WHO THINKS OF THIS SHIT?

Parents: Your kids might not be smoking, drinking or abusing drugs, but they might be abusing candy. Yes, candy. It’s called “smoking Smarties” – and experts say it’s definitely dangerous. According to the Wall Street Journal, more and more kids are buying tart, chalky candies like Smarties, SweeTarts and Necco wafers – but not to eat. Instead, they’re crushing the candy to powder inside the wrapper, pouring it into their mouths, and blowing out the dust, so it looks like they’re smoking. Some kids have even started snorting the crushed candy, much to the horror of parents, teachers, and candy manufacturers; and for good reason.
Dr. Mark Shikowitz is an ear, nose and throat specialist at Schneider Children's Hospital in New York. He treated a 9-year-old boy who complained that his nose was burning, and found a piece of candy slowly dissolving inside his nostril. The boy recovered, but Dr. Shikowitz points out that frequent candy “smoking” could lead to infections of the nose, sinuses and lungs, as well as disgusting but rare conditions, like maggots feeding on the sugary dust lodged inside the nose.

Experts also say that when kids mimic bad adult habits, they’re more likely to take up the real habits as they get older. This means, kids who snort candy, or pretend to smoke it are more likely to snort cocaine and crushed prescription drugs, and smoke cigarettes, which can lead to numerous health issues and life-shortening addictions.

PENCIL FULL OF LEAD

I saw this guy on The Graham Norton Show last night on BBC America. His name is Paolo Nutini, he's Scottish not Italian, he's 22, good looking with a hairy chest and his latest CD debuted at #1 in the UK. I can't describe his music but this song will put a smile on your face and stick in you head for the rest of day.

SUNDAY SHERFFIUS and FRIENDS

CYNDI AND TORI

Cyndi Lauper and Tori Amos recently collaborated on a track, "Why Don't You Love Me", for David Byrne's new album Here Lies Love. The album is based on former Phillippines first lady Imelda Marcos' relationship with one of her servants.

5 FOR / 5 AGAINST: SHUTTER ISLAND

All the previews for Shutter Island gave me the impression that I was going to see a movie with supernatural elements, what I saw was a very well crafted movie that kept me guessing even after I thought I had figured it out. Which I did.

From Oscar®-winning director Martin Scorsese, "Shutter Island" is the story of two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), who are summoned, in 1952,  to a remote and barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane.

5 FOR:

1. The plot is wonderfully detailed and symmetrical. Sometimes movies like this make you feel like if you zone out for a minute you'll miss the whole movie but not here. 
2. The cinematography is breathtaking and inspired, especially the dream/flashbacks. My favorite occurs in dream about his wife. Another great detail here is the contrast of the dreams/flashbacks in the beginning of the film vs. the end of the film. To explain more could be spoilery.
3. There is a scene, small and not important to the plot of the film, that is so creepy that I pulled my feet up onto my seat for several minutes before I put them back down and I noticed that I wasn't the only one. I love when a movie creeps me out.
4. Jacke Earl Haley gives a riveting and pivoting performance. 
5. See this film. It is intelligent, challenging, entertaining and beautifully filmed. You'll be glad you did.

5 AGAINST:

1. I like Leonardo DiCaprio as an actor and think he is more talented than most but it wasn't until about 20 mins into the film that I stopped thinking of Boston Rob from Survivor. If you don't know who Boston Rob is, then this isn't an Against for you.
2. The film gave me the feeling of being just a bit slow. I don't think it was but it just gave me that feeling and it only lasted for the first 30 mins or so.
3. Is it wrong to want to see more crazy and frightening patients? 
4. The biggest problem I had with this film, and it was my problem and not the film's, is that I was expecting 
5. For such a well detailed film, there were three glaring errors that really annoyed me. First was the number of staff on the island. It had to be 200-300 for just 67 patients. Second, after the storm and the over abundant staff is still trying to catch the patients, there are people cleaning up after the storm, swinging axes while super-dangerously-criminally-insane people are running around them. And finally, ***this is spoilery*** the final shot of the orderly caring the shinny and pointy surgical instrument was totally wrong and done just to elicit a response from the audience.      

