As 2010 leaves us and 2011 begins I suppose it's natural for each of us to reflect on exactly what kind of a year we have had.
Years, months, days, hours and minutes create perpetual change. Some events bringing elation and joy, others deep sorrow and grief.
For many of us we have rejoiced at weddings and birthdays and cried tears of sadness at our loved ones sickness or loss.
But as each year advances, we learn, we change, and hopefully life gives us wonderful opportunities to grow.
2010 was full of changes for myself and many of my friends. As one would expect, life will constantly pose challenges to navigate and with hard work and an attitude of never accepting defeat, the potential of rewards are great. As I look back on my personal year of growth and discovery, I feel a sense of accomplishment at another dozen books behind me, and of the new fans I have met who have become close friends. The affection and loyalty of some people is a thing of wonder to me. While in my life I have seen the dark side of people, greed, selfishness and each of seven deadly sins, on the positive side, there are some pretty spectacular individuals who have come into my life this year, who I can't appreciate enough.
I suppose if we can look in the mirror and say to ourselves, we did the best we could do and didn't hurt others in the process then we have done very well indeed.
Though the year 2010 has been topsy turvy in politics and war, I think I can leave that summary to those who spout the news. We all know who did their best and who did their worst for the freedom and civil rights of individuals.
As the year closes, I think all I would like to say is Thank You. Thank you to the many people who email me, connect with me on a very human level, and who have touched my life deeply, though they may not know.
I wish everyone who reads this, a year of peace, promise, and hope. Because without it, life is too hard to tackle.
Happy 2011.
Be safe out there in an insane world.
G.A
GA Hauser's Blog- Author G.A. Hauser was born in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, USA, and attended university in New York City. She moved to Seattle, Washington where she worked as a patrol officer with the Seattle Police Department.G.A. has written over 150 novels, including several bestsellers of gay fiction. For more information on other books by G.A., visit the author at her official website at: www.authorgahauser.com
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
hu-man (hyoo' man)
Being Human.
There are so many things to say about us where do I begin?
Human Beings- Well...that accounts for us upright two-legged creatures who dominate the planet and spew our garbage into air, water and earth. Okay, got that covered.
Human Kindness- That rare virtue we cherish because quite frankly it isn't common. And when we feel nurtured by it, we comment about it and give it it's own 'Human' name.
'To Err is Human, to Forgive Divine'- Think about this one. We are human to err, to make mistakes, but if we offer forgiveness to someone, (presumably another human) we are made out to be divine. Godly? That makes forgiveness rare indeed. Either that or angels and divine spirits walk among us. They do keep themselves hidden, don't they?
Human Behavior- My oh my! Behavior. Does that include abnormal behavior? Like perhaps a human who kills, lights fires, tortures animals...is that still 'human'? Or have we crossed the line to 'inhuman' behavior. How humans behave is a topic of very high interest. Reality TV is obviously our personal insight into the Human Behavior on a public forum. How do we explain our actions? Anyone? Anyone? Would love an answer to that question.
Only Human- I take it that's a catch-all for all our screw ups. Well, you know, I'm 'only human'. I did what I did because...that's what humans do. Isn't it?
My favorite.
Human Nature- Nature. The way each life is bound to another, the cycles of life and death, the nature of attraction and love. What is human nature as compared to nurture? Is who we are as a human purely genetics or do we learn as we grow? Are killers born to killers? Philanthropists heirs of philanthropists? We certainly know actors are children of actors. (Small wonder there.Don't get me started on that one!)
But I'm talking about 'Human Nature'. This is even more important than politics or religion. This is who we are at our very base. And though some humans think they can decide on what is humanly natural and humanly unnatural in the aspect of love and sex, doesn't Mother Nature make those laws?
As organic creatures we are what we are. Who we love is who we love, and what we do is partly because of our make up as the creatures we became through Darwin's amazing discovery.
As humans we tend to go into downward spirals. Just look a the economy, the wars we create, the number of inmates incarcerated, gun crime...well, the list is too long. Rare is the humanitarian story of the Good Samaritan, unless its a good human in which bad things have befallen.
Okay, the news thrives on terror and fear, this we all know. But look around at your fellow humans. Are they smiling and laughing their way through life and not drunk, in an asylum, or on happy pills? Or troubled by bills, illness, addiction...
We are all human here in this world. And we should be allowed to act human as nature provides.
Is it wrong to allow people to love, laugh and form attachments to others, as human nature proves itself time and again?
It has always amazed me that one human thinks it can impose its beliefs and mores on another. Laws protecting people, yes. Of course. But rules on whom to love? Here we draw closer to being inhuman.
Human Beings...join the Human Race.
Isn't it human to want to see others joy? To see others grow, prosper and learn? Or do we always have to portray the dark side of Human Nature, and be envious, greedy, controlling and vicious? The choice is ours as to how we behave. But as we all want the freedom to choose, as human beings, we should grant that freedom to everyone without referendums and laws.
Be safe out there among your fellow humans.
There are so many things to say about us where do I begin?
Human Beings- Well...that accounts for us upright two-legged creatures who dominate the planet and spew our garbage into air, water and earth. Okay, got that covered.
Human Kindness- That rare virtue we cherish because quite frankly it isn't common. And when we feel nurtured by it, we comment about it and give it it's own 'Human' name.
