Jesus Christ, Andrea. I can't believe you did it, you traitor, you silly, dirty, freaky ho. You're selling those tickets to heaven to randomite 14 year-old shriekers on ebay?



As we used to say in 8th grade: I kill you with my plastic straw.



Oh, and Happy 3rd anniversary :) You dirtbag.

I officially resigned as an editor at The Daily Targum. No longer am I a member of the 132nd editorial board. I have very mixed feelings about this.

Also, my girlfriend had another kick-ass day at the Open.

Yesterday I wrote a story about a nude statue honoring Arthur Ashe at the U.S. Open.



Today the NY Post had a story about the statue, with typical NY comments that make me giggle like a schoolgirl.



"Everything in New York they have to display genitals or vagina in order to shock. They just can't show him like he was. I expected something like this from New York - it's like another continent."



So, who wants to come visit? :)

I remember coming across this last year. I don't know if I posted it on the site, but it's worth a second look, regardless.



"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.



Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond

measure.



It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.



We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented, fabulous?



Actually, who are you not to be?



You are a child of God - Your playing small

doesn't serve the world.



There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that

other people will not feel insecure around you.



We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is

within us.



It is not in just some of us; it is in everyone.



And as we let our own light shine,

we unconsciously give people permission

to do the same.



As we are liberated from our own fear,

our presence automatically liberates others."



------ Nelson Mandela, 1994

"Two-person toilet cubicle installed for sociable clubbers"



Isn't there such a thing as too close?

Apparently, I am not receiving some email.



Apparently, email I send to people from pine decides it doesn't want to allow people to respond.



Apparently, I am going to have to kick a little ass.



Has anyone responded to me, expecting a reply, and receiving nothing? Let me know.

Good day.



Managed to get Britney's name included in a story. Ha!



"I'm the shit, so take a big whiff."

An email sent to one of my co-workers:



Hi XXXX,

How are you? Fine i believe. How did you move yesternight? Were

you able to drive home after all those glasses of beer--then you must be a

"strong girl." I felt really vivacious yesterday because of the company

we had and the delectation that we all shared.

Although i was opportune to go into an indept discussion with you,

but based on the little chat i had with you, i think you will make a good

friend. Your social demeanour savors(smacks) of good behavior;i could see

a good relationship between us as a result of your kind gesture. I promise

to be a good commaraderie of yours.

After i left you, i went home to sleep because i have to wake up

early for work. Well, in response to the "Club Issue", I would proffer

you look for a suitable club that we could go and dance. I would like to

dance with you. You see, there aren't nice spot(club) that am oblivious of

in New Brunswick. Makedas on Georges' street would be considerable:the one

i told you of yesterday. It's a block from Harvest Moon-so if you will

like it over there that will be gratitious thing to do. Every friday from

10:00Pm, there is always a show. If you will want us to meet there

tonight, just email me prio to the time or should you have other places in

mind feel free to call or email.

Extend my regard to your sister and her friend.

Thinking about you!

Have a great day....

XXXXXX





Classic!

On the one hand, I think Chris and Luke are the most clever high school seniors I've ever come across. Their ploy to go to college through corporate sponsorships is ingenius and an interesting indication of the commercialization of, well, everything.



On the other hand, I think their bios are ridiculous. Hey, Luke, didn't I read this ... on yahoo personals?! I'm surprised he didn't write about his enjoyment of "long walks on the beach."

Oh, Ben, you silly bear...

I keep tearing up. It's irritating. But. I'll see you there.

They are few and far between, these moments when everything is fine, but I plan on making the most of this one.



Driving down Route 9, the lightening made the sky glow purple, and it made me smile. I don't know what it is, I guess I've just come to an understanding about this life, about where I am now and where I want to be, about what I've done - the good and the bad. It's all alright. For now.



"There's always the sky..."



Flying high through the sky. Ben is off to the big city, San Francisco, where instead of gold the streets are paved with high-tech stocks. He is leaving everything familiar and taking a huge risk. Big deal, I say. It will be amazing. It will be new, adventure, love, difficulty, opportunity. I am kind of jealous, of course. But it's not my time. As much as I think school is just teaching me things I could learn in the real world, I find the experience invaluable. But, I'll get there. People don't take me seriously when I talk about it, but I will get there, in two years. The next two years are all planned out, and unless something amazing comes along, I mean to stick to this plan.