THIS IS ONE SAD LOOKING MOVIE

I saw Shutter Island yesterday (5 FOR / 5 AGAINST coming soon) and among the numerous trailers was this for the remake of Death At A Funeral. In addition to looking like a movie I really want to miss, Death At A Funeral is either bucking the trend set by A Single Man and Valentine's Day of hiding it's gay subplots or it's going to exploit it -- and not in a good way. Even a naked James Marsden couldn't get me to see this movie. You be the judge, the gay jokes are at the end of this trailer. Prospero, I think you nailed this one.

GO CYNDI!

"Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth living on the streets and in foster care need our support more than ever. In New York City, the True Colors Residence is going to play a big role in providing these young people with the leg up and encouragement they need. I am thrilled that construction has already begun and I am honored to be a part of this important project." - Cyndi Lauper, commenting on the groundbreaking for the True Colors Residence for homeless LGBT youth in Harlem.

True Colors Residence will be New York City's first permanent housing facility with support services for 18-24 year old lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth with a history of homelessness. The undertaking was conceived by West End Executive Director Colleen Jackson, and by musical artist Cyndi Lauper and Ms. Lauper's manager Lisa Barbaris. The project entails the construction of a new, energy-efficient multifamily building containing 30 studio apartments, indoor and outdoor community space for residents, and a computer room and resource library. The building is named in honor of Cyndi's Lauper's support for the project and for West End, and references Ms. Lauper's hit song, "True Colors."

Funding for this large project comes from a complex group of borough, city, state, federal and private sources. True Colors Residence is scheduled to open in winter 2011.
Thanks Joe.My.God

POOCH CAFE by PAUL GILLIGAN

NON SEQUITUR by WILEY MILLER

WHAT AMERICAN ACCENT DO YOU HAVE?

This test pretty much nailed me. I spent the first 25 years of my life on Long Island and never had a strong accent but when I entered my twenties, I started working on minimizing it. Then I went to grad school in MA and worked even harder at minimizing my accent. After grad school, I moved to DC and most people there were surprised to learn I was a New Yorker. Most could place me in the northeast but had to guess from which part.

After spending more than 15 years in DC I still have a northeast accent, and still find that certain words will tongue-tie me. I can't tell you which ones, but it's funny when it happens.

What American accent do you really have? Your Result: Northern   Your accent is Northern, which used to be the media standard in the '50s and '60s.  Your accent could either be Inland Northern (Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo) or the more broadcasting-friendly Upstate NY/Western New England accent.  If you have the Inland North accent, outsiders probably ask you a lot if you're from Chicago or Wisconsin.
Northeastern
Mid-Atlantic
Midland
North Central
Southern
Northeast New England
Western
What American accent do you really have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

TMI TUESDAY - TOILET PAPER

I saw these questions as part of an award meme/chain letter (thanks to Steven at No Excuse, No Explanation) and thought they'd make a fun TMI Tuesday:

1. Toilet Paper: Over or Under. Over, and if I'm visiting someone who has it under, I switch it to over and leave it that way.

2. Who replaces the empty roll in your house? I always make sure there is paper before and after I finish regardless of where I am.

3. What do you use if you run out of toilet paper at home? I'm really good at not letting this happen but when it does, there's always facial tissue and even paper towels. In an extreme case, there's always the shower. 

 4. Seat up or down? LID DOWN! I hate when anyone leaves the seat or lip up. They make lids for a reason and I've had too many things fall into the toilet when the lid was left up.

5. Do you leave the door open? I usually close it even when I live alone, it keeps the doggies out.

6. Does your love leave it open? All my past lovers where kinda bathroom shy and tended to keep the door shut. Peeing in front of each other was okay but pooping was strictly a behind closed doors activity...except for that one guy who liked it in his mouth.

