Traveling The Land

This past Tuesday, I journeyed to Albany, New York for Equality ad Justice Day. Took the above route to Albany. Viewing all the streams, hills and valleys, it reminded me of my days as a scout. I loved the outdoors and nature. Still do.

When I saw this I imagined myself with a backpack traveling around the countryside. I'm part Indian and do have ties to the land. I passed by many streams and rills. I can imagine what it was like traversing the land 400 years ago.

On my way back, sadness came over me. Much of our lands and natural resources are being polluted, hydrofracked, and destroyed by corporations and developers who care nothing about it except to make profits.

Day A Success

Yesterday, I traveled to Albany, New York to partake in Equality and Justice Day. I met a number of activists, advocates, and allies. A group of us met an assemblywoman who supports our causes. After lunch, there was a rally on the capital steps.  In the afternoon, I attended a workshop which is looking to push the gender employment non-discrimination act through the senate. What was brought home was the needs to voice the concerns of transgender women of color.

I listened as a high school freshman share a heart breaking story of a friend who is a transman who is bullied by others in her school. She is a cisgirl who is standing by him. I encouraged her to keep standing with him. I was encouraged by the many young people who participated in this.

This was my baptism into activism. Now I'm figuring out what to become involved in. Employment non-discrimination act the better services for TGLBQ older adults are two areas of concern for me. I was happy to have gone and look forward to going next year.

Transgender Topics Have Come To the Front

One discussion that is more frequent is the Christian vs. TGLBQI debate. I am a Christian who happens to be transgender and I find myself being drawn into this debate.

When I acknowledged being a cross dresser early in my journey, I had heard the arguments against wearing clothes of the opposite gender. Leviticus 22:5 was used to justify the prohibition. I decide to investigate this further. I came to the conclusion that God loves everyone equally regardless of gender or sexuality.

I still have yet to see a satisfactory reason why transgender people are an abomination in some Christians eyes. Christ died for my sins just like anybody whose has found salvation. He has been in my life for over four decades.How is it that people and churches can claim that they love Jesus and hate TGLBQI people.What I see is religious, social and educational  institutions having to grapple with something they never dreamed they would have to. It's happened in the past with African Americans, Native Americans, women, and immigrants so it's nothing new.

I am hopeful that changes will continue to be made, especially in places of worship. I'm my mind all of the excuses why TGLBQI shouldn't be included in places of worship, education, and social institutions aren't valid or at the worst, bogus which has been proven in many cases.  

Genevieve's Gems

The best government is that which teaches us to govern ourselves.


~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Poet (1749-1832)

Gender Just Is

I had difficulty sleeping a few nights back. It was a fine time for my gender to be fluid when I was wanting to sleep. As I embraced the contentment I felt in those moments, I realized how much gender permeates everything I do. I don't consciously think about, it just is.

Embracing my transness made it easy for me to proceed forward as I transitioned. I haven't had SRS surgery but I certainly have transitioned emotionally and spiritually. What was important is that I was willing to change preconceived notions I had about what gender really is.

Many of our critics are in the religious communities and their lack of knowledge is really evident. I have had to educate some about gender and the difference between gender and sexuality. I have been pointing out that we are who we are and its natural. Over the next several weeks there will be opportunities to share this.

I have been happier in the past nine years than at any time in my life. Being authentic is wonderful for the mind and body and spirit. To be anything less robs us of the joy and happiness that we can have.

Transgender Topics Discussed

Last night, my wife and I talked about TGLB issues. I shared with her that transgender people have been standing up for themselves, especially over the past two years. I shared with her how a number of TGLB organizations have thrown transgender people under the bus wen the chance to pass ordinances to protect gender non conforming and transgender people from discrimination. 

The conversation started when she asked me about the Equality & Justice Day event on April 29th. I'm really excited about going to the state capitol to fact find and meet other people. I'm even more pleased that my wife and I talked about transgender topics. 

Genevieve's Gems

To a Christian, Easter Sunday means everything, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


~Bernhard Langer, Athlete (b.1957)

Much Has Changed

I took this picture last Thursday on 42nd Street in Times Square. Forty years ago this was the red light district. Today, 42nd Street is malls, theaters, a wax museum and souvenir shops. It's more family friendly. 

