-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Seattle Center on Pride Sunday!
What a great day in Seattle for pride! Perfect weather!
-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
Happy Pride!
Vince and I at the pride parade! Guess how many commnets he got about the size of his balls!
-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Happy Pride Weekend and Other Things
It's been a big week in the news and it's a big weekend in Seattle! Today is the inaugural run of the Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon. I did not sign up for this one as I ran the Seattle Marathon last November - now I wish I had! I am going to head down to cheer on the runners later this morning as I know several people that have signed up. I continue to train for the New York Marathon in November. I am mostly doing maintenance runs three times a week. Speed work on one day followed by hills and rounding it all out with a long run at the end of the week. When my official training begins July 13th I'll be running 5 times a week and bloggin a lot more about the training.
I am also doing some cross training by working out 3 times per week to build core strength. I just joined a new gym in downtown Seattle. I had been working out at Explore Fitness but we moved our office a couple of years ago and my new gym All Star Fitness is just down the street from my office. If you work downtown and you want to get a workout in before work, during your lunch or right after work check these places out. Each has it's plus and minus but for a quick in and out workout they are fine.
The other big event is the Seattle Pride Parade! Tomorrow is the big day. Kent and I have not missed a Seattle pride parade in 12 years! In our circle of friends we're known as parade queens! If you have never been to a gay pride parade you really should go - the gays really know how to put on a parade! Hey it's not too late to join Kent and I. We are going to hook up with our friends Vince and John - the more the merrier!
I wanted to share something that I have had for many years. I really struggled early on in my late teen years with being gay. I remember on one of my clandestine trips from Aberdeen to Seattle's Capitol Hill, I found a magnet about the gay rights movement. I still remember buying it and making a decision that it was time to be a part of the movement. We have come a long way since I bought this magnet (that I still have in my office) 27 years ago! Read on.....
Because – Gay men and Lesbians are discriminated against in housing and employment and because how we act is more important than who we are and if we get attacked we provoked it and if we raise our voices we’re flaunting ourselves and if we enjoy sex we’re perverts and if we have AIDS we deserve it and if we march with pride we’re recruiting children and if we want or have children we’re unfit parents and if we stand up for our rights we’re overstepping our boundaries and because we are forced constantly to question our own worth as human beings and if we don’t have a relationship with someone of the opposite sex we haven’t given it a chance and if we have a relationship with someone of the same sex it is not recognized and we are told our love is not "real" and if we come out of the closet we’re just going through a phase and because lesbian and gay history is virtually absent from literature and because homosexuality is sanctioned by the supreme court and …for lots and lots of other reasons, I am part the lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Movement.
We really have come a long way! I was in a meeting yesterday discussing data needs of the State and County as it relates to gender identity and sexual orientation. It was a very interesting discussion and I continue to learn more all the time. Some people don't want to ask the question at all and other such as myself not only want to ask the question we want to push the envelop as a way to get people talking about the issue and to raise awareness. The meeting was chaired by Marsha Botzer who provides assistance to business, government, educational institutions, interested private groups, and psychological and medical communities on issues of gender identity and gender transition. She is amazing! She actually will be meeting with President Obama along with others next week. I thought I would share a brief history of the movement in the time table below.
The American Gay Rights Movement: A Timeline
This timeline provides information about the gay rights movement in the United States from 1924 to the present: including the Stonewall riots; the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy; the first civil unions; the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and Connecticut; and more.
1924
The Society for Human Rights in Chicago becomes the country's earliest known gay rights organization.
1948
Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, revealing to the public that homosexuality is far more widespread than was commonly believed.
1951
The Mattachine Society, the first national gay rights organization, is formed by Harry Hay, considered by many to be the founder of the gay rights movement.
1956
The Daughters of Bilitis, a pioneering national lesbian organization, is founded.
1962
Illinois becomes the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize homosexual acts between consenting adults in private.
1969
The Stonewall riots transform the gay rights movement from one limited to a small number of activists into a widespread protest for equal rights and acceptance. Patrons of a gay bar in New York's Greenwich Village, the Stonewall Inn, fight back during a police raid on June 27, sparking three days of riots.
1973
The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders.
1982
Wisconsin becomes the first state to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
1993
The “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy is instituted for the U.S. military, permitting gays to serve in the military but banning homosexual activity. President Clinton's original intention to revoke the prohibition against gays in the military was met with stiff opposition; this compromise, which has led to the discharge of thousands of men and women in the armed forces, was the result.
1996
In Romer v. Evans, the Supreme Court strikes down Colorado's Amendment 2, which denied gays and lesbians protections against discrimination, calling them “special rights.” According to Justice Anthony Kennedy, “We find nothing special in the protections Amendment 2 withholds. These protections . . . constitute ordinary civil life in a free society.”
2000
Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions between gay or lesbian couples. The law states that these “couples would be entitled to the same benefits, privileges, and responsibilities as spouses.” It stops short of referring to same-sex unions as marriage, which the state defines as heterosexual.
2003
The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Lawrence v. Texas that sodomy laws in the U.S. are unconstitutional. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, “Liberty presumes an autonomy of self that includes freedom of thought, belief, expression, and certain intimate conduct.”
