We love our pets. Some of us are obsessed with our “children,” the cats, dogs, and other non-human creatures at home. During this COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine, the desire for a kitten or puppy has blossomed into a kind of obsession on a national level. A number of news reports have told us that people who have never had a pet, now seem desperate to adopt one. But why … [Read more...] about Adopting Pets for the Wrong Reasons
Opinions
OK, So We’re Open: Phase I Louisiana
I asked someone the other day if he was looking forward to our area “opening up” during Phase One, and if he’d considered what it may mean for him on a personal level. “Well, nothing is happening now,” he responded, “might as well see some life and go down to the Quarter. But I’m kind of really afraid, so I’m not sure.” I think many people feel similarly. They’re ready … [Read more...] about OK, So We’re Open: Phase I Louisiana
How About a Little Color in Your Life
There is a lot now that challenges us every day. Here are a few suggestions that could be enjoyable and helpful, such as cooking and, of course, eating! A podcast I like is What’s Cookin’, that highlights favorite easy recipes. Here’s a recipe from herbalist Cathy McNease that only takes about 15 minutes and is a great addition to something more substantial, or as a … [Read more...] about How About a Little Color in Your Life
Looking for something to do? Try These Blogs and Podcasts!
Stuck at home and missing your favorite restaurants and gathering places? If you’re looking for something to do while you stay home, consider accessing some of my personal favorite websites and podcasts I've listed below. You should be able to just click each link. I’ve checked them all personally a minute before submitting this, so I know they are all active on a daily … [Read more...] about Looking for something to do? Try These Blogs and Podcasts!
Notes from the Road: New Orleanians’ Experience Caucusing for Pete in Iowa
New Orleanians Rick Duplantier and his husband Rob Clemez went on the road to the Iowa caucuses. Read his account of what it was like caucusing for Mayor Pete. Photos by Rick Duplantier. If you ever have the opportunity to attend the Iowa Caucus during the election season, just do it! Attending the Iowa Caucuses last week was an exhilarating, energizing experience. The … [Read more...] about Notes from the Road: New Orleanians’ Experience Caucusing for Pete in Iowa
Letter to the Editor: What Valentine’s Day Means
A Letter to the Editor from John East Like many gay men, I find the traditional holiday season somewhat cold. Thanksgiving is a landmine of politics, in-laws, and the proverbial drunk uncle. Christmas is really for families with kids. My partner and I, even in liberal circles, are not totally accepted during these family-focused receptions. Even demonstrations of acceptance … [Read more...] about Letter to the Editor: What Valentine’s Day Means
A Fistful of Wishes, Part 1
Whether the new decade begins Jan 1, 2020 and ends Dec 31, 2029 or starts Jan 1, 2021 and finishes Dec 31, 2030, one thing is certain: it’s been nearly forty years of the HIV/AIDS era, which began in 1981. While we cannot predict what it brings, or decide how the decade is determined, we can wish for a bright future. Here’s part one of twenty things you might want to get … [Read more...] about A Fistful of Wishes, Part 1
Navigating a World, Social, and Spiritual Landscape
It’s 2020 and the Saints are NOT going to the Super Bowl. It is now just past the Feast of the Epiphany and Mardi Gras is upon us. The world, as our news reports show us, seems to be getting more polarized and divided. The social discourse is virulent and getting more so. Apart from the various wars and conflicts we are involved in, whether geopolitical or economic, we also … [Read more...] about Navigating a World, Social, and Spiritual Landscape
Create your Path Through Words to Live By
When I was an undergraduate English major, some friends and I would play a game to help us recall words to broaden our vocabulary. Exciting, right? Ok, I’ll admit I might have been a bit of a nerd, but I loved words, writing and creating poems & stories. While I’ve never really put much stock into New Year’s resolutions, I do enjoy picking a group of words and … [Read more...] about Create your Path Through Words to Live By
A Look at MLK Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day was originally promoted by labor unions and, shortly after the civil rights leader’s death, it was brought to Congress for a vote. President Ronald Reagan signed the ensuing bill and it became law in 1983. Some states, however, refused to recognize the holiday or celebrate it. It was finally acknowledged by all 50 states for the first time in … [Read more...] about A Look at MLK Day
