Thursday, November 30, 2006
Happy 145th Birthday...
Great-Great Grandmother
Marie Martine Moreau Tessier
born 30 November 1861
Saint Alexandre de Iberville,
Quebec, Canada
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That's right Sheila, she was from Canada...
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lots of famous people were...

Avril Lavigne
Pamela Anderson
Romeo Dallaire
Shania Twain
Nelly Furtado
Estella Warren
Sum41
Shannon Tweed
Barenakedladies
Keanu Reeves
Celine Dion
Alanis Morissette
Peter North
Bryan Adams
Neil Young
Jim Carrey
Natasha Henstridge
Jennifer Tilly
Sarah McLachlan
Leonard Cohen
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(Peter North wow!!)

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Well...
in honor of AMAZING Canada
which has given us sooo much
(including my very special Canadian blogger friends)
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Happy Canadian HNT!
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click here to view
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S1 155
Written at 10:36 AM by The Persian.
23 commentslinks to this post
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Way back Wednesday.. my grandparents





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I was going through some of the hundreds of photographs my Aunt gave me a few weeks ago and came across this series from an afternoon my grandparents spent together before they were married in the 1940's. They were both teenagers at that point.
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He was Sicilian and she English/Dutch. They had to sneak around, her family did not approve.
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anyway...
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these three of my little monsters just made me smile
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I guess they were a little hungry in this one...

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I was originally going to make this post today about my ex-wife and I, but time got away from me and if you are going to cover a significant part of your life it shouldn't be rushed. So I will possibly do that tomorrow or next Wednesday.
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Last night I had a couple drinks with a friend..
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Any of you ever blog under the influence?
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It's always more fun at the time..
than it is reading what you have written in horror the next day.
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*sigh*
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*pours the Bombay down the sink*
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I feel a little better now...
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here is an interesting historical factoid...
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The X's that people sometimes put at the end of letters or notes to mean a kiss (not to be confused with the mark X used by people unable to sign their name) actually started back in the Middle Ages when Lords would sign their names at the end of documents to other important people. It was originally a cross that they would kiss after signing to signify that they were faithful to God and their King.
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Louis XVI of France and Napoleon both suffered from ailurophobia--fear of cats.
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and finally .. if you are superstitious you might find this interesting...
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An old wives tale on the Bee
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If a bee enters your home, it's a sign that you will soon have a visitor.
If you kill the bee, you will have bad luck, or the visitor will be unpleasant.

A swarm of bees settling on a roof is an omen that the house will burn down.
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That last line made me chuckle a little..
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Hope everyone has a great Hump Day :)
--
xo


Written at 7:14 AM by The Persian.
15 commentslinks to this post
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
It actually sold...
my ex-wife and I at the old house, we were both 20
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So my old shack finally sold. I am 10% sad, and 90% anxiously anticipating it being demolished. The closing is Wednesday, and evidently I am getting a new kitchen out of the deal.
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At least that's what one of the trustees to the Realty trust which "owns" that old place and the strip mall beside it. My grandfather made up all of these things for tax purposes. None of us really own our homes in this family, they are all sort of independent entities with trustees and beneficiaries. Evidently when something is liquidated within one of these things, the beneficiaries can (at that point) take some sort of revenue from them. I am not clear on how it all works, but in the end they have decided to have my Kitchen completely redone here (it needs an overhaul). Wednesday night after the closing I am going Cabinet and counter shopping, how exiting is THAT?
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So I had to go meet a former tenant of that old place after work last night so that he could remove a Canoe which has been in it's basement for years. Turns out, some renovations they did to the place 10 years ago resulted in the installation of three new columns in the basement. The fools boxed in the Canoe! So it was impossible to remove. I don't think the guy was too happy but what can be done?
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A funny thing happened when I pulled into the parking lot of the Strip Mall next to the place..
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This young guy
(maybe 20, backwards cap, very long hair)
pulls up right behind me
and starts yelling something..
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I'm thinking, shit did I cut him off or something?
I was not in the mood for road rage..
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then I hear what he's saying...
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"Duuuuude!!
That is the fcking most amazing license plate I've ever seen...
and I am gonna take a picture of it right now!!!
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Thanks I said "Go ahead"
and he did, a couple in fact.
It was kind of cute how he got all exited.
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I came home soon after, a friend came over, we went for this super long walk (close to 4 miles) and then made these incredible Garlic-Lime marinated Chicken Salads and sat down to watch some TV (which I don't usually do, but was cool for a change). Wow... two words
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Sendhil Ramamurthy
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My friend has been going on and on about Heroes.
I guess I never really paid attention until now, and I think I'm hooked.
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and the winner of yesterday's
Vote for your favorite Persian
is #3 by 3 votes.

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He is actually very nice.
(altho I was thinking #5 would win for some reason)
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S1 156
Written at 7:16 AM by The Persian.
22 commentslinks to this post
Monday, November 27, 2006
such a great day...

Because I lost my wallet, and do not have my new Debit Card yet, taking out money on a Sunday is nearly impossible. Funds were limited (I had $40) and so the kids and I needed to do something homey. They have their own new PC, 3 gaming systems, tons of games and well there is always my 300+ DVD collection to keep them/us occupied.
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We grabbed a quick lunch and then it occurred to me
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Thanksgiving was over and why not put up the Christmas stuff?
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My younger son was very exited, and offered to help.
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He was as into it as I was, filling the tree with ornaments, untangling these beads my Aunt had given me, and giving me some pointers on where to put stuff. My mother used to collect these Christmas Houses from Department 56. She gave them to me to sell on Ebay a couple years ago and I never got around too it. My son saw them downstairs in the cubby space (I live in a condo) and insisted I put a couple of them out. I never have in the past, they really just seemed to clash with my place. I told him to pick out a couple and I would.
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If you are wondering what that obnoxious dancing oriental statue is on the floor, it was my late father's. He was an interior designer and had so many very unique pieces. It's quite old and weighs probably 30 pounds (it fell over and almost killed my cat once).
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Afterward my son asked me to drive around to the back of the courtyard so we could see how the tree looked from outside. It looked amazing! He was exited. :)
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It was just one of the best afternoons I ever spent with my son. Each time I walk to the kitchen , passing through the living room, I look at the tree and think of him decorating it. If that doesn't put you into The Holiday Spirit, I don't know what would. It makes this place that much less lonely, like a part of him is still here. :)
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so moving right along...
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I had the most amazing 2 hour chat yesterday with this guy... we hit it off so well and perhaps will meet sometime soon. He's half Italian, is tri-lingual, has traveled extensively and is exactly my age. I haven't met anyone in forever that I had so much in common with and where the conversation flowed so easily. I even shared a couple of my Youtube videos (on the sidebar) with him. We'll see, I'm hopeful. Here he is... (it's the picture from his public profile so I think it's ok to post). It's not like I'm giving out his name or anything.

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Like I said the day was just perfect.
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and without further adieu...
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Middle Eastern Monday
-
Pick your favorite Persian
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1


2


3


4


5
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Have a Great Monday everyone :)
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S2 157
Written at 7:05 AM by The Persian.
33 commentslinks to this post
Sunday, November 26, 2006
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When I was 5 years old my Grandmother's older sister Lena passed away. We are a small and relatively close-knit family and even at that young age I had spent a great deal of time with her. I have a couple very clear memories of this period. I don't remember my reaction to her passing, which I am sure seemed more like she was away in a far distant land than the reality of her death. She was just there one day, cooking me gnocchi's and the next gone.
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My mother, always trying to do everything "the right way" thought it best to expose me for the first time to the reality of life and death. She brought me to the wake (now this is one vivid memory) and had me touch her as she lay in the coffin. I remember her being very cold and that she didn't look anything like the Aunt Lena I knew and loved. But of my earliest memories, it is this one which sticks out in the clearest of detail. In fairness to my mother it actually served her purpose, I was never after that point upset or hesitant to attend a wake or funeral. I just had no anxieties about them afterward. That brings me to Friday...
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My Brother-In-Law's father passed away last week. His wake was this past Friday. I decided to bring my older son with me. Well, I asked him first, and since he knew the deceased very well (from nearly every major family holiday and birthday) and also is relatively close to my sister's husband (his son) he wanted to go. So after work Friday I picked him up and we set out for the Funeral Home. This man was very well connected in local politics, and had a huge family. It was a two hour line outside the home and one hour line inside. We got in line at 4:30 and finally reached the casket and receiving line at 7:45. It was very cold and my hands were beginning to get numb by the time we got inside. I have never seen such an outpouring of support. He was very well liked needless to say and this was certainly evident by the number of mourners in attendance.
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My son got choked up upon reaching the casket, kneeled, said a prayer and greeted both my (step) sister and her husband with a handshake and hug. They were touched that he came, given his young age, and while he was at a loss for words, he hugged everyone in the receiving line and expressed his sympathy with one repeated phrase "I am so sorry for your loss". I was so proud of him, he's becoming a little man.
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Afterward, while walking to the car my son told me how glad he was that he went. This was especially meaningful as he had plans with friends for 7:00 that night and given the unanticipated 3 hour line he wasn't going to get home until 8:30.
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moving along to yesterday...
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My kids insisted we go see this ...

