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| Thursday, November 5th, 2009 | | 10:58 am |
| | Saturday, October 24th, 2009 | | 11:38 am |
Happy Halloween! Mom is Finally Putting Up the Decorations!
Just one week before Halloween, my mom is putting up the decorations! I joked "Are you ready for Halloween?" and mom replied "No". I put up my Autumn tree and decorations in my room one week before mom brought out her Halloween decorations. My pieces are an...Autumn tree.. with the autumn color leaves and some pine cones. The pine cones create a continuity into the Winter Solstice when I change the decoration retaining the pine cones after the the Autumn motif of pumpkins, reddish brown leaves in the tree are put away after Thanksgiving. No jack o lanterns here, they are things in common with Halloween and Thanksgiving. Current Mood: creative | | 11:26 am |
Writer's Block: Take the pain away
I wouldn't say the person I'm mentioning here hurt me the most in life, but the librarian at the library I go to wouldn't call me by my gender self-identified name--because the self-identified name which is a shortened version of my legal name on my card will be "confusing". Come on, we're talking about saying "Hi, so and so" not checking out a book. I worry telling her "not to talk to me, then" would get me banned from this library. I'd like to call her an "f@#* transphobic bitch!" but she might call the police, not a good thing! | | Saturday, December 6th, 2008 | | 10:20 am |
Live 8: DJG CBE
I am 48 years old so the "Dark Side of the Moon" was released when I was 13. I loved that album, I had no idea what the band looked like let alone know what their guitarist looked like. A few years later I found an old copy of "Meddle" and opened it, then I saw this: http://www.pink-floyd.org.uk/Autos/Gilmour.jpg . "What a beautiful face!" I thought to myself, the first thing you notice are the large slightly hooded almond-shaped eyes and the full lips--these are good looks either female or male! According to an article from 2006 the writer said, D Gil "back then (1971-1972) long hair and androgynous good looks" I was thinking "Well, D Gil doesn't have long hair anymore." ..... D Gil reflecting on aging, too: "I've also put on some weight...." You will see why I don't concider that a disadvantage. 2002: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDf_GV9Q25E2005: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-ORlQfHWrQ2006: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSmaQ2Abr4o2008: http://img379.imageshack.us/img379/5305/mtxtatler3906702wj2.jpgDisclaimer: the following are only the views of mel-pa and not neccessarily those the other bloggers on this list-- probably not even the self-image of the subject of this below composition! "Live 8: DJG CBE" by mel-pa Making poverty history down in Africa the group is getting back together in the summer weather for the cause. Nothing but video screens above the stage; sharing with the others in this open space is a shy guitar diety, exposed for y'all to see: a beautiful face, with full lips, and a full, lush body, below are squeezable hips! DG's solos standin', "Echoes" through the test of "Time" (songs not played that time ) New fans get wit' us old fans 'n' find, DG is quite the dime! The finest of the fine! DJG CBC! Physical beauty, wit' the beauty of phil-an-thro-py! DG! DG! A pilot who's really fly! Shoulder-strapped, overlappin a cushion of bosom. Roundish arms and throat support a voice floating over steel six strings bending and sliding blues-based chords. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXQg7Oir1Bg Serve it up! Serve it up! Age is but a number, etc, etc. Mama Nature has thrown DG a few curves--not fat, pleasantly--no, pleasurably plump--THICK in all the right spots! Walking and-- whatever has carved a shape out! DJG CBC! Physical beauty, wit' the beauty of phil-an-thro-py! P.S. If you are concerned about D Gil's health I meant slightly plump--I believe you should lose or maintain weight as much as a sensible diet and moderate exerise allows--if there happens to be some weight on after that don't do anything that is just going to screw you up! Current Music: Beautiful.... by Beyonce and Shakira (or just the video for the song) | | Friday, November 7th, 2008 | | 10:38 am |
Concideration
Home : Community Center : Join Community Join Community Join hiphopisus? Joining this community will allow you to read any members-only entries posted in it. It will not allow community members or maintainers to read protected entries in your own journal. Additionally, this community allows posting by all members. If you already have a LiveJournal client open, log out and log back in for this community to show in your posting permissions. Yes, I want to watch hiphopisus in addition to joining it. Take me to Step 2: Add to Friends. Adding a community allows you to read entries posted in it on your Friends page. check "ghetto" | | Thursday, November 6th, 2008 | | 11:01 am |
Are they Partying in the Hood Now?