In November, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that barring gays and lesbians from marrying violates the state constitution. The Massachusetts Chief Justice concluded that to “deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred by civil marriage” to gay couples was unconstitutional because it denied “the dignity and equality of all individuals” and made them “second-class citizens.” Strong opposition followed the ruling.
2004
On May 17, same-sex marriages become legal in Massachusetts.
2005
Civil unions become legal in Connecticut in Oct. 2005.
2006
Civil unions become legal in New Jersey in December.
2007
In November, the House of Representatives approves a bill ensuring equal rights in the workplace for gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals.
Washington State legislature passes domestic Partner legislation allowing registration of Domestic Partnership in Washington State.
2008
In February, a New York State appeals court unanimously votes that valid same-sex marriages performed in other states must be recognized by employers in New York, granting same-sex couples the same rights as other couples.
In February, the state of Oregon passes a law that allows same-sex couples to register as domestic partners allowing them some spousal rights of married couples.
On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court rules that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. By November 3rd, more than 18,000 same-sex couples have married. On November 4th, California voters approved a ban on same-sex marriage called Proposition 8. The attorney general of California, Jerry Brown, asked the state's Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of Proposition 8. The ban throws into question the validity of the more than 18,000 marriages already performed, but Attorney General Brown reiterated in a news release that he believed the same-sex marriages performed in CA before November 4th should remain valid.
November 4, 2008, voters in California, Arizona, and Florida approved the passage of measures that ban same-sex marriage. Arkansas passed a measure intended to bar gay men and lesbians from adopting children.
On October 10, 2008 the Supreme Court of Connecticut rules that same-sex couples have the right to marry. This makes Connecticut the second state, after Massachusetts, to legalize civil marriage for same-sex couples. The court rules that the state cannot deny gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry under Connecticut's constitution, and that the state's civil union law does not provide same-sex couples with the same rights as heterosexual couples.
On November 12, 2008 same-sex marriages begin to be officially performed in Connecticut.
2009
On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously rejects the state law banning same-sex marriage. Twenty-one days later, county recorders are required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Washington State Legislature expands the domestic partnership law to allow all the rights and responsibilities of marriage to same sex couples.
On April 7, the Vermont Legislature vote to override Gov. Jim Douglas' veto of a bill allowing gays and lesbians to marry, legalizing same-sex marriage. It is the first state to legalize gay marriage through the Legislature; the courts of the other states in which the marriage is legal—Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa—gave approval.
Have a great Pride weekend and keep up the fight!
Jim
I am also doing some cross training by working out 3 times per week to build core strength. I just joined a new gym in downtown Seattle. I had been working out at Explore Fitness but we moved our office a couple of years ago and my new gym All Star Fitness is just down the street from my office. If you work downtown and you want to get a workout in before work, during your lunch or right after work check these places out. Each has it's plus and minus but for a quick in and out workout they are fine.
The other big event is the Seattle Pride Parade! Tomorrow is the big day. Kent and I have not missed a Seattle pride parade in 12 years! In our circle of friends we're known as parade queens! If you have never been to a gay pride parade you really should go - the gays really know how to put on a parade! Hey it's not too late to join Kent and I. We are going to hook up with our friends Vince and John - the more the merrier!
I wanted to share something that I have had for many years. I really struggled early on in my late teen years with being gay. I remember on one of my clandestine trips from Aberdeen to Seattle's Capitol Hill, I found a magnet about the gay rights movement. I still remember buying it and making a decision that it was time to be a part of the movement. We have come a long way since I bought this magnet (that I still have in my office) 27 years ago! Read on.....
Because – Gay men and Lesbians are discriminated against in housing and employment and because how we act is more important than who we are and if we get attacked we provoked it and if we raise our voices we’re flaunting ourselves and if we enjoy sex we’re perverts and if we have AIDS we deserve it and if we march with pride we’re recruiting children and if we want or have children we’re unfit parents and if we stand up for our rights we’re overstepping our boundaries and because we are forced constantly to question our own worth as human beings and if we don’t have a relationship with someone of the opposite sex we haven’t given it a chance and if we have a relationship with someone of the same sex it is not recognized and we are told our love is not "real" and if we come out of the closet we’re just going through a phase and because lesbian and gay history is virtually absent from literature and because homosexuality is sanctioned by the supreme court and …for lots and lots of other reasons, I am part the lesbian and Gay Civil Rights Movement.
We really have come a long way! I was in a meeting yesterday discussing data needs of the State and County as it relates to gender identity and sexual orientation. It was a very interesting discussion and I continue to learn more all the time. Some people don't want to ask the question at all and other such as myself not only want to ask the question we want to push the envelop as a way to get people talking about the issue and to raise awareness. The meeting was chaired by Marsha Botzer who provides assistance to business, government, educational institutions, interested private groups, and psychological and medical communities on issues of gender identity and gender transition. She is amazing! She actually will be meeting with President Obama along with others next week. I thought I would share a brief history of the movement in the time table below.
The American Gay Rights Movement: A Timeline
This timeline provides information about the gay rights movement in the United States from 1924 to the present: including the Stonewall riots; the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy; the first civil unions; the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts and Connecticut; and more.
1924
The Society for Human Rights in Chicago becomes the country's earliest known gay rights organization.
1948
Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, revealing to the public that homosexuality is far more widespread than was commonly believed.
1951
The Mattachine Society, the first national gay rights organization, is formed by Harry Hay, considered by many to be the founder of the gay rights movement.