'To Err is Human, to Forgive Divine'- Think about this one. We are human to err, to make mistakes, but if we offer forgiveness to someone, (presumably another human) we are made out to be divine. Godly? That makes forgiveness rare indeed. Either that or angels and divine spirits walk among us. They do keep themselves hidden, don't they?
Human Behavior- My oh my! Behavior. Does that include abnormal behavior? Like perhaps a human who kills, lights fires, tortures animals...is that still 'human'? Or have we crossed the line to 'inhuman' behavior. How humans behave is a topic of very high interest. Reality TV is obviously our personal insight into the Human Behavior on a public forum. How do we explain our actions? Anyone? Anyone? Would love an answer to that question.
Only Human- I take it that's a catch-all for all our screw ups. Well, you know, I'm 'only human'. I did what I did because...that's what humans do. Isn't it?
My favorite.
Human Nature- Nature. The way each life is bound to another, the cycles of life and death, the nature of attraction and love. What is human nature as compared to nurture? Is who we are as a human purely genetics or do we learn as we grow? Are killers born to killers? Philanthropists heirs of philanthropists? We certainly know actors are children of actors. (Small wonder there.Don't get me started on that one!)
But I'm talking about 'Human Nature'. This is even more important than politics or religion. This is who we are at our very base. And though some humans think they can decide on what is humanly natural and humanly unnatural in the aspect of love and sex, doesn't Mother Nature make those laws?
As organic creatures we are what we are. Who we love is who we love, and what we do is partly because of our make up as the creatures we became through Darwin's amazing discovery.
As humans we tend to go into downward spirals. Just look a the economy, the wars we create, the number of inmates incarcerated, gun crime...well, the list is too long. Rare is the humanitarian story of the Good Samaritan, unless its a good human in which bad things have befallen.
Okay, the news thrives on terror and fear, this we all know. But look around at your fellow humans. Are they smiling and laughing their way through life and not drunk, in an asylum, or on happy pills? Or troubled by bills, illness, addiction...
We are all human here in this world. And we should be allowed to act human as nature provides.
Is it wrong to allow people to love, laugh and form attachments to others, as human nature proves itself time and again?
It has always amazed me that one human thinks it can impose its beliefs and mores on another. Laws protecting people, yes. Of course. But rules on whom to love? Here we draw closer to being inhuman.
Human Beings...join the Human Race.
Isn't it human to want to see others joy? To see others grow, prosper and learn? Or do we always have to portray the dark side of Human Nature, and be envious, greedy, controlling and vicious? The choice is ours as to how we behave. But as we all want the freedom to choose, as human beings, we should grant that freedom to everyone without referendums and laws.
Be safe out there among your fellow humans.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Pride
Sometimes it seems as if the United States has made a move to the extreme right. I don't like talking politics, religion, or the Great Pumpkin, but as I am fresh from my trip from San Francisco, during the Pride weekend, I will make an exception.
Many of you who know me, or know my ranting...ahum...get the feeling I don't like where I live at the moment. They are correct. I live in Ohio, or as I commonly refer to it among friends, 'O-Hell-O'. I may get a lot of slack for this negative nickname of a 'beloved' state, but heck, everyone's entitled to their opinion. I think writers are number two behind loud mouthed politicians for being outspoken, but again, that's a personal view.
Standing in an enormous crowd on Market Street, watching literally tens of thousands of spectators enjoying the spectacle, was surreal. There in the parade were hundreds of culturally diverse groups, mega companies, religious organizations ...etc...showing their rainbow colors.
I thought, 'what the heck?' Truly I am not in Kansas (or Ohello) any longer. Suddenly I was in a world that embraced diversity, love, and civil rights for all to marry, and be themselves.
I have to admit, I cried. The fact that there are areas of the country that support same sex love, marriage, and a multitude of other ideas that free thinking inspires, made me emotional. It was bliss.
Why then, are we so silent the rest of the year? How can so many corporations, including banks, huge department store chains, car manufacturers, and religious groups, stay quiet as the far right scream and stomp their anti-freedom views?
I don't know. Another question without an answer. Perhaps we are not silent, we are just not as manic. But the time I spent with my married male friends, and the sense of freedom Gay Pride gave me, will be something that will stay with me forever.
It strengthens my resolve to keep up the fight. To combat the nonsense against gay society; to stop the far right from not giving everyone the choice to live how they choose in a country as strong and open as our good ole USA. It has to change. I do believe we have the power to make it happen.
And standing in the crowd at the Pride Parade in a city like San Francisco convinced me.
It's the reason I write my novels. To open closed minds to the idea of love of all kinds. And I won't stop.
Keep fighting for what you believe in. In reality, it's what makes this country so great to begin with. We just have to find ourselves. We've become lost in a quagmire of a few who think they know what's best for everyone.
Be safe out there.
Many of you who know me, or know my ranting...ahum...get the feeling I don't like where I live at the moment. They are correct. I live in Ohio, or as I commonly refer to it among friends, 'O-Hell-O'. I may get a lot of slack for this negative nickname of a 'beloved' state, but heck, everyone's entitled to their opinion. I think writers are number two behind loud mouthed politicians for being outspoken, but again, that's a personal view.
Standing in an enormous crowd on Market Street, watching literally tens of thousands of spectators enjoying the spectacle, was surreal. There in the parade were hundreds of culturally diverse groups, mega companies, religious organizations ...etc...showing their rainbow colors.
