Twittering

Living the Obama Rally

        Moments after 10 p.m., when the bell sounded indicating CNN was prepared to call another state, the people fell silent for just a brief instant, like the sliver of white line defining the horizon between the sea and the sky. In one fell swoop, Wolf Blitzer called California, Oregon, and Washington all solidly for Barack Obama, pushing his electoral college vote over the 270 he needed.
        The ground shook as the people exploding into cheers, tears, laughter, high-fives, strangers hugging strangers, and lovers embracing lovers. Thunderous ovation plundered.
        The jumbo-tron flashed to a live shot of Grant Park.
        Oprah was with the people.
        And Reverend Jessie Jackson stood silently somber, a lifetime of work come to fruition, tears running down his face. The people danced around him.
        A fallen war hero, Senetor John McCain appeared on the jumbo-tron.
        “My friends.” He hushed the people into silence as they watched and listened intently. He spoke of his admiration for Barack Obama, and his accomplishment not only as the first African-American to be elected to office, but as a man who persevered through the campaign while inspiring millions who felt they had no stake, or could make no difference.
        “I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.”

        The shadow of nearly eight years of fear, and terror, and war begin to melt away.
        “Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting the next First Family of the United States of America.”
        Michelle and Barack walked across the stage, a bounce in their step. Malia and Sasha ran forward. Their faces--the whole family--beamed of youth, energy, optimism, and hope.
        Obama approached the podium.
        “Change has come to America.”

        When Obama finished speaking, the people retreated back into the city. Spirits high, they yelled in the gullies of high rises, and danced on State Street. A mass of humanity from all walks of life, all backgrounds, all experiences, making its way through the city, high on hope. High on a common vision of optimism.
        The last time we felt that feeling was in 1996 on the streets of Atlanta during the Centennial Olympic Games.
        For a brief moment--an evening--we could feel how living in a diverse world is supposed to feel. Change is opportunity. Opportunity is challenge. Challenge makes us better people. Better people come together. Together, we can do it, yes we can.

More on the Obama Election Night Rally
        Tony’s Obama Rally Photoset
        Tim’s Obama Rally Photoset, Includes a few videos
        Tony’s Twitter Page
        Tim’s Twitter Page
        Chicagoist’s live-blogging report on the Obama Rally with Tim’s contributions
        Chicagoist’s Obama Rally Photo Galley I
        Chicagoist’s Obama Rally Photo Galley II
        Chicagoist’s Obama Rally Photo Galley III

Was that Tony on NBC?
        Yes, we bumped into Kevin Tibbles moments before he went live, and Tony jumped in the background. And the facial hair? Yeah, that’s new, too. Tim was busy snapping photos.

Special Thanks
        Special thanks to Jessica, a.k.a. Little Mary Sunshine, who was able to get us the tickets so that we could tag along as “+1.”

Follow Us on Twitter at the Grant Park Obama Rally

        Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather Tuesday night in Chicago’s lakefront Grant Park, where Senator Barack Obama will speak from a stage facing the skyline. And we have tickets for the ticketed event in Hutchinson Field.
        We’ll have our cameras and cell phones in hand, and will be “live blogging” via Twitter. You’ll be able to follow-along on our Twitter pages:
        Tony’s Twitter Page
        Tim’s Twitter Page

What is the Barack Obama Rally?
        Check out the Tribune’s Guide to the Rally
        Tribune Photos
        Grant Park Map

What is Twitter?
        Twitter is a service that allows people to stay in touch through the exchange of quick, frequent messages. Registered users of Twitter can “follow” us to have messages pushed to your own Twitter page, or even as a text message on your cell phone. Check out Twitter now.

Nine Hundred & Sixty-Nine Now Available

        Nine Hundred & Sixty-Nine: West Hollywood Stories is now available at Amazon.com. The anthology features Timothy State’s latest story, “Weenie Scaloppini.”

"Whether you live there, vacation there, or are just passing through, West Hollywood and all its gay glamour spring to life in Nine Hundred & Sixty Nine: a smart new collection of literary fiction by a smart bunch of men who know the city well. Established writers join talented newcomers in celebrating the best friends, boyfriends, break-ups, hook-ups, and both the daytime and nighttime drama that define a town like no other."