Tenacious D & the pic of destiny



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I really can't stand sitting through anything Jack Black does, how anyone can is beyond me. But it was their choice (as it should be) and I took them regardless, enduring it somehow. He was of course his usual grating humorless self, nothing new there. The supporting cast (much like with Nacho Libre) took the edge off it and I had a few laughs. They really enjoyed it so when all was said and done it was a fun afternoon.
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I took them home for 5ish and came back here. I had plans with a couple friends to go out.
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Is anyone having trouble loading up my blog? Patti posted a comment to that effect yesterday.
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Hope everyone has a pleasant Sunday :)
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S1 154


Written at 9:34 AM by The Persian.
12 commentslinks to this post
Friday, November 24, 2006
Y'all are mad if you go shopping today :)







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Anyway I don't even have that option, I'm working :(
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I'm kind of broke at the moment anyway, so maybe that is a good thing.
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Yesterday was very relaxing, spent the day at my Mother's with the kids.
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I lost my wallet two days ago, and am stressing out big time about it, I have to get a new license, debit card, ID Badge (for work) and a slew of other things. I had only a $1. bill (sad right?) in the wallet so whoever found/stole it certainly didn't hit the jackpot. My only concern is that my current address will not be found as nothing has been changed over (I'm a slacker sometimes). Also the forwarding on the old addy is long since expired, so mailing it to me will not help.
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Essentially I'm f'cked!
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I have a wake to go to after work today
(my brother-in-law's father passed away)
with my older son
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means I have to shave, buzz my head, and Iron (ugh)
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time is short, much to do, need a shower
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This is for my Cesco..
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Crank Call Friday
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Japanese VCR repair
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S1 157
Written at 6:48 AM by The Persian.
27 commentslinks to this post
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Turkey Day :)

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1. My two sons. They are the lights which illuminate my soul. When I am with them nothing else in the world is evident nor matters. Even in my darkest days I need merely look at their photograph and the sadness instantly dissipates. They are the base from which I draw every inch of strength I possess.



2. My mother. I am thankful to have had (all of my life) the deepest love and unconditional support of the woman who may not have given me life in the biological sense, but rather has , with love and tenderness, shaped me into the man I have become today. Thank You Mom :)


3. My Gram. While she may be failing these days, not always remembering exactly who I am, I am ever thankful to have her in my life still and cherish every moment we spend together. My Gram, like Mom, has had such an impact on who I am today and I love her dearly.


4. My Stepdad. We may have had our early ups and downs when you married Mom (I was 9), and I fought you at every angle you tried to become a loving father figure, I look back and realize everything you have done for me was (and still is) out of love. It took me until I reached adult hood to understand this, I was so afraid that my father was being replaced that I did not see who you are, the most beautiful soul you possess and how much I truly and wholeheartedly love you.

5. My Aunt. There is hardly a day we don't speak and never a moment I do not appreciate the gifts of love and support that have poured from your heart. You never had a child of your own, and are the closest thing to a second mother I will ever have. I love you.

(Gram and Auntie)

6. My Friends . I am so very thankful to have you in my life, you center my existence and bring so much laughter and happiness into my world I would be lost without you.


7. My Cat. She is loving, affectionate, and makes my nights all that less lonely. Would you believe she talks to me? (I'm not crazy lol, she actually tries to tell me things, especially when she is angry at being evicted from the living room (see cat scratch video on the sidebar)

8. My Home. I am thankful to own this Condo outright, the perfect location, size and layout.

9. My New Car. The most amazing vehicle I have ever owned, I still cannot believe it's mine and for the first time in my life with no car payments!


10. My Degree. I am thankful to have finally finished my degree (BA in History). It was a very long road, but each time I look up at that frame above my desk here I get a feeling of accomplishment. (Now to use it and get out of my current job for something better!)

11. My Blogger Friends. I would be lost without all of you guys, each and every person on my sidebar is special to me (I've been trying to tweak it down a bit because it's so big, but I never can!!) *Giant Persian Hugs*.

12. My health. I am thankful to be healthy, free of any major ailment or disease (apart from the occasional broken toe) and have the energy to keep up with my growing sons (and that is a serious workout!!)

13. To be an American. Yes I know this may sound like a cheesy thing to list to some people, but it's true. I am incredibly thankful that I live in this great Nation and am equally proud to be an American Citizen.


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So last night my friend came over, we had a couple spirits and made two of my Strawberry Swirl Cheesecakes (one for my family, one for his) The recipe can be found here. It is quite the crowd pleaser, I encourage some of you to try it! (I get hounded constantly for them lol)


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Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!
and also...
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Happy HNT :)
-
click here to view

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S1 156
Written at 8:44 AM by The Persian.
28 commentslinks to this post
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
two posts in one day, but anyway...
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Kelly Ripa on the hours following the "traumatic" experience Clay Aiken inflicted upon her
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she was quite distressed but then...
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"My day was actually made when I went backstage and I got the best phone call ever from Howard Stern and his girlfriend Beth, and they made me laugh soooo much sort of ........pause........(tries to think of what to say next, it's a live show remember)......pause...... giving me their take on the show"
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You know people can call Rosie O'Donnell whatever they like.
Yes she is often abrasive and loud and obnoxious etc
but she was right on the mark
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I just had to say that for what it's worth.
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I have lost much respect for Kelly (not that there was much to start, but I thought she was always cute and entertaining to a degree). I am not so sure what she hoped to gain by mentioning that phone call, but she did nevertheless. You can see the video of the above quote animated here.
Written at 3:14 PM by The Persian.
9 commentslinks to this post
Way Back Wednesday...my grammy & I
This one is my favorite of us, I think I was about 6







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My paternal grandparents had two children, my late father and his sister who were two years apart. My Dad was intensely close to his mother, and my Aunt to her father. It is sad when children cling to one parent a bit more than the other, this has never been my experience but nevertheless it happens. Despite the death of both her brother and father, my Aunt remains distant emotionally from her mother.
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My Aunt never married and to this day remains both single & childless (she just turned 60)
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My father (obviously) married my mother and adopted me at age 2 1/2 months.
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I was am therefore an only grandchild on Dad's side.
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Naturally as my father was so very close to his mother, I became (and still am) as well
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We always had this special bond, something which grew naturally between us, having little to do with her connection to her son (my father) and more to do with some sort of common adoration and love. I can't explain it really in any other way.
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my parents divorced when I was three, my father left Mom for his (male) lover and proceeded to "come out", which naturally in the 1970's was a much different thing than it is today.
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the courts were brutal to him, at first denying all visitiation between us
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Gram fought like a General to see me regardless, petitioning the court for her own visitation
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She succeeded, and was allowed to visit me for 2 hours at a time supervised
my father was not allowed to be present
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in time my father was allowed to take me on Saturday's from 10-6
overnight visits were prohibited
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He lived in Boston where he had established his own Interior Design Firm, entertained often, became an alcoholic, and as a result, his visits were often missed
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Grammy never let me down, she was always there
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My father passed away as the result of a cocaine overdose when I was 15
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Grammy was devistated, as was I, we drew strength from one another
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About 8 years ago, Gram began suffering from what has now become a sort of senile dementia. Her memories are fading away slowly, most of what is left predates my own birth, She becomes lost in her own youth and early marriage years. Sometimes I am her son, sometimes her nephew, other times just Jim. In a way I feel like I have lost her, yet in another I live in those precious memories we once shared.
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I will always remember those old days Gram
enough for the both of us.
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S1 156


Written at 7:27 AM by The Persian.
16 commentslinks to this post
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
three disturbing things I read today...

Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel of New York says he plans to propose a measure to reinstate the draft.

(CNN) -- Although Congress is unlikely to follow calls from a top Democrat to bring back the military draft, the United States does have a plan, if necessary, aimed at inducting millions of young men for service.

