Hillary, the Fighter: It's not Over!

March 4th: A Clinton Comeback! A Hoorah for Hillary!
An amazing woman with leadership, experience and courage, who has the solutions through action for America. Get the message out to Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont! Get on board and be the change you wish to see in the world!

Make calls, contribute, & spread the message! Join Team Hillary at
www.hillaryclinton.com

Picture of the Week

Sigma Beta Mu: Flip, Tarsi and Jason, a NAK-pack

Phone time

Being on the phone is possibly the most annoying thing in the world for me (aside from Republicans of course). Most of you know that my phone is usually off preferring to communicate via email, AIM or myspace, it's what works for me and I'm going with it. I receive several text messages from numbers that I don't recognize. I don't even know who was asking me earlier today about any hot spots in Santa Barbara. Yes, it's true, I only have about 15 numbers stored on my phone and I've had this particular one for over a year and a half. I don't even charge the stupid thing therefore I keep misplacing it for days straight without ever realizing it. Sick, right?

Change may be on the horizon. I've had the best talks with Spike in recent days. Speaking with that guy is a total upper for me, mostly because of the kind of guy he is and the energy that exudes. I love his sincerity and thank him for his genuine interest in checking in with me to see how I'm doing. I've only seen Spike trashed one time and boy, I'm talking chunks! Here's hoping that Vegas is still in the cards for his berfday and if not, an overdue trip to the bay will happen sooner than later.

Sergio, wow, this guy is a total bad-ass. His dedication to his career and politics is fascinating and refreshing. Despite the fact that he too is on Team Obama, he's stated many times that he'll support the eventual Democratic nominee as I plan to do as well. This guy is in love with his community and with the country, I don't question his commitment to his politics and applaud his many efforts. This past year has been incredibly hectic for me and sometimes the frustration can be more overwhelming than I've been prepared to handle. Sergio has completely mastered how to excel in the job sector as well as in the various organizations that he's involved with. What's most amazing to me is that every time I see this guy, he has the happiest disposition on full display. Our conversation yesterday was just what I needed. If there is a future in politics for me, Sergio will be the ideal adviser for a campaign.

I'll give turning my phone on more often.

Pride of Mexico: Gymnast Elsa Garcia

Mexico's rising star, gymnast Elsa Garcia is by far the greatest gymnast that this country has ever produced. She was born February 8th 1990 in Monterrey México at the "Ginequito" Hospital. Where Mexico's notable gymnasts have been successful on one or two particular events, Garcia has mastered all 4 events to Olympic caliber. Already, Garcia has won numerous medals in the international circuit having already defeated some of the best gymnasts in the world. A leg stress fracture kept her from performing at her peak at last year's World Championships which serve as the official qualification for the Olympic Games in Beijing therefore was unable to qualify as an individual.

Garcia has a long future in the sport if she choses to continue for the next few years. Mexico could definitely benefit from her experience and difficult skills.

I look forward to seeing this talented gymnast further her career a few years and possibly hold out until the next Olympic Games.

You can visit Elsa Garcia's official page at
www.regioclub.com.mx/Elsa/

Read a full interview of Elsa at International Gymnast Magazine
http://www.intlgymnast.com/news/2006/dec/123006_garcia.html

Without your camera you are nothing!

That's what Marty told me once which I think was true for the most part. Life sucks now without my camera it broke and I haven't taken as many pictures as I've wanted to so far this year. I miss my camera and capturing happy moments with friends and loved ones.

I'll have to save up for a new camera. Rats!

Have you heard of Staaaaanford?

That's how we met, I felt like such a dumb ass. He totally checked me! There was some initial eye contact and I made my way over towards him to engage in small talk. I was checked!!! Keith totally returned my serve by letting me know who he was after I tried making a point that I wasn't some uneducated Latino guy at Akbar. Why the need for such sass, who knows! I was trying to be funny but maybe also secretly wanting him to see me in a special way. I'll be honest, some gay white dudes make me feel incredibly insecure and I pegged Keith for being one of these pretentious and superficial dudes (of course now I know that many latinos can be far more terrible). Where did my Keith go?

