WYEP’s Sauter on Shocked comments

I asked Mike Sauter, music director and midday on-air host at WYEP (91.3), what he thought of reports that folk singer-songwriter Michelle Shocked verbally attacked gay people during a concert in San Francisco. Have station staff members discussed the incident? “We’ve been definitely talking about the situation at the station. Shocked’s behavior is very odd, […]

“Madama Butterfly” – Cultural Lessons on Respect for Women

**SPOILERS** Last night, Ledcat and I were guests of the Pittsburgh Opera for the performance of  Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” Congrats to Tiffany who won the two tickets (and brought her friend Becky along.) Cio-Cio San’s open heart and trusting nature are the reasons that Pinkerton should love her, and the reasons that we weep at […]

Shell-shocked

Were you making a joke—saying something ironically—that flopped? Was it a cry for attention? Or were you simply making a heartfelt expression of pure nastiness? Just what were you trying to do, Michelle Shocked? Shocked is a feminist folk-singer whose songs champion strong, independent women. “Anchorage,” the break-out single from her 1988 album “Short Sharp […]

The Week in LGBTQA – March 17, 2013

St. Patrick’s Day edition. First, let me wish my younger brother Jim a happy birthday. He’s 41 – 17 months younger than me. In my head he’s still 8. LOL.  One of most significant stories this past week involved a conversation about how we prevent rape. Gun proponents argue that women need guns to shoot […]

Jen Tyrrell Talks Boy Scouts Survey on HuffPost Live

Our friend and contributing blogger Jennifer Tyrrell joined HuffPost Live this week to discuss the decision of the Boy Scouts to survey their members about lifting the ban on LGBTQ scouts and leaders. She’s concerned that the questions are leading and also makes a very good point that the survey response are tied to people’s […]

Read Along With “Little Women” During March – I’m In!

What could bring more cheer on the eve of a blizzard (ahem) than an invitation to re-read “Little Women” – nothing! The blog Fizzy Thoughts is inviting everyone to read along. Fun. You can join in the #MarmeeOn (get it?) What’s your favorite part of Little Women?

Losing my religion: Part 4

(Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) When I left the Roman Catholic church, I felt lost. I knew I wasn’t a fundamentalist Christian. I have friends who have become Buddhists, and while I admire them, it wasn’t for me. I heard an interview with Rainn Wilson, who plays Dwight Schrute on “The Office,” and who’s […]

Social Media Infuses Jane Austen With New Life

As if you need a reason to reread “Pride and Prejudice” – if you do though, “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” on YouTube is that reason. A episodic chapter homage to all things Austen, LBD chronicles the life of 24 year old communications grad student Lizzie Bennet and her family living in contemporary California. The chronicles […]

Argo and Lincoln – Must See Movies

So Argo took Best Picture and Lincoln took Best Actor. Neither won for director. That’s done so now I can discuss my opinions free of Oscar speculation.  These are two of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time, not just this year. The acting was top notch – the ensemble casts and supporting […]

Letter to the Editor: Gays Fit to Lead

Another neighbor weighs in on the issue of equality in the Boy Scouts of America. My three sons and I have been actively involved in Boy Scouting for over 12 years. My eldest son is an Eagle Scout. Scouting has been an incredible experience for my sons, helping them to develop unparalleled leadership skills, a […]