Happy Gay Pride Day!

There's a reason that gay pride is celebrated in June. That's because after centuries of oppression, a group of gay men and women had enough when police raided a bar in NYC called the Stonewall Inn. Instead of running, which they had done for so long, these men & women turned on the police and beat the crap out of them. There were a series of riots at the bar over the next few nights and these riots - now called the Stonewall Riots - marked the beginning of the modern gay rights movement in the USA. Today is the 40th anniversary of that date.

Read more about the riots in the Wikipedia entry in the link. It's important history.

Why?

Why do I like turkey ruebans so much, when I don't like either sauerkraut or Swiss cheese?

Recommendation

Go see the movie "Up"; it's a wonderful movie.

Unlike most animiated films, the script isn't one of an adolescent making his way toward adulthood. It's the story of an old man finding adventure late in life. It's a very emotional story, which is unusual for animated films. I teared up several times which is not all that unusual for me. (I once cried at a dog food commercial years ago).

Memorable characters, funny situations and beautiful pictures. What else do you need in a summer movie?

Happy Pride Day

Happy Pride Day to everyone. Today is the day that Columbus is celebrating gay pride. It's a big celebration here - 60,000 people last time I went about 6 years ago. It's been over 100,000 for a couple of years now. I'm an old married guy now, so I don't go anymore. Husband has no interest in being in a crowd that large - gay or not.

If you don't know the reason that gay pride is celebrated in late June every year, I advise you to search Wikipedia for Stonewall Riots. Surprisingly rainbow flags were NOT involved. It's important to know history.

In honor of Pride, I want to recommend that EVERYONE (regardless of sexual orientation) read a Armistead Maupin book. (No, I don't get commission). I just read Michael Tolliver Lives last weekend and, as usual, was blown away. His books always come across as fun, breezy and chaotic - until you get to the end. At that point everything comes together in a way that is surprising but still somehow obviously RIGHT. He's written a lot of books by now - most of them part of Tales of the City series. Do yourself a favor and read (or re-read) them. Great stuff and fun summer read.