Get Real Review

Dear Jack,

Just saw Get Real, and here's what I thought:

Michael and I watched this the other night. This is probably one of my favorites so far, with regards to gay movies. The acting was actually decent, the plot was averagely complicated, and the characters were likable.

The story was very realistic, a private school setting in England where the unpopular, closeted, gay boy crosses upon the athletic, even more closeted, head boy. Other than it being about gay teenagers, I saw no reason for it to be rated "R"...but it seems the family groups are in charge of the rating systems rather than logical people. There was no sex, barely one shot of one butt for less than a second, little violence, and very little bad language.

All around I recommend this movie.

Failure to Launch not Complete Failure

Dear Jack,

Just saw Failure to Launch and here are my thoughts:

So I saw this ONLY because of McConaughey. And for the most part, it was worth it. The biggest problem other than the obvious predictability of the plot, was the weird inclusion of animals biting Matthew with an undeveloped plot understanding that nature was mad at Matthew for not moving out of the house.

I also wish there were more scenes with shirts off and men prancing around in towels...well Matthew prancing with a towel...and maybe one of his buds.

New Job

Dear Jack,

Well today I began a new job through Winston. I am working at Amalgamated Bank. The people there are very friendly, and I think this will be a decent assignment.

I wish something had gone through with the Episcopal Church Center, but so far I've heard nothing whatsoever. I guess I will just do my best with this job, and see if anything comes of it.

Other than that, there is not much new going on.

Michael's Birthday was on St. Patrick's Day, and we celebrated twice. On Friday, I cooked dinner and baked a cake. Dan, one of our new friends, as well as Dean and Jason. I think it went well. Then on Sunday, after Church, Michael and I met Bob and Brendan at Spice in Manhattan for lunch. So we were nearly able to see all our friends for Mike's Birthday, 'cept Empy, Kim, Josh, and Albert who were unable to make it...all had good excuses.

Well that is all for now.

Disolving Diocesan Bonds

Dear Jack,

Well it looks like it is nearing the time where it will be necessary for me to disolve my bonds to the Diocese of Atlanta. It looks like the process is at an end with the possible chance that I may be allowed to return to Atlanta for further discernment. Since I cannot go to Atlanta, I will probably be let go from the process and allowed to pursue it up here, where I can start from scratch in the discernment process.

It seems like a pitty that a professor or two and some caniving students (now priests) could lead me to such reversal in my process. Ironically, I feel glad to start over up here, and look forward to the process--not so much to see if I feel called but to re-validate a calling I have felt all along.

It is Ash Wednesday, and now begins Lent. My prayers are to find some way to accept he situation without any bitterness towards those that prompted it. Indeed not the Bishop, for I hold nothing against him except a dormancy in communication--he is making what he can out of a situation that has been handed to him--more the students and professors involved, who I hope had no idea of the consequences to me.

This is no end, this is only the beginning of a new chapter. And I still have high hopes.

Church Sweet Church

Dear Jack,

Well yesterday, Michael and I were welcomed officially to the community at St. Bart's on Park Avenue. This came on a long day where St. Bart's Singers joined the Choiristers and St. Bart's Choir to sing a Missa Brevis by Mozart too. Bob and Dean came also. After the service Bob and one of our choir friends named Michael joined us for lunch. We ate at a mediocre diner on 2nd Ave.

After eating and having a good time talking, Michael and I went with Bob to a Barnes and Noble and hung out there for about two hours. I ended up purchasing an Are You Being Served DVD.

Dean had a friend (also named Michael) come into town. I didn't care for him, as he seemed to want to slut around. He asked me for some justification for his "lifestyle", apparently equating being gay with being a sleazy person. I told him to look at the Bible and see if it addresses Monogamous, Loving, relationships between men. I sort of avoided the answer he was looking for, because there is no way I can or would justify sleeping around as appropriate and condoned lifestyle for anyone, gay or straight. This Michael took Dean to a bathouse and to a private viewing section of a porno store and didn't understand why Dean did not want to do anything there. He did not get that Dean has standards and is not about sleeping around--he doesn't get that there are many other gay men who want to have a Real relationship--not just one-night stands and mindless casual sex with strangers. I'm proud of Dean, although I wouldn't expect any less from him. He has a good heart and a good head on his shoulders. This Michael also further disgusted me when we learned he has a boyfriend to boot. He says he wants to move here, but I hope he does not.

