2002 Caymus Connundrum (white)
A very distinctive and fun white. Intense nose of lychee, honeysuckle, and custard. Though the label doesn't say, I'm betting there's some Viognier, Moscato, and Chardonnay in the blend. Maybe even some Gewurztraminer. Soft, round, and medium-bodied in the mouth, with persistent flavors of ripe grapes, minerals, and flowers. Not completely dry, but close. Very nice and memorable. 91. This was a gift from Christmas 2004, so I don't know what it cost.
2003 Domaine St. Antoine Costieres de Nimes Rosé
Fairly dark color for a rosé. Sweet, ripe watermeolon, grape scents, with hints of tomato skin and steely minerals. Very round and soft in the mouth, with low-ish acidity -- yet still fresh tasting. Very flavorful, softer style of rosé. 87. (And drink up, as this is going to start downhil soon). About $9 at Richard's on San Felipe.
This is yet another of the rosés from the south of France imported by Robert Kacher. He must bring in at least a half dozen of them, and they are always among the best rosés of the given vintage.
This is yet another of the rosés from the south of France imported by Robert Kacher. He must bring in at least a half dozen of them, and they are always among the best rosés of the given vintage.
2004 Pascal & Nicolas Reverdy Sancerre "Les Coutes" (Loire, France)
Outstanding Sauvignon Blanc from the chalky soil of the upper Loire. Pale gold/straw color with greenish glints. Gorgeous (and textbook) nose of flowers, citrus, grapes and chalky minerals. Even a peachy-appley component is there. In truth, the nose immediately transported me to France (I drank a lot of Sancerre, both white and red, in Paris in '85). None of the overly-herbal, grassy or even "cat pee" scents that some folks mistakenly think Sancerre is supposed to have. Only unripe Sancerre has that sort of funky stuff going on.
In the mouth, bright, vibrant appley-mineral flavors prevail, with lemons and steely minerals on the finish. Dry as a bone, yet round and soft in the mouth. In short, ripeness, concentration, and balance are all present. Superb. 91. Was $19.99 at Spec's Warehouse on Smith.
PS -- How many Sancerre wine families are named Reverdy? Must be at least a dozen.
In the mouth, bright, vibrant appley-mineral flavors prevail, with lemons and steely minerals on the finish. Dry as a bone, yet round and soft in the mouth. In short, ripeness, concentration, and balance are all present. Superb. 91. Was $19.99 at Spec's Warehouse on Smith.
PS -- How many Sancerre wine families are named Reverdy? Must be at least a dozen.
2003 Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Fume Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)
This is ALWAYS one of the best buys in a complex, balanced, drinkable white in the marketplace. I'll have to describe this one from memory, since my notes on this vanished -- a rare occurrence in my orderly, uncluttered house. . . . NOT.
Chateau St. Jean always gets the oak quality and oak level just right on this wine, year after year. Gorgeous grapey-lanolin nose with bright floral scents and beautifully integrated, subtle high quality toastiness from the barrel aging. Powerful flavors of grapes, honeydew melon, toast and earth. Long finish. In addition to its wide availability, this wine is frequently available at substantial discounts. I got mine a couple of weeks ago at Randall's on Weslayan for $8.99. A steal and a half. 90.
Chateau St. Jean always gets the oak quality and oak level just right on this wine, year after year. Gorgeous grapey-lanolin nose with bright floral scents and beautifully integrated, subtle high quality toastiness from the barrel aging. Powerful flavors of grapes, honeydew melon, toast and earth. Long finish. In addition to its wide availability, this wine is frequently available at substantial discounts. I got mine a couple of weeks ago at Randall's on Weslayan for $8.99. A steal and a half. 90.
2002 Louis Jadot Rully (White Burgundy)
Blech. Mercifully weak nose of oxidation, acetone, and a vague whiff of chemical infused pears. Flavors not quite as bad, with more pears, but still not pleasurable. Something wrong with this puppy. Can't tell if it was poorly-stored or poorly-made. Either way, 15 bucks down the drain. 55.
Mayo Family Winery 2001 Ricci Vineyard Zinfandel Port (Russian River Valley)
Interesting, but a disappointment. Straightforward, ripe, simple stewed raspberries and earth on the nose. Fleshy and sweet, but lighter and simpler in the mouth than I had hoped. Eh. 76.
2004 Cousino-Macul Riesling "Dona Isadora" (Maipo Valley, Chile)
87. I like this one a lot. It's a really good value in an Alsace-style Riesling. Intense nose of earthy-minerally scents, limes, and green apple. Really nice persistence in the mouth. In the crisp, dry style, this would be great with shellfish or shrimp. About $9 a bottle at Whole Foods on Bellaire.
1998 Gary Farrell Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
My bud Robert brought this over for dinner last night, and it was a real refresher course in Zinfandel's aging curve. Deep color, with a tad of lightening at the rim. Not identifiable as a Zinfandel. If I were to have been served this blind, I would have guessed it was a mature Barbaresco. Intensely winey, leathery nose, with some fruit hanging in there underneath, but not the spicy raspberries that mark a young Zin. After a bit of air, notes of menthol and maple syrup emerged. Very long in the mouth. Zin really changes its character quickly after 2 or 3 years in the bottle. I have to say, I am partial to the young ones, however.
