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  <channel>
    <title>I'm not verbose, I'm VERBOLICIOUS!</title>
    <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog</link>
    <description>Tribe.net. Local Connections</description>
    <item>
      <title>Now THAT'S one HOT ROD!</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/d9af9b0f-7144-49d6-80c1-da42bdd56f9a</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/d9af9b0f-7144-49d6-80c1-da42bdd56f9a"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/52f/48d/52f48d38-ad56-4c82-b5b2-0e65f9379d5f.thumb" width="65" height="16" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;As a mere 5 year old, I never realized how phallic Peter Perfect's drag racer, the Turbo Terrific, was in the Wacky Races (1968). One almost expects hot, viscous fluid to come gushing forth from the front end. Now that I'm mangrown, I'd love to get his motor running with a jiffy lube and rotate his big, swollen tires.&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:30:34 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/d9af9b0f-7144-49d6-80c1-da42bdd56f9a</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2009-03-08T20:30:34Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Spider Bite Causes Erection</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/ab515962-41ed-4455-8e65-0c46cd913e8b</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/ab515962-41ed-4455-8e65-0c46cd913e8b"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/b9a/cb4/b9acb464-af7f-4583-93d4-c6224505f476.thumb" width="65" height="65" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;A Brazilian spider delivers more than a painful bite that sends most victims to the hospital - its venom stimulates an hours-long erection. &#xD;
&#xD;
In Brazil, emergency room staff can immediately spot the male victims of a bite from the Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria nigriventer): patients sport an uncomfortable erection.&#xD;
&#xD;
"The erection is a side effect that every man or boy who gets bitten by this spider will experience along with the pain and discomfort," said study team member Romulo Leite of the Medical College of Georgia. "We're hoping eventually this will end up in the development of real drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction."&#xD;
&#xD;
(Without the pain and discomfort, one hopes!)&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:27:01 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/ab515962-41ed-4455-8e65-0c46cd913e8b</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2009-03-02T03:27:01Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>"LET US NOW PRAISE NELLY MEN!"</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/c4c377ae-c86b-4900-accd-d9bf85aa4305</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/c4c377ae-c86b-4900-accd-d9bf85aa4305"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/715/bf6/715bf64e-5fa5-4e29-9876-160743eed3d3.thumb" width="65" height="46" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Let Us Now Praise Nelly Men! &#xD;
http://tribes.tribe.net/praisenellymen&#xD;
A tribe for celebrating the hotness of gay-acting, gay-appearing men and for us butchier guys who love 'em. You don't have to be a nelly man to join, just nelly-positive*. I'm kind of a big butch lug, myself, and I started this tribe. In my case, opposites definitely attract! &#xD;
&#xD;
Are you over all that tired "straight-acting, straight-appearing" nonsense? Sick of "real men," gay or straight, who think there's only one narrow, frightened way to be a man, and who perpetuate all that hateful old homophobic bullshit? It's takes a hell of a lot more guts to live your life as a sissy man than as a macho dork. &#xD;
&#xD;
This is a tribe for queer men who love being men and who aren't afraid to be their fabulous gay-acting, gay-appearing selves. It's for men who can't "pass" as straight and don't want to! It's a tribe to applaud their courage and their strength, their softness and their sensitivity. It's about that amazing, sexy blend of butch and femme in a yummy male package. And it's for all fags, wherever you fall on the butch/femme scale, to appreciate and celebrate your inner and/or outer queen! &#xD;
&#xD;
*Girls who adore sissy boys are welcome, too :)&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2009 03:54:51 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/c4c377ae-c86b-4900-accd-d9bf85aa4305</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2009-02-21T03:54:51Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Dawning of the Age of Aquarius</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/4dd726ee-5824-4bb1-a516-d1ae455d2997</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/4dd726ee-5824-4bb1-a516-d1ae455d2997"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/530/78d/53078d9e-556f-4a90-8e0c-8ace61fa6b61.thumb" width="65" height="64" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;On Sat. Feb. 14th, a rare astrological concentration brings together a number of planets together with the North Node - denoting higher purpose - in Aquarius and energizes and inspires the possibility for transcendental breakthrough in some seemingly intransigent situations.&#xD;
 &#xD;
At dawn on the 14th, the day dedicated to St. Valentine, the patron saint of Love, the Moon in Libra enters the 7th house of relationships and Jupiter and Mars are aligned in Aquarius in the 12th house of spiritual transformation.&#xD;
 &#xD;
"When the Moon is in the 7th house and Jupiter aligns with Mars, then Peace will guide the planets and Love will steer the stars."&#xD;
&#xD;
At dawn on Feb. 14th, the Cosmos actually embodies this perfect alignment to support our collective manifestation of love and peace and the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.&#xD;
&#xD;
On Feb. 14th at 7:25 am (Greenwich Standard Time) - and for the 18 minutes of the alignment - I invite you, in the universal heart, to add your own intention for love &amp;amp; peace to that of the Cosmos &amp;amp; co-create the dawning of the Age of Aquarius in whatever way feels appropriate for you, energizing a wave of intention that will surge around the Earth.&#xD;
&#xD;
(I copied the above from Facebook. For us Californians and West Coasters, it happens TONIGHT, 2/13 @ 11:25 Pacific Standard Time. No need to get up early ~ whew!)&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:17:39 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/4dd726ee-5824-4bb1-a516-d1ae455d2997</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2009-02-13T06:17:39Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Silly Ditty*</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/87489b9a-82d3-4de5-a3ea-f3622c055d82</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/87489b9a-82d3-4de5-a3ea-f3622c055d82"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/00b/df7/00bdf7bd-dbc2-41c6-b0d6-d0f13b11e5a7.thumb" width="65" height="37" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;There are three states of matter ~&#xD;
Liquid, Solid, Gas&#xD;
One comes from your bladder&#xD;
They all come out your ass!&#xD;
&#xD;
