TotallyOz

On the verge of my first marathon, I find myself excited, scared, exhilarated and depressed all at the same time. First, I am not really sure what someone my age is doing running his first marathon. It seemed like such an impossible task when I first thought about the idea. To run 26 miles on one day just seemed like something only a lunatic could do. The more I thought about it, the closer I started looking at races and which one would suit me the best. I picked a race and a city and started getting ready for it. Instead of loosing weight, I have gained weight on this journey. I am not sure if I am eating more or I am just not concentrating on the workouts the way I did a month ago. In any case, the day of reckoning is less than a few weeks away and I find myself working hard each day to put in the needed miles that was suggested so that I won’t hurt or kill myself. This week was a 15-mile run. It took slightly over 3 hours for me to do. I have to say that that is not a great pace but will put me in around my goal to finish the race. What I didn’t expect was the needed pee breaks, the protein bars after each hour and a really sore neck and back the day after. Next week, I’ll do a 20 mile run to see if that is something I can do and if so, it looks like I am headed to the 26 mile shin dig soon. The journey to get to the race has been a great adventure. I have found myself so tired at times that sex is not even anywhere on my mind. I find my sleeping has become better than ever. Last night, I was so hard sleeping that I fell off my bed. I have not done that is over 20 years. The boyfriend freaked out and thought I was dying. I hit the floor pretty hard and it scarred him. He said I just cursed a lot and went back to bed but he didn’t sleep well as I kept trying to edge to the end of the bed. LOL Life continues to thrill me and while I am still a fat dirty old pervert, the extra training I have been doing to get ready for this task has been a real journey. It has had its ups and downs but I have really enjoyed the ride. I don’t know if I will make it to race day the first weeks of October or if I will have to drop out and do another one. I am hoping for no injuries, surprises or drama. But, as the 15-mile run was a breeze, I look forward to my last weeks of training for this. Please keep your fingers crossed for me and send good thoughts my way. I need them. Oz

OK. OK. I know this is goofy but I was a big fan of the original series and this one is amazing. I love the new car and all the new features. While the lead actor is hot, is not the same object of my desire that the original one was. I do love his tats and think that the clothes off scene in the first episode was hot. All in all though, a fun show to see!

The 50 Greatest Gay Male Movies voted on by After Elton fans. 1 Brokeback Mountain 2 Beautiful Thing 3 Shelter 4 Latter Days 5 Maurice 6 Trick 7 Get Real 8 Big Eden 9 The Broken Hearts Club 10 Priscilla, Queen of the Desert 11 Longtime Companion 12 Torch Song Trilogy 13 My Beautiful Laundrette 14 Parting Glances 15 Just a Question of Love 16 Mysterious Skin 17 Summer Storm 18 Rocky Horror Picture Show 19 The Birdcage 20 Sordid Lives 21 Hedwig and the Angry Inch 22 Short Bus 23 All Over The Guy 24 Another Gay Movie 25 The Boys in theBand 26 Philadelphia 27 To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar. 28 Boy Culture 29 The Wedding Banquet 30 C.R.A.Z.Y. 31 My Own Private Idaho 32 Jeffrey 33 The Trip 34 Edge of Seventeen 35 Priest 36 In & Out 37 Eating Out 38 Velvet Goldmine 39 Angels in America 40 Love! Valour! Compassion! 41 The Sum of Us 42 Burnt Money 43 Transamerica 44 Victor Victoria 45 Bent 46 Yossi & Jagger 47 Bad Education 48 Gods and Monsters 49 Making Love 50 Rent http://www.afterelton.com/movies/2008/9/50...vies?page=0%2C0

Brad Pitt announced Wednesday that he's donating $100,000 to fight California's Proposition 8, a November ballot initiative that would eliminate same-sex couples' right to marry. "Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8," the actor said in a statement. Pitt's donation marks the largest thus far to the anti-Prop. 8 campaign by an A-list celebrity. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et...1,3909224.story

If anyone can pull this off Townie, you can! Keep in his ear.

