Life Without Borders

Just One Thing

***MASON POST***

I'm back home now after spending the weekend (Fri-Sun) in Montreal.  It was my company's "take some clients as a thank you for your business" annual trek to the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival.  It was a busy-busy, non-stop flurry of activity weekend with my limited free time basically spent catching up on sleep in a $200-a-night hotel room.

Just so it will show up on his "Google Alert" I need to mention how much I enjoyed the Mike Birbiglia - Sleepwalk With Me show.  The show was not only very funny, but touched on many elements that also happened in my life (not the sleepwalking, night terrors, jumping out of windows or sex with a uneven-tits waitress in the back of a station wagon parts, but nevertheless.)  If Mike shows up in your town, it's worth the $5 to check him out.

One of the highlights of these trips is getting to know some of our clients much better as well as the people I work with every day.  It's amazing what an expense account, booze and visiting another Province will do for greasing the wheels when it comes to this highlight.  Last night, the topic of Nick's and my picking up our lives and immigrating to Canada surfaced. 

I shared the standard storeys that always come up "How Are You Getting Your Furniture Across the Ocean," "You Can Speak Uh-merry-kahn and Not French?" and "What Do You Mean You Can't Just Use American Money?"  And the guaranteed Canadian questions like "Why in The Hell Did You Come HERE?" and "You Really Had A Gun In Your House - and BULLETS?!" But, believe it or not even after nearly two years here, I got zinged with a first-of-it's-kind question from one of the client last night:

"If you could name one thing that is the best thing about immigrating to Canada, what would it be?"

Despite having just downed a couple of Rev Energy Drinks, a Passion Fruit Martini and sipping on the second, I had to stop and pause and think about that answer.  It took me a couple of minutes to let it sink in, but I was able to find that answer amongst the dozens that were bouncing around in my noggin.

"The humanity of Canada."

I then explained to the person asking that question and those gathered around that it's nearly impossible to describe the overwhelming feelings of peace and calmness that Nick and I are experiencing as well as the intense sense of satisfaction that priorities for our government and nearly every Canadian focuses on the betterment of humankind - be it guaranteed access to equal and quality healthcare, protection of the environment or focusing on families vs. misguided religious-based morality. 

Moments like these make me swell with pride about being a new Canadian, especially when one of my colleagues frequently makes the comment "I just love how he embraces our Canadian culture."

Me too, Jane - me too!

Another Passing

***MASON POST***

Late this afternoon I found out that yet another dear friend in Denver has passed away.  Once again, the pains of not being there in Denver begin to rise to the surface.  These pains I feel are not a yearning to be back in Denver or regret that Nick and I have come to Canada and Toronto to start a new chapter in our lives - they are pains of not being able to be there with my friends during a time of sadness and retrospect.  Mikey's Dad's death - Gus Mircos' passing - and now the death of a mentor, a maverick and a friend, Wayne Jakino. 

As I sat on my computer chatting with another friend who gave me the news, the images, sounds and storeys about Wayne came flooding back and I couldn't help but wish I could swing by Charlies on Colfax, sit at the bar with my cocktail and remember those days when he'd pop out of his office, pull up a seat next to me and catch up.

Wayne Jakino
A While Ago ;-) - July 16, 2008

The storeys about Wayne could fill this journal and as every word is being written, I can hear him slink further and further back into his office hiding into the corner.  Wayne's tireless efforts on behalf of the GLBT community, neighbourhoods, the city we both loved with all our hearts and anyone who needed a hand up were legendary and well known, but never done for recognition or attention.

I first met Wayne shortly after I "came out" back in the late 80's.  Wayne owned the country-western bar in Denver called Charlies.  This bar was very special to me because before it became the new home of Charlies, it was a popular restaurant for Denver politicians and movers and shakers.  My Dad and I would go to Emerson Street East all the time. Wayne was one of the first to step forward and help a brand new organization get off the ground - Denver's gay softball league.  From his founding of gay rodeo, to the dart league, drag shows and charity events, Charlies and Wayne were always there.

When I made the bold step to come out publicly, he was there as a supporter and mentor.  When I made the decision to run for Denver City Council, while his support was for another candidate, he was still there with encouragement and respect.  Wayne and I also had a common love of announcing - his in the booth of rodeos all across North America.  Wayne always knew we'd never have to compete in that arena - my intense allergies to horses, dander and pretty much everything connected to rodeos kept me sidelined, but in reality there would be no competition.  No one did it better than Wayne.

Despite the ravages of Cancer, I'm told he never lost that Wayne spirit.  A spirit I hope lives on in the tens of thousands of lives he touched, including mine. If I still had my cowboy hat and boots, I'd wear them in your honour my friend.  Today, it will just have to by my Charlies softball uniform and hat and I will toast a gin and tonic in your honour (gawd, did he ever make them S.T.R.O.N.G!)  Be well my friend - you are at peace now.  We shall cross paths once again in another lifetime I'm sure.

Independence

***MASON POST***

Two-hundred and thirty-two years ago on this date, a brave group of men, representing the settlers of the British Colonies in America, armed with intelligence, bravery, a vision of freedom and equality and a single piece of parchment and a quill, declared that they had had enough of a tyrannical King ruling over them and would secede to become an independent and separate country.  This act of treason declared to create The Free and Independent States - my birth country - the land that I love and cherish today.  Yes, I do love and cherish The United States of America.

