tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-119860482012-02-11T00:13:13.983-05:00A seeker from Kansas synthesizes his faith, sexuality and his place in this crazy world.Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.comBlogger1711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-55393010202637531102010-03-02T21:51:00.009-05:002010-03-03T06:38:09.722-05:00

About two years ago, my friend Ron started bringing up podcasts in our conversation. He would listen to all these different podcasts and encourage me to download them. Little did he realize that I'm extremely slow to embrace new technology. I don't like it and only do it after I see others have done it before me and didn't perish. So I had intentions of trying out this podcast thing but when push

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-88668965274136532422010-01-07T17:59:00.001-05:002010-01-07T18:01:49.980-05:00

The new year has started and people are saying goodbye to 2009 and looking ahead in anticipation to 2010. From what I’ve heard and read, the majority of the reviews of the last year have been negative, due to the economy, the resulting recession or tragic personal events. Reflecting on these views, I can’t help but remember a relevant message I heard from Rev. Brent Hawkes.I have to admit my

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-35361356574390498812009-11-22T17:39:00.004-05:002009-11-22T18:14:00.192-05:00

I just got back from a really lovely brunch with the Ex. Some people (namely my current flame) don’t get why we stay in touch or how we even manage to get along. On my end, he helps me remember things about a life (in Korea) that is slowly but surely fading. Also, every time we eat together, it’s harder for me to have those negative feelings and easier to forgive. Forgiveness is a process for me

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-77678938351022972222009-08-24T23:02:00.002-04:002009-08-25T00:04:00.585-04:00

There are times when I feel like I’ve said all that can possibly be said. I’ve written this blog for so many years now on so many topics near and dear to my heart that there is absolutely nothing more for me to say. And then I read something or talk to someone and realize there are whole worlds I haven’t even thought of writing about! Today I read this article in the New York Times regarding male

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-12337020096039836232009-08-14T00:59:00.007-04:002009-08-14T02:29:13.525-04:00

In the past month I've been shocked and appalled by the amount of propaganda that the Republicans have been feeding the American public. Not only have there been misrepresentations about the Canadian health care system, but the British as well. Since Danifesto has had to address this with friends back home on several occasions, the subject might as well be posted on here for future reference! (Go

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-76177226288659564292009-08-13T13:48:00.002-04:002009-08-13T13:48:01.474-04:00

Due to the religious environment that was an integral part of my upbringing, I’ve always felt like a bit of a prude. I curse infrequently, avoid spending large amounts of time without clothes and dislike “oversharing” about one’s sex life. However, given all the indications to the contrary, I’ve recently come to realize that I harbor little to no sex-related feelings of guilt! Why didn’t this

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-48154101323912240042009-08-12T13:03:00.000-04:002009-08-12T13:03:00.652-04:00

Recently, while job-hunting I was amused to discover that one school, in lieu of a philosophy of education, wanted me to submit a statement of faith. Intrigued and always up for a writing challenge, here's what I came up with. Keep in mind, this is the cummulation of years on this (somewhat) green Earth so it may evolve in the future. I'm okay with that. Danifesto's Statement of Faith I believe

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-3288821073995852402009-08-11T11:01:00.002-04:002009-08-11T13:02:02.533-04:00

So Danifesto has been away from blogging for awhile. But inside his head, he's been writing and ruminating on all sorts of things. Hopefully now is the time to get back to this!I want to first thank all those who wrote in and asked "WHAT'S GOING ON? WHERE DID YOU GO?"Good questions! There are a number of reasons I stopped posting. One is that I didn't have anything to say. Another is that

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-56208910131956990692009-03-29T20:24:00.005-04:002009-03-29T21:47:09.948-04:00

I just realized that the last three movies I’ve gone to have all had one thing in common: they are all Canadian films! In my quest to support independent film, I just happened to seek out three very different movies, all set and produced in Canada! I thought it would be interesting, as an outsider, to review them for you!The first, “The Necessities of Life,” began on breath-taking Baffin Island

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-3526124624879021582009-03-19T23:14:00.004-04:002009-07-28T09:54:18.279-04:00

How did the word “right” come to mean “good” or “correct?” Is the word “left”, by implication and extension, “wrong?” When one works with ESL students, interesting questions like this always arise! Here’s my perspective on the matter!Culturally we are biased to favour the right-handed person. We drive and walk on that side. When entering a museum or store, the impulse is usually to head to the

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-36297227191548840502009-03-02T22:09:00.002-05:002009-03-02T22:22:43.752-05:00

I have to say that I really have been blessed to be surrounded by so many interesting friends! One I meet with to discuss film, literature and life in general. He’s a writer and a good one and it’s my hope that someday his genius will be recognized if only by himself!The other day we started a debate that still continues. He made the statement that any story could be interesting so long as it

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-70335682947554471342009-02-28T21:51:00.002-05:002009-03-02T22:24:33.146-05:00

I have to admit that, in spite of myself, I do wonder from time to time what I’m doing in this country, away from my family and things that are familiar to me. I’ve resisted fantasies of relocating because a) voluntarily making numerous life changes all at once is never a good idea and b) I’m unsure what shape my life would take if I did move closer to my family. So with all this uncertainty