The Selective Service System, an agency independent of the Defense Department, says it's ready to respond quickly to any crisis that would threaten to overwhelm the current all-volunteer military.

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All I can say is Rep. Rangel, you disgust me. I am not quite sure of your motivation here, but thankfully (I believe) that much like when this was discussed in '91, nothing more will come of it. Of course it is a much more serious situation currently, and this is what frightens me, that this "unlikely" proposal might turn and bite us all in the ass soon enough.

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NEW YORK (AP) -- After a firestorm of criticism, News. Corp. said Monday that it has canceled the O.J. Simpson book and television special "If I Did It."

"I and senior management agree with the American public that this was an ill-considered project," said Rupert Murdoch, News Corp. chairman. "We are sorry for any pain that his has caused the families of Ron Goldman and Nicole Brown Simpson."

A dozen Fox affiliates had already said they would not air the two-part sweeps month special, planned for next week before the November 30 publication of the book by ReganBooks.(Watch why Fox cancelled the special Video)

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What I want to know is who the hell came up with this "project"? It is as if his acquittal was not enough of a slap in the face of Nicole & Ronald's families. Completely disgusting.
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LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- An 89-year-old man whose car hurtled through a farmers market, killing 10 people, was let off on probation Monday by a judge who said he believed the defendant deserved to go prison but was too ill.

George Russell Weller was convicted Oct. 20 of 10 counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in a case that renewed debate over whether elderly people should lose their driver's licenses.

Superior Court Judge Michael Johnson said he agreed completely with the jury and called Weller's actions callous and showing "an enormous indifference to human life.

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It has been my opinion for a long time there should be some sort of "special" procedure the elderly would have to go through in order to keep their license beyond a certain age. My own grandmother, who is 82, has dementia and is often disoriented just renewed. Granted we have taken the keys from her and she will not be on the roads thankfully, she very well could be if we weren't here to stop her. I have a great Aunt who is 97 and still (legally) able to operate a vehicle. Two years ago a 90 year old woman drove through the front of a store next to my house, nearly killing two people. She was completely indifferent and more upset about the damage to her car than the trauma she had caused. I see it all the time on the roads, elderly people cutting you off, not using blinkers, sudden lane shifts while never looking.

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and the winner of yesterday's
Vote for your favorite Persian
is #2 by a landslide.

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It's so good to back on days, I slept for the greater part of Monday, never even leaving the house. At least it will be a short week (Thanksgiving). As usual I am running late and need a shower.
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S1 158
Written at 7:12 AM by The Persian.
14 commentslinks to this post
Monday, November 20, 2006
gee, look what comes up when...

you google "messy room"
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So my friend came over yesterday and helped me clean up the condo. I guess I have been kind of sloppy of late, unmotivated in a way. In a couple hours we had not only cleaned, vacuumed, mopped, scrubbed and polished everything in it, but had also completely changed the look of my living room. I should have taken pictures. I can't explain it but there is nothing (well almost) as exhilarating as having your home in perfect order. Basically it was to prepare for my mother's upcoming visit. She would tear me apart (verbally) if she saw what it looked like just yesterday morning. She always uses the " you weren't raised to live like that" line (it really wasn't that bad, she's on the dramatic side), and then I have to remind her that she never really taught me the proper way to clean because we had cleaning ladies when I was growing up (she was a businesswoman with little time). As a matter of fact I was told to be out of the house on Mondays and Thursdays when they were there so I couldn't even learn from them!
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Now a lot of you might say well "my mother didn't teach me either" I just learned, but seriously I went from my mother's home at 20 to my ex-wife, and then back to my mother's and then very quickly had two back to back live in 3 year relationships with guys who had been on their own for a long time and sort of just did those things (I had my own "chores" of course). This is the first time in my life I am single and living alone (which makes it even more sad and pathetic). I never had to really do the domestic thing (cleaning, ironing, etc - although I was always great in the kitchen) and now it's pretty hard at my age to just walk into a store and know what to buy for the bathroom, what to get for the kitchen, what is best to clean the oven with, how often to dust etc. Laugh all you want these things are not always simple common sense! :) In all fairness I have always vacuumed and cleaned windows, it's just the more detailed stuff.
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It reminds me of my grandfather. When my grandmother died (you could eat off her floors) and left him alone so to speak, my grandfather had no clue. Soon his house looked like something out of an episode of Sanford & Son, piles of things everywhere, clutter, dust, grunge. My mother was of course mortified to see her childhood home transformed from shining chrome to rusty nails in a matter of only a couple months. It was because he had no idea how to clean, never having had to do it. So they moved in my mother's cousin Doris to take care of those things. That's when it got ugly. Within a year she had become his concubine (to use my mother's word). Of course I just got all kinds of grossed out from that point on, rarely visiting them. But anyway, I guess I lost focus..
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so yea the place looks amazing now (thanks buddy)
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and did you know........
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  • Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. Most of the rest signed on August 2, but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
  • Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks otherwise it will digest itself.
  • The way to get more mules is to mate a male donkey with a female horse.
  • A donkey will sink in quicksand but a mule won't.
  • Crickets hear through their knees.
  • Martha's Vineyard once had its own dialect of Sign Language. One deaf person arrived in 1692 and after that there was a relatively large genetically deaf population that had their own particular dialect of sign language. From 1692-1910 nearly all hearing people on the island were bilingual in sign language and English.
  • Most of the little schoolhouses in the U.S. of yesteryear were painted red because red was the least expensive paint color.
  • Elizabeth I of England suffered from anthophobia, a fear of roses.
  • Almost half the bones in your body are in your hands and feet.
  • The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.
  • An elephant can be pregnant for up to two years.
  • Your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart.
  • Cranberry Jello is the only jello flavor that comes from real fruit, not artificial flavoring.
  • The oldest exposed surface on earth is New Zealand's south island.
  • The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.
  • When a giraffe's baby is born it falls from a height of six feet, normally without being hurt.
  • The tango originated as a dance between two men (for partnering practice).
    • ---
    oh and I have linked a few Videos of myself to the sidebar, the first one is pretty goofy, but at least you can see me (very) animated. I wish more bloggers would do this, it adds another dimension I think. Speaking of which, I am sooo jealous of you Mac users. The quality of your videos is so much better than what I can create using Windows Movie Maker. Does anyone know of reasonably priced Video capturing/editing software which creates something in high resolution and yet smallish size? I have an incredible digital video camera with much potential.
    ---
    Middle Eastern Monday
    Pick your favorite Persian
    Round 3
    (In case you are wondering what this is all about,
    each of these men are Engineering students
    attending a certain college in Iran.
    They range in age between 19 and 30 something
    their birthdates are listed on the official site)
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    1


    2


    3


    4


    5
    ---
    and now for some real eye candy :)

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    I wish they would smile.
    ---
    my current song addiction...
    -
    Jack's Mannequin - Miss Delaney
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    check them out, you won't regret it!
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    S2 156

    Written at 7:04 AM by The Persian.
    18 commentslinks to this post
    Sunday, November 19, 2006
    not worth your time...
    -
    The kids and I saw "Let's go to prison" yesterday (their idea). It looked amusing enough from the trailer, and I suppose it did have a couple funny moments, but in the end we were disappointed.
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    The storyline was very weak, twisting and turning constantly throughout the film, it was an effort to follow along. It had the feel of an independent artistic venture, yet had all of the ingredients of a typical cheesy Hollywood B-movie. We hardly laughed.
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    Had an exiting weekend for the most part, I made (frozen) pizza & chicken for the kids Saturday (which I haven't done in ages, usually I take them out to get something a bit more healthy). I so love having lunch here with them, sitting across from one another at the table, chatting away, it's times like these which really make this place feel like a real home. Working the 2nd shift for most of my 6 year marriage I missed out on so many of those simple yet wonderful moments. About 2:30 we set out to see the film mentioned above and then afterward I took them back home. It was an amazing day even tho we really didn't do much. Oh and my older son has made the honor roll with a cumulative average of 97% for all his classes. He's such a brilliant kid, and I am so very proud. :)
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    I went out Friday night with my friend Chris who I hadn't seen in a while. A new bar opened in Springfield called R-Bar . It is in the same place as another Bar which existed around 2000 called auntie Em's, and honestly I do not see the difference. What I do like about it is that it's clean, very tastefully decorated, un-seedy (unlike the other 4 Springfield "clubs") and packed to the hilt. Of course this is to be expected the first weekend. One of the owners likes me a lot, he used to bartend over at The Pub. I got home around 2 which actually was probably a bad thing given i needed to be up no later than 9.
    ---
    Saturday night two other friends came over, and once again we went out in Springfield (yikes) because they had not been to the aforementioned R-Bar. We had a good time, although one of my friends tends to get a little out of control (actually he's more of my friend's friend than mine thankfully, we aren't very close).


