begun yet; and mom has known Samuel's father - my uncle - since he was five. Mom is going down their at my father's request, and the goodness of her own soul.)... well, I can tell it really hits her. I wonder if she's fearing that she may have to face such a scenario someday. She hopes not; I hope not. Hell, I'd love to avoid having anyone go through it. But still, hearing her give the same "against all Natural Order" speech, only this time with unholy pauses in between words, or cracks in her voice... well, it hits me deep in the stomach.

Anyway, I am staying put in Seattle, as I can be no help in this process. I suppose I am destined to have unorthodox views in regards to The Family. But, I am doing what I feel is prudent, holding down my fort here, and doing what my parents have always urged me to do when sudden events like this strike: push on. Move on with life. Continue (changed, if necessary) - alert, sensitive, engaged, fulfilled.

Thus, I am doing just that: after a restless night of sleep, I got up for lab meeting, muddled through it, and am back to Yao Labbery... right where I left off. Change is necessary (I'm still, after all, trying to remember the first time I held Samuel as a baby), but so is continuity.

On a side note, I apologize for the downtrodedness of this post, and my previous post. I consider this website a format for my thoughts; or at least, the ones I wish to reveal to the world-at-large (or my small readership). These have been my thoughts recently, and so... well, there you have it. I'll be back to "James normal" soon. Promise.

Sunset

It's odd how Things can change quickly. Or maybe not Things - but Perceptions. Yes, that's it. It's odd how Perceptions change quickly. Things are the same; but I see them a little differently now.

For my free day from work, I spent the afternoon wandering Wallingford (my neighborhood) - browsing, drinking tea, reading.

Then, with lab meeting looming tomorrow, I remembered I had an article to read for journal club. Article in hand, I boarded the Wenatchee, bound for Bainbridge Island across the Puget Sound. I know it's odd - but I always think clearly on the ferry.

I'd been thinking recently about my last surviving Pappaw. He's turning 90 this month. As far as we can tell, no one in my family, on either side, has ever lived this long. And he's terrific: sharp as a tack, sarcastic, humble, avid reader, brilliant, a thorough thinker. A Think Tank encased in bone, skin, and brain matter. Prudent and Inquisitive. I'll be the only member of The Family unable to make it for the dinner, but I'm composing a personal note to him (presents and all that have all be taken care of). It's something I've never done before. I don't really know what to say. Of all my blood relations, they say I'm most like him: The-Quiet-One, Reserved-and-Keeps-to-Himself, The-Reader, The-Loner. I feel a connection to him in that sense. But what do I say?

I pride myself on being close to my immediate family - mom, dad, my sister, one loving aunt. But few beyond that. While I pride myself in one instance, I shame myself in the other due to my emotional distance from many members of my extended family. I barely know many of them. Granted, Pappaw is closer to me than most (though he doesn't even know I'm gay - but then again, he might wonder if such a thing about me is even his business). But for the others, it's amazing how little I know.

What's more incredible is how I react to news of them.

I was five minutes into my voyage on the Wenatchee (five minutes into thinking about my note to Pappaw), when my mother rang.

Mom: "James."
Me: "Yeah?"
Mom: "Can you hear me okay? I have news."
Me: "Yeah, mom. I can. What's up?"
Mom: "I have news for you about your cousin. Your cousin, Samuel."
Me, getting irritated: "Yeah, mom. I know I have a cousin."
Mom: "It's about your cousin, Samuel."
Me: "Yeah, mom. Okay. Tell me."
Mom: "Your cousin... Samuel - "
Me, getting worried: "Mom! OUT WITH IT!"
Mom: "He's dead. He collapsed on the basketball court. They were unable to revive him."

Suddenly, my stay on the Wenatchee, to and from Bainbridge Island, transformed from a journey of composing letters to a soon-to-be-90 Pappaw and reading articles in Nature for journal club, into finding out why my counsin died.

Fifteen.
Perfectly healthy.
Top-rate athlete.
Pride of the Family Pride.
No previously-diagnosed medical condition.