As I stood there surveying the modern acoustics, I thought of many changes in my life. There was the tearing down of the old,  the inner struggles that I went through, then finally liberation. Change is difficult but necessary. Gentrification has changed the face of the city. I'm not against replaying old decrepit structures but it seems that the city has lost its soul. My own personal transformation has been similar but I have been more in tune with other people's feelings and concerns as well as my own. This is where I have felt the most change.

I'm a much happier individual with the changes made. I know more changes will come. Sometimes the old will rise up in us wanting us to go back to the place we once were; but the fact is that we can never go back. Forty Second Street reminds me of this fact.

Genevieve's Gems

You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old.

~George Burns, Comedian (1896-1996)

Trans Women's Group

Tonight I attended trans women group meeting at the SAGE Center tonight for the second time. I met  two old friends there who I've known for several years. Tonight we discussed hormones and HRT. I enjoyed listening to the experiences of a number of ladies who have or are transitioning.

One of the ladies who is knowledgeable about hormones shared some valuable information with the group. I attended a similar meeting at the community center last week. I like this one much better. It's a new group, having started only a short time ago. More is being done in regards to transgender people. I believe the increased visibility of transgender topics has something to do with it.

Congratulations, Ladies!

The men's team won on  Monday. The women were even more impressive, crushing the fighting Irish of Notre Dame, 79-58. Game wasn't even close. Congratulations on a perfect championship season.

2014 NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS!

Congratulations!

Final score: Uconn-60   Kentucky-54

Tomorrow Night! April 7th

                                                                          VS.

The 2014 NCAA men's basket champion will be crowned tomorrow night as the Connecticut and the Kentucky Wildcats battle in what should a very competitive game between two storied basketball institutions.

Genevieve's Gems

You are the one who determines if you want to be happy.

Attended Support Group Meeting

I attended a support group meeting tonight for the first time in a while. It used to be held once a week but now it's once a month. Discussed was the concerns about safety of transgender people. One trans woman mentioned that too much about being a victim was in the air. I agreed.

I spoke about my coming out and sharing the need to be there for each other. This really needs to be put into action. I look forward to the next meeting.

Questioning

Many transgender people I've spoken to knew that they were a girl or a boy when they were children. Then there are those folks who are questioning their gender. The latter was my case. I never had questions about my gender before because I assumed that I was male. It was quite a revelation when the questioning phase enveloped me.

In today's society, questioning anything  is almost tantamount to treason or being a sellout or a troublemaker. If  someone didn't question that the earth was flat, many would still believe that the earth is flat. If someone did ask the difficult questions of race and class, then Martin Luther King wouldn't have out come on the scene. If I hadn't question my gender, I wouldn't be the happy and contented transgender woman I am today.

For anyone to say to someone that they are a boy when they feel and know internally that they are a girl (and vice verse) because they are suppose to be that is telling them that there's nothing that they can do about it. This type of thinking has proven to be erroneous. To make anyone conform to someone that they are not is spirit killing and damaging to one's well being. How many transgender men and women have ended their lives because of this.

Questioning is good because it causes us to assess who we really are and where we need to go. I was in my mid fifties when my gender questioning began. I love listening to children ask questions because they are curious and want to know. It should be the same way with adults. If many adults had asked questions about the issues the country faces, I believe that the world would be different. The Vietnam War ended because the people asked questions and discovered what they were being told was lies. Laws which discriminate against transgender are slowly being dismantled because people are questioning the validity of these laws. 

We all need to question the things that are wrong, whether they be in the political arena, the neighborhood or withing ourselves. In the end, solutions can be found and life will be better for everyone concerned.

CONGRATULATIONS!

                NCAA DIVISION II 
           BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS!
                                                         

                              WOMEN
                                                                                                           
      Congratulations to the Falcons of Bentley University (35-0)

                                                     

                                                                         MEN
Congratulations are also in order to the mules of Central Missouri. 

Men's Division II Basketball Championship To be Decided Tomorrow Night 3/29

                                                                                     VS.

The Division II men basketball champion will be crowned to morrow the University of Central Missouri Mules and the West Liberty University Hilltoppers play.