Lolonis "Ladybug Red" Old Vines Cuvee V (Redwood Valley, California)
88. A blend of Mendocino County Zinfandel, Carignane, Merlot, and Cabernet. The Zin and Carignane take the starring roles, however. Rich nose of raspberries, plums, and sweet cream. Ripe, soft, fleshy fruit in the mouth. Full, balanced, lingering finish. Gutsy and smooth, if not very complex. Perfect with pasta with meat and/or tomato sauces, or braised meat dishes. Organically grown, to boot. $12.99 at Whole Foods on Bellaire -- a very good value.
We Won the Battle with Ford!!!
Update from Americablog:
The Ford Motor Company today released the following letter (below) clarifying that whatever did or did not happen behind closed doors with the American Family Association (AFA) two weeks ago, the company is NOT backing off of its support for the gay community or gay advertising (in contrast to what was reported over the past two weeks).
According to the AFA and media reports over the past two weeks, in order to avoid a boycott from the extremist gay-hating organization, Ford allegedly agreed to:
1. No longer run ads promoting Jaguar or Land Rover in the gay press.
2. No longer support gay events or organizations.
3. Continue running Volvo ads in the gay press, but no longer tailor those ads to the gay community (i.e., in the future such ads would be the same ads that are run in the mainstream media, rather than the crafting the ads to appeal to a gay readership).
Ford addressed and resolved each of our three concerns regarding the above:
1. Ford announced that it will continue to support gay organizations and gay events in the coming year and beyond.
2. Ford is going to run advertisements in the gay media NOT ONLY promoting the Jaguar and Land Rover brands, but the ads will promote ALL of Fords brands, by name, including Jaguar and Land Rover.
3. Ford states unequivocally that it will continue to tailor its ads for the specific audience it is trying to reach, and then goes one step further. Ford challenges us to keep an eye out on their upcoming ads in order to verify that they will in fact be tailored.
There is no other way to read this than that Ford did the right thing.
NEVER BE INTIMIDATED!!! We have the power to win against the theocratic-dominionist-fascist machine! We can and will win!
The Ford Motor Company today released the following letter (below) clarifying that whatever did or did not happen behind closed doors with the American Family Association (AFA) two weeks ago, the company is NOT backing off of its support for the gay community or gay advertising (in contrast to what was reported over the past two weeks).
According to the AFA and media reports over the past two weeks, in order to avoid a boycott from the extremist gay-hating organization, Ford allegedly agreed to:
1. No longer run ads promoting Jaguar or Land Rover in the gay press.
2. No longer support gay events or organizations.
3. Continue running Volvo ads in the gay press, but no longer tailor those ads to the gay community (i.e., in the future such ads would be the same ads that are run in the mainstream media, rather than the crafting the ads to appeal to a gay readership).
Ford addressed and resolved each of our three concerns regarding the above:
1. Ford announced that it will continue to support gay organizations and gay events in the coming year and beyond.
2. Ford is going to run advertisements in the gay media NOT ONLY promoting the Jaguar and Land Rover brands, but the ads will promote ALL of Fords brands, by name, including Jaguar and Land Rover.
3. Ford states unequivocally that it will continue to tailor its ads for the specific audience it is trying to reach, and then goes one step further. Ford challenges us to keep an eye out on their upcoming ads in order to verify that they will in fact be tailored.
There is no other way to read this than that Ford did the right thing.
NEVER BE INTIMIDATED!!! We have the power to win against the theocratic-dominionist-fascist machine! We can and will win!
Ford Keeps Sinking
Boy, they just keep getting their asses kicked. I guess it's true what my momma always said: "If you go to bed with dogs, you'll wake up with fleas."
Well, they got in bed with the AFA, now Ford is their bitch. I don't know if all the spin in the world will fix what ails them: pure unadulterated bigotry.
A headline from the Holmes Report, one of the TOP corporate communications publications in the country that EVERY public relations agency reads, states:
Under Pressure From KKK, Ford Pulls Ads From Black Media
Okay, so that’s not quite the story, although the KKK should probably give it a try, because if Ford’s craven response to pressure from the American Family Association is any indication, the company would buckle under at the first sign of trouble....
...
Forty years ago, at the height of the civil rights struggle, the KKK had about the same economic influence, popular support and moral authority the American Family Association enjoys today. It’s hard to imagine that Ford then would have negotiated with the Klan, far less given it an excuse to claim victory. The company’s surrender to the AFA tells you all you need to know about the quality of leadership at Ford today.
Well, they got in bed with the AFA, now Ford is their bitch. I don't know if all the spin in the world will fix what ails them: pure unadulterated bigotry.
A headline from the Holmes Report, one of the TOP corporate communications publications in the country that EVERY public relations agency reads, states:
Under Pressure From KKK, Ford Pulls Ads From Black Media
Okay, so that’s not quite the story, although the KKK should probably give it a try, because if Ford’s craven response to pressure from the American Family Association is any indication, the company would buckle under at the first sign of trouble....
