Looking Back

Wow - another year wasn't sure we would get through it all .

In January Jake was in a Brotherly way and we started out wondering the ways to pitch koolaid, and how to make a LumberJake. Heard that Austin was out in the woods too but still not seen so we put out the milk carton missing signs, heard rumors that Jake proposed and was headed to the altar and not with Austin, and realized Jake hasn't photographed with the 'rents for half a year, Mags since April and May of 07 with his man. Got a pass for People's Choice cause of the writer's strike and no Golden Globes to worry about who to bring to either. And gave our first big wave to Ev and crew (and hey we still see you - so glad we're still here - how 'bout you?) And they're off and not Austin's shirt but random obscure blog sightings of Jake and something tiny, so tiny it can't be seen on cameras, cell phones or without paparazzi present. There was some fence building but maybe not the best kind. Saki -bombs! Utopian Society comes out on video and the Washington Post reminded us that sweethearts (America's not Jake's) are not always what they seem. Austin lost a co-star (Brad Renfro) and none us predicted what everyone would lose by the end of January. There's was Butch and Sundance - never thinking that godpa Butch would be gone and Austin would be the one going to Sundance first by then end of the year.

And then.... then..... losing Heath........


Jake shaken, silent and then seen, but not how and with who we thought - the fence up in force - crumbling some and shaking others to the core. So much speculation and many looking for resolutions.

We got TWICKED again! And with pictures too! Brother's stretches a little longer, blogger mentions some fighting and this time not with Tobey, Yes He Can - AUSTIN APPEARS! showing up on one of the hotest videos of the year - Obama's. Jake shakes it - for Ellen's big birthday. Big Blue is back baby and on Austin's finger - in NYC! And hanging out with friend Sophia Bush - looking forward to Fall (fashion?) Unofficial Austin Friday's begins and a special Outspotlight no one can forget - William Haines and Jimmy Shields. Always a fan - Jake and some buddies check out Rufus at the Wiltern singing out to 14th St. Jake loses the beard - no not that one. Rendition comes out on DVD and speculate that Austin would be back with Milch In The Ninth. Hjulia gifts us with a great find of Austin in Italian Vogue. The Oscars slip by and we wonder about HW more. And who better to take the leap (this year) with than Austin (listening Jake?)

Marching around NY and still not buying it. But so buying a photo shoot of Austin that shows him shirtless, suited, swinged and ringed (twice). Jake gives the bird (on his shirt) and a little shout out about his goose? Giusi's Jaustin video's go away on YouTube but OMG helps bring them back and speaks out about Sally Kern. And OMG talks about videos as we start our Movie Club. And more videos of Austin - this time - Full Count - our first chance to check out it. And yeah there was a funky footwear showdown. Jake's on crutches - they say basketball - but maybe even funkier footwear than we knew about then had something to do with it. His old and very much missed grin was back for a moment when helping to celebrate LA conservation. JFC gave us their best about US Weekly, we did some Jake Walking - or is that getting Jake Legged and it's not spring until Unicorn hunting begins. Don't think they do that one at the Nicked LL ranch.

No Fooling -even more Austin - 10 episodes of JFC releases, despite not being seen publicly he is seen on screen even more. We wonder if Emmy's would agree? Some Cabo Wabo for the guy with a happy pappy tummy who looks more excited about who's on the phone than his "date"- storing up for leaner times? Spesh goes to Washington and so Jake sort of but he gets Nailed and then gets pounded trying to make the movie not by David O. Russell, but by SAG when money woes shut them down, one, twice, three times and still being seen with that lady - the name escapes me - Not before bringing the hammer down on people disclosing where he was going to live while getting his Southern Exposure. And the rumors swirl like a sand storm that Jake could be crowned a prince, while the moon waits. A real prince comes out. Jakes hits the gym at U SC (Go Cocks!) to get regal. And McBongo gets Jake to donate a wiglette for Magnum? We still wonder Where in the World Is Austin Nichols while we play what do we want to see him in. Our first official movie club and appropriately its one of Ang's. Jake comes back to LA under the radar sort of - for a Texas size birthday? Austin celebrates how else by losing his shirt.


