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The best Bushism's from the last 8 years

While large corners of the world are busy celebrating Obama's presidential victory there will be some people feeling slightly deflated to see George Bush step down as US president.
Over the past eight years Bush has provided us with endless amusement as a result of his faux pas or ‘Bushisms' as they've been dubbed. Here are twenty of my favourites;

20. "Those who enter the country illegally violate the law." - Nov. 28, 2005

19. "We don't believe in planners and deciders making the decisions on behalf of Americans." - Sept. 6, 2000

18. "If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator." - Dec. 19, 2000

17. "Well, I think if you say you're going to do something and don't do it, that's trustworthiness." - Aug. 30, 2000

16. "I think we agree, the past is over." - May 10, 2000

15. "I understand small business growth. I was one." - Feb. 19, 2000

14. "This foreign policy stuff is a little frustrating." - April 23, 2002

13. "I want everybody to hear loud and clear that I'm going to be the president of everybody."
- Jan. 18, 2001

12. "One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some fantastic pictures." - Jan. 3, 2000

11. "I was proud the other day when both Republicans and Democrats stood with me in the Rose Garden to announce their support for a clear statement of purpose: you disarm, or we will." - Oct. 5, 2002

10. "I just want you to know that when we talk about war, we're really talking about peace." - June 18, 2002

9. "I'm honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen who had his hand cut off by Saddam Hussein." - May 25, 2004

8. "I firmly believe the death tax is good for people from all walks of life all throughout our society." - Aug. 13, 2002

7. "There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on - shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again." - Sept. 17, 2002

6. "The truth of that matter is, if you listen carefully, Saddam would still be in power if he were the president of the United States, and the world would be a lot better off." - Oct. 8, 2004

5. "I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." - Sept. 29, 2000

4. "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we." - Aug. 5, 2004

3. "Rarely is the questioned asked: Is our children learning?" - Jan. 11, 2000

2. "I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family." - Jan. 27, 2000

1. "They misunderestimated me." - Nov. 6, 2000

Oh, he'll be missed!

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Technology's pissing me right off!

Ok, so I know it was my fault I left my mobile in the back of a taxi on Brighton Pride weekend, when I really really needed it, and I know it's my fault I'd never backed up my sim onto the spare one Orange kindly sent me for just this event.

I can live with that, I know now how to contact the people I really care about and the rest can get in touch with me if they so care.

But also this week my pc fucked up. It just wouldn't set up, kept freezing and going to a blank DOS screen. According to the 'helpline' the only thing I could do was to load the restore cd's.

Unfortunately, the first stage of the restore is that they wipe out absolutely everything from your hard drive. I've lost all my photo's, music, documents, workstuff and copies of letters that I really wanted.

It's my fault for not backing up to disc I guess.

Where else you can find me...

At Last... Even More Tales of the City!

Well, not exactly. But it IS the book that thousands of 'TOTC' fans have been waiting 19 years for!

Armistead Maupin seems quite adamant in claiming that this is NOT a sequel, which seems odd as it certainly doesn't stand as a novel in its own right. The plot is fairly thin, and the remeniscences wouldn't mean much to anyone who wasn't familiar with the six books already in the series. It would be a little like going to a school reunion at a school you never went to!

That said, what he does do is neatly wrap and tie up all the loose ends of our old friends lives, as prettily as a Selfridges assistant at Christmas!

The biggest difference about this new addition is that it's written in first-person, it's Michael 'Mouse' Tollivers' story this time. He welcomes you personally into his life, introduces you to his friends, never assuming you may already know some of them but instead giving you a potted history of each one, how they met and where they've been together. Yes, you do find out what's happened to everyone, but I'm not going to spoil it for you here!

We meet many new characters; his gorgeous new, younger husband, and his new 'ftm' transexual gardening assistant. We also get to know his family properly at last, which is where the bulk of the plot lies. When eventually he has to make a choice between biological and 'logical' family, it's obvious which way he'll side.