I tend to be a rather tolerant person, especially with regards to other people's misbehavior. I have no respect for infidelity, and a bankrupt stockpile of sympathy for the unfaithful. I do not think that sleeping around is safe, healthy (spiritually, emotionally, physically), or condonable. That being said, I do understand some of the many reasons that cause people to do it. Regardless, when in a relationship with someone one should be faithful--Gay or Straight.

In the end it hurts the movement for Gay Marriage with infidelity. The same is true of heterosexuals who are unfaithful--it is a mockery of marriage too. And indeed those who are the men and women slept with--what do you think you are going to get out of it? If the person could not be faithful with the one, what makes you think they will be faithful with you?

Not all relationships are meant to be. That does not justify infidelity--that justifies fixing or ending the relationship. Infidelity adds to the schism and emotional backlash between the people, and stretches thinly the soul of the one being unfaithful.

Mid Feb

Dear Jack,

It is mid February and I am still at 815. Looking at the work, I may have a week or two more. I hope to get hired through HR or at least placed here in another area. There isn't much going on really. Mike and I had a good Valentine's Day. I made some steaks and scallops, and he bought me some chocolates.

Dean is a joy of a friend to have around up here. This week he inspired me. Some people at the grocery store were grumpy--well bitchy is more exact. Anyways, he just says "You need to smile because God loves you and so do I." Now had I said something like that, or had Michael, we would probably have a black eye, but Dean said it. The lady was polite to him. Now it doesn't always work that way--the ladies at Pathmark apparently are not as easily charmed, as Dean did not get the same reaction there.

Ob la de Ob la da

Dear Jack,

It is the day before Valentine's Day, and I am blessed to be celebrating it with Michael again. I must admit that I feared that Michael and I would not be together this time last year. If you recall, he had not come out yet to his parents, and we had to hide our relationship from them. So much has happened since then, and we are open, and together and I am the happiest man alive.

This past week Dean P. drove up in a U-Haul with his friend Amy (cool woman). He found an apartment right above us in the same building. It has been great having a good and friendly and funny friend living so close by. I hope he doesn't get annoyed with us ;-).

This past weekend brought on a blizzard. I loved it--but then again I don't have to shovel it or drive in it. Dean remarked "I always wished it would snow up to my ass, I just didn't think it would ever happen." This was the biggest snow on record here in New York: 26-28 inches they say. There is also word that more snow is on the way. Yeah Winter--about damn time you showed up.

Prayers for Grandpa Hohne, Joe, Bobbie, Wanda, Tommy, and Jason.

Solidarity With Denmark

Dear Jack,

I find myself amazed at the current escalation in the Muslim regions of the world over the cartoons published in Denmark. In the fall, a Danish newspaper decided to demonstrate in satire "intollerance" in the Islamic world. To do this, they had cartoonists draw some political, racy cartoons that not only depicted Islam in a less than shiny light. In addition, some cartoons included drawings of the Prophet Mohammud. In Islamic faith it is blasphemy to depict images of God or "God's Prophet".

I repeat the reason it was done was to emphasize the lack of tolleration in Islam. Within the past few weeks, several other newspapers in several other countries have republished the articles. France, Belgium, Yemen, Egypt, Germany, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, and the US---not all European, but mostly. This appearently brought further attention to the articles. What has happened since may be a key point in our history.

Several nations have withdrawn their ambassadors from Denmark. The Government of Denmark was asked to apologize for the newspaper's publishing, and to infringe on the freedom of the Press to publish such cartoons. Denmark responded with saying the cartoons were out of taste, but that the government could not and would not infringe on Freedom of the Press. AMEN.

Throughout the world, violent protests have broken out. In Syria and Lebanon, Embassies were burned to the groud along with any Danish, US, Israeli (how they got dragged in is beyond me), French, German, Polish, British flag they could find. Iran has issued a ban on Danish goods. Threats are rising, and even today there is violent protest.

I scan the newspapers and read the blogs and news agencies online and find pictures of burning flags and buildings. I see signs saying "Was 9/11 not a good enough sign?" and "Remember 7/7" among "Denmark will see the real holocaust".

