ANGELINA AND BRAD WANT TO ADOPT AGAIN

I know this sounds cold, but I also know that I echo many many people when I say this, and I say it with love, "Get a freakin' hobby, you have enough kids!"

OHIO: YOU DIDN'T REALLY SAY THAT, DID YOU?

Watch the below clip to see some Republican supporters speaking a whole lot of jibberish while at a rally for Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin. Some of the quotes sound like they should be on greeting cards at the Hillbilly Hallmark:

• “I’m afraid if he wins, the Black will take over.”
• “When you’ve got a Negro running for President, you need a first stringer. He’s definitely a second stringer.”
• “He seems like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I believe Palin is filled with the Holy Spirit and I believe she’s going to bring honesty and integrity to the White House.”
• “He must support terrorists. If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it must be a duck. And that to me, is Obama.”
• “Just the whole Muslim thing. A lot of people forgot about 9/11. I don’t know, it’s just a little unnerving.”
• “Obama and his wife. I’m afraid they could be anti-White.”
• “I don’t like the fact that he thinks us white people are trash. Because we’re not!”

I will say this: I appreciate the fact that they were being honest and expressing how they feel. It seems that the prejudice we hear out loud is at least something that can be dealt with, you can try to share the proper facts and hopefully educate them. I look at this as a reflection of how many people in the red states feel.

Side note: I don't want to assume that these people are poor, but I suspect they are middle-to-lower class and I always find that funny because even though they relate to the God piece most, financially Republicans probably WILL NOT HELP YOU!

GAYS TO FEEL SAFE IN HIGH SCHOOL

I've had this conversation with friends, and the very issue has been discussed in the pop culture media: Why should people come out, especially if they're celebrities? I'll start off by first stating that I realize many people aren't further along in their emotional development and like an unhatched egg, they should be given special care and consideration. However, celebrities that make millions of dollars a year, have widespread appeal (like alleged lesbians Queen Latifah, Jodie Foster, etc.), and have a great deal of power in and respect by the Hollywood community, have a certain responsibility to help gays assimilate in the mainstream society. If everyone who is gay comes out, it becomes more difficult to shove us in a corner and discriminate against us. It makes it more difficult for people to not realize that we are next to them in the grocery store, in Target, at the gas station, on the bus, on and on. And guess what, our lives are just as "normal" as theirs. I often say that my day consists of going to work, letting the dogs out, hitting the gym, watching TV, eating dinner, reading a book, doing all the same things as anybody else. Boring right? I wouldn't have it any other way. 

There's another argument I hear often, which is, "I don't feel the need to discuss who I sleep with, so why do gay people?" Trying to be objective, I often ask them how it would be if they didn't feel they could mention their spouses name, or what they did that weekend, what their goals are, and conversations they're having in their relationship. Can you imagine what they would have to talk about? If you think about any of your coworkers who might have their spouse's picture on their desk, a ring on their  finger, anything that represents probably the most important part of their life, and you'll maybe realize how much is asked of gay people to keep silent about. And by the way, how much of the above items have anything to do with sex? Exactly. 

To know me is to know all of me, not a sanitized version of me. For these kids in the article below, they deserve the chance to be who they are, especially in such hugely formative years. I would be remiss to not mention that if you have a gay child, PFLAG is a great resource that should be able to provide you some guidance. 

From CNN: Public school officials in Chicago, Illinois, are recommending approval of a "gay-friendly" high school because harassment and violence are causing gay students to skip class and drop out at alarming rates.

School officials say the proposed school would offer a welcoming, harassment-free environment for gay students.

The School for Social Justice Pride Campus, which officials say will not be exclusive to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, is aimed at being safe and welcoming for any student looking for another school option, said Josh Edelman, executive officer in the Chicago Public Schools' Office of New Schools.

"It is not going to be a 'gay high school,' but yes, in a way, it is meant to target kids who feel they have been victims of bullying for their sexual orientation or perceived orientation," Edelman said.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan announced his recommendation Wednesday. Officials said Pride Campus would be separate physically but be attached administratively to the School for Social Justice.

School officials said the standards and curriculum for the school would be in line with other schools in the district. The school would also offer counseling for students, though because of federal laws, officials cannot ask students about their sexual orientation. The curriculum would not rely on, but would incorporate lessons about, sexual identity in history and literature classes, officials said.

"It's about creating another option for kids," Edelman said. "When it comes down to it, though, it is all about having a choice and providing high-quality options for students, whether they are gay or not."

The school could be a lifeline for students who are struggling for academic success.

