Duct tape prevents terrorism for Obama’s visit

Could this be true? Tokyo police used duct tape to seal vending machines in order to prevent terrorism during Obama’s visit to Japan. And via JapanProbe, a video of security in action.

“Obama visiting Japan as relations stiffen”

Relations stiffen? My morning coffee nearly flew out of my mouth reading the title of this New York Times online article about Obama’s visit to Japan. Normally this blog stays glued to what some might consider the frivolous topic of male vanity in its many many manifestations.

But I could not resist the topic of Japan’s new-found independence in foreign policy after reading this title, with its hautiness and resentment mixed with a “stiffening” attraction. It seems to suggest, “I hate you, and you’re turning me on.”

Apparently the US felt extremely comfortable with the LDP’s nearly 50 years rule and are chafing under new policies brought by current Prime Minister Hatoyama, whose DP won in a landslide last August. Renegotiating what the US calls “the Alliance” may mean Japan no longer accepts military occupation and the assumption that Japan will join each and every US war.

Despite Hatoyama’s clear campaign calls for a more independent Japan, the US government and foreign policy experts claim that the new Japanese government is “inexperienced,” unsure of what it wants, and perhaps not serious about its campaign promises. In fact, I think the US is flipping over Japan’s re-opening Okinawa base discussions, ending the refueling mission in support of the permanent US war effort in Afghanistan, and new overtures to Asia that do not include the US.

There have even been ominous reports of arriving late to a state dinner (the Hatoyamas in Pittsburgh) and skipping a welcome dinner at the Japan Defense Ministry (Robert Gates, US military chief).

It is sad how little change Obama has created. Not so different from Bush’s economic team and his military policies that insist on servile allies and endless foreign wars. But maybe the “stiffening relations” can in the long run reduce some tensions.

On second thought I am not sure this post strayed too far from male vanity. What do you think?

Mrs O is Much Loved

A lovely photo by Annie Leibowitz from my favorite blog, mrs-o.org. And a gushing tribute to Mrs O in the New York Times Opinion section. Yes, Mrs O even double dutche jump ropes!

Queer March on Washington DC

Sunday was a huge queer march in Washington DC demanding equality and action by Nobel prize winner Barack Obama. The rally, the first in almost ten years, was organized by a younger generation using social media tools like Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and blogs.

Here’s Lady Gaga’s moving speech in front of the Capitol, ending with “Bless God, Bless the Gays!”

More information on towleroad.com.

First Lady Encounter

I wonder what Japan’s new First Lady told Michelle Obama? Did she invite her to visit Venus on the UFO together? To eat the sun with her and her husband? Do you think Miyuki-sama’s stockings are too white? Maybe she should have considered platform shoes!

US Embassy in Kabul

On the same day the US is complaining about election irregularities in Afghanistan comes the report that the outsourced service hired to guard the US Embassy in Kabul is responsible for  security, morale and and discipline breakdowns. Of course, the “fondling and urinated” caught my attention.

The oversight group’s report said that guards worked in a “Lord of the Flies environment,” where they and their supervisors fondled and urinated on one another. They cite photographs that suggest guards have drawn Afghans into activities forbidden in a conservative Muslin country.

The contractor since 2007 is ArmorGroup, owned by Wackenhut Services Inc. As usual, photographs will be appearing soon. Way to win the “war of necessity,” Obama!

Shooting lasers out of their nipples in space

Stephen Colbert predicts that the Cold War will be settled by shirtless Putin and Obama firing lasers out of their nipples in space.

Contact Congress about including LGBT in Obama’s Inaugural parade

If you have a US residence or citizenship, please consider contacting your Congressional Representative and Senators to request LGBT inclusion in Obama’s Inaugural parade. Our friend Davey A created the website, and it’s very simple and important. Please use the site to send your letter this week. And let your friends know, too.

http://www.intheparade.com

Update: The Obama transition team has announced that an LGBT marching band will appear in the inaugural parade. Thank you to everyone who contacted the parade committee.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/gay-band-to-march-in-inauguration-parade/