MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS - SAME LOVE

I remember a conversation that Cody and I had a while back. He told me that when he first realized that he was gay, he would have done anything to change it. He was scared, terrified of being hated and felt as if he were the only boy who thought the way he did. I believed that I understood at the time, but I was wrong...so very, very wrong.  It was only after watching this video and song that I finally got it. I am so glad that Cody has found his place in the world and I can't wait to watch the rest of his journey. I know it's going to be magical.

One step back, but two steps forward

It's been a while since I just blogged about things going on in my life. Since, I am finally over the cold from hell and feeling a little better, I thought I would update everybody on what has been going on. First off, I am getting ready for RT and this year I am bringing the whole family. Joie wants to try out the pizza, while Cody wants to hit the clubs and malls. Me, I just can't wait to see all my old friends. I really treasure my fellow authors and readers and I love being able to reconnect with them.

As some of you may have seen, there was a bit a family upheaval on my FB page about a week ago. A certain family member made it clear that she wasn't "gong to accommodate her views for Cody". Of course, this caused a great deal of pain for both me and Cody (while he tried to hide it), but what heartened me most was the family members who stood up to defend us and to let us know that love does indeed conquer hate.

That brings me to more good news. I have decided to be a paint station sponsor for this year's Ferndale 5K Rainbow Run. Basically, as the participants run the course, they are doused with a different color paint at certain points, so at the end they are all one big messy rainbow. Not only has my husband, father and sister all agreed to run in it, but Joie, my mom and Cody will be official paint flingers. Go team Purple!  Best of all, everybody is going to wear a t-shirt that will say one of the following, I love my gay son....my gay grandson....my gay brother...my gay nephew. We will also have the Safe Reading Logo on the backs of the shirts to further that message, too. So, while some of my family has let me down in a huge way, others have shown me the true meaning of unconditional love. If any readers or authors from the area want to come out and join us, just shout out a message. It's going to be a blast.

Then this morning I stumbled across this uplifting video of The U.N Secretary, General Ban Ki-Moon, giving a brave and motivational speech, encouraging all countries to embrace equality. In true one step back, two steps forward tradition at first what drew so much attention to this speech was how many delegates left the room in protest. But, those who stayed behind were able to witness what I feel is a true historic moment in LGBTQ rights. So, I encourage you all to watch it.

NOH8!

I already blasted these all over Facebook, but in case you missed it here are the pictures that Cody and I had taken when the NOH8 Campaign came to Detroit!

I swear that I'm not going to cry

Today Cody moved away to college. While I knew this moment would be coming, it still doesn't make it suck any less. I'm really going to miss him and it's hard knowing I'm not going to see him for a couple of months. On a bittersweet note, a new episode of Glee starts tomorrow. While it's my favorite show, it's also something that Cody and I watched together every week. It's going to be lonely tomorrow when he's not viewing it with me anymore. So, to cheer myself up, I watched a few sneak peeks to this year's season.

TV Time With Cody

I only have a month and a half before Cody moves away for college, *sob* While I know he needs to grow up, I'm going to miss the snot out of him. Just a couple of  weeks ago we volunteered for HRC at Grand Rapid's Pride. I was amazed at how well informed and professional he was. It's been a year since he's come out and he's grown so much in that time.

Lately, one of our favorite things to do together has been watching the show 1 Girl and 5 Gays. Filmed in Canada, it's a talk show where a female hosts asks five gay men twenty questions about "love and life".  I love the host, Aliya-Jasmine. Plus, some of the guys on the show have stolen my heart as well, Matt Barker, Jean-Paul and Jonathan are just a few of them.  It's very interesting to hear some the guys' answers to the questions. There have also been some very memorable moments. I found clips from two of them and I posted them below. I hope you enjoy them. *warning the first video features extensive penis talk, so it's  NSFW*

The review is in!!!! See what we thought of Starship Troopers 3!

When I told my reviewers what movie they’d be watching, their reaction was….well kind of like this:

The movie opens to a news reel, which we are soon going to find is an ongoing theme throughout the flick. 

Like the first Starship Troopers, they have a whole WWII propaganda film feel to them. Much to my dismay, my reviewers are having trouble settling down and giving this important movie the attention it deserves.

Me: Pay attention guys, so you don’t miss any important plot points. Otherwise you’ll be lost the entire movie!

Jackie: *glances up at the screen and makes a face* Look at how lame the names are!

Cody:*as he slumps dramatically on the couch* Rich people yelled at me all day long! (Cody works at Ralph Lauren)

Jackie: *points at the TV* Look at the looks of horror of those soldiers on the painting in the background of that shot. (At least somebody is paying attention now!)

Me: It’s probably because they realized what movie they were in.

The movies changes scenes to show some military guys breaking out into song, complete with the words rolling along the bottom of the screen karaoke style.

Jackie: What is this?