When you think Nichols you gotta think pickles - and for one day in May you did, and Austin gets a PoPsickle while Jake gets a new Reece (as in Ritchie). And still has the deal with the other one as just like a senator takes the show on the road to DC although the "running mate" is too tired to actually run. Ted says again Goose is still with his Tooth, while people speculated about Austin and Sophia again. All Californians get to marry and Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin after over 50 years together finally get to, legally, and are the first in California. We hit the hard stuff and find how to make a Jake Walk and you like your Gray Goose. Jake take Royal Crown officially with Disney and Bruckheimer. OMG discusses better living through chemistry. Spooky creates Austins for us that are works of art and then some, her well never dry even in a Austin drought. Then prayers answered when we find out out that Austin has been making Prayers for Bobby the story of Mary Griffith and the tragic loss of her gay son Bobby. Jake loses even more with the passing of his grandmother.

No junebugs but a monkey on Jake's back okay shoulder and the hoody goes up and who knew it was going to be a six month trend - sleastak, monk, or just cover up for another tricky hair do after his plaster job in Nailed? Austin down with the Wu-Tang? Talking about trailers blowing up on the set of TDAT years earlier - what is is with these two and trailers? Brokeback came to network TV in the US - edited even on cable that stirred up speaking out. Billy Crystal spilled the beans from another western and made us picture a 10 yr Jake singing "Wash that man right outta my hair" will no abandon. And someone else was called tiny! Jake well, cause he was when his mom said they knew he would be a actor since he was kid. Brother's get screened, and Mom reappears as some others make hasty exits and Jake gets spotted. More marriage talk but still not the one who already has the ring. Emmy hopes dashed as they submit the one ep Austin's not in for consideration, but OMG considered some old pictures and realizes Papa Nichols is going with Pedro for President. Jake's in London and thus begins a half a year abroad or is that another half with a broad ? The Dark Knight takes off and we see Heath's brillance one more time.

Vacation time for some and always working for others even when they visit as "vacation". Jake shows his royal qu..princeliness on horseback or on My Little Pony take your pick. Then show up a looking like he's rolled out and half in the bag at the same time at Scott's. Rowdy talks about travel with his brother in law to Italy - lending us to wonder if it was smoke or fire about Austin in Europe. But from Jake's looks at look a likes we know he what he likes to spy with his little eye more than fireworks on Bastille day. Jake goes French stripes but no beret but a beanie to cover the long locks. Not following the THE RULES - the trash is piling up - shit - oops sugar - that's not good - he's got to get those down pat. Location Location Location, and while there is talks of home buying, its more about location of things unseen and seen that speak the loudest. The Truth is Out there - well that Austin is Tweedy in Chris Carpenter's secret project Fencewalker - but the jury's out if it part of the X-files or not. And in the middle of European Vacation - Austin pops up in person (first since Feb) on the red carpet with a girl friend from FNL - did the Mouse Roar? Everyone helped celebrate a Special day. Jake became Dastan (trickster indeed) and a gastrosexual. While missed out a lot on the Cape while he was in Morocco we didn't miss a thing when Matt Frost's portrait of Austin intwined in some gorgeous gams appeared.

First look at The Informers seeing Austin in all new ways but in some old combos and positions. Speculation when and where we would see it and then hearing PoP was getting the push back to 2010. OMG gave its all to give cover songs that the musical men could sing. The Olympics in our own way and highlight Matthew Mitchum and the other out Olympians. And we celebrate our First anniversary (Yeah us!) while the August moon rose to find Austin afflicted with Long Arm Syndrome, that there was a second prince in line to the throne, which and fans went spinning in all directions when the first "suprise, unplanned just happened to be there" look as Jake as the Prince of Persia comes out - was there someone else there - you know sand and sun and something so tiny it can get lost. But Secret Squirrel and Morocco Mole could find out. We hit the dogs days of summer and Atti, Atti, Atti we feel for you bud. History making happened with nomination of Obama for Presidential Candidate for the Democratic party and the way back machine back to TDAT. But Tom ruled and Wicked no doubt heard it, as Ted answered another letter from Tom. With just one word - Yes to a simple question - is there a Baby Tile.