Genevieve's Gems

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.

~Car Sagan, Scientist (1934-1996)

Division II Women's National Championship Tonight!

                                                                                VS.

Tonight the division II women's basketball championship will be decided when the Lady Buffaloes of West Texas A & M University tangle with the unbeaten Bentley University.

Genevieve's Gems

All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers.


~Orison Swett Marden, Author (1850-1924)

Congratulations to FDU-Florham and Wisconsin-Whitewater

I love March Madness! There's the big boys like Louisville, Arizona, and Michigan State. However, there's the little guys in Division 3 who play good basketball, also. My hearty congratulations to the women's basketball at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham who defeated the Whitman College Missionaries from Spokane, Washington, 80-72. It was first national championship for the Devils. 

On the men's side, a last second layup by Quardell Young gave the Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks a 75-73 victory and the championship over  over the Ephs of Williams College from Williamstown, Massachusetts. It was the second national championship for the Warhawks, who won the national football championship in the fall.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DEVILS AND THE WARHAWKS!

Headed To Albany in April

I will be going to Albany on April 29th for Equality & Justice Day 2014. I'm really looking forward to this. This will be my first time going and what I'm will be paying attention to is how transgender topics are presented and how people of color are represented and presented. Will pay particular attention to the major players (on both sides) of this debate. 

I never really saw myself as an activist but it seems, like my transgender journey,that I have been nudged forward in the struggle. I'm still upset by the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act not passing the same night that marriage equality was passed with flying colors. I want to see what ca be done to move this bill forward.

Cattle Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse got its name when cattle and sheep were raised there after being off loaded. More cattle arrived when a stranded vessel was forced to unload its quarry. Located on San Juan Island in the Haro Straits of Washington state, Cattle Point Lighthouse is thity-four feet high. The current lighthouse was built in 1935 replacing the compass station. It is a part of the San Juan Islands National Monument 

Sources:
www.lighthousefriends.com

TGLBQI Meeting Over Brunch

Yesterday after service  Beyond Labels, the TGLBQI ministry, had another meeting over brunch. We are preparing for June's pride month. A masquerade ball is possible for the first Friday in June. Other business was discussed.

The transgender 101 presentation is still on for the second or third Sunday. A panel discussion is in the offing and other possibilities are being looked at. I brought up the idea of a Power Point presentation for pride or in November for Transgender Day Of Remembrance. I'm quite excited about this. Other ideas are coming up also. Our next meeting will be in April.

Genevieve's Gems

If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.

~John Wooden, Coach (1910-2010)

We Are Rising

I was reading this poem today and thought it to be pertinent to us as transgender people.


Still I Rise

You may write down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awfully hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with our eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wonderfully clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Maya Angelou

Dreams

I'm sure that many of you have dreams of being this or becoming that. It great to have dreams; it's even better when we are able to fulfill them. 

I'm a senior citizen (don't see myself that way, though) who still has dreams and goals to accomplish. I was always a fan of radio and now I have my own radio program on the internet. I am serious considering doing my master's degree in creative writing. I have other dreams that I will accomplish. It's important to have dreams and desires throughout life because we are ever changing whether or not we may feel it. 

I have fancied myself being a queen, a bride, princess, chanteuse, and a model. Not exactly realistic but dreams nevertheless. All of us should have something in mind that we could like to do. It may involving making changes in our lives; mindset, location, even the people we may hang out with. Living a full and abundant life is something we all should strive for.

Being Prepared

I went to the library today gathering poems for an upcoming radio program. I took note of all the time that goes into reading them, choosing the poems I'll use, and some history of the author. As I think about the concerns that transgender people have, it requires that same diligence.

I have never seen myself as an activist but I'm being drawn into it more out of necessity. There are a number of concerns that I have that I will be tackling. Doing my homework on the issues and aspects of being transgender is VERY important because when you have information (and lots of it), one can go on the offensive. Transgender people are making progress because we have decided to handle our own business. We've been thrown under the bus too many times. Lives have been affected in the process.   

Genevieve's Gems

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.

