Pet Peeves on Easter Eve

My blogging has fallen by the wayside and for that I do apologize. On this Easter Eve, I thought I would rectify that situation by briefly writing about a few random pet peeves. First, however, this:

SWOON!

Now that I have your satisfied your lustful urges with this outstandingly attractive ginger, let me go ahead and dive into my list of pet peeves.

ENGLISH. It is the official language of America. I am sick and tired of seeing billboards, advertisements, and commercials in other languages. I particularly am pissed off that my Saturday morning was interrupted by two Jehovah Witnesses seeking "Spanish speakers" only. I almost went off on them. Had they not been women who appeared to be both in their 70s I would have. You see, my mama raised me right in respecting my elders. I totally get that we're a nation of immigrants. My German ancestors set aside German and learned English. This country spends too much time trying to make everyone feel comfortable and as if they fit in.

REMAKES. The movie and theater industries have made millions off of remakes and revivals. Sure, I get that. And once in a great while, someone has a "new" vision of a production or story that they think will reach a new audience or amaze fans of the original. This is why we have far too many Superman movies to count and a rebooted Spiderman. Some movies, however, should NOT be remade. "Mildred Pierce" for example. I adore Kate Winslet but the original movie starring Joan Crawford is a classic. We don't touch classics. I recently rented via Netflix a filmed version of the 2000 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. It sucked. Truly. The original 1973 shows the ragtag group of actors as exploring the myth of Jesus and along the way they gain an understanding of what the man was about. The relationship between Jesus and the apostles is shown as loving and caring as only hippies can be. In the 2000 revival the apostles - and Jesus - come across as gay. Seriously! They way they touch each other came across as sexual. Okay, that aside....no one and I mean NO ONE has ever come near the depth of emotion and performance as Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, and Yvonne Elliman as Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene, respectively. And let's face it - the Sanhedrin, the Apostles, the Roman soldiers are all hunky 1970's porn-worthy hunks. And let's not forget Paul Toubus (aka Paul Thomas) who played Peter as a hunky, bearded apostle. Paul went on to do porn. I admit: this is one of my favorite movies of all time.

TURN SIGNALS. I hate it when people don't use their turn signals when driving. It sounds like a little thing but really, I have almost gotten into so many accidents because these assholes cannot use their turn signals. It's standard equipment on every vehicle.

RED FACEBOOK: I know I'll get a lot of flack for this...but really...did everyone have to suddenly jump on the band wagon and change their profile pic to a red Human Rights logo? Don't get me wrong - I know that marriage equality is something near and dear to most LBGT community members. But changing your profile pic - what did it do? What purpose did it serve? Did the members of SCOTUS peruse the membership files of Facebook and see the overwhelming red logos and icons and based on that they'll strike down Prop 8 and DOMA? And why did everyone wait until the day the cases went to SCOTUS to change their profile pic? Why hasn't their profile pics been this symbol since Prop 8 passed??

GRRR!!

I thought we needed a break with a hot daddy!

ANTI-GOD GAYS & LESBIANS. Everyone has their own right to their beliefs and opinions. I am one of the first to stand up and discredit organized religion. But that doesn't mean I'm bashing God or belief in God or faith in God. I used to be extremely religious; mainly because I didn't want to be gay and I thought I would change through prayer. But I didn't, I'm gay, I've accepted it, and I believe this is how God created me. I hold several beliefs including that the Scriptures are the Word of God as interpreted by man. That means they're fallible. But I rarely express my belief in God because of the ridicule so many in the LGBT community heap on "Christians." If people are atheists, that's their business and I accept it, just as if I'm a Christian or a spiritual person that's my business. I don't try to shove my beliefs down anyone's throats; but does that mean I'm a bad person because I believe? I know God exists. I know the power of his love. And yes, I know how misguided people who believe they are "doing God's work" can be hateful, hurtful, and ignorant. But that's where we come into play...we can show the world that we can be Gay and Christian. Or Gay and Jewish. Or Gay and Muslin. Or Gay and Buddhist. Or Gay and Hindu. But not Gay and Scientologist. LOL. I honestly believe that if we all had more spirituality in our lives we would be better off as individuals and as a community. It amazes me that we have the MCC churches and mainstream churches that embrace us and yet so many in our community verbally abuse Christians as if all are the same. We talk about being respectful and not bullying based on "how people are" but it seems when the shoe is on the other foot that doesn't apply. 