See you there?

Well, I did brave the teeny boppers and see Bring It On last night, with Christina in a very strange Jersey town called Succasunna (which I kept calling sucky sucky, much to Christina's dismay). The movie gets an enthusiastic thumbs up. I mean, it's total cheese and fluff, but thoroughly enjoyable. Kirsten Dunst, while not giving a powerhouse performance, is incredibly cute, and the cheerleading competition scenes are classic.



I left the theater with "Mickey" stuck in my head. So today I bought the soundtrack, along with Dar Williams' new CD, "The Green Room." Both are good. Dar's album, what I've heard so far, is excellent, as expected.



I just may have to bring it on again, tomorrow.

I just wrote my third Boy Scouts story, this one was an update on the corporations pulling financial sponsorship because of the anti-gay policy (you'd think I work at a gay publication with all of the stories I wrote on the topic). But all of the sudden I started singing, "Boy Scouts, Boy Scouts, whatcha gonna do? Watcha gonna do when they come for you? Cause you're GAY!"



I can't stop.

i am so selfish. so selfish.

new one

Apparently, the BBC has hired that beacon of knowledge, Britney Spears, to pen an advice column for teens. Do you think her mom will be writing it with her?



read me

During this morning's news meeting:



While I was talking a spider crawled down from the ceiling toward my head. Carol flipped out. She started flailing her arms and yelling, "T.J., there's a spider, like *right* over your head. Oh my God! Don't move back, it's gonna land on you. AHHH!"



And when it did land on me, on my neck, she had to turn away.



It took her five full minutes to compose herself.



Also, during the meeting Luke mentioned putting me on salary again, in front of everyone, so I can take advantage of the 401k/ profit sharing plan. We had a meeting with the insurance people and I was there with my complex insurance manual. How bizarre would it be for me to invest in a 401k? Christ.

So, after months of avoiding the lame Survivor phenomenon, I have been forced to confront the beast by writing an artciel about gay winner Rich Hatch. Blah.

Stalker boy, you are a very, very weird kid, you know?

HA!



I'm writing a story that talks about Christina Aguilera (gross, I know) and spell check doesn't like her name, of course.



Guess what it suggests?



Come on, guess It's perfect!



Uglier.



Ha!

What the fuck? I do *not* like NKOTB nor Backstreet Boys. And what is wrong with a cappella? Do I even have to guess who the culprit is?

________________________________



tj@vignette.org, someone has asked us to tell you that you have poor taste in music. Please do not be offended. Just a Tip is only trying to help.



Here is what the person sending this tip said about your musical tastes:



Apparently, you listen to a capella.

You seem to like artists such as Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and NKOTB.

You compound the problem by singing along, dancing, playing the music loudly, talking about the music enthusiastically, refusing to listen to other music, and acting pretentious about musical tastes.

Teen Choice Awards:



Britney and Justin's acceptance = brilliant.



BBMak = awesome. Christian, um, oh yeah.

The books I most enjoy are those that use interesting narrative styles to tell a realistic story about average people dealing with real emotions. I've read Good Boys by Paul Reidinger four times. Each time I finish the college graduation/party scene, where the three main characters weep in each other's arms before saying goodbye, I choke up. I feel what they're feeling. Just a few minutes ago I realized this part of my life is not so far off and the worst part about it is I don't think I'd feel that sense of urgency in showing my emotions to people I'm leaving if the day were today. That is to say I'll be with close friends who've become an important part of my life, but as of now, there's no one true love I'll be leaving. Me entiendes?



Two years.



If I were leaving for a new city and a new life like Mr. Ben, I would want tears and heartache, as ridiculous as it sounds. I would want ...



I don't know. More than this.

El web cam is on (2:55 p.m.) for a bit.

I couldn't figure out which municipal building to go into to pay the parking ticket that caused my mom's license to be suspended. So, I sat down on a bench outside of the Middlesex County Administrative Building and flipped through my planner looking for the notice. This homeless guy walked over and sat down next to me, asking for change. I had none. Asked for a light. I had none. Asked for friendship. Could I give him that? Sure... Could I tell him about the love Jesus had for him?



"Well, if you know he loves you, that's all that matter, isn't it? Gotta go."



His reply: "You young people don't know nothing."



Uh huh.



...



Also, there's a new journal entry. Another long one.