Gay and lesbian students are three times more likely to miss school because they feel unsafe, according to a 2003 Chicago Public School District survey. And a study released Wednesday by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network showed similar trends across the country.

The national study, which the group says is the most comprehensive report ever on the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students nationwide, found that 86.2 percent of those students reported being verbally harassed, 44.1 percent physically harassed and 22.1 percent physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation.

This harassment, the study concludes, has affected students' ability to achieve success in school, causing their grade-point level to be, on average, half a point lower than that of heterosexual students nationwide.

Dropout levels are higher among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students because of more frequent truancy, the study found. Almost 32 percent of those students missed a class because of feeling unsafe, compared with only 5.5 percent of heterosexual students nationwide, the study said.

Truancy and lower grades aren't the only repercussions of anti-gay sentiments in schools, said Kevin Jennings, the founder and executive director of GLSEN. He cited the killing of Lawrence King, a 15-year-old student shot by a classmate in Oxnard, California, in February after King asked to be his valentine.

Jennings said the repercussions of harassment alone underscore the need for Pride Campus.

"If we keep doing nothing, we are going to keep getting these horrifying levels of harassment, greater rates of skipping, not going to college and more tragic violence like the murder of Lawrence King," he said. "Those are our choices. We can continue to do nothing, and we know the results, or we can save young people's lives and offer them an education and a future."

A similar school in New York, the Harvey Milk High School in the East Village, was created because of similar fears.

The school, which had been around since 1985, serving gay and lesbian students, expanded to a "gay-themed" school for 100 students in 2003. The Pride Campus is expected to serve 600 students, school officials said.

Harvey Milk High School, like the Pride Campus, is open to all students regardless of sexual orientation. But unlike the proposed school in Chicago, Harvey Milk requires its attendees to be at risk of dropping out because of harassment.

Harvey Milk boasts a graduation rate of 95 percent of its students -- all of whom were at risk of or had dropped out -- well above the city average of 52 percent.

When the school opened its doors, protesters, led by anti-gay Kansas minister Fred Phelps, screamed at supporters gathered outside to repent for their "sodomite behavior."

Edelman said that while some concerns have been raised about Pride Campus at community meetings, officials have not heard any large-scale opposition.

One Chicago resident said at a meeting that he could not support the school because of his religious beliefs, Edelman said. Others told local media they didn't support the use of public money to create the school. Some thought that if gay students went to the Pride Campus, students in other schools would not learn to accept the gay community. Instead, they suggested, the focus should be working toward acceptance in all schools.

"Absolutely, we should work for [acceptance] across the board," said Jennings, the GLSEN executive director. "But it's not going to change overnight, and in the meantime, these kids aren't going to graduate."

Jennings said that GLSEN research shows acceptance among peers is helped by having a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender support group at school.

The most important factor, according to the GLSEN study, is the existence of a state law that protects students from harassment based on their sexual orientation.

Thirty-nine states, including Illinois and New York, do not have laws offering that specific protection, Jennings said citing the GLSEN study. Some have laws, but they don't specify on what basis the protections apply, which Jennings said was essentially as effective as having no law at all. California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin are the only states with specific sexual orientation protections for students.

The Chicago School Board will vote October 22 to approve the School for Social Justice Pride Campus in addition to 17 other proposed schools.

As far as Jennings is concerned, the school board's choice is an easy one.

"The choice they are making is not should we have this kind of school," he said. "The question is 'Are we going to do anything we can to get these kids an education?' And there's only one right answer -- yes."

CAN I BUY SOME TOILET PAPER PLEASE?

Good comments on this one. 

American Airlines recently announced that beginning in 2009, it would imitate the a la carte pricing plan of Air Canada by offering a basic fare and allowing travelers to select additional services for extra fees.

But when we asked msnbc.com readers what they thought of the "unbundling" of airline services, many were displeased. "This is absolutely ridiculous! Next they will charge us for oxygen on the airplane," wrote dcarey.

Some worry this is only the beginning of additional fees. "I will not be surprised if airlines begin selling magazines, or charging $20 for carry-on baggage, $5 to use the overhead bin, or $2 per restroom visit, and a few bucks for post-flight trash disposal and interior cleaning fee — regardless of whether you fly coach, business, or first class," said km-452746.

Read more. 

FRIDAY NIGHT PICTURES

I'm trying out a new iPhone application called HiCon so that's where the B&Ws are coming from.

FASHION ON A SEATTLE BUS

Bold choice below, very 80's Madonna in the Like a Virgin era or in Desperately Seeking Susan, but updated with a short denim jacket. Props to the brave fashionista.