NON-PROFILE READERS. I don't care if you're on GROWLr, Scruff, Bear411, Adam4Adam, Manhunt, DaddyHunt, or whatever "gay social networking" site you visit...READ THE DAMN PROFILES FIRST before contacting someone. I cannot believe how many guys send me the "I'd Like to See Your Private Pictures" canned message on GROWLr when I have NO additional pictures; which is quite evident if one looked at my profile. I also don't understand questions like "Top?" "Bottom?" when I clearly state I'm looking for CONVERSATION. That is not the type of convo I want to have with a complete stranger. Is it so difficult to ask that people fully check out the profile before sending a message? Often I'll find someone attractive - let's say on one of those Bear social networking sites - and he states unequivocally that he has a distinct hatred toward fat guys....I won't even send a "You're handsome" message because he no longer is.

LAST PET PEEVE: Porn where the hot furry guy bottoms for the smooth guy. What's up with that? (Oh I know there are flicks out there where the furry guy tops but as a general rule...)

I'm really not as grumpy-cat as I sound. I've had some good things happening lately, mainly work-wise. I'm looking forward to the remainder of the year despite that it will be a lot of hard work; I'm hoping it'll pay off. 

For whatever your beliefs and traditions at this time of year - whether you believe that He Is Risen or in the Easter Bunny - may the rest of your weekend be absolutely wonderful.

HAPPY EASTER

BEHR HUGS!

Behr Rant: Air Travel

"Don't touch my junk!"

By now, most Americans - and our foreign friends too - have heard the now popular phrase uttered by a San Diego man who recently refused the body scanner and the physical pat down. The homophobic implications are the least of our worries.

Air travel has changed over the years, pretty much like everything has. In this day and post-9/11 age, we all know the inconvenience of air travel: removing our shoes, belts, and all metal objects and hoping that the walk-through scanner doesn't pick up on that pierced nipple or stray piece of chewing gum foil in your pocket. We can no longer carry liquids in our carry-on luggage unless it's only a few ounces. Removing our laptops from their cases. In addition, anything we have is scrutinized and questioned. Here's a personal experience hint: don't take a roll of quarters. It freaks them out.

We were first introduced to the full body scanners in Total Recall, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Do you think that was a coincidence? We all knew they were coming. It was just a question of technology, development, time, and of course cost. But now they're here and a part of the air travel experience.

But now thanks to this one guy, people are now coming forward with their horror stories of being patted down by TSA and how violated they feel. My mother regaled me with a similar story about having her blouse yanked up while the agent patted her down. While I'm certain that women have a different take on it than I do, I cannot help but scratch my head and ask: if you know metal is going to set off the scanner why the hell did you wear an underwire bra? Yes it's a pain to have to plan one's air travel wardrobe so it is comfortable, stylish, and yet safe enough to pass through security. Thinking ahead and planning will help eliminate problems.

One woman recently complained about the full body scanner. She felt violated because it flooded her with the memory of being sexually molested. Someone could see under "naked" under her clothes. Perhaps I'm being insensitive but...standing fully clothed while ONE person looks is not a violation of your personal being. When I last flew out of the Oakland, CA airport I had the full body scan. Guess what: I did not feel violated. I did not care that anyone could see me naked under my clothes. We're all naked under our clothes, like it or not

I agree that the TSA agents who are conducting the physical pat downs need to be better trained in technique, sensitivity, and demeanor. But a reminder to those of you who insist on being patted down: it's not pleasant for the agent either. Can you imagine having to touch that many people to ensure the safety of all passengers?