TJ gets parking tickets.



They don't get paid.



Mom's license gets suspended.



TJ gets a headache.

I emailed the link to my story on the CEO of Gay.com/Online Partners to Lowell Selvin (the CEO) and his communications officer. The comm. person emailed our webmaster about reprinting that story and two others, which could boost traffic, since Gay.com has 2.6 million unique visitors each month.



The CEO responded to my email as well, saying he appreciated "such a supportive" article. He also wrote: "One of our Board members, someone who could be very important for you, surveyed your site after reading this and was concerned about navigation, inability to jump pages, find links,

etc. Just wanted to let you know so you can forward to the powers that be."



This board member (who could be very important for me – how ominous is that?) is an executive VP at CNET and the founder of Parenting Magazine. Luke and Debby said she’s known in the publishing world. Well, this women also sent an email to our webmaster complaining about the force registration on our site after a few clicks and said, "When you're ready for primetime, let me know."



That's so obnoxious!



But, she could totally talk our site up and get some features written at CNET or other places, she mentioned. And the Gay.com CEO suggested I profile her, as well. So, I would love to do that because she'd be an interesting interview, but her reciprocal actions could be huge for us.



I just thought it was hysterical that she said, "When you're ready for primetime!"

In 100-degree heat, an 83-year-old woman survived being trapped in her car by drinking rainwater. Can you imagine the potential for strange diseases?



Read all about Tillie Tooter.

OK.



Hello!



Anyone who works at a dot-com:



I'm writing a story about age discrimination at dot-coms. Basically, I wanna talk to people who think there is a lack of older workers in "young: start-ups, that everything is equal, or whatever. Basically, if you are at a dot-com and wanna be quoted in a news story, email me.

"Every day, in every way, my life is getting better and better."



So, yeah, losing my wallet at some point yesterday is making my life better?

By T.J. DEGROAT

©2000 My Internship

Aug. 15, 2000



Today’s business world is home to female CEOs, African-American presidents and Latino chairpersons. But despite how inclusive corporate America considers itself, there remains at least one taboo: many gay professionals are in the closet.



In July 1999, when Lowell Selvin became CEO of Online Partners and the Gay.com Network, he was not just fueling his passion for the high-tech business world, but he was publicly serving the gay community as a role model and advocate.



"There is great fear in gay and lesbian professionals and business people in coming out," Selvin says. "As a teen-ager growing up in today’s world, you’re hearing Republicans talking about inclusion but not mentioning gays and lesbians. You hear Dr. Laura telling you everything about you is wrong. It plays out with professionals, too."



When Selvin began his career developing information systems at Light Signatures in the early 1980s, he feared coming out. "Even though I was in a long-term relationship, and still am, the last thing I could do was come out," he says.



During the past two decades, tolerance has increased and Selvin decided he couldn’t hide part of himself from co-workers. Now, he always tells potential partners and clients he is gay before beginning a business alliance. "I decided to come out in waves. It’s a continuing management process," he says.



Despite increased corporate diversity initiatives there still is a long way to go, Selvin says. In his last position as CEO of a network marketing company, advisors repeatedly suggested that Selvin remain in the closet.



"We’ve made some improvements in the world of fashion, media and even politics, but I think the business world has a very long way to go," he says. "There are important contributors to businesses who are afraid to come out. They are CEOs, they are senior vice presidents and they are also mailroom clerks and assistants. So my underlying personal mission is to use this job to build acceptance."



Acceptance is also a mission of the company, which provides a place for the gay and lesbian community to come together. The San Francisco-based Gay.com provides interactive services such as news, shopping and chat to about 2.6 million unique visitors each month.



The network and its parent company, Online Partners, recently increased its global presence when it opened an office in Buenos Aires – an area not known for tolerance of gays - to coincide with the launch of a Spanish-language site.



There are offices in New York, Paris and London, as well. There also is a French-language Web site and the company is about to launch a Portuguese-language site.



Since Selvin joined Gay.com, revenue has increased five-fold. In March, he raised the largest amount of funding for gay-identified business, raising $23 million from investors such as Chase Capital Partners, Flatiron Partners and The New York Times.





Selvin came to the company with about 20 years of experience in business management and consulting. After graduating in 1981 with a specialized degree in human factors engineering from the University of Illinois, he worked with Fortune 500 companies such as Johnson & Johnson and MGM. He served as CEO for Arbonne International and as a practice director for Arthur Andersen Business Consulting.



