Figure Skating Controversy

Just when I was ready to move on from the Olympics, turns out there a bit of stir over the results... and everyone's results... not just Johnny's.  Plushenko publicly said some things that he didn't think that Lysacek should have won... and even some analysts are saying they are in shock that he did.  Also, that Johnny should have received better marks than he did.  With a new scoring basis in place this year, no one seems to know exactly how it works, but it looks like it didn't (work).  While Lysacek is going to go for gold again in 2014, Plushenko will continue to skate... and looks like Johnny will be going to Worlds in March... he'd like to go to school for fashion, so his skating future is up in the air after that.  Whether anyone will push the committee for scoring changes remains to be seen.

Johnny Weir, Long Program

This is the long program.... the one that he gets robbed for points....

Johnny Weir - Long Program

Much-Deserved R & R (Or Defense Budget $$ Out the Window)

Johnny Weir - Short Program

Last night was the men's freestyle figure skating programs.  With Plushenko in the lead with Evan Lysacek only a fraction of a point behind, it made for truly nail-biting performances.  Fan favorite, Johnny Weir, was in sixth place going into it, but skated an absolutely beautiful, moving and almost flawless (no flaws in his jumps) program... but got robbed again in the scoring.  With others falling down and messing up and still scoring higher, it was evident that Johnny, placing 6th, gets judged poorly, probably due to his individuality.  Evan Lysacek managed to upseat Plushenko, which wasn't hard to do since Plushenko looked like he was in a daze.  Evan does practice very hard and is dedicated to the sport and deserves to win, but his personality is like a wet sponge, so watching him is like watching (talented) paint dry.  All in all, it was a fantastic, exciting night.

This is Johnny's short program... the freestyle programs haven't been released.

YUM !! (Wouldn't Mind Waking Up Next To That)

I'm Riding a Horse....

This commercial is really funny... and so are the other ones that pop up when it's done.....

There's a New Berry Sprouting In Pittsburgh

I'd like to welcome a new friend to Pittsburgh... Berry.  A few months ago, his company decided to open an office here in da 'burgh... and after a few trips up to find living arrangements and get the office organized... he's making his trek northward from the Carolinas tomorrow... hope his moving truck has snowshoes on it!

Gentle and kind, intelligent and introspective... I'm looking forward to getting to know him better and to show him how to be a true 'Yinzer'.  With his last visit, he already has had Primanti's in his belly... check that off your list!  Since most of my friends wind up getting nicknames... I dub thee 'Berrylicious"!

Welcome, friend!!

Read his love letter from his blog:

Dear Pittsburgh,
I realize that I have not known you long. Barely at all. But I think I'm fallin' in love with you. I think about you all the time, and I am even now preparing to be closer to you. IN you, in fact. I hope that this isn't moving too fast. I love to look at you and wonder what the future holds for us. I love thinkin' about all of the grand things that we will do together. And all of the naughty things I will be doin' inside of you. Yes I am in love. Its okay that you were born before the majority of my family tree. Its okay that you are cheating on me with god knows how many people. Its even okay that when we sleep together, we will never be alone. I love you anyway.

Although, Pittsburgh, I do have a few complaints. Could you pretty please stop being so cold? It just isn't very becoming of a gentleman, especially one of such royalty. Our love should warm those cold nights, and bring sunshine into our lives. Not the harsh cold. Don't fight me on this. Also, could you please stop trying to keep me out by building up large, cold, white walls around yourself. It will not deter me. And pretty pretty please stop crying your little powdery tears, they are so hard to manage. I almost can't deal with it. And besides, I can't always see the real you through them.

Even after all that, I'm lookin' forward to being reunited with you. Then we can resume exploring the inner workings of your being, and seeing just how well we fit together. Until then my Ice King.

Your Sun Prince,

Berry Jr.

The Blowing, Plastic Bag (A Self Study/Original Poem)

by David (2/16/10)

Blue...
  transparent...
    white as surrender?
      Fragile and thin
         light and empty
           yet tough and strong
              full of nothing
               hollow solitude
               functional potential lost?

