Starting a new chapter in the Diddy Blogosqueer

Rather than going back through the endless posts across the World According to Al Part I and Deux....I shall start with a fresh page. 

The World According to Diddy

Stay tuned as my new page is currently under fierce construction.

Politics, Religion, and Random Thoughts

Honestly....is there any other word duo out there that has caused such grief, violence, and hatred throughout the world? It is simply incomprehensible. I frankly have grown to loathe both of them regardless of whether or not they are used jointly or separately. Their purpose has been distorted beyond belief. They are now weapons used to segregate all humankind through fear and hate.

I despise election years...namely because of the behavior it evokes amongst politicians and citizens. It reminds me of an ongoing, intense rivalry between two athletic teams - whether it be high school or college. EVERYONE...and I do mean everyone turns into a competitive arsehole. My team can kick the crap out of your team! The problem with this mentality is that it's not a turf war or a sporting match. These political pissing matches impact something far more serious - human rights.

The funding used to fuel these hate-filled campaigns is inconceivable....millions of dollars put towards campaigns that target minorities and criticize basic human rights such as health care, social security, and who you can and cannot marry. Apparently, it would make too much sense to allocate these funds towards something much more beneficial than social & political warfare.


As I am typing this, I received this headline from the HRC. Oklahoma State Rep. - Sally Kern stated that homosexuality is a bigger threat to the United States. Come again?!?!


Let's get serious. It seems like the LGBT community is becoming more and more of a target in the political (and social) media when election time roles around. The suicide rate amongst LGBT youth is increasing, and the reason behind it all revolves around the word 'bully'.

Last year, Dan Savage and his partner Terry created a movement that focused on giving hope and support to troubled LGBT youth - specifically those who are constantly bullied to the point where they believe that suicide is their only option. Shortly thereafter, thousands of users including numerous celebrities began posting their own It Gets Better videos on YouTube and other online media sources.

This morning a headline via the It Gets Better Facebook page confirmed that one of the individuals who previously posted his own video on YouTube committed suicide on Monday, September 19. His YouTube video can be accessed via the link below:
Jamey's It Gets Better Video

Jamey Rodemeyer was fourteen years old and had to put up with shit like this:“JAMIE IS STUPID, GAY, FAT ANND UGLY. HE MUST DIE!”

“I wouldn't care if you died. No one would. So just do it :) It would make everyone WAY more happier!”

I'm speechless for the most part as well as heartbroken simply because this was preventable. Jamey as well as the countless number of other LGBT suicides felt as if they had no other options. They lacked the support and resources to in fact make it better. Jamey noted that no one listened when he attempted to reach out and seek support. He also asked what he had to do to get people to listen. That is a very good question, but suicide is definitely not the answer. At any rate, RIP Jamey...I despise the fact that death was chosen over life, but I certainly can empathize why this final decision was made.

For more information about the It Gets Better Project, click on the link below.
It Gets Better

On a lighter note DADT (Don't Ask Don't Tell- the sinister mandate that barred LGBT individuals from serving in the military AND prohibited active service men and women from disclosing their sexuality - is mother f*cking dead. It was initiated by a democrat, and shit canned by a democrat. Interesting isn't it? It was certainly one of the more frowned upon events - at least from the LGBT standpoint - during Bill Clinton's tenure as President of the United States. President Barack Obama and company are responsible for putting it to rest. So...no RIP for you, DADT. It's f*ck you, and bye bye!

And the world spins round and round...

Hmmm...

Well, I'm thrilled that the people at Blogger.com did not remove my profile and blogs despite my 2+ years of negligence not to mention the passion I once had for blogging in general.

It all started on a cold, frosty morning in 2004 or was it 2005. It is now Sept. 2011. I have experienced a world of change over the past several years. I have regressed, evolved, and recognized the good, bad, and ugly.

I suppose part of my lack of blog-tivity is a result from transferring my deep thoughts (by Jack Handy) to paper via numerous journal entries. I am far removed from all the bells and whistles technology now offers for those who live and breath within the Blogosphere. However, I still have an arsenal of phenomenal graphics compliments of Photobucket - cough up another thanks for not deleting my dormant account.