Cody: It’s like High School Musical for the military.

Next the movie changes pace to a battle scene bug bombs suddenly attack a military outpost. Oh no, folks, it’s on now!!!!

 Cody: Those look like Coco Puffs, not bombs.

Jackie: They’re coo-coo for Coco Puffs.

Cody: Why are they making rocket noises when they’re just rocks?

Jackie: Did that officer just order that private to pick up that disembodied arm from the ground?

Cody:  Yeah, maybe they want him to run around and find the owner. “Is this yours?” “No, see I have both my arms”

Jackie: *Eyes bug out at one of the bad, clichéd lines as she snorts in laughter*

Cody: I bet they all thought script was so awesome when they were making it, too.

Cody: Why are they all talking like characters from the old 80’s GI Joe cartoon?

Jackie: Because knowing is half the power!

Cody: Why did they give the press guy a gun? This just makes me think that situation could end up badly.

At the line “Bugs???? I hate them, sir!” They all dissolve into laughter. Somehow I don’t think this is the response the scriptwriters were going for.

 *A moth flies through the room and basic mayhem erupts until it leaves*

The movie then has the typical, clichéd scene where the main characters go into a bar and they are confronted by a ton of guys wearing a bunch of plaid and badass attitudes.

Cody: The future still has rednecks!!!!!

Jackie: Heckling ones, too.

As the scene shows some of the military offices looking at video, it induces a chorus of groans and eye rolls from the reviewers.

Jackie: They don’t have HD? My iPad has better graphics.

Cody: My android phone is even better than that!

Jackie: Is that girl officer a robot?

Me: No, just a bad actress.

Cody: You know a movie is bad when they have to resort to different actors for every new sequel.

Nikki: What’s up with their outfits?

Cody: They’re future warriors. *rolls eyes*

As they play yet another  dramatic news reel, which shows the live execution of some soldiers who must have been very naughty boys.

Nikki: * as she cocks her head to the right* What?????

Jackie: Are they using vacuum cleaner tubes for the nooses?

Cody: Well, that won’t work. The guys will just bounce!

Nikki: * as she cocks her head to the left* What??????

Jackie: It must be hot on the set because their cake makeup is sweating.

Nikki: Or they’re all just really dirty.

Jackie: Maybe we’re just missing something because this plot makes no sense.

Me: Nah, the script is just full of more holes than swiss cheese, a colander, those redneck’s underwear.

Aaaaand, it’s back to the bar, which is attacked. Oh, noz! Of course the fact that a hundred huge ass bugs coming in for the kill doesn’t stop the humans from fighting amongst each other.

Nikki: Why do they keep punching each other? And why did that guy fall in the opposite direction of the punch….wait? Who are they fighting again?

Me: The bugs

Jackie: Do real bugs growl like that?

Cody: Maybe they do in the future. These are futuristic bugs after all.

Nikki: If this is our future I don’t want it.

A bug rips off a guy’s face then proceeds to wear it around like a legwarmer. It’s kind of a gruesome play on Flashdance, but we will soon learn this is not going to be the last movie this film rips off. (Ha, ha, ha...pun so totally intended)

Jackie: Oh, my god! That’s a Halloween mask on that bug's leg! How bad can these special effects get?

Nikki: The blood looks so fake it would be a step up if they used ketchup.

 *Now there is a group-wide debate on the proper way to spell ketchup*

*Jackie and Cody both want to know why the general is still wearing glasses, don’t they have Lasix in the future*

There is another collective groan as one soldier is decapitated and his head tumbles away.

Cody: Heads don’t bounce that way!

Nikki: Why are the soldiers just standing there? Why don’t they fight?

Cody: Why is that one chick wearing heels? Who goes to war in heels? Seriously!

Jackie: It’s so she can kick the bugs in the nuts?

Cody: Do bugs have nuts?

Jackie: Of course they do.

Cody: I’m not so sure of that.

Jackie: Maybe it’s only mammals who have nuts.

Cody: *Gives Jackie the look*

Jackie: I know bugs eat nuts.

Cody: Wait…what were we talking about again?

The battle continue and the general losses his glasses yet again in the battle

Jackie: Wait! There is no glass in those things.

Nikki: They look like the dollar store glasses from the Vampire Boys! Maybe they upgraded to Walgreens.

*Sigh* The battle is STILL going when one bug begins to shoot from his….talon?

Jackie: This is a rip-off from War of the Worlds!

Cody: Tom Cruise should so sue.

Jackie: Actually it looks kind of dirty. The build up of fluid in the shaft before it shoots out.

Steph: O.o

Now we have a ragtag group of survivors who take refuge on a ship.

Nikki: That wife beater is sooo sexy.

Cody: Classy.

Jackie: Why does that woman officer always have to put her hands on her hips whenever she talks?

Cody: Maybe because her shoulders are so wide and she wants to show off her power.

