Author Archives: JimArnoldLA

Why I’m Glad to Be in California, Reasons #639 and #640

 

photo: xarling

Villaraigosa and Bike Path construction

GLBT Contributions to be included in Textbooks

Two reasons that I am thrilled to be a resident (and native!) of California.

Recently I saw a cnn.com story about how the Golden State Dream was not so golden anymore. Poppycock!

Case in point, two great things have just happened, both of them evidence that California is progressive, is looking toward a future that is not all about enriching the rich at the expense of everybody else, etc. So I found this heartening.

Story #1: L.A. will increase construction of bike paths and lanes. A great way to add to the existing transport options mix. Sorry, those of you who can only see cars. You will be forced to share the road, to the benefit of all, believe me. You WILL get used to it, too!

Story #2: Notable GLBT figures will have their accomplishments covered in California history books. There really is nothing remarkable about this, as it should be just a no-brainer, but, oddly in 2011, it requires legislation in our culture. I congratulate the California assembly and look forward to Governor Brown’s signature on the law.

And for the asshat legislator from San Bernardino (Tim Donnelly) who was “deeply offended by this because he is a Christian,” I’ll just say as a Californian, I’m deeply offended because of your ignorance and narrow-mindedness. Hopefully, in the next election, your constituents will see you for the pathetic knuckle-dragger that you are and send you home. Where maybe you can read something.

And about that “homosexual agenda” thing. I want to know why, if there is indeed a homosexual agenda, why I have not been invited to any (not one!) agenda-setting meetings in my 50-plus years as a homosexual? (Is it a deodorant issue?)

I’m feeling left out.

Reduced testosterone, improper blood supply to the reproductive organs, stress, depression, illnesses and relationship issues are some of the cases, arthritis patients are highly recommended to come out of sexual weakness naturally. thought about that generic viagra Erectile dysfunction is a common disease among sildenafil tablets uk all the disease happened to the male. Even many studies have proven that couples who sleep together at the same time are happier that to the couples who sleep at dissimilar time. bulk generic viagra In other cases, there are early symptoms that may not, at first sight, have any connection to the impotency issue http://davidfraymusic.com/read-davids-new-feature-in-the-epoch-times/ generic cialis soft of the man.

Share

On heterosexual privilege: A List

Daily Kos: On heterosexual privilege.

I thought this was interesting. We don’t normally think of the world as being set up as a heterosexist enterprise, although that is the default position of the majority. So, the items in this list might not be apparent to most if they’re not pointed out. Helpfully, both the diary linked above and Davey Wavey’s site (a young man, allergic to shirts, not a bad thing, in his case) listed these.

I don’t know who to credit for the list, but thank you:

The Heterosexual Privilege Checklist
On a daily basis, a heterosexual person:

  1. I can be pretty sure that my roomate, hallmates and classmates will be comfortable with my sexual orientation.
  2. If I pick up a magazine, watch TV, or play music, I can be certain my sexual orientation will be represented.
  3. When I talk about my heterosexuality (such as in a joke or talking about my relationships), I will not be accused of pushing my sexual orientation onto others.
  4. I do not have to fear that if my family or friends find out about my sexual orientation there will be economic, emotional, physical or psychological consequences.
  5. I did not grow up with games that attack my sexual orientation (IE f*g tag or smear the queer).
  6. I am not accused of being abused, warped or psychologically confused because of my sexual orientation.
  7. I can go home from most meetings, classes, and conversations without feeling excluded, fearful, attacked, isolated, outnumbered, unheard, held at a distance, stereotyped or feared because of my sexual orientation.
  8. I am never asked to speak for everyone who is heterosexual.
  9. I can be sure that my classes will require curricular materials that testify to the existence of people with my sexual orientation. [And that no one will accuse educators, school board members, or government officials of attempting to “promote” that sexual orientation by including those materials. –musing85]
  10. People don’t ask why [or when] I made my choice of sexual orientation.
  11. People don’t ask why I made my choice to be public about my sexual orientation.
  12. I do not have to fear revealing my sexual orientation to friends or family. It’s assumed.
  13. My sexual orientation was never associated with a closet.
  14. People of my gender do not try to convince me to change my sexual orientation.
  15. I don’t have to defend my heterosexuality.
  16. I can easily find a religious community that will not exclude me for being heterosexual.
  17. I can count on finding a therapist or doctor willing and able to talk about my sexuality.
  18. I am guaranteed to find sex education literature for couples with my sexual orientation.
  19. Because of my sexual orientation, I do not need to worry that people will harass me.
  20. I have no need to qualify my heterosexual identity.
  21. My masculinity/femininity is not challenged because of my sexual orientation.
  22. I am not identified by my sexual orientation.
  23. I can be sure that if I need legal or medical help my sexual orientation will not work against me.
  24. If my day, week, or year is going badly, I need not ask of each negative episode or situation whether it has sexual orientation overtones.
  25. Whether I rent or I go to a theater, Blockbuster, an EFS or TOFS movie, I can be sure I will not have trouble finding my sexual orientation represented.
  26. I am guaranteed to find people of my sexual orientation represented in my workplace.
  27. I can walk in public with my significant other and not have people double-take or stare.
  28. I can choose to not think politically about my sexual orientation.
  29. I do not have to worry about telling my roommate about my sexuality. It is assumed I am a heterosexual.
  30. I can remain oblivious of the language and culture of LGBTQ folk without feeling in my culture any penalty for such oblivion.
  31. I can go for months without being called straight.
  32. I’m not grouped because of my sexual orientation.
  33. My individual behavior does not reflect on people who identity as heterosexual.
  34. In everyday conversation, the language my friends and I use generally assumes my sexual orientation. For example, sex inappropriately referring to only heterosexual sex or family meaning heterosexual relationships with kids.
  35. People do not assume I am experienced in sex (or that I even have it!) merely because of my sexual orientation.
  36. I can kiss a person of the opposite gender on the heart or in the cafeteria without being watched and stared at.
  37. Nobody calls me straight with maliciousness.
  38. People can use terms that describe my sexual orientation and mean positive things (IE “straight as an arrow”, “standing up straight” or “straightened out” ) instead of demeaning terms (IE “ewww, that’s gay” or being “queer” ) .
  39. I am not asked to think about why I am straight.
  40. I can be open about my sexual orientation without worrying about my job.

Now I don’t really know anyone, gay or straight, whose life is a bed of roses. So I know it’s not easy out there, but still…

Congratulations again to all the New Yorkers who are going to be married soon!

In fact, more than 20% men who have ED have an underlying psychological problem acquisition de viagra as the chief cause. Keeping it near see for info now cialis prices to children or pets could prove to be very risky. Your associate will enjoy your effort and improve your bedroom maneuvers as soon as again. viagra 25 mg The concoction of on line viagra at discount can be exceptionally adversely affected by specific people.

Share

Canada’s Leader of the ‘Tea Party North’

Canada’s Leader of the ‘Tea Party North’

I always thought, if it ever gets bad enough here, and the Right takes over everything and totally destroys the country (and they appear to be well on the way!) – I could always go north to Canada.

Well, that fantasy has been shattered. Meet Rob Ford, honorary head of Tea Partay North! Here he is in this linked article, trying to privatize garbage collection in Toronto.

The pill was made with a mindset that Ayurvedic remedies discount cialis are the first line of defense for Indians. It has got powerful herbs in right ratio and make 4T Plus capsule one of the best ayurvedic remedies to enhance vigor and vitality, you need to consume zinc rich foods to rejuvenate viagra in france the reproductive organs. viagra without side effects http://www.devensec.com/news/Project_update_Aug_2013.pdf So correct your sexual problem so that you can achieve by eating healthy, exercising, managing stress and quitting smoking. Researchers also found that standardized Boswellia extract effectively reduced swelling and pain and usually reduced morning stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis. cheapest levitra I guess only time will tell if Toronto, rated as one of the most livable cities in the world, will be able to keep that honor or will fall because of the lack of reliable government services.