It's a lovely book, showing real growth of the central character who's aged and grown wiser along with the rest of us and the wearying world around him. It's full of hope; hope that there's always a chance.

Glad to see you again Michael!

International Prides

HELLO!!!! :O)

I know this is terribly shallow of me, but... here's one more reason why I prefer San Francisco to New York;

Mayor Gavin Newsome - SF

(how handsome!?)

Mayor Michael Bloomberg -NY

Although really, who am I to speak with old Ken Livingston here in London eh? How great of them though to both be there and supporting the events!That wouldn't have happened, at least not in NY, a few years back I reckon.

Not everywhere in the world enjoyed such hassle free days;

Israeli gay men kiss during a Gay Pride parade in downtown Jerusalem, Thursday, June 21, 2007. Under heavy police guard, hundreds of gay activists marched in a Gay Pride parade in downtown Jerusalem on Thursday, sparking a noisy counter demonstration by ultra-Orthodox Jews and denunciations by Muslim and Christian leaders.

Haven't Finished the Last Story I Know...

...but I'm a little disabled! I've managed to come down with radial palsy in my right hand which basically means the hand is a limp lettuce leaf hanging of the end of my right arm.

It is now all strapped up and has a metal splint holding my hand straight. This doesn't actually make it fully usuable, but at least I can position my hand and fingers, whereas without it I can't. For instance, I'm now using my right index finger to type, but still can't write.

The doctor is hoping the nerve that has stopped working will 'spontaneously recover'. This is most likely if the cause was compression of the nerve during sleep.

However, if by tomorrow it hasn't recovered, then they're suspicious that I actually have mononeuropathy, possibly caused as a side effect of my anti-retroviral medications that I've been on for a few years. Toxic damage, I suppose.

If this is the case, then there's the option of electromyography. I'm hoping this will fix it. I'm also hoping it doesn't spread..

I'll know more tomorrow.

p.s. I just found this on the web....

Review Articles
The peripheral nerve complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
B. J. Brew, MD, FRACP *
Departments of Neurology and HIV Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital and National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, Sydney 2010, Australia
email: B. J. Brew (b.brew@unsw.edu.au)
*Correspondence to B. J. Brew, Departments of Neurology and HIV Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital and National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research, University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, Sydney 2010, Australia
setDOI("ADOI=10.1002/mus.10484")
Keywords
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) • antiretroviral medication • cytomegalovirus • human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) • neuropathy
Abstract
Peripheral nerve complications occurring in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are frequent and challenging. This review discusses these various complications according to the degree of advancement of HIV disease. Particular emphasis is placed upon emerging causes of neuropathy found in the context of HIV disease, such as infection with hepatitis C and human T-lymphotropic virus type I, as well as neuropathies related to antiretroviral medications. Muscle Nerve 28: 542-552, 2003

The Party Season Is Upon Us....

Every summer, life begins to get a little more expensive. The Vauxhall Tavern starts to get more and more crowded on a Sunday afternoon as the sun gets stronger out on 'The Grassy Knoll'*, there seems to be a different 'Pride' occassion every few weeks, and the party invitations make you realise that you do have plenty of friends after all!

In my particular social circle the season is clearly marked out at either end. At the start of June, just as the weather gives us the first promising signs of the fun months to come, we kick off with Vic's birthday (of G&V fame) and Gary's birthday in the middle of September neatly brings the season to a weary close.

In between these we get their anniversary (oddly on the same day as my parents wedding anniversary AND my parents 'Decree Absolute' that purely coincidentally was signed off in the courts exactly 25 years later!), there's Brighton Pride, London Pride, Soho Pride, and I'm also hoping to make it up to Nottingham Pride, even though Argey Bargey and hubby are going to be away.

Oh, and there's my birthday in August too, although thats not a big thing this year. What kind of a nothing number is 38 eh?

So last weekend we started with a BBQ at G&V's fantastic new pad in Bow. Gary, being Gary, has naturally not just got the best apartment in that block, but easily the best in the whole area. Top floor, large roof terrace, views of Canary Wharf in one direction, and The Gherkin and Millenium Wheel in the other.