Riley the baby: *BURP!!!!!!!!* (Well, now we all know her opinion of the movie)

Oh noz!!! The ship is under attack. (And really, who didn’t see that coming) When guys goes up in flames, the room erupts into unwanted advice. (As if the guy can actually hear them)

Nikki: Stop, drop and roll, just like you learned in school!

And yet another news reel is being shown, but this one tell us *Gasp!* That they are going to execute Johnny Rico! Say it isn’t so?

Nikki: Oh my god, are they holding a trail for Johnny Rico for hitting somebody? How stupid.

Jackie: Wait is that radical, protester guy’s name Elmo? What is their issue? Everybody loves Elmo.

Cod: *throws his arm over his face in true dramatic style*  May god have mercy on my soul.

And now the movie has totally lost us because we’re talking about dirty pictures on Facebook.

We are next taken back to the general’s office. A  girl comes in and tells the general that she has something to say but she was told to keep her mouth shut.

Cody: And it looks like you’re doing a fantastic job at that, sweetie.

Nikki: Her face looks hairy.

Jackie: I thought the same thing.

The survivors from the ship, come out of their escape pod, to find themselves on a desert type of planet. They are very dismayed to discover that it’s infested with…you guessed it…bugs! 

Nikki: B….b…b….bugs!

Nikki: *When the secondary female breaks out into prayer* This is not the time to be praying, this is the time to go get your guns and fight.

Jackie: Don’t you know it’s time for the rapture?

As the survivors continue their trek through the desert,  we are forced to endure several minutes of mundane conversation.

Jackie: You know what’s so funny? You can always tell in movies like this, who are the first ones who are going to die. The chef is going to buy it, I just know it.

Nikki: I hope they off they kill of the chick soon. She’s kind of annoying.

Cody: And her jumper is sooooo ugly.

The film next jumps to Johnny Rico’s hanging.

Cody: Don’t worry, he won’t die he has a vacuum cleaner tube around his neck.

*Cody’s prediction proves to be somewhat true when the rope breaks and Johnny falls to the ground, but manages to live*

Nikki: He was so fat he broke the rope. LOL

Cody: So what? He broke the rope, so he gets to live? Is that how it works? Really?????

Jackie: So wait, the general had time to go up, cut the rope, go back downstairs, but he didn’t have time to find the head executioner and say, “Let’s just call this thing off.”

Back to the survivors….and I have nothing more to say about this scene, since it’s pretty much like the last one.

Nikki: This is not the time to be singing hymns…wait those are really big guns. (To which Cody looks quickly the screen , only to be disappointed because there really are only guns on the screen.)

Back to yet another  news reel. *bangs head on wall*

Cody: They went all the way from an A Bomb to a Q Bomb, that’s pretty intense.

Jackie: Yeah, they made advance bombs, but no HD

Cody: Or Lasix

Back to the survivors, where they talk about the religious zealot in their group. (and let’s face it, there’s always at least one)  The female lead declares he, “lost his nut”

Jackie: I thought  all guys had two of them.

Nikki: (When the lead see something alarming through her night vision goggles) She’s so scared her J Lo lips are bouncing.

The earth begins to shake in true Star Trek fashion. ( Spock  has nothing on these guys) Of course the characters scream earthquake, because that’s the first thing anyone would think when the ground starts trembling on a planet infested with giant cockroaches.

Jackie: That’s no earthquake…it’s buuuuuuuuuuugs.

The survivors have hope, though, because Johnny Rico is on his way to rescue them. Before they leave, however, Johnny must waste precious moments so he can give an inspirational speech to his troops.

Nikki: Why did they just say it’s a good day to die? It’s never a good day to die.

Back to the survivors. The lead female smacks the cook and tell him to get “his shit wired” further demonstrating her inability to look tough, no matter how hard the scriptwriter try to give her badass lines

Jackie: What does that even mean?

*Jackie then shoots me a dirty look* Did you do this to us on purpose? Make us watch this crap so you could see us suffer. This is worse than a Skin-a-max movie.

The cook dies, fulfilling Jackie’s prediction. The praying, secondary female lead collapses to her knees and weeps in grief.

Jackie:  So, she took the time to reapply her makeup and lip gloss? *Jackie  then breaks out into the chorus of “Another One Bites the Dust*

The movie goes back to the rescue ship, where Johnny Rico’s crew all…strip down naked???? O-o

Nikki: Why are they all walking around naked?

Cody: All the guys look good except that one guy. He’s ugly

Jackie: So you didn’t notice the girls and their bare chests?

Cody: No, because boobs are grooooooooooss. Look that one chick’s bounced when she laughed. *Gives the TV a disgusted look, before his eyes get wide in excitement* Oh, but look at that, they did give us a sideways, brief penis shot, so it’s not all bad.