...
Forty years ago, at the height of the civil rights struggle, the KKK had about the same economic influence, popular support and moral authority the American Family Association enjoys today. It’s hard to imagine that Ford then would have negotiated with the Klan, far less given it an excuse to claim victory. The company’s surrender to the AFA tells you all you need to know about the quality of leadership at Ford today.
CT Not Inundated Over Civil Unions
Some may laud it as a step in the right direction, but not everyone is rushing to the clerk's office to get a civil union license:
The Levine-Rittermans plan to enter a civil union, once they find the time between shuttling Maya to horseback riding lessons and Joshua, 8, to tae kwon do.
But if the law allowed marriage, Barbara said, "We would have done it Oct. 1."
Since their 1992 commitment ceremony, the couple has secured as many legal protections for their union as possible. A civil union would extend those rights, though they still wouldn’t be able to file taxes together, or have their union recognized outside Connecticut. The federal government does not recognize civil unions.
"We’re going to go do it because we think we should have those legal rights," Robin said. "But it’s not very meaningful for us," Barbara said. "To be able to be married — that would have real emotional resonance. If Maya could say to her friends, ‘My mommies are married,’ they’d know exactly what she meant.(Civil union) just isn’t in the cultural vocabulary."
The Levine-Rittermans say gay couples they know have had mixed reactions to civil union legislation. Some got civil unions immediately and threw parties to celebrate. Others say they won’t, ever. "They feel it’s offensive," Barbara said. "Separate but unequal."
The Levine-Rittermans plan to enter a civil union, once they find the time between shuttling Maya to horseback riding lessons and Joshua, 8, to tae kwon do.
But if the law allowed marriage, Barbara said, "We would have done it Oct. 1."
Since their 1992 commitment ceremony, the couple has secured as many legal protections for their union as possible. A civil union would extend those rights, though they still wouldn’t be able to file taxes together, or have their union recognized outside Connecticut. The federal government does not recognize civil unions.
"We’re going to go do it because we think we should have those legal rights," Robin said. "But it’s not very meaningful for us," Barbara said. "To be able to be married — that would have real emotional resonance. If Maya could say to her friends, ‘My mommies are married,’ they’d know exactly what she meant.(Civil union) just isn’t in the cultural vocabulary."
The Levine-Rittermans say gay couples they know have had mixed reactions to civil union legislation. Some got civil unions immediately and threw parties to celebrate. Others say they won’t, ever. "They feel it’s offensive," Barbara said. "Separate but unequal."
Brit Govt Officially Tallies Gay Population
The British government in a series of studies over the past 15 years, now believe they have a handle on a fairly accurate figure for their gay population: 3.6 million (that's approx. 6% BTW).
"This is a significant moment,'' Ben Summerskill, the chief executive of Stonewall, told the newspaper. "For the first time the government has robustly acknowledged the existence of a substantial number of gay people in Britain. This is welcome and long overdue.
"This is a significant moment,'' Ben Summerskill, the chief executive of Stonewall, told the newspaper. "For the first time the government has robustly acknowledged the existence of a substantial number of gay people in Britain. This is welcome and long overdue.
Brokeback Mountain has phenomenal opening
From The Advocate:
The long-awaited film version of writer Annie Proulx's cowboy love story, Brokeback Mountain, opened December 9 to long lines of moviegoers in three cities. By the end of the weekend it had broken box-office records and carried home some of the first major prizes of the year-end season.
...
"This is an astonishing accomplishment and a real testament to how this film is connecting with audiences," said Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. "Brokeback Mountain is truly a remarkable event, and its journey and impact are just beginning."
...
The critical reception to the movie has been glowing since its debut in September at the Toronto Film Festival, where it won the top prize, and on Saturday the Los Angeles Film Critics Association named it the best film of the year. The group also gave Lee the best director prize. Gyllenhaal and Ledger did not win acting honors from LAFCA, which went to another actor in a gay role: Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote in the film Capote.
Saw another movie this weekend that surprised me: D.E.B.S.
It was cheesy and funny, but definitely an under-the-radar lesbian movie. A good description for it: Charlie's Angels meets Bound! WOW!
The long-awaited film version of writer Annie Proulx's cowboy love story, Brokeback Mountain, opened December 9 to long lines of moviegoers in three cities. By the end of the weekend it had broken box-office records and carried home some of the first major prizes of the year-end season.
...
"This is an astonishing accomplishment and a real testament to how this film is connecting with audiences," said Neil G. Giuliano, president of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. "Brokeback Mountain is truly a remarkable event, and its journey and impact are just beginning."
...
The critical reception to the movie has been glowing since its debut in September at the Toronto Film Festival, where it won the top prize, and on Saturday the Los Angeles Film Critics Association named it the best film of the year. The group also gave Lee the best director prize. Gyllenhaal and Ledger did not win acting honors from LAFCA, which went to another actor in a gay role: Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Truman Capote in the film Capote.