               Fate in the hands of the wind
               blowing around with no direction
              grounded momentarily then twirling...

            soaring high up then plunging downward
        left then right, trapped then freed
    nowhere to go but all over
no finality in movement
  no rest ever
   shredded
    suffocating
      torn apart
        recycled
          hanging
            stuck

               How did you get here?
                 Where will you end up?

Written by David 2/16/10

Late Valentine's Day

Today, I went to the matinee of Valentine's Day.  Chock-full of A-list stars, it didn't get great reviews... like most movies with so many famous names.  Overflowing with trite, cliche'd subplots... and although very predictable, it was very entertaining. It came together in the end in a neat little package and proved to be a nice escape.  I would recommend seeing it.

Brace yourself.... I'm going to say something nice about Taylor Swift... after her stint on SNL that was less than sparkling, she portrays a ditzy, high school teen... with awesome hilarity.  She can really play stupid well.  This isn't the funniest part of her performance, but it's all I could find...

Length - Ash Wednesday

Ahead of time, I know that my mail room is going to be overwhelmed with hate mail for this one....

Lent is the Christian season of preparation before Easter. In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count). It is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. The purpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ - his suffering and his sacrifice, his life, death, burial and resurrection.  Lent isn't actually mentioned in the Bible (although talks of repenting in ashes is), rather, it seems that it is a man-made ritual of exerting willpower and faith.

I don't think it's a secret that I don't believe in organized religion ( I gave it up for Lent a few years ago).  It seems that most Christians don't even know why they do the things they do but, rather, they just do as they are told, much like a cult.  Sit down, kneel, stand, kneel, sit down... it's amazing to watch a church service.  And while I believe in tradition and any means to keep people in line, when you ask questions about religion to a Christian, it usually only takes a few of them to get to something that they can't explain... which is fine... I can't tell you why most gays have a great sense of style... it just is.  But I find it hypocritical that just because you have ashes on your head, then you're saved (as you're on your way over to see your neighbor's wife after you've just cursed someone out in the church parking lot)... and someone who loves, cares and does for others but doesn't subscribe to the Catholic Daily News is going to hell. 

For that reason, I refer to Lent as 'length'... how long a Catholic can stick to their guns.  Not only is it a time of sacrifice (giving up something for the 40 days and nights of Lent which most people can't make through the end of the week), but it's also a time for the rent-a-Catholics to suddenly show up at church to be better Christians... also usually not lasting the week out.  Religion seems to be an ala carte buffet of pick-and-choose lessons rather than ordering the full-course meal.  And while I don't have a problem with people believing in whatever they want, I am extremely opposed to hypocracy.  Being an all or nothing type of person (for example, with working out... I either get crazy dedicated or I don't even drive by the gym at all, at the risk of being two-faced), I say stick to your guns or don't come to the OK corral.  And certainly, don't put a bullseye on your head if you don't plan on following through with it.

Having said that, now that it's Length... I am giving up toxic people in my life and vow to not be toxic myself. I also vow to get my goals written down and to focus on them to be a more positive person.  And instead of giving up food items or pop, I will simply pledge to actually make it to the gym across the street three times a week.  Hey.. look at me... I'm picking and choosing... I must be a Catholic!

I'm off to the mall to catch people comitting sins...

Disappointing Night of TV

Last night, I watched my required viewing of the Olympics:  Men's Figure Skating.  As I stated in a previous blog, I started watching Be Good Johnny Weir, a reality show about, well, Johnny Weir.  Gay, flamboyant and full of attitude... I LOVE HIM.  He is exactly who he is and doesn't give a shit what anyone says or thinks.  That being said, he brings a lot of controversy upon himself with some of the things that he says and the costumes that he wears, including flack from PETA for wearing some fur on his costumes.  Although the national champion 3 times in a row, the Olympics were kind of a long-shot with his age and inconsistency, but it did make for great TV, at least in sheer anticipation.  He had a very nice short program and did well, but others did great and he squeaked by the cut at 6th place.  I think his overt behavior hurts him; people in the industry think that he isn't the right image for the sport... and I think they judge him harshly... but honestly, if it weren't for catching his reality show, I wouldn't have tuned in to watch skating at all.  On Thursday, they have the free-skate program... it would take a miracle for him to medal, but with Johnny Weir, you never know.