The movie then meanders  back to the general as he is now prisoner and is coming face to oh-god-so-gross face with the  brain bug from the first flick. At this point I’m realizing how much I miss Neil Patrick Harris. Of course, after years and years of captivity, the brain bug picks this moment to attack his captures by way of high pitched wailing.

Jackie: I’m really not getting this plot.

Cody: Oh, my gosh that guy’s head just exploded, for seriousness???

Jackie: Why did only some people’s head explode?

Back to the survivors. The macho, soldier dude asks the secondary, praying girl to marry him.

Jackie: Did he just propose to her?

Cody: Why would she want some lose in a wife beater.

*We then get into a huge debate about whether or not one should pee on their headgear to keep cool if ever get lost in the desert. I’m quite certain I saw this tip on a survival show, the others think I “lost my nut”*

We are drawn back to the movie as the survivors are attacked by the humongous god bug.

Jackie: Oh no, it’s the ultimate bug optical course.

Cody: Optical course? Is it a vision test or something?

Jackie: *scowls at Cody* You know what I meant.

Nikki: It looks like the script writers missed their deadlines and just threw together all kinds of crap together to get the script done.

As the rescue crew comes in, just as the two females are about to be eaten.

Jackie: Wait are they naked in those suits? Because they had to get measured naked?

Cody: The soldiers can’t even see from side to side, how is that efficient?

Jackie: I still think they’re naked in there?

Nikki: Why are they two girls just kneeling and praying? They should be running?

Jackie: They have to be naked in those suites.

Cody: Fine! We’ll agree they’re naked.

They are rescued by Johnny Rico in a scene that strangely had very, very strong religious undertones. We have the resurrection, avenging angels, a vision of Mary and even a visual that is made to look like the Sistine Chapel. I could go more into it, but quite frankly at this point, I became more interested in a tin of cookies. (Hey, don’t judge, they were chocolate chip!)

On the whole, I think I can speak for the entire group when I say we liked the Vampire Boys a lot, lot, lot better. The evening wasn’t a total loss, however. I mean how often do you get to see a giant bug wearing a fake human face?

They're baaaaaaack.....and they're going to be doing another movie review!

My ragtag group of movie reviewers will be taking on another movie this Saturday. Once again the gang will consist of myself, Cody, Nikki, Jackie and hopefully my mother. Now I know you're all on pins and needles, wondering what flick we're going to take on next. I can tell you the decision wasn't easy, but in the end I picked....drum roll, please.....Starship Troopers 3:Marauder!

 I know! I know! You all can hardly wait now. So to hold you over, I decided to include a trailer for the movie. I encourage all of you to rent this movie. That way you can also share your critique.

Vampire Boys-The Review

As promised, here is the review for The Vampire Boys. Was it an Oscar quality film? Not by a long shot. In fact, I’ve seen better YouTube videos. Am I sorry I watched it? Not one little bit. The Vampire Boys is a film that is so awful that it’s great. I’m not sorry I bought it because I know I’ll have to watch it again and again. It’s one of those movies, much like Showgirls and Starship Troopers, that become your comfort flicks. The ones you turn to when you’re sick with the flu or bored out of your skull and just want some mindless entertainment.

To help me with my review are Cody, Nikki, Jackie and my mother. Rather than having each person write out a formal review, I just wrote down their comments as they watched the movie. While I did go back and try to edit the final document, please excuse some of the typos, since I was having to type pretty fast. 

I will put in a big spoiler warning. This review does lay out all the plot points and twists to the movie. 

So don’t read it unless you want to know what happens. Of course, if you’ve read or watched Twilight you pretty much already know what’s happens anyway.

The movie opens with a black and white shot. A random girl is attacked and murdered (cue ominous voice) by our quartette of vampire dudes.

Mom-She’s running. I could run better… I think.

Jackie-Because I always run around in circles when I’m trying to run away.

Mom-Hey girl, just don’t stand there and let him bite you. Do something.

Jackie-To be a part of this vampire club, forget the coffins, forget the capes, forget everything else--you just have to wear an unbuttoned black shirt and show off your chest.

Now that we have our first victim already out of the way, we move on to the opening credits.

Steph-I’m loving this soundtrack. I think we have an Oscar contender.

Then our panel discussion moves back to the vampire’s attire.

Cody-are the biker boots supposed to represent something.

Jackie-Maybe it’s supposed to be a vampire gay trend?

Cody gives Jackie the look.

Jackie-If these vampires can go out into the dark then why are they so pale.

Mom-Wooooooow…..that picture cool

Our human hero, Bella…eh, I mean Caleb arrives to town to move into his rent free home with his new roommate, Paul.

Jackie-It has a coffin shaped frame!!!!

Cody-Oh my Gawd! You’re right.

Jackie-Why did Caleb knock over that candle?

Me-*shrug* I don’t know.

Cody-It has to be on purpose because they played ominous music when it fell. So it has to mean something.

