FINALLY! SEX AND THE CITY IS HERE (and a review of "The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian")

After a four year break the eagerly anticipated motion picture version of the hit cable TV series "Sex and the City" hits cinema screens across the nation today. Reviews have been mixed but the most important feedback will come from the dedicated fans who long to find out what has happened since we last saw the savvy quartet. What has Carrie's life with Big been since we last saw them? Is Samantha still as free-spirited and sex-crazed, and how has her hunky "friend" Jerry held up? (More importantly - will we see more his incredible body?!) What's going on with Charlotte and Harry? How's Miranda and Steve coping with life in Brooklyn?

Let's see how all these questions are answered, and how well it will translate into box office numbers.

Meanwhile, I got a chance to watch "The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian" over the Memorial Weekend. I was a bit aprehensive to see it as I was not very impressed with the prequel "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" which to me seemed to be overly-done and trying to compete with the "Lord of the Ring" movies.

I was pleasantly surprised at the "Prince Caspian" sequel and found it engaging, entertaining and worthy of the price of a movie ticket. Unlike it's predecessor, this round did not bash you over the head with numerous religious rhetoric, and the youngsters playing the lead roles seemed to have found their character rhythm and delivered good performances - although the youngest girl is still very annoyingly naive, making you want to bash her in the head for her Rose Nylund logic.

Still, I do recommend this movie - maybe as an alternative to cosmos with the girls in "Sex", the "Prince Caspian" movie is a good middle ground for both sexes.

I THINK I'VE FOUND THE SOURCE OF MY ALLERGY MISERIES...

...located approximately 15 feet from my patio door.



Do you think I'd get away with chopping it down?

NOT MUCH SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING IN THE BRITISH ISLES

My blog promises to feature news from the United Kingdom but looking at the website of the BBC there really seems to be....not much going on!

No major political scandals.

No horrific crime stories - apart from the lad in Islington who was stabbed for giving dirty looks to another group of punks.

Nothing on the economy apart from the standard anger at gas...I mean..PETROL prices.

Way to go UK!

See, that's how a country can be run when you don't have an imbecile in office..........

WHITE HOUSE AND WASHINGTON SHOCKED BY TELL-ALL BOOK? PUH-LEASE........

The recently published book "What Happened - Inside the Bush White House And What's Wrong With Washington" by former White House press secretary Scott McClellan has caused a stir in Washington circles, and generating comments of "shock and disappointment" by various people who currently or previously worked for the G.W. Bush administration in the White House. Yeah - shocked that they weren't personally named for the lying snakes they are and disappointed that any of their nemesis in the White house weren't listed.

While watching the unofficial rebuttal on The Today Show this morning by Dan Bartlett (who was a former counsellor to Bush) I was simply disgusted as he slithered about like the a snake trying to discredit claims made in the book, claiming that if McClellan was so disillusioned he should have spoken out sooner.

Is he for real? (Course not - he worked for the current White House administration that rules over Fantasyland where men are men and sheep are afraid....) I mean we all know that anyone who publicly criticizes their boss is on a fast track to being canned.

From reports on the content of the book it seems to confirm what has been publicly discussed - that the president is clueless, out of the loop and blinded by stupid ideology, that he is manipulated by cliques in the White House, supported by an ineffective Secretary of State who is also an embarrassment to her position, all being undermined by a cunning and ruthless vice-president.

The book should have been named "What Happened: How Could, I Mean Seriously, How Could Americans Elect (And Re-elect) Such A Moronic President and Support The Effed-Up Administration".

And if I hear the statement "it is too soon to judge this presidency as it may be viewed positively by future generations" ONE MORE TIME, I will personally re-enact the projectile vomiting scene from "The Exorcist" on the person uttering such utter rubbish.

Good luck John McCain......

