2008 Ball Drop

Just in case anyone missed it earlier this year or needs a reminder to get the party started:

Over and "Out" on the Eve of New Year's Eve from Chesapeake, VA

Christmas is Here!

For those of you that also read Kelly's blog please forgive me for being a copy-cat.... Kelly, thanks for letting me plagiarize your site once again. You come up with some good sheet my friend. I hope for those of you out there without a smile on your face yet, this will help brighten your day and the next few:

Over and "Out" on the eve of Christmas Eve, here in Chesapeake, VA

Another Milestone

Who would have ever "thunk" that my little place on the web would ever get:

Some time late yesterday it happened...

I started this as a way to communicate with my family and friends I lost in the coming out process. Today I have a whole other reason to continue posting... I find it very therapeutic and also find that by sharing my experiences, in writing, I am helping others that are going through things that, while different in each case, have similar frustrations. We are not in this alone, as I found when I started this journal back in February of 2006. I was tagged by several guys that had already gone through the process back then and they were so encouraging and supportive that I never stopped writing.

Thank you all for visiting "My New Life" and helping me through all my ups and downs...

Over and "Out" 19,000 hits later, from Chesapeake, VA

Feelin' Like a Kid

This holiday has me feeling a little childlike again... My "Bio-Pop" turns 75 on the 21st and it reminded me that I received a snapshot of myself from him when I was like, 18 months old. The following are the "before" and "after" my 50 some-odd Christmases:

Me in 1957

Me in 2007

I am enjoying this year alot. It may be that I am finally comfortable being single, and it may be that I have the right mixture of friends and family in my life... Who knows?...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Offensive and Optimistic...

After the last post i realized that Shirley Q may be offensive to some. I certainly hope it was not. I just found it and some of the other videos of her on YouTube very entertaining in a somewhat "potty humor" way...

Onward and upward! The new man in my life has proven to be quite addictive... We spent the better part of my weekend together and really got to know each other a little better... We had planned to get together again last night for dinner and possibly go to the HRBOR monthly event, but the storms down this way prevented me from getting into my car to meet him in Norfolk.

On the other hand, the time apart after spending so much time together gave me (and I suppose him too) some time to reflect and ponder where this might be headed... All I know is that I missed him last night and then again this morning... I missed his "boys" too (they are two of the cutest Cavalier King Charles Spaniels).

Anyway, it's Monday for me so there will be some additional "pondering" time before I get to see him again. I am very optimistic and hope he is as well!

Over, "Out" and optimistic, from Chesapeake, VA

Shirley Q Liquor

Too funny not to share!



Over and "Out" from just another Homosexical in Chesapeake, VA

Middle of the Week (end)

It is Wednesday to most, but it's Saturday for me. I have been laying low for a bit, as I have been having conflicting feelings about some people I have met... I'm sure my situation is not unique, but I have been at a stalemate as to how to handle it. I have been seeing someone on and off for a couple of months now... I really LIKE the guy, but am almost positive I could not LOVE him in a way that could lead to anything serious. I hate being driven by "chemistry" sometimes, it so gets in the way of romance. He is extremely nice, thoughtful, and intelligent, but I just don't "feel" anything more than potentially a really good friendship. On the other hand, I think he has stronger feelings towards me...

Then comes the monkey wrench, I have been chatting and talking with another guy for the past couple of weeks. Again, an extremely nice, thoughtful and intelligent guy. Only problem is he did not choose to share a picture of himself. Usually a negative in my experience, although I did meet Jim without knowing what he looked like a few years back. As the story unfolds, I had dinner with him last night and immediately felt the "sparks"... I could get very serious about this guy if I let myself...

More to come for sure.

Over and "Out" from my neck of the woods in Chesapeake, VA

Prop 8, The Musical

I'm sure that some have seen this already, but at 6:00am it was definately a great was to start my day!

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

December Already?

The "Black" weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) was not all we had hoped it would be... We ended up about 15% down from last year's sales numbers. While at work yesterday I was thinking of things we could have done differently and I came up with nothing...

About half of our sales staff is relatively new, and I suppose the experience factor has something to do with being able to juggle a couple of customers at a time. I think we "walked" some potential buyers by not being ready when they were...

With Thanksgiving week and all the prep for this past weekend, I ended up screwing myself out of a day off. So I am doing a partial day (going in for a staff meeting later) today and taking my two days off tomorrow and Thursday... I needed the mental health day! I also have not posted on here much lately and was reminded of that last night when my old friend Joe, in Florida, asked me why I hadn't written much in the past few months.

I guess the answer to Joe is that I have been busy... I have been concentrating on things at work, spending some of my down time helping with theHROC website and event calendar, and also trying to date some... Ahhhh... Yes I said the date word. Through my participation in the HROC, I have met a lot of new people, some of whom I have even dated. I have also been seeing another guy that definitely piques my interest. I guess I am still having trouble with the trust factor. For my entire life I have relied on this thing I have... call it intuition, gut, ESP, or just blind luck... but it has always served me well when meeting new people I either like them, or don't almost immediately (I know, how shallow huh?). After the past couple of attempts at the boyfriend thing, I have found that, what ever this thing is that I have, doesn't seem to be working so well... So I am second guessing myself and as a result, have put up some "shields". Something that I have never done, or had to do, in the past... It's frustrating to say the least. I think it will pass with time, or at least I hope it will...

Anyway... On to December and the Holidays. I spent Thanksgiving Day with my boss and her family. It was awesome... Today I am heading over to the local HomoDepot to pick out an artificial Christmas tree, a few ornaments, some lights, and I think I will just do some cool bows on it... Simple yet elegant is the look I am headed for. I'll try to upload a picture when it's done. My room mate has never decorated for the holidays, so I started with just a few things at Halloween, then transitioned into Fall, and now to Christmas... I need this more for me, than anyone else I think. I even went to amazon.com and bought a couple of holiday CD's so I can listen to them while decorating...

Ok, I hope that wets every ones whistles as to the happenings here in Chesapeake. I actually feel better now too, this posting thing can be like a good therapy session sometimes!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Thanksgiving Day 2008

I was re-reading some of my older posts the other day, and found a piece that summed up my feelings this Thanksgiving Day. While the names have changed (as have the circumstances of my current life) I thought it worth editing a little and re-posting today.