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-49492291291631849562009-02-27T21:40:00.002-05:002009-02-27T21:51:02.630-05:00

I recently finished the novel “The Unbearable Lightness of Being.” I might be the only person in the world that found this book neither enjoyable nor profound. However, there was one part though that I thought was interesting: "True human goodness, in all its purity and freedom, can come to the fore only when its recipient has no power. Mankind’s true moral test, its fundamental test, consists

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-86681731883309828452009-02-15T00:55:00.000-05:002009-02-15T00:55:01.030-05:00

The other day I came across this clip from the comic Michael Buckley from the What the Buck Show? In it he answers a variety of questions about his sexual orientation based on his mannerisms, way of dress and style of delivery. All of these factors supposedly equal the big G-A-Y. This got me thinking: What does it mean to act gay? Does this mean to cross your legs and wildly fan your wrists in

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-80996385021959152062009-02-13T00:32:00.002-05:002009-02-13T00:53:11.040-05:00

In a movie I just watched called “Happy Go Lucky,” there was a scene (seen here in the trailer) where the sister of the main character charged her with not taking life “seriously enough.” The main character protested, saying she had an amazing life and really felt lucky that she had it. She was enjoying and treasuring every minute of it. The sister responded by referencing the future and how

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-90123618131906930062009-01-24T16:14:00.004-05:002009-01-25T00:37:27.505-05:00

Recently there’s been a spate of lists in which the participant notes interesting trivial things about themselves. They were fun to read and I thought I would try it myself. The number appears to range from 25 to 10 so I’ve compromised at 20. Enjoy!1.I was named for my paternal grandfather who died a little over 9 months before I was born. If I had been a girl, I would have been named Julie

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-9021002880688260912009-01-22T00:25:00.003-05:002009-08-14T02:25:24.327-04:00

Walking home a few nights ago, I found myself feeling very happy. This was probably due to a variety of factors, not the least being the Yellowtail Shiraz my good friend and I shared over a lovely dinner at his home, followed by a book chat with cheese! I had been thinking about my life a year ago and how utterly trapped I felt. Like when Ani DiFranco sings "There's got to be more than this

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-56153924068751968252008-12-23T11:37:00.008-05:002009-01-20T16:06:25.095-05:00

After a false start or two, I've dived back into the dating pool. It's a bit like a job interview in many ways, trying to constantly sell yourself and close the deal. Lots of networking going on as well. Perhaps I should have letters of reference from my exes? I can only imagine what they would say! Good times!On the other hand, I sense in myself a deep desire for happily ever after. Pick the

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-35135249931603875282008-12-16T22:34:00.000-05:002008-12-16T23:25:32.696-05:00

The other day I was at the gym working out when I was approached by someone from the YMCA staff. This had never happened before and has never happened since. The man had a Russian accent and combined with my iPod, it was necessary for me to say “Excuse me?’ He repeated the question “Are. you. feeling. it?” He seemed to be a pompous ass so I just said “um....SURE. I am FEELING it.” “Really?”

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-67862647761664098012008-12-08T18:03:00.000-05:002008-12-08T18:56:03.369-05:00

I’ve learned quite a lot from my weekly book club at MCCT. We worked our way, chapter by chapter, through Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth. It wasn’t an easy read and there have been many challenging and new ideas. I’ve learned that not only am I not my ego but neither am I my past or my future. Unless I make this choice. Who I am truly exists only in the present and that is what I like to think of as

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-43295810664422113082008-11-11T20:16:00.001-05:002008-11-11T22:01:37.080-05:00

Last weekend I had a nice time with friends in Koreatown. We went to my favourite restaurant and then on to norebang (private karaoke) and sang to our hearts' content! So fun.The only bittersweet part was the very noticeable absence of the person formerly known as my partner, the only actual Korean. He always had special songs he always sang and he always ordered for us and did the table BBQ

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-2719606523940919142008-10-11T00:11:00.000-04:002008-10-11T01:52:53.288-04:00

AS you may have guessed from the dirth of images posted, Danifesto is in love with the written word. So when the opportunity to attend Writing Outside the Margins came up, I was very excited to check it out!The most surprising event of the day was that I came away without any additions to my grossly overstocked personal library. There was a time that I hungrily snatched up any queer lit I could

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-84770283662873161402008-10-10T18:09:00.001-04:002008-10-13T12:52:01.101-04:00

After being part of a set for the last six years, I am now acclimating myself to spending more time alone. Being a "singleton" is slightly less of an issue in the gaybourhood than mainstream society. There is still some reluctance on the part of a couple to befriend a single person. Then you have the guy at a party who refers to his partner repeatedly to make it clear the conversation is just

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-51573168076792061892008-09-21T15:56:00.001-04:002008-09-22T21:27:01.554-04:00

I received an email this morning that expressed surprise at my lack of hostility over recent events. Aren't you angry? How can you still be so accommodating after all of this has happened? I've actually had quite a few people say the same thing to me and I thought this would be a good space to address these questions.The message today at my church was totally in accordance with my life philosophy

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-56910097803621231762008-08-25T22:58:00.002-04:002008-08-26T00:10:31.224-04:00