JAMAICAN CHURCH LEADERS AKIN TO THE TALIBAN REGIME

This morning I read with horror at the report in the Jamaica Observer on yesterday’s killing of two teenage girls on Henderson Avenue in Kingston. This incident brings the number of persons killed in Jamaica to closer to the 650 mark since the beginning of 2008. (Click here to read the full story.)

For some strange reason this story was just one too many on this topic, and the standard lines for these stories - “but like many inner-city killings, residents were tight-lipped when questioned by reporters” and “the despondent woman shook uncontrollably as members of her church consoled her behind the police yellow tape” were the straw(s) that broke the camel’s back.

My ire with church leaders stems from their failure to galvanize their congregation to be more pro-active on violence in Jamaica. They far spend too much time on mundane issues such as homosexuality and gambling, and are extremely lax with action against the violence ripping apart the island nation.

I cannot help but compare Jamaican church leaders to the Taliban rulers of Afghanistan. The Taliban were more pre-occupied with enforcing 7^th century Moslem ideology on the Afghan people rather than focus on common-sense issues such as better living conditions for their people. Members of the regime went around publicly punishing Afghans, banning such normal day-to-day activities such as kite flying, clapping at sport events, and even forbade men from shaving. However, they encouraged their people to participate in violence as a way to get a message across to the world, and turned a blind eye to innocent civilians being killed during Taliban “sanctioned” suicide bombings and other such (supposed) tactical moves.

Sounds familiar? Jamaican churches – very vocal on gambling, homosexuality but deafening silent on the violence ripping apart the country.

To them, supposed morals are more important than human lives.

Where is the physical outrage and indignation by the Jamaican churches on the killings? Why not immediately demand a public prayer vigil by the occupants of the affected area each time such violence happens?

Where are the public marches and peaceful protests in the inner cities?

Where are the public condemnation and grief by church leaders in the papers and other media?

Where are the liturgies and lectures at the pulpit demanding that their congregation stop defending their friends and relatives with sealed lips when violence occurs?

Give a small gathering a rumor that four men are having dinner and throw in that they may be “battymen” and the townspeople are up in arms within minutes ready to remove that perceived threat. (Click here for full report.)

Mention legalizing gambling in the hotels and the damnation of the churches rain on all, whipping their congregations into a frenzy of outcry and ignorance.

But kill over 600 people in less than six months and…silence and indifference

Where is the bible-thumping now?

BEWARE THE 31ST OF MAY

At this time most pundits, various media outlets, Obama supporters and even a few Clinton supporters are calling on Sen. Hillary Clinton to throw in the towel and call it quits. Suddenly, home-made seers are popping up everywhere, prophesying the end of the Clinton era with the end of the Clinton campaign.

To regurgitate that infamous line, "it ain't over until the fat lady sings."

Right now Sen. Clinton has her teeth sunken in the aspect that she has not been fairly treated in the media and and cites "sexism" by the media as the reason for unfair coverage of her campaign. According to one pundit – CNN’s Roland Martin – she may use this tactic as a ruse to galvanize her female base to demand either the candidacy or at least the vice president slot. (Read his full article here.)

While sexism may be viewed as another straw floating by the Clinton campaign, there has been speculation by others that the media's constant counting of delegates and incessant 24-hour mantra that "there is no way she can win….she's too far behind" may be the major contributing factor to the narrow margin of the win(s) between both candidates in the Indiana and North Carolina primaries.

To put this in perspective - if during the week you're constantly being told by everyone that the Clinton movie is bad, it's a waste of money and you will not enjoy it although you personally thought it showed potential, when you do go to the cinema that weekend which will you want to spend you nine bucks on : the bad-mouthed Clinton movie, or the Obama movie that everyone and their relatives are predicting will earn 100 million in the opening weekend – even though that weekend has yet to pass?

Clinton was recently tried and sentenced in the media for her referral to the assassination of presidential hopeful Bobby Kennedy in a recent interview. While we can not say definitely whether the reference was in error or not - Ms Clinton's point was over looked: until the DNC convention in August, or at least until the DNC party leaders meet to decide a workable solution to the Florida and Michigan delegates, the party does NOT have a declared candidate for the November general election.

