New Experiences

Ellison & I realized this week that we’ve done tons of cool stuff, but we’ve never gotten up to see the sunrise together. Sure, we’ve caught a few on the fly and stopped to appreciate them, but it’s never been the plan. So this morning we got up to see the sun rise over the lowest point in the western hemisphere, Badwater Basin in Death Valley. Like so much on this trip, it was magical.

Iron Pour 2010

I spent the weekend living extra exuberantly in honor of a special soul. Friday night Erock and I went to an incredible Iron Pour performance art piece at the Steel Yard. Amazing.

More Photos Here

BNTJW

Be Nice to Jenn Day turned into a whole weekend of fun, friends and beach. It looked a lot like this:

Just what I needed to get my head on straight.

gARTen

Someone emailed this to me yesterday. It’s long but a fast scroll. More on how it happens after the jump:

RICE FIELDS OF JAPAN

Queer the Census!

I know, I haven’t really written about my trip, but you know how the week after vacation is. Remind me to tell you about the rampaging pelican.

In the meantime…you may have heard that the 2010 Census will be the first to recognize married same-sex couples as, well, married. But as they don’t record sexual orientation or gender identity, we’ll remain stuck with poor estimates of the LGBT population in the nation. Of course, no measure will ever be perfect, but census data is used to allot all sorts of Federal funds for public services. The data collected impacts issues critical to every American – like our health care, our economic stability, and even our safety. And when LGBT people aren’t counted, then we also don’t count when it comes to services, resources … you name it. So what can you do? Visit Queer the Census to sign a petition encouraging the Census to count LGBT people. And sign up for a sticker to seal your Census form envelope, providing them with unsolicited demographic info. There’s even a box for “straigh allies” to check. So demand to be counted!

Making Rhode Island Proud

Lest you think that guidos are unique to the Jersey Shore, let me remind you that DJ Pauly D is a Rhode Island native, and has apparently been sporting his fabulous bulletproof hair at Misquamicut and other local beaches. Now you, too, can have the “perfect” hair:

My Maine Man

Yeah, that’s a Rain Man reference. Sorry. I just want to take a brief time out to say that I’m heartbroken about the outcome of the Maine equality referendum but so incredibly proud of the work folks did there and will continue to do. It’s hard to be patient for this incremental fight but it’s gone faster than any other civil rights movement in history. So I make a personal commitment to keep talking, being, living equality…and hope you will join me.

Still need a pick-me-up? There’s a great post from a queer South Carolinian here.

And tonight, Ellison and I are going on a nature walk to try to spot some beavers. For realz.

Travel Woes

I set myself up with posts while I was at camp, apparently not remembering that the most challenging part of time off is the backlog in returning. I’m off at the Common Ground Country Fair in Unity, Maine this weekend with Kristina, who seems to be my strange festival buddy this year. And will be atoning for my sins on Monday – believe me, it will take all day. So here’s a tidbit to tide you over for a few days – an example of two iconic images combining in a confusing and unhelpful way.
What does it make you think of? Makes me think of recycled abortions.

Too Soon?

That’s what folks have been saying about this ad for the English-language Moscow News. And it is a bit problematic that it’s been released for the anniversary week. But I don’t think the same argument holds for this one, and yet I find it distasteful/uncomfortable as well.

Yet if the goal of advertising is to create a buzz….mission accomplished.

Isn’t that special….

“They’re so cute! And also kind of demonic…”
–excited zoo patron about the Aoudad, or Barbary, Sheep