We Are Represented!

"While we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. It's about whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect."

Barack Obama, June 1, 2007

I came across this quote today, and I thought you'd like to see it. I hope you guys have a great Saturday. The weather reports promise warmer than usual temperatures in Philadelphia this afternoon. I hope they're right!

Love, Josh

Where Were You When....?

Happy Day, Bloggy Friends!

I have been waiting for this day for years now. This afternoon, when Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African-American President, I breathed a sigh of joy as long as the National Mall itself. After one of the longest election processes in history, we have finally arrived at a place of finality. Wow. Wow. Wow. The magnitude of this moment is too large to describe with words. Just think of how far we have come as a nation. Just think of how powerful that moment must have felt to Barack Obama, Michelle, and particularly those in attendance who remember the days when African-Americans weren't allowed on the steps of the Capitol - unless they were to clean it. Wow. Wow. Wow. This is a day I have been dreaming of since I was a child. I used to read books about John F. Kennedy's "Camelot Years," and walk away with the sense that those days passed as quickly as the bullet from Oswald's rifle - but they are back. Hope. Inspiration. Progress. We have arrived once again. We have another chance. Yes! Yes! Yes!

One day those who were not around to witness these events will ask, "where were you when Obama took office?" What will your answer be? Were you blessed enough to be there in person? We didn't make the trip to Washington D.C., but we were blessed enough to be able to spend it together. Alan decided to take a "work from home" day, which he totally utilized in case anyone from GSK is watching! We sat on our comfy couch and watched the whole ceremony from start to finish - in HD! It was beautiful. The sun was shining so brightly. It was the perfect day for such an monumental occasion. I can't even begin to describe the amount of pride I felt growing inside me once again for our nation. Over the past few years there were moments when I doubted our collective decision making ability, but I tell you what, America has been redeemed! We have taken such a terrific step forward. Congratulations America, Congratulations!

I hope you all have a wonderful night. Let what we have seen today be a reminder that we can all do whatever we set our minds to. We are magnificent beings who have the abilities to create anything we set our minds to. We have infinite potential. Yes We Can! Yes We Can! Yes We Can!

I'll chat with you soon.

Love, Josh

P.S. The pictures I've shared today are images of what things looked like in our household during the Inauguration. Feel free to share your stories as well!

A Dream Come True.

Happy MLK Day, Bloggy Friends!

I hope you're having a good one. I'm cherishing this day for several reasons. Not only is it the eve of a major historic occasion, but it's also my very last day of winter vacation. Tomorrow I hit the books again! I think it will be a rewarding semester. I'm looking forward to all the new things I'm going to learn.

I am so excited for the inauguration tomorrow. Thankfully, the class that meets during the actual swearing-in decided to cancel. I'll be able to run home to watch his speech before jetting back to campus for my final two classes. It's going to be a lot of hassle, but I wouldn't miss it for the world! It will be such a monumental day in our nation's history. This is the type of progress I live for. I wasn't around when Martin Luther King was preaching out for Civil Rights in the 1960's, but I am proud to say that I am here to see his dream come true. Tomorrow it's happening in a major way. Yes we can!

I know Washington D.C. is seeing a surge in activity right now. Bill and Gary, have you guys noticed a change in the city over the last few days? More traffic? People on the street? An excitement in the air? All eyes are on you guys right now!

Before I leave I want to share with you another video from the wonderfully creative mind of Mr. Bill Fogle. He has made the first part in a video series chronicling gay man's obsession with the past. In the first segment, entitled "High Heels," he talks about his own obsession with the swing era of the 1940's and 50's. It's an interesting topic. Sometimes I find myself fantasizing about what life would have been like in the past, particularly the 1960's. I love the style of that era - the music, the fashion, the colorful, futuristic home decor. It seems like it would have been such an exciting time to be alive.

I hope you all have a great day. I'll chat with you soon!

Love, Josh

Secretary of State?

Hey, Bloggy Friends!


Word on the street is that Hillary is being considered for the role of Secretary of State in Obama's cabinet. This highest-ranking, cabinet position would be a major leadership appointment for her. In this position she would be placed in the forefront of major, foreign policy decisions and she would still be able to answer that phone call at 3 a.m! I think she would be an excellent choice. CNN reported this morning that the decision may be made at some point today. I'm so excited! I would love to see Hillary in any position that suited her, and brought her more into the spotlight. I believe she would be a major asset to our newly hopeful nation. Yes!