Saw another movie this weekend that surprised me: D.E.B.S.
It was cheesy and funny, but definitely an under-the-radar lesbian movie. A good description for it: Charlie's Angels meets Bound! WOW!
The U.S. Constitution: "Just a goddamned piece of paper!"
I don't know if this is true or not, but I'd be VERY afraid of anyone who thinks this.
I've talked to three people present for the meeting that day and they all confirm that the President of the United States called the Constitution "a goddamned piece of paper."
And, to the Bush Administration, the Constitution of the United States is little more than toilet paper stained from all the shit that this group of power-mad despots have dumped on the freedoms that "goddamned piece of paper" used to guarantee.
Having such a heinous view of the Constitution cannot be a good thing. It's served us well for 200 years and should be revered and respected.
I've talked to three people present for the meeting that day and they all confirm that the President of the United States called the Constitution "a goddamned piece of paper."
And, to the Bush Administration, the Constitution of the United States is little more than toilet paper stained from all the shit that this group of power-mad despots have dumped on the freedoms that "goddamned piece of paper" used to guarantee.
Having such a heinous view of the Constitution cannot be a good thing. It's served us well for 200 years and should be revered and respected.
Open Thread-A Tribute to John Lennon
May he Rest in Peace...
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Helen Keller (1880 - 1968)
People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest.
Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962)
Strong feelings do not necessarily make a strong character. The strength of a man is to be measured by the power of the feelings he subdues not by the power of those which subdue him.
William Carleton
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Helen Keller (1880 - 1968)
People with courage and character always seem sinister to the rest.
Hermann Hesse (1877 - 1962)
Strong feelings do not necessarily make a strong character. The strength of a man is to be measured by the power of the feelings he subdues not by the power of those which subdue him.
William Carleton
Peace and Many Questions
The suspected killer of a local gay man was finally apprehended
A 16-year-old Maplewood High School student was arrested and charged with the murder of Eric Scott Mansfield.
...
Mansfield, 33, was fatally wounded while behind the wheel of his silver Volkswagen Jetta at Chapel and Greenwood Avenues on Friday, Nov. 11. Mansfield drove a short distance before pulling to the side of Chapel Avenue between Douglas and McKennie Avenues. He suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was found unresponsive by his partner, O&AN staff writer David Miller.
A follow-up article analyzed the local newspapers and news sources early responses to the story. From the uncertainty in how to acknowledge Mansfield's partner, David Miller, to the extent of recognition to give their relationship in write-ups and on camera. Making it even more difficult was the inability of Mr. Miller to discuss the matter.
Friends of David Miller report that local mainstream media is, in fact, interested in this story and the unsolved crime. Though he receives calls from local media on a daily basis, they say he remains unable to speak of his experience without breaking down.
At least now, Eric Mansfield and his partner, two children, and parents he left behind can have a brief moment of piece. Let's hope justice is found.
A 16-year-old Maplewood High School student was arrested and charged with the murder of Eric Scott Mansfield.
...
Mansfield, 33, was fatally wounded while behind the wheel of his silver Volkswagen Jetta at Chapel and Greenwood Avenues on Friday, Nov. 11. Mansfield drove a short distance before pulling to the side of Chapel Avenue between Douglas and McKennie Avenues. He suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was found unresponsive by his partner, O&AN staff writer David Miller.
A follow-up article analyzed the local newspapers and news sources early responses to the story. From the uncertainty in how to acknowledge Mansfield's partner, David Miller, to the extent of recognition to give their relationship in write-ups and on camera. Making it even more difficult was the inability of Mr. Miller to discuss the matter.
Friends of David Miller report that local mainstream media is, in fact, interested in this story and the unsolved crime. Though he receives calls from local media on a daily basis, they say he remains unable to speak of his experience without breaking down.
At least now, Eric Mansfield and his partner, two children, and parents he left behind can have a brief moment of piece. Let's hope justice is found.
Ford Situation Getting More and More Interesting
Reports are all over the news about Ford and their dealings with the devil today.
It doesn't end there...oh no, never does:
In a Nov. 29 meeting at AFA headquarters in Tupelo, MS, David Leitch, general counsel and vice president for Ford, and Ziad Ojakli, group vice president-Corporate Affairs, along with Dallas-area Ford dealer Jerry Reynolds, hammered out a deal.
So who are these two boys, Leitch and Ojakli?
None other than two former senior Bush administration officials.
More details HERE!
PLUS, Ford just keeps lying and lying and lying:
It seems Ford is telling customers and others upset about their succumbing to a hate-group like the AFA that the initial reports weren't entirely true (in other words, some of it was true).
However, reports from several journalists with direct contact with Ford reps have concurred otherwise:
"...he did confirm that Ford had indeed reached a formal settlement with AFA, and this specifically includes withdrawing advertising for certain Ford vehicles from LGBT publications/media."
Read more about the lies HERE!
The only way to kill the Beast is to sever the triangulation (er, strangulation) between religion, big business, and politics.
