Naked Cowboy to Run for NYC Mayor!

This is too funny. Most everyone has heard of the guy in New York's Times Square who plays guitar in a cowboy hat and just his undies. Well, he is indeed running against Michael Bloomberg for mayor. He's supposed to make his official announcement today at 11 am.

Check out his web site--he has his own clever take on Obama's presidential campaign logo but using a guitar pick!

The Naked Cowboy may be too conservative for me--he did endorse McCain in the '08 election--but any guy who dances and sings in his underwear can't be all bad, right?

Naked Cowboy to Run for NYC Mayor!

This is too funny. Most everyone has heard of the guy in New York's Times Square who plays guitar in a cowboy hat and just his undies. Well, he is indeed running against Michael Bloomberg for mayor. He's supposed to make his official announcement today at 11 am.

Check out his web site--he has his own clever take on Obama's presidential campaign logo but using a guitar pick!

The Naked Cowboy may be too conservative for me--he did endorse McCain in the '08 election--but any guy who dances and sings in his underwear can't be all bad, right?

Please Tell Me I'm Not a Conservative!

Does it ever shock you when you find yourself agreeing with the "other side?" Now this gets into politics, and I know I said I was taking a hiatus, but--I'm having a political identity crisis!

Yesterday I was eating lunch and reading a local paper that happens to have a conservative bent. Why was I even reading it, you ask? The reason is the paper does a good job of local coverage, but the editorial slant is so obviously conservative that I only pick it up every few weeks out of curiosity.

The editor is talking about the recent ousting of the Honduran president (oh wait, did I just lose you?)--and I actually agreed with him! I'll make this short. From what I understand, Pres. Manual Zelaya wanted to have another term, which was a constitutional no-no. He tried to change that, but both the Honduran Congress and Supreme Court said, "You're outta here!" They've installed a temporary president until elections can be held.

Here's where it gets tricky. In the U.S., this is being labeled a "coup" because the Honduran military raided Zelaya's home and tossed him out of the country, albeit with the backing of the Supreme Court and Congress. Most world leaders have condemned this action. So this conservative local paper was asking, "What gives?"--and I found myself agreeing! Even in the U.S. we can remove a president through a specific process with other branches of government. So, was it the voice of the Honduran people or not?

Of course, nothing's that simple, as I found out when doing more research. Sounds like Zelaya had lots of enemies and they drove him out, using "the democratic process" to further their own ends. *sigh*

Fortunately, I don't think I'm turning conservative. But this is what happens when you stop listening to the news or doing your own research! The local paper obviously hasn't done its homework--it was just spouting rhetoric. Be careful, my friends, and question everything!

To Honduras--Bueno suerte! (good luck)

Please Tell Me I'm Not a Conservative!

Does it ever shock you when you find yourself agreeing with the "other side?" Now this gets into politics, and I know I said I was taking a hiatus, but--I'm having a political identity crisis!

Yesterday I was eating lunch and reading a local paper that happens to have a conservative bent. Why was I even reading it, you ask? The reason is the paper does a good job of local coverage, but the editorial slant is so obviously conservative that I only pick it up every few weeks out of curiosity.

The editor is talking about the recent ousting of the Honduran president (oh wait, did I just lose you?)--and I actually agreed with him! I'll make this short. From what I understand, Pres. Manual Zelaya wanted to have another term, which was a constitutional no-no. He tried to change that, but both the Honduran Congress and Supreme Court said, "You're outta here!" They've installed a temporary president until elections can be held.

Here's where it gets tricky. In the U.S., this is being labeled a "coup" because the Honduran military raided Zelaya's home and tossed him out of the country, albeit with the backing of the Supreme Court and Congress. Most world leaders have condemned this action. So this conservative local paper was asking, "What gives?"--and I found myself agreeing! Even in the U.S. we can remove a president through a specific process with other branches of government. So, was it the voice of the Honduran people or not?

Of course, nothing's that simple, as I found out when doing more research. Sounds like Zelaya had lots of enemies and they drove him out, using "the democratic process" to further their own ends. *sigh*

Fortunately, I don't think I'm turning conservative. But this is what happens when you stop listening to the news or doing your own research! The local paper obviously hasn't done its homework--it was just spouting rhetoric. Be careful, my friends, and question everything!