The boat ride, to Bainbridge and back, was entirely surreal. The journey, 3:45PM to 5:00PM, encompassed the Seattle sunset.
I'd brought my camera.
I put the article away. I snapped pictures: seagulls, Seattle skyline, the Olympic Mountains, the Columbia Tower, passengers walking, the pink-and-purple rings of the sun dipping below the horizon, the first star coming out. Then two. Stars that Samuel would never get to see. A skyline Samuel would never view. A numbing ocean breeze Samuel would never feel.

My grief for my cousin encompassed his unrealized life. Seagulls he would never hear. Salt breezes he would never taste. Skyscrapers and crying babies he would never see. Sunsets he would not witness. I did not grieve for the life I'd imagined for him - the life he would now never experience. Instead, I grieved for the life he would've wanted, whatever that may be. Not what I imagined, but what he would have wanted. I cannot begin to fathom what that would be. Like I said, I hardly know my extended family. But, the absence of knowing does not preclude wishes for realized dreams. A life in whatever he wanted.

Prudence? If he wanted.
A wife? If he wanted.
College? If he wanted.
Earrings? If he wanted.

Today, I took the ferry Wenatchee from Seattle to Bainbridge, and then right back to Seattle. And I tried to remember the first time I held my cousin.

Today is Tuesday:
--My last surviving Pappaw is soon-to-be-90.
--I have a cousin named Samuel. He is dead.

Tranquilize

Today is Veterans' Day. I'm slowly realizing that I'm part of a minority of bankers and United States Postal Service employees who actually have the day off. Too bad none of my handful of Seattlite friends work for the U.S.P.S. or a bank.

--I celebrated by sleeping in; then I got up, showered, and mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors. Homemaker? No, no, no. Moonraker.

--Zach and I dined last night to strategize for our upcoming visitors from the good-ol' Midwest. Then, we went to Bailey Coy Books on Capitol Hill for-no-good-reason. I walked out with one of J.M. Coetzee's earlier works, Waiting for the Barbarians. I haven't read many Nobel authors anyway, and many friends and coworkers were stunned that I'd never heard of him until the announcement in The New York Times a month or so ago about his Nobel prize.

--No, the Coetzee purchase does not mean that I've given up on Jane Austen. She and I are still waltzing.

--Apparently, there was a lunar eclipse the other night. Maybe I should pay attention to these things.

--If you've read them, what's your favorite book from The Chronicles of Narnia?

The Onslaught and Marker Dean

J.R.U. says, "Coherent thoughts are for pussies."
Prepare yourselves for The Onslaught.

Silver Bullets:

--There's a well-respected, internationally-acclaimed researcher at the Hutch (we're talkin' member of the National Academy of Sciences; bow down) who posesses a name that sounds like "Marker Dean." I just thought that actually was his name. Luckily, before I finally got the opportunity to see and talk to him, I found out his name is far from that. Just sounds like "Marker Dean." He wouldn't have answered to Dr. Dean; I would've naturally (dumbassly) said, "Oh, I just thought your first name was MARKER!" He would've ensured I never get into any graduate school in the United States. But, crisis averted. Sounds like Marker Dean. (SmellslikeTeenSpirit?) I would give you his real name here, but I fear he might be the type to do a google search for his name; and I naturally want to avoid him hearing of this. ("But, James... then you shouldn't post this on your website!" Shut-up.)

--When Zach was in San Francisco last week, he stopped by UCSF and got me a hoodie ("hooded sweatshirt," for those of you who aren't around me as often as you should be, naughty children). I believe the gift was to boost my morale for applying to graduate school (UCSF is home to a well-respected molecular biology/biochemistry graduate program). Instead, it boosted by raw lust for hoodies. And it started an onslaught of giggles as I recalled a Hutch intern last summer and her obsession with UCSF. My fellow interns might recall this person; but, I believe I can safely assume that she definately IS the type to do google searches for her name on the internet. So I'll definately omit her name here. She's not a UCSF now; but I'll give you a hint where she's in graduate school now: it begins with a "B" and ends with an "erkeley."

--I will mention, however, that she and I shared a common handicap of not matching our metal accessories.

--Zach, thank you for the hoodie. I may not go to graduate school. But I will wear that hoodie.

--Tomorrow is Veterans' Day. Tomorrow is a paid holiday!