    (the friend of a friend)
    ---
    The night didn't end so well, he and I had a fight, said things we regretted and we probably won't be hanging out anytime soon (which is fine with me). I think I will take a break this coming weekend from Bars, I have been going out a bit more than I care to of late.
    ---
    Well tonight is my last night of Third Shift! Yay... :)
    ---
    I think Suede misses me when I'm gone all night...


    ---
    Isn't she too cute?
    ---
    she was named (by my ex) for this song...

    ---
    off to take a nap, need to go to work in 3 hours or so (11pm)
    ---
    S1 157
    Written at 6:56 PM by The Persian.
    8 commentslinks to this post
    Friday, November 17, 2006
    Antibiotics are out of the question...
    ---
    The Pope Lays Down the Law on Celibacy
    from TIME.COM
    JEFF ISRAELY/ROME
    ---
    Pope Benedict XVI believes Catholicism is growing sick in its historic birthplace of Western Europe, where a shortage of priests is both a symptom and an aggravating condition. But the 79-year-old pope made clear Thursday that he does not think opening up the Church to a married priesthood is the cure. After a roundtable with top Roman Curia cardinals to discuss the case of renegade Zambian archbishop Emanuel Milingo, who was excommunicated in September for having ordained four married men, the Vatican publicly reaffirmed "the value of the choice of priestly celibacy."
    ---

    My own personal history with The Catholic Church

    ---
    I was baptized into the Catholic faith at birth, at the age of 2 1/2 months I was christened a second time by my newly adopted parents. My (adopted) mother had been deeply religious previous to her marriage, and during the 7 years she was married to my father. When they divorced (I was 3) my mother was approached by her priest who informed her that it was her "duty" to seek an annulment. My mother, having little funds at the time was also informed that a substantial "donation" was expected for this "service". I do not recall the exact amount, but it was somewhere around $1000. (unbelievable right?) and as a result my mother stopped attending Mass regularly (for the first time in her life). Her faith was still strong however.
    ---
    I was forced to attend Catechism and make my First Communion. Later, I was enrolled (once again by my willful mother) in CCD and successfully made made Confirmation. It is strange that during the process she never pressured me to attend Mass with any sort of regularity (and I didn't), it was almost as if going through these "motions" gave her some sort of satisfaction which I cannot to this day appreciate.


    My father and I Mount Carmel Church
    Springfield, MA.
    My First communion

    My Aunt Linda & I
    Our Lady of The Lake Church
    My Confirmation
    ---
    I am not sure what my mother expected to accomplish, apart from believing that since my natural mother was catholic, and had given me up to Catholic Charities it was her obligation to see me through those two sacraments. Imagine her chagrin when I married my Episcopalian ex-wife in her own church (by a woman minister no less) ne'er a Catholic Priest in sight. I had never fully embraced The Church, although on the instigation of my mother (yet again) both of my sons were baptized in a Catholic Church (which I "joined" for that sole purpose). My ex-wife wasn't so pleased, and needless to say never "converted" but went along in any case, even after a priest pulled ME aside DURING the baptism of my elder son and notified me that my son was illegitimate in the eyes of The Church since we were not married by a Catholic Priest. I mean can you imagine? AT the Christening, in front of my entire family? It was expected of course (here comes another donation "suggestion") that we have the union blessed. As with my ex-wife's conversion, this was not to happen. We were going through these motions strictly for my mother, who explained the parent with the stronger faith (which I suppose technically was me, albeit indicating little) should bring the child into their own church. She would sleep well knowing my sons would not enter purgatory and could now pass on to behold the light of St. Peter should something happen. (This is what mom explained to me, and you would think, after all those years of Catechism and CCD I should have known this, go figure!)
    ---
    Do not misunderstand, while I may not particularly care for the Catholic Church (it's overly materialistic and rigid immovable adherence to archaic "rules" and "ceremony" not to mention of course its repeated "turning of the other cheek" to what has become a stain on it's priesthood which it shall (in my opinion) never recover from, have served to alienate me from it) I am certainly not an atheist, and have a very strong Christian faith, however I will be damned to hell before I let them dictate with exact conditions and consequences just how that faith is defined and the ways in which I must "prove" this along archaic and outdated uncompromising dogma.
    ---
    but I digress..
    ---
    Back to Pope Benedict's statement
    ---
    I found this site interesting...
    -
    It is a list of 40 Priests in The Springfield, Massachusetts Diocese (4 of which I have served under in the capacity of parishioner (thank god Mom didn't try to push me into becoming an Alter boy, because two of these Priests would have been "supervising" me directly).
    ---
    I address this suggestion to His Holiness...
    --
    Perhaps you should consider the possibility that your rigid refusal to allow Priests to wed might actually be the "cause" of the "sickness" about which you speak as opposed to the "cure", while some of you may say "but isn't that the same thing?" and in that case I would ask you to consider my statement a bit longer, and perhaps let your eyes drift up two lines.
    ---
    There is of course a single question to consider...

    Does the Catholic Church's rigid stance against the marriage of it's Priests create an atmosphere condusive to the sort of sexual abuse which has been exposed at an alarming rate in recent decades? I am not convinced, and a part of me (as a Gay male) feels uneasy even considering the idea, what are your thoughts??




    Written at 5:17 AM by The Persian.
    16 commentslinks to this post
    quick note, more later
    I just wanted to thank everyone for their great comments on yesterday's post. I just replied to each of you in the comments area.

    also

    Does anyone know what happened with Larry the Lovelemming? It would appear he has deleted his blog and it's been scooped up by spammers. I know how this works all too well because my old blog (dry free lean) had much the same fate after I deleted it last May.

    If he's created a new blog could someone let me know? I would appreciate it.

    Thanks much :)
    Written at 12:54 AM by The Persian.
    6 commentslinks to this post
    Thursday, November 16, 2006
    G'morning :)
    ---
    this is a rushed post...
    the boss will be here momentarily
    I need to make this brief :)
    ---
    I have been noticing of late something which troubles me. The fact that so many of my fellow Americans have such strong opinions about what is happening in both Israel and the Middle East (apart from bringing our men and women home from Iraq unharmed) yet haven't a clue as to how events have unfolded (at the very least since the late 1940's) serving to bring us into this "era of terror". I very much encourage those interested to try and pick up something unbiased on the subject of Israel & Palestine, it will definitely have an impact upon how you view current events in that part of the world. A great number of us tend to dismiss History, assuming that it can be ignored (given that situations exist currently regardless) without realizing that if you don't understand (even in the most general sense) the root of the situation's origin you can't possibly hope to effect positive permanent change.
    ---
    Like this (pretty much unbiased history) which I heartily recommend
    ---
    you can find it (among other places) on Amazon here.
    ---
    sorry to ramble on, I just wanted to mention this since it's been on my mind..
    ---
    One more night!
    ---
    Sorry that I haven't been to many of my favorite blogs (aka those listed on my sidebar) the last couple days (which I miss), my life's been turned kind of upside down with these weird hours. Plus I slept yesterday almost 10 hours and then was all groggyish for the rest of the evening before coming in. Work was hectic last night (42 minutes left at this point) so I am rather quickly throwing this post together.
    ---
    S4 156
    Written at 6:57 AM by The Persian.
    15 commentslinks to this post
    Wednesday, November 15, 2006
    all I can think of at the moment...(updated)






    ---
    still on third..
    ---
    4 minutes till my relief arrives..
    ---
    I'll post when I wake up later today..
    ---
    ever sleep like #5? I have ...
    --
    later :)

    ----------------------------
    **UPDATE**
    ----------------------------
    I got home at 7:15 this morning, and noticed it was very warm in the condo
    ---
    I looked at the thermostat and it was set at 55, maybe I was imagining things.
    ---
    I went to bed
    ---
    woke up half zombielike at 4:00 PM! and I was drenched in sweat
    ---
    I looked at the thermostat again, and while it still was set at 55,
    the actual temp in the condo read 85
    ---
    These bastards are trying to bake me and Suede (my cat) alive I thought,
    looking over at her cute little lethargic unanimated body, she looked dead in fact.
    ---
    I called the Condo Office and they sent one of their swarthy little toothless heathens over.
    ---
    "You have an amazing heating system" he exclaimed
    ---
    "Yes" I replied
    "It's 62 outside and 85 in here, while the thermostat is set to 55, I agree"
    ---
    So he showed me how to manually shut off the heat from it's source.
    A temporary fix for sure but for now I will take anything.
    ---
    One other thing, remember my little Pay Phone mishap? Well I reached the company (TELESERVICES) today and the customer service rep. informed me the fees on the outside of the phone were in error, but as a "one time" courtesy she would refund 75% of the total charges (essentially reducing the fees from $24.17 to $6.05) I was a happy little camper, now let's see if it happens. Heed my warning in any case:
    NEVER USE A CREDIT CARD TO PAY FOR A PAYPHONE CALL...EVER!!!
    ---
    If I can save one person that aggravation I will be happy.
    ---
    Well off to nap for two hours before going in
    ---
    S3 154


    Written at 6:55 AM by The Persian.
    22 commentslinks to this post
    Tuesday, November 14, 2006
    *Yawn* .. peaceful sleepy images...