The DNC rules committee is meeting this weekend on May 31st to decide on what to do with those pesky Florida and Michigan delegates. And, as some ‘Survivor’ viewers may attest – alliances do change; so can super-delegate pledges.

Until then - there are still two candidates running for the DNC presidential candidate spot.

I DID WAKE UP WITH A HANGOVER...

...and found my wet underwear in the pocket of the jeans I wore last night.

The question now is - were they put there during the party yesterday or after?

Curse alcohol amnesia..........

MEMORIAL DAY HAS BEEN SO MEMORIAL!

It is 1 am CST and I just came out of a shower after a FANTASTIC Memorial Weekend Party held in Rockford, Illinois. This party was a success because:

a) I am still drunk.

b) The food was INCREDIBLE

c) Alcohol flowed.

d) I ended up up in the pool willingly.

e) My conservative Republican friend ended up in the pool also, making me the winner of a $20 bet with the lesbians that he was too conservative not to jump in the pool.

f) I met a great guy from Spain that makes me believe that great guys still exist.

I do hope that I wake up in the morning without a hangover......

WHO IS HOTTER? You decide...

Spike TV is currently running a 'who is hotter' promo - so I decided to do my own version and cater to the heteros and Saphites of my viewers, giving them a little eye candy....(you can click on each pic for a larger view)....

So, who is hotter?

Meagan Good or.....

...Meagan Fox...?

Eva Mendes.......

....or Eva Longoria?

Jessica Alba....

...or Jessica Biel?

(And I've now confused everyone regarding which team I bat for....)

MORE PICTURES FROM A PEDETRIAN TOUR OF CHICAGO

Just a few more pictures I took during my "pedestrian tour" of the Windy City on Wednesday May 21. I've added web-links on points of interest in this great city.



















The statute of American hero Nathan Hale, stands on guard in front of the Tribune Building on Michigan Avenue.

A view of the John Hancock Building taken from the base of Chicago's Water Tower located on Michigan Avenue.

A memorial to America's sixteenth president Abraham Lincoln, located in picturesque surroundings of Grant Park .

The Wanderer in front of Buckingham Fountain..........

...and a closer view of the fountain.

And not trip would be complete without a visit to Chicago's Boys Town, replete with metal signposts on either side of the road proudly displaying the colors of the LGBT community..


For more information on visiting the Chicago - the Windy City or Second City - click here.

JAMAICAN PRIME MINISTER WRONGLY CRITICIZED FOR 'NO GAYS IN CABINET' COMMENT

Newly elected Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding stated during a recent interview on the BBC's Hard Talk program that he would not allow any gay person to be a member of his cabinet.

"That's a decision that I made ... that every Prime Minister makes. A prime minister must decide what he feels will represent to the Jamaican people a Cabinet of Ministers who will be able to discharge their responsibilities without fear, without favor, without intimidation. That's a choice that I had and I made that choice," said Prime Minister Golding.

Mr. Golding has been unfortunately vilified by various media by this very astute comment.

His statement was made in defense of the difficulty of governing various political districts in Jamaica, correctly rationalizing that (unfortunately) the Jamaican culture has absolutely no respect for homosexuals and would not follow the directions nor advice of any known LGBT person in Jamaican public service.

Prior to this statement Mr. Golding made it very clear that his selection of any cabinet minister would be based solely on the person's "merits and capabilities" and not on what they do in the privacy of their homes.

The moderator referenced recent articles regarding an incident in Mandeville, Jamaica whereas four men were chased out of their home resulting in casualties and a possible fatality. Mr. Golding replied that, "we (the ruling body) have given instructions that crimes against persons because of their sexual orientation must be pursued with the same vigor of any other crime.”