Misinformed about Informers - not Sitges but it will be Sundance and Cannes for this gaining notice ensemble and movie. But there was no misinformation that Austin was going to be on One Tree Hill for 10 episodes as Julian Baker, an indie movie producer. And gets work with old time friend Sophia Bush. Austin Fridays is not enough and Austin Monday's begins. And still not enough - OMG starts JFC discussions to figure out what the hell Milch was doing. Rumors bubble up again about Spidey and Toby and Jakey. And Jake spotted enjoying some of the sights of Morocco at Jardin Majorelle and sneaking a taste some Moroccon ice cream which is clearly not a part of the fitness plan. Ted talks about Goose abs that are attention worthy. But its hands between them that had us remembering both Toothy and Jake's smooth moves with Goose and Austin.

It's wasn't penquins that on the list of costumes for J & A but penquins daddies are the number one banned book in the U.S. Jake's secret trip over to NYC for a weekend. Brothers gets pushed out of December and into 2009 - too much backgammon too little time to promote - Spooky & Hjulia find the photos of Austin on the set of One Tree Hill and the countdown is on until our first glimpse of Julian on the show as Jake resurface in England and alone! the next day. Piggy back the new black? Jake as the 2nd sexiest man, while Austin brought sexy back to One Tree Hill as bad boy Julian, and no lady is safe but is Lucas' book. Austin shows the chops and more fans jump on his climbing star. And after talk of being Beeked - he's not going anywhere too fast on OTH. Will it lead to more face time? Or maybe a new address like - Melrose Place. After another shovel load looked at the secrets to better gardening is that pr'ing ? More for Jake's plate - as the public learns of the divorce. Partied like it was 1999, Jake got caught holding the bag (but really anything else?) and buttoned up the overcoat for the cold winds. Birthday time? And the real reasons that Jake came back to LA. ; ) Same Snaps Different Day - though the Laker's Look looked great run ahead and not turning back. Seeing Jake's smile again it after work is over and all on his own. Ted still not letting up and taking it down a peg or two. Some may skip that. More rumors of Jake, Matt and Fincher in Torso. And Halloween for our favorite two or two and half.

Jake could pass the Presidential Fitness test hands down after his workouts for PoP for all those months, while the U.S. shattered history with the election of Barack Obama. Prop 8 passes and brings together tens of thousands to speak up and speak out and take to the street all over the country calling for change. Austin the devil or just making a devil with him? Viva Voce Virus Premieres!! Jake likes coffee, tea, and ....., Austin a man on the streets of Wilmington and with fans from OTH. Austin goes back in time and who doesn't love a man in a hat? More comes out about Mom & Dad, and Jake lays low till turkey day and PoPs only once up for business. The first sneak peak of Prince of Persia and hearing Jake speak on camera the first time in a long long time. While Jake has give hints and nods about his Goose, looks like Austin was doing the same thing on OTH. Revisitng Donnie Darko and patting the bunny. OMG got its cook on! The Little Prince and the Prince of Persia, and Austin's sweet spot.

Scopions stowed away and made a reappearance on the PoP set. Austin making a reappearance at Sundance this time as an actor not a party crasher. Jake the inspiration for mom's writing? Ted drops some big B.V.'s as PoP wraps. Not letting up on Jake front either. OMG gives some suggestions for sharing during the season. Prayers for Bobby gets it date and gives us preview. Santas run in Speedos. We celebrate Wicked in song(s). Gift ideas for birthdays, Hanukkah and Christmas for casa del Gyll. Jake comes home and but business is not done although the hair got cut. But someone elso does likes a man in a hat so much he got one. (x-large cause remember even Jake professes to his large noggin). Get Christmas off and back to business. Austin soon back to Wilmington to finish up or get more? OTH.

Somethings remain the same - business continues, wedding bells ring every other month but sounds more like a hollow pipe. Rumors persist despite so much time and effort by handlers and powers. Ted doesn't look like he's gonna to let anything get by him. Goose and Tooth as still together despite all the ups and downs and a threesome maybe come a foursome in 2009?

But the biggest thing - that OMG is here and we continue to have fun, speak our minds, spend time together, laugh and find new friends.

Here's to a Happy New Year in 2009. May there be less of some things and much more of others.