*I wrote the words but you'll have to make up your own melody :)&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2009 04:08:47 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/87489b9a-82d3-4de5-a3ea-f3622c055d82</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2009-02-07T04:08:47Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>WAAAH!! Whiney Right-wing Crybabies Can't Get Their Way ;)</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/6daf2e0f-3155-400c-89d5-4ce7d8baf381</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/6daf2e0f-3155-400c-89d5-4ce7d8baf381"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/2e4/982/2e4982c5-ec2b-44f5-977c-b759cca59b6a.thumb" width="59" height="78" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;PROP. 8 CAMPAIGN CAN'T HIDE DONORS' NAMES&#xD;
&#xD;
Proposition 8 proponents' complaint that a California campaign-finance disclosure law has led to harassment of same-sex marriage opponents failed to sway a federal judge, who refused Thursday to throw out the law or shield donors' names.&#xD;
&#xD;
"If there ever needs to be sunshine on a particular issue, it's a ballot measure," U.S. District Judge Morrison England said after a one-hour hearing in his Sacramento courtroom.&#xD;
&#xD;
A lawyer for the Prop. 8 campaign said it would ask an appeals court to modify or overturn the law, which requires disclosure of all contributors of $100 or more.&#xD;
&#xD;
Prop. 8, approved by voters Nov. 4, amended the state Constitution to recognize only marriage between a man and a woman, overturning the state Supreme Court's May 15 ruling that gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry.&#xD;
&#xD;
Same-sex couples and local governments led by the city of San Francisco have filed suits to overturn Prop. 8, a case that the state's high court could hear as early as the first week in March.&#xD;
&#xD;
The federal lawsuit, unrelated to the validity of Prop. 8, was filed Jan. 8 by the ballot measure's sponsoring committee, Protect Marriage. The suit said Internet disclosure of donors' names and other identifying information in state-mandated reports has led to consumer boycotts, picketing and even death threats.&#xD;
&#xD;
By requiring disclosure, "The government is getting in the middle (of the issue) and saying, 'Here are the people to go after,' " Richard Coleson, a lawyer for the committee, told England.&#xD;
&#xD;
He argued that the $100 disclosure requirement - adopted by California voters in 1974 - should be struck down, modified to raise the dollar limits, or at least not applied to Prop. 8's contributors. As a first step, Coleson said, the campaign should be exempted from the state's post-election contribution report, due Monday.&#xD;
&#xD;
Otherwise, he said, in future initiative campaigns "you will have donations dry up, and one side will be able to overcome another by intimidation and not by persuasion."&#xD;
&#xD;
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld campaign disclosure laws in 1976 but ruled in 1982 that the Socialist Workers Party in Ohio could shield its donors' names because of a history of attacks and reprisals.&#xD;
&#xD;
Protect Marriage argued that it was entitled to the same exemption because of retaliation against some of its contributors, but lawyers for the state said the two cases weren't comparable. They noted that the Prop. 8 campaign raised nearly $30 million from 36,000 donors.&#xD;
&#xD;
If the Prop. 8 campaign was exempted from disclosure because of reports of harassments of individual donors, said Deputy Attorney General Zackery Morazzini, the same case could be made for any controversial initiative. Courts would have to "keep the entire California electorate in the dark as to who was funding these ballot measures," he said.&#xD;
&#xD;
England agreed.&#xD;
&#xD;
He noted that some of the reprisals reported by the Prop. 8 committee involve legal activities such as boycotts and picketing. Other alleged actions, such as death threats, mailings of white powder and vandalism, may constitute "repugnant and despicable acts" but can be reported to law enforcement, the judge said.&#xD;
&#xD;
Even if there have been illegal reprisals, that would be insufficient reason to grant a wholesale exemption for a multimillion-dollar initiative campaign, England said. He also rejected the Prop. 8 campaign's argument that the $100 disclosure limit established in 1974 should be increased for inflation, saying some states require reports of contributions as low as $25 and the Supreme Court has never invalidated them.&#xD;
&#xD;
Any desire by donors to remain anonymous is outweighed by the state's authority to require "full and fair disclosure of everyone who's involved in these political campaigns," England said.&#xD;
&#xD;
Protect Marriage still has a request pending before England to require the state to remove its past disclosure reports from the Internet. But the state says such an order would be futile because the reports have been widely distributed on private Web sites.&#xD;
&#xD;
Coleson said the campaign would take its case against the disclosure law to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.&#xD;
&#xD;
Referring to the donors whose names will appear in Monday's public report, campaign spokesman Frank Schubert said England's ruling "puts 1,600 people in harm's way."&#xD;
&#xD;
E-mail Bob Egelko at begelko@sfchronicle.com.&#xD;
&#xD;
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/29/BAJC15JOOR.DTL&amp;amp;feed=rss.bayarea&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:37:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/6daf2e0f-3155-400c-89d5-4ce7d8baf381</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2009-01-31T03:37:45Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Don We Now Our Gay Apparel :D</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/f2a28e0d-065a-443c-8c52-c136fe43c470</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/f2a28e0d-065a-443c-8c52-c136fe43c470"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/8bd/aeb/8bdaebed-4f2a-476d-abb4-8fd9b82aa3db.thumb" width="51" height="78" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - Amsterdam hosted a Christmas celebration for its gay community on Sunday featuring a nativity tableau with a male Mary in drag that church organizations denounced as an affront to traditional values.&#xD;
&#xD;
Organizers said the event was meant to raise Amsterdam's profile as a gay capital at a time when homosexuals feel threatened.&#xD;
&#xD;
Christians for Truth, an independent religious group, had asked the city council to cancel the "Pink Christmas," event, saying it made a mockery of Christian tenets. The city did not comment.&#xD;
&#xD;
A male entertainer known as Wendy Mills posed as Mary in a blonde wig and high-heeled black boots and holding a plastic doll. Another man played Joseph in black leather trunks and a silver shawl.&#xD;
&#xD;
To see the article or the unperverted picture (I added the caption myself :) go to: http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2008/12/21/20081221gaychristmas.html&#xD;
&#xD;
The five-person manger scene was staged off the street, in the courtyard of a nightclub. Visitors were invited to be photographed with the group. The first was 3-month-old Lily Pink Albers, Mills' niece.&#xD;
&#xD;
"By portraying Joseph and Mary as homosexuals, a twisted human fantasy is being added to the history of the Bible," Christians for Truth said in a statement ahead of the event.&#xD;
&#xD;
