Spotlight.:.Italy

Italy. A timeless country filled with beautiful landscape, incredible art and culture, and the best food in the world! Being of Italian descent and having visited there I have a deep appreciation for what this country has to offer. I may be biased but Italians have contributed to society and the world in ways most cultures dream of. Ancient Rome, the Colosseum, and the infamous Gladiators. You have the Renaissance revolution that brought you artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Botticelli, and the list goes on. There is nothing like a gondola ride through the canals of Venezia on a spring afternoon. The sights and sound of this ancient country truly permeates through the buildings into every city piazza.

Pros of Moving to Italy

A Renaissance country filled with culture
The cuisine and espresso is incredible!

World famous wine and vineyards

Fashion...Versace, Gucci, D&G, Prada
Roma, Venezia, Milano

Great soccer, World Champions 2006!!

Hot Italian men

Romantic culture and language
Good year round weather
The feeling of being part of history
Slower pace of life

More emphasis on family, friends, and enjoying life

Cons of moving to Italy

There is a lot of bureaucracy

Things move slow

Government has often been found corrupt

The country is still old school in terms of infrastructure and technology

The cuisine is a double sided sword, I'd be crazily obese with all that food and gelato!

Got some Italian feedback for me? Love to hear it, leave some love and take the poll.

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The Endorsement

Former Secretary of State under President Bush endorsed Barack Obama for President today on Meet the Press. Colin Powell, a moderate Republican, has always been well respected among both parties. Today he threw his support behind Barack Obama because he believes that Obama can bring the country together and move us forward in the right direction. He speaks about the Obama and McCain campaigns and the ugly way in which McCain is running on fear and utter division. Ironically, Republicans and racists are already discrediting this endorsement on the mere fact that Powell is black. He was the Secretary of State under President Bush and is a moderate Republican. How can you discredit someone who has been on your side for years? How can you all of a sudden discredit someone who was so sought after for his depth of knowledge in the international arena? Well you can't. This is another example of how even moderate Republicans are energized by the hope and promise of an Obama Administration. This is another example of how even moderate Republicans are discouraged and disgraced by the racist and far right moving party they no longer know. The wheels are truly falling off the Hate Talk Express.

On another note Obama raised over 150 million in September. The most in history by any politician. The campaign has over 3.1 million contributors with the average donation around $86. This has truly been a campaign funded by small donors and invigorated by grassroots politics. This past weekend crowds of over 100,000 in St. Louis and over 75,000 in Kansas City lined up to hear Senator Obama speak. America is ready. Ready for change. The American people are ready to take back their country. America is ready for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Spotlight.:.Argentina

Argentina. A country filled with breathtaking farmland and mountains. A country that has a metropolitan city that offers so much culture and art you could easily confuse it with Paris. Home of the the tango. A country alive with Latin American eccentricities but also refined with European flair. A country always viewed second and overlooked by Brazil's sheer size and power in South America. Argentina has it all. You can still see the gauchos (cowboys) in the countryside living as they have for hundreds of years yet drive a few hours away and you can see a world famous tango competition. Argentina has it all.

Pros of moving to Argentina

• Female President (Senator Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and former First Lady)


• Progressive policies and innovative ideas


• Great soccer


• Hot Argentine men


• The food and wine is kick ass


• Buenos Aires


• A European feel in South America


• Great weather


• Cheaper cost of living


• Up and coming Nation


• The laid-back attitude of the people


• I love their flag! I mean baby blue and gold really works for me

Cons of moving to Argentina

• There is a lot of bureaucracy


• Travel within Argentina can be expensive


• Public transportation in Buenos Aires is great but confusing and vast


• Too much laid-back attitude could turn into frustration at things taking longer


• Argentina is often forgotten in the world and the culture sometimes nostalgic

Got some Argentine feedback for me? Love to hear it, leave some love and take the poll.

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Conversations with the Frangela

It's Frangela!! If you don't know who these beautifully intelligent comedians and political talkers are then you need to get a clue fast. Seriously...as seen on VH1's "Best Week Ever", BET's "Hey Monie", and you can listen to them online on KTLK. There's a clip of them above if you still have no idea who they are. Anyway, point being I've emailed them on the regular and I wanted to throw this out there to you as well. What If McCain Wins....