When confronted by the moderator that the police have not been enforcing those instructions Mr. Golding explained that "we do have a long-standing culture that is very opposed to homosexuality. I think that is changing. I believe there is greater acceptance now that people have different lifestyles, that their privacy must be respected."

Mr. Golding has also been criminalized for saying that Jamaica was not going to allow values to be imposed on it from outside.

“We (Jamaica) are going to have to determine that ourselves, and we are going to have to determine to what extent those values will adopt over time - to change in perception and to change in understanding as to how people live. But it can't be on the basis that lobby groups far and away from Jamaica will define for Jamaica how it must establish its own standards and its own morals.”

Mr. Golding was very effectively surmising how Jamaicans deal with internal social issues, and re-iterating that this was an issue that would take time and not instantly decided on or changed based on opinions by persons not familiar with Jamaican culture and society.

Mr. Golding, you handled this interview smartly, professionally, and without rancor. Your answers were rational, fair and balanced.

Well done.

To watch the complete interview click here.

STALEMATE OR STUBBORN? Clinton plans to hold on until June 3rd

The results of the May 20th primary are in and again the results are split - Clinton trumping Obama by over 30% in Kentucky - a state with over 4 million residents, versus Obama's 18% win over Clinton in Oregon - a state of 3.4 million. The delegate count (including super delegates) currently stands at Obama 1,962 versus Clinton's 1,777 with 2026 needed to clinch the DNC nomination. (Numbers courtesy of CNN's Election Center)

At this time Obama clearly has an unbeatable lead in delegate count but again the argument is beginning to surface with regards to his electability when pitted against John McCain. Some pundits suggest that disillusioned Clinton supporters may chose to either not vote in the November election, or switch support to John McCain rather than vote for Obama.

One can not forget what happened in the 2004 elections: John Kerry (another junior senator) won the DNC nomination, but could not deliver the presidency. Some registered Democrats did not feel he was a strong enough candidate on the issues and failed to convince the swing voters and independents – thereby giving a second win to G.W. Bush.

Clinton's argument is she CAN win the large states and has a strong following with the working class and the Hispanic vote (the largest minority) - a feat Obama has yet to master. His win in the delegate count has been on the backs of the less populous states - if he is sanctioned as the DNC candidate - will he still have the 'rock star' appeal to deliver them again? Also, will he alienate Clinton voters in large urban areas if he is declared the DNC presidential candidate?

Obama's wild card could be independents and swing voters - he appeals to them and they may be the group to court during the weeks leading up to Super Tuesday in November.

One area of uncertainty - we have yet to see how Obama performs in a debate against John McCain. Although Obama is a polished, confident and strong speaker when presenting a prepared speech, he has a tendency to come across as hesitant and struggling when put on the spot in live one-and-one debates. This is one area that Clinton has shined - during debates she regularly comes across decisive, articulate and very determined.

With all of these elements for both DNC candidate hopefuls we really have to ask ourselves – is Clinton’s determination to stick it out until June the act of one who feels she has a better chance at the general elections, or one who refuses to back down because everyone says she should?

Stalemate or stubborn – you decide.

QUICK PICTORIAL OF PEDESTRIAN TOUR OF CHICAGO

I just got in from my visit to the city and wanted to share a few pictures before I do a report - it has been a long, LONG day with a lot of walking - but so worth it.....












A view of the Wriggly Building (left) and the Tribune Building (to the rear) from across the Chicago River.

A view of the Trump International Hotel and Tower under construction. Upon completion the the tower will be 92 stories tall and will be the tallest residential building in the world.

This modern sculpture is located in front of the NBC Tower beside the Tribune Building; shot from this angle it looks like Zeus long down on the city..
















A view of the skyline reflected in the Chicago Bean....





















One of the faces in shown in the Crown Fountain spitting water to cool the wary traveler visiting Millennium Park.


More to come tomorrow.....

"I'm going to a town..."

