While the pentagon agreed to go along with a court ruling yesterday to cease the enforcement of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and allow gay recruits, the Obama administration put in an emergency request this morning to have DADT reinstated. Thanks to the appeal filed by the Justice Department, DADT is back in the game.
The logic behind the new ruling is that change takes time and this needs to be handled in an orderly manner. One might argue that the constant back and forth of rulings steers away from what can be considered “orderly.” The Obama administration claims they still want to put an end to the ban, but need to give the military “time for transition” while it is still under review.
We will just have to keep pushing until this ban is fully removed. Equality is within our reach, so lets keep the fight going and stay strong until the ban is once again lifted!
DADT Reinstated This Morning October 21, 2010
Niecy Nash joins the Halloween Dream Chicago in partnership with CAAF October 20, 2010
Look out Chicago!
Niecy Nash has arrived in style and she’ll be joining the 11th Annual Dream Halloween Chicago benefit for the Children Affected by Aids Foundation (CAAF)
When: October 23, 2010 – 5pm to 8:30pm
Where: Windy City Fieldhouse, 2367 West Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL
11th Annual Dream Halloween Chicago Presented by Toys R US & Mattel will bring together children affected by AIDS for a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience. The event will feature great family fun that includes fabulous food, stage performances, face painting by MAC Cosmetics and character appearances by Barbie®, Beetlejuice, Bugs Bunny™, Shrek® and more!
The mission of the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation (CAAF) is to make a positive difference in the lives of children affected by HIV and AIDS. CAAF accomplishes this by helping meet their diverse special needs, advocating and educating on their behalf, and bringing joy and fun into their lives. For more information on the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation go online to caaf.org.
Buy Green: Jeans March 17, 2010
Try organic cotton, hemp, or sustainable sugarcane for your next favorite pair of jeans.
From cowboys and coal miners to emo rockers and suburban dads, every man needs a reliable pair (or three) of jeans in his wardrobe. But take into account the cotton industry, the harvesting process, the toxic dyes, and the chemical finishes, and suddenly your jeans are looking less and less like the trusty closet favorite. Before buying a new pair, check out these more environmentally friendly choices from brands as classic as Levi’s and as contemporary as Edun, in styles produced from organic cotton, hemp, and sugarcane fibers. Suburbanite or sharpshooter, you can still be an environmental warrior.
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Prophecy From Loomstate
Why We Like It: Loomstate Prophecy jeans in a versatile dark wash have a medium rise and slim leg, offering a modern fit without the skintight shape of other brands.
Eco-Factor: As a company, Loomstate is dedicated to sustainable production processes and environmental responsibility. They use only 100 percent certified organic cotton in their denim and require partners to meet a list of strict environmental regulations.
Pair Them With: An organic wool sweater on chilly summer nights.
Where: GreenLoop
How Much: $165
Image courtesy of Loomstate
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Relaxed Boot 527- Eco Shadow From Levi’s
Why We Like It: What’s a guide to jeans without a pair from Levi Strauss, who invented the fashion statement in 1873? These Levi’s Boot Cut 527 jeans in Eco-Shadow (a dark wash) have a relaxed boot-cut fit, perfect for cowboys (or wannabe cowboys).
Eco-Factor: The jeans—down to the tags—are made from 100 percent organic cotton, and the dark color comes from plant-based indigo dyes. Even the packaging is green—made from organic fabric or recycled paper and printed with soy-based ink.
Pair Them With: An organic cotton t-shirt on a casual Saturday.
Where: Levi’s
How Much: Currently on sale for $42
Image courtesy of Levi’s
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Hi-Wire Hemp Jeans From Patagonia
Why We Like It: Hi-Wire hemp jeans from Patagonia offer all the toughness of denim in a lightweight, quick-drying style ideal for traveling or outdoor adventures, while the classic five-pocket style and relaxed fit keep you comfortable.
Eco-Factor: These pants are made from 77 percent organic hemp grown, as the company says, “without the need for much of anything,” and 23 percent recycled polyester derived from soda bottles and old fabric.
Pair Them With: A high-performance jacket from Nau for a weekend hike.