7. Do you always check for toilet paper first in a public stall? When I'm in there to poop I do because I need it to cover the seat. If I'm there for a little foot tapping action, I want to make contact with that fluid. 

8. What do you use if you run out of toilet paper in a public restroom? I make sure this never happens. I've learned my lesson and will grab some napkins to bring in with me. Having the napkins also helps keep my hands free from al the nasty germs in public bathrooms and have been using them for like 20 years to grab handles and things.

9. Do you wait until you are alone in a public restroom? When I use the urinal, I'll take the one farthest from any possible neighbor. If I'm in there to poop, I also like to be far from others incase I have to make noises or if it turns out smelly.

SUNDAY SHERFFIUS and FRIENDS

FUNNIEST "REAL" COMMERCIAL

I saw this over at the Mangina Monologues and had to share it, it is too funny! I did do some searching and could not find a real company by Goggling or in Yellowpages.com so I'm sure it's just a spoof.

ANOTHER REASON WHY I LOVE ADAM

At the 28-year-old entertainer’s iheartradio secret show last night at NYC’s PC Richard & Son Theater, Adam had to ask a chatty cell phone talker standing up front to get off the phone while he sang over her!

“You’re not watching TV, honey - it’s a live show!” he said before starting a performance of “Whataya Want From Me?” for a second time.

Source Just Jared

BRAINWAVES by BETSY STREETER

Being Human Series 2 Coming to BBC America!

BBC America announced today the acquisition of two new U.S. premiere seasons of Being Human. The show’s highly anticipated second season will premiere in late summer with the third season following “shortly.”
Well, let’s give thanks to whatever deity is in charge of British shows about vampires, werewolves and ghosts. This is great news! The “shortly” part is frighteningly vague, but I’ll take it. I’m guessing they made the announcement today since people will be in the werewolf mood after seeing The Wolfman in theaters this weekend.
I’m going to celebrate by watching all of series one on my iPod on Valentine’s Day. Just me, two pounds of See’s dark chocolate truffles, a case of champagne and a very emotional Russell Tovey. I’ll put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.
Here’s more from the press release:
”Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner return as George, Annie and Mitchell, the three twenty-somethings trying to live as normally as possible despite being a werewolf, a vampire and a ghost. After the death of vampire leader Herrick at the end of season one, the supernatural friends are hoping they can now get on with their lives, but an even greater danger is lurking, within the very human world of which they want to be a part.
Werewolf George is coming to terms with the fact that he has Herrick’s blood on his hands, and a girlfriend who knows his horrific secret. Meanwhile, turning down the door of death has implications for ghost Annie, but her confidence is at a peak and she’s determined to stand up and be counted in the real world. And, with Herrick gone, Mitchell must appease the vampire world--can he find a way to lead by example?
The entire first season of Being Human is currently available on iTunes and Xbox LIVE Marketplace.”

Source Fanboys Of The Universe

TMI TUESDAY (ON WEDNESDAY) - IF YOU HAD TO

My answers are in red.

1- Free tickets to see Queen Latifah in a jazz club, or Jennifer Hudson in concert? I love both these women and enjoy their work, however, I'm not a jazz fan so I'd have to see Jen.

2-Wake up in the body of Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? I like Jen's looks and body much better. Angelina may have Brad but Jennifer can and has been having her pick of men - that's for me.

3-Wake up in the body of Ashton Kutcher or Brad Pitt? OMG! To be one of the sexiest and best looking men on the planet and have a conscious and be politically active, WOW! Unfortunately, I'd have to drag Brad out of the closet and go after all those Hollywood hunks.  

4-Overdress, or under dress everyday? If a stylist and budget are included then overdress me. I'm a more casual dresser but that's because I know what looks good but can't put a wardrobe together for myself and it's safer from being made fun of.