We are whispers ...

“He is not the same, nor is he another.”
Buddha

“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story
which is written across the whole world
in letters too large for some of us to see.”
C.S Lewis

“Truth hath a quiet breast.”
Shakespeare

OMG Season of Sharing

World Neighbors

World Neighbors is an international development organization striving to eliminate hunger, poverty and disease in the poorest, most isolated rural villages in Asia, Africa and Latin America. World Neighbors invests in people and their communities by training and inspiring them to create their own life-changing solutions through programs in agriculture, literacy, water, health and environmental protection. Since 1951, more than 25 million people in 45 countries have transformed their lives with the support of World Neighbors. Their programs focus on hunger, poverty, disease and the environment. Communities tell World Neighbors what their needs are, and World Neighbors, in turn, works with them to acquire the knowledge, skills and organization to solve their problems.

Y D I Y ?

When you can get this kind of help?

'Nuff said


OMG Season of Sharing

Bat Conservation International

Bat Conservation International (BCI), based in Austin, Texas, is devoted to conservation, education, and research initiatives involving bats and the ecosystems they serve. It was founded in 1982, as scientists around the world became concerned that bats essential to the balance of nature and human economies were in alarming decline. BCI's conservation efforts have resulted in permanent protection for a majority of North America's most important remaining bat caves, saved millions of bats from being accidentally buried during mine safety closures, and led to the establishment of the first national park in U.S. history to protect a tropical rain forest. BCI's many educational achievements include major television documentaries, such as The Secret World of Bats, and award-winning exhibits.

Out Spotlight LV

Today's Spotlight is Rodrigo Opazo Muñoz, who is named one of the best young writers in Chile.

Born in Concepción ,Chile in 1973 Munoz studied to be journalist and even though he loved his career in journalism, he found a new passion in literature. From that he has written two novels. La Trilogía de las Fiestas is a look into the lives of 3 gay men trying to understand themselves in the middle of the city and Montevusto is a fantasty story where the super hero goes to save a gay town. Currently they are only available in Spanish but hopefully will be soon translated into English.

Rodrigo is helping the Chilean LGTB community put the gay issue on the table and fight for equal rights and non discrimination in Chile, which is in face of the traditional society of Chile. He is doing this by breaking the old roles to making new ones through his literature.

His first book La Trilogía de las Fiestas, he revealed that the book is 50% autobiographical and 50% is fiction. The main characters Cristobal, Gabriel and Sebastian, reveal parts of himself as he was coming out. He used people close to him such as relatives and friends that had a leading role in my story’s creation, but mostly people that sealed the decade of his "incredible ninities".

His second book Montevusto was inspiredfrom Queer as Folk (US version) when Mike and Justin created a gay hero comic to save Gaypolis from homophobic strikes. In his book, Ramiro Hidalgo leads as the first South American gay hero who creates a legion of gays, lesbians, a trans, and a bi and a few straight heroes to save Montevusto. It is the relationship that each one has with Fine Arts is where their power comes from.

And the33-year-old journalist and novelist has had first-hand experience with homophobic violence involving the Carabineros,uniformed Chilean national police force who's mission is maintain order and create public respect for the laws of the country, he may need help from a legion of heroes.

In the wee hours of the morning, Muñoz and a male friend left a house party and, hand-in-hand and happy to be enjoying a summer’s night in each other’s company, took a comfortable stroll through downtown Santiago. The two found a bench and sat. There they talked and flirted, hugging and kissing.

About half-a-block away, a pair of Carabineros – Muñoz guessed there were two, though he couldn’t say for sure – sat in a parked police van, observing the two gay men. After a few minutes, one of the police officers rolled down his window and yelled in the direction of the bench.

“Ok guys, it’s time for you two be to moving along,” said the police officer. Muñoz was quick to question the Carabinero why he should have to leave.

“And that’s when they started to insult us,” the young writer said. “Come on, run along faggots. Get out of here. The neighbors called and they want you out of here. Degenerates, motherfuckers, queers..."