Where: Patagonia
How Much: $80
Image courtesy of Patagonia
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Meteor Straight Leg From Edun
Why We Like It: Get over the blues with the Meteor Straight Leg from Edun in Phantom, a light gray wash that adds extra polish to your ensemble.
Eco-Factor: In addition to being sewn from 98 percent organic cotton (the other 2 percent is stretch), the jeans are part of a line founded by Bono and wife Ali Hewson and produced in Africa, providing trade to counteract slave labor.
Pair Them With: A green blazer for a night out.
Where: Edun
How Much: $210
Image courtesy of Edun
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Union Star Dungarees From Sugar Cane Jeans
Why We Like It: The material in Sugar Cane Jeans’ Union Star Dungarees is made on old looms—which create larger and less-prone-to-fraying pieces of fabric. Dyed indigo, each pair fades according to how you wear and wash it, so no two are ever the same, and the patterns are based on they-don’t-make-’em-like-they-used-to styles.
Eco-Factor: Sugarcane is a renewable resource, and using the fibers that are leftover after sugar production means no part of the cane goes to waste. The company also instructs owners to wash only in cold water, which means you’re saving energy on laundry day.
Pair Them With: Your grandfather’s WWII-era leather motorcycle jacket.
Where: History Preservation Association
How Much: $310
Image courtesy of Sugar Cane Jeans
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Reconstructed Jeans From Denim Therapy
Why We Like It: Your favorite jeans are irreplaceable—and Denim Therapy doesn’t try to replace them: The company simply fixes the holes, torn belt loops, hem wear, and broken zippers than have made your perfect pair too shabby or downright revealing for donning in public.
Eco-Factor: Repairing something you already own is greener than any product you could buy: You’re saving resources, materials, and production costs. Even though it requires shipping, you’re still cutting your denim’s footprint by a large margin.
Pair Them With: Your favorite vintage concert t-shirt.
Where: Denim Therapy
How Much: From $7/inch
Image courtesy of Denim Therapy
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First time for this ‘thing’ February 12, 2010
You now there is this weird thing going on with me. I’ve had this odd
feeling for the past few months. This thing is impossible to have but
unfortunately sometimes it is hard to control how you feel. This
feeling that I am feeling is love. Yes l-o-v-e, I don’t know why I
feel like this. But its here and I don’t know which direction to go
in. No there is no one special in my life hell or even someone that
has the “potential” to be that special someone.
For the first time in my existence, I want this thing called love.
I want to be in love I want all the things that come along with it. I
want the happy times, or the little things that remind of that special
person. You know those things that make you smile when that person’s
not around.
You know all the little things that come with love. The days where you
think “Damn this son-of-a—- gets on my last never, but damn I just
can’t get enough.” I want it all the good with the bad, the
unconditional love that would come from a Nicolas Sparks novel. Now I
know love is complicated but I know now I am mature enough to handle
that. I know how to work through the mess that he’ll bring. Show
someone that look I’m here to stay. I got your back 120 %, even on the
days you piss me off. I’m ready to dedicate my life to that special
someone. That’s if that someone is willing to give that 120% back.
I can say I have met some interesting people. People that don’t know
what love truly is most of the time that don’t know what love is if it
is staring them in the face. Some will be quick to give you the “I’m
not ready for love” excuse. But love is one of those things that has
no time or place, it just happens. Which means that one must have an
open mind and heart to let it happen when it sneaks up on them?
I guess I could say I need someone that compliments me. You know that
thing you have with a best friend. You two could be in the same room
give each other a certain look without saying a word you know what the
other person is thinking. That’s what I want. Someone that I
understand and they understand me, and we communicate well with each
other.
But for now I am content with my life, love will come in due time. As
long as I keep an open mind and an open heart, love will find me. I am
ready. How about you?
You now there is this weird thing going on with me. I’ve had this odd
feeling for the past few months. This thing is impossible to have but
unfortunately sometimes it is hard to control how you feel. This
feeling that I am feeling is love. Yes l-o-v-e, I don’t know why I
feel like this. But its here and I don’t know which direction to go
in. No there is no one special in my life hell or even someone that
has the “potential” to be that special someone.