Does anyone know if they are partying in South Central LA after Obama won the election? Maybe there was at least a couple of days of peace in the streets. Obama's win is hope for racial minorities, especially there. Current Mood:  curious | | Thursday, October 16th, 2008 | | 10:20 am |
The City Wakes
The City Wakes! Here is a link to the City Wakes: a Tribute to Syd Barrett October 22--November 1 in Cambridge, England. http://www.thecitywakes.org.uk/If you are going can you send us a webcast? This is my poem for the occasion, don't surprised if I keep revising this entry: Narrator: Come yo! To the Syd Festival! Cambridge celebrates their own! Party together or party alone, take in in the red, orange, gold, of fall! The City Wakes! The City Wakes! The reaction to Syd's passing--hey--wasn't what I anticipated! Fans used to disturbing at Syd's door, Syd's free, we're free to speak out more! July 7, 2006 now Oct 2008. Today Syd rules, anniverary in its terrible twos! Roger Waters said: And that's kind of what I wrote about in Shine On You Crazy Diamond and I still feel that sense of loss. I guess part of me thought when he died in some sense it was a release I think he was deeply unhappy I really do however much people said well he was pottering about in his garden building odd bits of furniture in his house. I can't help feeling there's a part of the extraordinarily creative bit of the psyche that remembers what it was like to be able to function on that level and is distressed by it. Not being able to do it anymore Nick Mason on "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" session: "When I think about it, I can still see his eyes, but... it was everything else that was different" I don't think any of us had seen him in the intervening period. It was indicated pretty clearly to us by the family that Syd found it distressing to be reminded of the old days. So we stayed away. And.. "I think, looking back on it now, what we should have probably done was just let him go much, much earlier instead of desperately trying to keep the thing going and to keep Syd on side, which did him no good at all." "Pink Floyd wouldn't exist without Syd. If ever there was a record that marks a period of music history, Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, with Syd's songs, is absolutely part of it. It's something that we never discovered again, not with Rick's or Roger's or David's writing, that sort of whimsical English vein". Narrator: Screw the Brylcreem story and Mandrax pills, magic and music are mad skills! Recovery unknown, unclear. Who would you believe over the years? Mental breakdown, acid-head impaired? Pink Floyd living large, David Gilmour in charge, payday royalty check on its way Gilmour declared Syd a fair share, more dough from "Echoes" album Syd take what was owed, and walk straight home, finally live alone! David Gilmour: ( Gilmour was invited to the recording session for the band’s second single ‘See Emily Play', and recalls even then that Syd didn’t recognise him.) ‘He looked through you. He wasn’t quite there.’ (Shine on...) "None of us recognised him. Shaved...shaved bald head and very plump". I lost Syd 30 years ago. (Gilmour) "[made] sure the money [got] to him all right Soon Richard Wright was on a due date boat,too) Richard Wright "Shine on.." "One thing that really stands out in my mind, that I'll never forget; I was going in to the "Shine On" sessions. I went in the studio and I saw this guy sitting at the back of the studio, he was only as far away as you are from me. And I didn't recognize him. I said, 'Who's that guy behind you?' 'That's Syd'. And I just cracked up, I couldn't believe it... he had shaven all his hair off... I mean, his eyebrows, everything... he was jumping up and down brushing his teeth, it was awful. And, uh, I was in, I mean Roger was in tears, I think I was; we were both in tears. It was very shocking... seven years of no contact and then to walk in while we're actually doing that particular track. I don't know – coincidence, karma, fate, who knows? But it was very, very, very powerful. The City Wakes! The City Wakes! Word from sis, Don't diss, sib Rog AKA Syd, only needing an artist's paintbrush, a hoe, DIY, and a two-wheel ride. "If he’s not too busy in the middle of a cosmic reunion jam with Rick Wright you could do worse than let Syd Barrett know there’s a fantastic new single coming out very soon in his honour. Sonically, it’s nothing like his blend of off-kilter psychedelia, but the Trashcan Sinatras have created a luscious and bluesy 6 and a half minutes plus track that’s a worthy contendor for Single of the Year | | Thursday, August 14th, 2008 | | 10:27 am |
| | Saturday, July 5th, 2008 | | 10:19 am |
| | Thursday, March 13th, 2008 | | 11:29 am |
| | Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 | | 10:58 am |
Sock Bunny
I used a footy sock, although if the sock is too long you can just cut it to ankle length. 1. From the top down, cut the toe end of the sock in half. ( about 1/3 the length of the foot part). 2. Blanket stitch or whip stitch the opening on the wrong side, turn right side out again. Do a running stitch to partition off the neck, leave ends long for now. 3. stuff the ears really lightly, use a round ball of fiberfil to stuff the head, and a bigger round ball for the body. (if you're using animal eyes, you'll have to put the snap end into the head with the stuffing now) Pull the neck strings to make a head/ body (Play with the proportions a bit to make sure the bunny doesn't get too big or small a head. ) Wind around neck, tie off and sew the ends back into the sock. 4. Fold the ears to make the little 'rabbit ears', With matching thread, sew the ears and eye-sockets where the red dots are. Go right through the entire width of the rabbit and pull tight to make the nose and forehead a little narrower. 5. Pinch the face and fiberfill as you sew the pink lines to make the face (running stitch). You want to catch the stuffing as you go so stitch deep. Running stitch the pink lines in 6 and 7, pinching the stuffing as you go to make the feet. If they don't quite want to form, pull lightly to make the indentation and then stuff it with more fiberfil. Lastly, tack the head in the position you want, roll up the cuff of the sock and tack on the back to make the tail. Sew up the bottom, add eyes (beads, buttons or black shank buttons) and a nose(I sewed this one on with pink thread) and a pompom tail (if you want). You can also put a beanie bag in the bottom at this point. to make it a little heavier. Dress with a ribbon If you have a wool sock, you can cut the cuff up and felt with a stiff brush to make a puffy tail. Current Mood:  mischievous | | Saturday, February 2nd, 2008 | | 10:19 am |