A few dozen visitors wandered through the 100-yard (meter) long Pink Market past stalls selling leather goods and Christmas cards with gay themes on a downtown street known for its gay nightlife and popular restaurants.&#xD;
&#xD;
Frank van Dalen, chairman of Pro Gay, which organized the event, said gays were not satisfied with being tolerated, but wanted to be "socially accepted as an indivisible part of society."&#xD;
&#xD;
He said the Amsterdam city council sponsored the euro15,000 ($21,000) event, which he hoped would become a regular event, like the annual floating summertime gay pride parade through the city's canals that attracts tens of thousands of visitors.&#xD;
&#xD;
"Our objective is not to be offensive. This is about visibility," he said.&#xD;
&#xD;
Van Dalen pointed to a report last month that said homophobia was an ingrained problem in Amsterdam, despite the city's freewheeling reputation.&#xD;
&#xD;
The study by the University of Amsterdam reported 67 violent attacks against gays in 2007, which police said was about average.&#xD;
&#xD;
Van Dalen said gays were feeling increasingly uncomfortable in public in recent years, and that they perceived Dutch society as more assertive about "classical values."&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:55:07 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/f2a28e0d-065a-443c-8c52-c136fe43c470</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2008-12-30T00:55:07Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Daddy's Gay Job</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/feef0172-50a4-48c0-b00a-829f86019ab1</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/feef0172-50a4-48c0-b00a-829f86019ab1"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/101/c9f/101c9f6c-33f9-4e2e-aa4c-11918558dbf7.thumb" width="55" height="78" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Little David was in his 5th grade class when the&#xD;
teacher asked the children what their fathers did for&#xD;
a living.&#xD;
&#xD;
All the typical answers came up -- fireman, policeman,&#xD;
salesman, doctor, lawyer, etc. David was being&#xD;
uncharacteristically quiet and so the teacher asked&#xD;
him about his father.&#xD;
&#xD;
"My father's an exotic dancer in a gay cabaret and&#xD;
takes off all his clothes in front of other men.&#xD;
Sometimes, if the offer's really good, he'll go out to&#xD;
the alley with some guy and have sex with him for&#xD;
money."&#xD;
&#xD;
The teacher, obviously shaken by this statement,&#xD;
hurriedly set the other children to work on some&#xD;
exercises and took little David aside to ask him, "Is&#xD;
that really true about your father?"&#xD;
&#xD;
"No," said David, "He works for the Bush&#xD;
administration, but I was too embarrassed to say that&#xD;
in front of the other kids."&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:32:44 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/feef0172-50a4-48c0-b00a-829f86019ab1</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2008-11-24T00:32:44Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>VICTORY! You may now kiss the Grooms!</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/7335f299-493f-4433-82de-56fb5d2cdddc</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/7335f299-493f-4433-82de-56fb5d2cdddc"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/31d/554/31d554a5-6f57-448a-95c1-2a2e03836333.thumb" width="65" height="59" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;On May 15, 2008, the gay community was given a tremendous victory. Not only did the California Supreme Court strike down a ban on gay marriage but also it issued a ruling that went to the core of the gay rights movement – that we are equal under the law in every way. &#xD;
&#xD;
Here are excerpts from the 171-page ruling that highlights the general tone of the court’s opinion. Read through this compelling argument in favor of equality, then raise your hands in victory and do your part to maintain the momentum of equality for all because the battle is far from over...&#xD;
&#xD;
~Gays Are Capable of Loving Relationships as Much as Heterosexuals~&#xD;
&#xD;
In contrast to earlier times, our state now recognizes that an individual’s capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual’s sexual orientation, and, more generally, that an individual’s sexual orientation — like a person’s race or gender — does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights. &#xD;
&#xD;
We therefore conclude that in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples. &#xD;
&#xD;
Under the current statutes, the state has not revised the name of the official family relationship for all couples, but rather has drawn a distinction between the name for the official family relationship of opposite-sex couples (marriage) and that for same-sex couple (domestic partnership).  &#xD;
&#xD;
One of the core elements of the right to establish an officially recognized family that is embodied in the California constitutional right to marry is a couple’s right to have their family relationship accorded dignity and respect equal to that accorded other officially recognized families, and assigning a different designation for the family relationship of same-sex couples while reserving the historic designation of “marriage” exclusively for opposite-sex couples poses at least a serious risk of denying the family relationship of same-sex couples such equal dignity and respect.   &#xD;
&#xD;
We therefore conclude that although the provisions of the current domestic partnership legislation afford same-sex couples most of the substantive elements embodied in the constitutional right to marry, the current California statutes nonetheless must be viewed as potentially impinging upon a same-sex couple’s constitutional right to marry under the California Constitution. &#xD;
 &#xD;
~Offering Marriage to Gays Takes Nothing Away From Heterosexuals~&#xD;
&#xD;
First, the exclusion of same-sex couples from the designation of marriage clearly is not necessary in order to afford full protection to all of the rights and benefits that currently are enjoyed by married opposite-sex couples; permitting same-sex couples access to the designation of marriage will not deprive opposite-sex couples of any rights and will not alter the legal framework of the institution of marriage because same-sex couples who choose to marry will be subject to the same obligations and duties that currently are imposed on married opposite-sex couples.  &#xD;
 &#xD;
Second, retaining the traditional definition of marriage and affording same-sex couples only a separate and differently named family relationship will, as a realistic matter, impose appreciable harm on same-sex couples and their children, because denying such couples access to the familiar and highly favored designation of marriage is likely to cast doubt on whether the official family relationship of same-sex couples enjoys dignity equal to that of opposite-sex couples.  &#xD;
&#xD;
Third, because of the widespread disparagement that gay individuals historically have faced, it is all the more probable that excluding same-sex couples from the legal institution of marriage is likely to be viewed as reflecting an official view that their committed relationships are of lesser stature than the comparable relationships of opposite-sex couples.   &#xD;