I thought, 'what the heck?' Truly I am not in Kansas (or Ohello) any longer. Suddenly I was in a world that embraced diversity, love, and civil rights for all to marry, and be themselves.
I have to admit, I cried. The fact that there are areas of the country that support same sex love, marriage, and a multitude of other ideas that free thinking inspires, made me emotional. It was bliss.
Why then, are we so silent the rest of the year? How can so many corporations, including banks, huge department store chains, car manufacturers, and religious groups, stay quiet as the far right scream and stomp their anti-freedom views?
I don't know. Another question without an answer. Perhaps we are not silent, we are just not as manic. But the time I spent with my married male friends, and the sense of freedom Gay Pride gave me, will be something that will stay with me forever.
It strengthens my resolve to keep up the fight. To combat the nonsense against gay society; to stop the far right from not giving everyone the choice to live how they choose in a country as strong and open as our good ole USA. It has to change. I do believe we have the power to make it happen.
And standing in the crowd at the Pride Parade in a city like San Francisco convinced me.
It's the reason I write my novels. To open closed minds to the idea of love of all kinds. And I won't stop.
Keep fighting for what you believe in. In reality, it's what makes this country so great to begin with. We just have to find ourselves. We've become lost in a quagmire of a few who think they know what's best for everyone.
Be safe out there.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Interview with Mark Antonious Richfield
After much pestering on my account, I finally was able to book an interview with the very busy Mark Richfield. We met at his day job at Parsons and Company and I had my chance to ask the many questions on my mind about this man who is the talk of the town. When I get my first glance at this hunk he’s in his tight black slacks, (no panty-lines, so we know what that means) and a black, cotton shirt, opened at the neck. I sit down beside him on a leather couch in the employee lounge with my list of questions.
GA: Hi, Mark…we finally meet.
Mark: We do.
GA: Wow. Your handshake is electric.
Mark: Don’t get carried away already.
GA: Sorry. Uh, where was I?
Mark: (Laughs) You said hello.
GA: Yes. Right. (Sniffing the air) Is that the famous cologne?
Mark: I assume that’s what you’re smelling. (He sniffs)
GA: (Leaning closer) Holy cow. If that’s not the cologne I want whatever it is in a bottle.
Mark: Did you actually have something to ask me? Or did you just come to sniff me?
GA: I came to sniff you. Kidding. Um. Sorry. Yes, let me ask you some questions. What’s the deal with the accent? Is it really British or what?
Mark: Really British? I lived there for pity’s sake. I know how they talk. All this chatter about how I speak. Such rubbish.
GA: I hear it now. Does it come out more when you’re mad?
Mark: So I’ve been told. I can’t tell the bloody difference, but I’m reminded constantly.
GA: Okay…Some of your fans wished you’d married Jack Larsen instead of Steve Miller.
Mark: I did marry Jack, and Adam, and Steve. Shh, don’t write that down.
GA: Too late. No, I mean, lived with Jack. Chose Jack.
Mark: Jack’s had enough of me. Really. I think if we were together as a couple I would drive him mad. And not in a good way.
GA: But Steve and Alex, your son, they seem to always be in trouble.
Mark: Jack would be worse. I assure you. Steven has more willpower when it comes to Alexander. He didn’t lust after me at eighteen like Jackie did.
GA: Uh…
Mark: Yes? (Laughs shyly)
GA: Sorry, lost myself on the color of your eyes. They’re really green. Um…oh. Are you going to go to London with Steve and Alex some day?
Mark: That is the plan. Though now that Alexander is in school and working, I don’t know when he’ll have the spare time.
GA: Will you ever get tired of modeling?
Mark: The question should be, will the agency ever tire of me. The answer to that is yes.
GA: That ain’t gonna happen.
Mark: Now you sound like Steve.
GA: I wish I were Steve, believe me.
Mark: But you both worked as police officers.
GA: Uh, no, that’s not why. Never mind.
Mark: Get your mind out of the gutter, Ms. Hauser.
GA: Sitting next to you on a couch? Not possible.
Mark: (Smiles) Anymore questions?
GA: Tons. But I do have to ask you if you’ll ever write an autobiography.
Mark: No. Why? Who would want to know about my horrible childhood?
GA: Everyone? Look, there are a lot of other people who went through rough times. Maybe knowing the details of your life would not only be interesting, but would help others.
Mark: I’ll give it some thought. But to be honest, I’m a bore.
GA: Sure you are. What’s your next project? Anything new? More guest appearances on television?
Mark: I did get roped into another spot on Forever Young. I have no doubt I’ll live to regret it.
GA: Love that show.
Mark: Yes, so do I.
GA: You need to do another three-way scene with Keith O’Leary and Carl Bronson.
Mark: Ms. Hauser?
GA: Yes, Mark?
Mark: You do realize you have your hand on my thigh.
GA: Oh! Sorry. Man, is it hot in here? (Fanning myself with my pad)
Mark: (Smiles sweetly) I heard about you. (Wags his finger) Naughty, naughty.
GA: (Cleared my throat) Right. Well, how about we end this now before I really do something I’ll regret. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview for your fans.
Mark: My pleasure. Anytime you would like to chat, feel free to call. (Stands up)
GA: Holy crap.
Mark: My eyes are up here, love.
GA: Sorry. I’ve really embarrassed myself today. I guess I didn’t really believe all the hype…until now.
