Rock Star, Schmock Star . . .

.... I want a TRACK STAR.

(I am sure it will pass.)

Funny Link of another poll being conducted.

RNC via Craigslist (Humor from the Tubes of the Internet)

Ok, I am not meaning to pick on the GOP at their grand old party, but there are funny things to be found each day of this affair in Saint Paul.

While yesterday I briefly covered birth control for pigeons (but obviously not for children) and the painting the city's trees green.

But today with Labor Day behind us, it is time to get back to work and delve into the internet which for the GOP is truly a series of tubes...and sometimes big uncut ones, too.

Often I have remarked that the modern cartoonist should just hang it up in light of the comedy found on Craigslist.

One of my favorite bloggers who would never dare publish their passion for this comic activity sent me a highlight of my favorite activity. So without any editing I present the most recent posting from the RNC's St. Paul via my good friend.

A Children’s Treasury Of Republican M4M Ads In Minneapolis St. Paul

The Republican National Convention has brought truckloads of new visitors to the Twin Cities — and with every event getting canceled in honor of the poor black people who didn’t get killed in the hurricane yesterday, veritable dozens of GOP males were left in their swank hotel rooms with nothing to do. Let’s find out what happens when a bunch of closeted, discreet hairless dudes go looking for good clean fun on Craigslist …


Discretion Required - m4mm (Upscale Hotel)
Date: 2008-08-30, 5:19AM CDT
ATTN: discretion is mandatory. must be willing to submit to background check and strip searches. absolutely no recording devices or wireless communication devices allowed. you will be examined and scrutinized by security before you make contact. 50yo Male looking for VERY discrete four-hour party at local hotel involving more than one male with a maximum age of twenty. hairless preferred. food, drinks, and toys will be provided as necessary.

This one gets points off for redundant headline and first sentence. Otherwise A plus for spelling “discreet” correctly.

young guy in town for the convention, looking for a good time - 25 (near Xcel Center)
Date: 2008-09-01, 6:51PM CDT
Hey guys- I’m just getting in town for the convention, looking for fellow convention attendees to fool around and have a good time. No Log Cabin here, nobody knows, so must be discreet. I’m 5′8, 165 lbs, professional guy, looking for similar. We can grab a beer and talk about why Obama sucks and then get it on.

This one would be funny, if it weren’t so obvious that the poster is possibly a God.

Seeking Pig Bottom Republican for a Good Pounding - 33 (St. Paul)
Date: 2008-08-29, 9:25AM CDT

Welcome to the Twin Cities, GOP!
After 8 years of taking a hard pounding from you guys in Washington, it’s time to return the favor!
I’m looking for a Republican delegate to take for a ride like Bush & Co. have been doing to our country since they took office.
Here’s the scene: I come to your hotel room, you’re wearing nothing but your convention credentials. You blow me while I berate you for ruining our economy. Then I flip you over and slam your ass like Hurricane Gustav is gonna do to your news coverage. Then I pull out and cum on your face and you learn the real meaning of Trickle Down Theory.
ME: 6′4″, 220, Blonde & Blue, hairy, with a 9″ uncut viking cock YOU: Pig Bottom Republican

And last: in lieu of Laura Bush’s party, busting a nut will do.

Closeted RNC supporter seeking a masc smooth man this afternoon - 48 (downtown mpls hotel)
Date: 2008-09-01, 12:05PM CDT
am conservative, bi and in the closet.. but love a hard younger body for making out and oral action. my stats 5-9″ - in shape, masc , 6″ cut was planning on the IMS party for Laura Bush today but it cancelled. so would like to bust a nut and have some other fun. can trade pix thinking of mid afternoon get together


So after reading his/her email findings, I knew I could not resist any longer. I just had to jump in and find a gem to add to the mix and I did not have to go too far.

I added a twist, I searched for words Obama and RNC. As I many rose to the top of the list, this posting calling for some good old fashioned bi-partisan hard work takes the cake.

Right Wing Asshole Seeks Liberal Euphorian for Obama-gasms - m4w - 47 (Corner Office)

Reply to: pers-773410479@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-07-28, 1:47PM CDT


Please, don’t tell. Otherwise I’m going to be drummed out of the Grand Old Party for sleeping with the enemy. Our goon squad is coming to Saint Paul in a couple of weeks and I live in fear of being found out. But I can’t help it. I’m attracted to the flirty, sexually liberated, save the trees and hug the earth euphorian type of woman.

Can you blame me? Republican women aren’t the stuff of fantasy. Who wants to doink some dog-faced, humorless and stuffy caviar princess?

Give me a succulent free-range, cage-free breast each and every time.

Republican men age sophisticatedly while our women wilt like rotten fruit on the vine.