In other mindless TV news, Tool Academy starts it's third season.  Tricked into being on the show by their codependent, glutton-for-punishment girlfriends, these Jersey-Shoresque neanderthals compete for $100k by completing a series of challenges that earn them badges, like the communication badge, after they have completed skill-building tasks with their partner without killing them, themselves or the other contestants.  Filled with big, stupid guys and an overload of testosterone, it proves an interesting viewing of idiotic human behavior.

In American Idol news, the auditions went on and they were able to get down to the 12 boys and 12 girls to start the show.  Sadly, only one or two of my boyfriend hopefuls have made it.  And although they keep saying that this year has the best talent, so far, from what they show you, it doesn't seem that way.  They do seem to only show you what they want to though... and some people get more airtime than others.  My office tried contacting my favored choice, Noel Turner, through his Facebook page.  Apparently they asked him if he had made it through and the next day, he went incognito with his profile, taking his pictures down and making it totally private.  He never replied to me... errr... my office... and I think that I can add 'crazy stalker fan' to my resume now.  Being in the spotlight means that your life is open for viewing.... even your Facebook page... and sometimes it sucks to be famous.... it isn't easy for me, but I'm learning to deal with it.

Gotta Love a Hairy Guy

Tonight, despite the bad roads, some of us braved the weather to see The Wolfman, starring Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins and Emily Blunt.  Between not being a fan of horror movies, the cheesy way that they do them and hearing awful reviews... I wasn't looking forward to seeing it.  Only playing in XD and paying $10.50 instead of the regular bargain night $5.25, let me just tell you, it was soooooooo worth it.

Set in 1891 in London, the scenery was totally perfect for the backdrop of a decent story line... there wasn't anything that was trite, cliche' or unbelievable about it.  And although I figured out the twist in the first 20 minutes, it still kept me on the edge of my seat.  Not since Jurassic Park have I been continually scared to death many, many times throughout a movie... almost to the point of making a sissy in my pants.  And although it was pretty gruesome, it was the simple unexpected that was so startling.  Even the CG was believable.  This movie is a must-see, especially for horror fans. And there will definitely be a WM II.  I give it 4 howls at the full moon out of 5.

I'm Featuring You... Julie (Denny) Walsh

(In keeping with my posts to feature my friends (See Featuring...))

At some point in the seventh grade (1979ish), a little redish-brown haired girl caught my eye in Chorus... and I was hooked.  We became friends and I found myself in a war with a friend of mine for her attention that spanned the rest of our high school days and was the fuel for many a quarrel... especially after her family moved practically in my backyard.

Julie and I were inseparable.  There weren't too many people that were happy that we were friends, including my Mom, who felt she was taking her little boy away.  We spent countless hours playing games (like let's see how many times Julie can break skin scratching David with her fingernails (and I still have the scars to prove it)) and store and everything else in her room... we scoured every inch of the neighborhood and I was like an adoptee in her family.  And while I openly had a crush on her sister Jodi (this was BBG (before becoming a gay)), I secretly loved Julie, but never had the balls to act on it. 

By the time high school came, she moved out of the neighborhood and really blossomed.  I sort of felt left behind as the geeky little kid.  She became a Spartanette (cheerleader) and hung out with all the popular kids, started dating and although we were still in the same circle of friends, I didn't see her as much... mostly in Chorus still.  Because she had the best voice in the school, she was constantly the lead in all the plays... and all I dreamt about was being up there playing opposite her and doing a duet.  But, again with no balls, I never tried out and it never happened.  I moved to Philadelphia after high school and we kept in touch... and when I told her I was gay, she took it hard but we have remained friends for 31 years.