Today I have a friend visiting from the sunny isle of Jamaca. They've never been to the Windy City before so I am doing the tour-guide thing and showing them around the Second City - the lake shore area, the museums, the skyscrapers - the entire nine yards.

Of course this will be done all from the comfort of a speeding car - the only way to get in at least 30% of the sights of such a large city!

Maybe even a visit to Boystown to see what the merry lads are up to? Then again, the highs today may only reach 60 and if there's no shirtless, hot lads to see - what's the point?

(The food, the ambiance, the architecture, the lakefront......doofus.......)

A PERFECT REASON WHY I LOVE B&W PHOTOS

Tissue for your drool, anyone? I think this is THE template that God was thinking of when he created Adam - we're just bad mutations of such ideals. Meanwhile, here is the perfect female version............and I've met only ONE perfect copy of this version......

Just WHAT is in the Obama Kool-Aid?

(Earlier this afternoon, during the first episode of Star Trek: Voyager on Spike TV)

*knock knock*

(Frantic scampering and barking by the furry roommate)

I got up from my prone position on the couch, grabbed the manic mutt barking furiously by the front door and locked him in the bathroom.

I peeked through the peephole before opening and was not surprised to see a young girl, around 13 years old, standing at my front door, arms akimbo.

“Yes,” I asked, expecting a question about my furry roommate (who fascinated young children) or fund-raising candies being hawked.

“Why are you voting for Hilary Clinton?”

I was taken aback. I knew she was referring to my bumper sticker boldly posted in my bedroom window declaring in vain – HILARY FOR PRESIDENT – but for someone to knock on my door and ask could be interpreted as an invasion of privacy…or a chance to find out first hand information from a young Obama supporter.

I decided to go for the latter. “I LIKE Clinton – why do you ask?”

“Well, you need to vote for Obama and not Clinton…”

I was a bit concerned at the blind zeal with which that statement was delivered but responded in a neutral manner. “Well, if and when he is formally made the candidate, THEN I will support him in November, but let me ask you something – why don’t you like Clinton?”

The young girl made a face and began to walk away while answering, “Ugh! I just…..ugh!” She made a gesture of frustration with both hand, pretending to strangle someone. “I just can’t STAND her…”

“Why not?” I called out after her.

“You just need to vote for Obama, okay?” came the reply as she dragged her companion (who wanted me to bring out my furry roommate). She gave me a last disapproving look as if she gave an ultimatum before leaving toward the far end of the complex.

“I will,” I repeated firmly but friendly, “when he is made the official candidate.” I waved a friendly goodbye.

As I closed the door I thought, “just what the hell IS in the Obama Kool-Aid his supporters drink?”

THE BEGINNING OF THE LAST (AND FINAL) PHASE OF THE GAY RIGHTS MOVEMENT?

Last Thursday's ruling by the California Supreme Court to legalize gay marriages in that state seems to have continued the slow wave of acceptance washing across the U.S.: today came news that Miami-Dade county commissioners voted 8-4 to recognize domestic partnerships between unmarried couples that not only cover county employees in regards to employee benefits, but also allows unmarried couples - gay or straight- to register for visits to their partners in county hospitals and correctional facilities. This vote follows other counties in South Florida that have had similar polices in effect for years.

Florida can be viewed as a litmus test for other townships, counties and other such governing bodies as it was the state that had a much publicized ban on certain gay rights due to the (misguided) efforts of the opinionated Anita Bryant in the late '70s. If Florida can change, maybe middle-America can also.

These recent rulings may also be a sign of acceptance of the LGBT community in large populated areas across the U.S. Turn on your television and you see gay leading characters in top-rated prime time series on the number two television network – ABC; the success of the LGBT oriented channel LOGO and other such programming on major movies channels such as Showtime (backed by the number one network CBS), the recognition and financial success of major motion pictures with LGBT themes such as Brokeback Mountain, Capote, and future projects such as Milk based on the life of openly gay California official Harvey Milk, could indicate that maybe the public – and more importantly corporate America - IS finally considering the LGBT community as part of mainstream America.