Jackie-Maybe it’s because the candle holder was a cross. You know the whole vampire and crucifix thing?

Cody-No, because the vampires were all wearing HUGE crucifixes in the opening story.

Me-Guys! Stop trying to read too much into Caleb’s actions. He’s the Bella in this story. So of course that means he has to be clumsy.

The movie continues as Caleb and Paul go to the local coffeehouse. Never mind the fact the set looks like it’s just the director’s porch.

Cody-They are so obviously drinking from empty cups.

Mom-They always do that in movies and TV shows,

(Seriously people, am I the only one who’s ever noticed that? Can’t they at least put water or something in the cups to help further the illusion of the actors drinking? Any-hoo…moving on!)

Then we finally get to the scene where all four of the vampires are lying in a circle, while they sunbathe. Yeah, you read that right SUNBATHE. Because as one of the guy so helpfully points out, “Aren’t you glad the myth about vampires and the sun is not true?” Don’t you love it when characters in books and movies point out what should be mundane facts in dialog , so they can build on the story?

Jackie-Oh my god the one vamps glasses look like from Dollar General.

(She points to the one guy, who is wearing sunglasses with big yellow stems on them.)

Cody-No! They look like the free ones you get from Big Boy’s

Nikki-*who’d been sitting in silent horror up until now*His belly button is really weird.

Jackie-The lead’s glasses are even worse! They look that cataract glasses. What did he snag them from a granny after he was done feeding on her?

Jackie-Why don’t they face each other when they talk? It’s like they’re doing a stage play or something.

Now we go to Caleb, who is naked and in bed. His eyes are closed and he’s doing the whole twitching I’ma having a nightmare thing.

Nikki-*Big fake gasp* He’s having a bad dream guys!

Cody-Whenever I have bad dreams I’m always naked and Oprah is there.

The entire room stops to give Cody looks of shock. Cody shrugs and doesn’t appear one bit ashamed.

The next scene brings us back to human’s apartment. Paul is working on his computer, while Caleb runs around in his undies and “drinks” coffee.

Nikki-The roommate is supposed to be working on his computer, but it’s shut off.

Finally, Caleb and vampire, Jasin pass each other on the street. The slow motion first sighting sequence brings back memories of Twilight to all of us.

The as if that wasn’t already Twilight-y enough, Caleb and Paul are sitting in their school’s lunch room when…you got it…Jasin and the his vampire family make a we are so cool entrance.

 As the four vamps slowly walk down the stairs, Nikki yells-OMG! Is this where they all rip off their shirts?

Cody-*throws his hands up in disgust*This is so the gay Twilight.

Jackie-Yeah, but they even have a Jacob.

Cody-Who’s the Jacob.

Jackie-Paul of course.

Nikki-Oooooooh, I see it now. You’re right.

But all is good because Jasin asks Caleb for a date and, despite the fact some blonde female in hanging all over Jasin, Caleb agrees.

Line from lead. “I must feed before tonight.” Brings riots of laughter.

The movie continues and we have a scene where two guys and a girl run off to the woods for some fun. So anybody who’s ever watched a horror movies know that all three are dead-men walking. *sigh*When will people ever learn? You just don’t smex it up in horror flicks. Not if you want to live long enough for the sequel.

Cody-That guy has his hat on backwards, that means he’s straight. It’s code.

Jackie-That girl is so going to die. I know because she’s wearing a red shirt.

Mom-So these three are sacrificial lambs. *shakes her head in the whole when will kids ever learn way*

As the three sacrificial lambs start getting hot and heavy, scary music let us knows our favorite vampire quartet is a stalking.

Jackie-These vamps are kind of pervy.

Cody-So right! They could have attacked long ago. Instead their waiting so they can watch these three get it on.

After the most anticlimactic kill scene in movie history the lead declares. “Now I will not crave his blood tonight.” This bring another round of laughter from our panel.

We go back to the human apartment where Paul is sitting in the dark, sans shirt while he plays the guitar.

Jackie-His nipples are really dark.

Cody-They’re like Milk Duds.

Paul expresses his concern over Jasin. Hmmm…could it be that, even while he’s standing next to his current girlfriend, he still asks somebody else on a date? No? Really? Why is it that everyone in the movies doesn’t see an issue with this?

Jasin shows up for their date. Many sappy smiles are exchanged.

Cody-Did Jasin get that shirt from Walmart because it’s completely see-thru?

Me-It’s not that bad.

Nikki-No, Cody’s right. The shirt doesn’t even fit right. It looks like it’s ten sizes too big.

The pair go to the director’s porch…I mean, coffee house for their date. Where they share Caleb’s life story

Cody-How can Caleb say he’s an all-star swim champ? He’s built…well, like me!

Nikki-Their cups are empty again. (Don’t ask me why this bothered us so much)

Steph-Hey, he’s cheating on the blonde chick and not even hiding it. Why isn’t anyone in the flick bothered with this?