Muñoz was indignant. He walked up to the police van and confronted the officers, warning them that they’d tangled with the wrong man. “I’m a journalist,” he told them. “I know the head of police. I have contacts with President Bachelet.” At that point the police took off – rapidly, too quickly in fact for Muñoz to note their van’s license plate number.

“I’m 33 years old. The majority of friends in other words are of the 30-something generation. They stay quiet about things. Things weren’t open when we were young. So they say, ‘come on, keep it to yourself. Stay quiet,’” he said.

“But the truth is that I have a different stance. Since publishing my novel last September – I participated in the gay march as a journalist, working for the first time as a journalist for a gay institution, and being gay – I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to stay quiet about anything. Never again am I just going to shut up.’ Whatever problem I might have, I won’t stay quiet about it. Because my family knows (I’m gay), they know at my job. I’ve come out of all the closets. Being gay, one comes out of various closets.”

He wasted no time in making sure as many people as possible – including the police themselves – found out about the incident in the park. He contacted a number of homosexual rights organizations. He also marched into the First Commissary headquarters, the very police station from which the abusive officers were dispatched, and spoke with an attending official. He happened to live next door the station

“What I’m hoping from either the government or the Carabineros is a letter of apology,” he said. “That’s what I’m hoping. And not a form letter, something standardized where the public relations person inserts your name. I want a formal letter of apology.”

“I’m also going to support MOVILH in its interest in training the Carabineros. Because something good has to come out of this,” Muñoz added.

Founded some 15 years ago, MOVILH has pushed hard to carve a safe space for the country’s sexual minorities out of Chile’s rigid social structure. Over the years the movement has worked closely with government officials in pushing for legislation that protects and promotes gay rights, an effort that in 2005 won the admiration of a complimentary United Nations. MOVILH is also the first place many people who have been harassed or victimized like Muñoz turn to for help.

“The case that affected Rodrigo (Muñoz) is more common than people think,” “The majority of the people [who] come to the organization [due to harassment] don’t want to file a formal complaint for fear of drawing attention to themselves as homosexuals.”

Muñoz did receive his letter of formal apology, but that is not stopping him from speaking out for the LGTB community in Chile. He is continuing to persue opportunities for increase awareness, and fight for the rights of individuals. He also is continuing to bring a new voice and perspective in Chilean literature.

On the media in Chile:

"One of the reasons that I don’t like journalism in Chile is because the press tries the subject about Sexual Diversity with indifference. The press distorts the information and only shows homicides related to prostitution and drugs. Barely have they informed about Gay Pride and they show only drag queens and muscular strippers, but never about gay culture or gay politics or gay rights. It happens because Chilean press is under the left right politics and as we know is very conservative and besides catholic, and they try to domain over us."


OMG Season of Sharing

The Center for Victims of Torture

The Center for Victims of Torture (CVT) is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota that provides victims of politically motivated torture with medical, psychological, and social services.

Founded in 1985, it was the first organization in the United States created specifically to provide specialized treatment for torture victims. Since its founding, the organization has taken on several roles in addition to treatment and social services (jointly referred to as "client services"). CVT now also runs international training programs for healthcare and human service workers who work with refugees, compiles information about the harmful effects of torture on victims, and works with other non-profits such as New Tactics in Human Rights in order to advocate domestic and international legislation against the practice of torture worldwide.

Currently, the Center for Victims of Torture has two offices and healing centers in the Minneapolis - St Paul area, an office in Washington DC, and healing centers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Where you at?

To most, the way to find Jake is look for Reese - but really just read an interview with Austin and its like its own Jake GPS.


"On a Friday night I like this newish Mario Batali joint in Hollywood on Highland called Pizzeria Mozza. The food is really creative and the atmosphere is kind of different – I just feel like I’m not in Los Angeles. I’d order the pizza with asparagus, pancetta and a fried egg. I like to sit at the bar, but there’s also a cool back room for small parties."
LA Times



"Later I might infiltrate some hotel and steal some time in its Jacuzzi."
LA Times



"On Sunday I’ll get up and go to breakfast at a nice, relaxed place on Highland called Ammo, sort of upscale American cuisine. They have this great blood-orange juice, which is my favorite drink in the whole city."
LA Times





Dominick’s is a great spot, I also like the Hungry Cat, Am[m]o, the Bowery. They’re really great restarants. Honestly, most nights I just go to Cactus #1 Taqueria, best street tacos in town
LAist

Hmmm I guess start looking for a guy wearing a beanie and pounding down a few tacos.