                                                              
                                                                     ~Oprah Winfrey 

Trans Women's Group

Last night I went to a trans women group meeting at the SAGE center. There were ten or twelve women in attendance. I arrived about twenty minutes late but really didn't miss much. The topic discussed was dating after sixty. I enjoyed listening to the concerns of the participants regarding dating and meeting someone who's interested in them. This was the first meeting I attended. Last month's meeting was snowed out.

I met a woman named Kelly who volunteers with Empire Pride Agenda, an organization here in New York State which is working to get the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act passed. There will be lobby day in late April of which I will attend.  

Ar Men Lighthouse

Located on the west end of Brittany, Ar Men was built under some difficult conditions. It is located in an isolated part of Brittany. It was completed in 1881 and automated in 1990. I love the pic above with the waves crashing around this structure. To me, Ar Men has most certainly proved its mettle.

New Day Here

More and more I see many municipalities, school administrations, and law and legal institutions, and religious organizations grappling with TGLB rights. Some seem so surprised that such an issue would come up. There was a time when such topics as gay an lesbian rights and transgender protections was taboo. Well, that day has ended.

I was reading my emails and took note of many places you wouldn't think would be talking about TGLB concerns much less voting on them. Places like Kansas, Nebraska, Georgia, Wyoming and Mississippi. Countries in Africa, Latin and South America and Europe are now having to discuss and take action on the issue. I wonder what happens when the people making these decisions discover that their son or daughter is gay. What do they think when their child tells them that they believe are opposite of their birth gender. I often wonder if some folks who are staunch enemies of TGLB rights are struggling with same sex attractions. I truly do wonder about this, but I digress.

To me, this is an exciting time in history. Being a part of te change is very exciting and scary. I know what could happen but it's worth it. Being a part of something bigger than me is a challenge that I welcome and embrace.  

Genevieve's Gems

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.

~Chinese proverb

Striking A Balance

One topic I see discussed on the forums I subscribe to is trying to balance the masculine and feminine side of our personality. I can imagine that it can be a shock to we possess more masculine or feminine traits than we thought. Now the hard part comes when we try and strike a balance between the two. 

It took me over a year to feel comfortable with my new identity as a transgender person. It took more months for me to progress from a cross dresser to a  transgenderist to transgender. There were times of emotional shifts in my personality and thought process. It was quite a process because of dealing with emotions that I either never felt before or may not have known that I have. Whenever I came to a fork in the road, I had to choose either to remain where I was or proceed ahead. Now, several years later, I'm still making many changes in my life. 

Interacting with the public has helped me in being comfortable about myself. I am seen as a woman for the most part and I found this satisfying. To me, it's success because I'm being my authentic self. I enjoy the activities in life that I enjoyed before my transformation. It gets better every day and I am undertaking new projects and activities.

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

I attended my second indoor track and  field meet yesterday along with my wife. Men and women from the City University systems in New York competed for the indoor track and field titles. City College and Hunter College, two perennial powers,won the men's and women's titles respectively. I took note that both teams are relatively young (freshman and sophomores). I still love track and field and at times felt like getting on the track and running. 

My congratulations to the City College (CCNY) Beavers and the Hunter Hawks. 

Below are a few photos from the meet.

P.S.- Notice that both City and Hunter have purple as their primary colors.

We Do Not Put Religious Freedom In Danger

The more that I'm out the more I have the desire to share more of myself to others. I have be able to give answer to why I'm the way I am. With the governor of Arizona  vetoing SB1266, it seems that battles have been drawn. In a sense I saw this coming down the pike a couple of years ago. No one has a right to tell anyone that they aren't human. No one has right to deny people of their rights to live a productive live. Using religion to discriminate is deadly wrong. 

Those who deny TGLB people service,medical care, or housing or employment because of 'religious beliefs' I would like to ask what are their beliefs? And to say that their freedom to express their will be denied is totally bogus and a lie. Religion was use to deny rights to African-Americans, Native Americans, women and immigrants.  Eventually many church have to mend the errors of their ways. 

I'll tell you who endangers religious freedom-it's those people who demand that everybody be like them, think like them, and do what they say. It's the reason why some have given up their faith or others won't touch it with a ten foot pole. It's time that we who are spiritual reclaim our faith and demonstrate God's love to ALL people. 