As many of you know, Danifesto is observing two milestones this year. One landmark is turning 35, halfway to the big 4-0! The other relates to the relationship I've had with the person I met six years ago in Korea. Both anniversaries offered a valuable opportunity to reassess and take stock. After discussion with my partner, we have, with both regret and respect, decided to part ways.The

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-12592332296609628162008-08-16T00:29:00.001-04:002008-08-25T22:30:07.809-04:00

(taken from the BBC News feed) I liked how this gave both points of view in a succinct way.What Does the Bible Actually Say About Being Gay? Confused how two groups of church-goers can have such conflicting views about whether it's OK to be gay?Both sides of the debate about homosexuality in the church, which threatens to split the worldwide Anglican church, hold their views sincerely and after

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-89783920113230221742008-08-09T18:37:00.001-04:002008-08-09T21:11:48.714-04:00

It's summer in "T-dot" and that means Danifesto has been making the most of it! Toronto has lots of festivals in the summertime (one of the biggest of course being Pride). I love walking through our 'hood, seeing the Filipino men clustered around little tables playing card games, the blankets laden with "treasures" outside Food for Less , and the fruit and vegetable stand where everything is sold

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-47702899250989819832008-07-12T17:20:00.000-04:002008-07-12T18:26:17.606-04:00

I'm a big advocate of life-long learning and I'm thankful that I've learned so many things over the years. I look forward to continue learning as I grow and evolve. However I have come across things that I just don't get. Here's a list of a few.*Stupid Book Jackets-That say nothing about the content of the book. Like I'm going to take it home based on some newspaper saying "Amazing tour de force

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-81036827046664739212008-05-21T18:34:00.001-04:002008-05-21T23:54:58.617-04:00

Well I found the secret to life, I found the secret to life, I'm okay when everything is not okay (Tori Amos-Upside Down)I believe I've mentioned my penchant for winning free stuff before. For example this week I won two free movie passes to My Blueberry Nights along with the soundtrack.One of the free items I won was a copy of the book The Secret. Like a previous book I've blogged about, I would

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-83948717933024696412008-05-13T00:15:00.002-04:002008-05-13T23:46:28.641-04:00

I'm not sure why I bothered to get a CD player, MP3 player or an Ipod. I seem to have a plethora of tunes stored in my head, ready to play at a moment's notice!One of these songs, "No Day But Today," popped into my head while listening to a sermon from my minister. The sermon title was "How to Have Life and Have it More Abundantly." It was based on the scripture passage...... The pastor suggested

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-7138809935445854172008-05-11T19:50:00.001-04:002008-05-11T21:08:38.524-04:00

All through the Bible there are instances of God speaking to people (believers and nonbelievers alike) and yet it seems that, in these troubled times, when someone makes this claim, we tend to question their sanity or alterior motive. Is it because we think God has said all that needs to be said? That there is nothing new to be revealed?I suspect it has more to do with the fact we aren't

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-2209853485184924232008-03-26T10:13:00.000-04:002008-03-26T10:17:12.421-04:00

One of my collegues read this article in the Toronto Star and suggested I try it with my writing class. Being gifted with verbosity, I've often struggled with how to say more by writing less. This is why I find haikus and children's literature so fascinating!So when given the opportunity to write my life story in only six words, I jumped at the chance!As with all good writers, I had to read what

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-85794150789830558952008-03-15T13:19:00.000-04:002008-03-15T15:21:07.195-04:00

For a long time I've been struggling with a faith question and I think I've finally worked it out (for myself). Before in this blog I've wondered whether we are good people who sometimes make bad mistakes or bad people who try to make good choices. This conflict stemmed from a paradox found in the Bible. We were created in God's wonderous image and yet we all are sinners (thanks to Adam and Eve),

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-17580936711833283362008-03-02T17:37:00.002-05:002008-03-04T00:26:02.091-05:00

I tried to stay ahead, I tried to stay on top, I tried to play the part, But somehow I forgot,Just what I did it for, And why I wanted more,This type of modern life - Is it for me? This type of modern life - Is it for free?Listening to this song during last week's Madonnarama party at fly got me thinking about all the conditions I have put on enjoying happiness now. Judgements like "I'm not good

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-88537444660933262152008-02-24T17:07:00.000-05:002008-02-24T18:56:16.228-05:00

For a long time, I've thought of happiness much like the song in the title. Not something that serious, intellectual people practiced. Contentment, yes. Even joy. But happiness, no. So shallow and superficial.Maybe it's all just semantics though. How do I define happiness for me? Do I define myself as a happy person? Or do I choose to define myself by the challenges and struggles I face in life?

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-12542091034445269552008-02-16T13:21:00.001-05:002008-02-16T15:04:26.785-05:00

As if one isn't enough, I've joined yet another book club! This one meets only after church during the Lenten season. I was interested because observing Lent isn't a tradition I grew up with. Plus I'm hoping this will be a way for me to meet people in the the church. My only problem with this book club is ironically the book!I'm even embarrassed to reveal the title! "Happiness Now!" Exclamation

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-63452617963576277502008-02-04T22:51:00.001-05:002008-02-04T22:51:58.787-05:00

I rarely post video clips on here. However this was one of the more creative ventures I've seen in a long time. It's such a postive message I couldn't help sharing this with you! The US has so much untapped potential. Change is here, if we want it.