Question to Frangela-

I know the polls show we should win in a landslide but what if McCain wins...What will you both do? On my blog I have a poll as to which country I should seek political asylum in..for the record Brazil is leading. I took the day after the election off just in case I need to grab my passport and join the great exodus. Also, are you concerned that if we elect McCain our country will start ending up on some countries "axis of evil" lists? PS - As a gay I love the gym but have been working out extra hard to prepare for any possible naked protests!

Frangela's Response -

I just read your email to frances and she's like:"oh, he is sooo right, we have to find a non-extradition country because we are for sure on a list - with you and all you calling Cindy McCain the undead talk!" Ugggh,Brazil huh? Oh, and not you too on the naked protest!!! How am I supposed to keep frances clothed with more and more of you signing up to join her :) We are sooo not body ready for that protest - that might get us thrown out of the country before the election - okay!!!! you rock, let us know where we are all moving if the unthinkable happens - because we think we should go en masse so they can't pick us off like flies, seriously. take care, angela & frances

Would love your feedback as well. What If McCain Wins....

Double Win Kinda Night

Win One

The Results from Debate Three are in....Obama wins again. If you are keeping track at home it is the Democratic Ticket 4 RepubliCANTs 0. McCain looked old and grumpy as usual. He did however add in some new facial expressions and more eye rolling than normal. I guess that's the look of desperation. The new ad which summarizes last night's debate is above. Did you know notice that McCain did not once, in ALL three debates, mention the word "Middle Class". Hmmm explains his tax policy right there because the "Middle Class" is once again forgotten in that plan. Also before the debate CBS had a poll that showed 2/3 of Americans believed McCain was now running a negative campaign. I guess during last nights debate he was trying to convince the remaining 1/3 of the public that he indeed has nothing to offer except angry old man yelps.

Last debates public polls:

The CNN Instant Poll had Obama winning 58% to 31% among all voters and 57% to 31% among independent voters.

The CBS Instant Poll of undecided voters had Obama winning 53% to 22%.

The MediaCurves Independent focus group had Obama winning 60% to 30%.

The CNN focus group of undecided voters also had Obama winning.

Luntz focus group on FOX News had Obama winning.

The MSNBC focus group also had Obama winning.

McCain's favorable rating dropped 51 to 49 while his unfavorable rating increased from 45 percent to 49 percent. Obama ended up with 66 percent favorable rating.

Asked who "expressed his views more clearly" 66 percent said Obama, 25 percent said McCain. "Who spent their time attacking his opponent:" 80 percent said McCain, seven percent said Obama. "Who seemed to be the stronger leader:" 56 percent for Obama, 39 percent for McCain. And who was "more likeable:" 70 percent for Obama to McCain's 22 percent.

Latest Major National Poll: 10.11-10.13 CBS/NYT Obama 53% to McCain 39%

Win Two

The Philadelphia Phillies won last night against the LA Dodgers 5-1 clearing way for their first World Series appearance in 15 years. Thanks to teamwork, ambition, and a desire to kick some LA ass the Phils brought it to them in style and pure dominance. Cole Hamels, pitcher for the Phils, was named the National League MVP with an incredible Post Season Record of 3-0 and an ERA under 2.00. Shane Victorino, aka my Phillies husband, has truly been the unsung hero for the offense. He hit two home runs, including a grand slam; drove in 11 runs, a club record; and was intentionally walked twice in the most important game of the year. Not to mention almost took a fast ball to the head. There is pure magic in Philly. I wish I could get tickets for the World Series but I checked my e-mail alerts from the Phils this morning and standing only seating starts at $800. Damn recession...thanks a lot Bush!! Anyway, as I have said all year the Phils will win it all. Keep laughing, but as I've said before there is magic in Philly and Citizens Bank Park....Go Phils!!

I Often Wonder How Shit Works...

I know that I am an inquisitive man. I wonder about random things sometimes and am one for learning and discovering all that is out there. However, I have never cared or wondered about how toilets work. They just do and that is fine with me. Well apparently there is a market for people who are deeply interested in all that are toilets and shit:


PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Ever wonder what happens after you yank the chain on the old commode? Rhode Island is offering tours of several wastewater treatment facilities during what its dubbed the first annual "Rhode Island Water Infrastructure Month."
Tours of treatment plants this Saturday are in East Providence, Bristol and Narragansett. Other tours and educational programs continue in October.
As part of the festivities, the Narragansett wastewater operators team, "Fecal Matters," also will compete in a national latrine-treating skills contest in Chicago against last year's champions, the Rocky Mountain "Commode Commandos."