Nick's and my move to Canada has stirred more emotions than I ever thought were possible.  From anger and sadness to joy and peace.  It's solidified deep morals and beliefs and it's caused others to crumble under the weight of enlightenment and wisdom.  But, one thing that it has done more than anything, I believe, is call into question our loyalty, respect, love and appreciation for our birth country.  I can understand how some may feel this way, how many can carry with them a disdain for what they perceive as a slap in the face of something that has been my protector and home for over 40 years.  I can respect those feelings and do my best to understand the motivation for them, but I can not and will not accept or agree with them.

I don't want to cloud or take away from today's celebrations south of the border by going into my disappointment and disdain for what has happened to the land of my birth - things that are in direct opposition to it's foundation - so despite having to work and live life as we do everyday here in Canada, in my heart and head, I am celebrating the beginning of a nation and the ideals and foundation on which it began, with the hope that everyone never forget them as well:

"...assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Shitty

***MASON POST***

I just found out that a dear friend and former radio colleague of mine back in Colorado GUS MIRCOS died on Sunday.  He had been battling thyroid cancer which led to damage of his trademark vocal chords and spread recently to his lungs.

My last conversation with him was right before we left for Canada - and of course it involved him giving me shit about running for the border - in a way only Gus could do - heaping on a ton of guilt and harassment all with an undercurrent of support and love. 

I first met Gus back in 1987 when I started at KOA Radio.  I was a very green newbie taking the job as the morning writer for Colorado's Morning News with Gus at the helm as the host.  Beyond landing this job at one of the largest and most respected news radio stations in the country, at the age of 23 and before I even finished University was intimidating enough, but then to mix in Mircos, I'm surprised I even made it through that first week.  But as the weeks and months and years and even decades passed by, the layers of Gus would peel away like an onion to reveal the core of this man that so many loved and adored.

Gus and I parted ways in 1992 when I left KOA, but we were reunited when we hired him as a host at another, competing station that I was running.   Imagine Mr. Grumpy Greek's reaction when he found out that I had fallen in love with one myself.  In typical Mircos fashion, within minutes of meeting Nick, he bonded instantly with his fellow ancestral brother.  Nick found a feature piece that another of our former colleagues Jerry Bell put together about Gus.  It was great to hear many of those we worked with remember Gus - several of the same memories I have of the man. 

There are so many that it would take months to list them all, but one that far surpasses them all is another trademark of my friend.  In fact, as I sit here I can hear it as clear as if he was here with me in this room right now. Without exception, if anyone would ask him "how you doing, Gus?" his response would always be "shitty."

Tonight my friend, unfortunately I have to echo your response. 

To Myrna, Dean, Margo, Kari, Nicolle and "Little Gus" (even though you're far from little anymore) and the entire Mircos family, I am so sorry for your loss.  All of our lives are better today for having Gus be a part of it. Until our paths cross again in the next round, be well my friend.

Gus Mircos
Jan. 7, 1938 - May 11, 2008

NEWS COVERAGE OF GUS'S DEATH:
Denver Post
Rocky Mountain News
Denver Post (2nd)
Westword

Life Whizzing By

***MASON ENTRY***

Yeah, I know - been too long.  WAY too long, but thus the topic of my post today. ;-)

Part of my duties at my most awesome of awesomest jobs here in the Land of Laughter is coming up with cleaver ideas for gifts for our clients, ordering them, logo-ing them, organizing them...you get the picture.  Well for our "Holiday/Christmas" gifts (which we actually distribute on a later holiday just because we're different and odd, we decided to go with something called "30 Hilarious Desktop Signs!"  It's a sandwich-board-type item that has cleaver signs that you can display at your desk.  For example:

"I don't get even - I get Odder"

"Bad Day in Progress - Approach at your Own Risk!"

"To Err is Human - To Forgive is against company policy"

For more, you can find it here:  30 Hilarious Desktop Signs

One of my favourites though is the one that says: "I Love Deadlines | I especially like the sound they make as they go whooshing by."  So very appropriate for my line of work, it also makes me think about life lately.  Just change out a few words and it has a whole new meaning:  "I Love Life | I especially like the sound it makes as it goes whooshing by."

As I've been spending my days watching deadlines whoosh by, I've realized that it would be so much easier making sure I don't miss important websites or blogs by actually setting up and using an RSS Reader (I'm going to use Google Reader, btw.)  In the process of setting this up, I realized how many blogs, specifically, I've missed out on especially those from our online friends that blog about immigrating to Canada.  So many people hung on Nick's and my every word here - gleaning whatever hints or warnings they could concerning the process - the very same thing we did with those that ventured before us.

But, what caught my attention in catching up on these blogs was the underlying presence of incredible stress, depression, anxiety, worry and in some cases despair.  I wish I could say it was minimal, but honestly, the pattern was as subtle as $10-dollar hooker in church.  I just wanted to reach into my computer monitor and hug each and every one of these people and tell them it gets better.

