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May 14, 2003

Urban Cow-nected

It seems that being a producer/promoter has its privileges.

Guess who's got tickets to the hottest closing Broadway musical? That's right! I do. And I can't use them. So if you are in New York and you wanna see a show this weekend. Email me ASAP.

Texas Bud! Texas Sissy!

Posted by mermu at 03:09 PM | Comments (2)

May 13, 2003

I'll Buy You a Cup of Coffee

Rhett sent me this article last night via email. (See the extended entry portion of this entry when the link above doesn't work.)

Why is it the only time I hear about nasty things like redistricting it's the Repubs always doing it? Is it a requisite that you have to be shifty, hateful and hypocritical to be an elected Republican official? Sure seems like it these days.

Hey, Gov. Perry. Instead of worrying about your cronies getting fat oil contracts in Iraq why don't you put a little effort in saving our Texas schools' many deteriorating extracurricular programs? Yes, I know football is important but my kids might like to play the clarinet. Why don't you address the fact that, once again, Houston ranks as one of the most polluted cities in the country, second only to municipalities in Los Angeles?

And what about those Dixie Chicks? As far as I am concerned, I am a Dixie Chick too. I have an informed opinion about politics and no Good Ole Boy (A GOB from the GOP) or otherwise has the right or the juice to shut me up. What really pissed off all those little kids bulldozing Dixie Chick cds? Or at least what pissed off their parents? It sure as HELL wasn't the fact they were denigrating the office of the Presidency as they had intimated. These were the same assholes that were bitterly hanging our President AND HIS WIFE out in the press, their living rooms, malicious emails, and hateful jargon not even four short years ago.

This is an open invitation to those 59 Democratic lawmakes out on the lamb in my great homestate of Texas and those three Dixie pioneers making great music and standing up for their rights. Come to New York while the heat is on. The Texas Rangers won't find you here. I know a great little place in a hole in the wall that makes a great burger and milkshake.

I'll buy you a cup of coffee.

Taken from a Yahoo News article.


Texas House Seeks Arrest of Truant Dems
Mon May 12, 5:21 PM ET Add U.S. National - AP to My Yahoo!

By CONNIE MABIN, Associated Press Writer

AUSTIN, Texas - State troopers and the elite Texas Rangers were ordered to track down and bring in 59 Democratic lawmakers who brought the Texas House to a standstill Monday by going into hiding.

The quorum-busting boycott capped months of tension between Democrats and the newly-in-control Republicans, and occurred as the chamber was scheduled to debate a congressional redistricting plan opposed by Democrats.

The parties have also clashed over a bill to limit lawsuits and a GOP budget that would avoid new taxes but make deep spending cuts.

GOP House Speaker Tom Craddick locked down the House chamber so lawmakers who did show up Monday morning could not leave. After a roll call, he ordered the missing lawmakers arrested and brought back to the chamber.

"It is a disgrace to run and hide," Craddick said.

Most of the missing lawmakers had said they planned to leave the state to avoid arrest.

The Texas House cannot convene without at least 100 of the 150 members present, and 59 of the 62 Democrats were absent. There are 88 Republicans. The three Democrats who remained are Craddick allies.

Fifty-three Democrats had sent the House leadership letters saying they would be absent.

"I do not know where they are," said Tamara Bell, chief of staff for House Democratic caucus chairman Jim Dunnam.

House rules allow for the arrest of members who intentionally thwart a quorum.

As the rebellion took shape during the weekend, the Democrats broke up into small groups, with only their team leaders knowing the details of their travels. They were told to pack enough clothes and necessities to last four days.

"I don't know where we're going. I don't know how we're going to get there," one Democratic lawmaker told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity as he packed before a Sunday night rendezvous.

House Democrats said they were taking a stand for fair treatment of the minority party.

"We refuse to participate in an inherently unfair process that slams the door of opportunity in the face of Texas voters," they said in a statement read by state Sen. Rodney Ellis.

Republicans gained control of the chamber in November for the first time since Reconstruction.

If the Democrats stay away through Thursday — the deadline for preliminary passage of House bills — they could derail major pending bills considered priorities by Republicans.