-Donald Weise, editor, the Fresh Men series

"Weenie Scallopini" to be Published in Anthology

        My recently completed short story, “Weenie Scallopini” will be published in Nine Hundered & Sixty-Nine: West Hollywood Stories, set for release on Tuesday, September 23 in time for the book’s debut at the West Hollywood Bookfair on Sunday, September 28.
        Nine Hundered & Sixty-Nine is edited by Steven Soucy with an introduction by Patricia Nell Warren, New York Times best-selling author of The Front Runner. Fourteen stories make up the collection, which explores the unique culture of West Hollywood from a variety of perspectives.
        “Weenie Scallopini” shares pages with the stories of other award-winning and celebrated authors like Felice Picano, Jameson Currier, and Shaun Levin.
        The book will be available for purchase on-line later this month.

About “Weenie Scallopini”
        When a male couple relocates from Des Moines to the gay capitol of West Hollywood, they’re in for a bit of culture shock. Joe acclimates into a world of protein shakes, gym schedules, and elite social circles like a pro. While his partner Frank flamboyantly expresses his love through the art of the casserole.
        When the two host a dinner party to meet new friends, Joe is embarrassed by their Midwestern roots, leaving Frank confused and wondering who has the better recipe for life.

Excerpt from “Weenie Scallopini”
        “Ta-da!”
        Frank emerged from the kitchen in oven mitts. He carried a large casserole dish, flashing it at an angle.
        It was bubbling hot; the cheese had formed a black crust covering the top. Little hot dog bits swam amongst sliced celery, onions, and potatoes in a creamy sea of mushroom soup. He set it down on a hot pad at the end of the table, before a circle of silent gay men.
        “This is really hot, so you’re going to have to pass your plates.”
        David broke the silence. “Is there any, umm, salad?”
        “Oh, yes, here.” Frank scooped red beet salad onto David’s plate. “It’s my grandma’s recipe.”
        “Is there anything leafy without a cream base?”
        Frank looked at Joe, who merely shrugged.
        “Zucchini fritter?” Frank handed him a serving dish.
        “Sorry, fried.”
        Frank had never had a guest refuse a dish back in Des Moines, or at least so overtly.
        David thumped his abs. “Carbs are the enemy.”
        “I’ve been trying to tell Frank that ever since we moved. But he loves his casseroles. He’s slowly killing me with cream of mushroom soup.”
        Frank glared at Joe, confused.
        “I haven’t had a casserole in years. Come to think of it, the last time was when I went to Kansas City for my grandmother’s funeral. The neighbors brought over some mystery casserole topped in shredded potato chips.”

The Real Sarah Palin

        These quotes provide so much insight into a woman who’s callous approach to the world is itself the worst enemy to all women.

Long John Banged Up

        Long John got in the way of the door this morning -- as it was opening.  Another dog barked, and he turned into the door to bark at him, his foot getting stuck underneath the door.
        The resulting flesh wound wasn't too bad, but the flapping scrap of skin and fur about made me vomit, especially when he plopped down after eating his breakfast to lick the wound.
        So I scooped him up and we were off to a 6:30 a.m. visit to the animal E.R.  I won't tell you what they did, but here you can see his new look with the lampshade and a coordinating gauze bow.  I'm concerned that tomorrow's Oprah fans are going to eat him for breakfast, he looks so cute.

Wiener Gone Wrong

        Oh, the humanity! One slick wiener slid off the road!

"Abs On Demand" and "Go-Go Guy in a Bye-Bye World" Published

        Two stories by Timothy State, “Abs on Demand” and “Go-Go Guy in a Bye-Bye World” have been published in the winter issue of the e-zine, Swell.
        “One of our writers finds himself in front of the mirror, admiring his progress after a hilarious and sadistic exercise program,” says Swell Editor Kevin Standifer of “Abs on Demand.”
        “Go-Go Guy” tells the story of an empowered stripper in New Orleans French Quarter.
        This is the third time Timothy State has been featured in Swell. This issue also features writer Jason Hendrix, poets Ann Tweedy and Ed Madden, blogger Ryan Smith, and cover art by Umayyah Cable.