For the first time in my existence, I want this thing called love.
I want to be in love I want all the things that come along with it. I
want the happy times, or the little things that remind of that special
person. You know those things that make you smile when that person’s
not around.
You know all the little things that come with love. The days where you
think “Damn this son-of-a—- gets on my last never, but damn I just
can’t get enough.” I want it all the good with the bad, the
unconditional love that would come from a Nicolas Sparks novel. Now I
know love is complicated but I know now I am mature enough to handle
that. I know how to work through the mess that he’ll bring. Show
someone that look I’m here to stay. I got your back 120 %, even on the
days you piss me off. I’m ready to dedicate my life to that special
someone. That’s if that someone is willing to give that 120% back.
I can say I have met some interesting people. People that don’t know
what love truly is most of the time that don’t know what love is if it
is staring them in the face. Some will be quick to give you the “I’m
not ready for love” excuse. But love is one of those things that has
no time or place, it just happens. Which means that one must have an
open mind and heart to let it happen when it sneaks up on them?
I guess I could say I need someone that compliments me. You know that
thing you have with a best friend. You two could be in the same room
give each other a certain look without saying a word you know what the
other person is thinking. That’s what I want. Someone that I
understand and they understand me, and we communicate well with each
other.
But for now I am content with my life, love will come in due time. As
long as I keep an open mind and an open heart, love will find me. I am
ready. How about you?
By–Royal Gaston
British Fashion Icon Alexander McQueen commits sucide after mom’s death February 12, 2010
The fashion industry is reeling after Alexander McQueen was found dead today by his boyfriend, at his luxury flat in Mayfair, central London, after taking his own life. The 40-year-old fashion designer’s suicide this morning, comes just days after the death of his beloved mother, Joyce. It is believed McQueen, the four-time British designer of the year, hanged himself. Mr McQueen’s close friend and fashion icon Isabella Blow, who helped kick-start his career, killed herself in 2007. His death came days before London Fashion Week, and as final preparations were being made for a spring collection to be unveiled in Paris. His office confirmed his death, saying: ‘It is a tragic loss. We are not making a comment at this time out of respect for the McQueen family.’
Source: www.hotmommagossip.com
Love + Logic =….. February 12, 2010
First ask yourself what love is.
I am sure you probably can come up with thousands of answers.
Like: It makes you feel all warm and tingly.
It makes you smile for
no reason.
It makes you a happier person (most of the time).
It makes you sometimes do things you wouldn’t normally do.
Love does all these wonderful things for our ego, self-esteem, personality and even our physical appearance…at times.
Kiss Kiss
Well then there is the other side
of love. Heart-ache, pain, depression, hating yourself, you can’t
sleep, you can’t eat, well you get the idea.
That’s some basics of love. The definition of love is complex
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines logic as something that forces a
decision apart from or in opposition to reason. But to have love and a
great relationship logic plays a huge part in things. But why do we
throw logic out the window when we’re falling in love? Why ignore the
things that get on our nerves? Why push our feelings aside? Why do we
say or hope he will change? Maybe it’s being naive or just being
caught up in the moment. Either way, in reality it doesn’t make sense.
In the beginning we try to be exactly what the other person
wants…Perfect. But eventually reality sets in anywhere from six
months to a year and you start to see the person for who they are and
they see us for who we are. The arguments start, the little things
that we ignored or thought were cute now get on our nerves. I am sure
we could come up with a large list of reasons why things went wrong.
So take every relationship, live, truly learn from it and grow as a
person. Take a step out side your box when you find yourself falling
in love and evaluate things. That is where you start to think more
logical and ask yourself:
1. Can you really put up with the annoying things they do?
2. Do you want this person to change a significant part of who they are?
3. Thinking realistically, how close are they to your ideal
person? How compatibly are you two?
4. Are you both ready for a relationship?
5. How has this person been in past relationships?
These are just a few of the many questions to ask yourself before you
get into a relationship.
I’m not here to give you answers, just make you think.
Logic + Love = a good stable relationship.
-Royal Gaston