Selvin believes that in the business world, 80 percent of success is perseverance, but the remaining 20 percent is timing and good fortune. Both factors came together last summer when he Online Partners and Gay.com were looking for a CEO.



"I always said when I hit 40 I would retire to teach and consult, but after just a few months I realized I wasn’t ready to stop," he says.



The position was a perfect fit for Selvin, who always had been an activist. He is a founder of the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center, serves on the Capital Committee for the Human Rights Campaign and is a committee member for AIDS Project Los Angeles.



The company is involved with youth organizations such as the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, and works to create "a world-class site that presents a great face for gay and lesbian youth. How do you reach the 18-year-old in Topeka, Kan.?"



Selvin’s ultimate goal is to reach people. "To have people say, ‘Wow, they’re Gay.com and they’re a great, well-run business," I think sends a very strong message."

UGH UGH UGH



That has nothing to do with:



The new journal entry.

More fun with Friday email:

(All times are Pacific)


At 08:39 AM 8/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:

>Just a Tip lets you know if your friends have a problem
>with you.

>Unfortunately, someone has asked us to tell you that you
>Have a general lack of fashion. To see their specific comments and >the Solutions we suggest, go to:

>http://www.justatip.com/notify/view.asp?NotifyID=10987&Verify=606108

Um, you are such a dork.

God, it is like so reverse!

:)

_
T.J. DeGroat



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 9:13 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: Re: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of
fashion



what?

-ben


At 12:06 PM 8/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:


You are totally the only friend I have who knows this
address.

Tell me you didn't send that.

_
T.J. DeGroat


-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 9:16 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of
fashion



It must have been some co-worker!

;-)

-ben



At 12:11 PM 8/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:
Grrrrrrrrr.

I have fabulous style. You know it.

Last day, right? Are you even in the office? :)

_
T.J. DeGroat



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 9:23 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion


shit .... i guess i gotta go one and get my shit, huh? crud.

-ben



At 12:17 PM 8/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:
Might be a good idea.

Of course, you don't need to go during business hours, but you
Should go in and fake smile and stuff.

I was gonna say Keith will miss your sexy bod, but I am
Remembering him being fired, yes?

_
T.J. DeGroat


-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 9:27 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion


I have left another job without succeeding my goal of having sex
in the office with someone. not a co-worker, per se, but someone.

keith is outta there.

-ben


At 12:23 PM 8/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:
That's not good, Ben.

Did I tell you about the sex chair in the darkroom at Targum? Lots
of sex in that chair. Also, a former Business Manager who was really good looking had sex in the office.

I think my friend Jes had sex in the office, too.

Wow.

At Razorfish you can have lots of kinky sex, don't worry.
_
T.J. DeGroat


-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 9:34 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion

sex sex sex sex sex sex sex

i need to

get

out of bed bed bed

and so on and so forth in and out of eachother self and then there
will chair be not without the livingness of going where forgetful tomato and the other one where i put it down the first time.

-ben


At 12:31 PM 8/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:
A list poem, by T.J. DeGroat

Benjekins.com is:

bizarre.

weird.

silly.

ridiculous.

entertaining.

sex-obsessed.

scared.

happy.

unexpressive (!)

ben.

the end.

"you are so ben, man."

_
T.J. DeGroat



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 9:42 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion



express this, bitch ass mother fucker cock sucking butt face ho!

:-D

and so on and so forth.

i'm soooo snuggleicious here in bed I don't want to go in.

-ben



At 12:36 PM 8/11/2000 -0400, you wrote:
Brian and Surya are having an argument. It's getting all heated.
Weeeee.

Do you know what I think Ben ?

_
T.J. DeGroat



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 9:46 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion



Yes, I always know what you think. That is why I am in a constant
state of pain and suffering.

-ben



On Fri, 11 Aug 2000, TJ Degroat wrote:

Um, no.

I think:

drumroll..............

badadadadadadadadadadadadadada

I think...

You should get the hell out of bed, lazy beeatch!

:)

_
T.J. DeGroat


-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 10:11 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion



I am out of bed now, Teejifer.

-ben


-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 10:47 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion



Teejamas.

-ben



On Fri, 11 Aug 2000, TJ Degroat wrote:

Ben, teejifer just does not work at all...not like bennifer.