5-Eat, for a whole week this item only, chocolate chip cookies, or chocolate ice cream? Do they come with accessories? I'd need milk for the cookies and Redi Whip for the ice cream but regardless, I'd go with the ice cream. It's my second favorite dessert behind cherry pie but is my #1 comfort food.

6-Nigthmares for a year, or real haunting for a year? I've had nightmares and I think they could be much worse than a real haunting plus, how cool and fun would it be to finally have proof of the supernatural?

7-Sleep with George W Bush, or Ann Coulter? I'm gay all the way. I've never been past 1st base and the thought of going down there just grosses me out. Besides, as people they're pretty equal in the evil department but he was kinda hot in that flight suit he never flew in.

8-Go on Price is Right, or Jeopardy? I'd want to win and would stand a much better chance on The Price is Right and there always seems to be a bunch of uniformed servicemen in the audience.

9-Sleep with Jay Leno, or David Letterman? Either or. I think they'd both be bad in bed.

10-Hang with drag queen RuPaul, or Varla Jean Merman? I'm not a drag fan, not a drag basher either. It's just not my thing but I do love Ru and would love to hang with her in or out of drag.

CAPTAIN JACK ACTION FIGURE

These pillars of pop culture plastic were teased as “Coming Soon” on Tonner’s website for ages. I even signed up to be notified the second they became available. Naturally, I received no such communication. But then, the Doctor and his friends don’t appear to be available to order just yet, though they are listed under the 2010 collection. 
I don’t know how final these images are, so I won’t be too critical. I will say that the sculpts on Captain Jack and Martha Jonesare impressively accurate. Gwen...well, they were kind to Gwen. And the Doctor looks more like post-Botox John Barrowman than our beloved David Tennant. I’m curious why they started with Martha as a companion, instead of Rose. Probably a likeness issue.

If you’re already pulling out your credit card, beware. Jack will cost you $199.99. Gwen, of course, is a bargain at $169.99. Martha is $174.99, and the Doctor is $179.99. Wait, Jack is the most expensive? Not so fast. The Doctor is $179.99 without his trademark trench. The coat is sold separately for $49.99. (It’s genuine faux suede and fully lined.) So, the whole package will run you close to $775. I have resisted buying any Tonner dolls thus far, though I suspect I’m close to giving in and getting Miss Piggy. Realistically, though, would I invest in these, even in a late-night, drunken moment of weakness?

The problem is I’m still furious with Jack because of Children of Earth. I even removed my Captain Jack action figures from my display case. I’d be most likely to get the Doctor, but only if I knew a Donna Noble doll was coming. Oo, if they had a Donna doll, I’d probably forget the Doctor and the rest all together and start customizing a Lauren Cooper.

Just in case, we will keep tabs on this line and see what develops. 

Source Fanboys Of The Universe

Blog Swarm: Ask HRC To Demand Obama Work To Repeal DADT This Year

UPDATE: Today's blog swarm has been picked up by FireDogLake, Mediaite, the Advocate, and numerous gay and gay-friendly blogs. Thus far, HRC's official blog has remained silent, although its Palm Springs affiliate basically said it is a waste to time to contact HRC on this issue. I happen to think that's true, but not entirely for the reasons given.

A coalition of LGBT and progressive bloggers are today asking their readers to contact the Human Rights Campaign and ask that they use their famous White House access to demand that President Obama work to achieve the repeal of DADT in 2010. Via AmericaBlog:

OUR MESSAGE TO HRC IS SIMPLE:

Publicly demand that President Obama take the lead in getting DADT repealed this year.

1) That means the President needs to state publicly that he wants Congress to repeal DADT this year; and

2) The President needs to take the lead in working with Congress to make sure the repeal happens.