&#xD;
Finally, retaining the designation of marriage exclusively for opposite-sex couples and providing only a separate and distinct designation for same-sex couples may well have the effect of perpetuating a more general premise — now emphatically rejected by this state — that gay individuals and same-sex couples are in some respects “second-class citizens” who may, under the law, be treated differently from, and less favorably than, heterosexual individuals or opposite-sex couples. Under these circumstances, we cannot find that retention of the traditional definition of marriage constitutes a compelling state interest.    &#xD;
    &#xD;
~Importance of Marriage in Society~&#xD;
&#xD;
Society is served by the institution of civil marriage in many ways.  &#xD;
&#xD;
Society, of course, has an overriding interest in the welfare of children, and the role marriage plays in facilitating a stable family setting in which children may be raised by two loving parents unquestionably furthers the welfare of children and society.   &#xD;
&#xD;
In addition, the role of the family in educating and socializing children serves society’s interest by perpetuating the social and political culture and providing continuing support for society over generations. It is these features that the California authorities have in mind in describing marriage as the “basic unit” or “building block” of society. &#xD;
&#xD;
Furthermore, the legal obligations of support that are an integral part of marital and family relationships relieve society of the obligation of caring for individuals who may become incapacitated or who are otherwise unable to support themselves. &#xD;
&#xD;
The ability of an individual to join in a committed, long-term, officially recognized family relationship with the person of his or her choice is often of crucial significance to the individual’s happiness and well-being. &#xD;
&#xD;
Further, entry into a formal, officially recognized family relationship provides an individual with the opportunity to become a part of one’s partner’s family, providing a wider and often critical network of economic and emotional security. &#xD;
 &#xD;
This constitutional right also has the additional affirmative substantive effect of providing assurance to each member of the relationship that the government will enforce the mutual obligations between the partners (and to their children) that are an important aspect of the commitments upon which the relationship rests. &#xD;
&#xD;
~Advances in Gay Rights~&#xD;
&#xD;
There can be no question but that, in recent decades, there has been a fundamental and dramatic transformation in this state’s understanding and legal treatment of gay individuals and gay couples. &#xD;
&#xD;
California has repudiated past practices and policies that were based on a once common viewpoint that denigrated the general character and morals of gay individuals, and at one time even characterized homosexuality as a mental illness rather than as simply one of the numerous variables of our common and diverse humanity.   &#xD;
&#xD;
This state’s current policies and conduct regarding homosexuality recognize that gay individuals are entitled to the same legal rights and the same respect and dignity afforded all other individuals and are protected from discrimination on the basis of their sexual orientation, and, more specifically, recognize that gay individuals are fully capable of entering into the kind of loving and enduring committed relationships that may serve as the foundation of a family and of responsibly caring for and raising children. &#xD;
&#xD;
The capability of gay individuals to enter into loving and enduring relationships comparable to those entered into by heterosexuals is in no way dependent upon the enactment of the Domestic Partner Act; the adoption of that legislation simply constitutes an explicit official recognition of that capacity. &#xD;
&#xD;
~Procreation as Reason to Limit Marriage Between a Man and Woman~&#xD;
&#xD;
The Proposition 22 Legal Defense Fund and the Campaign agree that the constitutional right to marry is integrally related to the right of two persons to join together to establish an officially recognized family, but they contend that the only family that possibly can be encompassed by the constitutional right to marry is a family headed by a man and a woman.   &#xD;
&#xD;
Pointing out that past cases often have linked marriage and procreation, these parties argue that because only a man and a woman can produce children biologically with one another, the constitutional right to marry necessarily is limited to opposite-sex couples. &#xD;
&#xD;
This contention is fundamentally flawed for a number of reasons.  &#xD;
&#xD;
To begin with, although the legal institution of civil marriage may well have originated in large part to promote a stable relationship for the procreation and raising of children and although the right to marry and to procreate often are treated as closely related aspects of the privacy and liberty interests protected by the state and federal Constitutions, the constitutional right to marry never has been viewed as the sole preserve of individuals who are physically capable of having children. Men and women who desire to raise children with a loved one in a recognized family but who are physically unable to conceive a child with their loved one never have been excluded from the right to marry. &#xD;
&#xD;
There is, however, no authority whatsoever to support the proposition that an individual who is physically incapable of bearing children does not possess a fundamental constitutional right to marry.  Such a proposition clearly is untenable.   &#xD;
&#xD;
A person who is physically incapable of bearing children still has the potential to become a parent and raise a child through adoption or through means of assisted reproduction, and the constitutional right to marry ensures the individual the opportunity to raise children in an officially recognized family with the person with whom the individual has chosen to share his or her life. &#xD;
&#xD;
~Strike Down the Ban on Gay Marriage~&#xD;
&#xD;
In light of the conclusions we reach concerning the constitutional questions brought to us for resolution, we determine that the language limiting the designation of marriage to a union “between a man and a woman” is unconstitutional and must be stricken from the statute, and that the remaining statutory language must be understood as making the designation of marriage available both to opposite-sex and same-sex couples. &#xD;
&#xD;
(All material was taken directly from the California Supreme Court Ruling on May 15, 2008.)&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:33:54 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/7335f299-493f-4433-82de-56fb5d2cdddc</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2008-06-22T20:33:54Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>I ♥ DOLLY!</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/0291e425-e459-42a7-9ba1-5daec8d00002</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/0291e425-e459-42a7-9ba1-5daec8d00002"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/f71/bdc/f71bdca2-8b96-46ce-bb03-ae4bcf568984.thumb" width="62" height="78" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;"When I talk to a man, I can always tell what he's thinkin' by where he's lookin'. &#xD;