Life in Chesapeake has been good. I can't believe it's been six months since my exodus from country life in Toano. My work here and the volunteer things I do on the side keeps me out of trouble. My new friends here and my work family make all things that transpired this past year more palatable...

My children, two in Miami (30 and 28) and two in Richmond (22 and 20), are my legacy. They are each challenging in their own way. Some talk to me regularly, some don't. I am thankful that they are mine, and hope that they all know how much I love them...

My Mother and two brothers (and their respective families) who I don't speak to enough, are always in my thoughts. My Mom is my inspiration and more than likely is where I got my optimism from. Thanks Mom, I love you! Thank you Skip and Pat, I know you have had to deal with alot from your older brother these past years, I love you guys, your wives, and my nieces and nephew...

To my new found Pop and his family in the land down under, I am glad you came to visit, I am glad you have someone special in your life, and I am extremely glad to know you!

To my blogging and HROC friends: You all have made my journey this past year so enlightening. It is so nice to know that complete strangers can connect and impact the lives of each other in such a positive way sometimes... What a lucky man I am to know all of you! Thank you for your input, your comments and your support of "My New Life" and me personally...

You know I am not much into the "prayer" thing, but I do send my best wishes and thanks. This video kind of says part of how I feel towards you all (Celtic Woman's The Prayer):

There are many others in my life that have supported me and continued to care for me through all my ups and downs. To all of you: Thank You!

I will be thinking and thanking everyone for a wonderful year and life, as I spend this Thanksgiving Day...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, Virginia, USA

My First Snow in Chesapeake

I woke up a little late this morning. As I was doing the morning routine and started the coffee, went in to relieve the overnight bladder, turned on GMA, then opened the blinds in the living room, I realized it was snowing outside!

My first snow living down here. I am excited and I love snow.

Mind you it wasn't sticking to anything and it phased from a sprinkle to snow off and on, but it was beautiful. I went out on to my front porch and just took it all in...

This summer and fall reminds me a lot of the first year living in Virginia, back in 1999. I was told by most of my colleagues at Circuit City (the company that relocated me from Miami) that it rarely snowed in Richmond, and when it did, it rarely lasted long. The summer that year was hot and humid and the fall very short lived, not unlike the seasons we just experienced. That winter became the most extreme one in years. The first snow was in mid November (sound familiar?) and the unusual thing was that it stuck AND accumulated. The whole city seemed to close down for three inches of snow. And that was just the start...

We had more accumulating snow, two ice storms, sleet, and freezing rain that year than we have had any year since. I got a taste of winter and snow that first year that I actually enjoyed and kind of expected from that point forward... Each winter since has been a little different with a lot less precipitation. Although I have also moved closer to the water over the past few, first from Richmond to Williamsburg, and then from the "burg" to Chesapeake, so I suspect the chance of a "white Christmas" will be somewhat diminished.

None the less... We got snow this morning and I loved it!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

The Prop 8 Song

I am not all that fond of rap, but listen to the words:



Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Join the Impact in Norfolk

The Hampton Roads folks did their part on Saturday!


11-15-2008 - 13 News - Join The Impact Protest - Downtown Norfolk from coolasbluefire on Vimeo.


Only wish I could have been there,
but someone had to mind the store!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

In Someone Elses Words...

I know I have been slow to post in here, and no, that doesn't mean anything other than I have had little to say after history was made earlier this month...

I did receive an email from a friend, that after the nation wide protests that took place yesterday against Prop 8, seemed enlightening and appropriate:

"The California Supreme Court did in fact rule, for the first time, that Gays are not just another minority group, but a “suspect class” of minority. This status has only previously been extended to race, sex, and religious minorities. This means that discrimination against a “suspect class” triggers “Strict Scrutiny” on the part of the courts, and this analysis requires the government to come up with a “compelling state reason” for the discrimination. Historically, once a minority group has attained status as a “suspect class” discrimination against it has always been prohibited because the government has never been able to come up with a “compelling state reason” for the discrimination.

This analysis will survive Proposition 8. Gays are still a suspect class and the government will have to come up with a compelling state reasons to justify denying them fundamental rights including marriage.

This means several things; The court may rule that the California Constitution cannot be amended to take away fundamental rights from a suspect class by a simple majority vote. They may well decode that a constitutional convention is required to take away fundamental rights. This requires a two-thirds vote of the state legislature.

A writ has already been filed by a collection of civil right’s lawyers (moi included) seeking to obtain such a ruling. If so, the election could be tossed out and the homophobes left with having to get two-thirds of the legislature to agree to a constitutional convention.

Lots of luck.

This would mirror the Federal Constitution which cannot be amended without two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress plus ratification by three -quarters of all the state legislatures.

As you recall, the last gasp of the Federal Religious Right attempted such an amendment in Congress on this very issue and they failed to get even a simply majority of either the House or the Senate let alone a two-thirds majority.

So the argument goes: California’s Constitution must reflect the Federal one. It can only be amended to take away fundamental rights by a Constitutional Convention which requires two-thirds of the state legislature.

This battle is far from over.

Thanks (Joe) for forwarding me the above!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

In my own words...

I am thrilled about the outcome of the Presidential, Senate, and Congressional elections... I just heard on the news that North Carolina's results are finally in as well!

In addition, the Hampton Roads OUTReach Center had two major events this past week... Carnivale, on Saturday night and our own Post Election Party on Tuesday... The turn out to both was HUGE!!! Much more support and participation than any of us ever anticipated. Thanks to all who volunteered and came out to join us...

We all had a blast, which is quite evident if you go through the pictures and videos on our website theHROC.org Who says you can't have fun while making money for a good cause?

Check out the calendar of events on the website if you missed the last ones... Oh, and yes that might be the beginning of a blond go-tee, not sure if it will last...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Change has come to America

This two minute clip says it all...



Over and "Out" from my corner of the United States of America!

Trouble at the Polls?