1956
The Daughters of Bilitis, a pioneering national lesbian organization, is founded.
1962
Illinois becomes the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize homosexual acts between consenting adults in private.
1969
The Stonewall riots transform the gay rights movement from one limited to a small number of activists into a widespread protest for equal rights and acceptance. Patrons of a gay bar in New York's Greenwich Village, the Stonewall Inn, fight back during a police raid on June 27, sparking three days of riots.
1973
The American Psychiatric Association removes homosexuality from its official list of mental disorders.
1982
Wisconsin becomes the first state to outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
1993
The “Don't Ask, Don't Tell” policy is instituted for the U.S. military, permitting gays to serve in the military but banning homosexual activity. President Clinton's original intention to revoke the prohibition against gays in the military was met with stiff opposition; this compromise, which has led to the discharge of thousands of men and women in the armed forces, was the result.
1996
In Romer v. Evans, the Supreme Court strikes down Colorado's Amendment 2, which denied gays and lesbians protections against discrimination, calling them “special rights.” According to Justice Anthony Kennedy, “We find nothing special in the protections Amendment 2 withholds. These protections . . . constitute ordinary civil life in a free society.”
2000
Vermont becomes the first state in the country to legally recognize civil unions between gay or lesbian couples. The law states that these “couples would be entitled to the same benefits, privileges, and responsibilities as spouses.” It stops short of referring to same-sex unions as marriage, which the state defines as heterosexual.
2003
The U.S. Supreme Court rules in Lawrence v. Texas that sodomy laws in the U.S. are unconstitutional. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote, “Liberty presumes an autonomy of self that includes freedom of thought, belief, expression, and certain intimate conduct.”
In November, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that barring gays and lesbians from marrying violates the state constitution. The Massachusetts Chief Justice concluded that to “deny the protections, benefits, and obligations conferred by civil marriage” to gay couples was unconstitutional because it denied “the dignity and equality of all individuals” and made them “second-class citizens.” Strong opposition followed the ruling.
2004
On May 17, same-sex marriages become legal in Massachusetts.
2005
Civil unions become legal in Connecticut in Oct. 2005.
2006
Civil unions become legal in New Jersey in December.
2007
In November, the House of Representatives approves a bill ensuring equal rights in the workplace for gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals.
Washington State legislature passes domestic Partner legislation allowing registration of Domestic Partnership in Washington State.
2008
In February, a New York State appeals court unanimously votes that valid same-sex marriages performed in other states must be recognized by employers in New York, granting same-sex couples the same rights as other couples.
In February, the state of Oregon passes a law that allows same-sex couples to register as domestic partners allowing them some spousal rights of married couples.
On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court rules that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry. By November 3rd, more than 18,000 same-sex couples have married. On November 4th, California voters approved a ban on same-sex marriage called Proposition 8. The attorney general of California, Jerry Brown, asked the state's Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of Proposition 8. The ban throws into question the validity of the more than 18,000 marriages already performed, but Attorney General Brown reiterated in a news release that he believed the same-sex marriages performed in CA before November 4th should remain valid.
November 4, 2008, voters in California, Arizona, and Florida approved the passage of measures that ban same-sex marriage. Arkansas passed a measure intended to bar gay men and lesbians from adopting children.
On October 10, 2008 the Supreme Court of Connecticut rules that same-sex couples have the right to marry. This makes Connecticut the second state, after Massachusetts, to legalize civil marriage for same-sex couples. The court rules that the state cannot deny gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry under Connecticut's constitution, and that the state's civil union law does not provide same-sex couples with the same rights as heterosexual couples.
On November 12, 2008 same-sex marriages begin to be officially performed in Connecticut.
2009
On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court unanimously rejects the state law banning same-sex marriage. Twenty-one days later, county recorders are required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Washington State Legislature expands the domestic partnership law to allow all the rights and responsibilities of marriage to same sex couples.
On April 7, the Vermont Legislature vote to override Gov. Jim Douglas' veto of a bill allowing gays and lesbians to marry, legalizing same-sex marriage. It is the first state to legalize gay marriage through the Legislature; the courts of the other states in which the marriage is legal—Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Iowa—gave approval.
Have a great Pride weekend and keep up the fight!
Jim
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Olympia Gay Pride Parade
It's a parade weekend yesterday the Fremont Summer Solstice in Seattle.
And today the Capitol City Pride Parade in Olympia!
It's a great parade that has grown a lot over the years but still maintains a small town feel. When I lived in Olympia I marched in the very first one that was held.
This is the Rainbow City Band from Seattle. They are a great band and add a lot to the parade. They were in yesterdays parade, today's and next week we'll see them in the Seattle Gay Pride Parade. If you want to join us for the Seattle Parade next week let me know we would love to have you join us!
If you follow this blog even a little bit you know that I love Farmers Markets - the Olympia Market is one of the VERY best! Any time I'm in town and the market is open I make a point of going. I recommend that you check it out! Olympia is a great day trip from Seattle - take advantage!
Have a great Sunday - I you still can, call your Dad!
Jim
Posted on the run from my iPhone.
And today the Capitol City Pride Parade in Olympia!
It's a great parade that has grown a lot over the years but still maintains a small town feel. When I lived in Olympia I marched in the very first one that was held.