Below is another fashion choice with um, slightly different results.

APPLEBEE'S CAN MAKE YOU FAT

Damn you Applebee's...for forcing me to eat your food.

A King County woman has sued the Applebee's restaurant chain claiming menus dramatically understate fat and calorie counts.

In a lawsuit filed earlier this month in King County Superior Court, attorneys representing Anne Paskett claim items on the restaurant's healthier Weight Watchers menu had two to three times the amount of fat advertised.

"Ultimately, the issue is whether consumers were misled," said Jason Epstein, an attorney with Premier Law Group representing Paskett. "Applebee's made certain representations ... and independent lab tests showed that the representations they made were way off."

Applebee's parent company, DineEquity Inc., has yet to file a response to the lawsuit.

Similar lawsuits have been filed against Applebee's in other states. Facing a similar case a Kansas federal court, a DineEquity spokesperson told the Washington Business Journal that Applebee's does "not believe the suit has merit," and it would not comment further on pending litigation.

In King County, attorneys for Paskett have asked that the case receive class-action status. Such a ruling would allow other customers to join the suit.

THE DEBATES

Did anyone watch the Presidential debate tonight? Thoughts?

My thoughts: Less digs and more specifics would be greatly appreciated!

Oh yeah, G-OBAMA!

SPOKANE'S FINEST

Dempsey's, the finest they say. Fun for sure, and my brother saw and loved his first drag show - ah, I love to share the finer things in life!

CEILING AT THE DAVENPORT

My bro and I had drinks in this dining area in the hotel, very Bellagio-esque I think.

THE DAVENPORT HOTEL

In a frame, on the wall, an LCD "fishtank". Cool or tacky? I thought it looked quite real, so hopefully the picture does it justice.

COUNTDOWN TO HASH RUN

My first HASH run with my friend in Spokane will be in a few hours. I guess you run five miles and stop a couple of times for a beer (or in this case, Sangria) between checkpoints. People wear costumes (Hawaiian this time) and just have a load of fun - after festivities last night, we'll see if my stomach is having fun at the end! Stay tuned.

MOVIE TRAILER: RELIGULOUS

Here's a new documentary coming out with Bill Maher and directed by Larry Charles, he directed Borat. It looks genius. Watch the video below or go to the official Religulous site and watch it there.

Here's the synopsis:
The documentary RELIGULOUS follows political humorist and author Bill Maher (“Real Time With Bill Maher,” “Politically Incorrect”) as he travels around the globe interviewing people about God and religion. Known for his astute analytical skills, irreverent wit and commitment to never pulling a punch, Maher brings his characteristic honesty to an unusual spiritual journey. Directed by Larry Charles (BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), RELIGULOUS will mark Charles’ first feature project since the critically acclaimed, wildly successful BORAT. Jonah Smith and Palmer West of Thousand Words (A SCANNER DARKLY, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM) and Bill Maher are producing.

NYT: CONCERNS GROW ABOUT PALIN'S READINESS

Do the American people want a doctor operating on them who "crammed" for their final exam? Hello people!

From the New York Times: A month after Gov. Sarah Palin joined Senator John McCain’s ticket to a burst of excitement and anticipation among Republicans, she heads into a critical debate facing challenges from conservatives about her credentials, signs that her popularity is slipping and evidence that Republicans are worried about how much help she will be for Mr. McCain in November.

Ms. Palin, the Republican vice-presidential nominee, flew to Mr. McCain’s ranch in Sedona, Ariz., on Monday for three days of preparation with a team of his aides — a sharp contrast to the less structured preparation that led up to the senator’s first debate.

The amount of time and staff power being devoted to this was evidence of concern among Mr. McCain’s associates that Ms. Palin’s early triumphs — a well-received convention speech, her drawing of big crowds — has been overtaken by a series of setbacks, creating higher stakes for her in the debate Thursday with the Democratic nominee for vice president, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware.

“I think she has pretty thoroughly — and probably irretrievably — proven that she is not up to the job of being president of the United States,” David Frum, a former speechwriter for President Bush who is now a conservative columnist, said in an interview. “If she doesn’t perform well, then people see it.

“And this is a moment of real high anxiety, a little bit like 9/11, when people look to Washington for comfort and leadership and want to know that people in charge know what they are doing.”

VACCINES AND AUTISM, IS THERE A LINK?

Jenny McCarthy and Amanda Peet duke it out over childhood vaccines.

FUN WITH THE iMAC PHOTO BOOTH

Not feeling too well, have a cold again - WTF! Oh well, here are some moments of playfulness with the computer. It's tough to get a dog to pose huh?

