TotallyOz

Looks like Obama will get the nomination and it appears he has the delegates needed. As a die hard Clinton fan, I am now at a crossroad. I am not angry in the least. I also don't know that I can cast my vote for Obama. I have not voted Republican my entire adult life. I am not sure I can vote for McCain. Stay at home? I have never done that. Perhaps this will be my first time to cast a non vote. Yes, I am a bad democrat and a bad liberal.

When David A. Paterson was growing up and his parents would go out of town, he and his little brother would stay in Harlem with family friends they called Uncle Stanley and Uncle Ronald. Uncle Stanley and Uncle Ronald were a gay couple, though in the 1960s few people described them that way. They helped young David with his spelling, and read to him and played cards with him. “Apparently, my parents never thought we were in any danger,” the governor recalled on Thursday in an interview. “I was raised in a culture that understood the different ways that people conduct their lives. And I feel very proud of it.” Mr. Paterson, who two months ago was unexpectedly elevated to be governor of New York, has accepted gay men and lesbians since early in life. From his first run for office, in 1985, he reached out to gays and lesbians, and in 1994, long before gay rights groups were broadly pushing for it, he said he supported same-sex marriage. As he rose in politics, he became a go-between in the occasionally strained relationship between gay and black residents in his district and beyond, using his easygoing manner to broker disagreements and soothe hurt feelings. On Thursday, the governor appealed to New Yorkers to recognize what he called the basic common sense of allowing gay men and lesbians married elsewhere to gain the same rights here as heterosexual couples. In doing so, he is stepping to the forefront of an issue that has often tripped up his party nationally, and he is going further than either of the two Democratic presidential candidates have. “People who live together for a long time would like to be married — as far as I’m concerned, I think it’s beautiful,” he said in a news conference called to discuss his directive to state agencies to revise their regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. “I think it’s fine, regardless of the tenets of religion or the beliefs of some,” he added. “It’s something that the government should allow for people. It’s maybe misunderstood in this generation.” But already on Thursday, there were signs of a backlash against his decision, with some conservative groups mulling whether to mount a legal challenge to the directive. Some Republican legislators and others said that Mr. Paterson is wading into an issue that should be settled by the Legislature, and likened it to the ill-fated attempt by his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, to grant driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants without seeking legislative support. “It’s outrageous that the governor did what he did,” said Michael Long, chairman of the state Conservative Party. “He’s for same-sex marriage, that’s fine. I have no problem with that. To do this in the dark of night, through the back door, to begin the process of destroying the sanctity of marriage, is really wrong.” It was shortly after Mr. Paterson was sworn in, on March 17, that his legal counsel, David Nocenti, approached him to discuss a February appellate court ruling in Rochester. In that case, the court said that because of New York’s longstanding practice of recognizing marriages from other jurisdictions, a community college in Monroe County must provide health benefits to the wife of a woman who was married in Canada. Mr. Nocenti recommended that Mr. Paterson order all state agencies to bring their policies in line with that decision. Mr. Paterson quickly agreed, not only because the state risked legal exposure if it did not, but also because such a directive would be a strong statement about an issue he cares about deeply. He met with his inner circle, and there was no dissent. On May 14, Mr. Nocenti’s memo went out to the agencies. The governor’s plan called for not publicizing the directive until after June 30, when the agencies were asked to report back to Mr. Nocenti with the revisions necessary to comply with the court ruling. Once the governor approved those changes, he planned to announce them publicly. But Mr. Nocenti’s memo was reported on Wednesday night by The New York Times, and the governor described its contents at a dinner with gay advocates on May 17. In the interview, Mr. Paterson said he believes that gay men and lesbians face the same kind of civil rights battle that black Americans faced. He acknowledged that this position put him at odds with some black leaders, who bristle at such comparisons. “In many respects, people in our society, we only recognize our own struggles,” Mr. Paterson said. “I’ve wanted to be someone in the African-American community who recognizes the new civil rights struggle that is being undertaken by gay and lesbian and transgendered people.” See full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/nyregion...nyt&emc=rss

I have tried to find this on the net but can't. What is the current price of Gold by the baht in Thailand?

Anyone know of any online sites that have real estate properties in Chiang Mai. I know of several in Pattaya and Bangkok but have found none in Chiang Mai. Any help is appreciated.

The price of airfare keeps going up. I was once able to book full-fare upgradeable flights for 2000 USD. Then, it went to 2400 and then 2700. Now, it is 4300 for the upgradable fares on NWA. It is just crazy! I am sure the airlines are feeling the punch of the high price of gas but come on. American Airlines just started charging for ALL luggage. EVERY piece of luggage will now have a price and I am sure other airlines will follow.

