Tonka in the Pacific Northwest

Second Class Citizen

2012-01-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

Winning!

2012-01-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

"Dear Customer who stuck up for his little brother...",Read here!I am now following this tumblr site. http://mohandasgandhi.tumblr.com/

Something new?

2011-12-27T15:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I need to figure out what I am doing with this blog. I've had a couple of suggestions from some friends and colleagues. Will have to see what I come up with, especially since a new year is about to start.Keep your eyes OPEN!

It Gets Better - Disney!

2011-12-22T11:17:00.001-08:00

Anyone want to buy a house?

2011-12-21T10:47:00.001-08:00

WOW!!

2011-12-20T09:11:00.000-08:00

Beautiful ad!

2011-11-25T09:40:00.001-08:00

Wow, good cover/Mashup. And isn't that Comfort from SYTYCD doing backup?

2011-11-10T12:34:00.001-08:00

Who is this boy in the video?

2011-10-30T14:58:00.001-07:00

OMG. He is beautiful! Great song, great video!

Ann

2011-10-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

C! So let us talk about C. What does C mean for you? How about a couple of definitions.

Courage
[cour·âge] [kur-ij, kuhr-] noun

1. the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

There are many forms of courage. Courage on the battlefield. Courage to do something you've never done. The courage to face an adversary that maybe can't be beat.

Care
[kair] care noun.

1. a state of mind in which one is troubled; worry, anxiety, or concern.
2. a cause or object of worry, anxiety, concern, etc.
3. temporary keeping, as for the benefit of or until claimed by the owner.

We all talk about care or caring. We care for children, we care about war. We care about the evening news. We even care for loved ones when needed.

Caution
[cau·tion] [kaw-shuhn] noun

1. alertness and prudence in a hazardous situation; care; wariness.
2. a warning against danger or evil; anything serving as a warning.
3. care, forethought, or prudence, esp in the face of danger; wariness.

Caution is that yellow light that is blinking... that causes us to hesitate... slow down... take a moment. Caution is that barometer that makes us stop and think. Without caution we stumble blindly into...?

Cope
[kohp] verb, coped, cop·ing. verb (used without object)

1. to struggle or deal, especially on fairly even terms or with some degree of success (usually followed by with ).
2. to face and deal with responsibilities, problems, or difficulties, especially successfully or in a calm or adequate manner.

We cope... we hope... we always want the best. Lately, the News makes it seem that we are not coping well with the world today, but as Homo sapiens, it is one thing that we know how to do and do it well. With all that is happening in the US , the Middle East, we Cope. We survive.

Catalyst
[cat·a·lyst] [kat-l-ist] noun

1. Chemistry . a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.
2. something that causes activity between two or more persons or forces without itself being affected.
3. a person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
4. a person whose talk, enthusiasm, or energy causes others to be more friendly, enthusiastic, or energetic.

We have a catalyst or numbers of catalysts. That special someone... that rememberable event... something or someone that has touched us. Some accomplishment we are proud of...

Cancer
[can·cer] [kan-ser]
noun
1. Pathology. a malignant and invasive growth or tumor, especially one originating in epithelium, tending to recur after excision and to metastasize to other sites.
b. any disease characterized by such growths.
2. any evil condition or thing that spreads destructively; blight.

That ugly word... A word that hurts... A word that causes hushed whispering... that word that strikes at the heart of many... of all.

Today I found out that a good friend's sister lost her battle with C. Her third battle with C. She was only 47.

I first met Ann 21 years ago when I started dating her little brother. Well, I actually had to meet her and her sisters all at once. Talk about intimidating. Needless to say, Ann was always a character. Always a dreamer, she had that infectious sparkle in her eye... was good at making sure everyone had a good time. Plus, she was very open and cared about her brother, even when he was bringing his boyfriend to meet the family. I actually got the opportunity to attend her wedding and hear about her incredible honeymoon.

As with all things, her brother and I only dated for three years. But I did see her after that at a party at her brother's house, before his exodus to California. Shortly after that, was my move to Portland, and loss of touch. A loss of touch that is making me rethink getting in touch with East coast friends.

I got to reconnect with her recently when I reconnected with her brother. I read her blog about her battle and she read mine, especially about my taking care of my mother three years ago while she died of breast cancer. She even discussed it in her blog. In a way she helped me with my healing process. I hope that my words helped her with her battle. Although she didn't need my help, she seemed so strong. Maybe a little.

