I didn't know you could get your gay card taken away from you until my friend John-Michael warned me that I better stop talking smack about Julia Roberts or else I would lose it. And then when I told my sister Stacie that I didn't really like Celine Dion, well, then she almost took it away. So needless to say...I worry about my gay card being revoked a lot...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Glee and Grant Are Not Lovers
I didn't know you could get your gay card taken away from you until my friend John-Michael warned me that I better stop talking smack about Julia Roberts or else I would lose it. And then when I told my sister Stacie that I didn't really like Celine Dion, well, then she almost took it away. So needless to say...I worry about my gay card being revoked a lot...
If You Play, You Play For Keeps
I am in love with this song. I love how it is the perfect metaphor for making decisions in life...
at 3:49 PM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Rihanna, Song of the Day
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The "Big" Statement
So here's what ended up being the big statement coming from the Church. Basically, a spokesman states that the Church supports protections for LGBT citizens in Salt Lake City in matters regarding employment and housing. However, as always the Church is extremely limited in their backing of these basic rights. Reading over the article, as well as this one, it is clear to me that the Church issued the statement more for PR, rather than for any intentional peace offering to the LGBT community. Just something they can do now, so that later they can deflect attention on how they attack gay families, making a reference to today's statement as proof of their innocence.
at 11:16 PM 8 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Freaky Religion, Homophobia, Mormon Folk, Salt Lake City
Bad Romance
at 10:55 PM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Fame Monster, Lady GaGa, Song of the Day
Preemptively Callin' It
This afternoon this post from the 8: The Mormon Proposition blog and Facebook group came out. It states that there will be a "historic statement against discrimination" from the Church.
at 3:56 PM 2 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Bruce C. Hafen, Dallin H. Oaks, Freaky Religion, Homophobia, Mormon Folk
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Giggle Courtesy The Joke of Fox News
SNL's opener was a good giggle last night...My favorite is how accurate their portrayal of Glenn Beck was.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
"Reconciliation"
Last night I saw coverage of this on the news. It was a group delivering a petition to Church Headquarters, via handcart, asking for "reconciliation". The handcart being significant because LGBT members have metaphorically been left out on the frozen plains, abandoned by the Church as an organization. The group hoped to meet with Elder Oaks and Elder Hafen...but as seems the rule, only were able to meet with a Church spokesperson. The problem was the actual word "reconciliation". It implies both parties coming to the table, engaging in dialog, with the idea of compromise in the air. Yeah, that is assuming a lot. As times go by, I feel less and less hopeful that the Church will ever want to talk about what has been years of hostility and degradation of LGBT members.
at 7:40 PM 3 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Bruce C. Hafen, Dallin H. Oaks, Freaky Religion, Gay Rights, Homophobia, Mormon Folk
Natalie's Rap
at 12:38 PM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Giggle of the Day, Natalie Portman, SNL, Song of the Day, V for Vendetta
Valerie's Letter
One of the most powerful scenes of V for Vendetta. Lots of people say they love V for Vendetta, but they actually mean that they love the action sequences and explosions. But to me, it is really about this scene. It is this six and a half minutes that inspired the "V" tattoo on my wrist.
I know there's no way I can convince you this is not one of their tricks, but I don't care, I am me. My name is Valerie, I don't think I'll live much longer and I wanted to tell someone about my life. This is the only autobiography ill ever write, and god, I'm writing it on toilet paper.
I was born in Nottingham in 1985, I don't remember much of those early years, but I do remember the rain. My grandmother owned a farm in Tuttlebrook, and she use to tell me that god was in the rain. I passed my 11th lesson into girl's grammar; it was at school that I met my first girlfriend, her name was Sara. It was her wrists. They were beautiful. I thought we would love each other forever. I remember our teacher telling us that is was an adolescent phase people outgrew. Sara did, I didn't.
In 2002 I fell in love with a girl named Christina. That year I came out to my parents. I couldn't have done it without Chris holding my hand. My father wouldn't look at me, he told me to go and never come back. My mother said nothing. But I had only told them the truth, was that so selfish? Our integrity sells for so little, but it is all we really have. It is the very last inch of us, but within that inch, we are free.