Nick and I have had what we believe has been the most stressful time of our entire lives these past couple of years.  The fact that we now live in a society of less stress and what we consider a much better life makes it better, but the underlying issues causing stress, depression, anxiety, worry and despair don't disappear.  In fact, I think for those of us who have made it across the border, we probably feel a bit guilty about experiencing these feelings because "damnit, we're here and we should be happy!" 

Just in the last few weeks, we've had to deal with some major issues, we've found ourselves reevaluating our relationship and those with others.  We've dealt with episodes of homesickness and feelings of being lost - torn between two countries because the political voice we have is relatively weak in both.  We've struggled with financial, employment, doggie and home concerns.  These aren't exclusive just to us or immigrants for sure, but honestly that last "title" does cast a different glow over those situations in our lives.

Despite all this, without a moment's hesitation I can declare openly and honestly that I don't regret anything that has happened these last few years.  I've learnt so much, about the world, friends, my new country, humanity, myself and my soul mate.  I feel richer as a man and a partner and a human being because it really is true: even though it's tough as hell sometimes, we all need to sit down and enjoy the sound of life as it goes whooshing by and when we have our balance and our footing and we're ready mentally and physically, jump right back onto that stream because down there road we have nothing to lose.

Disgust & Hope - All in One Post Today

Attention Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern. You should be ashamed. You are equally as guilty of murder as the thugs who killed Lawrence King, Roberto Duncanson, Aaron Webster, Matthew Shepard, and numerous others! The suicide of Shaquille Wisdom should also hang forever on your conscience if you even still have one. Why you? It's easy: Hate speech does kill. It must stop now. I'm asking you to please use your voice against violence instead

Sober Second Thought

At times I feel as though I am stuck between two worlds, politically; my votes in the United States only count on the Federal level, and we all know how responsive the United States Government is.  I’m well represented by one Democratic Congresswoman, and one Democratic Senator; the other Republican Senator will hopefully be replaced in November, along with the current occupant of the White House…sigh.

Then in Canada, a country whose political process is slightly more responsive I have no real voice in.  I can’t vote yet, or run for public office (if I chose to) so I feel less then empowered and instead spend my political capital on writing letters and attending rallies. My sole representative in the House of Commons is the Leader of the NDP; so to say I’m appropriately represented is kind of an understatement.  Then there is the Senate…

The Senate is an odd beast in Canadian Politics; Senators are appointed by The Crown on recommendation by the Prime Minister for a indefinite term until the Senator turns 75 or retires. The Senators are divided amongst the Provinces and Territories based on populations, which means Ontario and Québec make out like bandits.  Sounds undemocratic, but the chamber is considered Canada’s sober second thought, where bills passed by The House are reviewed before being approved and sent on for Royal Assent.

Many say that this process is flawed because how can an appointed chamber overrule the one that is democratically elected by the people. Indeed for all the pomp and circumstance that the Senate embodies it is not beholden to the public, but it is a chance for the Canadian psyche to pause and reflect.

Did you know that in 1991, a Senate vote kept abortion legal in Canada? Or that its research in 1971 led to important national poverty reform? Or that it battled to ensure NAFTA was supported by the public? That it has a greater representation of women and minorities than the House of Commons; but for all that it is disregarded and sits out of the political limelight most of the time.

Then this week, in a 60-second vote, the House of Commons passed Bill C-10, which had a provision in it to stop providing tax-credits to the film industry that produced films with “objectionable content.”  Who gets to decide the objectionable content? Well the Heritage Minister of course, of the current Conservative government. The Canada Family Action Coalition, a small group of Christians who, according to their website, have a “vision to see Judeo-Christian moral principles restored in Canada” were the ones that lobbied intensely for this very un-Canadian of provisions.

It passed, and people squawked when they realized that CFAC were celebrating their victory; how could this happen in open-minded Canada? That’s where the sober second thought comes in…

E-mails, Facebook, The Internet, ordinary bloggers all mobilized and started talking about Bill C-10 and that the only way to kill it would be to appeal to the Senate.  I researched it (I particularly liked reading Senator McCoy’s blog) and decided to get active, but how do you appeal to an appointed body?

Ontario has 21 Senators (21!) and 20 have e-mail (um, it’s the 21st Century Senator Keon) so I proceeded to let them all know how I feel.  Definitely an odd sensation considering that I’m only use to having 2 Senators to whine at.

I know that there has been some debate at reforming, abolishing or leaving alone the Senate.  Even though the NDP favours abolishing it, I tend to disagree with that perception; I think the Senate, like right now, has a valuable role to play. I would like to see it reformed and made democratically elected, but that’s for the politicians to figure out.  Right now, I’m just counting on their sober second thought.

Update

Something unexpected and special happened today; I went to City Hall. Now that act in itself shouldn’t be groundbreaking or earth shattering, but the reason I went was tantamount to the same feelings I had going through my stomach.  I went into this building with its futuristic curves and 1960’s décor with a very 21st Century notion.

As I stood in line waiting to be called upon I noticed an older male couple sitting at one of desks and speaking to the clerk.  She was younger, in her late 20’s, mutli-racial, fiercely dressed and I could hear her saying certain words like…

”this is great”…”it’s about time”…”how wonderful for you”…”now this is your marriage license.”