Election Day in the 2008 Presidential race is less than one week away and early voting is already underway in 31 states. I urge you to exercise your right to vote by going to the polls this year. Every vote matters. Voting early may help you avoid the lines on Election Day and your vote counts the same as voting on Election Day.

Believe in the importance of voting and believe that it makes a difference in the work for Gay-Lesbian-Bisexual-Transgender-Questioning equality. People in elected offices make decisions that directly impact our ability to pass legislation that will protect you against discrimination and seek to decrease the violence our community faces. GLBTQ people, however, sometimes face discrimination at the polls. In order to help you exercise your right to vote, NCTE has reissued a Guide to Overcoming Voting Obstacles to help you overcome any barriers to voting that you encounter. The Guide also addresses additional challenges that some transgender voters face, such as racism, felony conviction and homelessness.

GLBTQ PEOPLE AND OUR VOTES. You have the right to vote! You are only required to provide enough information at the polls to prove that you are the person listed on the voting records; many states only require identification for first time voters. Note that in 13 states, there are more restrictive identification requirements, but even in these states, you should not be afraid to vote. If you live in one of these states (AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, MI, MO, NC, OH, PA, TX, VA), you can find specific useful information for your state from People for the American Way at http://site.pfaw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=voterid_toolkits.

If your current appearance or name does not match the name listed on the voting records, bring copies of your current and old IDs, any court orders changing your name and gender, or physician letters. Do not provide more information than is necessary. You may be more comfortable voting early, where it is available, because the polls may be less crowded and you'll have more time to speak with poll workers about your particular situation. See the Guide to Overcoming Voter Obstacles for specific information and contact one of the hotlines below if you encounter problems.

YOUR RIGHTS Remember that you have the right to: Vote for any candidate you wish to. Get additional information, such as viewing a sample ballot and receiving instructions on how to vote, be assisted at the polls by the person of your choice if you need assistance in order to vote. Vote by provisional ballot if your name does not appear on the poll list or if you are denied a ballot; you are also entitled to written information about how to find out if your provisional vote was counted. A replacement ballot if you make a mistake or damage the ballot. Vote if you are in line when the polls close. In some jurisdictions, you are also entitled to written information and assistance in a language other than English.

VOTER REGISTRATION STILL OPEN IN SOME STATES. It's not too late for voters in some states. You can register at your voting place on Election Day in Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Wyoming. No voter registration is required in North Dakota, just go to the polls and vote. Registration is still open in Montana (deadline: November 3 or at the polls), North Carolina (deadline: November 1 at One Stop Voting sites), and Wisconsin (deadline: November 3 at 5 p.m.). Contact the Secretary of State's office in your state for additional information.

IF YOU ENCOUNTER A PROBLEM AT THE POLLS: If you are not on the rolls or are denied a ballot for any reason, request and complete a provisional ballot before leaving your polling place. The non-partisan Election Protection Coalition has a free hotline to provide you with assistance (administered by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law). 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-866-687-8683, www.866ourvote.org. Contact them right away for assistance. The Election Protection Coalition is made up of a wide range of groups including the NAACP, ACLU, American Bar Association, Asian American Justice Center, Common Cause, Native Vote, National Coalition for the Homeless, the National Council of Jewish Women, National Center for Lesbian Rights, United States Student Association and many more. If you have difficulties due to language barriers, contact: For assistance in Spanish, Llame a la línea de Protección de Elección: 1-888-Ve-Y-Vota or 1-888-839-8682, www.veyvota.org , administered by the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Education Fund. Assistance in Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Khmer is available from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund hotline at 1-800-966-5946. If you have difficulty voting because of a disability, you can contact 1-800-776-5746 (voice) and 1-800-781-4546 (TDD) for help and information. Another resource is: The US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Voting Section, can be reached at 1-800-253-3931. Please feel free to pass this resource along to anyone who may need it. Encourage your friends and family to get out and vote this year.

See you at the Polls Tuesday!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake (near Norfolk) VA

VOTE!

I am confident that all of my friends and family that read "My New Life" have either already voted (in those states that allow it) or have made plans to do so on Tuesday... Yes, that's right, this coming Tuesday is November 4, 2008, election day here in the USA...

This is another reminder:



Thanks for the link Pam!

Over and "Out" from chilly (28 degrees this morning) Chesapeake, VA

Write to Marry

Today is National "Write to Marry" day... For more info on posting to your website click HERE.

Over and "Out" just 6 days from the National Elections, from Chesapeake, VA

Ron Howard and Friends

I ran accross this over at Gay Political Issues and thought it worth reposting here!



The Fonz thought they said she was loose... hehehe

Over and "Out" 8 days before the elections, from Chesapeake, VA

Living near the "Hood"

I really like the place I live and the gal I rent from... It's less than 3 miles to work, close to the expressways that surround the area, 10 minutes from downtown Norfolk or Newport News via those highways and a network of tunnels beneath the rivers. Most of them are referred to with their initials like the MMMBT, CBBT, and HRBT (where BT refers to them as bridge/tunnels), while others are called by their proximity to a city such as the midtown tunnel or the downtown tunnel.

I digress... The location of my place here in Chesapeake is on the fringe of what my boss (a black woman) refers to as "the hood". I have had no real issues since moving here in April, other than periodically having to drive through some areas where large groups of teens are hanging out after dark... That is until last night...

6:20 this morning I wake to a loud knock on my bedroom door. It is my roommate who has been awakened by a neighbor pounding on our front door. She tells me that the neighbor wanted to let us know that someone had vandalized my car... While I don't have my "8NT-STR8" license plates on the new ride, I do have an HRC sticker and a rainbow strip across the rear window and my first thought was that someone bashed my car because I way gay... Not the case...

I am just plain stupid. I left my GPS attached to the windshield when I got home last night. I probably could have put a sign on my car saying "Free Electronics" and been less subtle... Who ever it was smashed the passenger front glass, got into the car, took the GPS, the brand new HD radio I had installed last Thursday, an inexpensive printer a friend had given me, 4 new CD's, a book map of the area, and the contents of my glove compartment.

All I can say is I hope they need all that stuff more than I do...