Chinese Zodiac
12 Feb 03 1935 - Jan 23 1936 Yin Wood 乙 亥 Boar Jan 31 1995 - Feb 18 1996 13 Jan 24 1936 - Feb 10 1937 Yang Fire 丙 子 Rat Feb 19 1996 - Feb 06 1997 14 Feb 11 1937 - Jan 30 1938 Yin Fire 丁 丑 Ox Feb 07 1997 - Jan 27 1998 15 Jan 31 1938 - Feb 18 1939 Yang Earth 戊 寅 Tiger Jan 28 1998 - Feb 15 1999 Ox Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. Compatible with Snake or Rooster. Boar Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Pig are extremely nice, good-mannered and tasteful. They’re perfectionists who enjoy finer things but are not perceived as snobs. They enjoy helping others and are good companions until someone close crosses them, then look out! They’re intelligent, always seeking more knowledge, and exclusive. Compatible with Rabbit or Goat. Rat Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Rat are quick-witted, clever, charming, sharp and funny. They have excellent taste, are a good friend and are generous and loyal to others considered part of its pack. Motivated by money, can be greedy, is ever curious, seeks knowledge and welcomes challenges. Compatible with Dragon or Monkey. Tiger Those born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the Tiger are authoritative, self-possessed, have strong leadership qualities, are charming, ambitious, courageous, warm-hearted, highly seductive, moody, intense, and they’re ready to pounce at any time. Compatible with Horse or Dog. | | Saturday, December 22nd, 2007 | | 11:41 am |
Robert Eads Wikipedia
Robert Eads From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Robert Eads (18 December 1945 - 17 January 1999 in Toccoa, Georgia) was a female-to-male transsexual, whose life and death was the subject of the award-winning documentary Southern Comfort. Robert's given name at birth was "Barbara," and he spent the first forty years of his life as a woman, even going so far as to be married to a man and give birth to two sons. He later described being pregnant as "the best and the worst (time) in my life," as he was thrilled by the feeling of having another life grow inside him, but was also disgusted by the fact that his pregnancy made him (as a man) feel even more "trapped" inside his female body. He divorced his husband after the birth of his second son, and lived for some time as a lesbian, though he would later point out that he always viewed his attraction to women as the product of being a heterosexual man rather than a gay female. Robert began transitioning to life as a male in the late 1980s following a move to Florida. He began testosterone therapy and underwent a modified double mastectomy to create a male physique. However, given his somewhat advanced age (early to mid 40's) as well as the fact that he had already begun to show symptoms of menopause, Eads was counseled that he would not need to undergo a hysterectomy and oophorectomy as part of his sexual reassignment. Likewise, Eads never underwent phalloplasty, and despite living as a man, retained external female genitalia throughout his entire life. After living in Florida for some time, and following the failure of his second marriage (to a female psychologist), Eads moved back to Georgia in 1996. [1] [2] At the time Southern Comfort was filmed in 1998, Eads was dying of ovarian cancer which had metastasized to his uterus, cervix, and abdominal organs. Although the cancer had been initially diagnosed after a severe bout of abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding led Eads to seek emergency medical treatment, more than two dozen doctors subsequently refused to treat Eads on the grounds that taking him on as a patient might harm their practice. It was not until 1997 - nearly one year after the time of his initial dagnosis - that he was finally accepted for treatment by the Medical College of Georgia hospital, where he underwent surgical, medical, and radiation therapy over the next year. [3] [4] Despite this aggressive treatment, help ultimately came too late for Robert, who died at his home in 1999 at the age of 53. Eads is believed to have had either stage III or stage IV ovarian cancer at the time of diagnosis. The average five-year survival rate for stage III ovarian cancer is 21%, and for stage IV is less than 5%. [edit] Notes ^ Southern Comfort ^ Southern Comfort - Deleted scene "Robert on Family" ^ Southern Comfort - Deleted scene "Robert on the Medical Process" ^ http://www.mcg.edu/som/obgyn/deptinfo.htm#Gynecologic%20Oncology [edit] See also Current Mood:  okay | | Saturday, October 20th, 2007 | | 11:25 am |
Well Tailored FTM
Introduction Some say that every man should own at least one nice suit. You might find you need one for formal occasions such as weddings and funerals, or maybe you work at a job that requires business attire and you require several suits to rotate in your wardrobe. For trans men who are are not on T or who are not yet being read consistently as male, a suit can provide a more masculine and distinguished look. It can have the added effect of making people take you more seriously on the job or in formal settings. This chapter is meant to help you choose wisely and speak with confidence while shopping for a suit. The information herein is an introduction-- there is much more to know about suits and classic men's attire. If you have further interest in the topic, you may wish to check one of the books listed in the final section of this chapter (Resources). Tips on buying your first suit Finding a store and a helpful salesperson Buying a suit for the first time can be daunting, especially if you have little experience with the topic. The whole process is made much easier and more enjoyable if you find a friendly and knowledgeable salesperson to assist you. If you want a suit that looks good and fits comfortably, be prepared to spend a good deal of time with your salesperson, and don't be afraid to ask questions or speak up when something feels odd or uncomfortable. If you aren't working well with a particular salesperson, don't hesitate to try another store or find someone else to assist you--it will be worthwhile to find a person who will really take an interest in helping you. A good way to find a knowledgeable salesperson is to ask a well-dressed friend or relative where they purchased their suit. You could even ask a well-dressed stranger--many men are happy to give referrals if they have found a store or salesperson they especially like. If you cannot get a referral, you might want to try a popular men's store such as The Men's Wearhouse, a