Religious structures, especially church steeples, are regularly zapped because they are often the highest point in a given area, according to John Jensenius, lightning safety specialist for the National Weather Service. But the same goes for towering secular symbols.
"Oh, she's hit by lightning on a continual basis," says Statue of Liberty spokesman Darren Boch.
When asked whether such lightning strikes might represent a malevolent act of God toward America, Mr. Boch says, "I can clearly state that no one here deems it an act of God."
Which brings us to the main reason for writing this story: Lightning Safety Week starts today!
Summer is a bolt-heavy season for much of the South and the East Coast, so the National Weather Service recommends seeking shelter when there's thunder and waiting 30 minutes after the last flash to emerge.
As for the incineration of Touchdown Jesus, Pastor Bishop isn't reading into it.
Honey, most of us play straight at least some part of every day. Like when someone says 'are you married?" and I know it is not appropriate to disclose because it might interfere with the therapeutic or professional relationship. I play straight just fine.
Newsweek's openly gay columnist Ramin Setoodeh essentially says gay actors are not convincing as straight characters.
For gay actors, why should sexual orientation limit a gay actor?s choice of roles? The fact is, an actor?s background does affect how we see his or her performance?which is why the Denzels or the Tom Hanks-es of the world guard their privacy carefully.
Sean Hayes' costar Kristen Chenowith fired off a response. Setoodeh defended himself, saying he meant to ask if a macho actor would be accepted as out (I think).
How can Mr. Catholic Mel Gibson play some of the roles he does and be believable? Would anyone care if his wide eyed revenge seeking brooder was a Baptist?
The PG brings the Newsweek born dustup to the CLO where openly gay actor Malcolm Gets plays a straight cop.
As for playing a Boston police officer who falls for an actress played by Ashley Spencer in "Curtains"?
"Well, David [Hyde Pierce] won a Tony for this part and he's very open about his life partner, and no one had any problems believing him. And I certainly think that Ashley is adorable and I can happily imagine marrying her."
Excellent point, Malcolm. It is imagination which drives the arts.
I received a voice mail message from Montgomery County Commissioner and former Gubernatorial candidate Joe Hoeffel thanking me for my contributions to his campaign. It was a real lift to me. That's the reason I'll stick with politics and the reason it matters when you thank your elected officials -- it just feels good to be appreciated and valued.
So, thank you Joe. Thank you for running a race I wanted to support and thank you being gracious enough to call this little blogger.
I used to get up early and try to post something each day before heading out to work, but work has grown more demanding so I'm getting up earlier and heading straight there. We've been understaffed and there's just a lot filling up my days -- sometime, I can't even read the paper or <gasp> check Facebook or Twitter.
So I am trying to catch up on Saturdays.
This is my fifth year of blogging so I have to admit that a mental break from LGBT advocacy hasn't been unwelcome. I've been increasingly aware that Sue the woman has been a little lost in the symbol of Sue, lesbian blogger. I realize I've focused so much on politics that I've lost sight of other equally important issues that matter to me, issues around how people are suffering -- including people who happen to be LGBTQ -- for reasons that have nothing to do with their sexual orientation or gender identity and everything to do with social structures that oppress and discriminate vulnerable people.
Oh, I'm not quitting. Work will settle down and I'll get fired up about something. :-) I am lining up a great interview, doing some work with CORO around campaign training and just trying to pull out of the soul sucking ventures into things that are more soul sustaining. I might even go to church.
For today, however, I must prepare for errands. The joy of the weekend, eh? :-)
I've already discussed the non-surprising NO vote of Critz who has repeatedly told us he is not a liberal. Another D who voted against the repeal is District 10's Christopher Carney from Northeastern pA.
I urge you to drop a line to our Western PA allies, thanking them for their support.
The next three Borough Council meetings ? Monday, June 21, Monday, July 19, and Monday, August 16 ? are watershed moments in Doylestown!