Can I just say that Keith is my favorite white-Mexican ever?! Not only does this guy have an incredible work ethic, but he's very much into physical fitness. He's got a thing for the brown boys and Tarsi was always fond of Keith's looks and muscles. Why isn't he rubbing off on me? He might be just the connection that Alex needs in landing a promising job in Keith's company. It's all premature of course but Alex is enthusiastic and Keith is too but for reasons that will stay between Keith and I. Have I mentioned that both of them are Stanford Alumni? I think a happy hour night is definitely in the cards for the three of us in the near future. I'll be sure to also invite someone who went to UCR or some Cal State so that I don't feel so overwhelmed, ha ha!

My friendship with Keith has suffered tremendously over the past year. Hanging out with Keith and his friends at Formosa was an memorable for so many reasons! The place was a smashing good time, the company extremely fun and well...we're due for a night of madness.

Keith is a former NCAA gymnast competing for Stanford University. Here's a glimpse into one of his many talents.

Just keep writing, just keep writing...

Marty, the person who originally motivated me to start a blog, is leaving Los Angeles and moving back to San Francisco. His stint in LA wasn't so great from what he was telling me and I'm sad that we didn't get a proper goodbye. I will say that hanging out with him is a whole lot of fun! Great times at Faultline and at Le Barcito! Thank you for the advice, I'll miss you!

Something inside is changing, I've allowed myself to be vulnerable more so than I have been for the last year. These blogs may not be as deep as I'd like them to be just yet, but they have allowed me the space and freedom to immerse myself in thoughts and process my thinking through this open channel. Talking about my feelings sometimes isn't enough, I've been in open book. Yes, I've been holding back.

This is my journey and being in control of my writing is an added bonus in having my own blog. The need to release and cry has become less intense. I feel myself growing in confidence, creativity and ability. It's going to be a great year!

Defining a Fruit Loop

Directions: Meet at a specific West Hollywood bar, you gather, drink move to next bar, drink, group grows, move to next bar, drinks, more friends come, move to next bar, more drinks, more friends until you've hit up all the bars!

Simply: bars, drinks, their friends, more bars, more drinks, repeat many times over!

Rule #1: bring cash, a camera, friends and their friends
Rule #2 :everyone must have at least 1 alcoholic beverage at each bar location!
Rule #3 : Flip serves as official time keeper
Rule #4: hit up all the bars in WeHo

Green eyed Mike: Riddle me this

Mikey Mikey Mikey...

My circle of best friends are randomly born from unconventional situations. There's usually alcohol involved. Mikey I met through an old friend, David and initially I didn't know what to make of this introduction mostly because I was charming (drunk). Mikey, do you understand the riddle now? There were no apples!

There's nothing but love and admiration for this guy. Mikey is unique because he genuinely cares for the well being of people and reminds has an uncanny similarity to my Councilwoman, Jacque Robinson, both being great listeners who truly and patiently care to hear and understand people. Mike's tired of my propaganda but I think he loves it that I'm so passionate about my girl, Hillary. I don't blame Mikey for following Obama. He's drawn to Obama like one of the little rats under the spell of the musical sounds in the story of the Pied Piper! I thought you knew better, Mikey, weren't you poli sci at UCLA?! If you need tips on how to distinguish between beautiful sounds and actual substance give me a holler! :)

We've decided to press forward and plan a fruit loop in March and Freddy will also be a co-host! Stay tunned for invites!

Friends with talent: Raul Batiz

Fotografias de Mexico
Take a unique look at this culturally rich country through the eye of talented photographer Raul Batiz. This collection of photographs were captured during a cross country trip of Mexico and were recently featured during his first gallery exhibition this past fall and now I have the honor of sharing some of his work with you.

Not only am I totally amazed by his eye for beautiful shots, but I'm equally impressed by their brilliance through his perfect use of light and color. Great job Raul!

To learn more about Raul Batiz and his works please visit
www.raulbatiz.com

Turning things upside down

I look in the mirror and sometimes I don't like what I see. My flaws are quite evident, I'm reactive, impatient, judgmental, and terribly negative. There's a lot more that I know I need to work on and writing in this short span has given me some clarity. Not only am I seeing growth through my writing, but I'm learning to step outside my box and see me through the eyes of others.

The comment that this supposed friend made hurt my feelings and obviously pissed me off more than I was ready to admit. However, there's growth that has already manifested itself within me.

Through his words I'm able to realize that I've been a hater many times over. Why have I been blind to these inadequacies? There's a difference between constructive criticism and complete hating on something just because I have no appreciation for it. It's time I grow up and support people, especially my friends who seek an honest opinion and my support. Words are hurtful and I don't to be the person who discourages people from pursuing their path.