Cody-The writers of this movie must not have ever had a real human conversation, because they characters talk like robots.

As they say goodnight, Caleb trips as he walks up the stairs.

Steph-Look at that! He’s even clumsy like Bella.

Cody-I still can’t get over that shirt!!!!!

As this movie rolls along, we are shown a bunch of red-necks who are listening to hokey music and shooting at cans, when oh no, one of the bullets hits Jasin in the stomach. Why he and Caleb are standing just feet away from a shack full of red-neck stereotypes is never explained. But have no fear, the bullet does no harm because Jasin is a vampire after all.

Cody-So his vampire abilities even go so far as to fix the holes in his clothes? Because the bullet should have at least done that much damage.

Nikki-Yeahhhhhhh…I guess so.

Cody-*shaking his head at Caleb*What is it with this kid and deep Vee’s. That shirt is the biggest Vee neck I’ve ever seen!

The film next takes us back to the apartment. Paul angrily confronts Caleb. It seems that Paul has searched and searched all over the internet, yet could find nothing about Jasin.

Jackie-Ooooh, if you can’t Google somebody…

Cody-…that means you’re a vampire.

In the middle of the argument, Paul grabs Caleb and plants a big, fat, sloppy one on his lips.

Jackie-Rape Kiss!

Cody-How can he think that’s appropriate?

Cody-I’ve decided the lead is ugly.

Nikki-They’re all ugly.

Nikki-This is poorly written.

Jackie-Really, I’m going to start writing screenplays.

Cody-Caleb and Jasin just met yesterday! Why are they being so intense already?

As we continue watching, we are next taken back to the vampire camp. Our too-cool for real sunglasses boys are just hanging out and goofing around when Caleb gets a “feeling”. Paul is trouble and must be dealt with.

Jackie-I wonder if these vamps all went to the bead store together and made their own crucifixes?

Nikki-Or they’re wearing Mardi Gras beads.

Finally! After all our waiting we get the great, big love scene between Caleb and Jasin. The only problem is it ends up being neither great or big. In the end, the panels reaction is all the same, meh.

Cody-*with heavy sarcasm*The great love scene…nothing but rubbing.

Jackie-and not the good frottage type, either.

Cody-Yeah, it’s just like they’re giving each other a back rub.

Me-But you know they did do it because the one guy’s pant buttons are undone. Either that or he rushed out of the bathroom.

Nikki-Yeah, could be.

Me-That would be embarrassing.

Nikki-*nods in agreement*

At the end the love scene Caleb finds out that Jasin is a...gasp...vampire. Instead of staying and talking about it like an adult, Caleb runs off with hurt feelings.

Cody-What is up with the sudden love song music?

Aaaaaaand….it’s back to the vampire camp. Seriously don’t  these guys have a home? While the vamps are talking, the blonde chick stops by for a visit.

*Cody and Jackie debate whether or not one of the vamps has pec implants.*

Jackie-So now Jasin’s kissing the chick. Great, now he’s cheating of Caleb.

Then the vampires kill MAJOR SPOILER poor, poor Paul. *sniff* All he wanted to do was help his whiny roommate out. The vampires then talk about how nicely Paul’s body burned in their campfire.

Cody-Bodies just don’t burn that easy.

We all stop to look at him.

Jackie-And you know this, how?

Cody-I just do and let’s leave it at that.

As we continue to stare, he glares back.

Cody-Leave me alone, people. I just read it somewhere.

Now that’s settled we go back to the movie.

Me-Why isn’t anyone horrified when they walk up and see a body roasting away in the campfire? It’s not like you see stuff like that every day.

Jackie-You want to know what the biggest myth about vampires are? They don’t spend a fortune on sunglasses like Blade did. It’s 99 cent store all the way!

Nikki-No, buy one get one free.

Jasin tells Caleb, via flashback how he was turned into a vampire.

Nikki-OMG! Jasin’s wearing his date outfit a hundred years ago.

(She’s right. It’s the same see-thru, too big shirt from earlier.)

Jackie-I love the party store fangs.

Cody-they must not have had the budget for moving black and white photography, they could only do stills.

Jackie-More likely he doesn’t have the acting ability to do flashbacks.

Caleb forgives Jasin and tells him he doesn’t care about that whole vamp thing. They kiss and declare their love. Jasin tells Caleb that he’s his chosen one and the only person that can save Jasin from dying on his one hundredth vampire day, which just happens to be tomorrow. All Caleb has to do is agree to become a vampire. *gasp* Whatever will he do?

Jackie-They’re kisses are so stiff.

Cody-It’s like they don’t really like each other.

Mom-What about Paul? Doesn’t anyone care about him? Poor Paul? Let’s start a FB page for him.

Cody-Wow this is intense.

Mom-but nobody still cares about Paul.