I did a double take and looked at the couple again, well into there 60’s, with white hair, and one had a cane.  They looked at each other and smiled and thanked the young woman as she explained the process.  I stared, not in an odd way, but more in fascination of the love that exuded from these two men; so much so, that I didn’t hear the male clerk calling me up to the next counter. I shook myself out of my stupor and walked over to the desk and sat down.

HIM: “Hello, Sir, how can I help you?”
ME: “Yes, um…I’d like to, um…apply for a marriage license….”
HIM: “No problem, do you have the paperwork…”

…and the rest they say goes down in history; he took down the pertinent information and processed the application as he had with hundred of others that day.  After reviewing the information with me and having me sign some forms he handed me all the forms, and said with a grin:

“Congratulations on your nuptials!”

I stood outside of Toronto City Hall with a jumble of emotions; first and foremost I felt incredibly proud and happy to live in a country and province that recognizes gay marriage, but then I felt sad and depressed as I thought of all my friends around the world who do not have the same benefit, the same right.  I sat speechless in the cold March sun blazing onto my skin as I looked up to the clear blue sky behind these monolithic towers that are to be the place of Mason and I’s Union.

That’s right, were getting married…legally this time :-)  More than anything, I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with this man.  So the date is May 3, 2008 (our 12th anniversary to be exact, 5 years since our commitment ceremony in Colorado), we are having a very small civil ceremony at City Hall for close family and friends and then inviting all of our friends back to the house for a BBQ (if the weather’s warm) or a house party (if it’s not.)  More details to come, but I wanted to share the information with all of you.

The More Things Change...

I've wanted to write about this since Kosovo declared independence, but haven't had the time, and I'm kind of glad to have waited to see the reaction.

I'll save you the background on the whole thing, but suffice to say it's complicated.  While I support Kosovo's bid  for a number of reasons, foremost its the genocide its people faced at the had of the Serbs during Yugoslavia's break-up.  No group of people should ever have to live in fear, and should be allowed to protect themselves.  Have we not learned anything from the countless genocides throughout human history?

Then this week countries started taking sides.  The United States supports them, so does Australia, and Great Britain, others like Russia, Argentina and Spain decried it as not legal through UN Law - some worry it will fuel their own seperatist movements...  Canada has taken no position, because it's scared shitless about Quebec.  Then the riots started...

The United States Embassy in Belgrade as well as others were stormed and hit, a person burned to death.  The borders with Kosovo were closed with  the rest of Serbia and a war of words started, and then yesterday this happened...

"Earlier today, Russia's envoy to NATO warned the alliance against overstepping its mandate in Kosovo and said Moscow might be forced to use "brute military force" to maintain respect on the world scene."

Sigh...

The issue for the Serbs is that they see Kosovo as part of their cultural, religious and ethic heritage; the Battle of Kosovo (almost 700 years ago) defined them as a people even though they lost the battle.  Problem is, since that battle ethnic Albanians have moved into the area and made it their home as the Serbs fled to other parts of Serbia.  Throw in some world wars, a couple of changed of government, the creation, dissolution of some States, not to mention some genocide and we arrive at the current clusterfuck we're in.

Hailing from this part of the world, I know all to often what is done in the interest of identity and ethnicity.  The Balkans has always been considered a powderkeg, and has already been credited with starting one World War, and I just fear it might just start another one day.

Take your morality and shove it up your ass!

THIS is why I left, and THIS is why GLBT folks will never have equal rights in the United States until there is marriage equality...

~snippet~

Janice Langbehn and Lisa Pond had planned to take their three children on a family cruise. The Olympia, Washington couple had been together 18 years and with their children were looking forward to the holiday.

But just as they were about to depart on the cruise from Miami, Florida. Pond, a healthy 39-year-old, suddenly collapsed. She was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami with Langbehn and the children following close behind.

But once Langbehn and the children arrived at the hospital the hospital refused to accept information from her about Ponds’s medical history. Langbehn says she was informed that she was in an antigay city and state, and she could expect to receive no information or acknowledgment as family.

Other than one five minute visit, which was orchestrated by a Catholic priest at Langbehn’s request to perform last rites, and despite the doctor’s acknowledgement that no medical reason existed to prevent visitation, neither she nor her children were allowed to see Pond until nearly eight hours after their arrival.

Soon after Pond'’s death, Langbehn tried to get her death certificate in order to get life insurance and Social Security benefits for their children. She was denied both by the State of Florida and the Dade County Medical Examiner.

Read the rest here

Oh Lord...

As of late, things have been quiet on the Canadian front; we keep see-sawing towards an election but it seems that Stephane Dion is too much of a waffler to take a stand and be a leader so we muddle through another year of minority conservative blahism.  Presidential primaries south of the border seem to be the only exciting political stuff as of late, and there are times I am so nestled and comfortable in my life up here in the Great White North that sometimes I forget the differences.

Then this week the Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, came out and stated that he wanted a committee to explore the idea of changing the tradition of using The Lord's Prayer to open the provincial legislature's session to better reflect the province's multicultural population.

"More than one-half of people living in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), for example, were born outside the country, and one-third of (residents in) the province were born outside the country," many of these people are Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, Buddhist., Pagan..and not just Christian or Jew. 

This is what amazes me, because this conversation could never happen anywhere in the United States on a state level.  The moment someone talks about removing the Ten Commandments, or taking down a Nativity display and it's a WAR ON CHRISTIANITY!  The simple fact that this is even being discussed reminds me why it is so different here.