HRC Front Desk: (202) 628-4160
TTY: (202) 216-1572
Toll-Free: (800) 777-4723

HRC Web site comment page.
General membership email at hrc: membership@hrc.org

Some may say that there is little the President can do, or that this is up to Congress now. That is simply untrue. The President can send a powerful signal that he wants the repeal done this year. He can include the repeal of DADT in the Defense Budget he sends to Congress in the next few months. If the President is serious about keeping his promises to our community, now is his chance to prove it.
BLOG SWARM SPONSORS

Today's blog swarm is sponsored by the following bloggers and sites, all of which will also be writing about this issue today, and urging their readers to contact HRC:

Joe Sudbay and John Aravosis, AMERICAblog
Pam Spaulding, Pam's House Blend
Michelangelo Signorile, Sirius OutQ & the Gist
Markos Moulitsas, DailyKos
Andy Towle, TowleRoad
Joe Jervis, Joe My God
Bil Browning, Bilerico
Taylor Marsh, TaylorMarsh.com
Dan Savage, Slog
MOMENTUM HAS TURNED TO CONFUSION

HRC may argue that it's already told the President it would like to see DADT repealed this year. Well, that's not enough. And here's why.

We've had an amazing few weeks of momentum on DADT repeal following the mention of DADT in the State of the Union, the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing during which both the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs both stated their support for repeal, and the unexpected support we've received from former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Colin Powell and former Defense Secretary and Vice President Dick Cheney.

But that momentum is quickly slipping away. After talking to people around Washington over the past two weeks, Joe and I have found a vacuum of leadership that is leading to confusion. The Hill has no idea if the President does or doesn't want them to move ahead with repeal this year. The House has already said that it's waiting for the Senate to do something. The Senate is in turmoil after the Democrats lost a single seat in January. And the DADT proposals being discussed in the Senate are focused on every possible approachexcept full repeal this year.

As we painfully learned last year during health care reform, nothing happens in Congress unless the President leads. And when the President doesn't lead, disaster is guaranteed.

Whatever HRC has been telling the White House about DADT, it clearly isn't working. In spite of the President's positive comments during the State of the Union, no one knows where President Obama stands on repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell" this year. All the while, unnamed administration officials are telling the media that itcould be years before repeal finally happens. The White House clearly didn't get HRC's message, and as a result, we are losing this historic momentum.
WHY HRC?

Why are we focusing on HRC? Because HRC is our community's largest, best-funded gay rights organization in Washington, and they carry the most sway with the White House. In fact, HRC often boasts about their close working relationship with the White House. HRC's President, Joe Solmonese, is so close to the White House that he gave the President political cover during the uproar over the administration's brief in support of DOMA. It's time HRC, and our entire community, got something in return for everything we have done for this President, this Congress, and the entire Democratic party.

Please feel free to use the Facebook link below to repost this.

FAMILY GUY

I took a break from watching the Olympics last night and watched The Simpson's win a gold medal in Mixed Curling Demonstration, Cleveland's son act pregnant because he swallowed a gold fish and then The Family Guy!

This was one of their more 'out there' episodes and that's saying something when you're talking about The Family Guy. The two key elements of this episode are Chris's date with a girl who has Down's Syndrome and says her mother is the ex-governor of Alaska and Stewie's song and dance performance of Down's Syndrome Girl. (above clip, first three minutes only)

The whole bit with Chris dating this girl with down's syndrome isn't all that funny but it is significant for all the CRAZY that Palin could unleash and how Faux News handles one of their own shows.

The best part of the show is Stewie's performance of Down's Syndrome Girl. It is one of the best Family Guy musical numbers, is an original composition, very well choreographed, humorous and has an amazing climax that had me rewinding several times. Enjoy!

Chris asks out the ex-governor's daughter (starts at 1:50)

SUNDAY SHERFFIUS and FRIENDS

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Saint Valentine's Day (commonly shortened to Valentine's Day)is an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Modern Valentine's Day symbols include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards.

THIS INFOMERCIAL WILL PUMP YOU UP

The things you see at 4 in the morning. The Gerry vac, the Shark vac, the Dyson vac, The Oreck vac, and now the Pos-T-Vac for your dick!