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-32329353577430458302008-02-03T18:43:00.000-05:002008-02-04T16:51:30.628-05:00

I love my church. I love love it. Today to proclaim Black History Month, we had an amazing member of our church talk about her life experiences as a young black immigrant woman in Canada. She concluded with a Marianne Williamson quotation that Nelson Mandela used in his 1994 Inaugural Speech. Check it out!Our Greatest Fear Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate,but that we are powerful

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-13977910057503964922008-01-09T23:15:00.000-05:002008-01-10T00:23:17.608-05:00

Making our bed on a Sunday morning, I was pondering this question while listening to the Mariah Carey song on our CD player. I recalled my Old Testament class professor saying that there were two main periods of miracles: one in the time of Moses and one in the time of Jesus. It made me sad to hear that because it meant that the time of miracles is over.Obviously because of Christmas and my new

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-85006225456785537762008-01-08T23:25:00.000-05:002008-01-09T00:18:57.110-05:00

Danifesto has been preoccupied with several things lately and regretfully hasn't been able to blog about them. One of the preoccupations is a new addition to my family! But to tell the story properly, I really should begin back last February. What follows is a chat from a conversation with thatjoliegirl on the 22nd.me: I was going to tell you that last night I dreamed of a large fish. I somehow

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-85532173269371136212007-12-07T21:24:00.000-05:002007-12-07T22:59:11.630-05:00

"What do we think of bisexuality?" I asked my queer coworker out of the blue the other day.He paused for a moment, shrugged and said, "They're lucky? I wish I was?" and returned to the book of grammar he had been pursuing for lesson ideas.Returning to my own thoughts, I shook my head again with surprise at the recent turn of events. Since the summer when my partner started working part-time at a

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-29304449373631414742007-11-23T22:45:00.000-05:002007-11-24T00:07:23.579-05:00

Lately I've been listening to some really great music protesting the war. In the great tradition of Vietnam protest songs in the 60's (Bob Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind, Lennon's Imagine, Marvin Gaye's What's Goin On?) we have these amazing songs such as When the President Talks to God (Bright Eyes), American Idiot (Green Day) and even Not Ready to Make Nice (Dixie Chicks). The song that has

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-12854024494825466092007-11-08T19:03:00.000-05:002007-11-09T08:52:30.624-05:00

I have to admit I do like my current job. This is probably the reason why I have been less agressive in looking for something else. I know I could have it a lot worse and many do. This job is relatively stress-free, I like my coworkers and I feel good about helping students learn something I have an actual passion for: the English language. It's also fascinating to share our cultures with each

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-3857568281763364022007-11-05T23:22:00.000-05:002007-11-05T23:51:12.890-05:00

My brother recently had a "close call" with the Grim Reaper. He was driving home after just successfully winning his very first jury trial (rah!) and was on the phone telling my mom all about about it. Suddenly he saw the ladder on the truck ahead of him lift up high in the air and come CRASHING down on the road directly in front of him, (narrowly missing hitting him or the windshield). With

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-24441225010781546332007-11-02T15:29:00.000-04:002007-11-05T23:51:41.854-05:00

Wow! Lately my neighbourhood's been the happening place!I got home today to find the front of my apartment building blocked off for a film production. I asked a woman standing next to the side door and she said they were filming the movie "The Time Traveler's Wife." Sheepishly I pulled the novel (this month's book club selection) out of my bag and we both shared a laugh. Set in Chicago, the story

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-69121340067876438102007-10-28T23:32:00.000-04:002007-10-29T00:26:00.588-04:00

I've previously posted about my interest in dance. For the past few months I've been attending a weekly beginner's swing dance class at Crews & Tango. The organization is called "Swingin' Out!" and while it is open to everyone, it was created for queer people to have a place to learn dances like the "Lindy Hop" or the "Charleston." I like the idea of these dances as part of my (North-American)

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-77717722796591095112007-10-24T22:40:00.000-04:002007-10-24T23:37:39.848-04:00

From time to time I have heard people complain that Toronto is a boring city. My response to this is that if you are bored here, you really aren't trying to have fun. There is a plethora of places to go and things to do. My friend Ron has been really good about making me more aware of what's out there. It was he that got us tickets to see the Dali Lama next week and he was also responsible for

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-83316401951037944912007-10-14T08:53:00.000-04:002007-10-14T09:31:38.045-04:00

So many things in life are ironic and their numbers seem to grow with age. I have more hair on my body but less where I actually want it. After years of trying to appear older, I now despair over creases that no longer disappear when my expressions fade. Now that I am able to stay out until all hours of the night, I am too bored and/or tired to actually do so. And I still have acne even though

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-19609203475944566822007-09-21T20:51:00.000-04:002007-09-21T22:08:12.324-04:00

I just finished a book with a really great story. I should actually restate that- it had really great stories, plural! The element I loved so much about it was how they all were so sublimely tied together in the end. Chaos and non sequitur events (similar to the plot of the movie Go)are tranformed brilliantly into a very carefully constructed conclusion.This actually happened to me in my personal

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-3074136137364058982007-09-15T14:30:00.000-04:002007-09-15T15:35:04.206-04:00

Over the past month, I've been dealing with a dental dilema. One day, after biting into the routine chicken wrap I always get at least once a week for lunch, I found a piece of my porcelain veneer had detached itself from my left front tooth! I was so upset but felt silly and vain for feeling that way. I wondered if people were looking at me a little too closely when I laughed or smiled so I

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-12550779236663044452007-09-08T11:06:00.000-04:002007-09-08T12:26:25.846-04:00

One of the questions frequently I get asked is "How many countries have you been to?" I never can remember them all and by the time I figure it out, nobody cares any more! So, as a way to save time and maintain interest in future conversations, I'll document the countries I've been to here:The first time I left the country was to go to Vancouver, British Columbia (CANADA) for the 1987 World Expo.