About 20 of us where there, all fitting quite happily out on the terrace, although it got a bit chilly later and some moved indoors. I knew the vast majority and those I didn't know were friendly and sociable.

Apart from The Little One, (a friend of a friend of a friend etc... who I've known pretty much as long as G has known V... he kind of came in a package, though not literally, with Vics side of the group), I did notice that everyone was coupled. As far as any possibility of anything happening with The Little One, thats a non-starter for both of us; we get on really well but neither are the others type. So, it was going to be a chatty one for me. Thats good, I thought, it makes a nice change not to be thinking about cruising haha!

And chat I did! I met some really lovely people, and specifically spent the majority of my time with a girl (sorry, woman!) called Lisa, and her soon-to-be-wife, who's been a friend of G's for 10 years or so, talking about everything and nothing. G said the next day its the latest he's ever seen her stay at a party.

Thats a nice compliment!

As the evening edged towards the wee small hours a few of us had the great idea of moving onto The White Swan, the infamous club that saw Michael Barrymore's declaration of his gayness a few years back. (note: arrested again? Watching with interest!). I can't remember how late it was when a very nice chap offered me a lift home (I checked if he had a swimming pool, he said 'no' so I figured he was ok!), but I I do know I made it home... unlike the others, who apparently went on to Fire at stupid-o'clock in the morning!

The next day brings a whole other chapter, so I'll continue with that later I think.

Chat later, Pxx

* The Grassy Knoll is the affectionate nickname for the bit of parkland behind The Vauxhall Tavern, mainly populated by gay men in varying states of trashedness depending on how far through their personal weekend they are. Just leaving Fire from friday night? Sleepin after Crash on the saturday? Or just starting at the Tavern on a sunday? They all mix and mingle here in the sun

Quote of the Week

“He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.”

A Very Quick Round-Up

I know I've been really bad at posting lately, especially tales about me. There's been an awful lot going on, a lot of which has been quite confusing and difficult to sort out in my head.

This, of course, is the very reason I should have tried to get it in writing, it almost definitely would have helped. But life sometimes seems to move so fast eh?

Work has been busy, not sales wise just busy. Staff changes, system changes, end of year meetings etc, have all kept me firmly in the Land of Cheese On Toast. Socially, there have been a good few occassions... remind me to tell you later about the Ice Bar visit, I've got some great photos of the place. Its awesome!

My lodger M is now firmly esconced in this years batch of Big Brother bitches & wannabees and live streaming is ruining my recent efforts to improve my carbon footprint. Other than that he's still the model flatmate. Every now & then I get a text saying "There's a treat in the fridge for you when you get in from work!", and there'll be some Ferrero Rocher or something of the sort waiting for me! Sweet!

As for Phil... thats the confusing part. I've had a bizarre 4 weeks knowing him. Meeting, falling immediately, his honesty about his civil partner and total denial that we could do anything, my admiration of his honesty, commitment and integrity ( so different to J!), his total inability to 'just be my friend', throwing a strop when I kissed someone else in front of him, and therefore our self imposed non-communication of any sorts.

But I miss him.

Blogthingz

This is scarily accurate!

How You Are In Love

You fall in love quickly and easily. And very often. In relationships, you tend to be a bit selfish. You tend to get very attached when you're with someone. You want to see your love all the time. You love your partner unconditionally and don't try to make them change. You stay in love for a long time, even if you aren't loved back. When you fall, you fall hard.

How Are You In Love?

SYMPTOMS OF BEING OVER 35

I promise I will do a 'proper' entry soon, but in the meantime here's another list;

As I was scrolling through this, I was thinking "Well, that's ok, none of these apply to me! I still go clubbing (AND am very often the last to leave!), I buy t-shirts with things written on them and I don't have a disposable income... I've already spent most of it on wine and cigs!

Then, I got to #23 "I remember when there were only 4 TV channels" and remembered saying to my flatmate just this week that I recall when there were only 3 channels, and even they didn't start until midday!