I hope you guys have a great day. I am now at the other end of a ferociously busy week. I must say I accomplished it successfully. I am so ready for the weekend, though. Bring it on!

Have a great day, Bloggy Friends. I'll chat with you soon.

Love, Josh

Our New First Lady.

Hey, Bloggy Friends!


Who's excited about our beautiful, new First Lady? I am so anxious to follow her career over the next four (eight?) years. Like most First Ladies, she will work to further a cause most dear to her heart. People magazine reports this to be helping working women and families, particularly military families. It will be so exciting to see a young family move into the White House. I feel like I've stumbled upon a dream come true.

Now if we can only squash that Prop 8 in California. What was that all about?!? After Obama's election on Tuesday night, I was all set to have my cake and eat it too, only to find my fork had been jerked away. Let's hope we can make some waves in the coming weeks with a filabuster proof house/senate, and turn these ridiculous bans into cans!

I just wanted to drop by to wish you a joyful weekend. We have plans to take it pretty easy, but you never know what may come along. We need to get some more housework finished. School/Work has been keeping us so busy lately, that we can barely find time to hang pictures or place doo-dads in the new apartment. We're in no rush, but the more we do, the more it feels like home. I promise to have some pictures/video in the coming weeks. I want to make sure everything's nice before I have company over!

Have a great weekend. I'll chat with you soon.

Love, Josh

P.S. Speaking of marriage and young families, my friend from high school, Nikki, got married a few weeks ago in Gatlinburg. She is one of the most hilarious people I have ever known, and a great, great friend. She posted a video of the "Hillbilly Wedding" on Facebook today. You can check it out HERE if you are so inclined. I think it may be one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Enjoy!

Yes We Can!

Wow. I can't begin to put into words the joy I feel tonight. As I watched President-elect, Barack Obama, give his acceptance speech from Chicago, a flood of emotions overtook me that are indescribable. From that stage he said things I have always yearned to hear a leader say. He spoke to all of us - gay, straight, young, old, white, black, yellow, red, green - we all matter! I am filled with an incredible, new-found sense of hope. This is our moment. Wow. Wow. Wow.

This is the first election I have voted in that has went my way. I was too young to vote for Clinton in '96, I voted for Gore in 2000, and Kerry in '04. We all know how those turned out! Now I know how good it feels to vote for someone who makes it. Yes! As I watched the excitement of the crowd in Chicago, and other places around the world, I felt a sense of togetherness I have never experienced with my fellow citizens. It was so neat to see people this excited about our next President. This night is so important in so many ways.

The streets of Philadelphia are flooded with happy citizens. They are screaming, blowing their horns and running on the sidewalks. What an exciting night. Congratulations, Bloggy Friends. We did it! We are all so blessed to be a part of this monumental event in history. President Obama will have a lot on his plate when he takes office in January, but I really believe we have a lot to look forward to. Yes we can! Yes we did! Yes! Yes! Yes!

I love you all!

Josh

VOTE!

Hey, Bloggy Voter Friends!


I did it! I just walked into the voting booth and cast my vote in the most historic election in the history of our nation! I wasn't prepared for the flooding of emotions I felt when I walked behind the curtain. I love when emotions take me by surprise. To have the opportunity to vote for either an African-American President, or a female Vice-President nearly brought tears to my eyes. There was also a moment of sadness when I missed seeing Hillary's name on the ballot. Unfortunately, I didn't vote for a female this time around, but hopefully I'll get that opportunity one day soon.

I decided to go to the polls early with Alan, so I could avoid long lines. I literally rolled out of bed, threw on a jacket and hat, and stumbled down the street. To my surprise, there was no line. We literally just gave our names and walked inside our booths. Let's hope this ease of entry is an indication of the time, rather than the actual turnout. GoObama!

I hope the results come in at a reasonable hour tonight. I heard on the news that if Obama pulls out a win in Virginia, which is an earlier closing poll, he will probably have a victory on his hands. You can't always trust those pundits, but I'll be keeping my eye on Virginia for sure. Pennsylvania is turning out to be a major factor in this race. The polls show a pretty tight gap between the two candidates. If McCain pulls a win in Virginia, and Pennsylvania, it will be hard to stop him. It could be a nail-biter!