Ann, it is OK, you can rest now. No more battles. No more pain. Your family will always love you, always remember you. Your friends won't forget either.

Thank you for crossing paths with me. It was my pleasure to have met you.

Rest in peace.

PS. Please send my 'Hello!' to my parents, especially my mother, who also suffered from Breast C and pat the head of my best dog ever "Lance" who lost a battle with C before his time!

The Germans think of everything.

2011-09-29T08:42:00.001-07:00

http://vimeo.com/sealandercaravan/trailer

Sealander - Schwimmcaravan - Grenzenlos mobil from SEALANDER - Der Schwimmcaravan on Vimeo.

Sean Watkins with Glen Phillips

2011-09-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Glen Phillips, one of our most undervalued songwriters of our time.

Just awesome!!

2011-08-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

http://getstooobsessed.tumblr.com/post/9004061623/mommy-they-are-just-like-me-my-oldest-son-is

Umm, Not a Britney fan, but...

2011-07-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

The boy grabbing his junk in this video(at around 1:26) could change that! LOL!

This would be a Sweet ride for the US.

2011-07-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/12/ferrari-standing-in-the-way-of-lancia-stratos-revivals-producti/

Happy 4th! Remember all of those who protect us!

2011-07-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

How is this for interesting?

2011-06-22T22:31:00.001-07:00

click link for more:http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/21/my-take-bible-condemns-a-lot-so-why-focus-on-homosexuality/

What a group of talented young men!

2011-05-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Plus, Alex Goot is a cutie!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

This day is difficult.

We talked about going out for breakfast....Eggs Benedict...Yum, but that won't happen today. The restaurants near us our pretty crowded for the Mother's Day crowds. As will most restaurants in Portland. Mother's Day is a Big Holiday here.

Personally I think that every day should be Mother's day. You should cherish your mother while she is still here with you. And you should remember her well, when she is gone.

So Happy Mother's Day/Mothers' Day to all of the moms out there. To all those who have lost their mothers....Make sure to celebrate her in some fashion today. Do not be sad, she would not want that!

To Mom!

Words are worse than Sticks and Stones

2011-04-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

I wish that I could give her a hug! And let her know it does eventually get better!

Glee - Blackbird (HQ FULL STUDIO) w/ Lyrics

2011-03-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

Mom, Happy Birthday! They covered your favorite Beatles song on Glee. And it is a thing of Beauty!

Miss you even more now!

Year 3

2011-03-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

3 years...

It is the third anniversary of when you left...

I think about you and the trips we didn't get to make....

I still wish I had more time with you...

And every time I visit somewhere new, I wonder what you would of thought ....

I have accepted that you were ready to go...

Miss you Mom!

THIS TIME official music video

2011-02-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

Katy Perry Firework - the REAL music video!!!

2011-02-19T10:08:00.000-08:00

Ok, the ginger is HOT!!!

Scottish Deerhound Wins Best in Show!

2011-02-16T08:43:00.000-08:00

The Hound group wins "Best in Show'!

And a backstage pic from Westminister. Yes Basenjis can be lap dogs!

Whistler Winter 2011

2011-02-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

X-Men: First Class - Official Trailer

2011-02-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo. I can't wait!!! June 3rd, 2011!!

GLEE - "Bills, Bills, Bills" Performance from 2/6!

2011-02-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

Gay Marine’s husband surprised at respect shown by Naval Academy - Chicago Sun-Times

2011-01-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

Gay Marine’s husband surprised at respect shown by Naval Academy - Chicago Sun-Times

What Would You Do?

2010-12-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

We know that this is actors. but this was hard for both of us to watch.

Glee : 'Baby It's Cold Outside" [FULL VIDEO] Chris Colfer and Darren Cri...

2010-12-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

Yet another reason to love Glee. And what a great cover!

2011 Subaru WRX

2010-12-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/2011-subaru-impreza-wrx-review-road-test/#continued

Bighorns from this summer!

2010-11-11T08:39:00.000-08:00

Taken from my car while in Kelowna, BC in August. You round a bend doing 30 mph and have to stop pretty quick. There were 20 or more sheep in this herd.

I ♥ Glee! This Rocks! Teenage Dream!

2010-11-06T11:22:00.000-07:00

It Gets Better - Emily and Martie from Dixie Chicks

2010-10-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Love these girls!