It is with this mindset that I welcome the opinion from the person who I wrote about in the blog below. Through your words I've realized that you're the person I don't ever want to be: a negative asshole.

Hater

i don't know what's worse...you for writing it...or people taking the time to actually read it...-Name Withheld for Maturity Reasons

There are so many assholes out there and let's face it, these people are haters for no damn reason. How dare someone I thought was a friend criticize the intention of this blog which include some deeply personal thoughts. This isn't an easy thing to do, it takes a lot of balls for someone to put their thoughts out there for people to see knowing that you will be judged. I've made it clear that I'm no writer and that this blog is a means to express my perspective and share these thoughts with you. Already I've encountered my very first put down. He did it Out of love yeah right. Kiss my ass out of love! I assure you, it's nothing more than water off my back. Shit, if we all stopped our lives and passions just because someone disproves of the endeavors we've chosen to undertake, then we'd be weak and unaccomplished beings.

I feel comfortable with who I am and what I chose to put out there. If that makes me a geek, fag or loser then so be it. Oh yes, and if it appears I have a lot of time on my hands like this person also suggested, then maybe its true. I work hard, I'm involved with my community, I make time to hangout, support and party with my friends, and I know damn well I make a difference.

So I'll keep dancing and doing my thing like the little bumblebee girl in the Blind Melon No Rain video!


Rock on weirdos, geeks, outcasts and all you artists out there!

Missing you...

Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart. -Eleanor Roosevelt

What do you do when your soul hurts? I've been mourning the loss of two friends for far too long. Through this writing I'm hoping to let go of this pain and heal these wounds. These friends didn't pass away, but they have chosen a path that I am no in. It's difficult to open my heart, I'm so full of shit and pain that it's hard for me to understand myself. I'll try as best as I can.

UCSB experience blessed me with incredible opportunities and paths that someway or another connected me to some of the most amazing people I've met thus far in life. In fact, my closest friends today I met at UCSB and not in the most conventional ways.

Nancy (pictured at top) was one of my closest friends circa 2001. Her and I were both going through an awful year for differing reasons. She was stability and I was her confidant. That year was incredibly fun as college should be sometimes. We were inseparable all summer and really bonded through our shared pain and willingness to rise above it. Nancy and I drifted apart but we did try and keep the lines of communication open although I think both of us dropped the ball for personal reasons.

Three months ago I received an email from Nancy letting me know that she's now married and that despite her love for me, she doesn't approve of my lifestyle and for that very reason our paths must go in separate ways. I've never had to face loosing a friend because of my sexuality. Why is being gay an issue all of a sudden, it's not like I was ever trying to sleep with a boyfriend of hers or anything. She was perfectly comfortable and open to understanding who I was back then. A devout Jehovah's Witness now, Nancy isn't the same person I first met. I believe her faith has everything to do with why she's decided to terminate our friendship. It hurts but despite the pain I hope she's happy with her choices in life and wish her no ill will.

Taylor (2nd picture) is by far one of the most accomplished friends I've ever met. Her intelligence is equally complemented by her amazing drive. Taylor was the 1st person I ever met in a UCSB class when we both enrolled in the transitional program during the summer of 1998. Taylor can be intrepid, intimidating and vulnerable all at the same time. Taylor is the type of person I never have to worry about, she has incredible head on her shoulders and the will to back up her aspirations with action.

It's no wonder Taylor and I lost touch. She's participated in Peace Corps, countless research opportunities across the world, and an awesome Master's program in Michigan. Wherever she is, I miss her and welcome her friendship with open arms. I miss her in my life. It's been about 3 years since we last spoke and I hope that changes sometime very soon.

Taking things back to NAK

Talented, driven, unique, ambitious, sincere, caring, intelligent, family: my brothers, the Distinguished Gentleman of Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity.

Thank you for the laughs, tears, support, trust and moments that I'll take with me to the end.

Sexism in America: Britney & Hillary

Peter and Paris
vs.
Britney and Flip

Leave Britney alone! -Chris Crocker

I'm so furious, I could just eat! We've all seen Britney's cooter but what you aren't aware of is that it wasn't her who originated the infamous pose. Peter Griffin was first to show his plingis to the West Hollywood paparazzi yet no one made a spectacle of it. A few weeks later in a similar situation, Britney accidentally flashes britbrit and instantly an international scandal erupts! Why do men get all the breaks in society. No one is talking about the coalition between the elite of our society and the media to keep women down! It's unfair, unjust and it stinks!