I'd love to hear about your experiences at the voting booths. How did you feel when you cast your ballot? Either way your button pushes you would have made history. Were there long lines? Did you cry a little? I'd love to hear how it went for you. It's an extremely important election, which has been a long time a-comin'!

Get out there and Rock the Vote!

Love you all,

Joshua Hussein OMiddleton

What, No Debate!?!

Hey, Bloggy Friends.

How are you guys tonight? Well, my blood is boiling. No, it's not because of the jalapenos I added to my dinner, but the shock felt after hearing that John McCain wants to postpone the upcoming debate!

I've listened to the pundits on the CNN say it's a "political strategy," and a "way to change the focus of the election," but I think John McCain has cold feet! That's right, cold feet. As I have followed this election over these past few months I have noted McCain's uneasiness when debates approach. First, he wanted to change the whole course of the debates by scheduling several, small, town hall meetings across America. Second, at the RNC he had the whole stage transformed in order to accommodate his comfort level before his acceptance speech. I think the guy has serious issues with public speaking. Maybe he doesn't feel as prepared as he should to get up and talk about the important issues facing America. Instead he wants to take cover in his Senate seat as we all wait patiently to hear him address us publicly on his capability to take command and change this country. I know he's participated in debates before, but never as a Presidential nominee. Maybe the pressure's getting to him, maybe he's not prepared, maybe he doubts his abilities compared to that of the eloquent Mr. Obama. I smell a cop-out, and it stinks - just like my jalapeno breath.

I think John McCain needs to take the stage Friday night and show us all why he thinks we should vote for him as President. I'm tired of him hiding behind his untactful commercials, "good political strategies" and influential supporters. I'm sick of his excuses about why Sarah Palin shouldn't talk to the media. It's time for this team to grow some balls and face their opponents in real time. We don't have time to delay for their personal comfort. We need a President who's ready to stand up at anytime and take care of business. Get on that stage John McCain. Get on that stage!

I hope you all have a great night.

Love, Josh

"Not The Party I Had Planned"

Hello.Hey, Bloggy Friends.


Today in an eloquent speech, at the National Building Museum in D.C., Hillary officially suspended her campaign and threw her unequivocal support to Senator Barack Obama. Throughout the course of the speech she graciously thanked her legion of supporters, and remarked upon the importance of the success she did achieve. Because of her we step into the future knowing women across the country can obtain anything they set their minds to. I'm so proud of what she has accomplished. I won't lie, I'm extremely disappointed in the final outcome. I invested a lot of time and emotion into the idea that Hillary would become our next president - I've even shed a few hundred tears in knowing that those hopes will not be actualized. I truly believed she would have made an amazing Commander in Chief and I will desperately miss being involved in the effort to put her there. I know that she will continue to fight, in an attempt to send this country in the direction of progress. I tip my afro wig to her today, and wish her the very best in her future political/life endeavors. I'm still holding on to the fact that she may join Obama's ticket as the VP, and who knows, we may still have a chance to call her Madam President one day!

Let's all say a little prayer for Hillary today, and take a moment to realize what an impact her involvement in this race will have on our country's future.

I love you all!

Josh

Making His/Herstory!

Hello.Hey, Bloggy Friends!


Well, the results from last nights primaries are in, and mirroring the outcomes of the rest of the primary season, both candidates split the final two elections. Hillary took South Dakota in a surprise win, and Obama won Montana. Obama, however, clinched the remaining delegates needed to grasp the nomination. I am somewhat disappointed that Hillary didn't take the top slot, but I am also so excited that we have reached a breakthrough in American history. I am filled with enthusiasm at the prospect of nominating our very first African-American president. It's about time!This was the closest race in primary history, and in my eyes there is no looser. My remaining hope for Hillary is that an invitation is extended to her to accept the VP position. Because of the insanely close results in the race, I feel it should be her position by default. That's just me, though. Together I think these two would make an unstoppable team. With the attention each candidate has garnered over the past several months, it will be hard for McSame to outshine them.

This is such an exciting day for all of us. This is history in the making, ya'll, and we are all here to witness it. Let's all get out there and do what we can to make sure we elect a democrat for president in November. We are well overdue for some positive change, and this is our opportunity to achieve it. I am officially announcing my support for Barack Obama. I hope that soon I will be able to add Hillary to that ticket!

