Queer as Folk, Dumb Ass Folk and of course, Menfolk

Before I begin this entries diatribe, let me post my schedule for my upcoming vacation. Since there are several people at my work who are going on vacations this time of year, the rest of us have to pitch in and cover their shifts. That being said, I am working graveyard shifts this Tuesday and Friday mornings. That's 5 am to 1 pm for those of ya not in the know about such things. If you are out and about during those hours (or for most of the readers here, if you are still out) make sure you drop by, say hello, buy a drink and tip big, momma's going out of town. I will also be working my normal Thursday and Friday nights....I am then leaving town on Sunday the 26th and will not return until Saturday, July 10th. I will be spending some time camping in Michigan and visiting with family, as well as going to Paramounts Kings Island in Ohio. It's like I'm going backpacking through Europe without leaving the Midwest.

Onward and Upward...well...Onward anyway.

Let me first say that I wouldn't watch it if I weren't trapped behind a bar. I wouldn't have the opportunity since I don't have showtime. Alas, every other Tuesday when I am at work (see how I slipped that in) I am witness to Queer as Folk. Among the myriad of problems with this show is that they have different writers all the time so there is a definite lack of continuity. I also understand that GLAAD, the extortionist pirates, has some input into the show.



Before anyone contacts GLAAD and has me strung up or brought up on libel, let me make a statement. There have been instances where GLAAD has been invited to preview films and then asked that things be cut out as they are offensive to our minority. In one instance, the film "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back", their requests were denied. GLAAD then asked that the films producers donate a large sum of money to their coffers or they would be forced to call a picket of the film and it's distribution company and so on and so forth. This is why I call them extortionist pirates and it is strictly my opinion and if they want to sue me, fine, get blood from a turnip.

I think this follows suit with most gay groups or with any group representing a particular minority. It's much easier for the christian right, they all fall under the banner of Hate. The only difference is in WHO they hate at the time; the Blacks, the Jews, the Queers, the Democrats. Minority representation is a lot trickier because then you have the inevitable task of how to best represent the largest percentage of those people, most of whom have no idea what the hell you are talking about. These groups are always hijacked eventually by the constant group of people who want to be the Rosa Parks of the gay community, the heroine (note the E)who saves us from doom. Blech! Though I dislike most of these groups, HRC is at least doing a fairly good job of representation without overstepping their bounds and without demanding that the world drop to their knees and apologize for every slight that ever happened.

Seriously, if this country every begins to pay reparations for slavery, I'm getting the hell out of dodge.

Back to Queer as Folk. I will admit that over the years I have fallen for a number of bad television shows. I was a huge Melrose Place fan, not to mention the years I spent watching Dallas. As bad as it is, I do find myself falling prey to the endless parade of nearly naked boys, sex filled backroom action (I won't get into the whole argument of how badly this represents the gay community and my intense hatred of "the circuit" in general) and of course the requisite backside shots of Justin and Brian. The story lines are usually pedestrian and one dimensional, like the characters. Sex seems to be THE redeeming quality. It's almost like straight porn, there is the requisite lesbian scene, and could the lesbian characters be any less developed? Seriously. I still watch, which I suppose makes me a hypocrite, but one fully sated with trashy dialogue, booty shots and transparent plot lines. Incidentally, has anyone ever been to Pittsburgh, the setting for this tragicomedy? I guarantee there is no Babylonesque club there (I know, it's filmed in Toronto). One last brief side note here, thank god for this show for one reason. Sharon Gless is back on television. The spunky single from Cagney and Lacy (one of the best shows of the 80's) is a fun actress and actually brings something positive to the show. Her character is built to be the PFLAG super mom, which I think would be annoying without her Friday flair vest and raspy Bea Arthur voice so I'm happy to see her in a new role. ENOUGH!!!!

On to Dumb Ass Folk....Does anyone watch Jeopardy? The guy who is the champ has won 14 days in a row, accumulating over 450,000 dollars. Wouldn't you hate to be friends with this guy? I mean, aside from the money, who wants to be friends with Cliff Clavin.

ahh the Menfolk, my final topic in this already too long entry. Love or Lust or somewhere in between has been in full bloom this spring here in New Orleans. My commentary (like my love and lust) will be brief;

When you have to I.D. someone before you take them home and there are still questions about their true age, well, you might want to move on to the next possibility. I know this sounds like sanctimonious advice coming from me, but perhaps age has granted me some wisdom (personal note here, shut up John F in Indy).

Seriously, and this should be basic, but obviously it bears repeating; Friends don't try to fuck their friends dates/boyfriends/lovers...Not only is it extremely and endlessly tacky, it's rude and it makes you look like a real ass. Why trust a friend who is willing to risk your friendship for a trick.

I think that's it for now, I'm off to bowl! Wish me Luck!