Check out the Court Yard hounds album, it is really good!

Please send to the USA!

2010-10-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/15/subaru-forester-s-edition-concept-points-towards-sporty-new-mode/

NICK YOUNGQUEST | NEW VIDEO

2010-10-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

I'm Speechless! Can you say....."HOT!"?

Never Forget!

2010-10-12T08:14:00.000-07:00

Bullying didn't just start this year!

Matthew Shepard Foundation

It Gets Better

2010-10-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. In light of what has happened recently with the reported deaths of the five young men, I want to point out this project. It is very important that everyone, take a moment and add your input. I know it is important that we get the message out there! Please follow the link and do your part!

Sneakin Out - Another Brick In The Wall

2010-09-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

This band was playing at the Farmer's Market last weekend! They rocked! Check them out!

http://www.sneakinout.com/

He's not the only reason I watch Seattle Seahawks football.

2010-09-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

John Carlson, #89 TE, 6'6", 255lbs, 26 years old.

But he sure makes it that much more enjoyable!

More Subie News 3rd generation Boxer engine

2010-09-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Boxer lovers, the next chapter in your love affair has just begun. Fuji Heavy Industries, parent company of Subaru, has introduced the latest, third-generation boxer engine that will relieve the second-gen after 21 years of service. This is a brand new lump, not a rework, and FHI has built a factory just to produce it. Follow link to read the rest!

Thanks Autoblog.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt singing "Bad Romance" (SitC)

2010-09-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Love Him! Mean it!!

Vacation Zipline with Brett & James

2010-09-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Lady Antebellum - Hello World (Live AOL Sessions HQ)

2010-08-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

My Family and friends will tell you that I am not the most religious person. I was raised Catholic, but I no longer attend church and have not done so for many years now. I don't know if I am a spiritual person either.... but, there is something about this song that......I just can't put my finger on that gives me goosebumps.

It is beautifully done by Lady A and I hope that they always stay true to their music.

Have a listen!

Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives: Pine State Biscuits

2010-08-29T11:30:00.000-07:00

Carolina style baby!

GoPro HD HERO camera: The Ski Movie

2010-08-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo. Mt. Hood in the spring/summertime!

No Fair!!!

2010-08-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/27/we-repeat-volkswagen-amarok-not-coming-to-u-s/

We deserve it too!

Seabreacher X

2010-08-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Could I get one as a combination Christmas/Birthday present for the next 10 years?

OMD - If You Want It - Official Video

2010-08-20T08:16:00.000-07:00

New OMD release. First one in 14 years! Enjoy!

Awesome webpage! Please share

2010-07-29T11:43:00.000-07:00

http://whydoyoufight.wordpress.com/

Consumer Vents At Target For Right-Wing Donation

2010-07-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

If only every Mother and Grandmother did this, would the world change?

Rumormill: Smart Roadster to make a comeback — Autoblog

2010-07-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Rumormill: Smart Roadster to make a comeback — Autoblog

I always thought this was a HOT little roadster. Probably never make it to the States!!

Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw — Autoblog

2010-07-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

Report: Recall, stop-sale issued on 2010-11 Subaru Outback and Legacy models over gearbox flaw — Autoblog

I like that Subaru is on top of these issues and voluntarily recalls their vehicles. Of course, they shouldn't have to do this, but someone, somewhere on the production line dropped the ball!

Philly!

2010-07-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Traveling to Philly for work this week!

Have I said how much I hate to travel for work? I usualy always have something happen, flight canceled, delayed... Problems with hotel room... Fire Alarm in the middle of winter at 3am... Finding out about things you were oblivious to...

You get the drift.

Hopefully this trip is seamless, unfortunately, I get to spend my birthday in Philly. Not where I wanted to be...Oh well.

Computer access will be limited, so no new posts this week!

Cheers!

Subaru Forester gets new engine for 2011, improved fuel economy — Autoblog

2010-07-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

Subaru Forester gets new engine for 2011, improved fuel economy — Autoblog

'The Americans' for Interview Magazine

2010-06-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

HOT!!!

The Goat Bridge

2010-06-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

What fun!!

Benny Feilhaber mimes No Air

2010-06-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

OMG! I love Soccer Players! And I never realized Benny was this Hot!

I am Human NOH8 Campaign PSA

2010-06-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

World Cup

2010-06-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

My favorite US player! HOT!!!!!

Carlos Bocanegra!