Mark: I’m flattered. Really.
GA: Think about that autobiography.
Mark: I will do. If I can’t do a complete autobiography, I’d love to sit and talk about anything you fancy.
GA: Wow. That’s an offer I can’t refuse. I will take you up on that. (I shake his hand) I don’t want to let go.
Mark: Are you sure you’re not related to my Steven? (Laughs)
GA: I’m not sure of anything. My blood left my brain the minute I walked into this room. Anyway…thanks again for your time and good luck on your next adventure.
Mark: My pleasure.
GA: Hi, Mark…we finally meet.
Mark: We do.
GA: Wow. Your handshake is electric.
Mark: Don’t get carried away already.
GA: Sorry. Uh, where was I?
Mark: (Laughs) You said hello.
GA: Yes. Right. (Sniffing the air) Is that the famous cologne?
Mark: I assume that’s what you’re smelling. (He sniffs)
GA: (Leaning closer) Holy cow. If that’s not the cologne I want whatever it is in a bottle.
Mark: Did you actually have something to ask me? Or did you just come to sniff me?
GA: I came to sniff you. Kidding. Um. Sorry. Yes, let me ask you some questions. What’s the deal with the accent? Is it really British or what?
Mark: Really British? I lived there for pity’s sake. I know how they talk. All this chatter about how I speak. Such rubbish.
GA: I hear it now. Does it come out more when you’re mad?
Mark: So I’ve been told. I can’t tell the bloody difference, but I’m reminded constantly.
GA: Okay…Some of your fans wished you’d married Jack Larsen instead of Steve Miller.
Mark: I did marry Jack, and Adam, and Steve. Shh, don’t write that down.
GA: Too late. No, I mean, lived with Jack. Chose Jack.
Mark: Jack’s had enough of me. Really. I think if we were together as a couple I would drive him mad. And not in a good way.
GA: But Steve and Alex, your son, they seem to always be in trouble.
Mark: Jack would be worse. I assure you. Steven has more willpower when it comes to Alexander. He didn’t lust after me at eighteen like Jackie did.
GA: Uh…
Mark: Yes? (Laughs shyly)
GA: Sorry, lost myself on the color of your eyes. They’re really green. Um…oh. Are you going to go to London with Steve and Alex some day?
Mark: That is the plan. Though now that Alexander is in school and working, I don’t know when he’ll have the spare time.
GA: Will you ever get tired of modeling?
Mark: The question should be, will the agency ever tire of me. The answer to that is yes.
GA: That ain’t gonna happen.
Mark: Now you sound like Steve.
GA: I wish I were Steve, believe me.
Mark: But you both worked as police officers.
GA: Uh, no, that’s not why. Never mind.
Mark: Get your mind out of the gutter, Ms. Hauser.
GA: Sitting next to you on a couch? Not possible.
Mark: (Smiles) Anymore questions?
GA: Tons. But I do have to ask you if you’ll ever write an autobiography.
Mark: No. Why? Who would want to know about my horrible childhood?
GA: Everyone? Look, there are a lot of other people who went through rough times. Maybe knowing the details of your life would not only be interesting, but would help others.
Mark: I’ll give it some thought. But to be honest, I’m a bore.
GA: Sure you are. What’s your next project? Anything new? More guest appearances on television?
Mark: I did get roped into another spot on Forever Young. I have no doubt I’ll live to regret it.
GA: Love that show.
Mark: Yes, so do I.
GA: You need to do another three-way scene with Keith O’Leary and Carl Bronson.
Mark: Ms. Hauser?
GA: Yes, Mark?
Mark: You do realize you have your hand on my thigh.
GA: Oh! Sorry. Man, is it hot in here? (Fanning myself with my pad)
Mark: (Smiles sweetly) I heard about you. (Wags his finger) Naughty, naughty.
GA: (Cleared my throat) Right. Well, how about we end this now before I really do something I’ll regret. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview for your fans.
Mark: My pleasure. Anytime you would like to chat, feel free to call. (Stands up)
GA: Holy crap.
Mark: My eyes are up here, love.
GA: Sorry. I’ve really embarrassed myself today. I guess I didn’t really believe all the hype…until now.
Mark: I’m flattered. Really.
GA: Think about that autobiography.
Mark: I will do. If I can’t do a complete autobiography, I’d love to sit and talk about anything you fancy.
GA: Wow. That’s an offer I can’t refuse. I will take you up on that. (I shake his hand) I don’t want to let go.
Mark: Are you sure you’re not related to my Steven? (Laughs)
GA: I’m not sure of anything. My blood left my brain the minute I walked into this room. Anyway…thanks again for your time and good luck on your next adventure.
Mark: My pleasure.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Where have all our heroes gone?
When I was a kid, (I know, it sounds like everyone's old man) No, but seriously, when I was a kid we looked up to people. There were men and women out there who did amazing things. Some for mankind, some for civil rights, others for the arts...
Now? Politicians are nightmarish parodies of themselves, ranting, fighting, making the masses angry and violent, sports stars are disgraced and create role models for criminals and cheaters, movie stars go into rehab like it's the corner store...
WTF?
Where are our heroes? What happened to the stand-outs of society that we could watch in awe and say, "I want to do that!"