After calling the Chesapeake police department, waiting for the forensic guy to show up, calling State Farm (who I think will be able to wiggle out of paying me anything as they gave me two claim numbers, one for my auto and another for my homeowners, each have a $500 deductible) to report the loss, locating an auto glass company and arranging to have the window replaced, calling Best Buy to have another radio installed, and cleaning up most of the glass in and around my car... I am exhausted and it's only 11:30!

My roommate was more upset than I was I think... She wanted to know if I wanted her to stick around until the "po-po" came, I told her I was off today and would be just fine... It is only a car, and no one was hurt...

The glass people should be here around noon, and I have an appointment to have the replacement radio installed at 5:00pm at Best Buy. I guess I will have to live without the GPS and go back to maps to find my way around...

Over and "Out" from near the "hood" here in Chesapeake, VA

Rachel Maddow my favorite Lesbian

I found a link to this over at "Knotty's" blog, and had to share... I have been listening to Rachel Maddow on XM radio's "Air America" for almost a year...



I am sorry to say I no longer have XM radio, but it's great to know I can catch Ms. Maddow on MSNBC and thier website! I am in love with this Lesbian!

Over and "Out" from politically incorrect, Chesapeake, VA

The Great Schlep

I love Sarah Silverman:


The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

This may be offensive to some... But coming from Miami, I understand.

Over and "Out" for today, from Chesapeake, VA

Person from Holland...

I wish this person from Holland would email or post a comment on here.

I am very intrigued...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA... USA

(updated 10/13/2008): I stand corrected.. He is from Amsterdam, which is actually in the Netherlands... another blogger : Tipping the Scales

Adopted...

I warn you now... this is a longer post than most, but worth the read!

I'm guessing that many of us have wished we were adopted by someone other than the parents that raised us. It would make "coming out" a little easier if we could just expain it away, to genes or some other non-blameable phenomenom. It would ease their (the parents that raised us)minds, certainly if they could explain away the abnormality on someone other than themselves, as well. It could also explain away those differences between our siblings and ourselves, and why we just don't "click" sometimes...

Well I am here to tell you, it makes no difference!

I have always known the man that raised me was not my (nor 2 of my 3 brothers) biological father. He and my Mom were always up front about that. Yet at 22 years old he married her and gained custody of her 3 sons before proceeding to have a 4th (yes he was Catholic). We (my Dad and I) were alway close, until those aweful teenage years when I was sure that I knew much more than this man with two engineering degrees from CAL-POLY did. Fortunately, before he died of cancer in 1979, we had already reconnected and I realized his strange comment/advice to me during those trying teen years: "The older you get, the smarter I'll get" was absolutely true... This man helped design the guidance control system for the Minute Man Missile, of course he was smarter than me... and I got HIS last name!

Fast Forward almost 30 years>>:

Yesterday I met my biological father for (at least in my own memory) the first time... I was, at first hearing of his reappearance to any member of his family for some 40 years, quite interested in meeting him and... well... asking him a few questions. I got to do that and much more.

I woke up yesterday morning knowing I was going to drive up to Williamsburg and have lunch with him, his ladyfriend of several years, and my uncle (his half brother) who I had already met through my (Internet) Auntie, my natural father's sister, who had made contact with me back in the early 90's. I had no real expectations, yet I was feeling somewhat anxious and deep down inside (as we all do) I of course, wanted to be accepted by him without having to "explain" who this 53 year old man has morphed in to.

Since we had already been in contact with each other via email (he has lived in Tasmania and elsewhere in the land "down under" for the past 40 some years) I had already "outed" myself to him, so that was not a real concern and honestly, I was not sure by the time the meeting came to fruition, what it was I expected out of the meeting... Again, no expectations other than acceptance...

WELL, I GOT ACCEPTANCE IN SPADES!

The initial meeting/introduction was somewhat "strained", as were the first few hours, including lunch at SEASONS in Colonial Williamsburg's Market Square (I have some friends from the old neighborhood in Toano, that always wanted to "do" Sunday Brunch at Seasons, because they knew the Bloody Marys were "the bomb"), I can now attest to the fact that they most certainly are! After sharing this tip with "bio-pop" he decided to order one as well. It was truly a meal in itself... All four food groups and alcohol... We were definitely making progress and working on a connection!

I think we both loosened up a little and started being more honest with what we really wanted to find out about each other. He didn't give a flying F**K that I was gay. I, on the other hand, had absolutely no qualms nor invasive questions about "why" he left us 50 some odd years earlier... That is between he and my Mom... I have always known that had nothing to do with us (the kids).

I found him extremely fascinating. I found his choice in a partner even more intriguing. His lady friend, I presume, had a lot to do with his quest to reconnect with his family (not only his grown children, but also the brothers and sister he had excommunicated for what ever reasons).

We all spent several hours, first touring the "Historic Triangle" of Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown... Then touring each others' feelings and thoughts on life in general. I am very glad to know this man. Although I do have an issue calling him "Dad", I don't have a problem calling him "Pop". I hope he understands the significance and accepts the compromise...

I intend on keeping in touch with both of them... I also would really like to visit their world "down under". Who knows... Maybe one day soon, I will be posting from Australia... In the meanwhile, I offer only one suggestion to anyone reading this: We have, what we have, enjoy all the people in your life!

Over and "Out" for today, from home in Chesapeake, VA.

Jib Jab and the Debate

You can see by the following how interesting I found tonight's debate:

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Over and "Out" from my Friday night, here in Chesapeake, VA

Thursday Night

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

eHarmony? I don't think so....

Check it out!





And what's wrong with these guys?

Over and "Out" from somewhere other than eHarmony.com...

Four Days Left to Register

Did you know that if you don't register to vote in the Commonwealth of Virginia by October 6th, you will not be able to cast your ballot in November!



Check out this cool video too!

Registered, Over, and "Out" from Chesapeake

Social and Economic Liberal....

Fellow blogger "Thomas" took this test and posted his results, I thought I'd do the same...

You are a Social Liberal (73% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (21% permissive) You are best described as a: Strong Democrat Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also : The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

How do you measure up?

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

New National Symbol

An old friend in Miami sent this to me today... After watching GW (again) this morning, I thought it appropriate to post:

Thanks Cheryl!