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-82929482513782974302007-09-07T18:33:00.000-04:002007-09-08T10:59:47.496-04:00

Thanks to all the encouraging support, Danifesto is back after a month of being a quasi-uncle (due to the visit of my partner's 11 year old nephew) and a wonderful week of vacation/family reunion in Vancouver.A recently read anthology has caused me to think about the many relationships I have with my friends. I really have been very blessed in my life and it occurred to me after reading the

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-62437098633221012562007-08-03T21:05:00.000-04:002007-08-04T19:57:35.913-04:00

So I just finished reading Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel. I know what you are thinking- yet another non-fiction book? What the heck is going on with Danifesto?Well, here's the deal McNeil. This book was on the book club list that I was apart of in SFS and I wanted to read it after I left that school so I picked it up second-hand. I learned a great deal from this book and was glad that I read

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-87329380665869188442007-08-02T00:50:00.001-04:002007-08-02T00:50:12.877-04:00

Breaking with tradition, I'm posting this music video. Please watch it when you have four minutes to spare. She makes me proud to live in Canada.Lately I've been hearing a great deal about how, with the power of our positive thinking, we can make ourselves happier through better relationships, better jobs, or more money. Instead of focusing all this "secret" energy on ourselves, why don't we "

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-64248820504045865112007-07-31T18:56:00.000-04:002007-07-31T01:17:57.560-04:00

As you all know, June has come and gone and is now a distant memory. What some of you may not know, is that during the month of June, the city of Toronto celebrated Gay Pride. This year's theme was Unstoppable! and for our first Pride in Toronto, it really exceded our wildest expectations.First some fun facts courtesy of the Toronto Star:$0-the cost of attending Pride$99.1 million- the economic

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-48518004100474921412007-07-30T16:42:00.000-04:002007-07-29T17:49:14.518-04:00

People ask me all the time how I like living in Toronto. I always say I love it but am never able to put into words exactly why. I've mentioned different aspects of the city before but recently something happened to me that really encaptulated why I am in love with T-dot.It was a drop-dead gorgeous Friday. The sun was in the sky, a cool breeze was blowing and the weekend was ahead of me. Instead

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-28401995315703137322007-07-29T16:03:00.000-04:002007-07-29T16:42:51.612-04:00

July has really been a crazy month for Danifesto. The song of the summer seems to be Rihanna's "Umbrella." It's one of those that my friend Dustin would refer to as an "earworm." We like the faster version that's being played on the radio 4-5 times a day but the link above will give you an idea.You can imagine my surprise when it entered my head again this afternoon during Mass. The readings were

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-14551879774706488572007-07-01T00:00:00.000-04:002007-07-01T00:38:48.426-04:00

As has been demonstrated before, I love lists. I also love Toronto. In honour of Canada Day and merge these two loves, I present to you, without further ado...Canucks I Canut Help Lovin! Lovely Lady LyricistsJoni Mitchell - I first was exposed to her when I heard Tori Amos cover "A Case of You" on a radio interview saying that this was the person that really influenced her. Later, my cousin

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-74531719475692268672007-06-29T20:34:00.001-04:002007-06-29T21:22:26.825-04:00

Can you imagine the citizens of "land of the free and the home of the brave" actually having less rights and freedoms than the communist country of Cuba?Well as crazy as it may sound, this flight of fantasy may become an ironic grim reality if Mariela Castro Espín has her way. Does her name ring a bell? She just happens to be the daughter of Raúl Castro Ruz , acting president of the country and

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-19085701246789981872007-06-20T21:46:00.000-04:002007-06-20T23:59:43.473-04:00

Since my move to Canada, I've been having a strange run of good luck. Now, if you are a regular Danifesto reader, it might surprise you that I even believe in the concept of luck. In general, I really don't (I believe in a mix of predestination and free-will.) but the recent string of events has compelled me to share.We felt extremely lucky to be able to catch an amazing performance of Beyonce at

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-86536484663856177092007-06-16T15:05:00.000-04:002007-06-20T21:46:23.460-04:00

I have to say that I heart my Conversation class. The students are at an intermediate level so they can express themselves enough to actually have a conversation about something beyond "At the Grocery Store" or "In the Taxi." What they need are opportunities to do this. This week I picked the topic of Singletons.Singletons, if you don't already know, is a term coined by Helen Fielding, the author

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-25220096134752647182007-06-08T20:41:00.000-04:002007-06-08T22:21:23.202-04:00

Much has been going on in my life and I'm still trying to return to some sense of equilibrium that was lost after my recent trip to Kansas and then company visiting from Kansas. But life marches on, in spite these things as I'm sure it does for you as well.Unfortunately the war in Iraq has also been continuing with US deaths at just over the 3,500 mark. It's always important to note when