2 more days til pre-order time!

2010-06-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

I can't wait!

Back on Track

2010-06-13T22:05:00.001-07:00

Life seems to be back on track for now. We'll see. I guess everyone deserves a second chance!

Limbo

2010-05-22T11:23:00.001-07:00

I'm at a point where I'm not sure what is happening. Hopefully I will find some answers.

Is life so routine that we stifle ourselves? Who is to blame for becoming just mediocre? If I knew what I found out yesterday four or five years ago, would I still be here now? How do I fix what is broken, or do I even try?

And how can someone be so devoid of emotion or caring?

Like I said....Hopefully I can find some answers!

Trust

2010-05-13T21:50:00.000-07:00

What is trust?

And who/whom can we Trust?

The politicians?

The oil companies?

Other countries?

Law enforcement?

I'm not sure what has happened in this country, but it seems to be getting uglier out there. I'm kind of happy I live in a state that has more of the "live and let live" attitude, but am I sheltered from this lack of trust? Can I trust my coworkers, my friends, my family, even my partner of 16 years? Is my integrity intact?

Why do people think they can do something wrong/unlawful/illegal, cheat, have some secret, go against the grain...etc and be so cocky, as to think, they will never get caught? What motivates them to cover up/lie/mislead/stay quiet/turn a blind eye? I guess I don't understand, or maybe I don't want to. Am I becoming one of those people wearing blinders, going about my day to day life? I hope not, why else would I blog about the subject?

Is this the world I live in now?

What happened to Integrity?

Maybe it is better that my parents are not here to see what is happening to the world they loved.

Dibs!

2010-05-13T21:06:00.000-07:00

Intelligent, Hot, Talented, Gives back to the community, Southern Boy, Likes BBQ....

I Think I am in Love!

Let me introduce Charlie Williams, currently on broadway in "Memphis"! Please follow the link to find out more about him!

And Scott? Backoff! I will cut you over this one!

*photo borrowed from www.IAmCharlieWilliams.com

Picking up wine.

2010-05-02T13:57:00.000-07:00

Unlike most Oregonians, I tend to stay away from the wineries in the Valley. I prefer the ones in the Columbia River Gorge area. They tend to be less snooty and have wines you don't normally find in the valley; Barbera, Sangiovese, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, etc Following are some pictures of my trip to Phillipi Canyon to hit http://www.wheatridgeinthenook.com/, before they close shop forever! :( I will miss their Chenin Blanc and Sangio the most!And I will also miss the adventure of getting out there. 6 miles off of highway 84.

5 of those miles unpaved road through the canyon and wheat fields high above the gorge!

One of the sexiest men alive!

2010-04-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

Sorry Brenda, I know you love David Bromstad,
but Dave Salmoni is still hotter!

Sonoma County CA separates elderly gay couple and sells all of their worldly possessions

2010-04-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

Sonoma County CA separates elderly gay couple and sells all of their worldly possessions

This makes me want to start a gay/lesbian/bi/transgender Militia!

Outstanding!

2010-04-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

When the Kansas hate group known as the Westboro Baptist Church announced they would picket Bay Area schools and Jewish institutions, students at Gunn High School decided they could not sit by quietly.

That's going to hurt!

2010-03-30T12:40:00.001-07:00

Of course, he has to be on a Kawasaki!

Court Yard Hounds

2010-03-29T22:29:00.000-07:00

Check it out!

This is Awesome

2010-03-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

Galactica - Sabotage!

2

2010-03-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Monday is my Mom's birthday.

It has been two years since her death now.

There isn't a week that goes by that I don't think about her.

I miss you Mom! Please take care of Lance for us!

A twist on Taylor Swift!

2010-03-10T07:43:00.000-08:00

Spock/Kirk Love

2010-02-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Lost Companion

2010-01-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Tazamisha Sir Lancelot

"Lance"

December 18, 1998 - January 9, 2010

This has to be the second hardest post I have had to write.

I don't know where to start....You and Drucilla have been the best dogs that two boys could ever welcome into their lives and home. You brought so much joy and love into this house.

The satisfaction of meeting our neighbors while on walks around the neighborhood. Not to mention the answering of endless questions no matter where we traveled together. Even if you weren't the best car traveler....

The most amazing thing I think you did in your lifetime, was change someone's mind about dog ownership and she will always remember that....