To Honduras--Bueno suerte! (good luck)

Did You Know It's Now Illegal--in the U.S.--to Sell Dirtbikes/Motorcycles Designed for Kids?

In a well-intentioned effort to prevent children under 12 from being exposed to lead in certain toys, the government has tripped up and made it illegal for your local motorcycle shop or ATV dealer to sell vehicles for kids. You know, they might start biting on that lead battery terminal or something.

Yeah, I know I said I wasn't going to write about politics for a while, but I can't help myself on this one. This is stupid and shouldn't be happening. It prevents kids who enjoy bikes and ATVs from getting replacement parts when needed, or from getting that shiny new bike they wanted, and it effectively eliminates an entire revenue stream for local dealers!

The legislation took effect in February 09 and is called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). I heard about it through my subscription to "American Motorcyclist" magazine. I'm all for protecting children from lead in toys, but when you're riding a motorcycle or ATV, it isn't the same as chewing on an old windowsill!

It appears a stay has been granted on enforcing the law, but that only means fines won't be imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Technically, sales of these vehicles are still illegal, and any state attorney general could prosecute a dealer or private individual if he/she was pissed off and felt like it.

Read more here and ask Congress to exempt youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA. I've sent in my request! Just think about the dealers--like they really need another economic gut-punch right now. And the children--think of the children!

Did You Know It's Now Illegal--in the U.S.--to Sell Dirtbikes/Motorcycles Designed for Kids?

In a well-intentioned effort to prevent children under 12 from being exposed to lead in certain toys, the government has tripped up and made it illegal for your local motorcycle shop or ATV dealer to sell vehicles for kids. You know, they might start biting on that lead battery terminal or something.

Yeah, I know I said I wasn't going to write about politics for a while, but I can't help myself on this one. This is stupid and shouldn't be happening. It prevents kids who enjoy bikes and ATVs from getting replacement parts when needed, or from getting that shiny new bike they wanted, and it effectively eliminates an entire revenue stream for local dealers!

The legislation took effect in February 09 and is called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). I heard about it through my subscription to "American Motorcyclist" magazine. I'm all for protecting children from lead in toys, but when you're riding a motorcycle or ATV, it isn't the same as chewing on an old windowsill!

It appears a stay has been granted on enforcing the law, but that only means fines won't be imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Technically, sales of these vehicles are still illegal, and any state attorney general could prosecute a dealer or private individual if he/she was pissed off and felt like it.

Read more here and ask Congress to exempt youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA. I've sent in my request! Just think about the dealers--like they really need another economic gut-punch right now. And the children--think of the children!

Choosing Joy

I was all excited to get back to posting today. Vacation is over, and I also completed my final shamanic workshop in the mystery school I've been in since August 08. So many great things to share.

And then the news of more deaths in Iran, especially of how one woman's death--caught on camera--is galvanizing protests against the re-election of Ahmadinejad. How can I gush about how wonderful life is when--well, in the face of so much evidence that life can be downright awful?

Plus, I really want a hiatus from politics in general.

But I look at what's happening in Iran and even in my own hometown, and I know life CAN be wonderful. We can love each other and give and receive joy. The world--the universe--is an amazing, awesome thing--even in spite of such suffering.

This calla lily is one of many that have bloomed this year in our garden. I'm awestruck by its simplicity and beauty. I've been meditating on it for days now, and I feel it symbolizes the universe itself. As I've been processing everything that occurred during my shamanic training, I keep coming back to this calla lily. I see "god" in it; call it the Creator or divinity or whatever you prefer. Within this lily are the same materials within us, the same particles that make up the dust of stars.

We have to choose to see these connections. Many in the world choose otherwise. Look to Iran, to our own government's failings and, maybe, to your own family. Maybe even into your own heart.