Genevieve's Gems

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that?  We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this must be attained.


~Marie Curie, Scientist (1867-1934)

Spring Training

The 2014 baseball season has begun. As a die-in-the-wool Mets fan I'm hoping for improvement for my favorite baseball team. Looking at the team now, there are so many questions. Who plays first base and shortstop. I have questions about the bullpen and catcher. I don't know who will be bench players. As a suffering fan of this team, 74 wins won't cut it. If they break .500, it's a step in the right direction.

  

Choosing My Battles

Tonight my wife and I were talking about a number of events that are happening here and abroad. I have been seeking to get involved in issues that are important to me. Choosing what battles to become engaged in is not always easy. There's only so much that an individual person can do. It takes much thought, guidance, and counseling to pick the ones that we believe are important.

I'm preparing to speak to my church family about transgender basics (Transgender 101) in June during pride month. It will be a good time to educate folks about what it is to be transgender. This is greatly needed in the church and outside the church. I have made it a personal mission to educate people that transgender people front and center during the famous Stonewall Riots in 1969 in New York City. It seems that some want to erase our participation in this historical event. I'm not going to let that happen.

Another battle I will be active in is seeing that the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act in New York State comes for a vote this year. It's been on the docket for over a decade and I'm tired of all the excuses and oversights on why it has not passed. I'm still doing my homework on which organization to become involved with about this. Well, these are just three battles that I will be actively involved in.I will keep you posted on how things are working out.

Meditating This Morning.

I was sitting in a quiet space this morning meditating. Feelings of joy and contentment gradually flowed through me. I was misty eyed, realizing how grateful I am for everything that happened to me. I thanked God for everything in my life. 

I have noticed that I cry more (out  of joy and empathy) than  I ever did as a male. Being a transgender woman, I have become the real person that I'm supposed to be. I'm not afraid to show these emotions which is something new to me. I realized how many people actually love me. I wept even more at this thought. I thought about all the people who have been in my life and how they have shaped me to become the person that I am today. For that, I'm truly grateful.

Genevieve's Gems

Great things are not accomplished by those who yield to trends and fads and popular opinion. 



~Jack Kerouac, Novelist (1922-1969)

Lighthouses And Life

I admit my love affair for lighthouses. These structures are often located in isolated areas and many times offshore. They have saved many a seafaring vessel from a watery abyss. When I view this particular photo, it shows the mettle lighthouses earn. I can imagine a ship traversing rough seas, then see that beam of light across the water. I'm sure that a few sailors felt like kissing the ground that the lighthouse stands.

What the lighthouse represents to me is this; no matter how dark life may seem now there's always brighter days ahead. Sooner or later the dark clouds lift and the sun comes out. Think of the folks who were there during your darkest moments. They were a beacon of light when you couldn't see what was ahead. It's wonderful to remember those times and know that it can happen.

Mine No More

"L A's fine, but it ain't home,
New York's home, but it ain't mine no more."

Lyrics from 'I Am,  I Said', sung by Neil Diamond 

The top photo is a storefront that was a record store, Bob's. I first went there in 1968 and did so until last July, when it shut it's doors for good. A frozen yogurt establishment was suppose to be there, but the site is still vacant. The middle photo was Papaya King, long a neighborhood staple. My wife and I found the place closed a couple of months ago. The bottom picture was formerly a Barnes and Noble.

These three establishments were a part of my youth in the late nineteen sixties. Greenwich Village was once an avant-garde neighborhood where artists, musicians, poets, and actors lived and honed their craft. Performers like Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Lenny Bruce, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac made The Village their stomping ground.

Today, gentrification has absorbed many establishments. Profits are more important than creativity and community. I find many places artificial, somewhat elitist, and lacking any sense of diversity. It's more 'Look at me, check me out' rather than enjoying the music or poetry or acting. I have nothing against a neighborhood improving itself, but at the expense of losing its soul? 

It makes me sad because the new denizens really lack knowledge of what Greenwich Village was about. I'm an old relic from a bygone era. A neighborhood without is like an empty tomb; there's nothing there but old dry bones. 