This is the Rainbow City Band from Seattle. They are a great band and add a lot to the parade. They were in yesterdays parade, today's and next week we'll see them in the Seattle Gay Pride Parade. If you want to join us for the Seattle Parade next week let me know we would love to have you join us!
If you follow this blog even a little bit you know that I love Farmers Markets - the Olympia Market is one of the VERY best! Any time I'm in town and the market is open I make a point of going. I recommend that you check it out! Olympia is a great day trip from Seattle - take advantage!
Have a great Sunday - I you still can, call your Dad!
Jim
Posted on the run from my iPhone.
Happy Fathers Day Dad!
Happy Fathers Day Dad! I hope you have a great day relaxing! Thanks for all you do and the support you continue to provide to Kent and I both!
Cut loose and enjoy your day! I could not pass up including this video - I hope you enjoy!
Love -
Jim and Kent
Cut loose and enjoy your day! I could not pass up including this video - I hope you enjoy!
Love -
Jim and Kent
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Naked Bicylists in Fremont
This is the best parade. When I get home I'll post a few more pictures!
-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
Fremont Summer Solstice Parade
We've joined friends to watch one of the great summer events in Seattle. The Fremont Summer Solstice Parade! If you've never been it's a must at least once to see the nude bikers which are a tradition. They paint their bodies so not to get arrested! I'll post a few "R" rated pictures .
More pictures to come!
-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
More pictures to come!
-- Post on the run from my iPhone.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Same-Sex Partners to get Fed Benefits
This is great news! Kent and I are lucky enough to both work for progressive organizations that offer domestic partner benefits. It's about time this happen on the federal level! We are making progress - in addition to allowing gay marriage state by state on the federal level we need to work to overturn DOMA and the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. I loved Bill Clinton as president but in my humble opinion he made two stupid mistakes one was Monica and the other was - Don't Ask Don't Tell.
By PHILIP ELLIOTTASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama, under growing criticism for not seeking to end the ban on openly gay men and women in the military, is extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. Obama plans to announce his decision on Wednesday in the Oval Office, a White House official said Tuesday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the president hadn't yet signed the presidential memorandum.
The official said Obama would release more details on Wednesday.
The decision is a political nod to a reliably Democratic voting bloc that in recent weeks has grown frustrated with the White House's slow movement on their priorities.
Several powerful gay fundraisers withdrew their support from a June 25 Democratic National Committee event where Vice President Joe Biden is expected to speak. Their exit came in response to a June 12 Justice Department brief that defended the Defense of Marriage Act, a prime target for gay and lesbian criticism. Justice lawyers argued that the law allowed states to reject marriages performed in other states or countries that defy their own standards.
The legal arguments - including citing incest and sex with minors - sparked rebellion among gay and lesbian activists who had been largely biting their tongues since Obama won election. They had objected to the Rev. Rick Warren's invitation to participate in the inauguration despite his support for repealing gay marriage in California.
Their January protest won the invitation of Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson, whose consecration as the first openly gay bishop divided and almost split his denomination.
Gays and lesbians later fretted as the White House declined to intervene in the cases of enlisted military members facing courts martial for defying the Clinton-era "don't ask, don't tell" policies. White House officials say they want Congress to repeal the policy as part of a "lasting and durable" solution, instead of intervening on individual cases.
"The president agreed that ... the policy wasn't working for our national interests, that he committed to change that policy, that he's working with the secretary of defense and the joint chiefs on making that happen," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said last month.
In the meantime, the administration has tried to make small, quiet moves to extend benefits to gays and lesbians. The State Department has promised to give partners of gay and lesbian diplomats many benefits, such as diplomatic passports and language training.
But without a specific change in the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's promises left out financial benefits such as pensions. Obama's move could make that shift.
Gay and lesbian activists had expected Obama to take action some time in June, which is gay pride month.
John Berry, the highest-ranking gay official in the administration and the de facto human resources chief for the administration, told a gay rally last weekend that Obama planned to take action on benefits soon.
Berry, who heads the Office of Personnel and Management, has repeatedly told reporters that he expected the White House to turn to legislation to give domestic partners access to federal health and retirement plans.
But Obama so far has sent only one piece of legislation to the Hill - a pay-as-you-go measure that is part of his wooing of fiscally conservative Democrats.
Instead, Obama will use his signature instead of legislation to achieve the benefits parity sought by same-sex couples.
By PHILIP ELLIOTTASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama, under growing criticism for not seeking to end the ban on openly gay men and women in the military, is extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. Obama plans to announce his decision on Wednesday in the Oval Office, a White House official said Tuesday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the president hadn't yet signed the presidential memorandum.
The official said Obama would release more details on Wednesday.
The decision is a political nod to a reliably Democratic voting bloc that in recent weeks has grown frustrated with the White House's slow movement on their priorities.
Several powerful gay fundraisers withdrew their support from a June 25 Democratic National Committee event where Vice President Joe Biden is expected to speak. Their exit came in response to a June 12 Justice Department brief that defended the Defense of Marriage Act, a prime target for gay and lesbian criticism. Justice lawyers argued that the law allowed states to reject marriages performed in other states or countries that defy their own standards.
The legal arguments - including citing incest and sex with minors - sparked rebellion among gay and lesbian activists who had been largely biting their tongues since Obama won election. They had objected to the Rev. Rick Warren's invitation to participate in the inauguration despite his support for repealing gay marriage in California.