I don't remember a time without my cellphone. How was it possible? It has really changed the way we all work, live and communicate. Here is an interesting article on cell phone usage: Children and teenagers are five times more likely to get brain cancer if they use mobile phones, startling new research indicates. The study, experts say, raises fears that today's young people may suffer an "epidemic" of the disease in later life. At least nine out of 10 British 16-year-olds have their own handset, as do more than 40 per cent of primary schoolchildren. Yet investigating dangers to the young has been omitted from a massive £3.1m British investigation of the risks of cancer from using mobile phones, launched this year, even though the official Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research (MTHR) Programme – which is conducting it – admits that the issue is of the "highest priority". Despite recommendations of an official report that the use of mobiles by children should be "minimised", the Government has done almost nothing to discourage it. Last week the European Parliament voted by 522 to 16 to urge ministers across Europe to bring in stricter limits for exposure to radiation from mobile and cordless phones, Wi-fi and other devices, partly because children are especially vulnerable to them. They are more at risk because their brains and nervous systems are still developing and because – since their heads are smaller and their skulls are thinner – the radiation penetrates deeper into their brains. The Swedish research was reported this month at the first international conference on mobile phones and health. It sprung from a further analysis of data from one of the biggest studies carried out into the risk that the radiation causes cancer, headed by Professor Lennart Hardell of the University Hospital in Orebro, Sweden. Professor Hardell told the conference – held at the Royal Society by the Radiation Research Trust – that "people who started mobile phone use before the age of 20" had more than five-fold increase in glioma", a cancer of the glial cells that support the central nervous system. The extra risk to young people of contracting the disease from using the cordless phone found in many homes was almost as great, at more than four times higher. Those who started using mobiles young, he added, were also five times more likely to get acoustic neuromas, benign but often disabling tumours of the auditory nerve, which usually cause deafness. By contrast, people who were in their twenties before using handsets were only 50 per cent more likely to contract gliomas and just twice as likely to get acoustic neuromas. Professor Hardell told the IoS: "This is a warning sign. It is very worrying. We should be taking precautions." He believes that children under 12 should not use mobiles except in emergencies and that teenagers should use hands-free devices or headsets and concentrate on texting. At 20 the danger diminishes because then the brain is fully developed. Indeed, he admits, the hazard to children and teenagers may be greater even than his results suggest, because the results of his study do not show the effects of their using the phones for many years. Most cancers take decades to develop, longer than mobile phones have been on the market. The research has shown that adults who have used the handsets for more than 10 years are much more likely to get gliomas and acoustic neuromas, but he said that there was not enough data to show how such relatively long-term use would increase the risk for those who had started young. He wants more research to be done, but the risks to children will not be studied in the MTHR study, which will follow 90,000 people in Britain. Professor David Coggon, the chairman of the programmes management committee, said they had not been included because other research was being done on young people by a study at Sweden's Kariolinska Institute. He said: "It looks frightening to see a five-fold increase in cancer among people who started use in childhood," but he said he "would be extremely surprised" if the risk was shown to be so high once all the evidence was in. But David Carpenter, dean of the School of Public Health at the State University of NewYork – who also attended the conference – said: "Children are spending significant time on mobile phones. We may be facing a public health crisis in an epidemic of brain cancers as a result of mobile phone use." In 2000 and 2005, two official inquiries under Sir William Stewart, a former government chief scientist, recommended the use of mobile phones by children should be "discouraged" and "minimised". But almost nothing has been done, and their use by the young has more than doubled since the turn of the millennium. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/...old-937005.html

A 700 Billion dollar bailout. What the fuck have we allowed to happen? Anyway to get the USA back on the right footing? 21st Century Socialism? See this great Interview! http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09192008/watch.html http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09192008/watch2.html

It is getting close. Only 45 days left. The fate of the USA for generations to come may be decided on this day. My prediction stands: I think Obama will win the popular vote but McCain will win the Electoral vote.

Welcome back! Nice to see you again! I do hope they do not discontinue the event in Vegas. It was a great deal of fun and it is a perfect weekend as the adult webmaster conventions are there. Without that event, it will be an even poorer showing for the gay market.

I have subscribed to the new season on Itunes (my only way to get them as I don't live in USA). The new season is going to be five years in advance. I am so excited about this show and it is my favorite show in the world now that Sex and the City is gone.

I am downloading Season 1 on Itunes to see the interest.

Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket all have great hotels. Chiang Mai is a bit lacking. But, the hotel PJ's Place, http://pjs-place.com/ is not 5 star but it is the best service I get in the area. The owners are gay and friendly and the place is convenient close to several of the better gogo bars and the saunas and massage parlors. The Internet is there but NOT high high speed but doable. the owners are helpful, friendly and give great advice. I have become friend with them with over 40 nights staying there this year alone. In Bangkok, I like the Intercontinental and the JW Marriott. But, so many other places now with more reasonable prices and with the lack of tourist dollars, I am sure great deals are to be had. My recent stay at Marriott got me an upgraded suite or free. Hooboy loved the Four Seasons there and I had dinner with him many times and the hotel and the rooms are amazing. I use to get the Shangri-La Bangkok on Priceline cheap. Have not use it in years. In Phuket, I love the Baan Yan Dee. http://www.baanyindee.com/ In Pattaya, the Marriott is best location in town. Cabbages and Condoms hotel is simply stunning!

I have never seen this show but on your recommendations, I'll give it a shot.

Somchai Wongsawat is the 26th Thai prime minister Somchai Wongsawat, brother in law of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, became the 26th Thai prime minister after winning voting in the parliament on Wednesday. Somchai, deputy leader of People Power Party, won 298 to 163 over Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Five abstained. House Speaker Chai Chidchob announced Somchai's victory after about an hour of voting. PPP MPs voted for Somchai on Wednesday after difference over the nomination inside the party can be settled on Tuesday. A faction in the PPP on Monday vowed not to vote for Somchai. Somchai was married to Yaowapa, the younger sister of former prime minister Thaksin. Yaowapa was a member of the now-defunct Thai Rak Thai Party and lost her voting right when the party was dissolved. His daughter Chinnicha is the youngest female MP in the current House of Representatives. Political observers said Somchai's strength lies in his soft and gentle character, which is why he would be the perfect person to negotiate an end to political tensions with the anti-government group, People's Alliance for Democracy. Somchai was justice permanent secretary from 1999 to 2006, and then became permanent secretary for the Labour Ministry. In 2003, when Somchai was permanent secretary of justice, he made headlines for conflicting with then-justice minister Purachai Piumsombun over the ministry's budget. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/09/17...es_30083657.php

The costs for Thailand are MUCH less than in Rio. Hotels, food, entertainment, etc. It is all cheaper in Thailand. Thai air is offering a Premium Economy only for this month out of LA and I think it will then be discontinued. However, the flights here are very low as it is low season and few are coming with the crisis in Bangkok. The country is in dire need of tourists. The Marriott I love has been at 65 percent occupancy this season. But, that is one of the more expensive places. I see tons of place for less than 20 USD a day and that includes breakfast. Why are fares to Rio that much? Is it the lack of competition? I have never really quite understood it.

BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Thailand's Supreme Court on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for deposed Thai leader Thaksin Shinawatra who fled the country last month just as he was to appear in a corruption case. The court wants Thaksin arrested for his alleged role in a bank loan case, according to the Thai News Agency, which is owned by a public company controlled by the government. It is one of several corruption cases against Thaksin and his family that are winding their way through the legal systems. The billionaire is accused of abusing the country's system of checks and balances and bending government policy to benefit his family's business. He and his wife face charges stemming from a Bangkok land deal and a stock concealment plan. Thaksin also faces separate charges of concealing assets. The former prime minister has consistently denied that he or his family was involved in any wrongdoing. Last month, the Supreme Court issued another warrant for Thaksin and his wife after they skipped a court appearance and fled to the United Kingdom rather than testify in a case about the unlawful purchase of real estate. In the real-estate case, Pojaman is accused of using her husband's political influence to buy undeveloped land from a government agency for about a third of its estimated value. In addition, Pojaman was found guilty in July of evading millions of dollars in taxes and sentenced to three years in prison. She was out on bail at the time of the couple's flight. Thaksin, a telecommunications tycoon, owns the English Premier League Manchester City Football Club. His party won two landslide victories before he was deposed in a bloodless military coup in September 2006 after massive anti-government street protests. He returned to Thailand after his allies -- the People Power Party -- won nearly half the seats in the lower house in December's parliamentary elections and formed the ruling coalition. Samak Sundaravej assumed the prime minister's position. Opposition party supporters accused him of being a Thaksin puppet. In recent weeks, the country has seen daily demonstrations from opposition party supporters who want PPP leaders purged from the Cabinet. The protesters -- led by the People's Alliance for Democracy -- wanted Samak ousted. They contended Samak was trying to amend the constitution so Thaksin does not have to face charges. Samak's government placed the capital city, Bangkok, under a state of emergency on September 2 after clashes between pro- and anti-PPP supporters turned violent and left one dead. Last week, Thailand's Constitutional Court stripped Samak of his position, ruling that he had violated the constitution by appearing as a paid guest on a television cooking show. Immediately afterward, the PPP tried to re-nominate him for the position. But it was unable to convince its five coalition partners to go along with the choice. On Monday, the PPP nominated Thaksin's brother-in-law for the post, further inflaming opposition party supporters. The parliamentary vote is scheduled for Wednesday. Somchai Wongsawat is married to Thaksin's sister and had been acting as prime minister following Samak's ouster. He lifted the emergency rule over the weekend, saying the order had adversely affected the country's economy -- particularly, tourism. But the PPP's decision to pick someone related to Thaksin means the protests are unlikely to wane. advertisement PAD party leader Sondhi Limthongkul has said demonstrators will not accept a prime minister nominee from the PPP. Even within the PPP, several lawmakers called on the executive board to reconsider Somchai's pick. http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/...ksin/index.html