Seriously? I would love to go just to see who is actually signing up for these tours! I can think of a million other ways to spend my weekend then touring shit facilities. I wonder what they say on the tour. "To your left is a pipe full of your shit" "To the right is more shit...probably your neighbors" I volunteer the remaining dozen McCain supporters as tour guides. They know shit first hand!

SideDish

Thanks to hot players like Shane Victorino the Phillies are one game away from the World Series. This would be their first trip to the World Series in 15 years. Next game is Wednesday in LA. Go Phillies!!

Breaking Story: McCain Transition Chief Aided Saddam In Lobbying Effort

William Timmons, the Washington lobbyist who John McCain has named to head his presidential transition team, aided an influence effort on behalf of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to ease international sanctions against his regime.

Barack Obama is riding a strong wave of steady support. Tuesday's Gallup Poll shows a 51-42 percent lead over John McCain. It's the 11th straight day at or above the 50 percent mark for Obama.

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Spotlight.:.Brazil

Brazil. A country that has never really been taken serious. Americans think of Brazil as a country obsessed with soccer, plagued with crime, and revolves around beautiful people partying and enjoying the beach. Many do not know how much progress has been made in this South American country. Long gone are the days of military rule and dictatorship. Brazil is well on it's path to becoming a 21st century super power. A booming economy, which ranks tenth worldwide, that has become energy independent by utilizing sugar ethanol in place of oil. A nation that is growing by leaps and bounds, currently 5th most populous. Public policies, in large part thanks to President Lula da Silva, that are progressive and innovative enough they have helped curb violence, restored faith in government, lessen the wealth gap, and provided much needed stability. Brazil is truly a country on the rise. I vow to make vacation plans in the next five years to explore the beauty of Brazil.



Pros of moving to Brazil

• Progressive policies and innovative ideas


• Energy independent


• Best soccer in the world


• Arts and cinema are world renowned (City of God, Central Station, City of Men)


• Carnival


• Civil unions are legal in some parts and the President recently came out in support of civil unions as the national policy


• Huge gay scene and culture


• Hot Brazilian men


• Warm weather year round, true beach weather at it's finest


• Beach culture and their men's bathing suits


• The Caipirinha is one of my favorite alcoholic drinks and guarna is incredible


• The food is kick ass


• The Portuguese language is so sexy to me


• Rio de Janerio and Sao Paulo


• The people and spirit of Brazilians is upliftingly positive, friendly, and carefree


• Slower pace of life


• Diversity (the US melting pot of South America)


• Cheaper cost of living


• Up and coming Nation

Cons of moving to Brazil

• Crime and corruption


• Outdated roads and transportation system


• Unequal share of wealth is still a problem

Got some Brazilian feedback for me? Love to hear it, leave some love and take the poll.

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Inspiring America

Sadly it is very rare for a politician running for the office of Presidency to inspire new voters and give hope to disenfranchised groups (ie...minorities). However, Barack Obama is a different politician and a true leader. Last night I was out at a gay club in Hartford, Connecticut. I was on the patio with some friends when I man in a suit came around. At first I was like ummm what the hell? Turns out he was there registering new voters. Even though Connecticut is not a battleground it is vital to get people active and out to the polls. I have never been to a club where I witnessed a new voter registration effort take place. I was truly amazed that an "Obama, Obama" chant started to take place on the outside patio. Lesbians, gay guys, and their straight women friends were out there talking about this election and the many issues and developments. I overheard one women saying Palin was an insult to any educated women. One guy was laughing and said "Black is the new Pink...sorry Paris (Hilton)".

Young, Rich, Poor, Latino, Black, White, Women, Men, Gay, Straight, Bi...even Drag Queens were registering and talking politics last night. It was refreshing to see the gay club community actually interested in politics and taking back our country. Maybe the fact that Connecticut has become the 3rd state to legalize same-sex marriage helped out in spurring on this new found political interest among the gay community. Either way I have a few friends that will be first time voters. Hopefully, this enthusiasm continues for decades to come. We have the power to have our voices heard. We have the power to decide that we are ready for real leadership. Leadership that is not based on division but rather equality. Leadership based on building the country up not tearing it apart. We have the power to tell Washington enough is enough. We have the power to make the change we so desperately seek a reality. We have the power to elect Barack Obama.