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-78306723686327917412007-05-20T12:24:00.000-04:002007-05-21T11:51:31.140-04:00

Last Sunday was Mother's Day. As a dutiful son, I made sure my card was in the mail and flowers were delivered. As a dutiful Christian, I made sure that my seat got a seat at the afternoon Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes.During the service, we honoured another mother. I was surprised to learn that not only was Mary the mother of Jesus Christ (and by extention God) but she had also been given the

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-50477165436659484792007-05-08T00:01:00.000-04:002007-05-14T23:58:17.050-04:00

Recently my partner and I just got around to watching a Woody Allen movie that we found on sale in Seoul for the equivalent of $3 (US). Bullets Over Broadway had Korean subtitles and John Cusack (who will play the part of me in the cinematic adaptation of my life and times) and those two factors tipped the balance of the scales enough that we said "what the heck?" and added it to our

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-28095151532821967372007-05-07T19:31:00.000-04:002007-05-07T22:53:47.046-04:00

Because I've been so "out and proud" about being from Kansas, I've gotten a great deal of questions regarding the safety of my family and friends there. I am happy to report that all is well. There have been some close calls, namely the K-5 tornado that hit Greensburg last week. It was the first one the US has had in five years. We should be thankful that the death toll is much lower this time

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-17985113937122103692007-04-13T22:11:00.000-04:002007-04-14T10:32:40.296-04:00

But can be myself there in this small town?With my 15th high school reunion rapidly approaching, my thoughts have turned more and more to the small town where I grew up. For the most part, my memories are very positive. Even though I felt I didn't fit in because my family lacked community roots (read: not related to anyone in the area), I did appreciate the opportunities a small town offered.

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-32280694081808208542007-04-06T14:59:00.000-04:002007-04-06T15:42:15.888-04:00

Herein will lie the depths of my wit and genius that I share with the world (or at least the few that care to read these ramblings). I must say it does seem a little self-centered, these blogs. However I'm hoping it will be a nice way for me to say/tell my little stories to friends and family w/o having to type them in an email over and over, or worse still, a MASS EMAIL. So I'm willing to spend

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-11092078024213835762007-04-04T19:31:00.000-04:002007-04-04T00:05:45.450-04:00

(Dont you fight it til you tried it, do that conga beat!)As some of you have heard before, Baptists and dance have not always been friends. I'll give my mother credit in this regard by telling me it was okay just as long as it wasn't "the most important thing in your life." It seems her father gave her a lot of grief about dancing and she didn't see anything wrong about knowing how to dance. Some

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-78146523947026030922007-04-03T06:50:00.000-04:002007-04-02T20:05:23.953-04:00

Since January, I have been going to a Tai Chi class twice a week at my local YMCA. The teachers are really patient, encouraging and laid back and I've enjoyed the whole experience much more than I had anticipated.Initially, I had no interest in Tai Chi at all. I was more into picking up Tae Kwon Do again. After I had torn some ligaments in my ankle, I stopped classes and then with the move to

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-44022589375206753132007-04-01T17:39:00.000-04:002007-04-01T18:48:25.954-04:00

(So you better treat me right...)All's quiet on the western front here at Danifesto. Apologies all around to my disappointed and disenfranchised readers and I appreciate all the celebratory comments from my last post.So the job is good for the most part. I'm really enjoying getting back into teaching again. For me, teaching has been more than just a job. It even transcends the career label.

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-89654320548748458762007-03-17T19:16:00.000-04:002007-03-18T22:14:53.244-04:00

An announcement: there will be a slight change at Danifesto. You know all those frequent posts filled with interesting tidbits and clever asides? I'll do my best to maintain this site but I want to warn you now that it's probably going to get sporatic from time to time. The era of my footloose and fancy freedom has drawn to a close. We all knew it was too good to last. Yes, I can now confirm the

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-45206266932477693802007-03-10T13:13:00.000-05:002007-03-14T15:08:46.711-04:00

Last month I had this to say about people who use "nature" as an argument against homosexuality. Last week, an Anglican bishop came forward to argue that Christianity needs to redefine how it views sex. Now everyone's in a tizzy. I truly think it's a moot issue. Most Protestant churches have moved beyond thinking sex is solely for procreational purposes. Most are still against premarital sex

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-27307936751435942007-03-10T09:34:00.000-05:002007-03-10T13:12:02.697-05:00

As some of you may or may not be aware, March 8th was International Women's Day. Now I know Danifesto readers probably hear more than they want to know about "man-love" but I haven't been adverse to showing a little "girl-love" in the past, and I'm more than happy to take this opportunity to do so once again.I recently won a contest in the Eye Weekly newspaper. The prize was a poster and a DVD of

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-79506957588748446002007-03-09T16:15:00.000-05:002007-03-09T16:47:19.965-05:00

A dear friend asked me to use my experiences to organize a little schedule for an acquaintance of her mom's that was traveling to Seoul alone. It took a lot more work than I thought it would and I thought it might be nice to post it here for other travelers to refer to if they have a week to spend in Seoul!I've heard that you are going to visit my home for the past 5 years. I would love to be

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-5025937041346495862007-03-06T11:07:00.000-05:002007-03-07T13:20:26.455-05:00