Their January protest won the invitation of Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson, whose consecration as the first openly gay bishop divided and almost split his denomination.
Gays and lesbians later fretted as the White House declined to intervene in the cases of enlisted military members facing courts martial for defying the Clinton-era "don't ask, don't tell" policies. White House officials say they want Congress to repeal the policy as part of a "lasting and durable" solution, instead of intervening on individual cases.
"The president agreed that ... the policy wasn't working for our national interests, that he committed to change that policy, that he's working with the secretary of defense and the joint chiefs on making that happen," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said last month.
In the meantime, the administration has tried to make small, quiet moves to extend benefits to gays and lesbians. The State Department has promised to give partners of gay and lesbian diplomats many benefits, such as diplomatic passports and language training.
But without a specific change in the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's promises left out financial benefits such as pensions. Obama's move could make that shift.
Gay and lesbian activists had expected Obama to take action some time in June, which is gay pride month.
John Berry, the highest-ranking gay official in the administration and the de facto human resources chief for the administration, told a gay rally last weekend that Obama planned to take action on benefits soon.
Berry, who heads the Office of Personnel and Management, has repeatedly told reporters that he expected the White House to turn to legislation to give domestic partners access to federal health and retirement plans.
But Obama so far has sent only one piece of legislation to the Hill - a pay-as-you-go measure that is part of his wooing of fiscally conservative Democrats.
Instead, Obama will use his signature instead of legislation to achieve the benefits parity sought by same-sex couples.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Cooking Light
I have been so busy since finding out about the New York Marathon that I've not taken the time to blog for a few days - time to sit down and relax. First let me give a shout out to my nephew Clarence who is getting ready to graduate from Grays Harbor Community College with his AA Degree top 10 in his class! 
Tonight I made Kalamata-Balsamic Chicken with Feta served over Orzo with Fresh Spring Greens and Rosemary. Both these recipes come out of Cooking Light's - Fresh Food Fast. If you are interested in the full recipe click the link below. I could not find an online version of the Orzo one so I wrote it out. Each recipe serves four. I took pictures of the ingredients for each recipe and one of the final dish. The basil is fresh from my garden!
Kalamata-Balsamic Chicken with Feta
Orzo with Fresh Spring Greens and Rosemary
I'd have to say all in all this was a great meal. Kent liked it and it was very easy to make. One of the things I like about the cookbook I used it that there are relatively few ingredients. Next time I make it I will probably use chicken thighs and marinate them before cooking - I'd recommend you do the same. The Orzo was very simple and delicious - I would not change a thing!
Give it a try - total calories per plate - 444
Way to go - we are so proud of you! We went down to Ocean Shores on Sunday for a surprise party in his honor. He has an incredible story to tell and as several people said to me at this party - he's a miracle!
On to something new….. It's been awhile since I blogged a recipe so I thought I'd share one that I made tonight that turned out pretty good. When I get in the training mode for a marathon, eating well becomes an obsession. Kent says I go to extremes, I can't really disagree.
On to something new….. It's been awhile since I blogged a recipe so I thought I'd share one that I made tonight that turned out pretty good. When I get in the training mode for a marathon, eating well becomes an obsession. Kent says I go to extremes, I can't really disagree.
Tonight I made Kalamata-Balsamic Chicken with Feta served over Orzo with Fresh Spring Greens and Rosemary. Both these recipes come out of Cooking Light's - Fresh Food Fast. If you are interested in the full recipe click the link below. I could not find an online version of the Orzo one so I wrote it out. Each recipe serves four. I took pictures of the ingredients for each recipe and one of the final dish. The basil is fresh from my garden!
Kalamata-Balsamic Chicken with Feta
Orzo with Fresh Spring Greens and Rosemary
3/4 Cup uncooked Orzo
1 cup spring mixed greens , coarsely chopped
4 teaspoons roasted pine nuts
1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh Rosemary
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 . Cook orzo according to package, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta; and place in medium bowl.
2. Add greens mix and remaining ingredients, tossing well.
I started by making fresh Balsamic Vinaigrette since it was needed in the chicken recipe and I did not want to use bottled. I am sure you could substitute bottled but the fresh was sure good. The recipe link is below.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
I started by making fresh Balsamic Vinaigrette since it was needed in the chicken recipe and I did not want to use bottled. I am sure you could substitute bottled but the fresh was sure good. The recipe link is below.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
I'd have to say all in all this was a great meal. Kent liked it and it was very easy to make. One of the things I like about the cookbook I used it that there are relatively few ingredients. Next time I make it I will probably use chicken thighs and marinate them before cooking - I'd recommend you do the same. The Orzo was very simple and delicious - I would not change a thing!
Give it a try - total calories per plate - 444
Note on food photography - What can I say - I'm working on it. The picture of the final dish does not do it justice. The challenge in taking these pictures is that you are doing it while actually making dinner so stopping and taking pictures and not fussing to the point of being forced to eat a cold meal all in the name of a good picture - does not go over well.
Anyway - I hope you enjoy.
Have a good one -
Jim
Have a good one -
Jim
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
I Won The Lottery!
What - Jim won the lottery!? What - there is a new widget on his blog for the 2009 New York Marathon!? What's going on here?????