MOUNT RAINIER PICS - MY BIKE RIDE WITH JILL

From the bike ride, just beautiful! Click to enlarge. 

PUMPKIN PATCH

Sent from a top-secret location.

AWWWWW...

Judit and Newt, the goats. Adorable!

EVE ENSLER WRITING ABOUT SARAH PALIN

Eve Ensler, the American playwright, performer, feminist and activist best known for “The Vagina Monologues”, wrote the following about Sarah Palin.

Drill Drill Drill

I am having Sarah Palin nightmares.

I dreamt last night that she was a member of a club where they rode snowmobiles and wore the claws of drowned and starved polar bears around their necks. I have a particular thing for Polar Bears.

Maybe it’s their snowy whiteness or their bigness or the fact that they live in the arctic or that I have never seen one in person or touched one.

Maybe it is the fact that they live so comfortably on ice.

Whatever it is, I need the polar bears.

I don’t like raging at women.

I am a Feminist and have spent my life trying to build community, help empower women and stop violence against them.

It is hard to write about Sarah Palin.

This is why the Sarah Palin choice was all the more insidious and cynical.

The people who made this choice count on the goodness and solidarity of Feminists.

But everything Sarah Palin believes in and practices is antithetical to Feminism which for me is part of one story — connected to saving the earth, ending racism, empowering women, giving young girls options, opening our minds, deepening tolerance, and ending violence and war.

I believe that the McCain/Palin ticket is one of the most dangerous choices of my lifetime, and should this country chose those candidates the fall-out may be so great, the destruction so vast in so many areas that America may never recover.

But what is equally disturbing is the impact that duo would have on the rest of the world.

Unfortunately, this is not a joke.

In my lifetime I have seen the clownish, the inept, the bizarre be elected to the
presidency with regularity.

Sarah Palin does not believe in evolution.

I take this as a metaphor.

In her world and the world of Fundamentalists nothing changes or gets better or evolves.

She does not believe in global warming.

The melting of the arctic, the storms that are destroying our cities, the pollution and rise of cancers, are all part of God’s plan.

She is fighting to take the polar bears off the endangered species list.

The earth, in Palin’s view, is here to be taken and plundered.

The wolves and the bears are here to be shot and plundered. The oil is here to be taken and plundered.

Iraq is here to be taken and plundered.

As she said herself of the Iraqi war, “It was a task from God.”

Sarah Palin does not believe in abortion.

She does not believe women who are raped and incested and ripped open
against their will should have a right to determine whether they have their rapist’s baby or not.

She obviously does not believe in sex education or birth control.

I imagine her daughter was practicing abstinence and we know how many babies that makes.

Sarah Palin does not much believe in thinking.

From what I gather she has tried to ban books from the library, has a tendency to dispense with people who think independently.

She cannot tolerate an environment of ambiguity and difference.

This is a woman who could and might very well be the next president of the United States.

She would govern one of the most diverse populations on the earth.

Sarah believes in guns.

She has her own custom Austrian hunting rifle.

She has been known to kill 40 caribou at a clip. She has shot hundreds of wolves from the air.

Sarah believes in God.

That is of course her right, her private right.

But when God and Guns come together in the public sector, when war is declared in God’s name, when the rights of women are denied in his name, that is the end of separation of church and state and the undoing of everything America has ever tried to be.

I write to my sisters.

I write because I believe we hold this election in our hands.

This vote is a vote that will determine the future not just of the U.S., but of the
planet.

It will determine whether we create policies to save the earth or make it forever uninhabitable for humans.

It will determine whether we move towards dialogue and diplomacy in the world or whether we escalate violence through invasion, undermining and attack.

It will determine whether we go for oil, strip mining, coal burning or invest
our money in alternatives that will free us from dependency and destruction.

It will determine if money gets spent on education and healthcare or whether we build more and more methods of killing.

It will determine whether America is a free open tolerant society or a closed place of fear, fundamentalism and aggression.

If the Polar Bears don’t move you to go and do everything in your power to get Obama elected then consider the chant that filled the hall after Palin spoke at the RNC, “Drill Drill Drill.” I think of teeth when I think of drills.

I think of rape. I think of destruction. I think of domination.

I think of military exercises that force mindless repetition, emptying the brain of analysis, doubt, ambiguity or dissent.

I think of pain.

Do we want a future of drilling? More holes in the ozone, in the floor of the sea, more holes in our thinking, in the trust between nations and peoples, more holes in the fabric of this precious thing we call life?

Eve Ensler
September 5, 2008