Three weeks are left in the legislative session. Craddick said Republican Gov. Rick Perry assured him he would call a special session if necessary after the regular session ends June 2.

"These legislators have been elected and paid to come to work by hardworking Texans," the governor said in a statement. "They are asked to work for 140 days every two years — not to hide out because they don't like the way the debate is going."

However, U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (news, bio, voting record), R-Texas, sounded a conciliatory note: "It's not going to cause a total meltdown of the Democratic process. ... This is kind of a little temper tantrum. That's allowed in democracy."

The walkout came 24 years to the month after a dozen state senators defied then-Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby by refusing to show up at the Capitol.

The "Killer Bees," as the 12 became known, hid out in an Austin apartment while troopers, Rangers and legislative sergeants-at-arms unsuccessfully combed the state for them.

Craddick dubbed Monday's rebels "the Chicken Ds."

In 2001, Republicans in the Oregon House sent process servers to find Democrats who boycotted the Legislature over a GOP redistricting plan.

Posted by mermu at 10:15 AM | Comments (2)

May 10, 2003

Home on the Range

Well, I am finally taking the plunge and looking for a real apartment with a real lease...in Hoboken. Rhett and I are working on a business venture that will make us millions and I want to get a jump start on being a viable part of the community. So I am moving to Hoboken. After visiting friends in Hoboken last weekend for the Hoboken Arts Festival, (I saw Nancy Sinatra sing "These boots were made for Walkin'".) I am even more jazzed about my new home. It's a great place. Here's hopin' I can afford it.

So it's time to move on. July first is D-Day. If you hear of any great apartments in the Hoboken area let me know pronto! I don't need to resort to trolling the Obits yet, and hopefully I won't have to. Besides, there's a home-cooked meal or a dozen tamales to the person who helps me land that perfect spot.

Posted by mermu at 09:39 PM | Comments (1)

Laying Concrete is Not a Euphemism

Rhett's friend "The Mayor" needed a little help today with some home improvement. Since I wanted my morning coffee at Panera's I also had to go with Rhett to help The Mayor lay some concrete.

I have to admit, at first I was a little worried. Rhett and I used to joke alot about him taking me to the swamp when he was done with me and I made a big deal out of making sure everybody knew he was the first person to be questioned should I meet a mysterious end. And Lodi, where Rhett and the Mayor grew up, is the home of the famous "Bada bing" on the Sopranos. Since Rhett and I had cooled a bit, I was letting my mind run away with me. The huge cement truck that pulled up didn't help alleviate my worries. I was afraid I was in Mob country and about to "sleep with the fishes" or try on a pair of "cement shoes" that I would never get off and that don't match a thing in my closet.

It turns out that the Mayor really did just need to lay out some concrete in his back yard for a little basketball court and driveway extension. I even got to help with the edging. I must say, my edged side of the new driveway looked aces. Can't speak for the Mayor's or Rhett's.

While I guess I can't consider myself a "made woman" or anything like that, I am getting attached to this motley crew of non-mob affiliated bandits. I think they are getting attached to me too.

Just to be safe, I still keep a close eye and hug my cell phone whenever Rhett and I cross a murkey body of water though.

Posted by mermu at 09:32 PM | Comments (0)

Big Fat Gay Dress

Well, I finally found the saucy Red Dress for the Big Fat Gay Wedding. I was really lucky too. It was essentially the first one I tried on. I started looking yesterday and the wedding is next weekend. I think the dress is a keeper. While the dress (and I, for that matter) are a little "Fatter" than I would like, I have to say it looks pretty kick ass. I did manage to drop a few pounds on the Big Fat Gay Diet and the dress definitely accentuates the positive to be sure. It looks really flattering and slimming and I even think I will be able to wear it 10 or 15 pounds from now....as long as those 10 or 15 don't come out of my um, well, "personality".

Rhett saw it and though he didn't drop his jaw and start salivating like an overzealous puppy as I had hoped, I think he thought it was pretty impressive too. He tends to keep compliments like most people keep their cards; close to the breast and rarely showing them. Those gay guys won't know what hit 'em. Personally, I am just hoping the "what hit 'em" isn't my "personality" as it is a rather daring dress.