When Special K met Prairie Girl.

Saddled up and moseyed past all the cattle, tumbleweeds, and gunfighters and headed on into town to see Prairie Girl. (Cue Little House on the Prairie or Gunsmoke theme song here - your choice, personally I go with LHotP, cause she falls down the hill kinda like me)

Actually got a ride and met PG at a Ruby Tuesday's tucked into an upspring of mini-malls and big box stores. Did you think it was a horse ride in high plains to a house made of sod? No tumbleweeds or country bumpkin's were we - and 5 hours, dinner, a trip to see Christmas lights that rival KC's famed Country Club Plaza at PG's place, and couple coffees later. (BTW: had a new first- last call at a Starbuck's) we were still chatting. It was total blast. Now PG may tell you another side of the story. : )

Thanks PG for such a great time - and for the Red Sox stained glass baseball and Christmas treats for the family! Yup got to taste PG's cooking - dee -lish!

OMG Season of Sharing

Jane Addams Peace Association (JAPA)

The Jane Addams Peace Association (JAPA) was founded in 1948 to foster a better understanding between the people of the world toward the end that wars may be avoided and a more lasting peace enjoyed. JAPA is the educational affiliate of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, founded in 1915 with Jane Addams as its first president. Jane Addams was a world renowned social worker who worked for peace, freedom, justice and equality, and was the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.

Box it up!

A holiday edition of Austin Friday.

This is not your father's Boxing Day. But it would be a cracker!
.He's got the suit, the hair and damn the pose down. Don't blame me - blame Samburg and Timberlake.



Now if Jake shows up freshly shaven gotta know it was an attempt at a "funky facial hair, I am a player " look gone bad.

Traditionally Boxing Day would be spent giving gifts to those who are less fortunate, now it's a time to get together with family and friends and celebrate the holidays. There've been some great St. Stephen's Day parties in my neighborhood - lots of fun, food, laughs, singing, and yeah great drinks. And what's a holiday without sport? In Great Britain today is an entire day of football (soccer to the U.S) and to the Aussies cricket and the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht racing (while you may be having snow Australia is smack dab in the middle of summer). And the Canadians - what are they doing - watching hockey.

OMG's Season of Sharing

ProLiteracy

Formed by the 2002 merger of Laubach Literacy International and Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. ProLiteracy Worldwide is the oldest and largest nongovernmental literacy organization in the world. They sponsor educational programs that help adults and their families acquire the literacy practices and skills they need to function more effectively in their daily lives. ProLiteracy America, the U.S. Programs Division of ProLiteracy Worldwide, represents 1,200 community-based volunteer and adult basic education affiliates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. In 65 developing countries around the world, thousands of adult learners are improving conditions for their families and their communities through ProLiteracy's 125 grassroots partner programs.

Merry Christmas!

To all you who stop here at OMG - we wish you the warmest greetings for all the ways we all celebrate the season. May your hearts be filled with the spirit of the season, and share it with those you love. We wish you peace and joy and love.

And for Jake and Austin may they celebrate together and with their family, friends and those they love.




In the spirit of the season


OMG Season of Sharing

Homes for the Holidays

Habitat for Humanity, International

Habitat for Humanity International seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build houses together in partnership with families in need. It has built more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter. HFHI was founded in 1976 by Millard Fuller along with his wife, Linda

We wish you a merry...

Well we know that someone likes to gather round hire a pianist and sing Christmas carols but I don't think she'll will be singing these:









Ted Saw Toothy Kissing His Gray Goose

Ted saw Toothy kissing his Gray Goose
Underneath the parking lot last night.
They didn't see Ted creep
down the street to have a peek;
They thought that all was taken care
of with some cash to keep.

Then, Ted saw Toothy tickle his Gray Goose
Underneath his shirt so tight and white;
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Reese had only seen
Jakey kissing Austin out last night



Nothin' for Christmas

I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas
Poor little Austy is sad.
I'm getting nothin' for Christmas
'Cause I didn't wanna be bad.