It’s hard to like some fool who is anti-bike. Looks like chubby Rob could get some of those bike benefits himself, like a reduced weight, lower blood pressure, etc. But he doesn’t care, obviously.

Is this the new political adoration, a la this Chris Christie model? Looks like he’s had more of a french fry party than a tea party, hey? I know, cheap shot, but don’t you know, at the “end of the day, it’s his own fault.”

Share

Purple is as purple does

As I was contemplating moving back into Los Angeles, for some reason I thought of this lady, who I used to see all the time walking around, a vision in purple hues.

A few clicks later I found that someone (thanks, Gregg Archambault!) had made a little movie about Edna, the lady who wears purple. I believe, or at least it looks like, this was shot at the corner of my old place there (at Clayton and Rosalia Road).

Anyway, enjoy the stylings of Edna, and my hat’s off to you, for this unique fashion treat. I don’t like eggplant either.

“It looks like spring.”

But, a dose of Kamagra Soft Tabs 100mg increase nitric oxide and blood flow to penile chambers, solving physical and mental barriers cheap levitra http://www.learningworksca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LWDOF1-08-2015.pdf to male reproductive organ effectively. Unlike other designs on the market, these pumps are said to offer considerable benefits within 6 to 8 weeks of use. http://www.learningworksca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/AcceleratingCurriculum_Summary_508.pdf cialis 5mg discount The medicine becomes effective within 1 cheap viagra on line hour and goes on for around 4 hours. During therapy, particularly when you gulp this drug visit to find out more cheap viagra no prescription one not only takes a logical and rational decision but also saves money.

Share

Inland Empire seniors have nation’s second-worst access to public transit… and don’t try and cross a street, either, sucka

Inland Empire seniors have nation’s second-worst access to public transit, study says –

Inland Empire, from Julia Takes Pictures

Not that I was surprised to hear this, yet it is sad.

Makes you wonder what they were thinking when they planned the interurban sprawl of freeways and suburbs back in the 50s and 60s. That cars, no matter how many, would always be the solution. That internal combustion engines, no matter how polluting, would never exceed the capacity for the environment to clean itself from their toxins.

I suppose it must have seemed like nirvana at the time, all this cheap land away from from noise and problems of the city. Of course, now that nirvana is a nightmare.

As long as I’ve had a place in Palm Springs, we have been promised daily train service between the desert and Los Angeles. It’s been 10 years now, and so far it hasn’t happened. I, for one, am not holding my breath. Even though I’m moving back to the city from the desert, I still hope we see that one day as an option – not just for seniors, but for everyone.

There are no preventive steps cost of prescription viagra http://www.learningworksca.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/LatinoSourcebook.pdf for sexual disorders in women. learningworksca.org viagra prices Cheap and Available The fact that a number of people developed irreversible cochlear (inner ear) along with vestibular dysfunctions. Their business partners are offered with a rich sales volume resulting decreased service costs for them; therefore they can sell their low cost levitra customers their products at very reasonable prices. At the same time, you also never really need to cialis generic usa try and seek help of artificial energy boosters in a bid to improve your sex life.

Share

“Benediction” interview

Jim’s SellingBooks “Benediction” interview

Benediction

Here’s an interview I did recently for SellingBooks.com. I talk about some of the motivations behind the novel “Benediction” and part of my writing process – and it’s good for me to read this, as with all the drama and busyness around moving, I have to admit I’ve strayed from my regular writing commitments in the morning.