Over and "Out" from Cheasapeake, VA

Brothers and Sisters... I am hooked

Ok, after tuning in for the season premiere of "Desperate Housewives", I stayed on ABC and saw, for the first time, the series "Brothers and Sisters".... What a great show. Reminds me, in a way, alot of my own family.

Will be tuning in on Sunday nights in the future!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Interesting...

I have had a visitor to my blog from the Netherlands, I am curious because that is one of the places I have always wanted to visit... Interesting in more ways than one. Here is a country (Holland) that has spent thousands of years below sea level... Yet we, here in the USA, can't ensure the safety of our brothers and sisters in New Orleans for even one hundred... What is wrong with that picture?

Over and "Out" from my neck of the woods here in Chesapeake, VA

Fifty-Three...

I spent my birthday yesterday by myself... Wednesday night I left work around 9:15pm, came home, changed into some jeans, and went to Skip's for a cocktail... There was a pool tournament going on so the place was quite full, lots of good looking men.

I chatted with the bartender and a few other people until midnight... I was offered a birthday shot by Larry (the bartender) and enjoyed that, thanking him I headed home...

I actually had a very nice birthday, and did exactly what I wanted to do...

Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes e-cards, emails, and phone calls!

Over and "Out" from the next year of "My New Life"...

Hampton Roads gets GAY

If I haven't told you, I've decided to get involved with the local GLBT community down here in Hampton Roads (Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake) area, also known as the Tidewater of Virginia.

There is a new Community Center being planned called the HROC (Hampton Roads OUTReach Center). It's still in it's infancy, but it is such a great idea and it's being organized by some very smart and caring people. I went to one of the general meetings last night and was very impressed by the caliber of family behind this effort. I think I have found my "cause" and plan on helping in any way I can...

Make sure to visit the new website thehroc.org, and if you happen to live down this way, take the survey and join us at the rescheduled HR Pride event "Out in the Park", Sunday, October 19, 2008, at Chesapeake City Park on Greenbrier Parkway...

Over and "Out" for today, from Chesapeake, VA

Just another reason...

While checking out a couple new sites people have sent me to explore, I found this additional inspiration to remain a democrat:

Now I know this is only a fictional character, in a popular TV show, but how many other people out there have a similar view?

Denny Crane, aka: James Tiberius Kirk, aka: "The Negotiator", aka: William Alan Shatner, is sure about his party affiliation... How about YOU?

Don't forget to VOTE regardless, on November 4th

( in just 50 days)!!!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Brothers, Fathers, and Sons...

Had a great visit today with my oldest son and his mom. They flew up from Miami to Richmond, to attend my step-daughters wedding. I hear that, while a little hot at the venue selected, it was a grand affair, and to backpedal a little (to my previous post), not only did her dad show up, but I understand 40 of the rooms at the Homewood Suites in Innsbrook, were filled with family and out of town guests at the auspicious event...

My son had called a few weeks back to let me know he was planning on attending, and asked if I wanted to get together Sunday or Monday... Of course, I said I would arrange for the time off so that we could spend the afternoon together. I got up around 6 this morning with some anticipation. We haven't seen each other since the last ski vacation we took as a family two weeks before my heart attack in 2005. We talk over the phone and or email, but still not the same as seeing each other... I haven't seen his mom since Christmas of 1999...

Anyway, after waking with some butterflies in my stomach, I watched the news, had a cup of coffee, took a shower, and called him around 9:30. I told him it was a 1.5-2 hour drive and that I would call him when I arrived. The hotel is the same one Circuit City put me when I was relocating from Miami in 1999, so I knew exactly where it was. When I pulled up, I called my son and he told me they would meet me in the lobby in a couple of minutes. I walked in and was just kind of looking around when someone said something that I didn't quite understand, it didn't sound like my son or his mom so I really paid no mind. I am still not sure what the person was saying, because as it was repeated, I turned around to see my brother (from Atlanta) and jumped with both shock and surprise....

My initial reaction was, of course, happiness and I was a little perplexed. I hadn't seen him since his daughters wedding in Indiana (and certainly had no knowledge of him being in Richmond). I was put in an awkward position at that event, He and our youngest brother had some sort of misunderstanding prior to it, and I ended up playing man-in-the-middle, agreeing, disagreeing, offering insight, and still trying to remain neutral... It didn't work very well, but they seemed to finally have ironed things out.

The brother standing in the lobby of this Richmond hotel and I grew up sharing the same room. He has been there for me, and I for him, through a lot of childhood dramas. He is also the one that reacted completely opposite of how I thought he would, when I came out. His wife and mine had built a close friendship and I honestly believe his reaction to my leaving and "outing" myself was influenced by his wife. I thought he would be totally accepting of me, and he has only become more distant in the years since. In talking to family, I found out (after the fact) that he and his wife had come up to Richmond earlier in the year to spend time with my ailing wife, and my kids. Knowing his wife's relationship with mine, I just blew it off... Now again, he makes a trip from Atlanta to Richmond and makes no prior attempt to get together for a beer, dinner or anything. My son didn't even know his uncle was coming until they ran into each other at the hotel.

Anyway, when my son and his mom come down, we all share hugs and start chatting, I see my brother indicate to my ex that he will be back down, and to just have a seat in the lobby and wait. (No offense here, but I don't remember putting him in charge of the itinerary for the moment)... I find out that he is here with his son (who I would really like to see) and his wife, so I swallow the lump backing up in my throat.

The three of them come down from their room and again we do the family hugs and air kisses. We all sit down and chat for a bit, and then it's announced that it is time for them to leave for the airport and "How great it's been to see you"... I was so offended, and really didn't realize it until later in the day.... This was not about them!

My son, his mom, and I toured Richmond a little and settled on Bottoms Up Pizza, down in Shokoe Bottom, for lunch... I had a couple of Bloody Marys to calm my nerves. All in all a wonderful day with the two of them (If you're reading this, thanks, I had a great time).

I have always considered family first and foremost (well, after me, of course). That family has always included steps, in-laws, half's, etc... But blood family is even closer. They should never turn their backs on each other. Not ever!

All I see is your back, my brother!!