Ok, back to blahism

VOTE!

As far as politics south of the border go, Democrats prove to be more progressive (SHOCKER!) then their republican counterparts.  In the DNC, the party has not only decided to allocate delegates to the Democratic National Convention proportionally, but they have also allowed their overseas voters have a chance to weigh in on the process.

Democrats Abroad is recognized as a state in its own right with 22 delegates (hey that's more than Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, North Dakota or DC!) and today we got the chance to vote in the first ever Global Primary.  Toronto was lucky enough to get two voting days (the 5th and 11th) at the Elephant & Castle Pub on King Street.

Mason and I decided to head out and cast our votes and then stick around for dinner.  Turnout was quite brisk and the organizers stated that they had more people show up then they expected. We signed our Democrats Abroad declarations, and then they checked our passports and gave us our ballots. I'm glad to say we got to be part of the process.

Now while I consider myself a proud NDPer up here in Canada, I remain a registered Democrat in the United States for the simple reason that the only way to make change within the party is to be registered and active; and that starts with voting.  In the end I took many people's advice and followed my gut and my heart...

Here's a picture from tonight:

Not Everything Here is Perfect

***MASON ENTRY***

Just so you don't think everything I write is about Canada's greatness.  Here is a letter I wrote to any and everyone I could think of concerning this disgusting storey today. As soon as I get some more time, I will be posting the entire list of sponsors of this organization and encourage you to also inform them of your disgust concerning the official policy of the Miss Toronto Tourism Pageant.

TO: The Miss Toronto Tourism Organization Board of Directors

CC: Honourable Toronto Mayor David Miller
CC: Honourable Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
CC: The Toronto Star
CC: The Globe and Mail
CC: The Metro
CC: The Toronto Sun
CC: Miss Toronto Tourism Supporters and Sponsors (as listed on Miss Toronto Tourism website
CC: Personal friends and colleagues

It's not often that a storey makes my jaw drop during my morning commute, but today's article in The Metro headlined "Judge controversy" certainly did that today. The comment by Ms. Karen Murphy today shocked and appalled me and quite frankly surprised me. Sixteen months ago, my partner and I made the bold move decision to leave our home country of the United States and immigrate to Canada. We sacrificed a great deal by leaving, but our decision was made because we felt the country is no longer home to tolerance, acceptance and support for its people. Canada was an easy choice for us for many reasons, but I think the Miss Toronto Tourism website describes it beautifully on some of its' pages:

"Toronto is a Multicultural City which attracts people from around the world. Toronto is a diversified City of different Cultures. Toronto which means Meeting Place was named by the Natives who first landed on the shores of Lake Ontario many years ago. Toronto has become the meeting place for many cultures and nationalities from around the world. Toronto is the City of many nations and has a rich history and many cultures and roots here."

So after reading this on your official website, you can imagine my surprise when I read that a member of your organization, identified as the "Pageant Director" was quoted saying: "Our board of directors has eliminated her as a judge as tarot card reading and reiki are the occult and is not acceptable by God, Jews, Muslims or Christians. Tarot card reading is witchcraft and is used by witches, spiritists and mediums to consult the dark world." Adding, "We want someone down to earth, not someone into the dark side or the occult." Unfortunately, it seems Ms. Murphy, and by association the Miss Toronto Tourism organization is woefully ignorant and uneducated concerning religion and faith beliefs and organizations. While not a member of a pagan or wiccan faith, I am at least proud that I have opened my mind and am aware of the tenets of many religious beliefs.

One personal foundation that I carried with me to Canada from the US, and is supported by this country's Charter of RIghts, is the belief that everyone should have the right to share their thoughts in the spirit of "freedom of speech." Along with that right comes my right to challenge what is said in a peaceful manner, and as such this is what I am doing first by sending you this letter and next by contacting the City of Toronto, the province of Ontario, public supporters of your organization and lastly all sponsors who are listed of your organization. It is my hope that they, too are appalled at the stance of your organization and immediately discontinue any and all association with Miss Toronto Tourism.

Your organization and Ms. Murphy can, and should, continue to share your thoughts and beliefs. In fact, I for one will do my part to make sure these beliefs are known to many because as a new Canadian, one who stands proudly as one because of how this country supports humanity - ALL of humanity regardless of someone's individuality, I know that a majority of others will be just as appalled as I am concerning the discriminatory and narrow-mindedness of your organization and want nothing to do with it. The Toronto Tourism Pageant and Ms. Murphy can preach your beliefs as much as you want - I am confident that no one will want to listen.

In closing, the Canada Department of Justice has a description of our Charter of Rights and Freedoms:

"The Charter protects Canadians' rights and freedoms by limiting the ability of governments to pass laws or take actions that discriminate or infringe on human rights. This means that all individuals must be treated equally, regardless of their race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. The Charter also protects Canada's linguistic duality and multicultural character."

If your organization is a true representation of Toronto and Canada, I would think this paragraph would also pertain to the Miss Toronto Tourism Pageant. I look forward to a response from your organization concerning this matter.

Thank you.

Mason Byrne
Toronto, ON

Brought to you by The Great State of Texas

Thanks to

Kyle for this.  Reason #392 why we moved out of the United States, but more specifically why I, at least, won't visit Texas.