reputable menswear shop in your town, or the menswear section of a major department store. Points to consider when buying a suit When shopping for a suit, consider fabric, style and cut, color, and having the suit fitted properly. You should also consider the accessories you'll need with a suit, such as a dress shirt, a tie, a belt, and a good pair of shoes. Keep those items in mind and mention them to your salesperson when considering your budget. Although retailers often recommend buying the best suit one can afford, when it comes to first-time suits, it may be wiser to hold back. This is especially true for trans men who have just started testosterone as their bodies will probably go through some major changes (much like any man experiences going through puberty) . It would be a shame to grow out of an expensive suit in less than a year! This is not to say that you should buy the cheapest suit off the rack-- you should still look for quality and a good fit whenever possible. Discuss your budget constraints with your salesperson, and have him or her guide you to your best options within that range. A note for those on a very strict budget: You might want to visit a menswear store to have your measurements taken and to get a general education on fabric, cut, and how a good suit should look and feel on your body. Then you can take this information and visit a thrift store to find a suit that fits reasonably well, and spend a little money to have it fitted properly by a tailor. Thrift stores may have a decent selection of good wool suits (some worn only a few times) at very reasonable prices. Fabric It is highly recommended that your first suit be made of 100% wool. Wool is a natural fiber that breathes, which means you'll be more comfortable and you'll sweat less than in a suit made of man-made materials. Wool is also durable and travels well. Fabrics other than wool have their drawbacks, and probably should not be considered for a first suit, unless there is no alternative. Polyester suits should be avoided, as they do not breathe, but if you need to keep costs down, a polyester/wool blend might be a reasonable choice. Look for suits made of 100% "worsted" wool. The worsting process involves selecting long wool fibers and twisting them into tight and resilient yarns. Worsted wool suits are durable, hard-wearing, and usually fine for wear in all seasons. As for the weight of the fabric, the mid-weights are best overall for year-round wear, unless you live in a very warm climate. If you do happen to live in a very warm or very cold climate, ask your salesperson about your best options in fabric weight. Style For a first suit, it is generally safe to stick with a basic single-breasted style, where the jacket buttons in front in a single row of buttons, rather than a double-breasted suit, where the material folds over itself with two rows of buttons. Single-breasted jackets come in a variety of styles, including the classic two-button and modern three- and four-button styles. Always leave the bottom button on a single-breasted jacket undone. A vest is not necessary. Cut The cut of a suit refers to how the suit sits or hangs on your body. Suits can be broken down into three basic cuts: 1. The American cut. First introduced by Brooks Brothers in 1895, it features a boxy silhouette, straight hanging lines, natural shoulders (no padding), flap pockets, and a single center vent in the jacket. The American cut is a classic cut that is a fine choice for a first suit. 2. The British cut. This cut is more shaped than the American suit with slightly pinched waist, double vents, higher armholes, padded shoulders, and flap pockets. 3. The European cut (Italian). Sleek, modern, with padded shoulders, no vents, flapless pockets, and tapered waist (V-shape) on the jacket. Of course, these are simply basic descriptions; there are many variations in the way suits are cut and styled. For example, another popular cut variation in recent years is the "executive cut," which allows for more room along the waistline for those men who carry more weight in their belly. The important thing when considering cut and style is to find a suit that fits and flatters your particular body type, and that is "classic" enough in its styling that it won't go out of style next season. Ask your salesperson to help you find a good, basic cut and style that will wear well for you on many occasions. Color For your first suit, it is advisable to stick with dark, solid colors such as charcoal gray, black, or navy blue. If you are buying an additional suit or suits beyond your basic solid colors, subtle patterns such as pinstripes or herringbone may be considered. Try to choose colors and patterns that will stand the test of time and will be appropriate for the settings in which you will wear the suit. Fitting the suit properly When you are shopping for a suit, you should expect the salesperson to take all your measurements: neck, shoulders, sleeves, chest, waist, and inseam. Have them measure you first, before you begin looking at suits. If there is any part of the suit that doesn't fit exactly right, it should be altered by the shop. In some stores, alterations are free, and in some you will pay a fee. Again, it is good to be working with a salesperson who has your best interests in mind when it comes to fitting. Be sure to ask questions if you are not sure how something should feel or fit. For men who are binding Keep in mind that if you are binding your chest, your salesperson and tailor might have to make some special considerations when fitting the suit for you. Wear your usual binder when shopping for your suit. If you wish to explain the binder to the salesperson, you can tell him or her that you suffer from gynecomastia (a condition of enlarged breast tissue in men), and that you need a suit that will help minimize the look of your chest. If you have been referred to an understanding tailor or salesperson, you may choose to disclose your trans status and ask them to work with you on fitting the suit to best flatter your current appearance. However, you should not feel obligated to explain your binder to anyone; some men wear medical braces or other items under their clothing-- all such items are typically considered to be a private matter. How the suit should look To follow are some hints on the various parts of the suit, and how they should appear when fitted properly. The jacket should lie smoothly over your shoulders and across your back, and should look proportional to your physique. The length of the jacket should cover up your entire backside (your butt). Jacket sleeves should end at the point where your hands meet your wrists and show 1/2 inch of your shirt cuff. Higher armholes may help your suit to drape better on your body, but they should never feel tight or binding. Make sure that you have free movement of your arms. As a test, bring your arms straight out in front of you. The collar should hug the back of the neck without buckling or pulling. 