As we’re taken back to the vampire camp, we find that one of the vampires is not a happy *giggle* camper about the whole Caleb is the chosen one thing. The Grumpy Vamp wants Jasin to change the blonde chick instead. Why he wants her instead of Caleb is never made clear. Jasin and Grumpy Vamp have a heated argument that involves hissing and fangs.

Me-What’s up with the sudden, random business attire on Grumpy Vamp? Is he a vampire banker?

Cody-what’s up with the hissing?

Jackie-No way! They are lisping around their fake teeth.

Another round of laugher because they are indeed lisping. “Are yoth thur yoth wath to goth through with this?”

The movie next takes us back to the now Paul-less human apartment. Where Jasin comes to ask Caleb if he’s made up his mind. Whoa! Way to pressure him there, buddy.

Jackie-What’s the humming sound?

Cody-It sounds like a fridge.

Caleb and Jasin are interrupted when the rest of the vampire family show up. That is all of them except for Grumpy Vamp who’s hatched an evil plan.

Cody-*points at the buffest vampire* Oh, my god, it’s tit implants. (From this point we shall call this guy TI Vampire.)

Then TI  Vampire says that Grumpy Vampire has kidnapped the blonde chick and the only way to save her is for Jasin to fight him. He then laments that Jasin may not win because Grumpy Vamp is soooooooo powerful.

Cody-Shut up, Negative Nancy.

We then go to the vampire came for the huge, big fight scene.

Jackie-There is not one spec of emotion in this whole scene.

Nikki-It’s so robotic.

Cody-Nobody still cares about Paul.

Nikki-I’m confused.

Me-Cody, look Tara is wearing a deep-vee, too.

Jackie-Even the fighting is weak.

Me-It’s on like Donkey Kong.

Jackie-Oh somebody is being sneaky with the shovel.

Cody-Because that will kill them when a bullet do nothing.

Nikki-She’s….dead.

Blonde chick has been bitten, but do not worry, fans, she will live. She will however be a vampire now. Then Caleb decides he wants to be one, too. So Jasin turns him, as well.

The final scene shows the new and improved vampire family slowly walking down the street.

Nikki-What happened to Paul!

Cody-Didn’t they ever tell him that they killed Paul? And is so is he okay with it? Will Paul even show up in the credits?

Nikki-They just don’t care about Paul.

By the way, Paul’s name did show up in the credits, but he was listed after the red-necks and the wiener-shot boys. *sigh* Poor Paul just can’t get any respect.

Coming Soon-A Review to End All Reviews!

Hold on to your tights, ladies and gentlemen, because tonight my group of select critics will be watching The Vampire Boys. By select I mean my sister, Jackie, Cody, Nikki and myself. We will be writing up a collective review while watching the flick and I'll be posting it here. So make sure to look for it.

I have to go now. There is popcorn to be popped and pizza to be ordered. I have a feeling that this is going to be a night we aren't going to ever forget!

Ouch!

Today was hectic since Cody had to have all four of his wisdom teeth removed. I had to post this picture here for two reasons. First, so he could get some sympathy since he's kind of pathetic in a cute way. Second, so I could show everyone his new haircut. I figured since I shelled out nearly a $100 for it, I should at least have some bragging rights. It's amazing what I'll give this kid when he gives me the puppy dog eyes.

Photo credit goes to his BFF, Nikki. Not only did she come along to lend moral support, but she also helped him out after. (although she did make sure to take pictures and video of the event) They are so close and have been calling each other Daphne and Justin. All you QAF fans will should find that humorous.

The Gay Van

It’s been a month since my seventeen-year old son, Cody, came out. For the most part things have been going great. Both sides of the family fully accepted him for who he is, he has a great group of friends and he’s so much more comfortable in his skin. A couple of months ago, he even started the first GSA ever at his high school.

Nearly all of the administration and staff at his school supported him. He did have some issues with getting one of the secretaries to announce the meetings and the school librarian has decided that he deserves a hundred or so dirty looks. His principle was the hardest one to deal with, however. When they first started the GSA, Cody and his friends put several posters up. Before that first day was even over, Cody was summoned to a meeting with the principle.

Cody walked into his advisors room and was promptly handed one of his posters. He was then told that they’d already received numerous calls from concerned parents. (Mind you the school day wasn’t finished, yet.)

“I’m sorry, but I don’t see any problems,” Cody said after he’d scanned the poster.

The principle pointed. “It’s this word ‘Allies’.”

“Well sure, it’s a club for Gay and Straight Students plus their Allies,” Cody replied with a confused shrug.

“We think that may sound a little too militant and some of the parents agree.”

The principle than insisted on attending the first meeting, to make sure that “this group was run correctly.” Imagine his shock and disappointment when twenty-eight kids showed up. Many of them told Cody that they had to lie to their parents about where they were because they were terrified to tell their family they’re gay. Now they have a place where they can go and be accepted, a group where they can be who they are without fear of judgment.

