To My Faithful Readers

My appologies for not blogging as frequently as I’d like to. I have been working three nights in a row, and I blog whenever I can during my free time (which hasn’t been a lot lately). I have also been getting ready to go away for five days, and I still need to finish packing (eeeeeek!). Other than that, things are good. I’ll be going away with my girlfriend, so I’m looking very forward to spending time away with her in Maine. I’ll be blogging later on tonight hopefully (when I get a chance), and tomorrow afternoon at some point.

Keep on reading,                            

butifuldsastr

That’s all (FOR NOW) folks!

Paris Hilton To Be Released From Prison

She’s baaaaaack! Paris Hilton is to be released from prison Tuesday morning. To keep paparazzi under wraps, the exact location from the prison at the time of departure is unknown. How they will sneak her out should prove to be interesting. The heiress was given a forty five day jail sentence back in May for a DUI. To recap the events that took place, Hilton entered prison on the scheduled date, but was released shortly after due to an unknown ‘medical condition.’ When the judge found out she had been released, she was ordered back to prison immediately, and was to appear in court to be told that she had to serve the full sentence. She has now been locked up for twenty three days, and is ready to emerge out into the ‘real world’ once again. What’s next for Hilton? A scheduled post-prison interview with Larry King. And what will she do once she gets back to her 2.1 million dollar mansion? Throw a party, I’d assume. Lets just hope she doesn’t decide to drive anywhere afterwards.

A more somber Paris.

I’m back…And you didn’t even miss me!

Nice To ‘Meetro’

Meetro is the world’s first location-aware IM client and real-time social network. Which means Meetro allows you to meet real people in your neighborhood. Meetro has a tracking device, so that you can see who’s online and where. This online networking tool is  compatible with Yahoo!, MSN, AIM, and GMail. Once you sign up, you’re able to send invites to friends and family, and spread the word. This is kind of like Meebo, where it allows you to use multiple chat programs  at the same time. The only difference is that Meetro focuses on location, and can help you to locate people that are right in your neighborhood or in the close proximity. I think this is a good concept, but I wouldn’t use it. I have no need to locate anyone, and those who know me know where to find me. I’ve been to the website, and when asked to sign up, it asks you to input passwords to your other chat services. It also was able to find my MySpace when I typed in my AOL email address in one of the fields.  The only downfall to this type of network is that your privacy can be compromised, and those who you don’t want to locate you, very well could be doing just that. To check out Meetro, visit www.meetro.com.

 

 Log in and locate.

Coffee Coffee, Buzz Buzz

I love coffee because…I just do. It’s something to look forward to when I go into work in the evening, not to mention that it helps to keep me awake. Sometimes, you just need that jolt, that BUZZ. My absolute favorite is the white chocolate mocha latte, offered at none other than…Starbucks! For those out there trying to cut calories, like I am, you can settle for the lite Frappacinos (it’s hardly settling). All you have to do is pass on the whipped cream, whole milk, and the chocolate or caramel ‘drizzle’ they like to put on top. They’re absolutely delicious and thirst quenching on a hot summer day. My current choice is the caramel lite Frap, and the mocha Frap isn’t bad either. And hey, I’m not only partial to Starbucks, I have my Dunkin’ Donuts moments as well. When I go to Dunkin’ Donuts, I like to have the hot mocha lattes, or the regular iced coffee with cream and sugar. Sometimes I’ll even go for a Coolatta. Whichever you prefer, it doesn’t matter. Some argue Dunkin’ offers a better coffee bean than Starbucks, and their coffee is cheaper too. All I know, is when the craving comes up, I’ll go out of my way for a good cup of coffee.

The name’s Lite, Caramel Lite

I’m the original.