Let's break these issues down and hash out this conversation as Texas and Ohio get ready to vote on March 4th. Help end sexism, you have the power to bring a more gender balanced America to the forefront of our national culture. Support Hillary Clinton!

There will be a new Bush in the White House and it belongs to Hillary Clinton! -Flip

Join, contribute and support Hillary at www.hillaryclinton.com

Athletic A$$ets: Nadal vs. Weiss

Rafael Nadal (tennis pro) and Michael Weiss (figure skater) are known for their incredible athleticism and sheer powerful moves, however, most people will also notice (it's hard not to) that these two handsome men also pack some serious junk in their trunk. Who's got the nicer tush? Enjoy.

Let's take a long walk...

Los Angeles 2008

Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Rose Bowl, Pasadena

Register at
www.walknowforautism.org

Grab your walking shoes and bottled water! Join me for a walk this Spring and let's make a difference together. Walk Now is the leading benefit for Autism research and awareness. My hometown of Pasadena will be hosting this year's LA Autism Walk. Come for the tan and stay for a wonderful day of activities and fun.

Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in 1 in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The diagnosis of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

Tina Fey on Hillary Clinton

Saturday Night Live's Tina Fey on Hillary Clinton

Get it for Tina Fey speaking the truth on Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update. Why are women bitches and men leaders? Guys are assholes! Let's Keep this momentum going and help out our girl! It's not too late, get on board Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania!

On relationships

Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous. -Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

You're Still the One

Most love songs are about the joy and excitement of falling in love while the other half are about agony and pain of eventual breakups. There's more to relationships than just a beginning and end, so where are those songs?

Shania Twain's You're Still the One is my favorite song of all time. It's about celebrating love that's still going strong. If more songs had this message would the psychology of people in relationships change and actually help some relationships and marriages last longer?

It's beautiful, inspiring and the way I think love feels like.



You're Still The One
(When I first saw you, I saw love.
And the first time you touched me, I felt love.
And after
all this time, you're still the one I love.)
Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Alex

It's time to talk about Alex. A little under 4 years ago I met an amazing guy who I instantly clicked with and eventually fell head over heals for. A student at Stanford, in my eyes, Alex had it all: good looks, amazing heart, intelligence and a great personality. We went out a couple of times but it didn't take long for us to decided on making things official. There was chemistry and there were fireworks! We a lot of laughs, but then we also fought...and fought...and fought. We're like minded in a lot of ways, both similarly stubborn, opinionated, and terribly reactive. I always held back with Alex because I was conscious that our summer romance would end once he headed back to Stanford while I'd be heading back to UCSB. I stopped trying because, well...in someways I wanted things to fail because I don't think I'd be able to handle a long distance relationship, especially if I were in love. He's such an amazing person, I'd never want him too far from me. It wouldn't be the 1st time I've sabotaged a relationship with someone. Things ended but I always knew we would be friends and that time has finally arrived.

Since 2004 there were sporadic moments of communication between us. He needed time and I understood that an immediate friendship wouldn't happen even if i tried to will it. A recent college graduate, Alex has moved back to Burbank we've been hanging out a lot. Going out to clubs was difficult at first because I would get jealous when he was approached by other guys but that quickly evaporated. We've become close and genuine friends. I love Alex, he's one of my best friends now and it's been sooo much fun hanging out at clubs, coffee shops and everywhere else in between. Our conversations are deep and we do turn to each other for guidance and advice. I especially turn to check out that huge bubble butt of his (its hard not to stare at it) I don't think he minds it just yet.

It's funny that he thinks so highly of my friends because the friends that have met him think equally highly of him. I do have a great circle of friends and Alex is finally where he belongs again, in my heart alongside my friends and family.

Taking things back...

Kwani, Michi, MK, Michelle

Sacred possession; my very own shrine and source of motivation that was inspired by the Julie Newmar picture in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar

Thank you for the picture Michelle!

A moment of gratitude

Alex's comment about my friends kept me very pensive and for great reasons. I have the most wonderful friends in the world. Not only are these people caring but they're also extremely talented beings! The best thing about them is that all of my friends get along with each other even if they've just met. It's never a dull time with these guys.

Two snaps to you all for being the sunshine in my life!