Your progressive voices on Council are promoting an ordinance to bar discrimination in our community. Meanwhile, reactionary voices are summoning their troops to fight this. Please contact your Council members to urge their support and come out to these meetings so your voices can be heard or just to show support. Simply stated, we need you!
If you want more information or have questions, contact the lead sponsor, Don Berk at don.berk@comcast.net or 215-340-9355.
The ordinance includes: 1. Assurance that all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry or place of birth, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, age or use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability enjoy the full benefits of citizenship and are afforded equal opportunities for: a. employment, b. housing, c. use of public accommodation.
2. We need it because while most of the above minorities have these rights, the LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Ally) community does not. We are about making Doylestown an inclusive community.
3. The Life Partner provisions are designed to provide a benefit to couples to whom the state denies a right to marry and to provide a formal status for benefits providers who required such status in order to provide domestic partner benefits. The goal is also to give them a choice to get public recognition of their relationship. Council will consider separating the Life Partner provisions from the non-discrimination protection, so each measure can be considered on its own merits.
Please reach out to Council members to let them know we expect their support on this issue. It wouldn?t hurt to even e-mail those solidly for it, thanking them for their support.
Thank you, Don Berk
Councilperson, Borough of Doylestown Lead Sponsor of Doylestown?s Anti-Discrimination Ordinance President, Bucks County Boroughs Association
The legislation has drawn the typical support and opposition from those who espouse the 'though police' argument ... it gets tiresome that people cannot distinguish between their thoughts and their actions.
Politics, like all relationships, can get complicated. On one hand, a venerated ally like Google can be the most gay-friendly entity on earth. One another, there?s a lot of back room deals going on. It?s best to keep an eye on Washington, not just for the sake of transparency, but because it proves that sometimes, in this imperfect world, even the best of us have to work with our opponents
Chris Potter has some shaming words for the local media about Big Ben.
The CoroCenter for Civic Leadership is currently seeking applicants to participate in this 12-week fall 2010 program, Running for Public Office, which works to strengthen citizen participation in public elections, and also to increase the diversity and level of preparation of candidates running for office in Greater Pittsburgh.
As standing for election is an important form of civic engagement and one of the highest forms of public service, the goal of RPO is to recruit, select, engage and prepare highly motivated individuals to lead successful electoral campaigns in Greater Pittsburgh. The course is open to prospective candidates and campaign staff who are committed to continued engagement in the political process.
All applications must be submitted to Coro Pittsburgh by Thursday, August 5, 2010. To apply or to nominate a candidate, please visit the RPO application and nomination page or call 412.258.2676. More information about Coro Pittsburgh can be found by visiting www.pittsburgh.coro.org .
The rumor is true. A Pleasant Present, the wonderful gift and pride shop in Squirrel Hill, is closing its doors after 16 years in business.
I stopped by yesterday to chat with owner Michael Ferraro. He explained they will continue the close out sale (40% off!) through mid-July and close their doors forever. Ferraro is very matter of fact about his decision, but has many fond memories of his 16 years.
A Pleasant Present has been a real community hub. From Pride merchandise to LGBT flyers, Michael has been a part of almost every single LGBT group, event and activity in the past decade. He sold tickets to events, distributed flyers and has been a true champion of progressive political values in his own kitschy way with all sorts of delightful bumper stickers, magnets and paraphenalia. He always had a smile, a bit of news and something new to show me.
I've purchased dozens of gift baskets, lots of presents for children, scores of cards and all sorts of unique items I'll never find agan. I'll miss that, but ... most of all, I will miss Michael. His joy, his service to the community and his kind heart are the real presents.
Rest assured, he will remain in Pittsburgh and will be making his signature gourmet gift baskets. I asked about the rainbow flag that flies proudly on Murray Avenue. It would be a great item to display in the GLCC, perhaps framed and labeled. That flag has been a beacon for many an lgbt person in the region.