Our new goal appears to be getting on a reality program, being the one to lose the most weight when we are obese, eating worms for prizes. Or some shows have people over-indulging and being applauded to keep consuming vile amounts of fatty food.
When did I go to sleep and wake up here?
We teach our children to depend on video games as friends, lose contact with people because the text is so much better than the phone or being face to face...
Where did we go wrong? Do I have a hero? If I did, wouldn't I end up naming someone from the 50's? 60's? Oh, Lord not the 70's!
How about 2010? Anyone you'd like to worship? Any pop-idol-dance-star-fallen-celeb? Ewww! God help us!
Anyone who knows me well, knows I do get on a soapbox about certain issues. I can't help it. It's the fire in my gut. But along with our loss of heroes, is our loss of civility. Again, I'll ask, where have all the nice people gone? Have they left with our generation of heroes? What happened to "Thank-you" "You're Welcome" "Please" "Can I help you?"
I'm not talking supermarket employees here. I mean you and me. PEOPLE in general. We cut each other off in our cars, flip the bird when we're mad, curse, are rude.
Am I really getting old? Is this what happens when you reach a certain age? You think the world has become mean and lost?
Someone, please...tell me of a modern day hero. I can't think of one who has given back to life, society, the world, and had meaning. I'm not saying all is lost, woe is me. I just want to find stand-out people who are doing something wonderful. I want my eyes to shine again with that glint of glorious hope.
I don't know about you, but I can't watch the news. Some of the pundits on the 24 hr news channels are trying to destroy common decency. They're mad as a hatter, yet continue to spew their garbage. I think it's time for a hero.
Superman? Batman? Anyone? Hello?
.................?????
Oh well. No answer.
I guess we really don't have heroes anymore.
Maybe we should be heroes ourselves. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we be nice for a day? Give it a try. Let me know how it goes.
Now? Politicians are nightmarish parodies of themselves, ranting, fighting, making the masses angry and violent, sports stars are disgraced and create role models for criminals and cheaters, movie stars go into rehab like it's the corner store...
WTF?
Where are our heroes? What happened to the stand-outs of society that we could watch in awe and say, "I want to do that!"
Our new goal appears to be getting on a reality program, being the one to lose the most weight when we are obese, eating worms for prizes. Or some shows have people over-indulging and being applauded to keep consuming vile amounts of fatty food.
When did I go to sleep and wake up here?
We teach our children to depend on video games as friends, lose contact with people because the text is so much better than the phone or being face to face...
Where did we go wrong? Do I have a hero? If I did, wouldn't I end up naming someone from the 50's? 60's? Oh, Lord not the 70's!
How about 2010? Anyone you'd like to worship? Any pop-idol-dance-star-fallen-celeb? Ewww! God help us!
Anyone who knows me well, knows I do get on a soapbox about certain issues. I can't help it. It's the fire in my gut. But along with our loss of heroes, is our loss of civility. Again, I'll ask, where have all the nice people gone? Have they left with our generation of heroes? What happened to "Thank-you" "You're Welcome" "Please" "Can I help you?"
I'm not talking supermarket employees here. I mean you and me. PEOPLE in general. We cut each other off in our cars, flip the bird when we're mad, curse, are rude.
Am I really getting old? Is this what happens when you reach a certain age? You think the world has become mean and lost?
Someone, please...tell me of a modern day hero. I can't think of one who has given back to life, society, the world, and had meaning. I'm not saying all is lost, woe is me. I just want to find stand-out people who are doing something wonderful. I want my eyes to shine again with that glint of glorious hope.
I don't know about you, but I can't watch the news. Some of the pundits on the 24 hr news channels are trying to destroy common decency. They're mad as a hatter, yet continue to spew their garbage. I think it's time for a hero.
Superman? Batman? Anyone? Hello?
.................?????
Oh well. No answer.
I guess we really don't have heroes anymore.
Maybe we should be heroes ourselves. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we be nice for a day? Give it a try. Let me know how it goes.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Why ask Why? The Double Standard of Censorship
Why Ask Why? The Double Standard of Censorship
It occurred to me while watching a rented Almodovar video, Bad Education, that censorship in this country is all screwed up. There I was, watching a video/DVD of a film, not on television, and two of the scenes were fuzzed out. Blurred! Both scenes were depicting one man giving head to the other. I was speechless. Curiosity got the best of me, so, I purchased this film ‘uncut’ from Amazon. I watched it once more. The scenes that were censored did not show a male organ in a man’s mouth. They showed a head of hair, bobbing up and down. No visual sexuality was even portrayed to begin with.
Again, it got me thinking.
Why?
Why did they blur a rented video of two scenes that didn’t show anything but a head of hair?
Lately on the non-pay cable television channels, they are playing movies, during the day, mind you, not after ten pm, of horror films. I’m not talking about Hitchcock here, I’m talking slasher/bloody/violent films, that never should be aired on regular television at all. I hate to endorse them by name but will to prove my point. Movies like Saw, for which I have no clue why they even make money or draw so many viewers.
Advertisements flood my television, more now than I have ever seen in my life. Some channels, every four or five minutes of show is interrupted by four or five minutes of commercials, but that’s for another debate. The movies I was being bombarded with make me cringe. Sorority Row? Showing young girls being tortured and murdered? And of course wonderfully child-friendly-wholesome Saw IV shows a severed head in a scale on the video cover. Let’s not forget the Hostel series. (Yes, series! Loads of them!) Young women hanging upside down naked and gagged on conveyer belts headed to slaughter. Need I go on?