1/2 inch of your shirt collar should show from under the suit's collar. Shoulder pads, if you have them, should help the suit to hang properly and help you achieve more of a "V" shape. For guys with narrow shoulders, pads might help you look more masculine, but they should never be too bulky or obvious, nor should they be so wide as to diminish the appearance of the head. The shoulders of a jacket should frame the head for a balanced presentation. Lapels should lie flat to your chest, and should never bunch up or buckle. Vents are in the flap of cloth below the waist at the back of the jacket that covers your backside (your butt). You can have one, two, or no vents depending on your body type. If you have a large backside, two vents are advisable; if you have a very flat backside, you can opt for no vents. The idea is to not have the back of the jacket stretching across your butt. The Pants The waistline should be comfortable; make sure that you can stick two fingers into the waist while you're wearing them. Suit pants tend to be worn a bit higher than jeans, which are usually worn on the hip. Usually the waist of suit pants falls at or just below the navel. Cuffs help the pants provide a little weight at the bottom and help the pants to hang correctly. Stick to a maximum 1.5" cuff, unless you are short, in which case you might want to try a 3/4" cuff, or avoid them altogether, as they tend to make the legs appear shorter. Accessories Shirt It is best to have a 100% cotton dress shirt to wear with your suit (like wool, cotton breathes). Plain white, point collar shirts are okay with all styles of suits and on all occasions. There are numerous variations in shirt collars-- you should choose a collar that is both classic and flattering to your face. For example, if you have a narrow face, you might want to consider a spread collar; if you have a round face, consider a straight point collar. As a rule, never wear a button-down collar shirt with a double-breasted suit. Your shirt should be smooth around the neck and allow for an index finger of breathing room in the collar. You should never feel choked by your collar. Most men who feel choked when wearing a suit and tie often are wearing shirts with an ill-fitting collar. Have a salesperson measure you to fit your shirt and collar properly. Belt, shoes, and socks Your belt should be the same color as your shoes, and both belt and shoes should preferably be made of leather. Black is usually a safe choice for both shoes and belt. Wingtips or other traditional lace-up shoes are recommended. Socks should be dress socks and should match your pants. The metal of your belt buckle should match the metal of your watch, if you wear one. Ties The tie you choose should have subtle patterns and background colors to match the suit. If you are unsure, ask for assistance in a good menswear store. 100% silk ties tend to make the best knots. If you feel choked when wearing a tie, make sure that the collar of your shirt is not too tight--this is often the cause of the discomfort. How to tie a tie Four basic tie knots are described here: the four-in-hand, the half Windsor, the full Windsor (double Windsor), and the bow tie. The bow tie is usually only used with a tuxedo and is not recommended for a classic suit and tie look. Keep in mind that when you look at the illustrations below, they are mirror images: they show what you would see as you look in the mirror to tie your tie. Four-in-hand This knot is simple to tie and has just a few twists. Learn this knot first, as it is the easiest, and it's an appropriate knot for all occasions. 1. Drape the tie over your neck and under your shirt collar. Start with the wide end of the tie on your right and extend it a foot below the narrow end. 2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, and bring it back underneath. 3. Continue around, crossing the wide end over the narrow end once more. 4. Pass the wide end through the loop you have created near your shirt collar. 5. Holding the front of the knot loose with your index finger, pass the wide end down through the loop in front. 6. Remove finger and tighten the knot carefully. Draw up to the collar by holding the narrow end and sliding knot up snugly. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Half Windsor The half Windsor is an excellent all-occasion knot that is relatively easy to tie. 1. Drape the tie over your neck and under your shirt collar. Start with the wide end of the tie on your right and extend it a foot below the narrow end. 2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end, and bring it back underneath. 3. Bring the wide end up and turn down through the loop you've created near your collar. 4. Pass the wide end around the front from left to right. 5. Bring the wide end up and through the loop from behind. 6. Bring the wide end down through the knot in front. Tighten carefully and draw up to your collar. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Full Windsor (Double Windsor) The full Windsor is the dressiest knot of the three. It is ideal for wide collar openings and extra-long neckties, though it may look crowded if you have a narrow collar opening. 1. Drape the tie over your neck and under your shirt collar. Start with the wide end of the tie on your right and extend it a foot below the narrow end. 2. Cross the wide end over the narrow end and bring up through the loop you've created near your collar. 3. Bring the wide end down and around behind the narrow end, then up on your right. 4. Pass the wide end through the loop, then around and across the narrow end. 5. Turn and pass the wide end up through the loop. 6. Complete by slipping the wide end down through the knot in the front. Tighten and draw up snug to your collar. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Bow tie This knot is appropriate for tuxedos. 1. Drape the tie over your neck and under your shirt collar. Start with the end in your left hand extending 1-1.5 inches below the end in your right hand. 2. Cross the longer end (in your left hand) over the shorter end and pass up through the loop around your neck. 3. Form the front loop of the bow by doubling up the shorter end (the hanging end), and placing across your collar points. 