Pos-T-Vac promises to pump you up better and faster than Viagra or Cialis and is covered by Medicare! I hope Obama's health care will continue to cover this and my scooter. BTW - it costs over $550!

About Vacuum Therapy

Pos-T-Vac is a leader in the non-surgical treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) known as Vacuum Therapy. Vacuum Therapy is a safe and very effective non-surgical means of helping a man produce erections suitable for sexual intercourse. It does not require medication, injections, or surgery and is effective in treating Erectile Dysfunction due to many different causes. This treatment has become one of the most popular solutions to the problem of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). An erection is achieved by first, placing the penis in a vacuum cylinder, creating a vacuum which generates blood flow into the penis, which causes engorgement and rigidity. The natural erection is held by our tension ring, which restricts the flow of blood back out of the penis. Using this system, an erection can be safely maintained for up to 30 minutes.

It’s important to understand that Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is often a symptom of an underlying physical problem and is usually not primarily psychological. Occasionally the physical cause may be serious.

Pos-T-Vac is pleased to offer you and your partner a safe, effective and affordable treatment for this frustrating problem (ED). A solution in seconds not hours.

THE MEANING OF LILA BY JOHN FORGETTA AND L.A. ROSE

They have Ben & Jerry Loyalty Rewards Cards? Why is the first I'm hearing of this and where do I get one?

MUTTS by PATRICK MCDONNELL

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

Coverage starts on NBC at 7:30pm EST.

THE MEANING OF LILA BY JOHN FORGETTA AND L.A. ROSE

WINTER OLYMPICS OUTLOOK - SNOWBOARDING

Chris Klug is not just an Olympic medalist, in 2000 he had a liver transplant and was back on the slopes just four months later, better than ever. He is the first transplant recipient to win an Olympic medal. His foundation seeks donor dudes. Click here for more info.

Select a TeamSelect a TeamAlpine Skiing - Men Alpine Skiing - Women Biathlon Bobsled Cross-Country Curling - Men Curling - Women Figure Skating Freestyle Skiing - Men Freestyle Skiing - Women Hockey - Men Hockey - Women Luge Nordic Combined Short Track Skeleton Ski Jumping Snowboarding - Men Snowboarding - Women Speed Skating - Men Speed Skating - Women 

Snowboarding - Men

Ten men qualified for the U.S. Olympic snowboarding team, based on performances at Grand Prix and World Cup events during the 2009-10 season. See women's team. 

Nick Baumgartner

Michigan native and 2009 snowboard cross world bronze medalist Nick Baumgartner is making his Olympic debut in 2010.

Greg Bretz

The youngest member of the U.S. men's snowboarding team, Greg Bretz is making his Olympic debut in Vancouver.

Nate Holland

A native of Sandpoint, Idaho, 2007 world snowboard cross bronze medalist Nate Holland is making his second Olympic appearance in Vancouver.

Tyler Jewell

A 2006 Olympian in parallel giant slalom, Massachusetts native Tyler Jewell is making his second Olympic appearance in 2010.

Chris Klug

2002 Olympic parallel giant slalom bronze medalist Chris Klug is making his third Olympic appearance in Vancouver.

Scotty Lago

New Hampshire native and halfpipe rider Scotty Lago is making his first Olympic appearance in Vancouver.

Louie Vito

A native of Columbus, Ohio, 21-year-old snowboarder Louie Vito is hoping to make his first Olympic appearance in Vancouver.

Graham Watanabe

Idaho native and snowboarder Graham Watanabe is making his second Olympic appearance in 2010.

Seth Wescott

The reigning Olympic snowboard cross champion, 33-year-old Maine native Seth Wescott is making his second Olympic appearance in Vancouver.

Shaun White

The 2006 Olympic halfpipe champion, California native and action sports icon Shaun White is making his second Olympic appearance in Vancouver.