Since high school, Julie got married to her husband, John, and they were in a band together.  Despite my pushing her to get on Star Search years ago, she has only shared her voice on a smaller, local level instead, in a band called "One Big Dakota".  Right out of school, she did a wedding demo tape that I wore out... and there's not a friend of mine that didn't sit through it... and had to listen to me gush about how great she was.  I think I was her biggest fan and I still am... although seeing her on stage has always been a bit of a problem for me, and I haven't supported her as I should have.  Call it regretting or reminicing... I've always had a hard time letting go of the past... including me still calling her by her maiden name (sorry John).  Guess I'm still not ready to let go.  In fact, I think of her every time I hear the Orleans song "You're Still the One".

Today, she has two great kids... Kaleigh and Daniel.  Kaleigh, into gymnastics, was blessed with Julie's voice.  Enduring a lot over the years and still, Julie is the quintessential Mom, devoted to her family... loving... fun... strong, and able to push through somehow every day... always smiling and laughing (brightening up the room)... all things that I admire most about her.  Her family is lucky to have her... and I, as my friend.  Although our lives continue to change, our friendship remains the same.

Please visit her Myspace page to hear some of her songs:  Julie's Songs

We Are The World (redux)

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, to my friend Sean!!

500 Bursts of Air and Verbal Vomit

This is my 500th post on the blog... thanks again to all my friends and strangers who make this a special part of my life. 

Potpourri For $300, Alex

I'm really over sporting events pre-empting my TV shows.  Missing my programs last week because of the Super Bowl, the Olympics have been wreaking havoc on my scheduling this week.  I'm sure no one would like it if Desperate Housewives cancelled a Sunday game... not that that would EVER happen.  I think I see a discrimination case here.  Lately, I have added 'Be Good Johnny Weir' to my list of simpleton TV shows that I watch... so I will want to watch figure skating to see how he does.... duh.... I am gay... the gay Neilsen ratings knows if I don't watch figure skating and I could lose my priviledges.  I'm pretty sure my TV will blow up... or burn a pic of a vagina in the LED cells or something.  Yikes!

Suprisingly, I made it through Valentine's Day unscathed.  Not even a hint of the blues or being lonely.  I keep telling myself I need to be by myself (and make jam and get some cats)...

More snow coming today.... 4-6" !  Is there no end to this madness?  With today being President's Day, Matt suggested that we go chop down a cherry tree in honor of George Washington... but they're all buried in the snow.  Maybe one of those cherry pies at McDonald's.  That I can do.

Pittsburgh Auto Show

Today, we (Ricky, Tony, Matt, Brian and Tom) went to the auto show.  I'm a pretty even-keeled person... even my dream cars are within reach when it comes to price tag... so the expensive cars really don't impress me.  I'm more impressed by something that's cheaper that gives you good quality and quantity and I really don't need much anyway.  Along those lines, I was really impressed with how Hyundai has turned their company around to be a badge of style, short the flagship smaller cars.  With the 2010 Motortrend Car of the Year being the Ford Fusion and Truck of the Year being that ugly Ford european-looking panel van, I expected more from them.  The new Focus wasn't there at the show... but it's supposed to be very stylish.  VW has come up with a replacement for the Jetta, but that wasn't there either.  Since I've always been a Detroit musclecar type of guy, I liked the Dodge Charger and my favorite truck, the Ram Hemi.  Give me a racing stripe, a tail fin and some big tires and I'm content.  The new BMW Gran Turismo crossover was pretty interesting... we all seemed to like it.

The showpieces, I would say, were a few of the Cadillac's and the new Corvette Stingray.  Looking like something right out of the future, they were refreshing in design.

Happy Valentine's Day

To My Valentine

On the eve of Valentine's Day, when I conjure up thoughts of love in my head and love in my heart, it's for and about you. The connection of our eyes... our lips... and our bodies was one of the strongest things I have felt in my life along with a happiness and passion that has been unmatched.

With all that's happened... all of our differences along the way... and forever having been changed by our experience... I still will always think of you as the one true love in my life... because I have never felt what I felt with you with anyone else... and I doubt I ever will. 

 I just wanted you to know. Happy Valentine's Day.

Love,
David