Jake promised me on brand new coat;
Just for a little kiss.
Another ring and a motorboat
Just for a little kiss.
He said "I'll buy out the stores;
Everything I have is yours;
I will be your Santa Claus;
Just for a little kiss.

But I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas
My little Jakey is mad.
I'm getting nothin' for Christmas
'Cause I didn't wanna be bad.

Jake promised me a little zip
just for a tiny squeeze.
A wardrobe plus a Reese free trip
just for a little squeeze.
He said Nic be nice to me
and on Christmas Day you'll see
just how big my Santa hat can be
just for a tiny squeeze.

But, I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas
My litle Toothy is mad.
I'm gettin' nothin' for Christmas
'Cause I didn't wanna be bad.

So take my advice I think you should.
It's good to be good, but not too good;
Or you'll get nothin' for Christmas.



You have any carols you like to share?


OMG Season of Sharing

International Red Cross

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is an international humanitarian movement with approximately 97 million volunteers worldwide which started to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for the human being, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering, without any discrimination based on nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.

All that glitters....

HOLLYWOOD, CA -- 12/23/08 -- Glenn Close, Ricky Gervais and Jake Gyllenhaal have been set as presenters at "The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards" to be telecast live on NBC Sunday, January 11 (8 - 11 p.m. EST) at The Beverly Hilton.

They join previously announced presenters Simon Baker, Drew Barrymore, Sacha Baron Cohen, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, Amy Poehler and Seth Rogen.

Steven Spielberg will receive this year's Cecil B. DeMille Award from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for his "outstanding contribution to the entertainment field."

"The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards" will be seen in more than 160 countries worldwide and is one of the few awards ceremonies that span both television and motion picture achievements.

"The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards" will take place Sunday, January 11, 2009 at The Beverly Hilton with a live telecast airing on NBC at 8 p.m. (EST) and produced by Dick Clark Productions in association with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Jorge Camara is President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Orly Adelson, president of dcp and Barry Adelman will executive produce. Chris Donovan is the director and dcp's Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production.

Please remain calm down.

Before people jump to all kinds of conclusions about red carpet stuff no one knows what will happen till it happens. So going crazy about they what they will and won't do , and what will it mean over all of Chrismahanukwanzakah (thank you Virgin Mobile) does nothing but make you glum and who wants to be that right now? You know Santa and Harry Hanukkah Harry don't want that. But hey if you must go for it, then go for it.

Just wait and see what happens. And you know the upside to all of it? Jake with a good haircut and in a tux. Come on you gotta give him that - the man is devastating in a tux.

Remember - these Golden Moments?

2005

Pre Party 2005

2007

2007

And then there's this one from a Party 2006 - Hey Forensic TB - if you're around love to hear from you, or anyone else with eyes for "certain" details.


Know what I'm saying?


OMG Season of Sharing

Darfur Stoves Project

Everyday, women living in the refugee camps of Darfur, Sudan must walk for up to seven hours outside the safety of the camps to collect firewood for cooking, putting them at risk for violent attacks. Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have engineered a more efficient wood-burning stove, which is greatly reducing both the women's need for firewood and the threats against them when they leave the camps.

The benefits include: less time outside of the camps collecting fuel wood, reducing the risk of exposure to rape, fully enclosed flames reducing the danger of the dense straw and stick shelters from burning down, reduction of smoke production compared to other stoves, reducing smoke inhalation and lung disease and saving time by cutting down fuel wood treks, allowing women to pursue income generating opportunities.

Hat's off

There's the toothpick.


Then there's the hat


Pretty fancy for a run out to the Country Mart.


And then there's Austin sweater



You think Jake gonna get A tee from Santa?


Don't know but think he might be a Mr. T fan.



Too subtle? ; )


OMG Season of Sharing

Seacology

Seacology is the world's premier environmental organization with the sole purpose of preserving the highly endangered biodiversity of islands throughout the world. Indigenous people are all too often faced with the dilemma of choosing between protecting their precious natural resources, and economic development. Seacology searches for win-win situations where both the local environment is protected and islanders receive some tangible benefit for doing so. They work closely with islanders right from the beginning, their projects enjoy strong local support and consequently lead to long-term benefits. Their ever-expanding list of projects shows that they are truly making a difference in protecting threatened island biodiversity throughout the world.