You really have to see this video, but it is NSFW due to Dildoes and language:

Oh...Canada

At times I marvel at the fact that I am living in Canada and Toronto; 16-months in and I am still filled with amazement of our journey…3 more months and we will have lived longer in Canada then the application process took us to get here. None of this is more clear and crisp then when Mason and I look at Tom & Emilio over at Canadian Hope; watching them take the same small steps (and large ones for that matter) that we did over 16-months ago is amazing. It’s also wonderful that we have made two very dear friends in the process.

On Monday, we created a little bit of our version of America here in Toronto when We Move To Canada, Life Without Borders and Canadian Hope all got together for dinner in our neighbourhood. It was wonderful to see L-Girl and Redsock again and soon our conversations moved to immigration, Canadian and American Politics and the war…if you were at a nearby table you might have thought there was an NDP convention in town (except for Mason who is sticking to his Blue Liberal Label.)

Hearing Tom state that for the first time since he and Emilio started their struggle with the United States Government he is able to sleep at night profoundly affected me. I thought of the fact that for the first time in my life I don’t wake up in the morning and immediately start thinking “what civil rights will they try to take away from me today”, or “I need to make sure I pack the Power of Attorney and hope they take it…” I can actually wake up like any other person in Canada and think about how to improve the plight of the homeless, or advocate for better environmental protection, or protest for an end to Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan. Being Gay is now secondary (as is being male, Greek and Pagan) since I no longer have to be concerned about my rights; it’s quite a different feeling from the last 15 years.

However, back to my original post, it was great to see everyone around that table, talking openly about being Canadian and how much we love living here. O’ Canada…the true north, strong and free.

Political Leanings: US vs. Canada

This political season, in the States, I have been having a really hard time identifying with the Democratic front-runners; in addition, I feel as though since I moved to Canada I have felt rather apathetic about the Democratic Party in the United States and more invigourated by the New Democratic Party here in Canada.  It's been difficult trying to explain to people the Canadian Political landscape and how in Canada Bill Clinton would have been considered a Conservative.  I was really wondering if my ideology was really that different and had hoped there was  away to understand it all, and I think I finally have.

On Facebook, there is a new widget to do with Your Political Compass; I took the test and the researched the site for the Canadian version and the US Primary version and here are the interesting results:

First off here is my placement on grid (I'm the red dot, and the other dots are various Facebook friends)

Second, this is where the 2008 Presidential candidates are:

Finally, here is where Canadian Politics fall:

So the reality is that I am an NDPer and that even the most right-wing party in Canada is not as bad as the Democrats, although that's not saying much considering the left and the right occupy the same small quadrant.

EDIT: One last addition, here is an International grid of World Leaders for comparison:

I <3 BASH'd

Last night I was treated to an incredible gay rap opera (yes, that's what it's called) and all I can say is that I am still in awe of these men and the talent they have to draw a story together.  It was the most intense hour of theater I have been to in a long time and I went through a range of emotions during the whole thing from being horned up to on the verge of tears.  If you have the chance to go and see them in your city I highly recommend it; they recently got signed to perform the opera Off-Broadway in NYC!!!  For more info on BASH'd check out there website or their myspace page (Link is NSFW due to the song, but you can hear the opening lyrics there)!

After the show about 12 of us, including Nathan from the show, headed to Asian Legend and had an incredibly good (and cheap) meal of Asian goodness.  Nothing like having 12 Bears show up to a restaurant and telling the staff they are hungry...I think I could see the fear in their eyes.

Starting Line

After seven long and agonizing years under the fascist regime of Shrub the 2008 Presidential Election is under way in the United States; while he is still in power the attention will now go to who will replace him so hopefully when I do end up looking at American channels I have a chance of not seeing his monkey-face.

I watched the returns of the Iowa Caucuses last night in bed with Mason; I was astounded that Huckabee won the state…do American Conservatives have a hard on for dumb, evangelical southern white guys? I don’t get it. The real question will be if the evangelicals will hijack the Republican Party yet again and nominate this man for the Presidency. If they do I suggest the Republicans change their name to the “Theocrats” and dump the elephant for a red, white and blue cross.

On the Democratic side I wasn’t that impressed either; maybe since moving to Canada, where there is actually a left-wing, socialist party with a number of seats in Parliament, I’ve become spoiled. All I see are a bunch of similarities in different colours: black, white, brown, female. All of the viable candidates don’t even come close to supporting my values (Clinton, Obama, Edwards & Hutchinson) and the only one that does (Kucinich) does not have a hope in hell of winning the nomination.

So for the first time in my voting career I have no idea who I am supporting. I am so disillusioned with the entire process at this point that I look at the situation and am baffled. By February 5th (Super Duper Tuesday) we will more then likely know who the nominees will be…which will give us SIX MONTHS of campaigning before they are even nominated and then another FOUR MONTHS until the vote.

So I’m open to suggestions if you want to throw them at me, after all, Colorado (the last state i lived in) is still considered a swing state with 9 Electoral Votes and I’m still an American who votes.

Happy Hanukkah!

To all of my Jewish friends, loved ones and readers out there, I wish you a Happy Hanukkah; as the festival starts tonight:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiyemanu, vehigi-anu laz'man hazeh.
"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has kept us in life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment."