Obama-Clinton '08, ya'll. Let's tear it up!!!

Love, Josh

Te Quiero Puerto Rico!

Hello.Hey, Bloggy Friends!


Hillary scored another huge victory in Puerto Rico yesterday! She took the primary by a whopping 36 points. Since Obama's winning spree in February, Hillary has been doing exceptionally well in the primaries. She continues to draw huge numbers, despite the universal feeling that she needs to throw in the towel (or pant suit). I'm proud of her for staying in the race. If it weren't for her decision to stick it out, these states (and territories) wouldn't have had a chance to share their voices in the decision making process. Because of the attention throw on Puerto Rico, we have been able to more prominently hear the issues that are facing them. At this point I think her involvement in the process has become much larger than merely trying to capture the nomination. She is a shining example for everyone out there who will do well to learn to stick things out when the going gets tough. You go, Girl. Who knows, things may turn around and shock our pants off in the upcoming week!I am wholeheartedly sticking to my theory that Hillary will be the very best candidate to beat that Republican guy in November. Her involvement, either as a candidate or supporter, will be a crucial component for victory in the fall's general election.

Montana and South Dakota will be the final states to head to the polls on Tuesday, June 3rd. Obama is expected to win both, but hopefully Hillary can narrow that lead a bit before the votes are cast. I'm anxious to see what the end result will be. This thing has been going on for a very long time. I'm anxious to see how the general election will play out. I hope the candidates have a window of time to catch up on some rest before they go head to head with the mean, nasty republicans!!

Have a great day, ya'll.

I love you!

Josh

In Political News: Thank You, Kentucky!

Hello.Hey, Bloggy Friends!


Yesterday the democratic Presidential primary was held in Kentucky. Hillary won it with a resounding thirty-five point victory! With only two weeks left in the primary race, Hillary is hanging on, saying she still sees a pathway to the nomination. As I said before, I'm hanging in as long as she does!

I think it really says something that, even after she has been practically counted out, she is still commanding serious turnout in all of the recent primaries. I'm still holding my breath for a dream ticket. I realize this is nearly as likely as Hillary winning the nomination, but a fellow can dream can't he? I believe together they would kick John McCain's hairy, white ass! That was vulgar!

In primaries held in Oregon, Obama took the lead with sixteen points. This was also an expected win for him. He has won many of Oregon's surrounding states and even the areas of California on the Oregon border. There are three more primaries to go before the process wraps up - Montana, Puerto Rico and South Dakota. I'm going to predict he will win Montana and South Dakota by a margin of at most 15. She will win Puerto Rico by the about the same. We'll see if I'm right!

I hope you're having a fantastic day. It is gorgeous in Philly. Galileo is doing great, he is such a little charmer. We started house training him yesterday. It wasn't the best day to start. It was raining out, so we were both miserable as we stood there waiting for him to "go potty." I've taken some puppy advice from a few friends, so we are going to hang in there and be patient with him. If any of you (Bloggy Friend Bill) have any house training suggestions, I'm all ears!

Have a great day.

Love, Josh

"Thank You, Indiana, Thank You!"

Hello.Hey, Bloggy Friends!


Well, the numbers from last nights primaries in Indiana and North Carolina are in, and they aren't quite as impressive as I hoped they would be. My girl, Hillary, did take the win in Indiana by a narrow margin. The Indiana primary was previously referred to as the tie-breaker, but I don't see that it actually breaks any ties. We are basically in the same boat we were in before - no decisive winner. Looking ahead, it doesn't seem like there will be much of a change when all the primaries are said and done. The two candidates will seemingly continue to flip-flop wins back and forth, and divide the delegates evenly within the states. I guess the superdelegates are going to be the deciding factor, and in that instance Hillary better have a pretty strong argument. I'm guessing she still feels pretty confident, given the fact that she has decided to stay in the race. I really want to see her win, but more than anything I'm becoming a little fatigued with the whole ordeal. I am really anxious for a winner to be decided so we can move on to the more important election in November. It will be enjoyable to see Kentucky in the spotlight in the coming weeks. They will hold their primary with Oregon on May 20th. But for now - onto West Virginia!