Seth Rogen appeared on Jay Leno’s show to promote his new film at the time, Zack and Miri Make a Porno. His stick-figure promotion billboard was banned in Utah, yet they showed the Saw promo with an old man’s face peeled off and used as a mask on another person.
Am I the only one who thinks something is seriously wrong here?
I can’t buy, beg, borrow or steal a video, (other than real porn) that shows a man full frontally nude for more than a split second, if at all. When two men kiss on TV they either cut it or rant and rave with picket signs at the studio. I heard Brokeback Mountain was cut so much in Italy it was virtually lost in translation.
Which brings me to the censors themselves. Who are they? Are they the religious right? Conservative republicans? Closet homophobes? What message are they sending to young people? No. Change that. What message are they sending to ALL people?
I’ll tell you what message! Murder and rape young women, eviscerate, behead, skin alive, torture in any way you desire to give perverted sociopaths the biggest hard-on, and for GOD’S SAKE DON’T MAKE PEOPLE GAY!
Gay Love is banned. BANNED. Same sex couples on television are portrayed either as sterile, a-sexual, or comic parody stereo-types, that quite frankly make me ill. What’s happened to our freedom of speech, our sexual rights when it comes to representing physical love between healthy consensual adults? Where has it gone?
Are we surprised when we dig up women’s bodies in a house that homed a sex offender? We promote that behavior. We encourage it. In an interview, infamous murderer Ted Bundy revealed how much he loved those sex/gore/torture films of young women. My! Aren’t we making Ted Bundy happy in hell? We are encouraging the connection between sexual gratification and extreme violence.
Why?
Why are we allowing uncensored gore, and censored love? I’ll never stop asking that question.
Every day men and women are denied sexual freedom to love, marry, and enjoy a life together without persecution, while sexual predators are not locked up permanently because THEY have rights. I will ask it every day. Why? Do we value sexual deviants’ rights more than GLBT rights? It seems so. Yes. At least on the big screen, big money issues.
Perhaps there is a place for gory horror films. (In my opinion, the trash) but there is a mega-market, which begs the question yet again, why? Who are these gore-fest addicts, but that’s for a shrink to figure out, not I.
What I want to know is, why I can’t see men having sex together on film in a gay romance movie? Why is my rented video blurred out? Why when two men kiss is it a scandal? (or two women, for that matter.)
I’ll tell you why. The people making the decisions have a warped sense of right and wrong. And there seems to be no way to stop them.
I’m trying. One book at a time. But I cannot fix the severely ignorant; The censors who place violence above all for money. No GA Hauser romance novel will ever correct that nightmare.
After seeing those horror scenes in reality in my career as a police officer, I can only wish you all peace and love in your lifetime and may none of the events promoted and encouraged in the above horrific films ever happen to you or the ones you love.
--GA Hauser
(this blog was originally posted on Book Wenches Dec 2009)
It occurred to me while watching a rented Almodovar video, Bad Education, that censorship in this country is all screwed up. There I was, watching a video/DVD of a film, not on television, and two of the scenes were fuzzed out. Blurred! Both scenes were depicting one man giving head to the other. I was speechless. Curiosity got the best of me, so, I purchased this film ‘uncut’ from Amazon. I watched it once more. The scenes that were censored did not show a male organ in a man’s mouth. They showed a head of hair, bobbing up and down. No visual sexuality was even portrayed to begin with.
Again, it got me thinking.
Why?
Why did they blur a rented video of two scenes that didn’t show anything but a head of hair?
Lately on the non-pay cable television channels, they are playing movies, during the day, mind you, not after ten pm, of horror films. I’m not talking about Hitchcock here, I’m talking slasher/bloody/violent films, that never should be aired on regular television at all. I hate to endorse them by name but will to prove my point. Movies like Saw, for which I have no clue why they even make money or draw so many viewers.
Advertisements flood my television, more now than I have ever seen in my life. Some channels, every four or five minutes of show is interrupted by four or five minutes of commercials, but that’s for another debate. The movies I was being bombarded with make me cringe. Sorority Row? Showing young girls being tortured and murdered? And of course wonderfully child-friendly-wholesome Saw IV shows a severed head in a scale on the video cover. Let’s not forget the Hostel series. (Yes, series! Loads of them!) Young women hanging upside down naked and gagged on conveyer belts headed to slaughter. Need I go on?
Seth Rogen appeared on Jay Leno’s show to promote his new film at the time, Zack and Miri Make a Porno. His stick-figure promotion billboard was banned in Utah, yet they showed the Saw promo with an old man’s face peeled off and used as a mask on another person.
Am I the only one who thinks something is seriously wrong here?
I can’t buy, beg, borrow or steal a video, (other than real porn) that shows a man full frontally nude for more than a split second, if at all. When two men kiss on TV they either cut it or rant and rave with picket signs at the studio. I heard Brokeback Mountain was cut so much in Italy it was virtually lost in translation.
Which brings me to the censors themselves. Who are they? Are they the religious right? Conservative republicans? Closet homophobes? What message are they sending to young people? No. Change that. What message are they sending to ALL people?
I’ll tell you what message! Murder and rape young women, eviscerate, behead, skin alive, torture in any way you desire to give perverted sociopaths the biggest hard-on, and for GOD’S SAKE DON’T MAKE PEOPLE GAY!