I don't care if we are called un-American, unDemocratic, unChristian, blah, blah, blah!
Religion needs to keep it's nose out of business and politics or it gets the shit taxed out of it!
They want to be a business then they need to get taxed like a business.
It doesn't end there...oh no, never does:
In a Nov. 29 meeting at AFA headquarters in Tupelo, MS, David Leitch, general counsel and vice president for Ford, and Ziad Ojakli, group vice president-Corporate Affairs, along with Dallas-area Ford dealer Jerry Reynolds, hammered out a deal.
So who are these two boys, Leitch and Ojakli?
None other than two former senior Bush administration officials.
More details HERE!
PLUS, Ford just keeps lying and lying and lying:
It seems Ford is telling customers and others upset about their succumbing to a hate-group like the AFA that the initial reports weren't entirely true (in other words, some of it was true).
However, reports from several journalists with direct contact with Ford reps have concurred otherwise:
"...he did confirm that Ford had indeed reached a formal settlement with AFA, and this specifically includes withdrawing advertising for certain Ford vehicles from LGBT publications/media."
Read more about the lies HERE!
The only way to kill the Beast is to sever the triangulation (er, strangulation) between religion, big business, and politics.
I don't care if we are called un-American, unDemocratic, unChristian, blah, blah, blah!
Religion needs to keep it's nose out of business and politics or it gets the shit taxed out of it!
They want to be a business then they need to get taxed like a business.
A Deeper Understanding
Forgive this long post but while doing some research I ran across this book which clearly outlines some current cultural issues for the GLBT community. It has given me some insight (and perhaps pity) for heterosexist mentalities:
Heterosexism, as defined by Jung and Smith (1993), is a "reasoned system of bias regarding sexual orientation [that] denotes prejudice in favor of heterosexual people and connotes prejudice against bisexual and, especially, homosexual people" (13). Herek (1995) elaborated by defining heterosexism as a system of denial, denigration, and stigma towards any non-heterosexual behavior, relationship, or identity. Utilizing these definitions, heterosexism, then, is a reasoned system of bias regarding sexual orientation that denotes prejudice in favor of heterosexual people and denies, denigrates, and stigmatizes any non-heterosexual form of behavior, identity, relationship, or community.
...
In 1992, Warren Blumenfeld edited the text Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price, which highlighted the ways in which heterosexism, or homophobia as defined by Blumenfeld, hurts the members of the heterosexual community. While GLBT people are “marginalized and disenfranchised” by heterosexism, this form of oppression serves “the dominant group [heterosexuals] by establishing and maintaining power and mastery” over the nonheterosexual minority (8). Despite the privileges assumed by heterosexuals as a result of this power, they, too, pay a price. As outlined by Blumenfeld, heterosexism hurts heterosexuals in the following ways:
First, heterosexism locks people into “rigid gender-based roles that inhibit creativity and self expression” (8).
...
Second, heterosexism “compromises the integrity of heterosexual people by pressuring them to treat others badly, actions contrary to their basic humanity” (9).
...
Third, heterosexism “greatly restricts communication with a significant portion of the populations” (Blumenfeld, 1992, 9-10)... As noted by Jung and Smith (1993), “[T]he dishonesty, secretiveness, manipulation, hatred, and ostracism fostered by heterosexism undermine the development of healthy social interaction” (95).
Fourth, heterosexism can be used to “stigmatize, silence, and on occasion, target people who are perceived by others as gay, lesbian, or bisexual but who are in actuality heterosexual” (Blumenfeld, 1992, 11)...According to the Community United Against Violence (CUAV), an agency that serves the victims of anti-gay and antilesbian violence, “3 percent of the over three hundred victims seen by CUAV each year identify as heterosexuals” (as cited in Vazquez, p. 160).
Finally, heterosexism “inhibits appreciation of other types of diversity, making it unsafe for everyone because each person has unique traits not considered mainstream or dominant” (Blumenfeld, 1992, 13). As demonstrated previously, heterosexism promotes stereotypes, based on physical traits or gender roles, associated with GLBT people that affect both the non-heterosexual minority and the heterosexual community. Thus, heterosexism inhibits appreciation of diversity.
From Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender College Students, by Ronni Sanlo, EdD, pp. 269-271.
For a link to the referenced section from the book CLICK HERE
Heterosexism, as defined by Jung and Smith (1993), is a "reasoned system of bias regarding sexual orientation [that] denotes prejudice in favor of heterosexual people and connotes prejudice against bisexual and, especially, homosexual people" (13). Herek (1995) elaborated by defining heterosexism as a system of denial, denigration, and stigma towards any non-heterosexual behavior, relationship, or identity. Utilizing these definitions, heterosexism, then, is a reasoned system of bias regarding sexual orientation that denotes prejudice in favor of heterosexual people and denies, denigrates, and stigmatizes any non-heterosexual form of behavior, identity, relationship, or community.
...
