Animal Of Interest

You Don't Approve Of Homosexuality? You ARE A Bigot And A Criminal!

Harvey Fierstein:

If we are ever to scrape the black rot of prejudice from the heart of our nation, we must stop excusing those who give it expression and even excuse. The next time someone dares to say, "Just because I don't approve of homosexuality doesn't make me a bigot," we must all answer back, "Yes, it does. Not only does it make you a bigot, it makes you a criminal, a danger to me, my family, my community, my city, and my country." Intolerance is not a matter of opinion. It is a call to violence.

Memorial Day Remembrance Event In Cherry Grove

Community members came together to remember those who have died but who "put a smile on our face" while they were among us.

Chestnut Warbler At The Feeder

Yesterday we had a visit from this handsome Chestnut Warbler at our bird feeder on Fire Island. This is the first one I have ever seen out here.

Happy 30th Anniversary To The One I Love

Thirty years ago, on Memorial Day in 1983, Dan and I met at the home of a mutual friend. We dated for months but quickly bonded as a couple. I moved in with Dan on January 1, 1984. We've been together happily ever since. Sure, there have been a few challenges to our relationship over the years, but our strong love for each other meant that none of these amounted to very much. The years have flown by...as the old saying goes...time flies when you're having fun. But I want to say that it has been Dan that has been the rock in our relationship. He has always been loving, kind and generous, all that anyone could want in a partner and husband. It is he that has made our long duration together possible. I've offered him what I could including my love and loyalty. And for as many more years as we have left together I will love him with all my heart and be immensely grateful for all that he has given me and done for me. I am a lucky man to have him.

Happy 30th anniversary Dan!

All my love,

Jim

Photo: On board the Seabourn Legend in the Mediterranean, May 2013.

LGBT People Are The Democrat's House Negroes

This past week Democrat Senators removed protections for GLBT couples from the "comprehensive" immigration bill because Republicans didn't like the provision. Once again, we find ourselves thrown under the bus by our "friends," the Democrats. Victoria Brownworth is just a tad upset:

LGBT Americans are the Democrats’ house Negroes. I’m sorry if that comparison offends anyone, but it’s the most accurate societal comparison I can make. The Democrats let us come right up close and then remind us we are really just there to serve them with our votes and campaign contributions.

Always Exciting Monaco!

Our ship, the Seabourn Legend arrived in Monaco early Sunday morning, the very last port of call on our two week itenerary. The municipality is preparing to host the "Formula 1" automobile race through the streets of the town, so the harbor is full of yachts and there are spectator stands visible along the streets. We disembarked our ship and briefly drove through the town en route to the airport at Nice for the beginning of our long voyage home. Perhaps we'll visit Monaco once again on a future trip.

Views Of Modern Livorno, Italy

Last Day: Visit to Lucca and Livorno

We arrived in Livorno this Saturday morning; the city is the port for Tuscany, but most of its historic district was bombed and destroyed in World War II. From the port we took a tour bus to Lucca, a wonderful old Medieval town which a fine Cathedral, the unique and highly ornamented church of St. Michael’s and the Anfiteatro, which used to be an ancient Roman arena but in the middle ages turned into a vast apartment house. Also on our own personal agenda was the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, one of the greatest of all opera composers. A small museum occupies the house his ancestors once lived in, and where the great composer of “La Boheme” and many other masterpieces, was born. We also enjoyed the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, full of mountains, with countless trees—cypress, olive trees and umbrella pines--- lining the roads. Tomorrow we return to Philadelphia, to our beloved pets and our friends, before heading up to Fire Island. –Dan

Tower...Luca, Italy