As for this #25..... well I do, but isn't that just a gay thing?


SYMPTOMS OF BEING OVER 35

1. You leave clubs before the end to "beat the rush". (worst still you don't go to the clubs)

2. You get more excited about having a roast on a Sunday than going clubbing the night before.

3. You stop dreaming of becoming a professional footballer / basketball player and start dreaming of having a son who might instead.

4. Before throwing the local paper away, you look through the property section.

5. All of a sudden, middle aged people are not 46, they are only 46.

6. Before going out anywhere, you ask whether there is anywhere to park.

7. Rather than throw a knackered pair of trainers out, you keep them because they'll be alright for the DIY or in the garden.

8. You buy T-shirts without anything written on them.

9. Instead of laughing at the innovations catalogue that falls out of the newspaper,you suddenly see both the benefit and money saving properties of most of the things that are in it.

10. You start to worry about your parents' health.

11. You have more disposable income, but everything you want or need to buy costs between 200 and 500 quid.

12. You don't get funny looks when you buy a Disney video or a Wallace And Gromit bubble bath, as the sales assistant assumes they are for your children.

13. Pop music all starts to sound the same.

14. You opt for Pizza Express over Pizza Hut because they do a really nice half-bottle of house red.

15. You always have enough milk in.

16. To compensate for the fact that you have little desire to go clubbing, you instead frequent trendy bars and restaurants in the mistaken belief that you have not turned into your parents.

17. While flicking through the TV channels, you happen upon C4's Time Team with Tony Robinson. You get drawn in. Grand Designs also appeals.

18. The benefits of a pension scheme become clear.

19. You go out of your way to pick up a colour chart from B&Q.

20. You wish you had a shed.

21. You have a shed.

22. You actually find yourself saying "They don't make 'em like that anymore" and "I remember when there were only 4 TV channels" and "Not in my day...."

23. Radio 2 play more songs you know than Radio 1 - and Jeremy Vine has some really interesting guests on.

24. Instead of tutting at old people who take ages to get off the bus, You tut at rowdy school children.

25. When sitting outside a pub you admire their hanging baskets.

26. You find yourself saying "is it cold in here or is it just me"

27. You can agree with at least 15 of these!

2 Tough Questions

(You may well have had this in an e-mail that's been doing the rounds for some time, but I thought I'd post it for you anyway!)


Question 1:

If you knew a woman who was pregnant, who had 8 kids already, three who were deaf, two who were blind, one mentally retarded, and she hadsyphilis, would you recommend that she have an abortion?



Read the next question before looking at the response for this one (don't cheat!)


Question 2:
It is time to elect a new world leader, and only your vote counts.
Here are the facts about the 3 candidates.

Candidate A.Associates with crooked politicians, and consults with astrologist. He's had 2 mistresses. He also chain smokes and drinks 8 to 10 martinis a day.

Candidate B.He was kicked out of office twice, sleeps until noon , used opium incollege and drinks a quart of whiskey every evening.

Candidate CHe is a decorated war hero. He's a vegetarian, doesn't smoke, drinks anoccasional beer and never cheated on his wife.

Which of these candidates would be your choice?
Decide first... no peeking, then scroll down for the response...



























Candidate A is Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Candidate B is Winston Churchill.
Candidate C is Adolph Hitler.



And by the way, on your answer to the abortion question:
If you said YES, you just killed Beethoven.


Pretty interesting isn't it? Makes a person think before judging someone.


And Finally, can you imagine working for a company that has a littlemore than 500 employees and has the following statistics:
* 29 have been accused of spousal abuse
* 7 have been arrested for fraud
* 19 have been accused of writing bad checks
* 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
* 3 have done time for assault
* 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
* 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
* 8 have been arrested for shoplifting
* 21 are currently defendants in lawsuits
* 84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year...




Can you guess which organization this is?







Give up yet?






It's the 535 members of the United States Congress.The same group that crank out hundreds of new laws each year designed to keep the rest of us in line!