In 1992, Warren Blumenfeld edited the text Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price, which highlighted the ways in which heterosexism, or homophobia as defined by Blumenfeld, hurts the members of the heterosexual community. While GLBT people are “marginalized and disenfranchised” by heterosexism, this form of oppression serves “the dominant group [heterosexuals] by establishing and maintaining power and mastery” over the nonheterosexual minority (8). Despite the privileges assumed by heterosexuals as a result of this power, they, too, pay a price. As outlined by Blumenfeld, heterosexism hurts heterosexuals in the following ways:
First, heterosexism locks people into “rigid gender-based roles that inhibit creativity and self expression” (8).
...
Second, heterosexism “compromises the integrity of heterosexual people by pressuring them to treat others badly, actions contrary to their basic humanity” (9).
...
Third, heterosexism “greatly restricts communication with a significant portion of the populations” (Blumenfeld, 1992, 9-10)... As noted by Jung and Smith (1993), “[T]he dishonesty, secretiveness, manipulation, hatred, and ostracism fostered by heterosexism undermine the development of healthy social interaction” (95).
Fourth, heterosexism can be used to “stigmatize, silence, and on occasion, target people who are perceived by others as gay, lesbian, or bisexual but who are in actuality heterosexual” (Blumenfeld, 1992, 11)...According to the Community United Against Violence (CUAV), an agency that serves the victims of anti-gay and antilesbian violence, “3 percent of the over three hundred victims seen by CUAV each year identify as heterosexuals” (as cited in Vazquez, p. 160).
Finally, heterosexism “inhibits appreciation of other types of diversity, making it unsafe for everyone because each person has unique traits not considered mainstream or dominant” (Blumenfeld, 1992, 13). As demonstrated previously, heterosexism promotes stereotypes, based on physical traits or gender roles, associated with GLBT people that affect both the non-heterosexual minority and the heterosexual community. Thus, heterosexism inhibits appreciation of diversity.
From Working with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender College Students, by Ronni Sanlo, EdD, pp. 269-271.
For a link to the referenced section from the book CLICK HERE
Where's My Cushy Job?!
I want a job where I can do nothing, enforce my beliefs on others, and still get paid handsomely for it!!! Who knew you could get a degree in theology and practice as a medical doctor???
A state appeals court has ruled that two fertility doctors had the right to refuse to artificially inseminate a lesbian based on her marital status because it would have violated their religious beliefs.
Friday's ruling reversed a lower court decision that Drs. Christine Brody and Douglas Fenton could not use religion as a defense against a lawsuit filed by Guadalupe Benitez.
The panel found that the doctors were within their rights because they based their decision on Benitez's unmarried status and that discrimination based on marital status is not prohibited by state law.
Benitez, 33, sued the doctors and their small practice in Vista in 2001, claiming their actions violated California's anti-discrimination laws.
Benitez was eventually treated elsewhere and gave birth to a boy who is now 3 years old.
In her suit, Benitez claims that Brody told her in 1999 that her religious beliefs prevented her from helping a homosexual conceive a child by artificial insemination, but that other physicians at the practice would be able to help her.
The next year, Benitez said, she was told that both Brody and Fenton were unable to help her because they did not feel comfortable with her sexual orientation.
IMAGINE the possibilities, IF I was able to tell all these infertile hetero couples, SORRY!!! I don't like the fact that you're married and straight and all and trying to get pregnant so I don't think I'm going to help you. Boy, talk about being able to control the friggin' population!!! Better than trying to foster or adopt their unwanted kids! What a hassle that's been, plus I get paid for forcing my beliefs on them.
SWEET GIG!!!
A state appeals court has ruled that two fertility doctors had the right to refuse to artificially inseminate a lesbian based on her marital status because it would have violated their religious beliefs.
Friday's ruling reversed a lower court decision that Drs. Christine Brody and Douglas Fenton could not use religion as a defense against a lawsuit filed by Guadalupe Benitez.
The panel found that the doctors were within their rights because they based their decision on Benitez's unmarried status and that discrimination based on marital status is not prohibited by state law.
Benitez, 33, sued the doctors and their small practice in Vista in 2001, claiming their actions violated California's anti-discrimination laws.
Benitez was eventually treated elsewhere and gave birth to a boy who is now 3 years old.
In her suit, Benitez claims that Brody told her in 1999 that her religious beliefs prevented her from helping a homosexual conceive a child by artificial insemination, but that other physicians at the practice would be able to help her.
The next year, Benitez said, she was told that both Brody and Fenton were unable to help her because they did not feel comfortable with her sexual orientation.
IMAGINE the possibilities, IF I was able to tell all these infertile hetero couples, SORRY!!! I don't like the fact that you're married and straight and all and trying to get pregnant so I don't think I'm going to help you. Boy, talk about being able to control the friggin' population!!! Better than trying to foster or adopt their unwanted kids! What a hassle that's been, plus I get paid for forcing my beliefs on them.
SWEET GIG!!!
Shame on Ford!
I knew I should have bought a Subaru instead!