&#xD;
See, if he's lookin' at my eyes, he's lookin' for intelligence. &#xD;
&#xD;
If he's lookin' at my mouth, well, he's lookin' for wit and wisdom. &#xD;
&#xD;
If he's lookin' anywhere else except my chest...he's lookin' for another man."&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:51:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/0291e425-e459-42a7-9ba1-5daec8d00002</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2008-06-12T22:51:28Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Dutch to Legalize Gay Sex in Park</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/6932fbbf-3943-46bd-b466-e04a436ea14d</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/6932fbbf-3943-46bd-b466-e04a436ea14d"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/6e6/b99/6e6b999d-0970-4e45-a245-70e22a3962c1.thumb" width="65" height="62" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Dutch council officials will permit gay sex in public areas but fine dog owners who let their pets off the leash in Amsterdam's Vondelpark.&#xD;
&#xD;
Paul van Grieken, an Alderman in the Oud-Zuid district of the city, has startled many Amsterdammers, despite their famously liberal attitudes, with plans to allow public sex as part of this summer's new rules of conduct for the country's best-known park.&#xD;
&#xD;
"Why should we try to impose something that is actually impossible to impose, which also causes little bother for others and for a certain group actually means much pleasure?", he said.&#xD;
&#xD;
Amsterdam's beautiful Vondelpark in the centre of city draws hordes of summer visitors, families, skaters and joggers.&#xD;
&#xD;
But the park's rose garden has become famous as a trysting spot for gay men looking for uncomplicated sexual encounters.&#xD;
&#xD;
Mr van Grieken stresses that tolerance to "cruising" gays, aimed at protecting homosexuals from violence, will have "strict rules attached".&#xD;
&#xD;
"Thus, condoms must always be cleared away, it must never take place in the neighbourhood of children's playgrounds and the sex must be restricted to the evening and night-time," he said.&#xD;
&#xD;
The new park rules have the blessing of the Dutch police, who have urged all Dutch parks to follow Amsterdam's lead.&#xD;
&#xD;
But Amsterdam's dog owners are less impressed. The new park code of conduct will set out stiff fines for dogs that are allowed to run around the Vondelpark off the leash.&#xD;
&#xD;
"Research showed that many people find this disturbing," said Mr van Grieken.&#xD;
&#xD;
One dog owner protested: "As long as the park has existed, we've been allowed to let our dogs run freely. It's outrageous that we will be punished from now on but public sex won't. If they can drop their trousers, why can't I let my dog loose?"&#xD;
&#xD;
(Perhaps because gay men with their trousers dropped might be shocked to suddenly feel a cold, wet nose where it doesn't belong. On the other hand, dogs like licking balls...)&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:36:04 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/6932fbbf-3943-46bd-b466-e04a436ea14d</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2008-03-19T05:36:04Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Happy Year of the Happy Rat!</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/0aa25388-3f87-458c-bea9-81b503dc1cf3</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/0aa25388-3f87-458c-bea9-81b503dc1cf3"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/7ca/fde/7cafde42-c9ab-46cf-afed-771fcdf4b955.thumb" width="65" height="67" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Now, here's the kind of animal research I can support with my whole ♥ :D&#xD;
&#xD;
"Rats Laugh When You Tickle Them" -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myuceywaOUs&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 09 Feb 2008 03:25:23 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/0aa25388-3f87-458c-bea9-81b503dc1cf3</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2008-02-09T03:25:23Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Golden God</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/5bf90ac0-b87f-48ca-89a0-27aaf525a212</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/5bf90ac0-b87f-48ca-89a0-27aaf525a212"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/577/37a/57737a1c-97fb-40df-9132-99675e6c4076.thumb" width="65" height="65" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;The Golden God, the Self, the immortal Swan, &#xD;
leaves the small nest of the body, goes where He wants. &#xD;
&#xD;
He moves through the realm of dreams; makes numberless forms; &#xD;
delights in sex; eats, drinks, laughs with His friends; &#xD;
frightens Himself with scenes of heart-chilling terror. &#xD;
&#xD;
But He is not attached to anything that He sees; &#xD;
and after He has wandered in the realms of dream and awakeness, &#xD;
has tasted pleasures and experienced good and evil, &#xD;
He returns to the blissful state from which He began. &#xD;
&#xD;
As a fish swims forward to one riverbank then the other, &#xD;
Self alternates between awakeness and dreaming. &#xD;
&#xD;
As an eagle, weary from long flight, folds its wings, &#xD;
gliding down to its nest, Self hurries to the realm &#xD;
of dreamless sleep, free of desires, fear, pain. &#xD;
&#xD;
As a man in sexual union with his beloved &#xD;
is unaware of anything outside or inside, &#xD;
so a man in union with Self knows nothing, wants nothing, &#xD;
has found his heart's fulfillment and is free of sorrow. &#xD;
&#xD;
Father disappears, mother disappears, gods &#xD;
and scriptures disappear, thief disappears, murderer, &#xD;
rich man, beggar disappear, world disappears, &#xD;
good and evil disappear; he has passed beyond sorrow. &#xD;
&#xD;
--the Upanishads&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:37:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/5bf90ac0-b87f-48ca-89a0-27aaf525a212</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2007-12-09T06:37:28Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rules for Being Human</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/c44a3af0-58c2-4b9a-bf77-dfda08fb3980</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/c44a3af0-58c2-4b9a-bf77-dfda08fb3980"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/59e/09a/59e09ac1-61b5-4639-a6d5-2bd1c780656e.thumb" width="58" height="78" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around. &#xD;
&#xD;
2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time, informal school called "Life". Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant or stupid. &#xD;
&#xD;
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works". &#xD;
&#xD;
4. A lesson is repeated until it is learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson. &#xD;
&#xD;
5. Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain lessons. If you are alive, there are lessons to be learned. &#xD;
&#xD;
6. "There" is no better than "here". When your "there" has become a "here", you will simply obtain another "there" that will, again, look better than "here". &#xD;
&#xD;
7. Others are simply mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself. &#xD;
&#xD;
8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours. &#xD;
&#xD;