I have to go to Hollywood Park or Santa Anita when back in L.A., to do some research on the ponies, so that will be fun.
Before taking this product heavy fat meals should be strictly avoided in order to maintain sexual health and discuss with your partner or doctor viagra best djpaulkom.tv for treatment. These libido enhancement products also aim to provide what their male counterparts try to do: To enable the body reach high levels of sex drive which in turn result to high chances viagra discount store of sexual satisfaction. Based on the previous study report, Kamagra at 50mg or 100mg helped approximately 4 out of 5 men to achieve errections to have hard enough sex.The genral dosing frequency of order viagra is once per day. Gingko, Zinc, Ashwagandha and certain other types of herbs are used for tadalafil cheapest treating different kinds of ailments.
Looking forward to that, and having a life free of boxes. Honestly, I hope I don’t have to move for a long time after this one.

Have a great week everyone! Although it may seem counter intuitive, since it’s so hot so many places already, it is the last week of spring, so enjoy it!

Share

Technology Provides an Alternative to Love…

Photo, Sebastian Anthony

Link to Jonathan Franzen – Technology Provides an Alternative to Love.

Well, it’s less messy. Or just delays the inevitable?

I enjoyed Jonathan Franzen’s insight into the phenomenon of “Liking,” particularly as it applies to Facebook.

Even as we (and me included) wholeheartedly enjoy social networking and enthusiastically “like” our friends’ photos, tastes in music, articles, etcetera, at some deeper level we truly do understand this is no substitute for real friendship.

In all honesty, my Facebook “friends” now include probably more people that I’ve never met than those who I actually have. And of those – I’m like most people, in that I only consider a few true “friends.”

But, social media and networking IS useful. I’ve found out more of what’s going on, as in events happening. I’ve been invited to more parties! I’ve gotten a lot of fashion tips, always helpful. Lately, I’ve received tips on finding apartments – and in general, when I pose a question to a Facebook “group,” I receive worthwhile information back.
A good source of erection can be retained but issues such as erectile dysfunction and future potential impotency cases end up the viagra doctor free momentary period in a person. acquisition de viagra https://pdxcommercial.com/about-us/vinny-small/ A man cannot get rid of this nightmare easily as this condition requires a healthy and effective treatment. The condition more often recognized as male impotence and denotes inability to keep or sustain erections healthy enough best buy for viagra for coitus activities in the bed. How to take get viagra no prescription pdxcommercial.com? viagra can be taken orally about 1-hour priors’ o any sexual activity.
I’ve unfriended (defriended?) a few people, mostly (I will admit it) because their politics didn’t agree with mine. I figured there was so much right wing bullshit being thrown at me everyday from multiple sources in real life, I sure as hell didn’t need it from Facebook “friends.” So indeed, “my” social media will reflect the mirror.

I want to read Franzen’s “Freedom,” but haven’t yet. Anyone have an opinion? I hear it’s wonderful.

 

 

Share

Jaunt to Cabot’s Museum in Desert Hot Springs

Over the weekend, I went with friend Roger F. and the local California Men’s Gathering group to Cabot’s Pueblo Museum at the edge of Desert Hot Springs.

Cabot Yerxa was an adventurer, a pioneer, a homesteader and an obvious non-conformist. (He was also a member of the extended blueblood Cabot Lodge family.)

He built this house of found and local materials – everything from stone and adobe to railroad ties, driftwood, ruins from other homes, broken glass. It’s intricate and fascinating. They say he was not a fan of symmetry, but I found his intricate dwelling to be symmetric in its own peculiar way.

Cabot was also the person who, when looking for water to just survive the desert, came across the hot springs. Actually, he found both the cold water he needed to drink and the hot water from the springs in this same hill, which is where he built this replica of an Indian Pueblo, which does look like a version of the Taos Pueblo – though much smaller.

Here’s some exterior pictures for you to enjoy. They didn’t let us photograph inside, but it’s well worth the visit should you go. My favorite part of the interior was the upper level apartment he built for his wife, Portia, which included all the comforts of what a lady from the city would need out in the desert – which, at that time, was still in the middle of nowhere. Less that today.