    ---
    I am working the third shift (yet again) it's 4:19 AM and I am feeling wonky. I am so very tired and my brain is not fully functional at the moment. *Yawn*. My work is now done, and I have to sit here and wait until my boss arrives to relieve me at 7-ish. Time to assemble the chair-bed.
    ---
    Thanks so much everyone for the comments yesterday, I tried to address each one individually. You all brought up valid and important points, which I very much appreciated.
    ---

    This is a borrowed MEME from a very special Blogger friend who (along with his incredibly loving and attentive BF Chris) have had a very tough 3 days. His name is Steve (but I like to call him Stevie aka Devious Steve-O) and he's been hospitalized recently after a blister on his foot became infected (he's a diabetic, and as many of you know this could have been a lot more serious). From his recent post I think the worst part is over and the danger behind them.
    ---
    I hope he doesn't mind me having a go at this, it just seemed like fun.
    ---

    Persian guy's

    A - Z


    A     is for age: In my 30's.
    B is for beer of choice: Killian's Irish Red
    C is for career: IT
    D is for favorite Drink: Sprite Zero
    E is for essential item you use everyday: My PC
    F is for favorite song at the moment: The Starting line - Ready
    G is for favorite games: All of the Zeldas.


    H is for hometown: South_wick, MA.
    I is for instruments you play: I played slide trombone in 5th grade but that's it.
    J is for favorite juice: Grapefruit
    K is for kids: Yeap 2 amazing sons.
    L is for last kiss: A date I went on (sorta) this past Friday night.
    M is for marriage: I was for 6 years, who knows what the future holds (I live in Massachusetts)
    N is for name of your best friend: Domenico


    O is for overnight hospital stays: When I was 8 I had my tonsils & adnoids out, that's the last.
    P is for phobias: freeking Spiders and Sharks.
    Q is for quote: You never know just how you look through other people's eyes...Butthole Surfers
    R is for biggest regret: That I didn't work harder in my last relationship.
    S is for self confidence: Seldom of late.
    T is for time you wake up: 5:30 or so
    U is for underwear: Boxer Briefs


    V is for vegetable you love: Brussel sprouts
    W is for worst habit: Alcohol
    X is for x-rays you’ve had: Only once, 6 weeks ago, my broken toe.
    Y is for yummy food you make: Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
    Z is for zodiac sign: Gemini

    ---
    The winner of yesterday's
    "My favorite Persian"
    is #2 with 8 votes


    ---
    S2 154
    Written at 4:44 AM by The Persian.
    16 commentslinks to this post
    Monday, November 13, 2006
    yikes.....

    ---
    I saw this video posted on a couple blogs recently. It makes me cringe. Ok maybe I am being a little thin skinned but this guy (who I have much respect for don't get me wrong there, he's been an inspiration to thousands) put on one of the most offensive performances I have ever seen, I couldn't watch the whole thing. I will tell you why.
    ---
    It is "performances" such as this which serve to stereotype gay men. Notice the audiences reaction to Richard, they are certainly not laughing with him, but rather at him. His flamboyancy and sexual innuendos in this clip serve to feed the general public's view of gay men as Queeny sex starved little deviants after any penis which comes their way. Most of us do not resemble the persona created here (notice I use the word most, I have certainly encountered men who would make Richard look like John Wayne), we are your brothers, fathers, uncles & cousins no more visually or audibly "detectable" than if we were , let's say, an atheist.
    ---
    That is the key word, detectable. As long as we are perceived to be "detectable" and "identifiable" and of course always good for an uncomfortable laugh we will lose rather than gain in our constant struggle to be recognized as people first and most importantly.
    ---
    I never had any Gay (well that I was aware of) friends until after my separation at age 27. My father was gay, but he passed away when I was 15 and the subject never came up between us (sadly). I will tell you this, I had the perception mentioned above, so did my wife, and family. I was afraid to eat in a restaurant where the clientele and staff appeared to be gay because I feared I could contract Aids somehow (don't laugh, I've met others who had the same ridiculously ignorant mindset which can't be appreciated until you have been there). I also envisioned Gay men to be completely detectable and flamboyant (my inner struggle with my own sexuality was nearly completely suppressed at that point, and not having anyone to discuss it with or to help me understand what the hell was going on inside my head didn't help)
    ---
    For those out there who have not lived in "that world" (what I mean to say is a world where the only openly homosexual males you are exposed to are on television or in the media), maybe you can't appreciate (fully) just how much ignorance exists out there and how much Richard's little performance serves to feed it. ok I'm done, end.of.rant.
    ---
    I might add that I had a similar reaction to the film The Bird Cage.
    ---
    anyway, here is :
    ---
    Round 2 of
    Middle Eastern Monday
    Pick your favorite Persian

    Don't forget to vote for one of the following :)
    ---
    1

    2

    3

    4

    5
    --
    and isn't she uber Hawt?
    --

    ---
    S1 153
    Written at 10:28 AM by The Persian.
    26 commentslinks to this post
    Sunday, November 12, 2006
    just a warning...
    (the actual evil phone I used)
    ---
    yesterday I had to run an errand for my Aunt. I left home quickly and half awake (it was 7AM) forgetting to take my cell from the charger. I was supposed to call her when I got to a certain place and she would meet me. There is no auto access to where she was working.
    ---
    Arriving on time I reached for my cell and then discovered what had happened. The only possible way to contact her was the payphone in front of my car. Nobody uses these things so much anymore, and wouldn't you guess I had no change. So then I noticed that I could charge the call to my visa. Reading the fine print I found out that after a $1.50 fee the call would cost $.10 a minute.
    ---
    The call would only take a second, and given I had little choice anyway, I picked up the receiver, dialed the number, an operator came on and took my info, and within half a minute I was speaking to my Aunt and she was on her way. It was just that simple, or so I believed yesterday.
    ---
    I mentioned yesterday I am very tightly budgeted. I had $14.00 in my Checking Account to which the Visa/Debit card is attached, this should more than have covered the $1.70 I understood would be billed as a result of my perhaps minute and a half call.
    ---
    This appeared on my online Checking Account Summary today:

    CHECKCARD 11/11 ILD TELESERVICES OAKLAND PARK FL $5.00 CHECKCARD 11/12 ILD TELESERVICES SAN ANTONIO TX $19.17

    ---
    For a grand total of: $24.17
    ---
    I had a balance before this of $14.06 therefore my account went negative and it is my understanding that Bank of America will access me an overdraft fee of $35.00 in the morning. I called the Bank and they told me should these charges be refunded by the vendor, the overdraft fee would as well. I sort of felt better until I started looking into this company called TELESERVICES.
    ---
    The $5.00 charge is the "Access" Fee
    The $19.17 is the actual cost of the call, based on two minutes at $9.58 per minute.
    --
    So, essentially this 90 second call has cost me

    $59.17

    Written at 12:34 PM by The Persian.
    19 commentslinks to this post
    Saturday, November 11, 2006
    was kind of a boring day for them...
    was a little low on fundage so tried to at least do something with my monsters...
    ---


    just tried this place out for the first time. For the three of us the tab came to $46.00, my Veggie double melt was barely edible, soggy and void of any flavor, the kids each had this Prime Rib Steak and Cheese sub (at $11.99 each) which they said was so grizzly and peppered they could barely get through half of it. 75% of what we bought ended up in the trash.. and to make things worse the lady ringing us up was about completely rude and unpleasant. She was getting irritated because it took us a couple minutes to look through the menu. I mean we were the only people in the place (and it is no wonder why).
    ---