SideDish

The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets each won today. Very rare these past few years!

The Phightin' Phils play tonight in Los Angeles in hopes of a road win. The Philadelphia Phillies are 2-0 in their series against Joe Torre's Dodgers. Go Phils!

Debate Two Obama

Debate Two goes to Obama.

NBC's focus group of undecided Pennsylvania voters had the Illinois Democrat winning by roughly a 60-40 split.

CBS's focus group of independents had the Democratic nominee winning the debate at 39percent to McCain's 27 percent, with 35 percent of the respondents saying it was a tie.

CNN focus group of undecided voters in Ohio had the margin at an even wider spread: Obama 54 percent to McCain's 30.

Greenberg Quinlan Rosner had a focus group of undecideds leaning to Obama by a margin of 42 percent to 24 percent.

SurveyUSA polls showed 54 percent of whom thought Obama was the "clear winner" compared with McCain's 29 percent.

There really is not much to say about last night except that Obama won in a format that favored McCain. Obama looked poised and answered the questions asked of him. He spoke truth about his plans on the economy, terrorism, and the war in Iraq. McCain looked angry, bitter, and down right nasty at times. He had no real plans to offer the American people...just the normal soup of lies, fear, and a dash of anger. America deserves more. We are a country in crisis. Now is not the time to be petty and bitter. A true leader brings substantive ideas to the table. I'll repeat it again. Serious times call for serious leaders.

McCain proved once again his total lack of respect for his fellow Senator by not looking at him or shaking his hand after the debate. The line that summed up his recent event rally chants of "Kill Em" "Terrorist" "And he's not like you and me" was when he pointed at Obama while refusing to look at him and say "That One". I had to do a double take when I saw that. Grampy McSame literally referred to his fellow Senator as "That One". He is no longer a senator, an American, a person he is now being referred to as a disdainful object..."That One". In case we didn't pick up on the racism in your creepy old man voice....P.S. Obama is black....sound the alarms!! Give me a break!!

Racists Unite Under McCain-Palin

McCain-Palin events have turned ugly quick thanks to their candidate claiming Barack Obama is friends with terrorists. Their recent campaign events have turned into hate filled KKK rallies. Chants heard on National TV rang out of "Kill Him" "Terrorist" and "Treason" at McCain and Palin events yesterday. We all know the radical wing of the Republican Party are filled with bigots, racists, and war mongers. Now the Republican ticket is inciting fear, blatant racism, and death threats to Barack Obama and his supporters. As a "leader"...As an American and average citizen this can NOT be tolerated.

There are a few things I am adamately against and that is racism and intolerance. If McCain-Palin truly believe in "Country First" then they need to prove it. Condemn the comments and chants made at your latest campaign events. Condemn this kind of fear, racism, and incite to violence. Condemn the fact that you are primarily being supported by the KKK and their sympathies at these rallies. John McCain you are NOT an honorable man. After this campaign, a campaign you vowed would take the high road, you have turned your back on what you claimed to be about. You turned your back on facts, honor, and the American people. To tell the press you are only running negative ads about Obama being "risky" and plan to turn the page on the economic crisis is a disgrace. Americans suffering and barely getting by want answers and a plan to move forward. We can't afford to turn the page on $4 a gallon gas, home foreclosures, and the massive job layoffs. We Americans can't afford to stand by as our 401k's dry up and dreams of retirement dwindle. We Americans can not stand by as you lie about Obama's record and spread hate speech inciting chants of "Kill Em" or "Terrorist". We Americans can not stand by as you insult our intelligence and try to pull the wool over our eyes like George Bush did in 2004. We Americans are tired of more of the same. We are ready....ready for change....ready for progress....ready for Obama.

Debate 2...Bring it on Coward McCain. Maybe you'll have the courage to look Obama in the eye as you spread your lies and hate. I for one am disgusted with McCain-Palin, the Republican party, and any other racist bigot who stands by this behavior.

Recent Hate Filled Rally Article