I'd always known what I wanted to do with my life, and in 2015 I starred in my first film, "The Salt Flats". It was the most important role of my life, not because of my career, but because that was how I met Ruth. The first time we kissed, I knew I never wanted to kiss any other lips but hers again. We moved to a small flat in London together. She grew Scarlet Carsons for me in our window box, and our place always smelled of roses. Those were there best years of my life. But America's war grew worse, and worse. And eventually came to London. After that there were no roses anymore. Not for anyone.
I remember how the meaning of words began to change. How unfamiliar words like collateral and rendition became frightening. While things like Norse Fire and The Articles of Allegiance became powerful, I remember how different became dangerous. I still don't understand it, why they hate us so much.
They took Ruth while she was out buying food. I've never cried so hard in my life. It wasn't long till they came for me. It seems strange that my life should end in such a terrible place, but for three years, I had roses, and apologized to no one.
I shall die here. Every inch of me shall perish. Every inch, but one. An Inch, it is small and it is fragile, but it is the only thing the world worth having. We must never lose it or give it away. We must never let them take it from us.
I hope that whoever you are, you escape this place. I hope that the world turns and that things get better. But what I hope most of all is that you understand what I mean when I tell you that even though I do not know you, and even though I may never meet you, laugh with you, cry with you, or kiss you. I love you. With all my heart, I love you.
-Valerie
at 3:35 AM 1 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Guy Fawkes, V for Vendetta, Valerie
An Epiphany
I had an epiphany today. Grant Haws is, or is at least viewed as, a novelty song, like "Monster Mash" or "Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer"...A good giggle from time to time. But not someone everyone wants to deal with everyday. You see, novelty songs are fairly shallow and one-dimensional. I don't think that I am these things, but I think that is how people perceive me. I'm fun and I keep things interesting, but when it comes down to loading songs on your Ipod playlist, well, I am not going to make the cut. I'm a fun tune to have in your library, but when it comes down to it, I seem to be rather expendable.
at 12:25 AM 3 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Deep Thoughts
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
It's Tomorrow
at 2:05 AM 2 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Guy Fawkes, V for Vendetta
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Virginia Foxx Is a Mess
Pointing Out The Obvious
Mr. Carrey, the Muppets are too magical to defeat. "A Muppet Christmas Carol" is the only acceptable movie version of the book. I'm sorry, but it's true.
at 9:16 AM 2 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: A Muppet Christmas Carol, Christmas Frivolities
Monday, November 2, 2009
Sick Hearts
Call me a mess, call me wrong.
Call me the bird or the worm.
I don't know what's come over me,
But I'd rather shut my eyes.
at 11:42 PM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Song of the Day, The Used
Sunday, November 1, 2009
November Rocks
November is the best month of the year. Seriously, I want to marry it. Here's why:

at 11:19 AM 1 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Autumn 2009, Christmas Frivolities, Domestic Grant, Food Network, Guy Fawkes, Thanksgiving, V for Vendetta
Halloween 2009 Frivolities
at 12:09 AM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Fight Club, Halloween, Kevin Jackson, Stacie Jackson, Sweeney Todd
Saturday, October 31, 2009
I Put A Spell On You
at 10:09 AM 3 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Bette Midler, Halloween, Hocus Pocus, Sarah Jessica Parker, Song of the Day
Friday, October 30, 2009
Obama Lifts HIV Travel Ban
It was announced today that Obama will be lifting the bans on immigration for those who have HIV, set to go into effect after the new year. The problem with the ban isn't only that it is outdated and overly paranoid of HIV, but the possibility of not being able to enter the United States creates a situation where some who unknowingly have the disease may not get tested. In addition, the ban adds to a stigma around HIV, regardless of whether a person is actually traveling into the United States. As the linked article points out, "The law effectively has kept out students, tourists, and refugees and has complicated the adoption of children with HIV. No major international AIDS conference has been held in the U.S. since 1993, because HIV-positive activists and researchers cannot enter the country." Rachel B. Tiven, the executive director of Immigration Equality stated, "Now, those families can be reunited, and the United States can put its mouth where its money is: ending the stigma that perpetuates HIV transmission, supporting science and welcoming those who seek to build a life in this country."
at 1:32 PM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: AIDS, HIV, President Barack Obama
Top Model Final Five
Nicole: I am pretty sure Nicole is going to win. She has the strongest body of work, including a really good Covergirl commercial. Nicole is really versatile, and as the judges have pointed out, she is coach-able. Plus, the show seems to be featuring her in a way where they are creating a story of how she's the quirky girl everyone underestimated that will win the whole thing. 