Another Canadian First

***MASON ENTRY***

Last night I was able to experience my first professional, NHL game here in Canada - (actually anywhere outside of Denver,) for the first time.  I was at the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal game in the company seats/suite.

The ACC is the only arena in North America that has the suite configuration where there are suites under the stands with the actual game-viewing seats out in the bowl. It is a very smart idea because valuable viewing room isn't wasted with food tables, windows, doors, etc. I really like the layout and our suite (the inside room) happens to be right next to the visitor's locker room which made for fun viewing in itself between periods:

Beyond the excitement of the game and the suite (and sending text messages and pictures to all my friends here and in Texas and Colorado,) it was a fairly emotional night for me. I was fortunate to be able to get to several hockey games in Denver (Avalanche, Rockies (that old NHL team) and college) and between being at a sporting event where the US national anthemwasn't played to all the logos and colours being Leafs' blue and white, it was extremely odd not seeing a Denver team on the ice.

It may not seem like much to many, but it was one more solid, strong confirmation that my life in Denver is behind me now. I'm not complaining by any means, but being the sports-nut I am, you find yourself identifying with a team and for me that has always been a Denver team.  The Avalanche, Broncos, Rockies, et all will always be in my heart, but they're having to move over a bit now to make room for my new home team. As I had to experience (painfully, unfortunately) with the baseball season, when it comes down to a Denver vs. Toronto match-up, my Mile High roots will always be deeper, but until that happens, Toronto will get my love and adoration (and yeah, even the loser Leafs.) It's just going to have to take some getting used-to jumping up and cheering a goal or a basket or a run when it's done by someone other than a Sakic, Elway or Issel.

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

It's been a fun weekend so far, and much needed after the crap I had to watch this past week in my Forensic Interviewing Training with the Police.  Visiting with our friend Scott from Colorado has been great, and then on Friday night we met up with Tom & Emilio from Canadian Hope, and handed them their permanent residency cards that we had been holding on to, had a celebratory drink and then went out for dinner to Sambuca's with a night of drinking and celebration at O'Grady's and a brief stop at The Eagle...it is Mr. Leather Toronto weekend after all ;-)  It was great spending time with Scott to catch up, and to spend more time with Tom & Emilio, I can't wait till they move up here!

Today is all about a belated Thanksgiving; it's weird that we are doing it on the Sunday, but so it goes when you live in a country with it's own traditions and holidays.  I feel like an immigrant holding onto the customs of the old world ...hehehe:-)  So right now I'm cooking a Maple Bacon Turkey, along with other goodies.  I'm thankful this year for our new home, our move to a new city, and our friends, both near and far.

Gobble, Gobble

Even after living here for over a year it still feels odd to get up and have to go to work on this particular Thursday.  I feel like I should be stuffing a bird, while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, but in Canada it is just another work day.  I'll have to wait till this weekend to celebrate the holiday with friends.

To all my friends and loved ones Stateside, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

CANaDianY

***MASON ENTRY***

So, the subject of candy in Canada is quite fun. I think I've already regaled everyone and visitors to the lovely goodness of the Canada-exclusive (except for a few US border-towns) of

Coffee Crisp!

But it's amusing how some candies here have different names, are extremely rare or are exclusive to us Canucks. So, concerning my last entry, here in Canada, they are called:

ROCKETS!

And in the US, the same candy is called:

SMARTIES

I actually (and a few in the poll called them) "Sweet Tarts," but as I did some research, I quickly remembered that they are actually a somewhat different sugary treat:

SWEET TARTS

And quite frankly, when they came out with "Chewy" Sweet Tarts, it was just wrong. In fact, I might just have to add that to my list of "Why I Moved to Canada" list! ;-)

Even more interesting, here in Canada (and Europe) there is candy called:

SMARTIES

But, they are made by Nestle and are small, candy-coated chocolate pieces, very similar to, yup you guessed it:

M&Ms

As I have mentioned before, it's disappointing that there are many gaps in my childhood memories, but one that hasn't escaped me is going to "The Drugstore" a store on South Monoco near where I grew up. My sister Char used to work there and it quickly became one of our regular shopping destinations. The main check out counter moved a few times, but it always retained this huge display case in the front of it where all the candy was displayed. Perfect height for kids! In fact, I think it's one of the reasons I have never shoplifted in my life because I can vividly remember a kid being caught once by his parent and forced to admit stealing to the owner of the store and apologize. I was mortified. But, I digress. As for a candy I really miss here in Canada and was one of my all-time favourites growing up:

BIG HUNK!

I can taste that chewy white nougat with peanuts in it - perfect if it was in my pocket warming up to the perfect consistency where it would still 'break' off, but wasn't so hard it would chip a tooth while eating it and wasn't too soft that it was goopy. Oh, for a bite of a Big Hunk! ;-)

Name This Candy!

***MASON POST***

I am very confident that those from the US and those from CANADA will each answer differently.  My boss has a candy bowl in his office (freshly filled from Nick's and my leftovers thanks to the Halloween scrooge Doug who was Mr. Stingie this year!) :-)

Anyhoo...as I reached to grab these sugary treats, I called it one thing and the two native-Canadians in the office corrected me.  Keep in mind these are the same people who say "Maaaazduh," and "paaaaasta"(like a baaaawing sheep,) and call rubber bands "elastics." So I put this out to you my dear friends...