Jim, the Groom for whom I am "standing up" has even promised me there would be a few handsome, eligible straight guys for me to play with. I hope so. In this dress and with a little champagne, I just don't know if I could stave off the lesbians. And I have booked a room at The Chateau where the wedding is being held.

The dress is a Bob Mackie and, considering that, it was a steal. The saleslady even gave me a discount from the sale price and there was no sales tax. Even so, I put a pretty penny into this dress. At least my credit card did. Thank God for "No Interest till 2004!". It's worth it. I love my Gay buddies and this is a lot less than was paid for my MOH dress last year. And I can wear this one to the Tony's this year.

If only I could get someone to take me to them.

Posted by mermu at 09:17 PM | Comments (0)

May 07, 2003

Big Night

The night before last I was dreaming about cakes and Christmas. I think they were a portent of tomorrow night's Tex in the City's Urinetown event. I think we are gonna have a blast.

I started this entry before the event and am now finishing it afterwards. It was indeed a blast. We had such a great time and I met so many really great people I hope to have around for awhile. One person, a blast from the past, came from Richland H.S. and went to school with my brother. Can you guess?

Posted by mermu at 09:27 AM | Comments (2)

May 05, 2003

Art of the Block; A glossary

I went to the Portability comedy show that Kambri's boy friend (will not out him as a B.F. one word because you know how those things go and until you hear it from their lips it is inapropos to assume the big BF/GF relationship. The 21st century is a real pain in the ass sometimes.) Christian hosts at the Gerschwin theatre. It was loads of fun. The Gerschwin is really cool. In fact Tex in the City is hosting it's first 4:Your Consideration Art Series event there in June.

During the event between dinner and the show my partner Greg and I expounded on the various kinds of blocking. I decided to include a brief glossary here for you enjoyment and education.

Okay, that's the best of what we came up with for now. Feel free to add your own variations in the comments.

Posted by mermu at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)

Roughin' It Up

Something I did last week makes me believe I definitely have my New York moments. I noticed Rhett walking to the bus across the street going to Jersey. I had just got off the bus from Jersey. I walked over to say hello. After a brief chat he got on the bus and I crossed back over to the side on which I needed to be. I was just outside Port Authority.

Just after 911 they put these huge concrete blocks full of plants every 2 feet or so across the front of the building. I suppose they do an effective job of thwarting terrorists and they actually look kind of nice. They are not however conducive to the large amounts of foot traffic coming in and out of Port Authority. I was just about to go through an opening between two of these blocks when I belatedly noticed a short, rather round old woman trudging the opposite way through the same opening. Being the hospitable Southern girl I was taught to be I started to move over, but we were already almost on top of each other, this Old Woman and I. Apparently she did not notice my kind gesture, she muttered to herself and stared at the ground and shouted, "move. MOVE!!!". I was startled and I had already moved aside before I really registered how rude this woman was. Apparently age wasn't the only frailty. She was an out and out Loon! Before she completely passed and obviously before I regained my composure I turned to the trudging, looney old bird and said, "You better watch it, lady. I can kick your ass."

I was a little shocked at myself and a few steps later, couldn't help but laugh at my blatant Southern faux pas. I can only say this crazy old bat must have briefly startled my senses out of me and I resorted to the tried and true Fight or Flee mechanism. I guess I am a fighter not a flee-er. Especially when the opponent is a good foot shorter than me, 30 years my senior and crazy as a wolf on a full moon. I really think I could have taken her.

The thing is, crazy old birds are a staple in the South. Granted they are mythically a kind of "crazy polite" that rarely resorts to such blatant rudeness but they are prevalent. Why was I so unprepared when faced with the Northern version? I guess it just goes to show, there is a little New Yorker in me yet...

I'm thinking I need a visit to the Lone Star state for a little adjustment. I guess it's a good thing my mother has made it virtually impossible to say no to a graduation party in Houston for my twin cousins. A little good Southern music and hospitality will hopefully put me right as rain.

I'll let you know.

Posted by mermu at 09:27 AM | Comments (1)