    I have always been fascinated by the story of Tennessee's Bell Witch . I think I must have been about 10 years old when I first watched a documentary on the subject. You can read the interesting series of events (which took place primarily between 1817-1820) by clicking on the link above. Imagine my excitement when this afternoon I discovered at Best Buy this new release, which had a fairly impressive cast (Donald Sutherland, Sissy Spacek), always something I check for these days, cheaply made and incredibly dreadful B movies have been making their way into Video Stores and Media Chain shelves much more often these days, usually with impressive artwork which offers a false draw.
    ---
    So I was expecting something exceptional. Unfortunately I was disappointed. To begin with the film isn't historically accurate, especially the ending (which I won't give away of course) , secondly (and most importantly) it never held my (or my son's) interest. It was actually a chore to follow, and the effects left much to be desired. Donald and Sissy (as would be expected) gave amazing performances, given the script they were forced to adhere to, but even this could not save this boring and uncaptivating film. A renter at best, and only if you have time to kill. There are so many more worthy films out on Video at the moment.
    ---
    so I guess today didn't turn out so well, but I still enjoyed the day
    ---
    saw the strangest thing this morning. This Puerto Rican lady in front of me at a red light gets out of her car, adjusts her shirt (she was one of those 5' tall 250 pound hoochies in a skin tight sleeveless shirt and hip hugging jeans which look like they were spray painted on). Her hair was died some shade of orange and looked fried to death. She pops her trunk (the light is green by now) starts shuffling around the heap of garbage in there, and after about 30 seconds doesn't find what she's looking for. She stops briefly on the way back to her door to pound once on the drivers rear window at her two (that I could see) small children (who couldn't have been more than 3) and who were trying to climb out of a half open window (um seat belt law? child seats?) and then raises her hand like she's going to hit one of them, which served to drive the little kids back inside. I honked (the light had been green a while) she flipped me off high in the air without even looking my way, adjusted her shirt, opened the door, got in, sat down, did something inside for a couple seconds, then shut her door, then took about another 5 seconds to turn around and yell something at the kids (the light is red again by now). When the light finally turned green she floored it like a nascar driver, cut some kid in a mustang off and was back on her way to wherever.
    ---
    You have to really wonder sometimes what the hell is up with some people.
    ---
    S1 152

    Written at 6:29 PM by The Persian.
    7 commentslinks to this post
    Friday, November 10, 2006
    I'm going to miss them..

    so Nick (actually resembling his famous namesake above) & Jessica (her not so much) sold their condo (adjacent to mine) and these new people have started moving in. The former were an adorable couple (especially him, wow!!!) in their late-ish twenties with a little girl probably age 4. They were very quiet, I never heard them once in the year we shared the wall between us. They also never once looked at or addressed me in passing outside. I thought that odd, but perhaps they heard me (on those rare occasions where friends would stop by). Funny somehow I am going to miss them. The good news is that they sold for $20,000 more than I paid in Oct '05. The units are identical for the most part.
    ---
    "Shut your goddamn Ass!!!"
    "Jesus f'ing Christ I told you already"
    and my personal favorite
    "You stupid Bitch!!"
    ---
    This is what I am hearing now. I sense stress in their relationship. A quick check online in Registry of Deeds for Hampden County revealed their names to be Brenda and Timothy (I had to know what the selling price was, I mean it is all relatative to what mine would go for). Yesterday I came home from work and the door was open, I could see inside, people were working and painting and a little girl was wailing somewhere (this is also a repeating occurrence, I wonder what that's all about). All I do know is that Tim (apparently) is not a very pleasant guy, I mean who talks to their wife like that? I never did, I might have ended up with an ottoman to the head (she was a big girl with a nasty temper). Come to think of it that was a suppressed memory, she did throw an ottoman at my head once, because of something my mother said. She missed tho (thankfully).
    ---
    My cold is completely gone (except for a mildly irritating sniffle), and it looks like the toe is back to normal now (well it looks normalish and I have no pain anymore, just a slight twinge if it hits something, that might just be in my head tho)
    ---
    I changed my pictures online (I do this pretty regularly) and it's like I'm fresh meat or something, not only do I have a date (mentioned already) Sunday, but this week coming perhaps 2 or 3 other possibilities. Things are looking up for sure. :)
    ---
    In other news, my ex-wife phoned me up yesterday to tell me she will be carrying the kids on her health insurance as of January 1st. She works for one of the largest companies in the world, so I thought this would be great news (of course I will reimburse her the cost, which is far less than what I pay now). The clincher? I am paying now $70. a week health insurance for the kids and I (apart from the $175. weekly child support). Her policy will cost $45. a week, which also is a better plan, lower co-pays etc. This would be wonderful except that I would be left without Health Insurance (she can't naturally carry me on her policy since we are divorced). My single plan here at work is $45. SO..I was paying $70 for the three of us. Now, by reimbursing her, that would mean $45. to her and $45 for myself, totalling $90. When all is said and done I need to come up with another $20. per week. That's $80 a month I have already allocated to bills (I am on a very strict budget). Maybe she and I can come to some sort of agreement, at least I hope so. The most important thing I am concearned about is that I have them every weekend and am so sick and tired of having to keep them in a cooped up condo because I can't afford the $30 to take them to the movies, or $50 to bring them somewhere cool to eat. Let's not even talk about daytrips or vacations. rant..rant...rant I know. :(
    ---
    more to come... I'm late and need a shower.
    ---
    S1 152
    Written at 8:28 AM by The Persian.
    13 commentslinks to this post
    Thursday, November 09, 2006
    HNT...



    What is it that you express in your eyes?
    It seems to me more than all the words I have ever read.
    -
    - Walt Whitman-




    Written at 3:31 PM by The Persian.
    16 commentslinks to this post
    Wednesday, November 08, 2006
    So I started this yesterday...
    ---
    (a documentation of actual events, non-fiction)
    ---
    My quick Synopsis
    (I give nothing away no worries)
    ---
    On May 13, 1920, a 21 year old Harvard University student named Cyril Wilcox took his own life by filling a third floor bedroom of his parents Fall River, Massachusetts home with lethal gas, shoving blankets in the doorways and window sills then lying down on his bed to take an eternal nap. His mother (who had been on the first floor the entire day) was obviously not aware of her son's emotional state and only discovered his body hours after it had expired.
    ---
    Cyril's brother Lester came across 2 letters within days of the young man's suicide. Essentially they revealed that not only had Cyril been associating with homosexual students at Harvard, but that he also had been involved in a relationship with an older well known Gay Cafe owner from Boston. His reaction, fueled by an enormous sense of loss was to contact both of the young men who wrote the letters, gain "evidence" and present his findings to The President of Harvard.
    ---
    Having graduated Harvard himself in 1914, Lester Wilcox still had some formidable contacts. Through one of these he gained an audience with President Lawrence Lowell and presented his findings. The result was a witch hunt unlike the school had ever endured.
    ---
    A "Court" was set up to oversee the interrogation and application of disciplinary action to all of the students who fell under suspicion. Nearly all of these men were under the age of 22, most often wealthy and connected, and all but one, hesitant to admit to the "court's" accusations.
    ---


    The book is amazing in it's detail of both the background & "testimony" of those "accused". It also paints an incredibly vivid picture of just what life was like for those who dared experiment with homosexuality in such a rigidly disciplined environment. I was completely riveted, having finished better than half the book in one sitting yesterday. The Cold I am suffering prevented me from finishing it last night.
    ---
    I am at work, feeling a tad bit better. For some reason I am famished, eating everything in sight. I had two power bars and a blueberry muffin for breakfast. Yesterday was much of the same, my appetite is insatiable the last two days, despite feeling like a walking zombie with a congested head and runny nose. I wonder what I should have for lunch....hehe
    ---
    I was so sick yesterday I forgot to vote (I was home for most of the day in bed).
    My state (MA) has elected it's first black governor!!