Gay Love is banned. BANNED. Same sex couples on television are portrayed either as sterile, a-sexual, or comic parody stereo-types, that quite frankly make me ill. What’s happened to our freedom of speech, our sexual rights when it comes to representing physical love between healthy consensual adults? Where has it gone?
Are we surprised when we dig up women’s bodies in a house that homed a sex offender? We promote that behavior. We encourage it. In an interview, infamous murderer Ted Bundy revealed how much he loved those sex/gore/torture films of young women. My! Aren’t we making Ted Bundy happy in hell? We are encouraging the connection between sexual gratification and extreme violence.
Why?
Why are we allowing uncensored gore, and censored love? I’ll never stop asking that question.
Every day men and women are denied sexual freedom to love, marry, and enjoy a life together without persecution, while sexual predators are not locked up permanently because THEY have rights. I will ask it every day. Why? Do we value sexual deviants’ rights more than GLBT rights? It seems so. Yes. At least on the big screen, big money issues.
Perhaps there is a place for gory horror films. (In my opinion, the trash) but there is a mega-market, which begs the question yet again, why? Who are these gore-fest addicts, but that’s for a shrink to figure out, not I.
What I want to know is, why I can’t see men having sex together on film in a gay romance movie? Why is my rented video blurred out? Why when two men kiss is it a scandal? (or two women, for that matter.)
I’ll tell you why. The people making the decisions have a warped sense of right and wrong. And there seems to be no way to stop them.
I’m trying. One book at a time. But I cannot fix the severely ignorant; The censors who place violence above all for money. No GA Hauser romance novel will ever correct that nightmare.
After seeing those horror scenes in reality in my career as a police officer, I can only wish you all peace and love in your lifetime and may none of the events promoted and encouraged in the above horrific films ever happen to you or the ones you love.
--GA Hauser
(this blog was originally posted on Book Wenches Dec 2009)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wars: life's a battleground
I guess through experience you learn that life consists of a series of trials by fire. Perhaps it begins at childbirth while your mom screams bloody murder and you're born crying. Too deep? Perhaps.
But I sometimes believe some of us are born warriors, while others choose to sit and watch, be trampled underfoot or observe other's battle. I have no idea what drives each of us to this crusade, but, some of us are always on the front lines.
Look around. Not everyone can be a cop, fire-fighter, soldier, bodyguard, or work in a jail or emergency room. Most don't.
Life gives each of us challenges, and no matter whom you talk to you'll hear their story of how they have fought an illness, a court dispute, or even a neighborhood property line argument. We are all on the front lines, some more than others. I have also learned through experience that you should only put your efforts into battle when;, and listen closely- When You Are Right.
I'm not taking any moral high ground, here, but, fight when you're right. I believe when someone is 'wronged' and everything points to the obvious villain, give it all you've got.
Yet if you don't choose your battles wisely, you will exhaust yourself and do nothing else.
But if you have been delivered an illegal hit--- Get your armor on. Grab your weapon and stand and deliver.
Maybe it's the Capricorn in me, I don't know. But I am never afraid of a good fight- If I Am Right. I know when I am not right. Beginning a war against someone because of ego, spite, hatred, intolerance, or just plain stupidity, does not make it right. Think carefully about what you are doing when you run over someone and ask yourself, was that a smart, thoughtful thing to do to that person? Did I pick on them for my own selfish gain or ego?
If you have, I'll warn you. Don't start that battle, you will lose.
But--- if you are in the right, you have been trampled heedlessly, treated less than human or without respect to your rights and liberties. FIGHT. Let me tell you from experience from someone who has been on the front lines. If you set up for the tackle, you can win. Hold tight to your pride, your self-respect, and hit the bastards where they deserve it.
Battles are won and lost every day in this life. And each of us pursues our personal demons. But never allow someone to mistreat you and gloat. Turn the other cheek if you can, but if you are wronged, fight, baby, fight. You will win. Take it from me, the re-incarnated soldier. (destiny? Who knows.)But if you need an ally, you got me right by your side.
But I sometimes believe some of us are born warriors, while others choose to sit and watch, be trampled underfoot or observe other's battle. I have no idea what drives each of us to this crusade, but, some of us are always on the front lines.
Look around. Not everyone can be a cop, fire-fighter, soldier, bodyguard, or work in a jail or emergency room. Most don't.
Life gives each of us challenges, and no matter whom you talk to you'll hear their story of how they have fought an illness, a court dispute, or even a neighborhood property line argument. We are all on the front lines, some more than others. I have also learned through experience that you should only put your efforts into battle when;, and listen closely- When You Are Right.
I'm not taking any moral high ground, here, but, fight when you're right. I believe when someone is 'wronged' and everything points to the obvious villain, give it all you've got.
Yet if you don't choose your battles wisely, you will exhaust yourself and do nothing else.
But if you have been delivered an illegal hit--- Get your armor on. Grab your weapon and stand and deliver.
Maybe it's the Capricorn in me, I don't know. But I am never afraid of a good fight- If I Am Right. I know when I am not right. Beginning a war against someone because of ego, spite, hatred, intolerance, or just plain stupidity, does not make it right. Think carefully about what you are doing when you run over someone and ask yourself, was that a smart, thoughtful thing to do to that person? Did I pick on them for my own selfish gain or ego?