What gets me most, is that this is over cartoon depictions in a NON Muslim country for NON Muslims. I cannot deny they were in bad taste, but it is not like they were posting them on the door of a Mosque. Indeed one might consider the many anti-Jewish cartoons that have been and continue to be published in the Middle East depicting Jews as blood-sucking evil people trying to control the world. Yet one does not see Israel or the followers of Judaism burning flags, and rushing embassies, and declaring death threats on innocent civilians from those countries.

One need not even mention the plethra of horrific cartoons and "art" regarding Christianity. I remind you of the elephant crap madonna and child. I didn't see any war like threats issued from the Vatican then.

What disgusts me the most is the disregard of the moderate Muslims by the fundamentalists. I think a Muslim should be offended by the cartoons, yes. I do not think they should react in violence and hatred. Most Moderate Muslims, I've found, agree, as they are protesting both sides of the issues. A quintessential image that comes to mind is an image caught on camera for CNN of two Muslim clerics trying to stop the demonstrators, being stoned by their own people for speaking peace.

Things are out of control.

What surprises me the most is the lack of information I am finding on either the GOP or Democratic websites regarding this. One would think that at least one of the two parties would have an opinion. We get quotations by rumsfeld from German papers about Iran and AIEA, but nothing of the cartoons. I found a quotation from our President that was reported as if it were a side issue saying that it was wrong to do the pictures, but falling short of showing Solidarity for Denmark and the Freedom of the Press.

What I do not know is the future. The Governor of New Mexico spoke of the pivitol place we stand, with Iran not cooperating with AIEA and the UN or the EU, with a terroist involved in the USS Cole boming free, with the Hamas in Palestine--I fear there may be some larger altercation.

I have never called myself an enemy of Islam--in fact I am intrigued by it. But I am afraid of some of it's followers.

Elijah Puss Day

Dear Jack,

It appears that my kitty in Georgia, Elijah Puss, has disappeared. He has not come home since Monday, according to my mother. I hope he is not dead, but only out too long. Mom is depressed about it. Elijah was her favorite among the animals at the house. Hallie, luckily, seems too intimidated by the outside to stay out long.

The Ladies Have Left the Building

Dear Jack,

Well today was the last day for my co-workers. The assignment is winding down, and they were let go. I, on the other hand, have two more weeks at least here, in addition Joe (my boss) is going to see what he can do to find a placement for me here, either with the agency, or some other way. I hope to solidify an appointment with HR to also discuss this, but am waiting on someone from that department to return my messages. I checked in again today.

I will miss Shastia and Alma, but Catora was mean towards me, although I am uncertain what caused it. Despite the fact I'll probably never see her again, I feel sad that Catora was mean and didn't even say good bye. To quote the old addage, "God bless them in their future endeavors", and all that jazz.

State of the Union

Dear Jack,

Last night was the State of the Union, given in its usual pomp and grandeur at the Capital building. I am not certain how I feel about all of it, as there was so much to digest. The imperialism doesn't exactly bother me, although many of my democrat friends probably did not like that. I found the initiatives for the decrease in fossil fuel from the Middle East very good--I only hope it works. I am uncertain what Bush meant by 'Activist Judges' with regards to 'Deigning Marriage', as it sounds like the usual crap regarding that. I wish they'd just let us gay people be normal rather than abstract "activists".

The Democratic Response was horribly delivered. I was more distracted by the Governor's lack of cohesive sentences and oddly raised eyebrow, that I could not take any thing he said seriously. It came across as "Democrats are Good, the Administration is bad, There is a Better Way, and it is doing what we did in Virginia". I don't want our government to be Virginia. That's not saying I am happy with the way things are run, but it's still better than a commonwealth state.

I was shocked that Caleb had not watched it, but he, like myself, does not like the clapping that continuously interrupts the speech. I wish they'd save their applause to the end.

End of the Month

Dear Jack,

Well it is the end of January all ready. 1/12 of the year has already past. It is moving too quickly. I still haven't heard back from Jeff C. regarding visiting Georgia with a Buddy Pass. It is sort of aggravating, as I can't plan ahead much and get Michael's ticket.

Dean will be moving here within the week. I'm excited about it, as it will be nice to have another friend nearby, especially one as friendly and funny as him. He will be coming probably on Thursday or Friday, driving. I don't envy the trip.