I hope you guys have a fantastic day. Yesterday and today have been designated as "study days," for us at Temple. I have been utilizing them to do just that - study and finish a few final projects. Tomorrow I take my second final in my Journalism class. Wish me luck! Do I sound like a broken record with all this school talk? Sorry! It'll all be over soon.

Love & Happiness on this beautiful, Wednesday afternoon!

Josh

Hillary Clinton '08!

Hello.Hey, Bloggy Friends!

I have spared you too many Hillary posts as of late, but today I'm going to momentarily break my silence! Tomorrow is the long awaited Pennsylvania primary that I have been looking forward to for months. As you can imagine we have been bombarded by rallies, commercials, flyers and anything else that has proven effective in getting the word out for the candidates. My stance for Hillary Clinton, however has stood it's ground. We have been given two exceptional candidates to choose from but I believe Hillary would do the best job in the White House. She will provide realistic hope for a whole country of people who are screaming for change. She comes with the experience that is needed in this day and time to help turn the country around - back to where it needs to be. The knowledge she has gained from prior experience will make her the best candidate to help fix the economy and to make educated, well devised strategies for leaving Iraq. The thing that impresses me most about Hillary is her ability to fight, uninhibitedly, for what she believes in. She has proven time and time again that she will not digress in her efforts to achieve the obstacles she has placed before her. She comes to the table with well-thought out plans to successfully accomplish the monstrous tasks that will await her in the Oval Office.

More than anything this blog is for the voters who will head to the ballots boxes in the coming months. If you are undecided, I ask you to consider the two candidates as if you were employing them for a job - and this job just so happens to be one of the greatest positions in the world. Wouldn't you want to employ the person who you know and trust - especially given the shape this country is presently in? There is no time to take chances on a candidate who has wonderful things to say, but few actual plans to get them done. I believe Hillary Clinton has the know-how to get things done and to make this country a stronger, more flourishing place to live.

To my Bloggy Friends who are not Hillary supporters - I love and support you in whatever decision you have made. This is just my opinion and I felt like expressing it today!

Have a great afternoon. Don't forget to vote. Get out there and make your voices heard! Tonight I am going to a final Hillary Clinton rally to see not only her - but Bill and Chelsea as well! I'll try to get some videos.

Love, Josh

Bloggy Friends: The Golden Sunday

Hey, Bloggy Friends! I hope you guys have had an awesome weekend. Ours was really low key for a change. We decided to make it a "save money" weekend by laying low.

Things are going great at school, as the weeks are slowly moving by. I don't really have a lot of homework, just a lot of reading as I told you before.

My friend NICOLE is coming out to visit us on Thursday, from San Francisco. She has been in a few of my videos, I'm sure you guys remember her. So, next weekend promises to be eventful as we show her around Philly and the surrounding areas. I'm excited for her to get here - I love having guests.

Last night Alan and I watched "Elizabeth: The Golden Age." This is the second movie starring Cate Blanchett that is about the extraordinary life of one of the greatest women in history, Queen Elizabeth I. She is one of my favorite characters of the past, so I enjoyed the movie immensely. If you are a fan of history you should totally check these movies out. The first one covered her coronation and growth as a young queen, while this one moved on into the "Golden Years" of her reign depicting her gallant victory in the Spanish Armada! I was floored by the vibrance of the cinematography and the costumes in this movie and of course Cate Blanchett's portrayal was flawless. She is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress at this years Oscar Ceremony! I'm really hoping they do another movie that chronicles the later years of Elizabeth's life - to make it a fabulously complete series!

I guess some of you know that Obama swept through the Saturday primaries and caucuses. It may seem like a huge blow to Hillary, but they were anticipating him to do well throughout the month of February. On Tuesday there will be primaries in D.C., Virginia and Maine. Do any of you living there care to share your thoughts on what you think may happen in your voting state? Bloggy Friend Bill??? :)


Tonight Alan and I are going to make a few new recipes we found over the past few weeks. One is a Zesty Mexican Soup with black beans, peppers, collard greens, onions, vegetable broth and a few of the spiciest of spices. I love spicy foods, so I can't wait. We are also going to make a Spirulina Guacamole dip that we found on Oprah.com! If you lived closer we'd invite all of you over to try some!

Have a great Sunday, Bloggy Friends. Let's get geared for a new week!

Love, Josh