Drucilla, Ron & I already miss you more than words can express. And you leave behind many friends, neighbors and family who will miss you as well.

I know you are keeping Mom company.

This is for you Lance! I'm sure we will meet again!

More Dave Salmoni

2009-11-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

Dave was on Tyra recently. He is a hottie!

Lance Update!

2009-10-29T10:32:00.001-07:00

Lance is having his fourth Radiation treatment today! He is doing really well, but has still not recovered the weight he has lost. This picture is before the weight loss.

But, he is acting more like the normal Lance that we love. Unfortunately the diagnoses is that he is terminal. So all of this is to give him a better quality of life while he is still feeling good!

Volleyball

2009-10-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Seattle team I played with at the Portland Tourney is going to Vancouver for a tournament. And I am going with them. Woo hoo!

Go Seattle KoKoNuts!!

Subarus Rock!

2009-10-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Volleyball!

2009-09-30T07:46:00.001-07:00

Sweet! Looks like I found a Seattle team to play with in the Portland Fall Ball Tournament!

Update on Lance

2009-09-30T07:39:00.000-07:00

OK , so Lance is terminal, but there are some things we can do to give him a little bit better quality of life until the day we have to make "that" decision. He starts Radiation treatment next Monday and will have two per week for 3.5 weeks. We decided not to go full course radiation (20-22 treatments) because it won't really change the outcome, it is expensive, and I just can't subject him to that many vet visits in a row. Can you image, the vet every day?? I don't know about anyone Else's pets, but my two do not like visiting the vet's office!

So even with the radiation treatments, there are no guarantees that he'll be with us longer. Kinda sad, considering he isn't even 11 yet(Basenjis can live 15-18 years or longer). Dru seems to have escaped any major medical issues, aside from what might be a viral bronchitis, which we will treat with antibiotics.

That's all for now.

Life being unfair

2009-09-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

I promised to write more frequently, but something always seems to come up.

This time it is a sick dog! Lance (our Red&White Basenji) has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is early stage and hasn't spread, but is still pretty much a death sentence.

After having losing my mother to breast cancer last year, I'm having a hard time with this hitting close to home again. I'm not ready to give up on him!

I have spent all week running to this vet and that vet, and yesterday spent over 1.5 hours at the Oncologist's office going over treatment options. The hard part will be regurgitating all of that info to the bf when he gets back in town tomorrow. We have to make a decision soon, so that we can start treatment. Unfortunately the costs of all of this are a little extreme.....

But it is for Lance! and ultimately for Drucilla too!

What is wrong with Humanity?

2009-09-17T08:09:00.001-07:00

That which we don't understand we destroy or try to destroy........Caster Semenya.

She is now on suicide watch. People are fucked up! She is only 18 years old and what have we done to her?

This is appalling.

If this doesn't make Number 1 on the country charts....

2009-09-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

than music fans are DUMB!

ADDENDUM: The Official video has been released on YouTube. Check it out!

Shelter

2009-09-05T16:00:00.001-07:00

Last night the bf and I watched "Shelter". I really enjoyed the movie. I was happy that it actually told a story and unlike other Gay themed movies did not use a lot of gratuitous nudity. I guess I wouldn't call it a gay movie as it was more about life and what it sometimes hands us or what we let it hand us.

Following is the music video for "Lie to Me", one of the songs from the movie, it includes some scenes from the movie as well.

Enjoy

Apologies!

2009-08-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been the best blogger for a while. I really do need to sit down and write and I promise that I will do that. But I wanted to share this interview from PlanetOut.

I remember growing up and having a crush on her! And seeing her live at least twice. I can't tell you how much vinyl of hers I have at home right now!

Anyway, please go read the interview. Following is an excerpt:

Your kids are now teenagers. Have you talked to them about gay issues yet?

I had moved back to Tucson with my kids because I just thought it was quieter, and my family was there. But Tucson has turned out to be a very conservative place, and I didn’t want my kids coming home from school saying things like ‘That’s so gay.’ So we moved back to San Francisco, and I sent my kids to a school that actively taught that homophobic remarks are just… not OK, and my kids’ attitudes have changed as a result of it.

Look, my kids are going to be able to form their own ideas, but at least I wanted them to be able to question things. My son is super pro-gay rights, and even though he has a girlfriend, I wanted him to know that as he emerged sexually, he’d be able to do whatever he wanted to do. You know, that it’s not something you have a choice over.