This last shamanic workshop was the perfect ending; unlike most of the others, there wasn't anything I didn't like! It all closed on the perfect note. There are many people I met whom I may never see again, and yet I feel so grateful to have crossed paths with them in this school, to have brushed up against them. Some I really like, some not so much. But all proved to be capable of great love and sharing, exhibited in a variety of ways. When we approach each other out of mutual respect and love, what we can create is limitless.

Why can't our entire existence be filled in this way? I don't know the answer. I guess I'm offering this lily as a token of hope to the world, to Iran, to my partner and my family--and to each one of you. I wish each of you could feel the joy that I have recently experienced. I wish that joy could take root inside and nurture you, giving you whatever you need most.

There is another way to live. Come what may, be bold enough to make that choice.

Choosing Joy

I was all excited to get back to posting today. Vacation is over, and I also completed my final shamanic workshop in the mystery school I've been in since August 08. So many great things to share.

And then the news of more deaths in Iran, especially of how one woman's death--caught on camera--is galvanizing protests against the re-election of Ahmadinejad. How can I gush about how wonderful life is when--well, in the face of so much evidence that life can be downright awful?

Plus, I really want a hiatus from politics in general.

But I look at what's happening in Iran and even in my own hometown, and I know life CAN be wonderful. We can love each other and give and receive joy. The world--the universe--is an amazing, awesome thing--even in spite of such suffering.

This calla lily is one of many that have bloomed this year in our garden. I'm awestruck by its simplicity and beauty. I've been meditating on it for days now, and I feel it symbolizes the universe itself. As I've been processing everything that occurred during my shamanic training, I keep coming back to this calla lily. I see "god" in it; call it the Creator or divinity or whatever you prefer. Within this lily are the same materials within us, the same particles that make up the dust of stars.

We have to choose to see these connections. Many in the world choose otherwise. Look to Iran, to our own government's failings and, maybe, to your own family. Maybe even into your own heart.

This last shamanic workshop was the perfect ending; unlike most of the others, there wasn't anything I didn't like! It all closed on the perfect note. There are many people I met whom I may never see again, and yet I feel so grateful to have crossed paths with them in this school, to have brushed up against them. Some I really like, some not so much. But all proved to be capable of great love and sharing, exhibited in a variety of ways. When we approach each other out of mutual respect and love, what we can create is limitless.

Why can't our entire existence be filled in this way? I don't know the answer. I guess I'm offering this lily as a token of hope to the world, to Iran, to my partner and my family--and to each one of you. I wish each of you could feel the joy that I have recently experienced. I wish that joy could take root inside and nurture you, giving you whatever you need most.

There is another way to live. Come what may, be bold enough to make that choice.

Miss California Fired!

Guess all didn't turn out so well since Donald Trump let Carrie Prejean keep her crown. Seems Carrie was just too distracted with her marriage crusade to remain a mere pageant winner. So they fired her ass! Read more at Joe.My.God.

Miss California Fired!

Guess all didn't turn out so well since Donald Trump let Carrie Prejean keep her crown. Seems Carrie was just too distracted with her marriage crusade to remain a mere pageant winner. So they fired her ass! Read more at Joe.My.God.

How Much is a Chinese Muslim Worth? And the Enya Connection.

That would be roughly $11 million each! Geez, can I have one to sell? Ok, it isn't quite that way, but the U.S. is giving the Pacific nation of Palau $200 million in aid because they've agreed to resettle 17 Chinese Muslims--also called by their ethnic name of Uighurs--now being held at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo). As the story goes, these Uighurs have been cleared of actually being terrorists, and the U.S. has been wanting to resettle them. However, we're afraid to send them back home to China (see shaded area of map for Uighur regions) because they may be imprisoned there or executed--because the Chinese government considers the Uighurs to be dangerous Islamic separatists (i.e., terrorists).

Confused yet? Stay with me! So yeah, it does sound a little like these 17 guys were sold, but figuring out what the hell to do with them has been a thorn in President Obama's side and was holding up closing Gitmo for good. Apparently, no one but Palau wanted the Uighurs. Albania took 5 Gitmo Uighurs in 2006 but said, "Thanks, we have plenty." Plus, Obama wants to close Gitmo by next January, so he's running out of time.