Pictures: Austin Nichols Journal / IHJ

Out Spotlight LIV

Today's Out Spotlight is Steven Greenberg the first openly gay Orthodox Rabbi in the United States and a founder and educational advisor to the Jerusalem Open House, a LGBT community center in Jerusalem that advances the cause of social tolerance.

Rabbi Greenberg's aim is to "mark a path" by which a person of faith can be committed to God and tradition and still be a self-evincing gay person. Even the most traditional of communities can make such reconciliations, he said.

And while most other Orthodox Rabbis can ignore Rabbi Greenberg, they cannot "expel" him from Orthodoxy the way many Protestant churches do with LGBT members and clergy. Rabbi Greenberg who reminds everyone of fact that every Orthodox rabbi knows very well...as does every Jew, Orthodox or otherwise. The Bible is an interpretive relationship between each individual man and his God.

And while many Orthodox Rabbis would disagree with Greenberg's interpretation of the Bible, all would agree with his right to his understanding as an understanding equal to their own. The majority religious Jews are followers of the Reform movement and then the Conservative movement and both communities now widely recognize openly gay clergy and same sex marriage.

Rabbi Greenberg is a Senior Teaching Fellow at CLAL The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. He was featured in the acclaimed 2001 film Trembling Before G-d, about Orthodox gay Jews, and has appeared in over 500 post-screening community dialogues throughout the world. He serves as the educational coordinator for the film’s outreach project, and arranged for screenings in Israel’s religious school system, reaching over 2,000 principals, educators and school counselors. A popular speaker on issues of faith, sexuality, and tradition, he has helped organize the first Orthodox Mental Health Conference on homosexuality, and has worked with numerous families in reconciliation.

Rabbi Greenberg is the winner of the Koret Book Award for Philosophy and Thought, for his groundbreaking book Wrestling with God & Men: Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition (University of Wisconsin Press, 2004), which explores homosexuality and Jewish tradition. In the book, Rabbi Greenberg presents readers with surprising biblical interpretations of the creation story, the love of David and Jonathan, the destruction of Sodom, occasions of same-sex love in Talmudic narratives, medieval Jewish poetry and prose, and traditional Jewish case law literature and the condemnatory verses of Leviticus. The Koret awards are the most prestigious in Jewish prose. The book was also selected as a finalist for the Lambda Literary Awards.

In Wrestling with God he writes about his meeting with Rabbi Yosef Shalom Eliashuv :

...beset with an inceased awareness of my attraction to a fellow yeshiva student, I visited a sage, Rav Yosef Shalom Eliashuv [sic], who lives in one of the most secluded ultra-Orthodox communities in Jerusalem. He was in poor health but still taking visitors... Speaking in Hebrew, I told him what, at the time, I felt was the truth. "Master, I am attracted to both men and women. What shall I do?" He responded, "My dear one, my friend, you have twice the power of love. Use it carefully." I was stunned. I sat in silence for a moment, waiting for more. "Is that all?" I asked. He smiled and said, "That is all. There is nothing more to say."

Greenberg noted that Rabbi Eliashiv's comment was not meant to endorse homosexuality, nor to imply that there is no conflict between homosexuality and Orthodox Judaism. The point of the story, and the significance of Rabbi Eliashiv's response, is that it is possible for religious Jews to have compassion and empathy for Jews struggling to remain devout and who have homosexual urges.

Trembling Before G-d

Jersusalem Open House

Wrestling with God & Men

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Winter Solstice

OMG Season of Sharing

Jewish National Fund

Founded in 1926, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) America has been a vital part of Zionist history, achieving its goal of purchasing the land that would become the State of Israel, helping to develop that land into a thriving nation, and protecting Israel's environment. Over the past century, JNF has planted over 240 million trees, built over 180 dams and reservoirs, developed over 250,000 acres of land, created more than 1,000 parks throughout Israel and educated students around the world about Israel and the environment. As a global environmental leader focusing on Israel, JNF is committed to improving the quality of life for all who live in the Middle East.