9. Your answers lie inside you. The answers to life's questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust. &#xD;
&#xD;
10. You will forget all this.&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:29:22 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/c44a3af0-58c2-4b9a-bf77-dfda08fb3980</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2007-11-18T09:29:22Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Men! Love! Sex!</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/a4fd8d5c-ed00-4b5b-a53a-24aacf61d41e</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/a4fd8d5c-ed00-4b5b-a53a-24aacf61d41e"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/d62/24b/d6224b96-5211-4483-bfa7-1660e01403bf.thumb" width="65" height="72" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Words of wisdom from Fay Weldon, one of Britain's best-known feminists. It's advice for gals who love guys, and most guys of any persuasion will nod both heads in enthusiastic agreement: &#xD;
&#xD;
"A few words on porn. They will not be enough, I know, to convince some women that for a husband or lover to watch porn is not a matter for shock-horror. &#xD;
&#xD;
But look at it like this: In males, the instinct for love and the need for sexual gratification overlap, but do not necessarily coincide. &#xD;
&#xD;
If you are lucky, the needs coincide in acts of domestic love; if you are not, his head turns automatically after girls in the street or he goes to the porn sites on the computer. &#xD;
&#xD;
He is not to be blamed. Nor does it affect his relationship with you. Love is satisfied, sex isn’t quite. Porn is sex in theory, not in practice. It just helps a man get through the day. Just accept that men are different." &#xD;
&#xD;
You said it, sister! Ah, men!&#xD;
&#xD;
A bisexual woman I used to know once said, "When stressed, men run toward sex, women run away from it." I guess she would know :)&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:43:55 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/a4fd8d5c-ed00-4b5b-a53a-24aacf61d41e</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2007-08-14T16:43:55Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pirates treasured their booty!</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/9a4533ae-8632-420c-be52-e72c61bfd9e7</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/9a4533ae-8632-420c-be52-e72c61bfd9e7"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/012/52b/01252bf3-72d5-4652-854d-ec25f0f46227.thumb" width="65" height="40" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Most pirates were not very promiscuous. They formed close bonds with one of their comrades, their "mess-mate." These pairings were considered sacred unions, and the lovers were treated as a couple. Called "matelotage," this bonding had many of the features of heterosexual marriage, including the inheritance of property by one partner in the event of the other's death.&#xD;
&#xD;
In his "Memoirs of a Buccaneer", Captain Louis Le Golif wrote that two men bound in matelotage were disgraced if one of them strayed. At sea, if one lover was punished, the other was expected to share the punishment, even death. &#xD;
&#xD;
One love story told by le Golif was the story of George Rounsivil and his lover Timothee. Their brigantine was caught in a violent storm, struck rocks, and began to sink. Rounsivil searched desperately for Timothee, but was unable to find him in the confusion. Finally, deciding that his lover must have been in another lifeboat, Rounsivil climbed into the last one and they pushed off.&#xD;
&#xD;
When Rounsivil turned to take one last look at the ship, he saw the dim figure of Timothee waving to him. The others refused to risk all of their lives to return for him, so Rounsivil jumped over the side and returned to the sinking ship. The last thing the other men saw as the ship went down was George and Timothee in each other's arms. They became heroes for their love and fidelity.&#xD;
&#xD;
--from "Out of All Time, a gay and lesbian history" by Terry Boughner&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sat, 21 Jul 2007 19:55:25 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/9a4533ae-8632-420c-be52-e72c61bfd9e7</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2007-07-21T19:55:25Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Reincarnation</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/ee873204-0249-4a55-bea1-a888f56bf4e0</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/ee873204-0249-4a55-bea1-a888f56bf4e0"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/70a/7ed/70a7ed6b-12f2-409e-a156-e8677e3562dc.thumb" width="65" height="32" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;(I posted this today in the "life&amp;amp;death" tribe)&#xD;
&#xD;
I love this subject! I have done much past life regression/exploration and have a talent for easily recalling past life experiences as needed when I am in a state of openness, though sometimes they come as spontaneous flashes with certain people or in certain places. I don't remember having this awareness as a child, but I may have simply forgotten having forgotten. &#xD;
&#xD;
I first discovered I could do this with a former spiritual teacher of mine about 20 years ago. He did a kind of bodywork named Hellerwork, where he systematically went through every muscle in my body and released whatever was stuck there. He would guide me into a spot of pain and I would experience traumas, deaths or simply old feelings I was holding onto, from this lifetime or previous incarnations, and release them. Not everyone went this deeply, but it came easily for me. Thanks to him and my own experiences, I can now guide others in recalling there own soul's journey. &#xD;
&#xD;
I have also done a great amount of astral (shamanic) journeying, working with spirit guides and power animals on the astral plane. Sometimes, I am shown a significant event or relationship from a previous lifetime that is pertinent to this one. I know these are real because I actually experience them; I don't just see them in my mind, I am actually there. I know it's not imagination. I know that my soul/essence can leave my physical form, explore other planes, and pop in and out of the timestream. It's really fun! &#xD;
&#xD;
Just as it's possible to recall past lives, it's also possible to preview future lifetimes. You just have to know how, and anyone can learn, if they're open and willing. &#xD;
&#xD;
A good pair of books I recommend to help you grasp the concept are "The Education of Oversoul 7" and "The Further Education of Oversoul 7", by Jane Roberts. Oversoul 7 is an individual soul/essence learning its astral plane lessons about coordinating its many lifetimes on Earth. Imagine your essence sitting on the astral plane viewing 300 TV screens simultaneously, each tuned to a different channel, each showing one of your soul's unique incarnations on Earth. The person you are now is just one of those 300* TV shows and is only one part of your soul's total experience. &#xD;
&#xD;
Sometimes your essence is just watching and sometimes it is in you, actively participating in your life. When you feel conscious and in the present, your essence is merged with your body. When you feel less conscious and alone, your essence is simply watching. You get to choose whether to invite your soul in or to act solely from your personality, which doesn't feel nearly as good but is sometimes necessary to facilitate your lessons. &#xD;