You know who you are, and I’ve seen you around town. You’re waving from the bridge tops or marching to save an insignificant animal from extinction. You ride a bike, you know your coffee and sometimes forget your bra. Being “shaved” could mean your pits or legs and your cosmetics are animal-test free.

And dare I dream? Ideally you work as a teacher or are a social worker and you read books of which I’ve never heard.

I’m your polar opposite. Global warming, to me, is nothing but a sweaty female breast and Guantanamo is really a military run Club Med. I guzzle gas, think alternative energy is a crock and am wonderfully hypocritical when I sit in church. Rush is right and Olbermann is wrong and I wish Hillary had never been born.

But I do admire parts of Franken. That man can write mean porn.

If opposites attract, then you’re in for one helluva fuckin’ ride. So instead of muttering “Screw Republicans” or “Fuck Bush” how about putting some action behind those words? Take one for the team and make me curse my political world. Plus, I’m married so your wickedness can be a delicious “Two-fer”.

Power corrupts. Turn the tables. Corrupt me with your power, instead.

“This is our time.”

I can hardly wait to see what Wednesday will bring!

Piece. Word.

Thank You, John McCain (for showing us the way)

John McCain asks us to please be civil and not make children the focus his campaign in the bright morning-after light of Bristol Palin's birth announcement.

In fact, he was so adamant about this point that in every photo where Bristol is not holding the VP's baby, she was pushed to the side and back in the photos. (I honestly thought she was shy...boy, was I wrong.)

Rather than enter into the same RNC arena as McCain (like they would give me entry anyway with my big pink American hat), I offer up this Phoenix Times News quote about his GOP fundraiser comments about another elected official's child.

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father." John McCain SOURCE

Wow, it is rare that you get a chance to smack down an elected officials underage daughter and at the same time make a lesbian parenting joke.

While I agree children are off limits, this Labor Day announcement highlights the real need to be honest about sex with our children and the use of birth control. (It is not just for Pigeons.)

And while I am on a roll, people please, stop painting the trees greener than they really are in St. Paul.

Recommended DVD Viewing: The Education of Shelby Knox LINK Here.

Interesting Quote from the NY Times

"We're borrowing money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to burn it in ways that destroy the planet. Every bit of that has to change."
- FORMER VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE, urging that the United States abandon the use of
carbon-based fuels for electricity within 10 years.

Something to think about.

Weather Report and the Obama Factor

If you are planning on attending the Obama for America rally at the Van Andel Arena, one would be wise to check the weather report for the day.

This advice is not just because a rain coat is surely going to be required for waiting with the 12,ooo and more people who will take to the streets this afternoon.

Instead, check the weather.com site for the metaphor magically appearing this AM in the forecast.

Barack Obama speaks at 7 PM tonight in downtown Grand Rapids. Metaphors and their alignment with forecasts have never been sunnier.

Well, Hello, Dalai

"Its so nice to have you back where you belong."

This past weekend the Dalai Lama was in Ann Arbor and the timing of his message of alleviating suffering is still a timeless goal not often obtained enough in this world.

Having been backstage for the event, it is a bizarre twist to be so close to someone and watch the many who have to safeguard his life.

I guess when someone uses words like 'fragile peace' it is easy to become a target of violence. Why is it those who advocate peace are always on the front lines of violent attacks?

As he sat cross-legged in his chair His Holiness encouraged the crowd of thousands to be the cause and the effect for peaceable change in our lives and also in our world.

In this largess of space, it felt like we were all in a living room setting as he spoke to those who lined Ann Arbor’s Crisler Arena. I doubt I can find the words to neither express the warmth nor paint a picture of such honest and peaceful serenity.

As I was leaving out the tunnel, I watched many waves flags waving in support of China. It is ironic that these people who are protesting the Dalai Lama would not have this same luxury back in China. (Freedom of expression is not just a USA thing but also a global right of all people.)

Even though I have committed NOT to buy any of their products whenever possible, it is not that I am actively seeking to mobilize an anti-China campaign.

Far from it.

This is a peaceable first step in trying to reduce my impact the same way one carefully places one's foot to a fresh spring carpet of clover.

This is easier put in a blog than in practice since those three little words “Made In China” are stamped on just about everything we consume and then toss into piles in our homes or the landfill.

It is not that I am doing this because the Dalai Lama says I should, nor because I think a free Tibet is even possible in a world of corporations versus the historical lines of national boundaries.

Instead, I step lightly out of the material world because I am alarmed at China's lack of fulfilling their Olympic bid pledge to address their human rights violations taking place in slow motion in places like Darfur and Sudan and played out on the front page of the world press.

To continue to support human suffering is nothing I would allow in my country, why in a distant land with my connected dollars. I do not want my life decorated on the backs of genocide.

I know this confessional line of thinking is troubling and may hold up like a sand castle being built on the shores of a hurricane.