Badluck, What state is this in? What is the age of consent in that state?

Great photos. Damm, looked like fun!

I don't know much about what it means to register as a sex offender. I do know that most places in the world that require a long term visa will want an FBI check and verification of no felonies. If you ever want to teach English in a foreign country, this is also a requirement. When I was in NYC and owned an escort agency, we always made sure the guys were over 18. I did a background check on each of them to verify this. Another agency in town did not and one day a boy appeared on the site that we knew was not yet 18. I called the agency and the owner and got a very nasty snippy remark about me interfering with their business. I decided at that moment not to try to help them ever again. They did remove the boy from their website that night but had anyone seen him, that person would be guilty of the same thing you were charged with. I hope that others will give any advice they can on the registered sex offenders list. I don't know anything about it.

We all have things we love and enjoy. Well, I tried this past weekend a pinkberry for the first time. It is a LA yogurt shop. They don't have a wide variety of yogurts but, what they have is excellent and a choice of fun toppings. Anyone visiting LA needs to try one!

I am planning a trip to Phuket and wanted to know if anyone has spent time at Surin Beach? How far is it from Patong?

I think the best thing I ever spent money on was a motorcycle for the boyfriend. It was something that he really wanted and has taken great care of. The worst thing I spent money on was a VIP telephone number on my 2nd trip to Thailand. It was at MBK and I walked out after buying it and hit myself on the head and said, "what the fuck were you thinking?" What about others? What are some of the best things or worst things you have spent money on in LOS?

California just became the 2nd state in the USA to allow same sex marriage with the Supreme Court for California overturning a ban passed in 2000. At least 2 states in the USA are moving in the right direction. In Thailand, I have heard many guys talk about a wedding ceremony for same sex couples. What does this entail? Also, are there any legal protections for partners?

It was a great ruling. Fantastic for all. http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/05/15/same.sex....iage/index.html

The following article appears today in the Bangkok Post Business News (front page). FOREIGN PROPERTY OWNERSHIP Government considers longer leasehold terms PARISTA YUTHAMANOP & KANANA KATHARANGSIPORN The government is considering allowing greater foreign ownership in property firms and extending leasehold periods beyond 30 years to stimulate the business, according to Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee. The amendment would stimulate market segments that have been hit by sluggish demand, he said yesterday. ''This has been discussed quite seriously over the past two to three months. We need to think about the percentage of shareholding and leasing access compared with the number of years. The crisis that we have had in the past two years led us to think and look at a new paradigm,'' he said at an investor forum held by Euromoney. Dr Surapong said the government would consider new rules on leasing more on par with the region. The government has also abandoned a controversial proposed change to the Foreign Business Act, which tightened the definition of foreign ownership to promote foreign direct investment, he added. Longlom Bunnag, the chairman of the real estate agency Jones Lang LaSalle (Thailand), said property related to tourism and recreation was expected to benefit the most from any changes because of high demand. ''Existing laws allow foreigners to secure 50-year leaseholds in Bangkok's red zone, which is the commercial area such as on Sathon Road. ... I think Phuket, Samui and Pattaya may be in the government's sights for changes in regulations to benefit villas, resorts and long-stay travellers,'' he said. Mr Longlom said the idea could improve Thailand's competitiveness, since many countries now offered longer leaseholds _ for instance, 50 years in China and Hong Kong and 99 years in Singapore. ''Thailand has the shortest eligible period for lease contracts.'' Issara Boonyoung, vice-president of Housing Business Association, disagreed with the idea of allowing foreigners to freely conduct transactions related to exchange of properties because it could restrict housing access for Thais. ''Thai people have lower purchasing power than foreigners. If the government allows foreigners to sell or buy freely, there will be no land left for Thais,'' he said. Foreign ownership should have conditions and limitations, he said. For example, the government should continue protecting land for agricultural purposes due to its low prices, otherwise the country may lose most of its land to foreigners. Regarding the increase in the foreign quota in condominiums from 49%, the government should limit the size of land plots to prevent developers from using legal loopholes to register townhouses as condo units, Mr Issara said. However, Assoc Prof Manop Bhongsadadt of Chulalongkorn University said the issue was ''very sensitive'' and unlikely to survive the three readings required in Parliament to change the law. It would be easier to extend leasehold periods from the current 30 years to 90 years as in the UK, he said. ''It will turn illegal transactions as in Phuket and Samui into legal transactions. The government is likely to collect more taxes.'' Mr Issara also agreed that extended leaseholds would create transparency and prevent the use of nominees. However, he said longer leaseholds and higher foreign quotas in condominiums should be allowed only in specific areas.