&#xD;
I'll end for now with one of my favorite quotes: "Sensitivity varies with intensity of presence; intensity of presence varies with consumption of essence."&#xD;
&#xD;
*300 is the average number of lifetimes in a physical plane cycle, more or less&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2007 21:43:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/ee873204-0249-4a55-bea1-a888f56bf4e0</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2007-03-07T21:43:28Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>A poem, by me</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/1c02f1c4-1be3-49c8-b47c-6c1992a1d7ff</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/1c02f1c4-1be3-49c8-b47c-6c1992a1d7ff"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/e3e/cf8/e3ecf861-4e2d-4af9-815a-9e7c28b27fb5.thumb" width="58" height="78" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Michael&#xD;
&#xD;
When I was a lad&#xD;
Rough and tumble games with other boys&#xD;
Always something missing&#xD;
Wanted something more&#xD;
Then came Michael&#xD;
First love of my life&#xD;
Seventh grade shower rooms&#xD;
Agony and ecstasy&#xD;
My first hardons were for Michael&#xD;
Best friends, boy friends&#xD;
Wanted to be with him everywhere&#xD;
Schoolboy heartache&#xD;
Killed myself a thousand times&#xD;
When he discovered girls&#xD;
Painful separation&#xD;
When I confessed my secret love for him&#xD;
Seeing him across the lunchroom&#xD;
Another aching heart-on&#xD;
&#xD;
Second semester, twelfth grade&#xD;
At last, a class together&#xD;
I took the seat behind him&#xD;
The nape of his neck made me weak&#xD;
Then one night&#xD;
One hot and stormy night&#xD;
Driving home from somewhere&#xD;
He took my hand and placed it on his hardon&#xD;
He said I know a place&#xD;
Rough and tumble boy love&#xD;
In the back seat of my car&#xD;
Six years of aching hardons I gave to Michael&#xD;
Sweetest cum I'd ever tasted&#xD;
Then he joined the army&#xD;
Gone to fight the men he loves&#xD;
I saw him once that summer&#xD;
Crew cut, butch as hell&#xD;
How are you? I'm fine.&#xD;
Small talk&#xD;
When he turned I had so much to say&#xD;
But I let him go&#xD;
&#xD;
I still think of Michael&#xD;
Some nights when the rain beats hard and fast&#xD;
Michael, do you ever think of me?&#xD;
The boy who loved you six years and one night&#xD;
I still can taste your bittersweet love&#xD;
No one's ever tasted so good&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 18 Feb 2007 22:57:35 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/1c02f1c4-1be3-49c8-b47c-6c1992a1d7ff</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2007-02-18T22:57:35Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Attractive, submissive gopher sought to take dicktation</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/9abdde58-9e91-45ab-842a-2378239399e0</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/9abdde58-9e91-45ab-842a-2378239399e0"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/736/86e/73686eb0-3648-454b-b154-1f9775e6d445.thumb" width="65" height="55" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Ok, y'all: I've got about a billion backed up messages and tribe membership requests to answer (I'm given to hyperbole), so please be patient and I WILL respond to you as soon as I feel like it/am able. Just know that those who send me money will get priority. &#xD;
&#xD;
I love you. Really. &#xD;
Hugey&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 22 Oct 2006 17:57:08 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/9abdde58-9e91-45ab-842a-2378239399e0</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2006-10-22T17:57:08Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>And Applaud</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/7017879a-2464-4c63-9a71-a1c1196c8d06</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/7017879a-2464-4c63-9a71-a1c1196c8d06"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/8a5/b9f/8a5b9fbc-0675-41ca-bfb7-4d20ed259434.thumb" width="46" height="78" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Once a young man came to me and said,&#xD;
&#xD;
"Dear Master,&#xD;
I am feeling strong and brave today,&#xD;
And I would like to know the truth &#xD;
About all of my--attachments."&#xD;
&#xD;
And I replied, &#xD;
&#xD;
"Attachments?&#xD;
Attachments!&#xD;
&#xD;
Sweet Heart,&#xD;
Do you really want me to speak to you&#xD;
About all your attachments,&#xD;
&#xD;
When I can see so clearly&#xD;
You have built, with so much care,&#xD;
Such a great brothel&#xD;
To house all of your pleasures.&#xD;
&#xD;
You have even surrounded the whole damn place&#xD;
With armed guards and vicious dogs&#xD;
To protect your desires&#xD;
&#xD;
So that you can sneak away&#xD;
From time to time&#xD;
And try to squeeze light&#xD;
Into your parched being&#xD;
From a source as fruitful&#xD;
As a dried date pit&#xD;
That even a bird&#xD;
Is wise enough to spit out.&#xD;
&#xD;
Your attachments! My dear,&#xD;
Let's not speak of those,&#xD;
&#xD;
For Hafiz understands the sufferings&#xD;
Of your heart.&#xD;
&#xD;
Hafiz knows &#xD;
The torments and the agonies&#xD;
That every mind on its way to Annihilation in the Sun&#xD;
Must endure.&#xD;
&#xD;
So at night in my prayers I often stop&#xD;
And ask a thousand angels to join in&#xD;
And Applaud,&#xD;
&#xD;
And Applaud &#xD;
Anything,&#xD;
Anything in this world&#xD;
That can bring your heart comfort!"&#xD;
&#xD;
--Hafiz&#xD;
&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jul 2006 02:10:37 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/7017879a-2464-4c63-9a71-a1c1196c8d06</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2006-07-12T02:10:37Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>In a Bad Part of Town....</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/29200854-71d2-4333-82cc-e2c6b527235e</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/29200854-71d2-4333-82cc-e2c6b527235e"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/4de/c97/4dec9719-688b-4dab-93b5-060fa1e85220.thumb" width="65" height="48" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Once upon a time, I was breaking my fast in a seedy diner in San Francisco's seamy Tenderloin district (I had my reasons) when I overheard the three large, scary men in the next booth having this cozy little chat:&#xD;
&#xD;
Scary man 1: "So I bashed him in the head with a Coke bottle, threw him in the back of the van, drove him out to the park and stuck a gun to his head and said, 'WHERE'RE THE FUCKIN' DRUGS?' And he said, 'Go ahead and kill me, I got no reason to live.'" &#xD;
&#xD;
Scary man 2: "Aww, I HATE guys like that!" &#xD;
&#xD;
Scary man 3: "No, man, ya gotta do it slow. What ya do is, ya take a pair of pliers..." &#xD;
&#xD;
Me: (in my head) "LALALALA! I CAN'T HEAR YOU! I DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU DO WITH A PAIR OF PLIERS! LALALALA..." &#xD;
&#xD;
In addition to being totally creeped out by this exchange, I realized they were between me and the door; if someone came in and started shooting at them, I would catch any stray bullets. Fun!&#xD;
&#xD;