    (Deval Patrick)
    ---
    I met four people (worth mentioning) online yesterday (not in person, I mean chatting). Two turned out to be freaks, but one... maybe, who knows. I have a date Sunday evening before work. At least I'm still getting out there, lately I've been losing interest in even going into chat.
    ---
    If I was completely myself when I got up (and not 15 minutes late) this would have been probably more interesting. It's hard to write these things at work, all eyes upon you.
    ---
    S3 155

    Written at 11:06 AM by The Persian.
    19 commentslinks to this post
    Tuesday, November 07, 2006
    this cold is kicking my butt...
    Ok so yea I'm a baby, day three of this cold and I don't want to get out of bed (I called in today, there was no way I could function) I could really use something to help me sleep, I've been tossing and turning since like 1AM. The dizziness is what's really bothering me, and then there is my fully congested nose and sore throat. anyway....
    ---
    My toe seems (finally) to be completely healed. It's weird, one day you wake up and it doesn't hurt anymore and feels completely normal. As soon as I feel better I will start walking again.
    ---
    Those "Middle Eastern" Guys from yesterday's post are all 20something year old Engineering students from Iran (and thus most likely Persian, although that is not necessarily a given). I have hundreds of these and will be posting 5 each Monday. At the end I will have a run off of all the winners. Then I can email the winner (all of their email addys are listed) and tell him that he is the best looking Persian in his college. Yea right, then they will declare a Jihad against the Persian guy. Did you notice how none of them are smiling? Every picture is like that, completely stone cold. And the young women, wow, even worse.
    ---
    This weeks winner is #4 with 6 votes,
    slightly upsetting my favorite #2 who had 5 votes.


    ---
    back to bed my head hurts
    ---
    S2 154
    Written at 9:50 AM by The Persian.
    14 commentslinks to this post
    Monday, November 06, 2006
    did you know...
    that....
    --
    No animal, once frozen solid (i.e., water solidifies and turns to ice) survives when thawed, because the ice crystals formed inside cells would break open the cell membranes. However there are certain frogs that can survive the experience of being frozen. These frogs make special proteins which prevent the formation of ice (or at least keep the crystals from becoming very large), so that they actually never freeze even though their body temperature is below zero Celsius. The water in them remains liquid: a phenomenon known as 'supercooling.' If you disturb one of these frogs (just touching them even), the water in them quickly freezes solid and they die.

    --
    John Larroquette of "Night Court" and "The John Larroquette Show" was the narrator of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
    --
    Debra Winger was the voice of E.T.
    --
    Lenny Kravitz's mother played the part of "Helen" on "The Jeffersons."
    --
    Warren Beatty and Shirley MacLaine are brother and sister.
    --
    Every time you lick a stamp, you're consuming 1/10 of a calorie.
    --
    The world's youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.
    --
    The Ramses brand condom is named after the great phaoroh Ramses II who fathered over 160 children.
    --
    The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 did start in a barn belonging to Patrick and Katherine O'Leary. The O'Leary's house was one of the few that survived the fire. The O'Leary's house had to be guarded by soldiers for weeks afterwards, however, because many enraged residents wanted to burn it down.
    --
    A dragonfly has a lifespan of 24 hours.
    --
    Walt Disney had wooden teeth.
    --
    If you are locked in a completely sealed room, you will die of carbon dioxide poisoning first before you will die of oxygen deprivation.
    --
    If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds recieved in battle; if the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
    --
    Human birth control pills work on gorillas.
    --
    The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
    --
    Ballroom dancing is a major at Brigham Young University.
    --
    Impotence is legal grounds for divorce in 24 American states.
    --
    Virgina Woolf wrote all her books standing.
    --
    Both Hitler and Napoleon were missing one testicle
    --
    Cleopatra's last name was Ptolemy, and she was Greek rather than Egyptian.
    --
    Chia Pets are only sold in December.
    --
    Money is made of woven linen, not paper
    --
    Montpelier, Vermont is the only U.S. state capital without a McDonalds.
    --
    One of the reasons marijuana is illegal today because cotton growers in the 30s lobbied against hemp farmers -- they saw it as competition.
    --
    Elephants have been found swimming miles from shore in the Indian Ocean.
    --
    Cockroaches' favorite food is the glue on envelopes and on the back of postage stamps
    --
    Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better.
    --
    Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%
    --
    The Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
    --
    something new...
    Middle Eastern Monday
    who gets your vote?
    --

    1

    2

    3

    4

    5
    ---
    I have a terrible cold (thanks to my son, the little punk!) I am not feeling so well and am *cough* at work (not good). That's why this is so brief (and without substance, which bothers me) I just can't think straight today. Loopy, stuffy and with a sore throat.
    ---
    S1 154
    Written at 11:41 AM by The Persian.
    18 commentslinks to this post
    Sunday, November 05, 2006
    Hysterical....
    Yesterday the kids and I set off to catch :






    ---
    I had seen the trailer months ago in the theatre and instantly knew (I love Sacha Cohen heaps) this was going to be hysterical, and it really was. I have not laughed so hard and for so long since I can't remember. There were actually points where I was still hysterical long after the scene which spurred my sons and I into fits of uncontrollable laughter had ended. Go see this, even if you think perhaps it's not your brand of comedy, you will (probably) not regret it.
    ---
    This deleted scene (so as not to ruin it for those who haven't seen the film) is priceless. One thing I will mention is that Borat is petrified of Jewish people. Sacha Cohen is (of course) Jewish himself which kind of takes the edge off the anti-semitism. This is a clip of him trying to adopt a puppy from an animal shelter (why they left this out is beyond me).




    --
    The only negative thing I can say is that there is one very unnecessary scene involving Borat and his sidekick (a 300 pound 60 year old bear-like man) in which they get into a naked brawl and show waaay too much of this bear guy. I had to turn away, as did many in the theatre. Pretty disgusting (and I don't offend so easily, it's just this guy had back hair like a rug). There is quite a bit of nudity in this film so be ready for that.
    ---
    I checked on my friend from the other night (indirectly through another friend)
    he got home ok. I feel better now.
    ---
    Have to run, my son and I are watching Resident Evil - The Apocalypse (again).
    ---
    S1 153

    Written at 1:33 PM by The Persian.
    10 commentslinks to this post
    Saturday, November 04, 2006
    people change...
    "Friendship is delicate as a glass,
    once broken it can be fixed
    but there will always be cracks"
    ---
    I mentioned a couple posts back that my friend Eric arrived back here from Greensboro, NC this past Wednesday. We made plans to do something Friday (last night) and while I was kind of tired and not really feeling like it, I kept my promise. He arrived here (my friend drove him because he doesn't have a car yet) around 4 with a huge bottle of wine...
    ---

    and some cheap little plastic wine glasses (my glasses are packed away still, since I rarely ever drink wine). I was drinking coffee and relaxing when he got here, he was kind of edgy, complaining about being back up here, and how much he hates this area, calling all his friends down there and quickly consuming the entire bottle above (took him less than 2 hours).
    ---
    Then he started getting really obnoxious, making lude comments to both my friend and I, and finally calling a mutual friend of ours who he hasn't spoken to in a couple years (they had a falling out) begging her to come out with us. One thing led to another, and at around 8 we set out to pick her up. By this time my friend was so incredibly hammered it was embarrassing. I should have anticipated this somehow.
    ---
    We arrived at club #1 (Sin City) and proceeded to order drinks (we were still stone sober at this point). My friend was a mess, and spent so much time in the bathroom the owner went in and told him he had to leave. Apparently he was getting sick (I checked on him a couple times). Soon after he took off. He has historically had a drug problem, and this usually indicates he is going off to get something.
    ---
    We couldn't find him after that. He seemed to disappear. We looked everywhere to no avail. We even asked people if they had seen him. We called his cell, he answered and then hung up. He had all three of our numbers. Nothing. At 1AM we were starting to get irritated. We tried one more time to call his cell and after leaving the 4th or 5th message left Springfield to take my other friend home.
    ---
    I feel incredibly guilty today for leaving him wherever he was. I hope he's ok. I'm sure he will twist this into something where I abandoned him, but honestly we tried everything. And he was just so obnoxious and nasty I am partially pissed off and partially worried. Eh.. I hope he at least calls today and lets me know if he is ok. Looking back at my archives I notice a similar post about my friend from last year, when will I learn???
    ---
    Have you ever had a friend that you shared so many special memories with over the years and who has completely changed not only in the way he treats you but others as well? Ever try and hold on to those memories through that friend and get repeatedly burned? That is what I am feeling like right now, burned.
    ---
    anyway that was my night, it was great to see my other friend tho, she's always a blast. Drunken gay men love women in a bar, she was quite the center of attention, hell I even had to pry this creepy old guy off her repeatedly. She was too funny about it and loved the attention.
    ---
    Thanks to everyone for your comments on the Mother/Son post yesterday. I so appreciate all of your perspectives and opinions and as a result I am looking at things a bit differently now. :)
    ---
    Beer gives me such a hangover, not nearly as bad as wine, but still
    ---
    S1 155

    ---
    ok enough negativity, I introduce you to (for those unfamiliar) the hottest Turk that has ever lived (ok maybe a bit dramatic but still) TARKAN...