Try again.

_
T.J. DeGroat



On Fri, 11 Aug 2000, TJ Degroat wrote:

Yes! Well, close, it's teejaymas.

Good job, boy.

You going in? I'm writing Tim, psionic.nu, and email about Popular, which I think is just a great great show, although I've hardly seen any episodes.

I'm also sitting at my desk with lunch because I forgot I am interviewing the CEO of gay.com/onlinepartners.com and I won't have time to go out. :(

_
T.J. DeGroat



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 11:12 AM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion


I will go to the office soon, and get some lunch.

I can either get lunch on the way or eat the pizza there.

-ben



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 12:43 PM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion


oh great ...

i'm packing up

-ben



On Fri, 11 Aug 2000, TJ Degroat wrote:


Packing is weird, eh? Really fucking weird!!!

I have nothing more to say on the subject.

May be seeing Coyote Ugly tonight. Looks so bad that it has to be
good. Any fun plans?

(WEIRD!)

_
T.J. DeGroat


-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 1:03 PM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion


Packing just fucking sucks, that is all there is to it.

-ben



On Fri, 11 Aug 2000, TJ Degroat wrote:

It doesn't suck if you're going someplace kickass awesome!

_
T.J. DeGroat



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 1:16 PM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion

it sucks tj

packing, throwing shit away ... it all sucks.

-ben



On Fri, 11 Aug 2000, TJ Degroat wrote:

bennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn.

it's not that bad. there are starving children in african who don’t have cubicles full of stuff to pack up.

_
T.J. DeGroat



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 1:20 PM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion


throwing away memories



On Fri, 11 Aug 2000, TJ Degroat wrote:

oooooh, that's so sad.

you'll always have memories in your heart, ben.

;-)

_
T.J. DeGroat



-----Original Message-----
From: Ben
Sent: Friday, August 11, 2000 1:23 PM
To: TJ Degroat
Subject: RE: FW: Just a tip: You have a general lack of fashion


you are my gravity, tj




On Fri, 11 Aug 2000, TJ Degroat wrote:

ben, you had me at hello...

...you had me at ... hello.

_
T.J.

Co-Mom Birth Certificate A First



"You probably can't get more "two mommies" than one partner's egg and the other's womb, so a judge said that listing both was the sensible thing to do."

It's always wonderful to check your email first thing in the morning and find a friendly message from Just a Tip.



"TJ, someone has asked us to tell you that you have a general lack of fashion. Please do not be offended. Just a Tip is only trying to help.



Here is what the person sending this tip said:



Apparently, your sense of fashion is obnoxious and clueless.

This person recommends that you hire a fashion coordinator."



Hmmm, I wonder who the jerk who sent this is?

Who were those diverse people at the Republican convention?



"An Associated Press survey of 1,837 of the 2,066 GOP delegates confirms what one viewer at the convention called the ''illusion of inclusion'' on stage, while the scene on the convention floor was far different. The survey showed that 83 percent of the delegates were white, 3.7 percent were black, and 1 percent was Asian/Pacific. In addition, 61 percent of the delegates were male, and 34 percent were female."

It makes me giggle when I think of some 16-year-old computer genius playing around with a state department laptop.



"The disappearance of the laptop was the third serious security lapse at the State Department in two years. Members of Congress has accused the department of negligence."

Hmmm, what a sad day. Our good friend from the Dallas chapter of the NAACP resigned yesterday.



"A veteran Dallas civil rights activist angrily quit as head of the local branch of the NAACP Black civil right movement on Wednesday after the national organization rebuked him for anti-Semitic comments about Democratic vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman."

Steps to ... ?



Step One: Photos from strange angles.



















Step Two: Embarrassing real audio.



Who's tight?

The Associated Press is on top of things:



11:02 a.m.

6 Die in Explosion in Moscow Square



11:23 a.m.

8 Die in Explosion in Moscow Square



11:50 a.m.

7 Die in Explosion in Moscow Square

Lee Alcorn, Dallas NAACP president, is in deep shit with the organization's national president, Kweisi Mfume.



Alcorn, who is supposed to be representing a large city's chaprter of a minority advocacy organization, spoke on a KHVN talk radio show Monday.