Erin: No, no. no. She's a jerk-face. Every ANTM season has a crazed biotch, and that is Erin this time. Since the Walmart challenge where she was attacking the other models as they ran through the store, I haven't been a fan. But as the weeks have gone by, she has started doing worse in her photo shoots, not better. She has been in the bottom two the last two weeks, and I am surprised she is still around. Of course, part of the reason she is still around is that her insane antics make for good TV. And this week, when she was complaining about winning the helicopter tour of the Hawaiian islands...yeah, we no likey. at 12:44 PM 4 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: ANTM, Reality TV, Tyra Banks
Thursday, October 29, 2009
South Park's Poker Face
I think the only "Poker Face" remake I approve of is one involving Cartman singing it.
at 9:37 PM 1 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Giggle of the Day, Lady GaGa, South Park
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Hate Crimes Act
I remember over a decade ago when the whole Matthew Shepard murder happened. I was a teenager, just beginning to connect the dots about my own homosexuality. When I heard what had happened to Matthew Shepard I became aware of the reckless hate in this world, all over something that Shepard never chose, but defined him. When I heard that President Obama had signed the Hate Crimes Act today, my heart rejoiced for the fourteen year old kid I was, trying to make sense of the senseless murder of Shepard. I hope that today's newly aware LGBT kids find hope in today's change in this country.
at 9:04 PM 2 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Gay Rights, Homophobia, Matthew Shepard
A Deeply Moral Question
Today I was faced a deep moral question that shook me to my very core: Do I rig the Haws family Christmas name drawing?
at 4:59 PM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Christmas Frivolities, Deep Thoughts, Haws Shenanigans
Bad Romance
at 1:51 AM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Fame Monster, Lady GaGa, Song of the Day
Frankenstein
Tonight we watched Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein, which I picked out because I needed a really good Halloween movie but also needed a Kenneth Branagh fix. Holy hannah. I don't know how I
should feel about it. I loved it, but oh....there was a lot of cringing.
at 1:23 AM 1 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Bonham Carter, Frankenstein, Halloween, Helena Bonham Carter, Ill-Fated Characters, Kenneth Branagh, Movies, Robert De Niro
Sunday, October 25, 2009
This Is Halloween
at 5:44 PM 1 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Autumn 2009, Halloween, Nightmare Before Christmas, Song of the Day
Friday, October 23, 2009
Pumpkin Spice Bread
Last night I was looking over my Bucket List, and I am pretty sure one of the most important items is to someday have a book of recipes I have created, or at least got really good at cooking. There is just something very tender about having recipes that you cook year after year, and eventually it just becomes part of the family traditions. And I think the pumpkin spice bread recipe I adapted from an online recipe is going to be one of the traditional fall time recipes. I tried to cook pumpkin bread over the last few years and when I did it from scratch it would be gross, and I felt like a cheater using a boxed mix. But I've been cooking this recipe twice a week or so for most of October because it's so good...especially for breakfast.
I decided that is was so good and I love this recipe so much I had to share it...so here it is...
2 cups white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 can (16 oz) pumpkin puree (Lots of cans of pumpkin are more than 16 oz, so just estimate 16 oz)
3 ½ cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
½ tsp. ground cloves
½ tsp. ground allspice
½ cup water
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 pan. Combine the sugar, oil, and eggs. Add pumpkin and mix well. Combine the other dry ingredients in a medium bowl, and then add to the pumpkin mixture alternately with the water. Pour into the greased pan and cook for about an hour or until the bread tests done with a toothpick. If desired, melt butter over the bread while still hot and generously sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
Note: You don’t necessarily have to use this size pan. You could put it into various kinds of cooking pans and give it away in smaller portions.