--Friday night I spent my hard-earned money at two Seattle gay bars. [Gasp! James went to gay bars! What happened?] Well, it happens now-and-then. Paul dragged me out, and we met Josh, Brad, and Andrew (token hetero) at the Rosebud. Then, we ventured to Manray so I wouldn't be tempted to dance after having several drinks.

--A friend of mine recently asked me if I liked Alcazar. Not knowing what it was, I assumed he either meant Azkaban (everyone's FAVORITE wizard prison from Harry Potter-ness) or Alcazan (everyone's FAVORITE creepy executed prisoner from C.S. Lewis' That Hideous Strength). Guess what: Alcazar's a band! And James is a drolt.

--It's officially offical: Sarah is coming to Seattle for Thanksgiving! Much merriment will ensue, as she is to be joined by Marie and Brett. Zach and I have a lot of entertaining to do. AND I just found out I can take a personal holiday the day before Thanksgiving. Sarah and I can get into all sorts of trouble (Toys in Babeland, anyone?).

--In celebration and anticipation of the above visit, methinks I'll buy some clothing on homestarrunner.com. Specifically, a black hoodie with The Cheat on it. Thus, my aforementioned recently-fed hotwet lust for hoodies will be satisfied (for now), as will my undying devotion to The Cheat.

--I would have a son and name him "Marker" (or something that sounds like it); but that would require having a son, AND liking the name Marker.

We now return you to our regularly scheduled doldrums.

The Unexplained

Yesterday, I picked up Zach and Travis from SeaTac (welcome back from San Francisco, ladies), and the three of us went out for Vietnamese soup with Chuck.

Afterwards, it was resolved: the three of us (minus Chuck, feigning fatigue) were going to go see The Matrix: Revolutions at the Boeing IMAX Theater in Seattle Center.

We got there just before 9:00PM to discover that the only show that wasn't yet sold out was at 1:00AM. Eh, why not? Like good Seattlites, we popped on over to Starbucks (Sidenote: I do believe that Curtis, the head barista at the FHCRCs Double Helix espresso stand, is the best damn barista in Seattle; I missed his magic last night.), caffiened-up, watched a ballroom dancing competition ("No, Travis; I will not dance with you. But I'm sure Zach wants to."), and otherwise bummed around (timetoswaplifechangingstories,boys) until the fated hour. Discussions of politics eventually took over as we got in line to wait to enter the theater. I'll save those for another post.

On to the movie.

(Quit reading now if you haven't seen it, and don't want one drop of plot given away; though I'm not revealing much here.)

My expectations were actually quite low, based on what I'd already heard. I was expecting a good, entertaining, action/sci-fi flick, with some closure on The Matrix trilogy. Bigoncheesiness. Bigonspecialeffects. And I'll finally find out what the hell is going on with all those Agent Smiths.

The Bullets:
-I miss the old Oracle.

[Gloria Foster died suddenly just after finishing her scenes for The Matrix: Reloaded.]
-New Oracle was okay; but why go through the "I look different to you, don't I?" Jesus. Everyone knows the actress who played the old Oracle died. We're willing to accept that. We're not going to bitch and say, "Where's our Oracle? This movie sucks!" We'll find better reasons for saying that.
-Too much cheese! I felt like I should ask for a glass of wine during some of the more "patriotic" moments in the battle scences.
-The special effects were awesome; though Information Overload eventually set in as the Machines invaded Zion. I found momentary glances at my shoes or Travis' profile necessary to keep my cerebral cortex in this dimension.
-More Persephone! As a gay guy, may I just say that Monica Bellucci is beautiful. Now, why give her one freaking line and a five-minute scene? What the hell? (But lady, keep those mammaries tucked in; I don't care if you ARE wearing leather.)

[Persephone (Monica Bellucci), in her less-eyebrow-raising attire for The Matrix: Reloaded.]
-Merovingian, what happened? In Matrix #2, you were wiping your ass with silk... and now they practically wiped you off the screen.
-I just realized that I have photographs of two women in this post. And I'm not attracted to women.
-And now, the big question: WHERE'S MY PLOT CLOSURE? If you've seen The Matrix: Revolutions already, then you know what I'm talking about. And you can probably anticipate the twenty or thirty questions I already have about the ending. My biggest fear is that the ambiguity is to set us up for The Matrix trilogy + one more film. Yikes.