Over and "Out" from back home, in Chesapeake, VA

Depressed and Lost...

I am in a bad place...

I just can't seem to make anything work in my life... I know I will get through this, just feel so lost...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

McBushisms

I found this tonight and had to share... There are 5 videos in the series... play them all...



Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Someone's getting married...

My eldest son called me the other day from Miami. He wanted to know what I was up to this coming Sunday and Monday... I explained that I normally work every Sunday and Monday, but asked him why...

It appears my step-daughter (2nd wife's daughter from previous marriage) is getting married this weekend in Richmond. My oldest son and his mom (my 1st wife) are coming up for the event...

I guess to most of my gay friends, it seems odd that my first and second wives actually get along well. As a blended family, there were always events that overlapped and had to include family members from the "other side"... We were all fortunate enough to get along very well. As a matter of fact, my first wife's mom and I are still good friends to this day!

Growing up, I always reminded my step-daughter that I was not her Dad. Her father played a very active roll in her life and I was never going to even suggest that I replaced him. After her mom and I split up, a wall went up between us (I understood the "side" she had to take). I am hopeful that her dad is making the trip from Miami for his only child's wedding, as I was not invited (understandably so)...

Anyway! I haven't seen my oldest for a few years. He has always been very supportive of me and I plan on making the time to see him and his mom this weekend!

Over and "Out", for today... From Chesapeake, VA

Look out for IKE!

On the past couple of maps I have posted, the BLUE computer model has been the closest to being accurate... Look where IKE is headed...

Over and "Out" from the middle of Tropical Storm Hanna, here in Chesapeake, VA.

I'm wishing he's a Democrat

This Palin I'd vote for:





Over and "Out" (wish he was), from Chesapeake, VA

Our Turn

Looks like Hanna has eyes for Virginia!


Over and "Out" from Chesapeake!

Get OUT of there!

To my friends in NOLA don't pass go, don't collect $200, just get out!

Over ,"Out", and far away from Gustav, from Chesapeake, VA

Another Similarity?

Option A:
McCain's choice (Sarah Palin):

Option B:
My choice (Karen Walker):

You be the judge!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Barack O-Biden

And... We're OFF!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Two Thousand-Eight

I am so excited about the election this year. I watched the live local coverage of Barack Obama in... of all places... Chesapeake, VA last night!

I was not sure I was going to watch it live, but am so happy I did. This man (and the man he selects as his running mate) has a vision that McBush just doesn't articulate... My two youngest children went to middle and high school here in Virginia. We have what many states have, standardized testing throughout those grade levels. Here in Virginia they are called the "Standards of Learning" or "SOL's". I watched my teens be taught to these tests. I mean, the schools would lose their accreditation if the scores on these tests were below a certain point. So the focus was always on teaching to the SOL's, rather than"just plain" teaching period...

A few of the things that grabbed my attention:

On the middle class... "Are you better off now, than you were when George Bush took office?" If you are, then vote for John McCain...

On civil liberties... the Bush administration disregarded the constitution in an attempt to maintain "national security"... "The first thing I will do when elected, is to have my Attorney General review all of Bush's executive orders, and those that defy the words of the constitution will be eliminated"...

On health care... Health care extends beyond physical health needs... Mental health, including PTSD for our VETS is not being addressed. Some of our citizens are being locked up in jail, when they should be receiving unavailable health care...

And OMG, I love the parenting reference.... Fathers need to be Fathers, regardless of their relationship with the mother...

I know there are a few McBush supporters out there, but this guy is our future, not our past!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Nineteen Sixty-Eight

I am off today and doing my chores here around the old homestead... I am watching the History channel as I do my weekly three loads of laundry.

Tom Brokaw has always been one of those people I admired... Funny to see him in 1968 as an occasional on air reporter for NBC, and today... as the trusted information icon he has become:

Funny also, the parallels between the then war, in southeast Asia (Vietnam), and our ongoing Bushwhacking (in Iraq). One of the first people, a student from the University of Wisconsin, to protest the draft in 1968, and move to Canada, has since become a Canadian citizen, a well respected attorney, and has started to represent some of our young people today, sucked into the Iraq war by talks of WMD, connections to Al Qaeda, and other Bush lies, tricked into fighting another war similar to Vietnam... I know I am oozing secrets of my age and my political preferences here, but this gets better!

The Smothers Brothers (Comedy Hour, a very popular show in 1968), were censored for being too politically incorrect and ended up being cancelled by CBS in 1969. Yet comedians today, specifically people like John Stewart, contribute their passion for their profession to people just like them. I loved the Smothers Brothers, and yes they did come back!

I was not even thirteen yet that April, when I watched Bobby Kennedy announce that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been assassinated in Memphis, TN... My Dad, for whatever reason at the time, had decided to take his wife, four sons, a dog, and a cat across country (to move us and show us all the beauties of our United States) from a very comfortable life in Northern California... We were visiting family near St. Louis, MO when that news came out... The June announcement that year that Kennedy himself was shot and killed in LA, came when I was living with my family in the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix to be more specific. It seems my Father was smarter than I could have possibly known...

The plan for my Dad in 1968, was to find a large sailboat (something in the 60-70 foot range), and take this awkward time to show his "boys", wife, and animals, the world... He wanted to sail around the world with us... We made it to the Caribbean and Bahamas before he passed away in 1979... But that's another story...

Back to 1968... My current "significant other" was not even born yet when these events took place... The democrats self destructed in Chicago of that year... HHHumphrey had no chance after the convention, and we were destined to have a Nixon (who had previously announced he would never seek another public office) in the White House... but then there was George Wallace, from Alabama... Yeah I remember this shit...

Women's equality also became more advanced that year... Miss America 1968 came to be a turning point for women's rights in America, when a live sheep was crowned Miss America before Debra Dene Barnes actually received the bouquet of roses from Bert Parks... Additionally, women trashed their girdles, and bras (mistakenly referred to as burning their bras) along with other articles commonly associated with women.

.

1968 also marked the lift off, and voyage of Apollo 8, the first manned mission from earth to venture to the "dark side" of the moon... A precursor to the eventual landing the following year.

