David Cook

David Cook is the new American Idol by 12 million votes. Frankly, I am a little surprise because David Archuleta seems to be the clear winner. The judges seems to think so. Surprise I may have been, but not disappointed. I believe both finalists are good artist and either one deserve to win. Congratulations David Cook. Congratulations David Archuleta.

(pic from accesshollywood.com)

Pet Peeve - toppling soda bottles

I hate buying 2 liters soda. First they are so heavy and second, they topple so easily. Who designed the bottom of these plastic soda bottle to be grooved and shaped like a flower? It could barely stand on its own on a flat surface. And if you put 2 or 3 of them in grocery plastic bags, they almost always topple.

2 down, 48 to go.

Last May 15, 2008, the Supreme Court of California overturned the ban on same-sex marriage in effect making it legal. This is the second State to do so following Massachusetts who legalized same-sex marriage in May 17, 2004. Outside of the USA, same sex-marriage is legal in Quebec, Ontario, Netherlands, Belgium and British Columbia. This is definitely good news for gay equal rights fight. The rights and obligations attached to a marriage should be available to anybody regardless of race, religious belief, class or sexual orientation. And I am not even talking about a religious marriage but a civil marriage. Those religions who want to ban gay marriage in their own organization can do so. No me importa!
Well, I better find a BF so we can go to California and get married. Or better yet, my dear gay cousin and his long time partner in California could get married so I will have the excuse to attend my first ever gay wedding!

Pet Peeve - overtaking on the right.

I am telling you all, driving is a rich source of vexation. I am sharing another one of my pet peeve when I am driving.
I am sure you guys have seen an intersection where there is an extra right lane either for the bus stop or the right turn lane. Some crazy and impatient drivers have the habit of going to the right lane during a red light and then zooming to over take from the right the car on their left when the lights turn green. Same thing can happen on a 4 way stop. Can't they wait for their turn just like the rest of us? That is just plain annoying! Oh how I hope they get ticketed for that behavior. If only I am Harry Potter, I would use my wand to jinx their car in an instant. Then I would be expelled from Hogwarts. I think it is worth it...

Sharapova being a diva

spoMaria Sharapova made a big bruhaha about two weeks ago when the WTA asked her to do some publicity photo shot before the Italian Open. She posted her displeasure in her website stating that the photo shoot is a distraction and that she wants to prepare for her game. She added that the WTA threatened to fine her $300,000 if she refuse to participate in the photo shoot. A statement by the WTA state that this is one of her obligation along with other players and she knows that.

Well I say she is just being a big diva. She may be ranked number 1 due to the retirement of Henin, but expecting to be treated differently from other players is just plain devoid of class.

The WTA and Sharapova eventually reached a compromise where the photo shoot was reduced to 90 minutes instead of several hours. Even with the compromise, she still compained about it. What do you know...

Are we afraid of our children?

"In desperate housewives, Lynnette end up adopting, along with Tom, the love child (Kaila) Tom had before they were married. Kaila lives with them now and the show has made her character to be a very evil one. She is perhaps around 10-12 years old and yet she is capable of being a conniving little girl. She tricked her younger half brothers to jumped off the roof and burn a pizza place. When Lynnette brought her to the psychologist to correct her attitude and behaviour towards her half brothers, she threatened Lynnette to go to the police and tell that the boys burned the pizza place. When Lynnette brought her shopping to bond (per suggestion of the counselor), she intentionally acted bratty and demanded to have the expensive outfit. She also demanded to have ice cream and when Lynnette refused cause it's almost dinner time, she maliciously threatened to trick her brothers again to do something heinous. Lynnette was taken aback and gave Kaila a slapped in the face. She then immediately apologized and was mortified with herself. Tom was furious that Lynnette slapped Kaila."

Was Lynnette wrong in slapping Kaila?
>Absolutely NOT. Kaila knew exactly that she was being a very bad girl and there was malice in her intent. She deserved to be punished. Perhaps next time she will think twice about her actions in FEAR of another slapping.

Was there another way of punishing Kaila?
>Sure, there are plenty of ways to punish a wrong doer. But the key is will they learn from their mistake? Will they fear the punishment enough that will deter them from doing the wrong thing again? The punishment has to be severe enough to instill good behavior. Just look at the Military. Why do you think the soldiers don't misbehave? Because they fear the punishment and repercussion of their actions.

Should we never use corporal punishment to very naughty children?
>Absolutely NOT. Corporal punishment is a very effective way of punishing. The key is to know when to use it. The key is to know how much of it is enough. Our society has altogether frown upon corporal punishment because of potential for abuse. Yes I agree completely. There is a fine line between just punishing your child physically and being physically abusive. But most parents love their children to know the difference. Don't let the few abusers ruin it for the rest of non-abusers.

Are we adults afraid of children?
>A qualified YES. You hear of children threatening their parents to report them to the police when they don't like the punishment. Teachers can not maintain proper discipline in the classroom because the children have no fear. Children being disrespectful to adults verbally because they know that they can get away with it. It is so sad. I am glad that I will likely never be a parent cause I know I can never raise a child in this climate.

Memorial day is IML in Chicago.

For 30 years now, Chicago has been the host to IML which stands for International Mr. Leather. It is primarily a gay mans event but some ladies do participate. Leather enthusiast all over the world (mostly North America and Europe) gather to Chicago on Memorial Day weekend to celebrate their love for leather and the leather lifestyle. It is not only all about leather, some fetishes like S&M, Daddies/son, piercing, tattoos, uniforms and sports outfits are also celebrated. For this IML, Hyatt Regency Chicago is again the host hotel. There are events, booths, demonstrations and socialization going on in the hotel for the 4-5 days of the event starting Thursday till Monday. The event organizer usually buys out a big chunk of the hotel rooms for the IML participants. Some portion of the hotel will be block off to the general public and there will be signs warning the unsuspecting guest of the possible "shockers" they might encounter in the hotel premisses. Definitely not a sight for little Suzie and little Michael with their Baptist parents from Peducah Kentucky to behold. Of course the gay leather bars (Eagle, Touche and Cell block) in Chicago will entertain to the max of their capacity guests all over the world. Usually these bars are never filled to the point that you could barely move around inside but during IML they are. Bus loads of leather daddies, masters, slaves, bears and otters will be transported to and from the bars and host hotel. And let me just say that "unmentionable" things do occur in these bars during IML. Other regular gay bars will have leather themed events going on too during that weekend. On top of those things happening in the bars and host hotel, there are circuit dance events going on too and of course the International Mr. Leather contest. Ah definitely a holiday weekend for me to stay in Chicago.
(pic from the IML website)

Voltes 5 in concert.

This Japanese singer named LOLA rocks as she sings the opening credit to voltes v. I am excessively diverted.

Luke MacFarlane

I love that show "Brothers and Sisters" in ABC and one of the reason behind it is the gay sub storyline they have about Kevin and Scotty. Scotty is being played by the very handsome Luke MacFarlane. He is Canadian born actor based in LA who studied at the The Juilliard School. He played some off broadway roles and now is a recurring character of "Brothers and Sisters" as Scotty. They just got "married" in the show which is very refreshing to see. Luke is an openly out gay actor who is now seen in LA hanging with TR Knight who is also openly out gay actor of ABC's "Grey's Anatomy". I wonder if they are dating....
(pics above from farandoo.com, gayrightswatch.com and tvguide.com respectively)

Countries I have Visited