In a nutshell, the rabid homophobes at the American Family Association threatened Ford with a boycott earlier this year because they were advertising in the gay press. Suddenly in June the AFA called off their threatened boycott because local Ford dealers had contacted the national Ford office and, apparently, suggested Ford might be amenable to working out a deal. Now we find out that Ford is pulling its gay ads and that Ford even tells the Advocate that the AFA's press release claiming credit for this entire thing is accurate.
Ford wants to dance with bigots, that's fine. But you don't get to do that in the year 2005 and remain a prosperous company in America.
Hmmm, plants closing and employee layoffs, but they can afford to dance with bigots. That's alright, a Subaru drives better and has better gas mileage. Besides, it's almost a necessity for the snowy roads of my future home in the Northeast or Northwest. Screw 'em!
Update: Seems Daddy Ford danced with devils many years ago
Henry Ford began publication of a newspaper, The Dearborn Independent, in 1919. The paper ran for eight years, during which it republished "Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion," which has since been discredited as an anti-Semitic forgery. The American Jewish Historical Society describes the ideas presented in it as "anti-immigrant, anti-labor, anti-liquor, and anti-Semitic".
The Independent also published, in Ford's name, several anti-Jewish articles which were released in the early 1920s as a set of four bound volumes, cumulatively titled "The International Jew, the World's Foremost Problem." These volumes were distributed through Ford's car dealerships. Denounced by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the articles nevertheless explicitly condemned pogroms and violence against Jews (Volume 4, Chapter 80), preferring to blame incidents of mass violence on the Jews themselves. None of this work was actually penned by Ford, though they required his tacit approval since he was the paper's publisher....
...
Ford's indirect financial backing of the Nazis was also undeniable, as Ford Motor Company was active in Germany's military buildup prior to World War II. In 1938, for instance, Ford assisted to construct an assembly plant in Berlin, the purpose of which was to supply trucks to the Wehrmacht. Forced labor was employed to produce 78,000 trucks and 14,000 track vehicles. In July of that year, Ford was awarded (and accepted) the Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle (Großkreuz des Deutschen Adlerordens). Ford was the first American and the fourth person given this award, at the time Nazi Germany's highest honorary award given to foreigners. The decoration was given "in recognition of [Ford's] pioneering in making motor cars available for the masses." The award was accompanied by a personal congratulatory message from Adolf Hitler. [Detroit News, July 31, 1938.] A portrait of Ford was hung at the Nazi party's headquarters in Munich.
Once rotten, always rotten. Hate of any group manages to trickle down from the top leader to the meager followers and infect society like a virus. Truly sad...
In a nutshell, the rabid homophobes at the American Family Association threatened Ford with a boycott earlier this year because they were advertising in the gay press. Suddenly in June the AFA called off their threatened boycott because local Ford dealers had contacted the national Ford office and, apparently, suggested Ford might be amenable to working out a deal. Now we find out that Ford is pulling its gay ads and that Ford even tells the Advocate that the AFA's press release claiming credit for this entire thing is accurate.
Ford wants to dance with bigots, that's fine. But you don't get to do that in the year 2005 and remain a prosperous company in America.
Hmmm, plants closing and employee layoffs, but they can afford to dance with bigots. That's alright, a Subaru drives better and has better gas mileage. Besides, it's almost a necessity for the snowy roads of my future home in the Northeast or Northwest. Screw 'em!
Update: Seems Daddy Ford danced with devils many years ago
Henry Ford began publication of a newspaper, The Dearborn Independent, in 1919. The paper ran for eight years, during which it republished "Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion," which has since been discredited as an anti-Semitic forgery. The American Jewish Historical Society describes the ideas presented in it as "anti-immigrant, anti-labor, anti-liquor, and anti-Semitic".
The Independent also published, in Ford's name, several anti-Jewish articles which were released in the early 1920s as a set of four bound volumes, cumulatively titled "The International Jew, the World's Foremost Problem." These volumes were distributed through Ford's car dealerships. Denounced by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the articles nevertheless explicitly condemned pogroms and violence against Jews (Volume 4, Chapter 80), preferring to blame incidents of mass violence on the Jews themselves. None of this work was actually penned by Ford, though they required his tacit approval since he was the paper's publisher....
...
Ford's indirect financial backing of the Nazis was also undeniable, as Ford Motor Company was active in Germany's military buildup prior to World War II. In 1938, for instance, Ford assisted to construct an assembly plant in Berlin, the purpose of which was to supply trucks to the Wehrmacht. Forced labor was employed to produce 78,000 trucks and 14,000 track vehicles. In July of that year, Ford was awarded (and accepted) the Grand Cross of the Order of the German Eagle (Großkreuz des Deutschen Adlerordens). Ford was the first American and the fourth person given this award, at the time Nazi Germany's highest honorary award given to foreigners. The decoration was given "in recognition of [Ford's] pioneering in making motor cars available for the masses." The award was accompanied by a personal congratulatory message from Adolf Hitler. [Detroit News, July 31, 1938.] A portrait of Ford was hung at the Nazi party's headquarters in Munich.
Once rotten, always rotten. Hate of any group manages to trickle down from the top leader to the meager followers and infect society like a virus. Truly sad...