Kelly Clarkson Cancels Summer Tour

It’s true, Kelly Clarkson has cancelled her entire summer tour due to…poor ticket sales. She didn’t cop out and use the ‘under the weather’ excuse, or the ‘family problem’ excuse either. She’s owning up to the fact that it was a mistake to sell tickets for her tour when her album wasn’t released yet, and when people were becoming less and less interested in her new single, as well as the album itself, ’My December,’ due out this coming Tuesday. Her life currently seems to be in shambles, with the firing of her manager, and with being on the outs with music impresario Clive Davis. As some may know, Davis wanted Clarkson to remove three of the songs on her third album for another three that would be more ‘radio friendly’ and ‘marketable.’ Clarkson opted for artistic freedom, and unfortunately, look where it got her. Heavy criticism on the upcoming release, and a cancelled summer tour are the events that followed. There isn’t even a follow up single to the current single ‘Never Again.’ I, for one, am pissed off because I had close floor seats to her August 18th show at the Nassau Coliseum. I have seen her three times in concert already, and I must say she puts on a GREAT show. I wish her the best, and hope she gets back out on stage soon…Where she belongs.

Photo caption: Clarkson has a lot to scream about these days

‘Ghost Hunters’ TAPS Into Primetime Success

SciFi channel’s hit show ‘Ghost Hunters’ has gained popularity, and has found a large fan base on this once overlooked station. What was once reserved for extra-terrestrial movies and strange documentaries, ‘Ghost Hunters’ has changed the way viewers think of SciFi. Jason Howe and Grant Wilson started TAPS, based out of Rhode Island, as a side project to investigate paranormal activity. By day they both work as plumbers for Roto-Rooter. By night, they hunt ghosts. For anyone who’s interested in paranormal activity, and ghosts, this is the show to watch.  Although sometimes dissapointing when they don’t find any results, it’s still fun to watch as they go into different residences, abandoned buildings and landmarks, to investigate. They use all types of equipement, which includes infrared technology, ESP, and video monitors. The purpose of their investigations is to listen to the claims of hauntings from the owners of the residences and workers in establishments, and put their own spin on things. They like to see how scientific matters might cause the disturbances before they declare a place ‘haunted.’ It’s really eerie when they actually catch what appears to be an apparition on film , or a voice on the ESP device. You can catch new episodes of ‘Ghost Hunters’ on the SciFi channel every Wednesday. Check you local listings for time and channel info. You can find out more about the show, and about the TAPS crew at www.scifi.com.

‘Ghost’ Busters.

‘Simpsons’ Still Going Strong

‘The Simpsons’ is one of America’s longest lasting cartoon sitcoms, if not being the most successful of its time. The show has influenced a ‘new wave’ of cartoon antics and has given creators like Seth MacFarlane, creator of ‘Family Guy,’ the nerve to push the envelope. ‘Family Guy’ and ‘South Park’ are said to have derived from ‘The Simpsons,’ and one can’t really argue against that. ‘The Simpsons’ paved the way for modern day ‘cartoonism.’ Shows like ‘American Dad,’ ‘Family Guy,’ ‘South Park,’ and even the line up of shows on Adult Swim have all taken something from their predessessor. Matt Groening created what was to become a global empire. He created characters that are more recognizable to people than members of congress. Bart has made sayings like ‘cowabunga,’ ‘eat my shorts,’ and ‘I didn’t do it,’ as common to hear as it is to see a Starbucks on every block now. Rolling Stone magazine even associated ‘The Simpsons’ as a part of permanent pop culture by putting Bart on the cover of a November 2002 issue in his own rendition of the cover of Nirvana’s album ‘Nevermind.’ Sure, Peter Griffin has his own catch phrases, as does Cartman, Kyle, and Stan. But there was something about the original appeal of ‘The Simpsons.’ They dominated, and for a long time. The show’s first episode aired on December 17, 1989, and ever since, the show has passed the test of time. You can still catch repeat episodes on FOX (check your local listings for details). New episodes air on Sunday nights. Visit www.fox.com for channel, show and time information.

‘Smells’ like success.

Legalize Love

June is national Gay PRIDE month, and all over the country events are going on to celebrate diversity. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people have come a long way in recent years, but there’s still quite a long way to go. It’s now more common to see couples of the same sex walking on the street, but there’s still those onlookers who shake their heads in disgust. My advice to them: ‘you don’t have to look, so keep walking!’ Everyone has the right to love, and in their own way. Whether it be the same, or opposite sex. This country preaches about being the land of the free, but in reality, the government dictates what we can and can’t do, and limits us. Not allowing same sex couples to wed is a perfect example. What the government is teaching is inequality. Just like all other minorities, the LGBT community has to fight for their freedoms and rights. Civil union allowances have sprung up in certain states such as New Jersey, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. But when can same sex couples actually WED, and share the same rights as heterosexual couples in marriage? Lots of these couples would love to share the whole experience with their partner. That feeling of walking down the aisle, receiving a ring, and having the whole ceremony afterwards with friends and family. Because that’s what’s most important. These people want to share their love. They want to show the world how happy their partner makes them. It won’t ruin the reputation or the image of the United States. Allowing the same rights to same sex couples in marriage would only promote the words taught in the National Anthem, and put them into practice. So when you see couples of the same sex out in public, don’t cringe or stare. Smile to yourself, and thank God that love still exists somewhere.