And that's what it boils down to, isn't it. Safety. Protection. No one would dream of some freak idiot having an underwear bomb. But it happened. And tighter controls had to be implemented. We no longer live in a safe world. Even domestic air travel can be dangerous. And quite frankly, I would be suspicious of anyone - ANYONE - who refused both the body scan and/or the pat down.

I am of the opinion that - although the scanners are a pain - they do a job. One that is unfortunate but necessary. I don't want to be on a plane that gets hijacked or blown apart because someone had an incendiary device in his/her possession that was overlooked because TSA was lax in doing their job. I think a majority of people would prefer the inconvenience. Is the "perceived" uncomfortableness of a body scan or pat down really not endurable if the alternative means being blown up?

Our world has changed. And it continues to change. We must adapt. We must think of the greater good rather than our own selfish personal idiosyncrasies. The "Me" age is over. You don't want to have the body scan because you're afraid of radiation? Then get patted down. If you don't want that then take the train. Or drive. Or just stay home. Because the rest of us are going to do what is necessary to ensure everyone's safety.

Not to mention it's been a long while since I've been groped. If I have to fly somewhere to get it, then so be it.

BEHR HUGS

Behr Rant

This morning - as every work day morning - I went to Starbucks when I arrived at work. (There's one in the lower level of the towers I work in here at downtown LA.) I've been coming to this Starbucks practically every day for at least 5 years.

Now the benefit of being a "loyal" customer is when I walk up they pretty much know what I want. Monday through Thursday it's a venti coffee, Pikes Place. On Friday I go fancy with a triple shot vanilla latte (no foam).

This morning as "Jack" the manager is swiping my gold Starbucks card he mumbles that the price went up. Yes...a venti cup of Starbucks coffee is now $2.15. WHAT THE FUCK? That's a 7.5% increase over yesterday's price. I understand that there are increased costs to running a business and all of that....but come on....that is WAY too much for a cup of coffee.

And do you think maybe it could have been mentioned to the customers that the prices were increasing?

So here's what I plan to do. I plan to use up the remaining funds on my Starbucks card...and then quit Starbucks altogether. Maybe an occasional latte or in the off chance I get to meet someone new (date-like). But this daily thing is going to stop. I'm already saving money since making another life change; this will only help keep more money in my account.

BEHR HUGS

Behr Rant

For those who follow basketball, the LA Lakers have once again taken the title, whatever that means, which has led to the usual suspects trashing parts of LA “in celebration.” You’ve heard me rant about this in the past and as long as I’m doing this here blog thingy and the Lakers win and the “fans” act like complete and total fucktards, I’ll continue to rant.

Here’s a link to an LA Times story about the violence. I work in LA not too far from Staples Center and although unaffected by the melee I am irate at the destruction. To give Mayor Villaraigosa credit, he stated a few days ago that anyone caught acting like a fucktard (my word) would be arrested and our boys in blue would be out in force. Lot of good it did.

Here's a picture of a celebrant:

Doesn't that seem like a great way to celebrate? Let's load up a shopping basket with stuff and light it on fire and wheel it around! Whoopee! Our team won! Let's set cars and trash cans on fire!

Human beings need reasons to celebrate events; it lifts the spirit, makes people feel part of a community, and can cause happiness and feelings of worth. However, destructive behavior is just that: destructive. No good comes out of it. People get hurt and property damage can raise insurance rates, taxes, etc. And the same people who cause the damage and destruction are usually not the ones affected by the repercussions. Why are people such idiots? It's a fucking game for crying out loud!

I'm just waiting for the news that there will be a celebratory parade, which will cost the city millions in police enforcement, port-a-potties, post-parade cleanup, and the like. Is it worth it? No. Donate that money for a parade to the shelters who feed, clothe, and house the homeless. Donate that money to shelters for victims of domestic violence. Donate that money to the State to help drag its sorry ass out of debt!

[steps down from soap box]

Have a great Friday. BEHR HUGS!!