    ---

    Written at 9:51 AM by The Persian.
    17 commentslinks to this post
    Friday, November 03, 2006
    ok I need to lighten the mood... :)


    ---
    Written at 7:11 PM by The Persian.
    12 commentslinks to this post
    a mother's love....

    I was having this discussion with a friend yesterday and was reminded of a post I put up about a year ago (subsequently lost when I deleted the blog). It is a rather controversial topic, and there are many who will completely disagree and cling to what we in the Gay community are supposed to believe, that we were born as homosexuals, no room for discussion. If you question this "fact" your words can be viewed as blasphemous among your fellow homosexual brethren.
    ---
    Where am I going with this? Ok..
    *stretches neck over chopping block*
    ---
    Is there a direct relationship between our early environment
    and the sexual "orientation" which we grow to accept and embrace later on in life?
    ---
    Don't shoot me, but I believe there is.
    ---
    I looked at the background of every gay man I know or have known. All of them were raised either primarily or completely by their mothers. Some of the mothers were domineering and overpowering, some were barely there (but in those cases the father was completely absent) What I mean to say is that the relationships with their fathers was always (if it existed) far less significant. More often than not (as in my case) the mother was a force to be reckoned with. She was a very important and visible influence in (at least) those early years when our little heads are trying to make sense of the world and forming so much of the personality and character we will carry through life. How this (my theory) works is still a mystery. I can't help but feel there is a direct connection somehow. I believe we are born basically neutral (homosexuality exists naturally & unchecked in all creatures of the forest) and although society will usually guide us along a straight "route", certain variables can and do alter who we become.
    ---
    There has been much research into finding a traceable genetic factor present in homosexuals. I personally get irritated every time I read about such testing. I don't appreciate the point of these things. If I can (this is not from personal experience of course) walk into a straight bar, sit next to a "straight" guy, get him drunk, bring him home and have sex with him, then trying to find a chemical factor in my body which sets me apart from this man is just pointless. It happens all of the time. As a matter of fact I had a friend that has perfected the routine mentioned above. His success rate is astounding. Of course to be fair, men have been known to have sex with animals, toys, fruits and vegetables, and well just about anything that serves to create a little friction or heat. But I digress.
    ---
    What/who we find attractive can and is absolutely (in varying degrees) shaped by our early enviornment. For example I had an ex (also raised by his mother) that was sexually abused over a long period of time as a child by a relative. He rarely talked about it, yet toward the end of our relationship I discovered things hidden on our PC that indicated well, I am not going to go into details , but let's just say the abuse had additional impact on who he was sexually. You hear of this sort of thing often with an abused person.
    ---
    What do you think?
    I realize that the senseless rambling above takes a serious stab at what we are conditioned (by our own community) to accept as fact, that we emerged from our mother's womb ready to embrace the rainbow. But seriously, think about it for a second. I'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, attacks, whatever :)
    ---
    ok and now for something lighter, check out (if you haven't already) These two adorable "brothers". :) They (Barats & Bereta) have their own Youtube channel here where they put up some pretty funny stuff.



    ---

    Have a great weekend :)

    ---

    S3 156

    Written at 1:08 PM by The Persian.
    18 commentslinks to this post
    Thursday, November 02, 2006
    so my friend arrived..
    (Eric on left, & my friend Nick on right)
    ---
    So yesterday my oldest (gay) friend Eric moved back up here from Greensboro, NC. He had relocated down there about 6 years ago to "get away" from Springfield and all it's "drama" (his words). He had a go at it, but in the end decided to return to his native Western Massachusetts. He doesn't have a job up here yet, is living with his parents at the moment and has all his things in one of those storage places. My friend Nick (pictured above right) and I helped him move everything out of the Uhaul last night after I got out of work. Evidently he has 2 months to find something and move out of there. He is one of the most ambitious people I know, it shouldn't take him half that time to find something and a place to live.
    ---
    We met only months after I came out in '97. We started off dating, which lasted about a month, turned quickly to friendship and then we had a go at dating again about a year later, which was so short lived I'm actually hesitant to call it dating. Of course I was living with my estranged bf at the time (pretty complicated). In the end we stayed friends, sometimes over the past few years losing touch for months at a time, but always able to pick up the phone and call each other like no time had passed. We have had our spats (minor really) but in the end have stayed pretty close. I still can't believe he's back here. Let the partying begin!! (hehe kidding)
    ---
    I really am so very happy he's here. I missed him sumthin' fierce.
    ---
    I did something dumb last night (boredom or something) and clipped. I hate it (I knew I would that's the messed up part) Oh well, like a good Persian body it will grow back quickly. I guess I have to remove my profile from that Bear site. I never touch below the waist of course and never have. Well once maybe, but it was just plain stupid.
    ---
    Thanks so much for all your comments on yesterday's post. I can't wait for my mother to see that slide show clip thing I made, we will probably be sobbing fools half way through it. But hey, sharing moments like that with her is one of the most beautiful things on this earth. We have always had a strong emotional bond, even tho she drives me INSANE sometimes! :)
    ---
    Oh yea, maybe some of you might have noticed that I put that Voice Mail thing on my sidebar. If you have a microphone leave a message, it would be great to hear what some of my blogger buddies sound like (thanks Darin & Michael for already leaving me messages). Just click on the "Talk to the Persian" link at the bottom of the box and follow the instructions (it's so easy).
    ---
    I am sort of running late today (like always) since I was up late again scanning pictures in from that huge batch my Aunt gave me.. Here is another cool really old one I found:



    (the 1917 wedding of my great grandparents Rosa & Diego, Springfield, MA.)
    ---
    oh and amen to creative poses! :)
    ---

    Happy YOGA HNT :)
    -
    click here to view

    ---
    S5 157
    Written at 7:28 AM by The Persian.
    27 commentslinks to this post
    Wednesday, November 01, 2006
    an unusual Way Back Wednesday...
    ---
    A little background. I am an only child, my parents divorced when I was three years old (my father left my mother for a man). In any case, my father's family in general never got along with my mother after the split (there was a lot of drama at the time). I spent my childhood having two separate everything from Birthday's to Christmas.
    ---
    My father has one sibling, a sister. She is also my godmother and has never married or had children (she just turned 60 I don't think that is going to change at this point). She was also (and still is) one of those people who always had a camera out and was snapping pictures. And as is often the case with childless Aunts (and Uncles) and especially since I was her only nephew (and godchild) she took hundreds of photos of me over the years. They were all neatly filed away in a bunch of albums and three boxes. Tonight on a whim she gave them all to me, every last photo. Most I hadn't seen. None my mother or immediate family have ever seen.
    ---
    here are a couple of interesting shots:
    ---
    (Clicking on any of them will enlarge to full screen,
    they are high quality scans)
    ---
    (me at the beach on the right with my cousin Dean)

    (Me, my Nono, Gram and (spinster) Aunt)

    (below are my ex wife and I )




    (these are after we got married)



    (below is the 2nd weekend with my kids after I moved out)




    ---
    I got very emotional looking at these perhaps 1000 pictures. It was like she captured my whole life and all those who were a part of it, especially my kids when they were little. My mother doesn't have 1/3 the amount I now have. I am so incredibly thankful, and have been scanning like a madman since I got home to make some CD's for everyone. Some of these photos stretch back into the early 1900's (no she didn't take those) like this one of my great grandfather Diego as a (handsome) young immigrant Sicilian. I suspect this photo was taken in 1916. He was 18.

    ---
    Along with the photographs came letters and even post cards like this one from 1924 from father (Diego aka John) to his son (my Nono) Paolino who was then just 7 years old. Diego died at age 36 in 1934. To this point I only knew of one photograph of him in existence. Tonight I have in my hands 6!! My Aunt didn't even know who he was, but I recognized him in an instant.
    ---



    ---
    Finally I decided I had to put something together for my mom. She is at the moment in Las Vegas and then off to her winter house in Florida but when she gets back home, I am going to give her a cd with this video made from over 100 scans of pictures she hasn't seen before. I chose as background music a song by my late father's favorite artist Joni Mitchell. As a child (he passed away when I was 15) he always carried a cassette to play in the car as we drove. He adored her. This is my own favorite from her extensive catalog. It's called Both Sides Now.
    ---




    ---
    yikes it's 1:10 AM and I have to get up at like 7. I am so high on excitement right now I probably won't be able to sleep so well. Night :)
    ---
    S4 155
    Written at 1:12 AM by The Persian.
    23 commentslinks to this post