4. Hold this front loop with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand. Drop the long end down over the front loop. Make sure that the front loop remains well formed and tight against your neck. 5. Place your right forefinger pointing up on the bottom half of the hanging part of the tie. Pass it up behind the front loop. 6. Poke the resulting loop through the knot behind the front loop. Even the ends and tighten. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Caring for your suit Lining inside the suit jacket pants increases comfort and reduces wrinkling. A crotch liner can be added to your suit pants to reduce abrasion between your thighs and the suit's fabric, and to help your pants last longer. Always unbutton your suit coat when sitting. Also when sitting, pull your slacks up slightly at the thigh to reduce stress on the seams. Always hang your suit on a curved wooden hanger, with the curve going forward. Leave space between your suit(s) and the other garments hanging in your closet. When your suit gets wrinkled, have it pressed. You only need to dry clean your suit when it is dirty. Suits worn regularly usually only need to be dry cleaned a few times per year. Too much dry cleaning makes natural fibers like wool more brittle, so dry clean only when necessary. Resources The following books are recommended for those who want to learn more about suits and men's clothing: Dressing the Man, by Alan Flusser The Indispensable Guide to Classic Men's Clothing, by Josh Karlen and Christopher Sulavik The following web sites have information on men's suits and accessories: Men's Wearhouse www.menswearhouse.com Has helpful articles explaining men's formal wear, and has animated directions on how to tie a tie. To Tie a Tie.com www.totieatie.com Has helpful diagrams and tips on five basic knots, plus about 10 uncommon knots. Was this page helpful to you? Please consider donating to ftmguide.org! Back to the Top Back to Hudson's FTM Resource Guide main page Copyright, disclaimer, and privacy information | | Thursday, September 27th, 2007 | | 11:47 am |
Boys Don't Cry---Over EVERYTHING
mel_pa 2007-09-27 05:44 pm UTC (link) Hi, Many years ago my when my nephew was seven or eight he had some very minor fall, and my sister went beyond coddle as he cried, my mom asked her not to let him cry long over a minor fall. I repeated this story to a woman who said "Your sister ought to be commended: society tries to make boys macho by not allowing them to cry" I tried to explain that we expected him at the that age he was to control the urge to cry over EVERTHING--crying is legitimate and healthy if it is something like over the death of a loved one or a serious injury. The woman insisted that it is ok for a boy to cry over trifle things. Not letting boys cry was not the issue--we were concerned that he would grow up crying over so much as a itty bitty paper cut-- We would not let boys AND GIRLS cry over very minor injury. Just take care of the "boo boo" give them a little hug and send them on their way. We want sensitive, empathic, creative boy, but not a neurotic kid! | | Tuesday, August 7th, 2007 | | 10:48 am |
Source of Script "GS"
Dogfighting: A shadow world of bloodlust By DREW JUBERA The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 07/20/07 Editor's Note:Eric Sakach attended about a dozen dogfights as an undercover investigator for the Humane Society. Here, he gives AJC reporter Drew Jubera an insider's account. (ENLARGE) The dogs often fight in near silence, exhausted and trying to survive. But the people grow louder as they see the blood flow. (ENLARGE) Fans lie on the floor after officers raided a dogfight in Marked Tree, Ark. Crowds at such spectacles include men, women and children. The precautions taken to avoid detection are pretty extraordinary. In one case [in Arkansas], we were told to arrive at a motel the day before. Most of the people there were there to attend the same fight. The day of the fight, later in the afternoon, we all received a call and were told to stand outside by our vehicles. A lone pickup truck with a couple of occupants made a slow pass by everyone. They then turned around and told us to get in our cars and follow them caravan style. We then drove in an erratic fashion for about 45 minutes, to throw off, or identify, any tails. We came to a farmhouse on the outskirts of town and waited for several hours. As we were waiting in the field, it turned to dusk, and cars with their lights on — other caravans — were being led in. I always likened it to the last scene in "Field of Dreams." Virtually all the conversations are about dogs — past fights, who's showing at this event, what you think the odds are. All you do is talk dog. Some people are also very reserved. The paranoia tends to be thick. It's not unusual to see people light up joints. They then had everyone drive in one long caravan for about five miles to a good-sized farm building that could accommodate a couple hundred people. Dog fights can be held pretty much whenever and wherever people are willing to assemble. In the South, outside pits are very popular. Depending on how big the fight is, admission fees are set; men pay, women and children get in free. It's common to see maybe a quarter being female. Socializing goes on for 45 minutes to an hour, giving everyone time to get in, get comfortable if there are bleachers. Frequently a bar is set up where you can buy beer or hard liquor. Sometimes you find barbecue set up at a concession. It's almost an amphitheater setting. Then announcements are made. They'll say, "If you see somebody you're not sure of, point him out." And, "Anybody representing a law enforcement agency, present yourself." The idea is, if you're a cop and you don't present yourself, you're somehow guilty of entrapment. That doesn't work. But it does tend to create some nervousness. It's not unusual to see armed guards. A lot of folks are packing [guns]. While all that's going on, the owners or dogs' handlers are finalizing everything before their dogs are brought into the pit. The handlers toss a coin with a referee and pick which side of the pit they want. Handlers or owners wash and examine their opponents' dog under the supervision of the referee. That's done to remove any poisonous or caustic substances that may have been applied to the dog's coat. The dogs are then wrapped in towels and carried to their respective corners. The pit is generally 16 or 20 feet square, usually plywood, [with walls] 24 to 36 inches high. The floor is covered with carpet, for traction. The dogs are faced toward the walls, beyond diagonal lines on the floor on opposite ends, called