I'll tell you what's going on - I found out today that I was selected by lottery to run in the 2009 New York City Marathon! Not that I wouldn't have wanted to win the Mega Lotto but this is the next best thing, plus the odds are much greater! I have been trying for a couple of years to get in and 2009 was my lucky year! I am so excited! There are approximately 100,000 applicants each year vying for 38,000 spots..... and this year - I'll be there!
I'll tell you what's going on - I found out today that I was selected by lottery to run in the 2009 New York City Marathon! Not that I wouldn't have wanted to win the Mega Lotto but this is the next best thing, plus the odds are much greater! I have been trying for a couple of years to get in and 2009 was my lucky year! I am so excited! There are approximately 100,000 applicants each year vying for 38,000 spots..... and this year - I'll be there!
I found the following history about the Marathon on the official website and thought I would share it - it's very interesting. I'm sure I'll have a blast! I really need to start training - I've not been training for awhile - only maintenance runs - amazing how quickly weight creeps on when you are not training! I'll keep you posted on my progress.
History of the ING New York City Marathon
Around the world, the word "marathon" evokes images of New York City. Before the New York race began, marathons were modest events run by a few athletes and followed by a few fans interested in the limits of human endurance. New York Road Runners and marathon co-founder Fred Lebow changed that. Today many marathons are huge media events that take over entire cities around the globe. None is as prominent as the ING New York City Marathon, but all city marathons are modeled on it. Modern marathoning owes its start -- and its world-class status -- to New York.
The first New York City Marathon, though, was a humble affair. In 1970, 127 runners paid the $1 entry fee to NYRR to participate in a 26.2-mile race that looped several times within Central Park. Fifty-five runners crossed the finish line.
When Lebow redrew the course through all five New York boroughs six years later, not everyone could appreciate his vision. But 2,090 runners lined up at the start for the chance to run from Staten Island through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx to Manhattan. The expanded course attracted two-time Olympic marathon medalist Frank Shorter, along with reporters and television cameras. Thousands of spectators lined the streets and cheered the runners. By reconfiguring the course, Lebow had drawn the city together and attracted recognition around the world.
The New York City Marathon's unique mix of athletics, neighborhood spirit, and international media attention soon attracted the world's best runners to the annual fall race. By the late 1970s, the running boom was exploding and New York was at the center. More than 9,000 people participated in 1978 when Norwegian Grete Waitz set a women's marathon world record, finishing in 2:32:30.
Several men's and women's records fell in the early years, but the New York race was soon about more than speed. When international sanctions against South African athletes were lifted in 1992, Willie Mtolo chose to run New York. He bested the field and garnered media coverage around the world. When Tegla Loroupe broke the tape at the Central Park finish in 1994, her win proved that African women were on par with the African men in their ability to run the 26.2-mile distance. She did it in New York, and the world took notice. Soon Kenyan women were invited to other major distance races.
In 2000, NYRR added an official wheelchair division to the marathon. Now the ING New York City Marathon has grown to become one of the most competitive wheelchair marathons anywhere in the world, with more than 200 wheelchair and handcycle athletes. In addition, a wide variety of ambulatory athletes with disabilities participate.
While the marathon has always been a focus of community spirit, with more than two million New Yorkers lining the streets to support the runners, that aspect of the race was most apparent in November 2001. Less than two months after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the New York City Marathon became a race of hope and renewal for participants, spectators, and all New Yorkers, and patriotism ran high as the marathon hosted the men's and women's USA Marathon Championships.
New York has continued to lead in race management. In 2002, NYRR created a separate start for the professional women as a way to highlight the most competitive women's field in race history. In 2003, ING became the title sponsor of the race and joined with NYRR to fund grassroots running and fitness programs among the city's youth through the ING Run for Something Better program.
NYRR hosted the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials � Men�s Marathon in Central Park on the day before the ING New York City Marathon 2007. In 2008, the marathon was successfully staged with three wave starts in order to reduce congestion at the start, along the course, and at the finish. The 2009 race will be the marathon�s 40th running and will include special celebrations of this important milestone. NYRR will host the 2009 USA Men�s Marathon Championship in conjunction with the race.
Forty years after its start, the ING New York City Marathon continues to grow in size and to be the leader among marathons around the world.
There you have it - a bit of history - I am glad I will be part of the 40th anniversary run! Wish me luck!
Have a good one -
Jim
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Final Day in Austin
We have had a great time in Austin and look forward to returning! Today we toured the LBJ Ranch and childhood home. They are both located a short distance outside Austin.
The picture above is his boyhood home. The picture below was taken near his ranch. The wildflowers were in full bloom!
The ranch was the home of Lady Bird until she passed away at the age if 94 in 2007. The tour was very good and well worth the drive.
We ended the day with a swim at Harrison Pool. Is was a great place to swim and located in a beautiful location about 30 miles from town. If you make it to Austin it's well worth the drive and hike to check this place out.
Lastly, I wanted to give a quick shout out to Adam and Sam! I rarely recall any ones anniversary but my own but since they got married on Dads birthday last year it's an easy one to recall. Happy first anniversary!
Have a good one -
Jim
Posted on the run from my iPhone.
The picture above is his boyhood home. The picture below was taken near his ranch. The wildflowers were in full bloom!
The ranch was the home of Lady Bird until she passed away at the age if 94 in 2007. The tour was very good and well worth the drive.