Not a bad deal, really. Palau (below) gets much-needed cash, and these prisoners get a new life in island paradise--sweet!

Wow--never thought I'd have a post with so many seemingly unrelated things. But wait--that's not all!

Did you know that Palau used to be a U.S. trust, ever since it was seized from Japan in World War II? We gave them their independence in '94, but we still have to defend them if they're attacked. And so Palau lets us have a military base there. Plus, if you're native Palauan, you can travel to the U.S. without a passport or visa!

So what does singer Enya have to do with this? Well, she has that phrase "from Bissau to Palau" in my favorite song, "Orinoco Flow!" Ok, NOW this is officially the most surreal post I've ever done.

How Much is a Chinese Muslim Worth? And the Enya Connection.

That would be roughly $11 million each! Geez, can I have one to sell? Ok, it isn't quite that way, but the U.S. is giving the Pacific nation of Palau $200 million in aid because they've agreed to resettle 17 Chinese Muslims--also called by their ethnic name of Uighurs--now being held at Guantanamo Bay (Gitmo). As the story goes, these Uighurs have been cleared of actually being terrorists, and the U.S. has been wanting to resettle them. However, we're afraid to send them back home to China (see shaded area of map for Uighur regions) because they may be imprisoned there or executed--because the Chinese government considers the Uighurs to be dangerous Islamic separatists (i.e., terrorists).

Confused yet? Stay with me! So yeah, it does sound a little like these 17 guys were sold, but figuring out what the hell to do with them has been a thorn in President Obama's side and was holding up closing Gitmo for good. Apparently, no one but Palau wanted the Uighurs. Albania took 5 Gitmo Uighurs in 2006 but said, "Thanks, we have plenty." Plus, Obama wants to close Gitmo by next January, so he's running out of time.

Not a bad deal, really. Palau (below) gets much-needed cash, and these prisoners get a new life in island paradise--sweet!

Wow--never thought I'd have a post with so many seemingly unrelated things. But wait--that's not all!

Did you know that Palau used to be a U.S. trust, ever since it was seized from Japan in World War II? We gave them their independence in '94, but we still have to defend them if they're attacked. And so Palau lets us have a military base there. Plus, if you're native Palauan, you can travel to the U.S. without a passport or visa!

So what does singer Enya have to do with this? Well, she has that phrase "from Bissau to Palau" in my favorite song, "Orinoco Flow!" Ok, NOW this is officially the most surreal post I've ever done.

Shopping Carts Used by American Couple to Spy for Cuba

"Pssst. Meet me in the juice aisle. Got some top-secret info for you--and there's a sale on Oceanspray!"

That's seems to have been the preferred method for couple Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers--retired State Department employees--to pass U.S. secrets to Cuban agents. But according to Gwendolyn, they recently stopped using the grocery cart method because of all the cameras now in stores.

But it worked for nearly 30 years! Of course, the State Department is pissed and says the breach of security is "incredibly serious." I suppose--but based on what? We're still here, Cuba's still on the brink of collapse. Yeah, whatever secrets were handed over couldn't have been all that important. I'm just saying...

Still the couple--now in their 70s--may get 30-some years in prison if convicted. And this revelation may halt recent progress on immigration talks between the U.S. and Cuba. And just when we were all starting to get along!

Shopping Carts Used by American Couple to Spy for Cuba

"Pssst. Meet me in the juice aisle. Got some top-secret info for you--and there's a sale on Oceanspray!"

That's seems to have been the preferred method for couple Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers--retired State Department employees--to pass U.S. secrets to Cuban agents. But according to Gwendolyn, they recently stopped using the grocery cart method because of all the cameras now in stores.

But it worked for nearly 30 years! Of course, the State Department is pissed and says the breach of security is "incredibly serious." I suppose--but based on what? We're still here, Cuba's still on the brink of collapse. Yeah, whatever secrets were handed over couldn't have been all that important. I'm just saying...

Still the couple--now in their 70s--may get 30-some years in prison if convicted. And this revelation may halt recent progress on immigration talks between the U.S. and Cuba. And just when we were all starting to get along!