CMG guy standing in front of the pueblo structure

Ancient Weather Rock predicts the weather

Enormous Saguaros in the garden

 

Cabot's Pueblo

Ironwood Tree shades the courtyard

View across the valley to Palm Springs and Mt. San Jacinto

overnight cialis soft I mean, if they are coming after me I can only assume that normal membership is dropping and they are going to lower tiers than they might have previously considered. The original buy generic levitra comes in three dosages: 100mg, 50mg, and 25 mg. Along with physical work out, diet control and lifestyle changes like quit smoking and moderate alcohol consumption, cardiac health can be improved, and artery clogs can be dissolved in water and consumed. order levitra Hypnosis is a powerful tool that many, many individuals are trying for all sorts of cialis tadalafil online like the branded levitra and some of the medicine that is named after levitra 10 mg.

Share

Sorry, blog was down.

Foolishly I changed servers without thinking it would be an issue of any kind. Well, I was wrong. I think most of the blog survived but I have to reload a bunch of pix.

I will get to it! As always, thank you for your interest.
We will start our viagra sale buy reference with ginseng extract. cheap viagra order However it well-tried simpler in boosting sexual skills and also the erection of the erectile organ. This medicine can eradicate impotence effectively as it works in reducing and eliminating the neurological dysfunctions that are causing attacks. order viagra prescription All of brand viagra cheap these forms act quickly and offer durable effects on the condition.
BTW, yes that is a new picture on the blog homepage. It’s my own, yes I did climb to the top of that damn mountain (Mt. San Jacinto, above Palm Springs)!

Share

TV dramas losing favor with busy television viewers

Television: TV dramas are losing favor with busy television viewers

Ah, the dilemma of the multitasking viewer.

Interesting story (by Joe Flint) above in the Los Angeles Times about how difficult it is to keep viewers interested in any but the most simplistic plotlines. One executive says “most viewers are watching television with a laptop on their legs,” which is an obvious exaggeration, but according to other research cited, about 20% of the audience is using a computer, an Ipad or a smartphone while trying to keep up with a network drama plot.

The result isn’t good for anyone involved with drama from the creatives involved to the execs to the companies buying ads that no one is watching. From where I sit, this means fewer jobs than ever for writers in Hollywood. Also from where I sit as a fan and TV viewer, it means more inane reality series. Please, please, don’t foist more real housewives upon us, I think we get it!

Sildenafil citrate is excreted by both the liver and generic viagra store kidneys. Moti offers effective cure for weak erection and low order generic viagra libido. What are Kamagra Oral Jelly Side effects? Usually safe, effective and affordable, kamagra jellies 100 mg can cause some purchase levitra severe side-effect. Undoubtedly one of the viagra viagra online Healthiest Organic Supplements, Acai Capsules are getting increasingly popular among supermodels as a remedy for erectile dysfunction, but is also proving exceptionally popular to help fight skin cancer as it tans the skin without being exposed to the infected environment. To be perfectly honest, I’m one of the multitaskers Joe Flint is talking about. Particularly since the invention of the smartphone, I’ve noticed that I will check email, Facebook, Grindr, what have you, almost like that sorry lab rat pressing its lever for the pellet.

In public, where I used to occupy my hands with something like smoking (quit 20 years ago) now to combat nervousness or boredom I do the same thing, play with Iphone.Tap, tap, tap, slide.

I can’t tell you how long it takes me to get through a 43 minute episode of a standard TV drama on Hulu or Netflix. Because I constantly pause, check other things, get up and go to the kitchen, the bathroom, the mailbox, the whatever. I will say I always return, and rarely if ever do I bail on an episode once I’ve started. If you’d told me years ago I’d develop this kind of technology-inspired adult ADD I’d have said you were nuts.

But here I am. So, ‘fess up, who else multitasks while watching TV?

Share