We ended the day with a swim at Harrison Pool. Is was a great place to swim and located in a beautiful location about 30 miles from town. If you make it to Austin it's well worth the drive and hike to check this place out.
Lastly, I wanted to give a quick shout out to Adam and Sam! I rarely recall any ones anniversary but my own but since they got married on Dads birthday last year it's an easy one to recall. Happy first anniversary!
Have a good one -
Jim
Posted on the run from my iPhone.
Austin Day II
We started the day this morning with a 6 mile run around Lady Bird Johnson Lake near downtown Austin. There is a great trail well over 10 miles so if you are ever here and want to go for a run you'll love it and you will have a lot of company (eye candy) to keep you motivated! I took this picture of the trail as I was finishing up my run. God I love my iPhone!
I love visiting Farmers Markets when we travel so it's no surprise that we found Austin's. It was fairly small but had a nice selection of plants, organic food and of course fresh local fruit and vegetables. I loved the look of the carrots!
After leaving the market we drove to Mt. Bonnell Park for a view of the city and lake front homes.
From there we headed back to the campus of the University of Texas and visited the campus tower
and the LBJ library and Museum. This was my first visit to a presidential library. It was very interesting - I really need to seek out more of them in our travels. The LBJ Library and Museum is pictured below to the right of the fountain.
It's really hot here - today was 97 degrees. We had read a lot about the great local swimming holes and decided that we had to seek one out. We found very close to downtown and had a great time cooling off and relaxing at Barton Springs Pool. It was definitely the thing to do in town, very busy and great people watching! I think we are going to try a new place to swim tomorrow.
We ended the day downtown watching the Austin Pride Parade. It was a lot of fun. We were surprised by the number of young people at the parade. Austin has only been holding a parade for the last nine years. Pretty impressive turn out for such a young event.
Austin is our kind of town! Tomorrow is already our last day. We are already planning a return trip. Austin marathon in Feb. of next year?!
Later -
Jim
Posted on the run from my iPhone.
I love visiting Farmers Markets when we travel so it's no surprise that we found Austin's. It was fairly small but had a nice selection of plants, organic food and of course fresh local fruit and vegetables. I loved the look of the carrots!
After leaving the market we drove to Mt. Bonnell Park for a view of the city and lake front homes.
From there we headed back to the campus of the University of Texas and visited the campus tower
and the LBJ library and Museum. This was my first visit to a presidential library. It was very interesting - I really need to seek out more of them in our travels. The LBJ Library and Museum is pictured below to the right of the fountain.
It's really hot here - today was 97 degrees. We had read a lot about the great local swimming holes and decided that we had to seek one out. We found very close to downtown and had a great time cooling off and relaxing at Barton Springs Pool. It was definitely the thing to do in town, very busy and great people watching! I think we are going to try a new place to swim tomorrow.
We ended the day downtown watching the Austin Pride Parade. It was a lot of fun. We were surprised by the number of young people at the parade. Austin has only been holding a parade for the last nine years. Pretty impressive turn out for such a young event.
Austin is our kind of town! Tomorrow is already our last day. We are already planning a return trip. Austin marathon in Feb. of next year?!
Later -
Jim
Posted on the run from my iPhone.
Happy Birthday Dad!
It's my Dad's Birthday today and although I am on the road I wanted to take the time to wish him a happy, happy, birthday! What's the point of having a blog if you can't use it to send your dad a birthday greetings? When I was growing up, he completely accepted me and supported me during the good and bad times. He helped me understand that the most important thing in life was to find something you loved doing to work hard. It was terrific advice, and I lucked out. So thanks Dad, and happy birthday! (I'll call you later).
"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished by how much he'd learned in seven years."--Mark Twain
I thought this was funny! Please join me in wishing my Dad a happy birthday!
Have a great one! We love you,
Jim and Kent
Friday, June 5, 2009
Austin Update
We have been in Austin for a few short hours and I can already say - come visit Austin! I've been to San Antonio, Houston and Dallas and for the most part enjoyed them all for different reasons but Austin is like an oasis in the state of Texas! It feels like a pocket of liberals from throughout the state that have found each other! Much different feel than the other Texas cities I've visited.
The Capitol campus is beautiful as is the Capitol building.
The campus of the University of Texas is pictured above with the Longhorns football stadium in the background.
In case you can't tell, I've got hold of this Texas Longhorn by his ear! Some of you will understand why - I'll leave it at that!
The bats flying out from under the Congress Ave. Bridge was amazing! Never seen anything like it. 1.5M bats suddenly emerge as the sun sets. It's hard to tell from this picture but they are flying out in the lower right corner and in the distance you can see a swarm of them in the sky just above the tree line. You have got to see it to believe it! Kent and I were lucky and had a great viewing point right where one of the streams of bats emerged.
That's all for our first afternoon. We had a great Mexican dinner and have a full day planned for tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.
Later-
Jim
Posted on the run from my iPhone.
The Capitol campus is beautiful as is the Capitol building.
The campus of the University of Texas is pictured above with the Longhorns football stadium in the background.
In case you can't tell, I've got hold of this Texas Longhorn by his ear! Some of you will understand why - I'll leave it at that!