All-in-all, still a fun action flick; but boyohboy, what a bad way to tie up loose ends. See it for who'sgonnadie, whatdidtheOraclemean, what'llhappentoNeo - but don't expect to walk away with deep answers.
Or sometimes, any answers at all!

Desultory

For lack of any real content... this one's for you, Poje.

(Now, sing along, girls.)

You take the good; you take the bad.
You take them both and there you have
The Facts of Life.... the Facts of Life!

There's a time you got to go and show
You're growin' now you know about
The Facts of Life.... the Facts of Life!

When the world never seems
to be livin' up to your dreams,
And suddenly you're finding out
The Facts of Life are all about you... yooouuuu!

It takes a lot to get 'em right
When you're learning the Facts of Life. (Learning the Facts of Life.)
Learning the Facts of Life. (Learning the Facts of Life.)
Learning the Facts of Life!

Manly Things

I rent a 100-year-old house in Wallingford (very residential Seattle neighborhood) with two graduate students.

Yes, since it's a century old (don't know how it survived all those earthquakes... rumblerumble), it's quite difficult to heat... especially with this "unusually cold" Seattle autumn/winter cusp.

Fear not! We have a wood-burning stove! And tonight, I made my own fire. *beats fists on chest*
Ouch. My sternum.
(But, I cheated - thank God for starter logs! And a metric ton of firewood split last winter.)

Etymology

I'm far from an etymologist, and I can barely speak English as it is; this is the best I could do:

The English word election is ultimately derived from the Latin language - electus, the past participle of the verb eligere ("to chose"). The adjective form (elect = "chosen") found its way into the English language sometime before the 15th century; the word election came into being sometime around the 16th century.

The English verb to vote stems from the Latin verb vovare ("to vow"), and its past participle, votus ("desired" or "vowed"). Its use as a verb (back then retaining its meaning of "to vow") was confined largely to Scotland until the 17th century.

"Vote early, and vote often." --Richard J. Daley; Mayor (1955-1976), City of Chicago, Illinois.

Today is the general election for King County, in the lofty State of Washington. Polls close at 8:00P.M., Pacific Time.
Do it.

Retrospect

Saturday night, Zach, Travis, and I went to see Alien at the Cinerama downtown. All former Quad-Citians. All new Seattlites. Merry mischief-making cleverly disguised as Alien-viewings and conversation at an IHOP in the University District.

The whole ordeal, though moved 2,200 miles west of my former home, brought back pangs of nostalgia. After all, movie, and then late-night foodage at some Godforsaken(yetquiteheavenly) twenty-four hour restaurant... sounds like a typical high school or college evening. Plus, it was with faces I associate with my fourteen years as a Quad-Citian.

The three of us spent a lot of time talking of Old Things: boys, whosleptwithwho, Java, books, QCness, bars, toys... the Past flooded IHOP, soaking the carpet. My shoes were wet.

The whole experience was excellent; I love hanging out with those boys. But, bringing up things past was also a bit unsettling. Sometimes, I just like to leave things behind. Right where I left them. I don't necessarily mean to discard forever; if I need it again, I know exactly where it is. But, I realized that, while there are some things (and many people) I miss desperately from my old home, there are some things (and some people) that I do not miss at all.

Of course, I'd give anything to see my parents again (despite the weirdness-of-divorce), and my sister. I miss my old friends from college like none other. And my good-ol' QC friends-since-high-school (yes, this means you, Anitra, Adrienne, and Michelle, among many others). You're all as much a part of my family as mom, dad, and my sister. There are also manymanymany things I miss from the QC. Places, events... hell, even working at TJ Maxx (gasp).

But I was shocked to find events and people that I do not at all miss. In fact, I'm glad to leave them behind; I almost dread reliving them, or seeing those folks, when I next visit my old home, my family, and my friends. Now that college is over, no doubt many folks I graduated from Rock Island High School with four years ago have returned for jobs, spouses, children, and Lordknowswhat. They return, and I move to Seattle. And, with one exception, I will dread seeing them. I would loathe reliving my embarrassments in the Rock Island public school system; I sacrificed so much energy trying to come to terms with who I am... from grade school on up. My friends went to other schools; I was left largely alone in the halls of Rocky. My friends consoled me, helped me, when I saw them (weekends, QC Youth Symphony Orchestra rehearsals, All-States, auditions, dances, parties). But my high school classmates? With one exception (I certainly hope he knows who he is), I do not look forward to seeing them again.