And I thought MY life was rough.&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 10 Jul 2006 16:29:30 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/29200854-71d2-4333-82cc-e2c6b527235e</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2006-07-10T16:29:30Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Naked Ape</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/90266745-44de-4599-9c78-699abdd7a4a6</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/90266745-44de-4599-9c78-699abdd7a4a6"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/d56/1e4/d561e467-2078-4b16-984a-b62912e68d61.thumb" width="65" height="48" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;So this mornin' I'm standin' in the kitchen, see, in the "all together", if ya know what I mean, starin' in the fridge wonderin' what's the first thing I wanna shove in my groggy mug today, and I'm scratchin' my left armpit with my left hand, lookin' sorta like the letter 'capital P', if ya know what I mean, when all of a sudden I belch REAL loud. &#xD;
&#xD;
And my roommate, who can be kinda 'prissy' sometimes, if ya know what I mean, he laughs and he says, "It's like living with a gorilla!" &#xD;
&#xD;
Now see, I don't understand how he can say somethin' like that, ya know? I mean, 'cause gorillas don't even HAVE refrigerators, do they?&#xD;
&#xD;
&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 11 Jun 2006 18:11:28 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/90266745-44de-4599-9c78-699abdd7a4a6</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2006-06-11T18:11:28Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Tiny Gods</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/e448bbf8-66ff-4032-a4d8-e9e70043adb6</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/e448bbf8-66ff-4032-a4d8-e9e70043adb6"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/5de/3c3/5de3c316-e0b4-4a2a-a370-22abca02a470.thumb" width="52" height="78" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Some gods say, the tiny ones,&#xD;
"I am not here in your vibrant, moist lips&#xD;
That need to beach themselves upon&#xD;
The golden shore of a &#xD;
Naked body."&#xD;
&#xD;
Some gods say, "I am not&#xD;
The scarred yearning in the unrequited soul;&#xD;
I am not the blushing cheek&#xD;
Of every star and &#xD;
Planet---&#xD;
&#xD;
I am not the applauding Chef&#xD;
Of those precious secretions that can distill&#xD;
The whole mind into a perfect wincing jewel, if only&#xD;
For a moment;&#xD;
Nor do I reside in every pile of sweet warm dung&#xD;
Born of the earth's &#xD;
Gratuity."&#xD;
&#xD;
Some gods say, the ones we need to hang,&#xD;
"Your mouth is not designed to know His,&#xD;
Love was not born to consume&#xD;
The luminous&#xD;
Realms."&#xD;
&#xD;
Dear ones, &#xD;
Beware of the tiny gods frightened men&#xD;
Create&#xD;
&#xD;
To bring an anesthetic relief&#xD;
To their sad&#xD;
Days.&#xD;
&#xD;
--Hafiz (1320-1389)&#xD;
&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Sun, 21 May 2006 16:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/e448bbf8-66ff-4032-a4d8-e9e70043adb6</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2006-05-21T16:30:00Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Into the Fire</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/68b651e9-9f25-434e-a924-f52ae9600223</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/68b651e9-9f25-434e-a924-f52ae9600223"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/f26/8dd/f268dd58-d6cb-4e36-b557-0fa10c695959.thumb" width="65" height="59" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;"Into the Fire"&#xD;
by Sarah McLachlan&#xD;
&#xD;
Mother, teach me to walk again&#xD;
Milk and honey, so intoxicating&#xD;
&#xD;
Into the fire&#xD;
I'm reunited&#xD;
Into the fire&#xD;
I am the spark&#xD;
Into the night&#xD;
I yearn for comfort&#xD;
&#xD;
Open the doors that lead on into Eden&#xD;
No more cheap disguise&#xD;
Follow the signs marked 'back to the beginning'&#xD;
No more compromise&#xD;
&#xD;
Into the fire&#xD;
I'm reunited&#xD;
Into the fire&#xD;
I am the spark&#xD;
Into the night&#xD;
I yearn for comfort&#xD;
&#xD;
Free the water that carries me to the sea&#xD;
You I see as my security&#xD;
&#xD;
Into the fire&#xD;
I'm reunited&#xD;
Into the fire&#xD;
I am the spark&#xD;
Into the night&#xD;
I yearn for comfort&#xD;
&#xD;
I will stare at the Sun until its light doesn't blind me&#xD;
I will walk into the fire 'til its heat doesn't burn me&#xD;
And I will feed the fire&#xD;
&#xD;
Into the fire&#xD;
I'm reunited&#xD;
Into the fire&#xD;
I am the spark&#xD;
Into the night&#xD;
I yearn for comfort&#xD;
&#xD;
(This song always brings me back to Reality, even when I think I've "lost" it. Thanks, Sarah)&lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 25 Apr 2006 01:18:56 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/68b651e9-9f25-434e-a924-f52ae9600223</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2006-04-25T01:18:56Z</dc:date>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>The Great Riddle</title>
      <link>http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/5a6ff33a-8d4c-43c9-b69a-7a345bd1c397</link>
      <description>&lt;a href="http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/5a6ff33a-8d4c-43c9-b69a-7a345bd1c397"&gt;  						          &lt;img class=" picThumb" src="http://images.tribe.net/tribe/upload/photo/c10/631/c10631b5-eda7-45f9-bfc5-50587e64032a.thumb" width="65" height="48" alt="" /&gt;
    &lt;/a&gt;
										&lt;div&gt;Two birds, one of them mortal, the other immortal,&#xD;
live in the same tree. The first one pecks at the fruit, &#xD;
sweet or bitter; the second looks on without eating.&#xD;
Thus the personal self pecks at the fruit of this world,&#xD;
bewildered by suffering, always hungry for more.&#xD;
But when he meets the True Self, the resplendent God,&#xD;
the source of creation, all his cravings are stilled.&#xD;
Perceiving Self in all creatures, he forgets himself &#xD;
in the service of all; good and evil both vanish;&#xD;
delighting in Self, playing like a child with Self,&#xD;
he does whatever is called for, whatever the result.&#xD;
&#xD;
Self is everywhere, shining forth from all beings,&#xD;
vaster than the vast, subtler than the most subtle,&#xD;
unreachable, yet nearer than breath, than heartbeat.&#xD;
Eye cannot see it, ear cannot hear it nor tongue&#xD;
utter it; only in deep absorption can the mind,&#xD;
grown pure and silent, merge with the formless truth.&#xD;
She who finds it is free; she has found herself;&#xD;
she has solved the great riddle; her heart is forever at peace.&#xD;
Whole, she enters the Whole. Her personal self &#xD;
returns to its radiant, intimate, deathless source.&#xD;
As rivers lose name and form when they disappear &#xD;
into the sea, the sage leaves behind all traces&#xD;
when she disappears into the light. Perceiving the truth,&#xD;
she becomes the truth; she passes beyond all suffering,&#xD;
beyond death; all the knots of her heart are loosed.&#xD;
&#xD;
--The Upanishads&#xD;
 &lt;/div&gt;</description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 19 Apr 2006 03:47:45 GMT</pubDate>
      <guid isPermaLink="false">http://people.tribe.net/varianpierce/blog/5a6ff33a-8d4c-43c9-b69a-7a345bd1c397</guid>
      <dc:creator>varianpierce</dc:creator>
      <dc:date>2006-04-19T03:47:45Z</dc:date>
    </item>
  </channel>
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