Has Hillary Won or Lost on Cuba?

The small nation of Cuba carries a weight in the politics of this hemisphere that is out of proportion to its size and power. Ironically, by trying to isolate the Communist island, we've given it more influence than it otherwise would have on its own. It's like the pebble in your sandal. So I'm very curious to see how the Obama administration will change things, if at all.

But things ARE changing. The Organization of American States voted to allow Cuba to rejoin after roughly 50 years--and they broke with the U.S. Or did they? Cuba can rejoin with preconditions; the nation must improve on human rights and other issues. Hillary Clinton says this is a good compromise. Her critics, and those of Obama, however, are already calling this a defeat for the new administration, saying Clinton should have bullied the other OAS countries into keeping Cuba out. Most of the OAS members seem fed up with U.S. policy and posturing toward Cuba.

But I wonder if Clinton and Obama let this happen. Cuba obviously needs to improve human rights, and yet we didn't bully our way to keep the country out of OAS. By reversing this 50-year-old ban, we let other OAS members have a say. We're showing that we're willing to have a "new beginning," as Obama has said. We're taking steps toward Cuba, and now we're waiting to see what it will offer in return. Which is all smart and reasonable, I think.

Of course, the U.S. provides about 60% of OAS funding, and some rabid anti-Communist members of Congress are already threatening to pull funding if Cuba rejoins. Which is funny--because Cuba has basically said, "Thanks, but fuck you." Cuba doesn't even WANT to rejoin!

And around and around we go...

Has Hillary Won or Lost on Cuba?

The small nation of Cuba carries a weight in the politics of this hemisphere that is out of proportion to its size and power. Ironically, by trying to isolate the Communist island, we've given it more influence than it otherwise would have on its own. It's like the pebble in your sandal. So I'm very curious to see how the Obama administration will change things, if at all.

But things ARE changing. The Organization of American States voted to allow Cuba to rejoin after roughly 50 years--and they broke with the U.S. Or did they? Cuba can rejoin with preconditions; the nation must improve on human rights and other issues. Hillary Clinton says this is a good compromise. Her critics, and those of Obama, however, are already calling this a defeat for the new administration, saying Clinton should have bullied the other OAS countries into keeping Cuba out. Most of the OAS members seem fed up with U.S. policy and posturing toward Cuba.

But I wonder if Clinton and Obama let this happen. Cuba obviously needs to improve human rights, and yet we didn't bully our way to keep the country out of OAS. By reversing this 50-year-old ban, we let other OAS members have a say. We're showing that we're willing to have a "new beginning," as Obama has said. We're taking steps toward Cuba, and now we're waiting to see what it will offer in return. Which is all smart and reasonable, I think.

Of course, the U.S. provides about 60% of OAS funding, and some rabid anti-Communist members of Congress are already threatening to pull funding if Cuba rejoins. Which is funny--because Cuba has basically said, "Thanks, but fuck you." Cuba doesn't even WANT to rejoin!

And around and around we go...

Gay Marriage Now in Six States!

Thank you, New Hampshire!

It's the latest state to approve gay marriage, joining Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

I now love corn (Iowa) and anything New England!

Six down, 44 to go!

Gay Marriage Now in Six States!

Thank you, New Hampshire!

It's the latest state to approve gay marriage, joining Iowa, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

I now love corn (Iowa) and anything New England!

Six down, 44 to go!

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.

Obama's "New Beginning" with Cuba Continues as Hillary Leaves for Latin American Visit

Although Sec. of State Hillary Clinton won't visit Cuba, it will certainly come up while she's in the neighborhood visiting El Salvador for the new president's inauguration and a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras. Some Latin American nations want to readmit Cuba to the OAS, but until they do things like we want, that probably won't happen. It will be interesting to see how far proponents will push the issue and how much we push back (or don't).

Over the weekend came more signs of the thawing relations between us and Cuba, with the announcement that we can now resume talks--like adults--over immigration, drugs and other issues important to both sides. Former President Bush suspended these talks in 2003 because he didn't like the looks of those Commies.

Here's hoping for a positive outcome for Hillary's trip.