Find out more about gay pride in your area: www.glaad.org, and for those in the New York area, the PRIDE parade will be held on June 24 and will be broadcasted live online. More information is available at www.nycpride.org. Be safe this weekend, and have fun!!!

Love is never wrong.

‘Mr. Brooks’ Delivers

I saw ‘Mr. Brooks’ this evening, and was surprised at how sadistic and thrilling it was all at the same time. Since I’m not one for violent films, I had to look away during certain parts, but all in all ‘Mr. Brooks’ takes you on an intense and mysterious ride. Demi Moore plays Tracy Atwood in the film, an FBI agent who is trying to find ‘The Thumb Print Killer.’ Moore proves that she hasn’t had to brush up on her acting chops…she’s still got it! Kevin Costner plays the title role, and shines as well. He plays a successful businessman who ‘gets off’ on killing people as a side project. He attends AA meetings for this ‘addiction,’ which is what he claims it to be. And during certain scenes in the film you can hear him muttering the serenity prayer under his breath. Dane Cook, comedian extraordinaire, is also in the film, and plays an odd character who witnesses a murder and uses photos as a bribe towards Costner’s ’Brooks.’ Veterans Costner and Moore show strength and prominent acting ability, and that their film careers are far from over. ‘Mr. Brooks’ has a lot of bite, and many surprises around every corner. A message this film left with me, is nothing is as it seems. And that wise men cover up their tracks, of course.

They’ve still got it.

*P.S. – This is not a SPOILER review! I gave the best review I could without giving the complete storyline away! Just go see it…*

Maine Diversity

I have visited Maine before and absolutely loved it. It’s one of the most beautiful, and serene states. Maine’s coast is one of the cleanest, and nicest around . And the beaches are breathtaking and definitely suitable for a good swim. The Ogunquit and York areas of coastal Maine are very gay and lesbian friendly. Some restaurants and inns even have rainbow flags hanging outside of their establishments. Walking along the quaint and scenic roadways, gives a sense of belonging, and offers an appreciation for diversity. Other close towns include Moody, Wells, and Kennebunkport. These towns also have beaches and nice shops, as well as whale watches and lobster hunts. My girlfriend and I happen to be going at the end of June, and we’re staying in Wells, which is not far from Ogunquit. We’re staying at The Majestic Regency (www.majesticregency.com), which offers pretty good accomodations at decent prices. We found it hard to plan last minute for the busy 4th of July weekend. So I suggest you plan months in advance if you plan to go away for a holiday, or on a holiday weekend.

 Many different festivals go on around this time of year, and listings can be found on Maine’s official state website: www.visitmaine.com. You can also visit Ogunquit’s official site: www.townofogunquit.org. And for everything gay in Ogunquit: www.gayogunquit.com.

Diversity in Vactionland.

Old Fashioned Eateries

Whatever happend to those delicious and fast burger places that were on the side of the road back in the day? You know, the ones where items on the menu included chili cheese fries, shakes, burgers galore, hotdogs with the works, fish n’ chips, and more. Thinking about those types of eateries brings summer to mind, as it’s fast approaching. Some places like that still exist accross the country. For instance, Overton’s in Norwalk, CT. They have good food, and offer it at good prices. You also can eat on their deck, which overlooks the water. Overton’s makes for a nice afternoon meal, and a great view of the Long Island Sound as you enjoy. Stop by to eat and relax on a warm weekend day. For more info, including menu and pricing, as well as address, visit http://www.culinarymenus.com/restaurants/overtonsseafood.htm.

Food with a view.