Saw Frosty Today

I took this photo today as I was walking from the community center. We've had a lot of snow this winter and still have about 5 weeks to go. Today was mild.This snow was almost seven feet tall. the people who made this took their time. It reminds me of my childhood when a big snowstorm each winter gave us the opportunity to make our own snowman. 

Genevieve's Gems

A true friend freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.

~William Penn, Leader (1644-1718)

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Biloxi Lighthouse

The Biloxi Lighthouse was first lit in 1848. It is a brick structure encased in cast iron. It is a popular tourist spot which has become a beacon of hope since hurricane Katrina severely damaged Biloxi in 2005.

I've Changed

I go out and about almost every day. I'm either shopping, or dining, or browsing in bookstores. Interacting with public has been a boost to my confidence. More and more people view me as a woman. While I appreciate the compliments being feminine has become natural.

About a week ago, it hit me that I have changed. You could say it was an 'ah ha!' moment. I never thought consciously about the changes that have happened; it's that my gender identity is a natural part of me. The changes in my transition have been subtle but they have happened nevertheless.

I Still Love Track and Field

This past Saturday my wife attended a track and field meet at the 168th Street Armory here in New York City. Men and women from high schools and colleges from all over the country and Canada came to complete. I and my brother ran here in 1966 and 1967 in high school.  I hadn't been to the armory since 1974. 
  
The armory has changed much. In my day the runners ran on wooden floors instead of the banked track they now have.  What thrills me the most watching these young men and women compete. My wife enjoyed it very much. I congratulated the University of Wisconsin men's team (I was sitting in their section). The women's crown was won by the University of Arkansas. We plan on attending a couple of more events.

Genevieve's Gems

It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate you.

                                                                                 ~Nelson Mandella, South American statesman
                                                                                                     (1918-2013)

Religious Liberty

In 2005, Kansas voters overwhelmingly passed a constitutional amendment that restricted marriage in this state to be between one man and one woman. Since that time, almost 100,000 one-man, one-woman Kansas couples have divorced.

Perhaps the argument that same-sex couples threaten the sanctity of holy matrimony should be laid to rest.

While arguing in favor of the gay-marriage ban, then-Kansas Attorney General Phill Kline said if courts can allow gay marriage, they also can limit lawmakers from attempting to prohibit polygamy and incest. He might as well have thrown bestiality in there as well, as most opponents of gay marriage usually list that second in the domino effect.-hdnews.net.


I read this article a week ago. I couldn't get it out of my mind so I decided to post it and comment.Though the article focuses on same sex marriage, the same tactics are used by anti-TGLB groups to prevent transgender inclusion. This is one of the battles I have chosen to fight. Much of the opposition's views and thoughts are totally bogus.  They have no proof to back up their claims.  

Split Rock Lighthouse-Minnesota

How often do you talk about a lighthouse located in Minnesota? Well, eastern Minnesota is on the shores of Lake Superior. Split Rock Lighthouse was opened in 1909 in response to the numerous shipwrecks near the coastline. Headkeepers oversaw the lighthouse from 1910 until 1961. Split Rock was decommissioned in 1969.

Today, Split Rock Lighthouse is under the auspices of the Minnesota Historical Society. It is the most visited site in the state of Minnesota.

Sources
www.lighthousefriends.com
sites.mnhs.org

Footnote:
Every year on the evening the lighthouse is lit up in tribute to the 29 crew members who perished on  the freighter The Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975

Congrats To The Seattle Seahawks

I watched the Super Bowl yesterday with friends at a nearby lounge. I literally watched the Seattle Seahawks put a beat down on the Denver Broncos and Peyton Manning. I predicted a close tough game. Never saw this coming. 

I was out and about downtown and everywhere I went I saw a ton of Seahawk fans and much fewer Bronco fans which kind of surprised. The way I see it if you see a lot of fans of a visiting team in your town, that's the sign of good things. As a dye-in-the-wool Jets fan, I had no rooting interest expect I hoped that Manning would win his second championship. The stadium sounded like we were in Seattle. The Seahawk fans definitely made their presence felt. The twelfth man was definitely in the house!

                        CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2014 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION
                         SEATTLE SEAHAWKS