So, you tell me......

H.O.L.I.D.A.Y

**MASON POST**

THIS WAS LOCKED UP AND DIDN'T POST BACK ON 2-NOV - SORRY

The sound you heard yesterday afternoon was the hard drive on my Macbook Pro crashing.

That second sound you heard was the shattering of glass as my Macbook Pro was launched out a plateglass window.

As such it will be going to the Apple Doctor today (is violent throwing of a laptop covered under AppleCare?) I guess it could be worse, but...

That third sound you will be hearing early Saturday morning is that of a jet plane as it makes it's way to Mexico with my honey and me on it for a week's holiday in Cancun courtesy of the CBC after winning a national contest earlier this year.

So, this is probably going to take some serious patience, determination and maybe some friend's "happy pills," but I will be without my laptop, cell phone, my new Crackberry and any other communications device while there. Yes, you're reading that correctly - I will be OUT OF CONTACT with the world for an entire week (technically eight days since we're gone Sat to Sat.)

So you can all take a breather -

• No Text messages.
  
• No Facebook status updates.
  
• No 2 A.M Drunk dials.
  
• No Live Journal or Life Without Borders missives (or comments from The Mason.)
  
• No Chatroom visits.
  
• No Bear411 teasing.
  
• No Messenger messenging.
  

OMG - what the hell am I going to do??!! This is even scarier when I type it out and read it. Nick handed me a couple of things to bring with me on the trip. They have hundreds of pieces of paper covered with words on them between two covers. I'm not exactly sure what they are or what you do with them, but maybe he'll show me when we get there.

Oh wait - I almost forgot - this place is "all-inclusive"

unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including domestic and selected international brands.
Nevermind. I'm good. (I sure hope they've stocked up!)

Remembrance Day

I'm glad I got back in time from Remembrance Day, there was a wonderful programme on CBC this morning covering the events in Ottawa.  More of an update later, but I wanted to take a moment to express my thanks and respect for those who have passed and those still serving.

Out Of Here!

Well, Mason and I are off for holiday starting eeeeeaaaarrrlly tomorrow morning; we'll be in Cancun for the next week.  No laptops, no phones, no crackberries; just us, the waves and a lot of fruity drinks :-)

See you all when I get back!

~Nikolas

File Under: WTF!?!

I believe this is one of the signs of the apocalypse for me, WTF!?!

"The Zogby International survey shows 52 percent of Americans would support a strike on Iran, while 53 percent expect President Bush to launch such an attack before the end of his second term. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is voters' No. 1 choice to deal with Iran, with 21 percent saying they would like to see her take on Tehran from the White House. Republican Rudy Giuliani was voters' second choice, with 15 percent.

Just 29 percent of Americans think the US should not attack Iran, with one in five people unsure about military action. Of those who would support a strike, 28 percent believe military action should wait until the next president is in office, while 23 percent want to see Bush let lose US missiles against Iran."

What has happened to people???

Blessed Samhain/Happy Hallowe'en

A Blessed Samhain to all my Pagan friends celebrating the New Year tonight, and a Happy Hallowe'en to everyone; may your nights be fun, revered and spooky :-)

Bittersweet Was Never My Favourite

***MASON POST***

For some unknown reason (and I'm sure therapists and psychologists can probably figure it out eventually) there aren't many childhood memories tucked away in that space in my skull that houses my brain.  There is one, though, and it involves chocolate so it's not all bad.

The only problem is it centres around those beacons of goodness that sit in a kitchen cupboard that are discovered when that irresistible craving for sweets kicked in.  That pot of gold at the end of the rainbow -

Nestle Chocolate Chips!

But in an instant that rush of adrenalin and joy can come crashing to the ground - shattering like the inventory in a crystal glass shop in an earthquake - when you rip open the package, throw a handful into your mouth and quickly discover that those small morsels of curled-topped chocolate are in fact semi-sweet!  I remember trying to eat a spoonful of sugar with every handful and it just wasn't the same.  They could never come close to the milk chocolate variety or even better:  butterscotch!

This memory comes forward because that's exactly what I'm feeling today after watching the end of the 2007 World Series.  The excitement of watching my beloved Boston Red Sox handily win their second championship in four years, but knowing that it was at the expense of my hometown heroes, the Colorado Rockies. 

As is well known, my loyalties were to the Cinderella team that ended up left alone at the big dance.  I don't regret that decision and in fact know that's the I will always make without hesitation, but I can't help but reach for the jar of sugar hoping that the bitter taste of this series for me will miraculously go away.  Who am I kidding!  It didn't work for the disappointment of semi sweet chocolate chips and certainly doubt it will work for this World Series either. 

Enjoy the sweet nectar of this win my Beantown Boys in Red - without a doubt you earned it!

On a side note, I went to Denver's Rocky Mountain News web page and was surprised with it's headline today:

Yup - you see right.  Not one mention of the series on Page One.  It seems to me the one they ran back on 23-October when the Rockies' website crashed during ticket sales could have been re-run:

I will say one of the on-line headlines was pretty clever though:  Four-gone Conclusion.