That was the first of what has now been four meetings. During the latest round of poster hanging, Cody started to walk down the hall when he heard someone yell, “That’s so gay!”

Cody turned and saw a senior boy pointing to the poster. Keeping a straight face, Cody replied, “Yes, it is gay. Literally, it is. Congrats on finally getting something right.”

I just learned tonight that one of his friends’ father doesn’t want her hanging around Cody because he’s gay. I started to get outraged until Cody told me it wasn’t worth getting that worked up over. His logic is he thinks so little of people who are hateful that their opinions mean nothing to him. His words did calm me down some, but I still want to go over to the jerk’s house and kick him in the shins. Then I remembered a skit I saw on LOGO. It’s a comedian name Erin Foley and she’s discussing the Gay Recruit Van. I went and watched it again that her hilarious outtake made me feel a little bit better.   

Gay Video & Lesbian Movies - Logo: Fierce TV

It's official! Gaga has taken over!

As some of you from Facebook may already know, I caved the other day and let my son get a vanity plate for his car. I'll have to give him credit, he approached the topic very diplomatically. Much like a politician would campaign for a  new bill. In the start he didn't push too hard, instead tossing out the occasional comment, so the seeds could be planted and then left to fester. Then he waited until the time was just right before he struck and slapped me with the request. Have I ever mentioned what sneaky boogers teens can be?

Here is how it all went down. For weeks he'd hinted that he wanted to show his love for the Gaga by somehow getting a plate that honored her. He started it off by making it a game. After some back and forth banter, where such options as "LIL MNSTR" and "PKR FACE" were tossed around, the subject was dropped.

Or so I believed.

We had to go to the DMV to renew the tags for the car. While we waited in line to get in line, (No, that wasn't a typo. We literally had to wait in line to get a number to....wait in line.)  Cody turned to me and gave his best "I love you" smile.

"You know, while we're here it would be so easy to get that plate I've been wanting."

I sighed. "We don't even know how much it costs."

"It's $35 today and $10 extra every year when we renew the tags," he quickly recited, showing he'd thoroughly researched the topic.

After we reached the counter, I doubled checked the price with the sullen faced employee. Once I was assured that Cody did indeed have the correct information, I gave the go-ahead.

This is the end result:

Just today I found this video on the internet and had to laugh because it was so appropriate for today's blog topic. A group of Emerson College students pay homage to the artist. I was really impressed with their effort.

It's Time to Stop the Hate

Cody and Judy Shepard

Last night I had the distinct honor of being able to hear Judy Shepard speak at Lawrence Tech University. For those of you don’t know, in 1998 Judy’s son, Mathew, was the victim of a hate crime. His attackers viciously beat him because he was gay. He eventually succumbed to his injuries six days after. As a mother, I can’t even begin to fathom the pain Mrs. Shepard went through. To lose a child is every mother’s worst nightmare and I don’t know if I would have her courage.

After Mathew’s death, Judy decided that she would become a crusader against hate. She formed the Mathew Shepard foundation in an effort to, “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion & Acceptance.”  For the whole story, I encourage you to visit the Mathew Shepard Foundation website.

I wish I could say that the days of hate are behind us, but every day I’m faced with situations that prove just the opposite. Last week my daughter came home in near tears because some older boys had been teasing her. Sadly, this wasn’t the first time she was on the receiving end of taunts. Joie has a marked speech delay, is the shortest one in her class, plus she battles with learning disabilities. This day was different thought, for you see the bullies had been taunting her because her big brother is gay.

“They told me that gay’s are killers and that they are going to hell,” she asked, clearly confused.  “I told them they are wrong because my brother is nice and I love him.”

Thankfully, when I went to her school the next morning, the staff at her school took my concerns very seriously. Not only did they promise to look into the situation immediately, but they also sent me a follow up email from two other teachers who assured me they would be carefully monitoring the situation. They even promised that if the bullying continued, they would bring in social workers to teach all of the student body about diversity.

The sad thing about all this is I know these boys were most likely echoing the same hateful rhetoric they hear at home.  How many times have we seen those despicable signs that read, “Homosexuality Kills” and “Fags go to Hell” ?  I am a firm believer that most bullies learn their hate and intolerance from home.

This has to change. America is supposed to be a place where ALL people are created equal. Yet, my gay son can’t marry or serve in the military. In our home state of Michigan it’s still perfectly legal for someone to fire him from a job just for being a homosexual. I ask my elected officials how any of that is fair or just?

Judy ended her speech with an old Cherokee tale of Two Wolves and I thought I would share it with you. I think it fits this situation perfectly:

One evening an old Cherokee Indian told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, ‘My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.’
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ‘Which wolf wins?’
The old Cherokee simply replied, ‘The one you feed.’