Technology makes life seem like it's permanently stuck on fast forward....or perhaps it's just me. Perhaps it's simply old age and nostalgia that's starting to get a firm choke hold on my mind.

Stay tuned for more enthralling posts...

From the Eyes of the Chuck - Part Tres

Ahh....another game day Saturday is approaching. Last weekend was the home opener and rededication ceremony for Memorial Stadium. There were several former players on hand for the celebration including Rash Mendenhall, J Leman, Dave Diehl, Jeff George, Dick Butkus, and a ton that I have no clue as to what their names are. Check out my latest photos for pics from both the Mizzou and Eastern games. Juice and Rejus had a pair of rushing TDs, and the offense tallied a whopping 435 yards on the ground.

I would also like to introduce the newest member of the posse to everyone. He stands MAYBE 12" tall and is certainly a cute, little fellow. He loves Illini football, cold beer, and the ladies. Lucky recently set up his very own MySpace because well....he is a manwhore. Anyways, drop by Lucky's page and say hello. He is always looking for new friends and especially chics. Click on the link below to be transported to Lucky's Very Own MySpace.

For more details on Saturday's game against Lousiana-Layfayette....the Rajun' Cajuns.... click on the link below.
Game 3

In NFL news....specifically fantasy, those of you who have Tom Brady as your starting QB are F!KED! The injury certainly was a crushing blow to the Patriots and may just squash any dreams of appearing at their 3rd consecutive Super Bowl. There were quite a few impact players that dropped in the first week including Nate Burleson, Joseph Addai, Shawn Merriman, and Marques Colston. It's gonna be a brutal year in fantasy if the injuries keep up at this pace. Thankfully, I went 2-1 across my three teams. Get those rosters realigned and set because Week 2 is right around the corner.

Don't forget that the 'game of the year' featuring OSU and USC is on Saturday evening. OSU will attempt to kick the living sh_t out of the Trojans on their home turf. This is one of the rare occasions where it is absolutely acceptable to cheer for the Buckeyes. O-H!!

From the Eyes of the Chucks - Part II

Shizzle shammy! There are only eight days left until the start of the 2008 college football season. The anticipation and anxiety continues to build as we move closer and closer to opening day against #6 (AP) Mizzou. The Illini are ranked #20 in the latest AP polls and #15 in the Football Writers Association of America poll. They will face Heisman candidate Chase Daniels at the Edward Jones Dome in Saint Louis. Kickoff is slated for 7:30PM.

Illinois Football: The Journey
The Big Ten Network will be filming a series that follows the Zook and the Illini throughout the season as they continue on their journey towards success. The series will provide an in depth look at the Illini football program both on and off the field. The series is set to debut at 8:30PM CST on Sept. 2.


Renaissance Celebration
The rededication of Memorial Stadium will commence on Sept. 6, which is the home opener against Eastern Illinois. There will be an arsenal of old school players on hand for the ceremony including Dick Butkus, Jeff George, my boy Kurt Kittner, Harold 'Red' Grange, Kevin Hardy, Dana Howard, J Leman, Rash Mendenhall, Ray Nitschke, and many more. The team will don throwback jerseys similar to those worn during the infamous Butkus era. This game has not yet sold out but is very close. Four of the six home games for the 2008 season have sold out.

Illini Players to Watch

Arrelious 'Rejus' Benn #9
Position - WR & PR/KR
Walter Camp 2008 Player of the Year Watch List


Isiah 'Juice' Williams #7
Position - QB


Vontae Davis #1
Position - DB
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List


Martez Wilson #2
Position - LB
Butkus Award Watch List


Sam Carson III #43
Position - LB


Will Davis #81
Position - DL


Dere Hicks #28
Position - DB


Dustin Jefferson #53
Position - LB


Will Judson #13
Position - WR


David Lindquist #94
Position - DL


Brit Miller #44
Position - LB


Doug Pilcher #95
Position - DL

Next Friday is College Colors Day. Wear Orange or be prepared to suffer the consequences. GO ILLINI!