"If we get a Jew person, then what I'm wondering is, I mean, what is this movement for, you know? Does it have anything to do with the failed peace talks? So I think we need to be very suspicious of any kind of partnerships between the Jews at that kind of level because we know that their interest primarily has to do with money and these kind of things."

Candice is here interviewing with the CEO. I keep walking past the conference room trying to make strange faces at her :)

I was at a diner with Cathleen and Candice last week, during the middle of the Republican Convention. I brought up politics and we began talking. Candice, at one point, said, “I just am pretty uninformed and I don’t really care. I probably won’t vote.”



She’s a perfect example of why this generation is labeled apathetic, especially when it comes to politics and issues that don’t affect what I like to call the me-me-me generation. It’s really sad.



It takes about 10 minutes to browse through Yahoo! News reading the lead paragraphs of news stories. Articles are written in inverted pyramid style, so all of the important stuff can usually be found in the first five paragraphs. Pick up the NY Times, read the first few graphs of a few stories and you’ll be pretty informed. Check out the websites: www.algore200.com, www.georgewbush.com. Check out all of the candidates' stances on the issues.



Vote.

Just by flipping through the news channels for 20 minutes this morning I've found out more than I ever thought I'd possibly know about Joseph Lieberman. This is the important stuff, though. The issues.

So, I really want to buy a palm. I need a spiffy, easy-to-use organizer. But if I'm going to invest in that I'd really like a portable email program, too. So should I buy a Visor and get the Thincom modem down the road, wait for the latest Palms to decrease in price, or just buy a new, cheap Palm to use as an organizer and deal?



Tell me!

I am back from San Francisco. Again. Betcha didn't even know I was gone, didja?



Well I'm back. And this afternoon, sitting in the airport waiting for my re-assigned and also late flight to leave, I got a phonecall. And during that phonecall I said "I'm prepared to accept that offer." And then I exchanged more words with my phone friend. And then I hung up. And then I started laughing.



It's real. It's totally real and I'm doing it. And, money. Money ... evil ... but good. Good!



Lots to do now. Sorry Teejay, no time to meet in Colorado. Come to SF in about two months and we'll hit up that place we walked by and giggled about. Or Jamba Juice is fine too.

This is a very weird story about teenagers being banned from working in all 89 of the San Francisco Archdiocese's parishes in San Francisco so priests aren't tempted. San Mateo and Marin counties. It's like saying, "Let's fire all of the women in corporate America so there won't be anymore sexual harrassment!"

You guys, we have just enough time to make it to this fabulous conference, all about former gays and lesbians talking about how love helped them overcome their devious tendencies. So, who's meeting me in Colorado?



:)

I wrote a journal entry Saturday, while sitting at the park, under the bright sun (the first we'd seen of it in NJ all week), but the entry was absolutely horribly written, talking about my night in Manhattan (We went to Manatus on Bleeker and saw Groove - about a rave in San Francisco - on 12th St.) and other boring things. So I will not upload it.



Tonight we celebrated my mom's birthday. It's tomorrow, but I'm glad they had cake when I was around. I always know how lucky I am to have a loving, supportive, understanding, strong woman in my life, but I'm especially conscious of it around her birthday. So many years of her life have been spent making sure mine was the best it could be. And for that I am forever grateful.



During the drive back to NB I came a several conclusions: People from Quebec love NJ in the summertime, light rain - the kind that doesn't quite warrant the intermittent wipers but needs *something* - is perhaps the most annoying thing in the world, and finally, if I ever hear "He Wasn't Man Enough for Me," "Try Again," or "Smooth" I will start pounding my head against the steering wheel and I'm not sure I'll be able to stop.

Writing a story about a $1 billion lawsuit filed by an association of Hispanic newspapers. Exciting.



But first, a few moments from the news meeting:



Re: Gerald Ford, who suffered a minor stroke. People were talking about him when he was president. “Wow. He’s like 80. That must make you guys feel very, very old, huh?”



Lia mentioned homophobic comment by Dick Army at the Republican convention. “Are you Dick Army?” a reporter asked. “Yes, I am,” army replied. “And if there was a real Dick Army, Barney Frank would be the first to enlist.” Oy. So much for the Republican push for inclusivity.



Also, I learned that whenever you’re lost or confused, just start saying “yackety-schmackety” and everything will be A-OK.