scratch lines. They're usually made from duct tape or spray paint, and the distance between the lines is generally 12 and half to 14 feet apart, depending on the rules. Soon after that, the referee begins things by saying, "Face your dogs!" At which point the handlers face the dogs toward each other. It's about the only time you hear much noise. The dogs will growl. They don't have collars; the handlers hold them between their legs, usually using the inside of their knees pressed into the rib cage and gripping with both hands where the skin is loose over the dog's shoulders. Quickly, the referee says, "Release your dogs!" Or, "Let go!" And almost instantly the dogs are going to collide somewhere in the pit. It's a frenzied blur of biting, each dog attempting to gain an advantage over the other. It's like a wrestling match with teeth. A lot of dogs are known by their style of biting. There are nose dogs (they go for the nose), leg dogs ... Their handlers are encouraging the dog by clapping or whistling. They'll yell, "C'mon, boy, get you some." That kind of stuff. They're not allowed to touch the dogs. Some people are totally rabid, in a betting frenzy, calling out bets like, "100 on the red nose!" If someone acknowledges your call, you have a bet. There's people that lean over the side of the pit, seemingly trying to get the closest view of every bite. The smell of dope is not much different than at a rock concert. But the overall smell is a bizarre, haunting smell. It's the smell that goes along with blood and sweat and humidity, combined with the cigarettes and cigars and pipes everybody's puffing on. Then there's the smell of the dogs and a carpet that's frequently soaked — the floors of some of these pits look like slaughter plants. There's not much noise – most of the time the dogs's mouths are full. You will sometimes hear a dog whimper or cry out if bitten in a sensitive area. But as the match goes on, the noise tends to be almost exclusively from the people. The dogs are so exhausted, their mouths wrapped around a part of the other dog, both lying on the floor, breathing super heavy, their lungs about to explode. Their handlers are on the floor with them, pounding on the floor, encouraging them with commands. If a dog ceases to attack, or if it turns its head and shoulders away from an opponent without attempting to get a new hold, the dog is said to have committed a "turn." Both dogs are then picked up and carried to their corners and faced to the wall. The referee will throw a sponge to each handler, who has a set time, usually 25 seconds, to sponge off blood, saliva, check for "fang lip" (when a dog's tooth goes through its own lip). The referee then calls for the dogs to get ready, calls, "Let go!" and the dog that committed the turn is released first. Depending on the rules being used, the dog has 10 to 20 seconds to "scratch to" his opponent – to charge across the pit. If he does, the fight resumes. If the dog fails to do that, the match is over. Generally fighting continues until they're out of holds (they quit biting). Fights average about 45 minutes. But they can be over fairly quickly, five to 10 minutes, if one dog is not wanting to fight. The longest recorded is 5 hours, 33 minutes. The longest I ever saw was about an hour. I have not seen a dog killed in the arena, but certainly afterward. Bites are strong enough to break bone. [Dogs] suffer from dehydration, blood loss, shock. The dead are taken off to the side, some are thrown in pits — some guys have burn pits — some are thrown in the back of a pickup. More often you see owners, if the dog is in shock, set up an IV kit, getting fluids into the dog. Everybody leaves at the same time — you can't leave during the fights — recounting this and that, talking about going to see other dogs. You don't know who all is carrying guns — a lot are — so most people know enough that if they made a bet, you better pay off. It's a very ugly side of human nature. There's nothing about it that's redeeming or positive. Just stuff that appeals to the basest instincts of people. ABOUT THE INVESTIGTOR Eric Sakach, 53, was an investigator for 19 years for the Humane Society of the United States. He was often paired with informants to gain access to these highly secretive events around the country. His undercover work led to the arrest of more than 500 people involved in illegal dogfights and cockfights. He is now an HSUS regional director in Sacramento, Calif. Sponsored Links Current Mood:  pissed off | | Tuesday, July 31st, 2007 | | 10:14 am |
Gimme Shelter--Off the Chain
Exterior-Night We see a line of vehicles on the street ready to depart for something that appears to be a sporting event--with the spectator trash talk associated with it. Eager, the group boards the vehicles and pull out into a formation. This caravan looks like a tail-gating party, or is it? They are so secretive. Cut to-- A clandestine site away from the public--away from witnesses! Inside a private building a crowd make bets, bring their young children, handlers leading pit bulls on heavy chains into a pit. (we hear the fade in of the ominous opening riffs of "Gimme Shelter") In a corner a pitbull puppy is terrified: is this the puppy's future? The dogs in the pit are released and they tear each other up; the crowd cheers. Exterior of Dogfighting Site Two singers speaking for the dogs appear. Singer 1 Storm threatened my life today, if I don't get me some shelter oh, I'm gonna fade away! Singers together. War, children, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, shot away! (Images of dogs fighting, children exposed to it, and future victims of dogfighting including the use of "bait dogs" dogs tethered for a fight dog to train by attacking the trapped animal.) Cut to- Street We see a police scanner monitoring the whereabouts of cops in the neighborhood so it can warn dogfighters to move to another area. Singer 1 See the fire sweepin' our very street today, Singers together Burns like a red coal carpet (a losing dog is beaten to death by owner and the "winner's" owner and crowd cheers in a perverse celebration), mad bull has lost his way! War, children, it's just a shot away. it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away! War, children, it's just ashot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away! War, children, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away! Cut to a Dogfighting Kennel We see a female dog and she is being restrained in a rack called a "rape stand". She is terrified as she is brutally forced to "breed". Singer 2 (Screaming) RAPE! MURDER! It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just