The owner of the Mosaik has expanded to homes from his Day/Night venture. On his site, it is called New Project. http://mosaikpattaya.com/

I have a friend in New York who is want to go to a sleep diagnostic center. I told him I thought there were some in Thailand as I had seen a sign for one at one of the hospitals. Do you know if Bangkok Pattaya has a sleep center? Or, the big good hospital in Bangkok?

I am looking forward to the next tour. Are you? http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/768011

Townie, you sure do get around.

Watching the results online is very interesting. NC was called the instant the polls closed. Indiana is still not called as I write this. Looks like things continue as is for bit.

Thank you for that link and the info. Here is what the end of the article said. How to help For information about Burma and Cyclone Nargis or to donate to relief efforts, contact one of these organizations: -- Burmese American Democratic Alliance: badasf.org -- Burmese American Women's Alliance: bawalliance.org -- Foundation for the People of Burma: foundationburma.org -- U.S. Campaign for Burma: uscampaignforburma.org -- Doctors Without Borders: doctorswithoutborders.org -- UNICEF: unicef.org -- CARE: care.org -- Church World Service: churchworldservice.org -- American Red Cross: redcross.org (The Red Cross has an international response fund through which people can designate donations for the Burma cyclone.) We here at MaleEscortReview have donated 1,000 USD to the Red Cross for this specific fund. This area of the world has a special place in my heart and I know many guys from Burma and my first bf in Thailand was actually from there.

You are very through. We are thrilled to have posters like you here and look forward to many discussions on a wide variety of issues.

I visited this country less than a few months back. The people are wonderful and sweet. The regime that has controlled the country has ruled with an iron fist for years but the people remain amazing. The disaster has risen to at least 22,000 deaths with over 40,000 still missing. It is devastating. I also do not see the outpour of assistance from the international community. I was also disappointed to hear First Lady Laura Bush condemn the junta for not being prepared for this. I guess she forgot all about New Orleans and the debacle that occurred in our own country. I have not found a way to send assistance there yet. If anyone knows of humanitarian organizations that are working with the country, please let me know. I know that Thailand has send over aid and am sure that others will as well.

Well, I do think that the day has finally come that will set the course for what will happen in the coming months for who will be the next nominee. If Hillary wins both states, I think it will be a lock for her and if Obama wins both, I think there is no way Clinton can say she deserves the nomination. If polls are right, the most likely scenario is that it will be a split decision with Indiana going to Hillary and NC going to Barrack. I am just hoping for a miracle and both contests are won by the same person. Odds are not good. But, I love Vegas and spent a bit of time playing poker in LA last weekend and won 94.00. I am on a winning streak (unless you count the Craig's List encounters) and I am predicting that Hillary will win both tonight. Hope is a good thing.

Finally, after several seasons, it was bound to happen and I was thrilled with the way it was presented on TV. Saul, the handsome loving uncle of the clan came out to his gay nephew. This show has presented openly gay characters with all the flaws and fabulousness that gay life has in a very realistic way for a long time. I was happy to finally see Saul come out. I also loved the response from the nephew. Saul said, "How can I be gay at my age?" to which the younger guy said, "I don't know. I haven't figured out how to be gay at my age." It was a loving scene and my hats off to the show and the writers for portraying these characters to well and down to earth and without all the typical gay stereotypes.

(George Town, Grand Cayman) A gay couple from Massachusetts was detained by police after kissing on the dance floor of a popular club on Grand Cayman. Aaron Chandler, 23, and his boyfriend, both from on Amherst, Massachusetts, were holidaying with the boyfriend's sister and brother–in–law on the Caribbean island. The four had gone to the Royal Palms and joined about a dozen other couples who were dancing. At one point Chandler kissed his boyfriend. A patron approached the men and berated them. "He asked us not to do that," Chandler told the Cay Compass newspaper. "He said, 'you shouldn’t be doing this here'. The couple ignored the protest and kept dancing. Chandler, who is a member of the National Youth Advocacy Coalition, then planted another kiss on his boyfriend. "I do display affection when I’m with my boyfriend, publicly," Chandler told the paper. "It’s never anything most people would consider obscene however; usually it’s in the form of holding hands or a quick kiss." An off-duty police officer intervened after the second kiss. "He told me he did not want me to show public displays of affection," Chandler said. "He said it was against the law for two people of the same sex." As the four Americans were preparing to leave the club Chandler kissed his boyfriend again. At that point "The officer grabbed my wrist and told me he was placing me under arrest," Chandler told the Compass. A second police officer arrived at the scene and the two men were taken to the George Town police station. After several hours in a holding room they were released without any charges laid. Chandler said that police attempted to get them to promise not to kiss again in public while on the island. For the full article see: http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/05/050508cay.htm As for me, I know one place I will NOT be visiting anytime soon.