In other, more ego-centric news. I bought this bright orange sirt from Structure and am wearing it today. Potential to be a big fashion no-no, but I got a bunch of compliments. Bobby, who has amazing style, came up to me and said he liked it, that I’m one of the few men he’s seen who can wear an orange or red because it suits my skin color. “Most people you see you think, ‘You must have been very sleepy when you put that on.’”

The New York Times, arguably the most respected newspaper in this country, if not the world, ran a front-page editorial today basically calling George W. Bush an utter moron ("He is a man who sometimes tortures the English language) . I have to agree.



There are so many things wrong with George W. Bush's speech at the Republican National Convention. So many things.



Do the American people want another eight years like these past eight? Hell yes. Economic prosperity and relative peace? Sure, gimme some of that.



School children must not face prejudice, example: smarter kids should not be segregated from intellectual equals because of age, forced to stay in a certain grade! he says. Yeah, so, gays can just deal without equal rights, but god forbid that genius 3rd grader be stuck in the regular reading class. The horror...



Also, social security. Choice is great, but in this instance, the system was created partly because, let's be honest, people are stupid. How many of us would choose to put money into SS when we could have it right away? But if we do that we face the risk of losing our money and having no SS when we retire and have to go on assistance, draining the economy. Great idea.



Oh, and, apparently, Vietnam taught the American people the cause must be just and the victory must be clear. That's certainly what I learned in history class.



And, of course, he mentioned his hometown's motto: The sky's the limit. I'll avoid the obvious how high can he go joke and just say, he must believe that motto. He has to...if he thinks six years in public office qualifies him to run for president of the United States. Go back to Texas and search for oil, GW.

The Mary Cheney plot thickens. I kind of think the media is sensationalizing this, and we're not covering it yet for that reason, but it certainly is interesting. Especially the much talked about Cokie Roberts incident.



http://www.salon.com/politics/feature/2000/07/29/mary/index.html

Update on the experiment:



Woke up at 7:09, was very shocked when I looked at the alarm clock. Then I remembered. Hopped out of bed and watched some Good Morning America and MTV. Showered, had ironed clothes easily accessible.



A success, I think!

I just wrote an email to someone at the CSAA and I re-read my email, which I don't normally do. Three times I wrote me instead of my. "I really enjoyed me trip to San Francisco although me baggage was lost." I would have sounded like I randomly took on a Scottish accent or something equally as ridiculous.

Did anyone see the Bangles on VH1's Behind the Music?



I will so be buying this new album.

Looks like Pinochet will lose immunity, but will a trial cause him to be punished?

"I have learned my lesson well. The truth is out there, I can tell. Don't look back and don't give in to their lies and goodbyes. Northern Star."



Right. So, I am going to become a more organized individual. Spontaneity is imperative to maintaining a fun, free life. But when it comes to weekday, work-related actions, organization is key. So starting tonight I will experiment, trying to become a professional, task-oriented, efficient, organized person.



Each night before bed I will iron the clothes I choose for the next day. I will also spend a bit of time reading news wires so I'm more informed when I walk through the doors at 8:30 a.m. Also, no more waking at around 7:40, rolling out of bed and showering before leaving at around 8:15. I will wake at 7:10 tomorrow, watch the news and relax with a nice vitamin and a glass of water until 7:35-ish, shower, dress and be on my way out the door by 8:10.



This will make me a more capable employee, a more responsible human and, overall, a happier person.



Yes. We will see.

When I met Ben Jenkins he shared a few things with me I hadn't know. This is one of his favorite past times.

9 a.m. news meeting:



Conrad, the business manager, came up to me before it started and spoke to me about a story I’m trying to complete, an interview with one of the state’s three Hispanic law firm partners who is a friend of Conrad. He said, “I spoke to Daniel and he said he’s sorry he hasn’t gotten back to you yet, but he really wants to do it. I had thought it was you dropping the ball, but he said he’s to blame.”



Nice when co-workers have faith in you!



Also, we were discussing the Republican convention and how a lot of Cubans are republicans and I said, “ Well, Republicans are pretty dreamy compared to Castro.” I got some looks, I must say.

Back at the office, sitting at my exposed computer, listening to co-workers share their airline/baggage stories.



It’s just way too early.

Happy August.



Mom's birthday is in one week. Eeek.



Also, there is a huge, monster entry for you about my trip. There are links to some of the photos in the entry, but the rest are in this directory. Some photos are not for little people.