Father Dan is going to talk with the Bishop about finding out what all I should be doing during my time off, as I've still heard nothing from Atlanta about what my responsibilities and expectations are during my sabbatical. It would be helpful to have some idea other than "gain life experience".

Today is pretty boring--it is cold outside, but hot in here, and I am falling asleep as I work, bored out of my mind, and sick of reading checks and inputting data. I need a long weekend already again.

It is sad to note that Mrs. King died today. There is not much more to say to that, other than I hope the legacy lives on in the children.

St. Bart's has been going well. Albeit Michael and I have to get up at the crack of dawn on Sunday to sing in the choir, we both enjoy it. Last week we went to a parish presentation with a guy who claimed to have found "positive" insight on his "fundamentalist" background. I was disappointed, as he didn't seem to speak anything positive, nor share a common "fundamentalist" background. In addition he kept on labeling everything, and sat there smug, as though his whole life were hurt, and as though he were an expert on all forms of fundamentalism and evangelicalism. The priest, who often comes off as very liberal to me, even said, "We Episcopalians should be careful not to wrongly and arrogantly assume that we are better or more mature because of our understanding". And with that the speaker then said just the opposite, saying that universalism is the more mature faith. It was very disappointing.

Later that day, Michael and I attended a the LGBT group (all but one were gay men...most over 35). The speaker there was Raymond Bagnuolo, who was recently ordained in the Presbyterian Church being open about his homosexuality. It was very interesting to say the least. Mike H. and Steven from Choir were also there, so it appears they too are gay. I'm guessing only our section leader isn't. LOL.

Josh N. should be in town visiting Jason N. this weekend, and we are all supposed to meet up. I look forward to friend time.

One Year

Dear Jack,

A year ago (and a few days) Michael and I started dating. I cannot think of any time when I would want to have been without him. He is my true love and greatest joy.

Last night was Mozart's Birthday, and although I'm not a huge fan, not like Michael, I made reservations to Cafe Mozart to celebrate. The food was not that bad, not exceptional... but well worth it. Ironically, they celebrated Mozart's birthday the day before it...we couldn't figure it out either. Thus rather than hearing a Sonata, we heard piano jazz by some college kid with a chester-chester-child-molester mustache.

Being able, I had Vienna Schintzel and Sacher Torte with fresh mint tea. Mike had a champagne cream sauce covered Schnitzel and a Carrot Cake with a cub of Turkish Coffee. It was great.

I can't wait till this is our 50th year, and I can type about this here in this blog. (assuming computers are not obsolete by then LOL).

JOB

Dear Jack,

Apparently some places hire you if you know someone in the upper management. Other places find your familiarity with employees intolerable and tell you "we cannot hire you because you are linked to So-And-So". I wish I could find the first scenario. Alas, I've been denied a job because it would be in the same department as Michael. It doesn't matter that they are desperate for help, or that I am more than qualified, nor that Michael and I are not yet partners. We are too close for comfort apparently. And thus I still have no decent job, and soon will be moved from this assignment.

The New World Review

Dear Jack,

Here's my review of The New World:

I just got back from this movie. I liked it and Michael did not. The worst part of the movie is the length and lack of editorial skills by the Editor. It dragged on for two and a half hours to tell a story that could have been done in an hour and a half if not less.

Although it was very historically correct, it lacked the ability to engage the audience into caring about it.

I am uncertain why, but they never mention the name Pocahontas except in the ending credits. Neither do they mention John Rolfe, although he is one of the main figures. The only clearly named person was John Smith. The rest of the characters were left to those who knew the story to begin with. If you are unfamiliar with the Virginia colony, you will be completely lost as to who the people are.

What is sad about this movie, is that being so long and so unengaging, the masses will not like it. In fact, as the final credits appeared, the audience let out a sigh of relief that the movie was over.

Colin Ferrel did a decent job, although his character was never really developed, and he spent most of his time looking confused--one could make a connection between him and Russell Crowe and some of his movies.

The actress who played Pocohantas (I'm sorry, but I'm just too lazy to look it up) was exceptional. I only wish the movie were up to par with her acting.

James Horner should be shot for his atrocious sound track which consisted mostly of a chord building upon itself with French Horns to make noise.

If you are able to sit through long movies, with minimal changes in view, and minimal engagement you may like it. I did, but I have a special place in my heart for Colin and for Colonial America.