We are now 40 years beyond 1968... I am happy to be here, and even happier to be a part of the next "bra burning" generation or group... We are who we are!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA... in 2008!

Updated/Upgraded Format

Ok, I broke down and upgraded my Blogger account...

.

I Lost a couple of things, but looks like I can add some fun stuff too... Gonna have to play with it a bit, and see what comes up...

Over and "Out" for today, from Chesapeake, VA

Busy, Busy, Busy...

I realized this morning that I have not posted in a few... I have been spending most of my free time with the guy I mentioned a few weeks back...

This has been the most curious relationship I have ever been involved in. We are definitely more than friends, we are physically attracted to each other, spend nights sleeping in the same bed, and intimacy has been no problem for either of us... Yet, and I know this may be TMI for some, we haven't had sex yet! It's actually very refreshing and somewhat stimulating... This one may be a "keeper"...

Otherwise, work has been time consuming, I have not gone in (over the past week) in the usual jacket and tie, but rather jeans and a tee... I had previously mentioned the painting that needed to get done by August 1st, and it took me and a couple of temps through this past Tuesday to get them all done... 17 walls in each of 4 lifestyle category colors... For those not mathematically inclined, that is 68 walls! Glad it's finally over!

The condo up in Ocean View (Norfolk) didn't work out... It would have been a 1/2 hour drive (minimum) for me, and I much prefer to live closer to work. So now the new focus is in the Olde Town area of Portsmouth... It is only 15 minutes from work and living in the old historical part of the downtown area is something I have always wanted to do... I don't mind at all renting from my current house-mate, she is awesome, but I think it's time to try to get something of my own...

Time to start getting ready for work...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Choices

I am in the midst of a minor dilemma... A condo, up in the Ocean View area of Norfolk, has become available and would actually be less costly for me (sharing with a housemate) than where I am now... I went to look at it yesterday and really liked the area and the unit itself. There is a wonderful view of the ocean out the bedroom windows and it is about a block away from the Ocean View Pier...

Decisions, decisions...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

The Fall Floorset

Work has been non-stop... We are nearing the end of the Semi-Annual Clearance event we have to clear out old and discontinued merchandise. With that said, we also start receiving the new product for the Fall... We also receive direction from our corporate office as to how the "flow" of the store should look for the Fall. We had to move about half of the furniture in our store to comply with the new directives... But... It's almost all done... Thank goodness! We have some painting to do to the walls in our American Signature Gallery area, but that should not be a major obstacle to obtain our August 1 completion timeline... As the Operations Manager, things like painting fall into my "bucket"... It will get done, come Hell or high water!

The rest of my life right now is kind of interesting... I have met a really cool guy that I like to spend time with. Not sure exactly how it will play out, and quite frankly, I am comfortable where I/we... am/are... right now. No pressure, but at the same time exclusive to each other... One mistake I will NEVER make again is to allow anything even closely resembling and "open" relationship to happen... It's either My Way... or the Highway!

Don't know what the rest of my friends are watching on TV these days, but I am hooked on "The Deadliest Catch" on the Discovery Channel... That and "Army Wives" are the only two shows that are on my "must see" list right now... The rest is just "filler" and my version of a good sleeping pill...

I did get a call from my daughter this week... She needed information on her dental plan so that she could arrange to have her wisdom teeth pulled... I remember having mine done, it wasn't fun.

Otherwise, the happenings in VA have been quite tame...

Over and "Out" for now, from Chesapeake

Does He Love You?

I was channel surfing yesterday and happened upon a CMT tribute to Reba McIntire. This woman has always awed me. "Entertainer of the Year" on numerous occasions, for numerous award shows. A Broadway stint, and an inspiring TV show...

I have always liked this song when she performed it... But to hear and watch Martina McBride and Kelly Clarkson re-enact the feeling that was present in the original release, I was more than impressed...

Take a look and listen:



I think I have seen every episode of the TV series at least 7 or 8 times... It was always inspiring to see a blended family like the "Harts" handle the most bizarre situations in a most gentile way and still remain friends...



Over and "Out" from a warm and balmy Chesapeake, VA

Thursday Updated Post (see below)

Make sure you watch this to the end, for a special guest appearance!

Time for Some Campaignin'

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Just Wrong...

Why on earth would the New Yorker magazine put something like this on their cover?

I just don't get it...


Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Do you really know JACK?

For some time many of us have wondered just who is Jack Schitt?

We find ourselves at a loss when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt!'

Well, thanks to my friend Wayne's generous genealogy efforts, you can now respond in an intellectual way.

Jack Schitt is the only son of Awe Schitt. Awe Schitt, the fertilizer magnate, married O. Schitt, the owner of Needeep N. Schitt, Inc. They had one son, Jack.

In turn, Jack Schitt married Noe Schitt. The deeply religious couple produced six children: Holie Schitt, Giva Schitt, Fulla Schitt, Bull Schitt, and the twins Deep Schitt and Dip Schitt..

Against her parents' objections, Deep Schitt married Dumb Schitt, a high school dropout.

After being married 15 years, Jack and Noe Schitt divorced. Noe Schitt later married Ted Sherlock, and because her kids were living with them, she wanted to keep her previous name. She was then known as Noe Schitt Sherlock.

Meanwhile, Dip Schitt married Loda Schitt, and they produced a son with a rather nervous disposition named Chicken Schitt.

Two of the other six children, Fulla Schitt and Giva Schitt, were inseparable throughout childhood and subsequently married the Happens brothers in a dual ceremony. The wedding announcement in the newspaper proclaimed the Schitt-Happens nuptials.

The Schitt-Happens children were Dawg, Byrd, and Horse.

Bull Schitt, the prodigal son, left home to tour the world. He recently returned from Italy with his new Italian bride, Pisa Schitt.

Now when someone says, 'You don't know Jack Schitt,' you can correct them.

Sincerely,

Crock O. Schitt

Thanks Wayne... Over and "Out" from Chesapeake VA

Don't Hate us for Who We Are...