For a couple of weeks now I have been resisting the urge to comment on the sudden argument over the "f-word"- no, not the naughty finger kind, but the one that rhymes with "maggot." The one that people have been using for years to refer to someone like me. It seems like this word is getting a bunch of press lately whenever someone uses it. For those of you who have been living under a rock (and

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-26835778819662977742007-03-03T13:32:00.000-05:002007-03-03T14:21:53.151-05:00

I ran across this video clip of Bono's awesome acceptance speech at the NAACP Image Awards after winning the Chairman's Award. It was really inspiring to me and I'm so glad that SOMEONE out there is saying this! AMEN."To those in the church, who still sit in judgement on the AIDS emergency, let me climb into the pulpit for just one moment. Because whatever thoughts we have about God, who He is or

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-3435360713260830712007-03-02T09:55:00.000-05:002007-03-03T13:32:34.644-05:00

Last weekend one of my good friends and I went to the Bata Shoe Museum. All I could think of before going was that hilarious YouTube video clip "Shoooooooooes!" But when we got there we were amazed at all the implications of a simple shoe. Issues of social standing, religion, occupation, culture, time of life could all be inferred from shoes! I was (am) fascinated. The best part of this museum

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-67024888011994049762007-02-16T23:49:00.000-05:002007-02-26T15:19:16.655-05:00

I am so ready to be done with this book I've been reading for the past million months! I'm at a point now where I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm longing to sink my teeth into a good fictional story after all this historical research! That having been said, this book really has opened my mind to many relevant issues and factors that impact how gay people are treated in today's

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-53854737218282669122007-02-16T15:44:00.000-05:002007-02-19T20:40:34.967-05:00

Since I've immigrated to Canada, many of my friends have asked me to compare life here to my life in the US. This is approaches the old "apple/oranges" saying as now I'm living in a metropolitan area and in the US I was living in a very rural area. Having said this,I have noticed some differences, some trival and some more substantial.The most immediate contrast of course would be the use of

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1170261188983270502007-01-31T11:32:00.000-05:002007-02-13T10:39:02.323-05:00

At the moment I'm working on putting together my deep thoughts for another post. To tide you over until then, I wanted to post something I got off of my good friend's blog.One of my favourite books when I was a kid was a THICK paperback filled with single page non-fiction articles ranging from the fabled city of Atlantis to how to make an Egyptian mummy. The Kid's Know-Power Book consumed many of

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1170261071939351302007-01-31T11:23:00.000-05:002007-02-07T14:22:25.113-05:00

As I've posted before, my partner and I have been frequenting the local YMCA. I'm pleased to report that, not only is this still ongoing, but there have been gains, both physically and personally. I have learned some valuable lessons as well.First, those weight machines are adjustable for the vertically-challenged! Good to know! It really does make a world of difference when one's feet can touch

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1170199308872989412007-01-30T18:10:00.000-05:002007-01-30T18:21:49.276-05:00

Yesterday was a hectic day and the story is another post into itself which I'm not up to going into just now. Yes, it was that icky. So to cheer myself up, I'm honouring my homestate of KANSAS today! Kansas Day was also yesterday so I figure it's appropriate. There weren't many people from Kansas living in Seoul and I have yet to meet any here in Toronto. I also discovered that many people really

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1169485800576734792007-01-22T10:59:00.000-05:002007-01-22T14:33:35.346-05:00

Last week I went with my good friend to see the Hollywood version of a book she had read and loved, Perfume. In it, the main character murders several women in an attempt to create the ultimate fragrance. I found myself laughing with the audience at the brief, short scenes of "snatch and grab" that occurred despite the best efforts of the villagers to protect their daughters.I had to wonder

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1168462288145586762007-01-10T15:18:00.000-05:002007-01-12T13:53:04.176-05:00

One of my favourite memories of the now defunct television series Ally McBeal took place in the psychologist's office. The psychologist, played by a brilliant Tracey Ullman, prescribed a "theme song" for Ally to get over her "Billy Blues" (Billy, her coworker and former flame, had gotten married and was no longer available). The psychologist's theme song, of course, was "Tracy."One of the reasons

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1167931422933608402007-01-04T11:27:00.000-05:002007-01-04T12:34:22.340-05:00

The scene: Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes.While sitting in the candlelight, listening to the choir sing songs especially prepared for this most holy of occasions, my eyes fall upon the thoughtful devotion written below:" 'When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb.' Words have the power to change lives, in fact to change the world. The stories of Mary

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1167691588628822382007-01-01T17:46:00.000-05:002007-01-02T16:19:58.006-05:00

Danifesto has been enjoying the holidays and hopes his readers have as well! One of the season's highlights included a fabulous visit from hip royalty, ThatJolieGirl and RecordStoreGeek. As previous blogs can attest, we love our new city (*almost* as much as we love them!) and were thrilled to share some of it with them! Here's what we did!TUESDAY- They arrived a bit late which was totally fine

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1166820268904030702006-12-22T15:44:00.000-05:002006-12-22T15:46:06.220-05:00

John Lennon - Happy XMas (War Is Over)Like all classic songs, this one still is relevant today. Please join me in my wish and prayer for true peace on earth. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1166723845782437252006-12-21T11:39:00.000-05:002006-12-21T12:59:47.746-05:00