We could probably be seeing the start of the final chapter in the gay rights movement, leading hopefully, to a time in the (not too distant future) where the term "gay rights movement" may be seen as redundant.

CLINTON FOR TWO-THOUSAND AND......TWELVE?

Tomorrow, primaries will be held in the states of Kentucky and Oregon for both the Democrats and Republicans. While John McCain will be going through the motions (being the defacto candidate for the Republican party), this will be the turning point for both the Clinton and Obama campaigns. Tomorrow will either solidify the candidacy for Barack Obama, or it could possibly throw a floating straw to Hilary Clinton.

Although the press and pundits have already written off Ms Clinton one can shake a finger and say, "remember New Hampshire..."

Stranger things have happened and until the DNC convention convenes in late summer a presidental candidate can not declare themselves the winner. Just one incident can change the outcome, and it's still along way to August.

One could muse that Obama winning the candidacy could be a good thing for Hilary Clinton, and a bad thing for the DNC.

If Obama is selected as the candidate and goes on to win the presidency but fail to deliver on his prose and promises, he will be seen as a classic example of the DNC failing to deliver in a time of need - long on words, short on action. Clinton could, at that time, ratify herself as the one that should have been chosen because of her experience and 'pit bull' stance and go on as a strong candidate for the 2012 election.

Then again, Obama could live up to his rhetoric and actually live up to be the hope and change that many Americans are looking for.

As for John McCain's chances in the November general election I'll use an old saying (in Jamaican vernacular) "new broom sweep clean, but old broom know corner", be prepared for the old guard to bare teeth and growl at the young dawg.

DAZED AND CONFUSED

Yesterday while playing my 96th set of Solitaire on the computer I absentmindedly observed my furry roommate climbing the arm of the couch up onto the back to be closer - and higher behind me. Weighing only thirteen pounds and being the size of a large cat - this was something he did on a regular basis. I've accepted this as his attempt to compensate for his size: his being on top of the back of the couch when I was in it brought him up to my eye-level and gave him delusions of being the alpha male - a role we rotated on a weekly basis.

I returned to my losing streak with the computer when I suddenly heard from behind a frantic scratching, then a small THUD.

"Phelix! You alright boogie?!" I called out as I quickly jumped up and looked behind the couch.

There, looking directly in to the plant spotlight, between the terra cotta pot and the surge protectors was the slightly dazed dashi. I swear, all I could think of was, "don't look into the light, don't look into the light!" My second thought as I picked up the now docile creature between small giggles was "THAT'LL teach you to climb up the couch and ursup my position!"

Should I've been more concerned instead of laughing my ass off at the confused look on the face of my furry tormentor?

ANOTHER GRAY DAY IN CHI-TOWN

Today began as usual - same ole', same ole'. Got out of bed, stretched, wiped the crud from my eyes and pondered, "dear God, what am I going to do today?" I thumped the bed trying to rouse the 13lb hairy mutt I shared my apartment with who slept in his own world under my bed.

"Oi dog," I called as I thumped the bed repeatedly, "wake up ya' lazy bugger...."

From the depths of the ragged comforter which he daily burrowed into for rest came the deep growl of a very cranky animal. He sounded worse than I do when I realize I actually have to wake up and face reality.

"Ah, screw you," I said as I walked to the bathroom to go through my usual ritual.

As I stood performing mandatory bodily morning functions I remembered the noxious fumes that woke me during the night. "I don't know what I'm feed that damn dog," I thought as I washed my face in an attempt to remove traces of sleep from my mind and spirit.

I shuffled into the kitchen to make a cup of coffee I glanced outside and noted that although it was well after nine in the morning outside was lite with a bleak sky.

"Great," I thought, "just another friggin' gray day in Chicago..now what?"