Yes, Americans are bound by both US and International law. Recently, GB also passed similar legislation. I am not sure how many other countries are doing the same. I do wonder if a California resident whose legal age of consent is 18 goes to say New York where it is 17, which law they must follow? If the USA does this Internationally, how long will it take for them to do it state by state?

BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Thailand's ruling People Power Party has nominated the brother-in-law of deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra for the post of prime minister. The party's executive board picked Somchai Wongsawat and will forward the name on to its coalition partners ahead of a parliamentary vote on Wednesday, a government spokesman told CNN. Somchai is married to Thaksin's sister, and had been acting as prime minister since a constitutional court stripped Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej of power. Even if the five coalition partners agree with the choice, Somchai's pick is likely to rankle anti-government protesters. For weeks, the protesters -- led by the People's Alliance for Democracy -- had tried to oust Samak, accusing him of being a puppet for Thaksin. They contended Samak was trying to amend the constitution so Thaksin does not have to face charges. Thaksin, who was ousted in a coup in 2006, returned to England this summer just as he was to appear in court in a corruption case. Last week, Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled Samak had to resign because he had violated the constitution by appearing as a paid guest on a television cooking show. Immediately afterward, the PPP said it would re-nominate him for the position. But it was unable to convince its coalition partners to go along with the choice. On Sunday, Somchai -- acting head of the caretaker government -- lifted a state of emergency that the capital city, Bangkok, had been under since September 2. The emergency rule was imposed after clashes between pro- and anti-Samak supporters left one person dead. Somchai announced the repeal of emergency rule on national television Sunday, saying the order had adversely affected the country's economy -- particularly, tourism. advertisement Now, with the PPP's decision to pick someone related to Thaksin, the protests are unlikely to wane. CNN could not immediately reach many of the top leaders with the People's Alliance for Democracy for their reaction to Somchai's pick. But on Sunday, party leader Sondhi Limthongkul said demonstrators will not accept a prime minister nominee from the PPP. http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/...inee/index.html

Thank you for this. It was hilarious!

http://widgets.nbc.com/o/4727a250e66f9723/...529c95/be940ef3

Having been to more than my share of these events, I know they are a blast. Anyone planning to be there this year? http://bbcm.org/

I do wonder why they compete with that event. But, in all honestly, having been there last year, the majority of customers are those looking to oogle at a porn star and not dance the night away so I doubt too many would be in conflict.

LOL. Well, I hope that happens as I think he would make an excellent justice. But, don't hold your breath. If that happens, I'll most defiantly vote for that person again after the first term.

Each state in the USA has different Age of Consent laws. The world has many as well. In Brazil that age is 18 and is strictly enforced. When I was with a friend there recently, we were cruising through the park and he pointed out some guys that were 17 and said that no one will go with them as it is too dangerous even for someone close to their age. In Thailand, the Age of Consent is 15 BUT, for all practical purposes it is 18. Those 15-18 can have sex legally if there is no money involved but if it is a foreigner involved, it is assumed that money or favors is involved. Therefore, best to stay above the 18 rule. Spain was the surprising place at 13. Most countries were around the 16 year old range. http://www.ageofconsent.com

It is a very interesting article. Where the world was once dependent on the American Economy and the USA was King, we are now in a world where we are dependent on a world economy but the powers that be have yet to figure how to deal with this and to manipulate the world. The power is switching to other places and I feel America needs to learn to face this and find a way to enhance our economy while interacting with others well. So far IMHO the isolationism that we have had for the last many years has only hurt us and perhaps endangered our own reputation in the world to come that will not easily be overcome.