Two More Wines from Mom & Dad's Visit
All of the wines from back on November 17 are from Mom & Dad's visit. That explains why I've gotten into some of the "non-cheapies" in my wine closet. These will be the last two from the visit, and then it's back to more reasonably priced fare.
2002 St. Clement Carneros Chardonnay -- This was a really good California Chardonnay, and I'm not that big a fan of California Chardonnay anymore. It had a nice, lightly toasty, smoky nose with lots of ripe apply-pear scents. No cheap oak, cloying butterscotchy-ness. Huge body (15.4% alc.!), but nicely balanced and still fresh. Got it at Richard's on San Felipe about 9 months ago. Can't remember the price.
Three Rivers Winery "Biscuit Ridge Vineyard" Late Harvest Gewurztraminer (Walla Walla Valley, Washington) -- A moderately priced, light bodied, soft dessert wine, with nice, if not inspiring Gewurztraminer character. Auslese style. Very pleasant, but not very complex or deep. About $14 a half bottle at Whole Foods on Bellaire.
2002 St. Clement Carneros Chardonnay -- This was a really good California Chardonnay, and I'm not that big a fan of California Chardonnay anymore. It had a nice, lightly toasty, smoky nose with lots of ripe apply-pear scents. No cheap oak, cloying butterscotchy-ness. Huge body (15.4% alc.!), but nicely balanced and still fresh. Got it at Richard's on San Felipe about 9 months ago. Can't remember the price.
Three Rivers Winery "Biscuit Ridge Vineyard" Late Harvest Gewurztraminer (Walla Walla Valley, Washington) -- A moderately priced, light bodied, soft dessert wine, with nice, if not inspiring Gewurztraminer character. Auslese style. Very pleasant, but not very complex or deep. About $14 a half bottle at Whole Foods on Bellaire.
1999 Marziano Abbona Barolo "Pressenda"
THIS is old style Barolo. Black ruby color -- no sign of age. Very closed, tight nose. With significant decanter time, however, austere, tight, earthy baker's chocolate aromas reluctantly emerge, with minerally black fruits and prunes underneath. Long, austere, tannic, and very full-bodied. This wine was WAY too young. It needed at least another 5 years to open up and soften. This is truly an old-style, ageworthy Barolo. 89+. I ordered this from Zachy's in NY about a year and a half ago (Good Barolos are hard to find in Houston, for some reason; and other Piemonte wines as well). I think it was around $36.
2003 Dashe Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
Classic Dry Creek Valley Zin aromas of sweet, spiced, oozing raspberries and powdery crushed stones. Dense, balanced, rich flavors of raspberry syrup, fragrant briar-forest scents, and minerals. Absolutely prototypical. I just love Zin. 90. Got it at Spec's Warehouse on Smith. Can't remember the price, but I think it was between $20-25.
Your Blues Ain't Like Mine
Excellent entry on Keith Boykin's site from a black gay man's point of view comparing the civil rights movement to the gay rights movement.
I am confident that 50 years from now we will look back at this day in the same way we look back at the anniversary of Rosa Parks's courageous move. Our children and grandchildren will wonder why our society was so obsessed with perpetuating bigotry against gays and lesbians. And they will ask us which side we were on and what did we do to make a difference.
I am confident that 50 years from now we will look back at this day in the same way we look back at the anniversary of Rosa Parks's courageous move. Our children and grandchildren will wonder why our society was so obsessed with perpetuating bigotry against gays and lesbians. And they will ask us which side we were on and what did we do to make a difference.
Amazing!
The former apartheid capitol of the world, South Africa, legalizes marriage rights for same-sex couples.
In the post apartheid years, tremendous strides have been made in GLBT rights in South Africa.
South Africa's post apartheid constitution states that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals have the same rights as any other individual. Section 9 of the Constitution outlaws discrimination in South Africa based on sexual orientation.
Thursday's ruling was the latest in a series of legal wins for gays and lesbians dating back to 1998 when sodomy was decriminalized.
The following year immigrant partners of South African lesbians and gays were allowed to apply for permanent residence.
Same-sex adoption was legalized in 2002 and in 2003 the government bowed to pressure and permitted domestic partner benefits.
Could these be lessons learned from a terribly discriminatory country? If South Africa of all countries can recognize the humanity of its GLBT citizens, why can't we? Aren't we "the land of the free" too?
In the post apartheid years, tremendous strides have been made in GLBT rights in South Africa.
South Africa's post apartheid constitution states that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals have the same rights as any other individual. Section 9 of the Constitution outlaws discrimination in South Africa based on sexual orientation.
Thursday's ruling was the latest in a series of legal wins for gays and lesbians dating back to 1998 when sodomy was decriminalized.
The following year immigrant partners of South African lesbians and gays were allowed to apply for permanent residence.
Same-sex adoption was legalized in 2002 and in 2003 the government bowed to pressure and permitted domestic partner benefits.
Could these be lessons learned from a terribly discriminatory country? If South Africa of all countries can recognize the humanity of its GLBT citizens, why can't we? Aren't we "the land of the free" too?
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