If you have, I'll warn you. Don't start that battle, you will lose.
But--- if you are in the right, you have been trampled heedlessly, treated less than human or without respect to your rights and liberties. FIGHT. Let me tell you from experience from someone who has been on the front lines. If you set up for the tackle, you can win. Hold tight to your pride, your self-respect, and hit the bastards where they deserve it.
Battles are won and lost every day in this life. And each of us pursues our personal demons. But never allow someone to mistreat you and gloat. Turn the other cheek if you can, but if you are wronged, fight, baby, fight. You will win. Take it from me, the re-incarnated soldier. (destiny? Who knows.)But if you need an ally, you got me right by your side.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Game of Blame
I suppose since I was a police officer, I could honestly say, "I've seen it all." I've seen drug addicts blame each other for their heroin habits, poor drivers blame one another for an accident, husbands and wives blame each other for a domestic battle, and cop shooters blame the cop for asking to be shot.
When did we forget to say, "I made a mistake, I did it." Or, "I'm sorry." The finger pointing has gotten so out of hand, its global. Republicans blame the state of the country on democrats, and visa versa, one country accuses the other of environmental damage, it goes on and on.
Let me tell you something you may not know. We -WE- are responsible for our actions. No, your over-bearing mother did not make you a wife-beater, YOU- are a wife-beater. And for, of course, the ebook stealers, (you know I can't forget them) watching them justify their behavior as the author's fault or the website's fault or...well, it was free so I took it's fault, is laughable. I'm sorry, people! You did it! You stole it, you broke it, you over-indulged, you behave the way you do because of YOU!
How many times do we see someone stand up and admit they were wrong? Only a few stars who are shamed or into the publicity? Is that it?
What about on a personal level? Who says, "I did it. I was wrong. I'm sorry?" It's as if we can't handle the blame any longer. I'm sorry. Let me tell you all. I'm sorry to tell you If you steal, you are a thief. If you kill, you are a murderer. Simple as that.
Here in Ohio a cop processed a driver for being over the alcohol limit. That cop later was ambushed by the drunk. He was shot. Luckily he survived. What did the drunk do? He blamed the cop for catching him? for processing him for drunk driving? I'm sorry to tell you, the drunk was shot and killed. Sorry to tell you, he's dead.
No. To be honest. I'm not sorry. Those who do illegal things and blame others, then get punished? I blame them. Sorry.
When did we forget to say, "I made a mistake, I did it." Or, "I'm sorry." The finger pointing has gotten so out of hand, its global. Republicans blame the state of the country on democrats, and visa versa, one country accuses the other of environmental damage, it goes on and on.
Let me tell you something you may not know. We -WE- are responsible for our actions. No, your over-bearing mother did not make you a wife-beater, YOU- are a wife-beater. And for, of course, the ebook stealers, (you know I can't forget them) watching them justify their behavior as the author's fault or the website's fault or...well, it was free so I took it's fault, is laughable. I'm sorry, people! You did it! You stole it, you broke it, you over-indulged, you behave the way you do because of YOU!
How many times do we see someone stand up and admit they were wrong? Only a few stars who are shamed or into the publicity? Is that it?
What about on a personal level? Who says, "I did it. I was wrong. I'm sorry?" It's as if we can't handle the blame any longer. I'm sorry. Let me tell you all. I'm sorry to tell you If you steal, you are a thief. If you kill, you are a murderer. Simple as that.
Here in Ohio a cop processed a driver for being over the alcohol limit. That cop later was ambushed by the drunk. He was shot. Luckily he survived. What did the drunk do? He blamed the cop for catching him? for processing him for drunk driving? I'm sorry to tell you, the drunk was shot and killed. Sorry to tell you, he's dead.
No. To be honest. I'm not sorry. Those who do illegal things and blame others, then get punished? I blame them. Sorry.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Pirate sites
Pirate sites have long been the bane of any writer's existence, but the number of illegal downloads cropping up has become epic. And not EPIC in a good electronic publication way. Though ebooks are the wave of the future, the theft of them and the lack of prosecution and jurisdiction has made the battle uphill. Authors rely on the goodness of humans to buy, not steal their novels. And at 1.00-5.00 a book, come on, people? Really? Can't buy a book for a buck?
Sad but true. And though the problem is widespread, it's the same morons who upload the novels once they have been taken down, through a long process of notices and hoops. Why do these people do it? Getting their jollies? Power tripping? or just the rush of a freebie to share? I have no clue. But being an ex-cop, I have never understood the sense of stealing what does not belong to you. Perhaps it's just a value of a normal person, and the abnormal ones don't get it.
But I ask any reader of ebooks to respect your beloved authors and discourage, name and shame, and do not support the illegal sites. In fact, help get rid of them. Join groups to delete their nasty existence from our planet.
Sad but true. And though the problem is widespread, it's the same morons who upload the novels once they have been taken down, through a long process of notices and hoops. Why do these people do it? Getting their jollies? Power tripping? or just the rush of a freebie to share? I have no clue. But being an ex-cop, I have never understood the sense of stealing what does not belong to you. Perhaps it's just a value of a normal person, and the abnormal ones don't get it.
But I ask any reader of ebooks to respect your beloved authors and discourage, name and shame, and do not support the illegal sites. In fact, help get rid of them. Join groups to delete their nasty existence from our planet.
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