The bats flying out from under the Congress Ave. Bridge was amazing! Never seen anything like it. 1.5M bats suddenly emerge as the sun sets. It's hard to tell from this picture but they are flying out in the lower right corner and in the distance you can see a swarm of them in the sky just above the tree line. You have got to see it to believe it! Kent and I were lucky and had a great viewing point right where one of the streams of bats emerged.
That's all for our first afternoon. We had a great Mexican dinner and have a full day planned for tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.
Later-
Jim
Posted on the run from my iPhone.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Austin Bound
It's Thursday evening and Kent and I are headed to Austin, Texas tomorrow for the weekend. Both of us have never been to Austin and it's been on our list for quite awhile. We found out that the Austin Pride Parade is this weekend and we decided to head to Texas! In addition to Seattle's Pride Parade we like to hit another city each year - last year it was Palm Springs! This year Austin!
In addition to the Pride festivities we plan to hit the state capitol, watch swarms of bats fly out from under the Ann W. Richards Bridge, visit Mount Bonnell Park, visit the University of Texas, and visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum. Hopefully we have time for a short drive out and about.
In addition to the Pride festivities we plan to hit the state capitol, watch swarms of bats fly out from under the Ann W. Richards Bridge, visit Mount Bonnell Park, visit the University of Texas, and visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum. Hopefully we have time for a short drive out and about. I'll post pictures throughout the next several days so stay tuned!
Happy Pride!
Jim
Monday, June 1, 2009
Movie Marathon Weekend
With the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) in town and at least one movie in mainstream theatre that we wanted to see we have seen 4 movies in the last four days. If you have never been to a movie of the film festival and you live in the Seattle area, get out there and go! There are some terrific films (and a few stinkers) that you will not see elsewhere.
I already told you about Partik, Age 1.5 - see previous post - or better yet seek this film out and watch it.
SIFF descriptiopn below
What a difference punctuation can make. Because of a stray decimal, the child that a gay couple thinks will be their newly adopted 18-month-old son is actually a troubled, homophobic 15-year-old. Director Ella Lemhagen treats the dramatic subjects of adoption and bigotry with humor, intelligence, and a dash of romance.
On Friday we saw The Overbrook Brothers - Austin Texas is the origin of this film. We went to see it because it sounded funny and because we are headed to Austin this coming weekend and wanted to see if we could get a flavor of the town.
If you have been to Austin and have advice for places to see, we would love to hear from you! Sounds like a great city and this coming weekend is Austin Gay Pride! We have had Austin on our list of places to visit for a long time and Pride weekend sounded like a great reason to do it now!
SIFF description below
A comedy of errors about two arch-rival brothers at a ridiculously awkward family Christmas reunion where the siblings get a life-altering surprise that sends the 30-something ultra-competitive pair on a sometimes bizarre road trip. Writer-director John Bryant spins a hilarious tale of sibling rivalry, family secrets, and a quest for the truth as the brothers kick and scream their way to adulthood.
The film had it moments and I enjoyed it but I did not leave the theatre thinking about it or really wanting to highly recommend it. It had promise but lost me about half way through - worth a rental if it comes out on DVD.
Saturday we saw La Mission with Benjamin Bratt. Bratt, the director (his brother) and the producer were there and took questions following the movie.
From Disney Pixar comes UP, a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly-optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell.
I already told you about Partik, Age 1.5 - see previous post - or better yet seek this film out and watch it.SIFF descriptiopn below
What a difference punctuation can make. Because of a stray decimal, the child that a gay couple thinks will be their newly adopted 18-month-old son is actually a troubled, homophobic 15-year-old. Director Ella Lemhagen treats the dramatic subjects of adoption and bigotry with humor, intelligence, and a dash of romance.
On Friday we saw The Overbrook Brothers - Austin Texas is the origin of this film. We went to see it because it sounded funny and because we are headed to Austin this coming weekend and wanted to see if we could get a flavor of the town.
If you have been to Austin and have advice for places to see, we would love to hear from you! Sounds like a great city and this coming weekend is Austin Gay Pride! We have had Austin on our list of places to visit for a long time and Pride weekend sounded like a great reason to do it now! SIFF description belowA comedy of errors about two arch-rival brothers at a ridiculously awkward family Christmas reunion where the siblings get a life-altering surprise that sends the 30-something ultra-competitive pair on a sometimes bizarre road trip. Writer-director John Bryant spins a hilarious tale of sibling rivalry, family secrets, and a quest for the truth as the brothers kick and scream their way to adulthood.
The film had it moments and I enjoyed it but I did not leave the theatre thinking about it or really wanting to highly recommend it. It had promise but lost me about half way through - worth a rental if it comes out on DVD.
Saturday we saw La Mission with Benjamin Bratt. Bratt, the director (his brother) and the producer were there and took questions following the movie.
SIFF description below
Peter Bratt’s powerful and moving film is an ardent love letter to the vibrancy and daily struggles that take place in the streets of San Francisco’s Mission District. Full of affection for its characters, La Mission is a redemptive story of one man’s struggle to unlearn a lifetime of destructive habits.
Best movie so far! The acting was excellent, storyline compelling and I genuinely connected with the characters in this movie. I hope this gets broad distribution and finds an audience. Seek this one out!
Description from Flixter
From Disney Pixar comes UP, a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly-optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell.
Have a great week and go see a movie already!
Jim
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)