just a shot away! RAPE! MURDER! It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away! RAPE! MURDER! It's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a thought away! Singer 1 Flood threatened my life today, if I don't gimme shelter, oh, I'm gonna fade away! Singers Together War, children, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away! (Suddenly an undercover cop posing as a spectator drops their rouse and gives a signal to another to launch a raid on the dogfighters) suspects flee but are captured by cops, dogs are seized, evidence is collected.) War, children, it's shot a shot away, it's just a shot away, it's just a shot away! (A line of dogs in pet carrier bark aggressively, they are bloodied ripped up, and maimed, investigators only shake their heads: they know that these dogs might be euthanized.) Cut to Tight close up shot of pit bull puppy we have seen earlier the puppy licks the animal cruelty investigator's face, this puppy has not been trained to fight and has a chance to find a good home. Singer 1 Love, sisters, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away! Love, sisters, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away! Love, sisters, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away! Singers Together It's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away, it's just a kiss away! (Suspects are taken into custody, dogs are loaded into vans, and the puppy is carried by the animal cruelty investigator perhaps to a new life...), oh, yeah! Fade out. Current Mood: angry | | Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007 | | 11:03 am |
Here is a gender neutral version of my middle name. Name: Leinani Gender: Both Meaning: Beautiful garland Origin: Hawaiian Categories: Unisex, Polynesian, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Pronunciation: (leh-ee NA nee) [ Guide ] Form of: Itself (Leinani | | Wednesday, June 6th, 2007 | | 10:52 am |
Men CAN Stop Rape
Here is an article from a female college student about MEN stopping rape: My Opinion Education is essential in preventing rape I just found out the urinal cakes in the men's bathroom in the HUB contain an anti-rape message. "You hold the power to stop rape in your hands," to be exact. All I can say is, "Thank God." Penn State is finally starting to get it. I am so sick of our society constantly putting the burden to stop rape on women by telling us to protect ourselves from men. Let's face it -- the only way rape will ever stop is if rapists stop raping. How many times have women been told the long list of things we must do to prevent ourselves from being attacked? Don't go out late at night, never walk alone, don't drink too much, don't dress too provocatively, carry Mace. I've seen those reminders written on posters in women's bathrooms all over campus, so yeah, I'm overjoyed the message to stop rape is finally being sent to men. I know most men who read the urinal cake message are not rapists, but we have to acknowledge the fact that some men on this campus do rape. You might have the image of a rapist embedded in your mind as a man dressed in black lurking in the bushes at night. While some rapes are committed by strangers, most are committed by someone the victim knows. We have to let go of the stereotype of the lurking man and realize the guy you sit next to in class or party with on the weekends might be the perpetrator of a rape or sexual assault. As I learned in my women's studies class last semester, telling women to lock their doors and stay inside at night are reactive responses. They do not reach the source of the problem -- the men who rape. We are simply limiting the things women are allowed to do instead of seeking proactive solutions. What our society should do is explore the reasons why men rape and educate boys and men that they cannot rape because rape is wrong. This message has to reach Penn State students in every way possible, and that includes urinal cakes. One of our readers sent a letter to the editor last Friday about the urinal cake message. He insinuated the message was ridiculous because he alone cannot stop all rape. Here is a piece of his letter: "It was informing me that my penis was so powerful that it could all by itself stop rape -- not just some rape but all rape could be stopped if my magic wand just willed it so." The reader completely missed the point. The message is not meant to accuse him of being a rapist or suggest he alone can stop rape. Rather, its purpose is to reach as many men as possible and try to change some of their attitudes toward rape. Some men who read the message might have always thought sexual crimes were the victims' responsibility to prevent; others might have even committed a rape or sexual assault. While one man certainly can't stop all rape, one man can stop raping. And one man's changing attitude toward rape can help create a society that places blame on the perpetrator rather than the victim. I know I've been talking a lot about crimes against women, but it's important to realize that men can also be the victims of rape and sexual assault. In both cases, though, men commit the majority of offenses. Look, I'm not trying to man-bash here. I think men have a tremendous amount of power within themselves, but this power should be used in a positive way. There's been a lot of talk these days about female empowerment, but what about male empowerment? Men truly have the power to stop rape. It's in their hands. ---------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------- Send an Opinion Letter to the Editor about this article Current Mood:  optimistic | | Saturday, June 2nd, 2007 | | 10:35 am |
Sister's Internalized Racism
This is from the FTM blog mel_pa 2007-05-30 06:13 pm UTC (link) I'm a Hawaiian FTM, any other Hawaiians here? (Reply to this)(Parent) (Thread) raid_iink 2007-05-30 07:59 pm UTC (link) I'm Californian, Silicon Valley, sry. (Reply to this)(Parent) (Thread) mel_pa 2007-05-31 05:08 pm UTC (link) I meant Hawaiian the race of people. (Reply to this)(Parent) (Thread) This exchange reminds me of how my sister responded to my mom describing my brother as Hawaiian; my sister said "How can he be Hawaiian? He's from California" My mom told "I'm talking about Hawaiian the race!" My sister insisted that he can't be Hawaiian because he's from California. Mom asked her "Are you ashamed of your race?" I would have ask my sister the same thing once she told me that she wished she were blonde and blue-eyed. There is a term for this: Internalized racism. Current Mood: irritated |
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