But I am ok with this logic. The Olympics are supposed to highlight the best we can be. As a host country China needs to halt their practices to gain my support again.

Since President Bush has made it very clear that our economy is in need of blind consumers re-depositing their "Bush Bucks" back into the pockets of corporations hungry for more, I think he has played his hand clearly to us as Americans.

We do hold the power to change our world with the simple act of how we spend our money. (I plan to deposit my refund with a safe fund or maybe on a whim I will use it to buy a goat or two via Oxfram.)

And while I know the USA is not perfect and is also a violator of many atrocities, I can start my journey in my own land and by staring to wash the blood off my hands as I step forward into the future.

I can make the small changes that will make a big impact in ending suffering. Power must flow up from all of us working together.

There is much more to blog here but for now I will give pause on the eve of Earth Day.

The Dalai Lama was very clear that the changes we need to see happen in this world need to flow from us.... from our actions.

So I send a "kiss for the whole world*" where all of us are brothers and sisters in a noble quest to end suffering and extreme poverty.

Please step into this new season of spring and let the cool dew of the clover fields under our feet renew our spirit. It is wonderful to exit winter and see such possibilities in each bud of green.

Peace.
Tommy





*Inspired and copied from Schiller’s Ode to Joy and it’s beautiful inspiring use in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.

“Can you sense the Creator, world?

Seek him above the starry canopy.

Above the stars He must dwell.



Joy, daughter of Elysium

Thy magic reunites those

Whom stern custom has parted;

All men will become brothers

Under thy gentle wing.



Be embraced, Millions!

This kiss for all the world!

Brothers!, above the starry canopy

A loving father must dwell.



Joy, beautiful spark of Gods!,

Daughter of Elysium,

Joy, beautiful spark of Gods!.

Thoughts on War: A Literary Snapshot

We got around to the subject of war again and I said that, contrary to his attitude, I did not think that the common people are very thankful for leaders who bring them war and destruction.

"Why, of course, the people don't want war," Goering shrugged. "Why would some poor slob on a farm want to risk his life in a war when the best that he can get out of it is to come back to his farm in one piece. Naturally, the common people don't want war; neither in Russia nor in England nor in America, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood.

"But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy or a fascist dictatorship or a Parliament or a Communist dictatorship."

"There is one difference," I pointed out. "In a democracy the people have some say in the matter through their elected representatives, and in the United States only Congress can declare wars."

"Oh, that is all well and good, but, voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same way in any country."

History: Gustave Gilbert, a German-speaking intelligence officer and psychologist who was granted free access by the Allies to all the prisoners held in the Nuremberg jail. Gilbert kept a journal of his observations of the proceedings and his conversations with the prisoners, which he later published in the book Nuremberg Diary. The quote offered above was part of a conversation Gilbert held with a dejected Hermann Goering in his cell on the evening of 18 April 1946, as the trials were halted for a three-day Easter recess.

History reads us like a book. - Tommy

Writer's Strike A Super Tuesday

Did the Writers Guild Association's strike create our thirst for endless Super Tuesday news programming?

I hope we are truly engaged in a country-wide dialog and not just couch-bound-bored while waiting for new episodes of 30 Rock.

(We really miss you Tina Fey, but we understand your fight)


Word to complainers:
dialog (noun) - a conversation between two persons;
talk, talking - an exchange of ideas via conversation; "let's have more work and less talk around here"

What This Country Needs Is A CEO

Clinton
Edwards
Obama

Hmmmmmmm.

Tommy

Party Lines Going Up Their Nose...

....while consumers take it up the ass.

I missed the news conference today but I am guessing that Bush's big plan comes down to giving away massive amounts of cash come tax season to get Americans to shop the economy back on track?

Isn't a payout like this on the same level as your dad paying the babysitter with his credit card convenience checks?

The fees on both are HUGE.

With the U.S.A. in the midst of a sub-prime mess, Washington appears to be on drugs if they are not talking about the real problems.

So enjoy your check from Uncle Sam.
*You might want to invest it wisely in something other than what is on sale at the mall.

Mitt Romney's People Trash Michigan's Fall Colored Roads

Before anyone accuses me of being a partisan hack, let me say, I deplore people who violate election sign rules.

I do not approve of stealing any party's signs, burning them on people's lawn or placing them in the public right of ways.

Mitt Romney's aggressive campaign people in Michigan have littered his signs all over the north bound US 131 and US 31.

For one to secure this many signs takes a coordinated and connected member with access to a truckload of signs.

It also shows Romney's inability to control his Michigan campaign if this many signs can depart his office and not be accounted for if ultimately questioned by the media.

To place signs on so many hundreds of miles of these two roads takes a lot of time. (Who knows how many other Michigan roads we tagged this weekend with what is the equivalent of political graffiti.)

