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Pride Fest 2008

Moi at Pridefest
Originally uploaded by gina.banina.

I attended Pride Fest this past weekend in St. Louis. This year’s Pride Fest was much better than last year’s. The eye candy was fab – there were some absolutely sexy men and women wandering the park. Though it did rain, it wasn’t as heavy a rain as last year and attendees were able to enjoy the festivities in spite of it. The addition of ATMs and more choices to pick from at the beer tent(s) were huge improvements.

There were not as famous of musicians at the stage this year, though I very much enjoyed Summer Osbourne’s performance – and bought all three of her CDs! – but I am sure the Pride Committee is saving funds for the 30th anniversary Pride next year.

The Pride Parade was fabulous. I came away with my share of beads at the parade. Ran into my friend Tim, an owner and operator of the great Park West Grille on Jefferson – he looked very sexy, topless in jeans. Too bad he plays for the other team (he has one very lucky boyfriend!) and not mine. *wink*

Googled.

I was made aware the other day that someone had Googled me.  I am not naïve.  I understand that people Google each other.  It was disturbing to me that this stranger knew so much about me, however.  She knew my age, my previous volunteer experiences, and my various blogs (past and present).  I suddenly felt exposed and creeped out.  If she was Googling me, who else was Googling me too?  Considering how active I am on the internet, I really have no idea; but I am a wee bit more apprehensive as a result of this recent revealing.

To censor or not to censor?

I am questioning how much to say, aloud or in written word, presently.  People apparently do read what I write – via my blogs, comments, e-mail, instant messages, text messages, and/or Twitter.  I have been told that much and have in fact had people remark about my statements – to me directly or to others instead of to me.  Granted, sometimes my words have not been written with enough thought for their potential impact.  I am working on this.   While I wish that the freedom of expression meant too the freedom from judgment, this is not always the case.  Keep in mind that people read what you write too and your words have an impact too.

(Additional thoughts on self-censorship in coming days).

Mmm…

This evening I had an incredible massage.  I have not been so relaxed in a very long time.  This was a full body massage, from head to foot massaged tenderly and thoroughly.  The foot massage was my favorite part, followed by the scalp massage.  My friend Jackie gave it to me.  I had agreed to be one of her “practice subjects” while she is a student at a massage therapy school here in St. Louis.  I would gladly be practice for her every week.

If you would like to get a free and amazing full body massage from my friend Jackie, comment and I will pass your contact info onto her and she can contact you to set a time up.

RIP, George Carlin.

RIP, George Carlin.
Originally uploaded by gina.banina.


May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008

May he have them laughing as hard in heaven (or wherever he might be) as he did here on earth.

Engulfed In Flames

Engulfed In Flames
Originally uploaded by gina.banina.



Tuesday evening I walked down from my apartment to Left Bank Books to see David Sedaris read from his new book Engulfed in Flames. As I got closer to Left Bank Books, I saw that the street was blocked off and people were sitting on the curbs or in those canvas chairs people often bring camping on the street. I thought, “It sure would have been nice to know that this was an outside event. I would have at least brought a blanket!” It got worse then.

I got in line to purchase his newest book at the table outside of Left Bank Books. When I got to the front to purchase his newest book I was informed that in order to see Sedaris read, Left Bank would require patrons to pay $35, the fee for a Friend of Left Bank membership, in addition to the book’s purchase. I was irritated that I didn’t know about the extra fee prior to walking down, annoyed that I didn’t have the funds available to pay this ridiculous extra fee, and bothered that Left Bank Books would not allow this reading to be first-come, first-serve as all other readings there have been.

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Evidently…

My “About the Author” page disappeared when I attempted to update WordPress versions. Yeah I am tech stupid and no I have had NO time to work on it further (perhaps Saturday…).  So until I get that dealt with I have a new About the Author bare bones page here.

(Frustrated beyond words at technology and its complicated ways).

Happy Birthday, Paul McCartney!

Originally uploaded by gina.banina.



Born June 18, 1942, he continues to make beautiful music, speak for animal rights and vegetarianism, and live life to the fullest. Happy 66th, Paul!

Gelateria

IMG_9099-1
Originally uploaded by gina.banina.



I have visited The Gelateria three times now. Every time is a great experience there. A variety of flavors of gelato are always available, samples are free and plentiful. This past Saturday I went and got a large waffle cone with two different flavors. Tasty!

Sandwiches are available too and they are delicious. The service staff are always nice and quick to help customers out. Smoothies and specialty drinks are available as well.

If you live in St. Louis or visit St. Louis, take the time to visit The Gelateria and have a scoop or two of the gelato. You will not regret it.

Father’s Day 2008

Father’s Day was today and as my faithful readers know my father died several years ago. In memory of him, in honor of him, I have composed a list of things that made my dad so wonderful.

  1. Dad said hello to strangers, with a smile on his face.
  2. He watched Simpsons religiously, now I do.
  3. His immense love for animals. He passed this onto me.
  4. He was absolutely unselfish.
  5. Dad could turn my bad mood into a good one with just one smile across his face.
  6. He took very good care of his family and always stayed in touch.
  7. His dedication to and love for his wife was tremendous.

This list doesn’t begin to tell the full story on why he was such an incredible person, but it’s a start at least…

(I still miss you, Dad, a whole lot).

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