Forgive. I did not intend for that last thought to end on such a downtrodden note. Rest assured, I cannot wait to see Old Friends again. From college. From the high school days (but not actually from high school). From summers in Iowa City and Seattle. From the Blue Cat, RIBCO, Liquid, JRs, 811. From dinners and movies, parties and weddings. Family. Granted, as you just read, there are parts of my past that I dread confronting again. But I'd gladly do it a thousand times over to see you all again. Just for a visit.

In the meantime, I, a new Seattlite, will just have to get comfortable where I am. And continue to raise hell with Travis and Zach, when prudent.

The Big Screen

After a brief delay, I saw Alien at the Cinerama with Zach and Travis last evening.

Wow!

For a horror/thriller that premiered a year before I was even concieved, I've only had the opportunity to see it on the small screen. What a difference scale makes! I've seen the film time and again, but it was terrific to feel my pulse pound during tense moments, and to catch myself flinching during particularly frightening exchanges.

Just before that grisly breakfast scene.

The Nostromo prepares to land.

What a movie; I'm no fan of gore, but I love horror/suspense films with at least some character development (and with a crew of only seven, we certainly get to know the ill-fated folks of the Nostromo), and lots of negative space with which to collect our wits. Seeing the huge, empty moments on the screen (tiny ship moving towards huge planet, three crewpersons in space suits moving around giant alien ship, the crew searching the vast interior of the Nostromo for the alien) really puts a big thud down in my gut. I love the effect.

And I love the movie!

The Nostromo approaching a primieval planet.

Unexpected

Last night, Mark and I navigated around Queen Anne Hill, doing dinner at the 5 Spot, and then seeing Die Mommie, Die! in its opening night. The film itself was interesting, especially as a gay guy who sees very few "gay films." I knew Charles Busch was cross-dressing for the main role, washed-up 1960s actress Angela Arden; but other than that, I thought it'd be some gay genre spoof on Mommie Dearest (based solely on the title). Boy, was I wrong!

The part of me that still wishes I was taking Dr. Banks' Greek Literature course back in college loved the references to Agamemnon in Angela's relationship with Sol. And the dual role played by son Lance and daughter Edith in the Elektra-like plotting against their mother. But all this, alas, took up five, maybe ten, minutes. The spoof on classical-style filmography and cinematography was also nice, though the story was quite way-out-there.

But let's get to the serious dish: The (significant) part of me that likes men was floored by the return (almost from the dead?) of Jason Priestley as the washed-up-yet-attractive-TV-actor who ends up romancing almost all of the film's leading characters. (No, not all of the film's leading characters are female. But what gay film would be complete, apparently, without passive-aggressive homosexuality?)

Lance was also hot.

Too bad the film fell apart in the ending. Well, I was kind of expecting a train wreck in terms of plot anyway; everything was wrapped up in imagery and style and lighting and technique - a coherent plot had to be abandoned in favor of side-splitting nonsense. But who cares? It was f*cking entertaining! So, if you're crazy like me and want to laugh a lot, or if you're gay and feel obligated to see "gay films," line on up for this one.

Tonight, an old favorite (though, granted it's a polar opposite from Die Mommie, Die!) is playing downtown: Alien.

Exodus

If these fifty-one words make it into the U.S. Constitution... hell, if they even make it through the two-thirds majority votes needed in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and start working their way through the state legislatures (they need majorities in three-quarters of them), then I might seriously consider emigrating to Canada.

FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT (H.J.Res. 56)
"Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this constitution or the constitution of any state, nor state or federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents thereof be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups."

I don't know about any other American homosexuals out there, but I'm not exactly pleased with the idea of second-class citizenship becoming a permanent part of the federal Constitution... I know it's been done in the past; but this is the twenty-first century, people.

And, from what I've seen lately, the movement for the F.M.A. is slowly, deliberately gaining momentum.