These signs with their metal poles can become uprooted and end up in the road.

The no sign rules are to protect drivers while on the road. Kent County has many statistics of what happens when one becomes lodged in a car tire at high speeds. (And the results are not good.)

Michigan is beginning its beautiful fall season and should be free of partisan red, white and blue yard signs. We all win when safety is our goal.

So, Mitt, in the interest of keeping Michigan's roads free of unnecessary clutter, if you pass by these while campaigning in our great state, please take your signs down.




Citizen Action Alert
If anyone happens to have a accident because of any political sign, I would suggest forwarding any claims to their well-funded campaign state headquarters. I also would suggest anyone witnessing the placing of these signs on Michigan's highways to take their license and contact your local law enforcement.

Photo: just one of many along the many miles of Michigan highways.

A New Day (Post Election Morning)

Our voices have been raised and the time to lead has arrived.


Step up.


Be a part of the change.


This moment we rise to shine in our communities and the world.


We have a lot of work to do but Americans have proven we are up for the challenges of doing what is great.


Step into your community so that the great work can begin.


No act is too small.

Vote Today | Go Jennifer

Hello.

Just a quick note to remind one to be sure to vote today.

As I recover here at home, I will spend the day resting and probably watching political movies on the tele.

If you have a favorite film, please post it here.


(Photo: Tommy with Governor Granholm at September 2006 event)

Tigers Away Game Rain Delay

( big yawn )

Hello.

I am still recovering at home. And during this period of rest, it has been nice to be able to have a front row couch seat to see the games.

I appreciate all the notes on my blog and am truly touched by everyone's generosity during this time of healing. You are all amazing.

So during the away game rain delay, everyone can get some rest as we get ready to root, root, root for the home team. (Peanuts and Cracker Jack optional)

Go Tigers!

Short history of the song Take Me Out to the Ball Game from Wikipedia

"The words were written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, who while riding a subway train, was inspired by a sign that said "Baseball Today — Polo Grounds". The words were set to music by Albert Von Tilzer, although neither had ever seen a baseball game. (Norworth and Von Tilzer finally saw their first Major League Baseball games 32 and 20 years later, respectively.) The song was first sung by Norworth's wife Nora Bayes and popularized by various vaudeville acts."

Still Cool - The Full Editorial

In the October 2006 On The Town Artistic Expression column, my full editorial was honestly scarificed to the limited space avialable. (It happens when the subject runs high on my word count.)

So in the interest of not being silent on this issue, I will reprint my updated editorial here for those who wondered how I really feel about Dick DeVos'ill advised plan to cut the Cool Cities program in Michigan.

These are my words and thus my opinion as an columnist who has spent the last two years covering this program. The interview with the Governor can be found on Page 22 of On The Town.

Still Cool
by Tommy Allen

Just a little over two years ago I was granted the opportunity to sit down with Governor Granholm as she unveiled her Cool Cities project. This visionary project recognizes that a community that embraces and values the youthful creative spirit can be translated into real dollars for a community. Two years later, the project is working.

On the eve of her re-election bid, her opponent, Dick DeVos has said in a Detroit Free Press article that the Cool Cities project would be cut if he were elected. (6/8/2006)

In the eyes of one who has written about this program and the positive impact it is making on Grand Rapids, this would be a terrible shortsighted mistake. For one to sacrifice this program to partisan grandstanding is dead wrong.

This tactic is nothing new for those in the arts as we are forever sacrificed as not being valued come election season. Programs, arts education and even cultural grants, all become causalities during an election year.

When those in the arts raise their voice, they are told to sit down or have the opinions discounted as not being grounded in reality.

So as I spoken with many voices within this community, many on the street express concern that the arts and the creative cool we bring to this region is in real danger.

But losing the much-desired under 40 demographic is not the only “brain drain” casualty. It has been reported that for the emerging medical mile to be a success, it will need a strong creative environment to attract the medically “creative” professionals to Grand Rapids.

For those who think that this program should be measured in dollars and not human capital, I point them to the On The Town August 2006 piece where we reported that in 2006-2007 over 10 new development projects totally $178,000,000 in investment would commence around the Division Avenue Cool Cities project.

Grand Rapids has come a long way over the 25 years I have been in this town. To single out Cool Cities as a frivolous program is just a misguided out of touch statement by a politician equally out of touch and looking to capitalize shamelessly by preying upon the arts.

The artist (and those who love art), understand the arts are tremendous force in this community. The Cool Cities program has brought many exciting changes and deeply enriched the fabric of our community.

Political Humor

Recently while on YouTube.com ....my favorite waste of time.... I stumbled on a few videos that made me laugh so hard.

I think we have lost the ability to laugh at ourselves during poltical years. (This is not true for those who watch the Daily Show or Corbert Report.)

So click the link below and have a great laugh.