Little Richie

Nicole Richie of the Simple Life fame, may be pregnant. No, I’m not kidding. Her and current flame Joel Madden of Good Charlotte may be expecting a little one in a few months. I’m not sure how she’s going to be able to carry a baby, seeing as she’s all of what, 80 something pounds, not even? She has struggled with weight issues for almost three years now, since Simple Life really became popular. Rumor has it that she lost the weight because she felt in competition with BFF Paris Hilton. On the first season of the Simple Life, Richie is much heavier than she is now, and she actually looked GOOD. This whole skeletor thing she’s trying to pull off now is just so unattractive! She has also been involved in drug use and hard partying, which will all have to stop if she is in fact pregnant. I hope she’s not, because she really needs to take care of herself before she can take on such a responsibility. She also needs to be a healthier weight, or she risks not being able to carry the baby for the full term of pregnancy.  What brought this whole thing about in the first place was paparazzi photos were showing her with a ‘bulge’ for a stomach. It could either be malnourishment, or as I’ve mentioned, a baby on the way. And if she is pregnant, it could all be to avoid a jail sentence due to her DUI earlier this year. How derranged!

Clueless.

‘Break’down

What’s wrong with Kelly Clarkson? Friends of hers have attributed the cold star has given up on love, and has become somewhat depressed over the past few months. She has been struggling with weight loss and gain since her stay on American Idol. When her weight was down, she was basically starving herself. Now that the weight is back on, she feels inadequite and as if no one finds her attractive. She just wants someone to be able to love her for who she is. Well, if she continues to follow in the footsteps of the ‘diva legacy,’ she’ll never get anywhere. After shunning Clive Davis and his creative ideas regarding the upcoming album, critics smell a ‘disaster.’ She also recently fired her longtime manager! Major sources are expecting Clarkson’s third, and highly anticipated album, to tank. I’ve heard some tracks from the album, and it really isn’t all that impressive. Sounds like the every day mundane sleeper tracks we’re hearing on the radio now. Except for the angst-ridden first single off the album, ‘Never Again.’ Almost seems derived from Alanis Morissette’s scorned ex anthem ’You Oughta Know.’ We need something more edgy, something more daring. Something more like her songwriting on ‘Breakaway.’ Whatever she needs to figure out, she better do it, and quick. Her album ‘My December’ is scheduled to hit store shelves on June 26th.

Backed against the wall.

Blonde ambition.

Lindsay Lohan, The Lesbian?

Hardcore party girl Lindsay Lohan, now in rehab for alcohol and cocaine abuse, is rumored to have had lesbian flings here and there. And with the new photos surfacing of her and wannabe celeb Vanessa Minnillo in the midst of knife play, it’s a clear indication that she has lesbian tendencies. The night she was seen innebreated after visiting one of L.A.’s hotspots, she was with ‘friend,’ and rumored lover, DJ Samantha Ronson (and daughter of famous guitarist Mark Ronson). Passed out and unresponsive in the passenger seat of her Range Rover SUV, Ronson was trying to shield her hopeless ‘friend’ from paparazzi snapshots. These two have been rumored to be dating, and the night Lohan crashed her Mercedes, she was heard screaming at Ronson, ‘you f*cking lesbian b*tch!’ Hmmm, what a way to speak to your ‘friend.’ It appears that Miss. Lohan was acting on some kind of resentment there. A lover’s spat? Perhaps. A night gone bad? Oh, absolutely!

Love at first fight.

Under the knife. Literally.

Motorola Q. Just Call It QWERTY.

I want this phone. I just do. If you were to see, or even hold this phone, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s a compact powerhouse, full of options and extras. This (QWERTY) is a far cry from others that are available on the market. Sprint and Verizon are two of the networks that offer this phone. It is possible to obtain this wonderful gadget for an average retail value of $199 USD. Some of the features of the Q include its ultra sleek design, look and feel. Features include: Blue Tooth capability, internet access, dual stereo quality speakers, large high resolution display (320 x 240 pixels, 65K TFT), 1.3 mega pixel camera with photo lighting, advanced speech recognition and speakerphone, Multi-Media Messaging (MMS), and much more!!! So go to your local retailer and check this bad boy out. You won’t want to leave the store without one. For more information, visit www.motorola.com/q.
 

Motorola…That’s what I’m talking about.

 

Don’t hate me because I’m thin AND good looking.