What is it about this city? I thought when I left Seoul, that there would be no one to take it's place. Au contraire mon frere!I'll admit there has been (and still is) transition and the stress that comes with that. However, lately I have been having these little slices of heaven and thought I would compile them for your enjoyment.!*Having lunch at the True Love Cafe. They have musicians (who I

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1166123841527264142006-12-14T13:02:00.000-05:002007-03-06T11:07:09.658-05:00

I swear!Okay this post is just going to be pure rant, devoid of the usual insight Danifesto usually tries to express. Readers be forewarned!Is it just me or are there a lot of stupid people lately? Mind you, I've very tolerant because Lord knows I'm not the highest card in the deck but some of these folks lately have taken their stupidness and raised it to a new level that is shocking!My first

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1165784447056249792006-12-10T15:23:00.000-05:002006-12-11T14:51:30.096-05:00

The homily at mass this morning was about the significance of seemly insignificant things. The priest used the example of the number "0." If placed to the left of a number, things remain the same. However moved to the right of that same number and suddenly that number is compelled to take on new meaning and value. He went on to note that Christmas is really the celebration of insignificant events

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1165603333077709882006-12-08T11:16:00.000-05:002006-12-09T12:52:49.616-05:00

"One can't believe impossible things," said Alice."I daresay you haven't had much practice," responded the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!"The book I just finished had a chapter called "Doubt" that I keep coming back to in my mind and in my day-to-day experiences (I have found it

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1165264103871245002006-12-04T15:28:00.000-05:002006-12-14T15:03:05.793-05:00

I just finished a book given and recommended to me by my cousin. Our Lady of the Lost and Found really seemed like two books in one. In one part the author, Diane Schoemperlen, writes about an impromptu visit from the Blessed Virgin Mary to the humble home of the narrator(like the author, a single, older novel writer). Interspersed between the humorously subtle and mundae events were the

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1164608803610300032006-11-27T01:25:00.000-05:002006-12-05T09:41:15.656-05:00

(and it loves me)During my visit home for American Thanksgiving, I did something out of character that I have never done before at my parents’ home:I drank coffee.Our parents have never been coffee drinkers and mocked those addicts that needed their daily dosage to start their day as weak. Consequently, although I tried to drink coffee in all its various forms (mocha, latte, espresso), it was

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1164173993755252092006-11-22T00:06:00.000-05:002006-11-30T10:31:00.143-05:00

Not long ago, I examined the relationship between actions and resulting attitudes. Today I'd like to look at the reverse- how thoughts and words can affect our actions and character.You may or may not have heard by now about Michael Richard's (Kramer on Seinfeld) recent racist remarks during his standup comedy act. This morning I watched his apology (oddly bypassing the traditional Oprah

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1163781816722266372006-11-17T10:42:00.000-05:002006-11-17T13:16:48.023-05:00

Here's a few of the reasons why I love my new city!(Thanks to www.wikipedia.org and NOW Magazine - NOV 9 - 15, 2006)*1937 -Casa Loma is opened to the public for the first time as a tourist attraction operated by the Kiwanis Club of Toronto. Today it is regarded as one of Toronto's premier tourist attractions, still profitably operated by the Kiwanis.*June 1971-Toronto's first Gay Day was a picnic

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1163527087062692152006-11-14T12:57:00.000-05:002006-11-15T11:16:01.956-05:00

Run your eyes over this list of countries:Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Spain, Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, and the United Kingdom.These 25 countries have same-sex marriages or civil unions (also known as domestic partnerships)!

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1163450976766948862006-11-13T14:42:00.000-05:002006-11-13T16:01:44.276-05:00

Last week I read this story about a landscaping company in Houston, Texas that turned down clients because they happened to be gay. The clients were shocked and forwarded the email to their friends. The story got picked up first by blog sites and then major media. The fact of the matter was the landscapers didn't do anything illegal by refusing to do business with this gay couple. If the couple

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1162927136712951592006-11-07T23:30:00.000-05:002006-11-08T16:40:57.353-05:00

So after frequent conversations and suggestions from my partner (read: nagging), I finally broke down last week and went with him to sign up at the local YMCA. Yesterday we had an appointment to meet with a representative to get a tour and orientation of the facility.Unfortunately we got there late (I will begrudgingly give props to my partner who not only correctly knew that it was to the south,

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1162922205793483602006-11-07T12:56:00.000-05:002006-11-07T13:04:33.050-05:00

FREEDOMThis will be the first time I've posted a video on my blog. My philosophy has been to value the written word above an image. But this deeply moved me and I'm making a rare exception in honour of Election Day. I hope everyone in the States who was able to vote today, did. (I voted by absentee ballot.)

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11986048.post-1162587257597484302006-11-03T14:16:00.000-05:002006-11-03T15:59:44.413-05:00

As election time nears, conservative politicians predictably seem particularly concerned with the bedrooms of queer couples across the nation. In light of that I thought I would reveal what my partner and I do every single night before falling asleep. Brace yourself folks. You might want to sit down.We hold hands.An appropriate quote from Sex in the City: Samantha: He did something to me that was

Danifestohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01888720794784878704noreply@blogger.com4