I found this today over at LGBT Rainbow Links and thought it definitely summed up and expressed my feelings. I know it's late for a Pride Post, but it's never to late to learn...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Gay? or just another Homosexual (Part 2)

The American Family Association obviously didn't foresee the problems that might arise with its strict policy to always replace the word "gay" with "homosexual" on the Web site of its Christian news outlet, OneNewsNow.

The group's automated system for changing the forbidden word wound up publishing a story about a world-class sprinter named "Tyson Homosexual" who qualified this week for the Beijing Olympics.

The problem: Tyson's real last name is Gay. Therefore, OneNewsNow's reliable software changed the Associated Press story about Tyson Gay's amazing Olympic qualifying trial to read this way:

Tyson Homosexual was a blur in blue, sprinting 100 meters faster than anyone ever has. His time of 9.68 seconds at the U.S. Olympic trials Sunday doesn't count as a world record, because it was run with the help of a too-strong tailwind. Here's what does matter: Homosexual qualified for his first Summer Games team and served notice he's certainly someone to watch in Beijing.

"It means a lot to me," the 25-year-old Homosexual said. "I'm glad my body could do it, because now I know I have it in me."

You might think it's a joke, until you read the original AP story, which reads this way:

Tyson Gay was a blur in blue, sprinting 100 meters faster than> anyone ever has. His time of 9.68 seconds at the U.S. Olympic trials Sunday doesn't count as a world record, because it was run with the help of a too-strong tailwind. Here's what does matter: Gay qualified for his first Summer Games team and served notice he's certainly someone to watch in Beijing.

"It means a lot to me," the 25-year-old Gay said. "I'm glad my body could do it, because now I know I have it in me."

Contacted by the Sleuth for comment on the software mishap, American Family Association spokeswoman Cindy Roberts in Tupelo, Miss., told us, "I think it was just a fluke."

Fred Jackson, news director of OneNewsNow, tells the Sleuth his organization has now fixed the software glitch. "We took the filter out for that word," he said, without uttering the "G" word.

"We don't object to the word 'gay,'" Jackson explained, except "when it refers to people who practice a homosexual lifestyle." And the "G" word, he says, has "been co-opted by a particular group of people." (People who are g-a-y.)

The OneNewsNow story about Gay, which was spotted by blogger Ed Brayton at scienceblogs. com, as well as by gay blogs, including PageOneQ, even included these nice details about Mr. Homosexual's qualifying sprint:

Wearing a royal blue uniform with red and white diagonal stripes across the front, along with matching shoes, all in a tribute to 1936 Olympic star Jesse Owens, Homosexual dominated the competition. He started well and pulled out to a comfortable lead by the 40-meter mark. This time, he kept pumping those legs all the way through the finish line, extending his lead. In Saturday's opening heat, Homosexual pulled way up, way too soon, and nearly was caught by the field, before accelerating again and lunging in for fourth place.

But as Brayton at scienceblogs discovered, OneNewsNow's filter didn't work perfectly; the "G" word did slip through, just once:

Gay's race came with the wind blowing at 4.1 meters per second; anything above 2.0 is not allowed for record purposes.

"I didn't really care what the wind was," Homosexual said.

The gay site goodasyou.org, which has long chronicled the AFA's practice of changing AP copy to suit its conservative agenda, looks like it was first to spot the Gay gaffe.

The blog Agitator also found this gem of a story on the AFA's OneNewsNow site, from a June 27 story article about NBA player Rudy Gay:

Memphis Grizzlies backers hit the hay hoping that Kevin Love would open things up for Rudy Homosexual in the front court.

Incidentally, Jackson, the OneNewsNow news manager, tells us his organization doesn't mind using the "L" word to refer to women who are homosexual. Asked how he would refer to Vice President Dick Cheney's gay daughter, Mary Cheney, Jackson said, "We would probably refer to her as a lesbian. Or homosexual."

By Mary Ann Akers July 1, 2008; 12:18 PM ET

Over and "Out" from warm and sunny Chesapeake VA

Happy 232nd Bithday!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Holiday!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Pride 2008

This picture is from Kelly's Blog and will stay at the top of my page through the month of June. It is a challenge of sorts to see how many people post it, and how far it travels. Copy and paste it to your page and "gay it forward" by adding a unique story about your "gayness"! Oh and don't forget to let me or Kelly know where you posted it, he is keeping track...

Current posts follow this entry:

Rather than post a "coming out" story, mine is more a "Living Out" story. Click here to go to it.

Last Post for Gay Pride Month

I have posted other YouTube Videos with THIS SONG (by Scissor Sisters)... But here is the original (how gay can you get?):


Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

4 Minutes of Madonna and Justin

Ok... Madonna and Justin... Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock... Definately worth posting during Pride Month.


both ROCK!

Over and "Out" Tick-tock-tick-tock-tick-tock... from Chesapeake, VA

Big Gurls Don't Cry...

I was feeling a little blue this morning... And then I ran across this on youtube...


Two of my favorites, "Army Wives" and Fergie!

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA

Gay Pride or Rainbow Flag?

DID YOU KNOW?

The gay pride flag, which made it's debut at the 1978 San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade, was designed by Gilbert Baker. It's inspiration came from the black civil rights and hippie movements. The original flag had eight stripes from top to bottom: pink, red, orange, yellow, green, turquoise, indigo/blue, and violet. Within a year, the flag had shed two of its stripes—pink and turquoise. According to Gilbert, they "ran out of pink dye." and the turquoise stripe was later taken out to create an even number of stripes on the flag.

Each color on today's gay pride flag (also known as the rainbow flag) has a different meaning. Test your knowledge below.

RED = Life

ORANGE = Healing

YELLOW = Sunlight

GREEN = Nature

BLUE = Harmony

VIOLET = Spirit

Adding a black stripe to the bottom of the flag represents victory over AIDS. It can also signify leather daddy pride.

A Statement set in Stone...

A great friend of mine from South Florida sent me this image today. He was sure I would appreciate it and was equally sure Kelly, over at "Rambling along in Life" would like it too. I got it first this time Kel... but feel free to copy if you'd like, and thank Joe from Ft. Lauderdale FL for passing it on to us!

I think it speaks volumes for "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"...

Over and "Out" from Chesapeake, VA (and thanks Joe!)