at 1:49 PM 3 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Autumn 2009, Baking, Bucket List, Domestic Grant
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Philip - Tender Story of the Day
My brother-in-law Kevin saw this today and then sent it to me...and oh my goodness, tenderness. It is of an elderly fellow, named Philip, testifying in favor of Maine gay equality. I got chills watching him talking about how he fought in World War II for freedom and equality, not making certain citizens second-class. Anyways, that's my tender clip of the day.
at 6:12 PM 1 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Gay Rights, Maine, Tender Story of the Day
The "Process" of Coming Out
at 5:11 PM 3 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Coming Out, Gay Grant, Haws Shenanigans, Jeff Haws
Ill-timed Christmas-ing
One of my October traditions is complaining about too early Christmas-ing. And I think today is that day.Yesterday at Smith's I saw what looked like a pallet of those funky metal tubs of popcorn that stores only sell during the holidays and I was frustrated anew.(Although I think secretly I was happy, because I was secretly happy that I could now complain about it.) But the moment I see a Christmas display I started wondering, what about Halloween? And Guy Fawkes Day? And Thanksgiving?
at 10:00 AM 3 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Christmas Frivolities, Holidays
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Great Shelob
Today I came face to face with one of the fiercest predators I have ever beheld. A Child of the Great Shelob...Yes, my friends...a big stinkin' spider. I went for a hike up Rock Canyon this morning to see the pretty fall leaves and as I came down the trail, headed to the parking lot I saw something scurry across the trail. At the moment I thought it was a chipmunk. But no, it was a enormous, furry spider. I have never seen such a huge spider out just roaming around. I took a picture with my ipod next to it for a size comparison. Nasty huh? I could literally see it's pervy little set of eyes looking at me. I almost had to battle it, but luckily it didn't follow me as I ran away. Beware, my friends...I think this creature guards the secret stair into Mordor....which apparently is in Rock Canyon.
at 10:33 PM 3 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Rock Canyon, Shelob, Spiders
Orion's Belt
the only constellation I can find and because of that, I have spent many thought-filled nights with it. Last night I was looking at the night sky and various thoughts came to mind as I tried to find Orion. I was reminded of a night in Sao Paulo when I was looking up at the night sky hoping to see Orion, but because of the combination of light pollution and new bearings, I couldn't find it. For all I knew then, it might not have been the right time of year. at 9:31 PM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Deep Thoughts, Freaky Religion, Star Gazing
Monster Mash
FYI - Today is Monster Mash Day. It was on this day in 1962 when "Monster Mash" hit the number one spot on the charts. And this is one of my favorite songs for the Halloween season. I can't listen to it and not giggle in delight.
at 8:14 AM 0 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Halloween, Song of the Day
Monday, October 19, 2009
Bad Romance
Today I heard Lady Gaga's song "Bad Romance" from her new album "Fame Monster" out next month. Goodness, we love it.
at 11:07 AM 1 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Lady GaGa, Song of the Day
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Simple Religion
at 2:41 PM 5 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Crazy White Folks, Dallin H. Oaks, Freaky Religion, Gay Rights, Love Sweet Love, Proposition 8
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The Great Halloween Costume Pursuit
Okay...I have my work schedule for Halloween and I'm definitely working; thus, it is time to finalize my Halloween costume. My only problem is that I have the curse of only thinking of naughty ideas...I
am not sure my coworkers would enjoy me showing up as a naughty angel, wearing only a set of wings and itsy-bitsy sequined man-thong. Well, maybe they would...
at 11:37 PM 3 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Fight Club, General Naughtiness, Glenn Beck, Halloween, Hobbits, Lady GaGa, Liza Minelli, Reno 911
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Another Round of Mocking Fox "News"
Jon Stewart did an amazing job last night of mocking Fox News, and their claim of being journalists. The folks at Fox bitched and moaned about Tea Party coverage...and then somehow missed that small gay rights event this weekend. Haha...Fox...Journalism...What a good joke.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Queer and Loathing in D.C. | ||||
| www.thedailyshow.com | ||||
| ||||
at 6:30 PM 2 Hate-notes and/or Giggles
Topics included: Fox News and Other Pieces of Crap, Gay Rights, Jon Stewart, Tea Party Protests, The Daily Show