From the Eyes of the Chuck - Part I

If I listen closely enough to the voices in my head, I can hear the beloved announcer welcoming Illini fans to another football filled Saturday at Memorial Stadium. It is almost time.....25 days and counting. Season and single game tickets are in high demand and selling faster than anyone could have ever imagined two short seasons ago.

Illinois football raised the bar last year higher than ever before despite the outcome of the Rose Bowl. They made leaps and bounds last year making headlines across the nation. This season they will face three of the tough Big 10 teams on the road, and the 2008 schedule is one of the most challenging schedules in several years. The psychics of college football are predicting a 6-6 season and a 3rd place finish in the conference. The offensive and defensive squads took a hit with the loss of Mendenhall, Harrison, and Leman. In order to have a successful season, Zook and his staff must find a way to fill the gaps and expand the offense.

Illinois is ranked #19 in the USA Today/Coaches Poll.

The official schedule for the 2007-2008 schedule goes as follows:

8/30 Arch Rivalry Game vs. #7 Mizzou @ the Edward Jones Dome - St. Louis

In case you haven't heard, this game sold out in five minutes.

9/06 Home opener vs. Eastern Illinois (puhshaw to you, filthy Panthers!)

9/13 vs. Lousiana-LaFayette .... uh who?

9/27 at Happy Valley vs. the infamous Joe Paterno and the # 22 Nittany Lions of PSU....we are Penn State!

10/4 at the Big House vs. #24....bring on the maize and blue of Michigan! MUCK FICHIGAN!

10/11 vs. Minnesota....I've got nothing.

10/18 vs. those damnable Indiana Hoosiers. Say how is that basketball coaching position shaping up? (SOLD OUT)

10/25 at Camp Randall Stadium - home of Bucky the walking popcorn box.

Think I'm kidding?

11/1 vs. the pink locker room bandits of Iowa (SOLD OUT)

11/8 at Western Michigan

11/15 vs. none other than #3 THE Ohio State University.... O-H...Oh no! (SOLD OUT)

11/22 vs. Northwestern and the purple cats


....and so it begins.

Check out the links below and follow the team as they prepare for the upcoming season at Camp Rantoul.

Camp Rantoul Day 1

Camp Rantoul Day 2

Up next.... the skinny on key Illini players to watch, fantasy prospects, and more.

Getcho popcorn ready because here comes the Illini!

Time Flies When Your Strung Out Face Down In A Puddle of Your Own Vomit

That was certainly a mouthful.

I sincerely apologize for the negligence. It has been a busy, busy June thus far.



FIRST AND FOREMOST.....HAPPY PRIDE EVERYBODY!

First order of business.... the infamous lesbian love kiss. My opinion is that it's complete and utter bullshit. However, I have let the moment slip away, and this is now officially 'old' news. Therefore, I will let it die and carry on. See below for a few articles including Dan Savage's opinion on the matter. We love our Dan!

CNN Article
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/05/seattle.kiss.ap/

AP Article
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hOad7MrHB-xGaWYJAIvKTV0eAZugD913STT00

Dan Savage
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=589753




Pridefest St. Louis is only two days away. Clear those weekend plans and get your sweet asses down to Tower Grove Park. Festivities begin Saturday at 11am until last until 8pm. At that point, all queers within a 50-100 mile radius will invade the bars and clubs in the St. Louis area. The parade begins at 12pm on Sunday but festivities will maintain the same hours noted for Saturday. Leave your booze at home!

Check out the home page for more information.
Pridefest St. Louis 2008

The Kids in the Hall.... great f#%king show! We had great seats as well, which always helps. If they're coming to your neck of the woods, I highly recommend picking up tickets. They are getting up their in age, and the time to catch the boys live is now!


Up next.....Lewis Black...the man, the myth, the legend. He will be appearing at the fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis on Aug. 8th in support of his "Let Them Eat Cake" tour. The show starts at 8pm.
Get your tickets now because this will be a event! For ticket information, click here.


Tune in next time for more of my madness and irrational thoughts. Until next time....


HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY PRIDE!