Posted in: New York City,NY by Franny Wentzel. The apex of mid-century modern skyscrapers in NYC, the Pan Am building was pretty much reviled from the start but it's actually a fairly nice looking building The initial concept was so much worse Luckily Emory & Roth let Walter Gropius do the design work... The ever-so-optimistic concept model Why yes... we'll build your design Mister Architect Lets show it to the public and pretend we care about what they think of it. Nothing says fun like threading though a construction site on your morning commute Construction pix Completion pix

Posted in: Toronto, On by Patrick. If you're still nursing a hangover today, you were in the right spirits. Or ales. :) Here's a bit from the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Toronto (the previous Sunday, but I won't tell anyone if you don't). Cheers! torontocitylife.com

Posted in: Pottstown, Pa by Brad. fecera's is no longer in pottstown, they had a warehouse/distibution center and showroom and sales floor. they moved 15 minutes away. the building was supposed to be turned into condos, but that fell through i found this one on top of an old body shop the building to the right in this photo was a train depot, and there was a hotel nearby, which is no longer in existence. the depot is now a bank

Posted in: Monroeville, USA by Franny Wentzel. It was a nice day for a walk in the little suburban cul-de-sac near the park spotted this lovely little cottage on the street that makes a loop... looked vaguely familiar something like this Plasticville model of a Googie style house this being a dull industrial town even a little architectural flourish goes a long way that is one sweet lawn decoration no... really... oh hell, yeah! farmer's truck weather vane FTW! all the requisites of mid-century modern all the comforts of home

Posted in: Monroeville, USA by Franny Wentzel. It's getting close to springtime and the snowpack has melted away leaving wolfie a little tipsy and in a lawn strewn with debris...

Posted in: Pottstown, Pa by Brad. these pictures were all taken near the industrial section of Pottstown, Pa. i'm still on the hunt for the 7-UP mural. if i find it, i will post it here for you all to see. these murals are pretty interesting. the coca-cola one is very old, as it says 5 cents on the mural, so that tells you how old it is.

Posted in: Rehoboth Beach, DE by Brad. this was taken on the way out of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. wish i'd gotten a better picture of this

Posted in: Brooklyn, NY by Peter. Teknyc, KD Brooklyn, Bronx New York City, NYC graffiti, Opiem

Posted in: Queens, NY by SeanieDawg. Jackson Heights early in the AM

Posted in: Schenectady, NY by Franny Wentzel. Images of Schenectady from over 100 years ago... The Plotterkill Falls a nature area outside of town St. Georges Church - built in the 1700s located in the Stockade district. First Reformed Church - also in the Stockade Union Classical Institute - Schenectady's first High School - building now in private hands Union Street - in Stockade - pretty much still there Foot of Sate Street - all buildings gone now Yates House - one of the oldest in the area - still standing The Old Courthouse - privately owned now Masonic Temple - now a theater Church Street - in the Stockade - buildings on left gone but everything else is still there Union Street - Homes by Henry H Richardson - converted to apartments Glen Sanders Mansion - Scotia, NY - built in the 1700s - now restaurant and catering hall Glen Sanders Mansion - colonial swag in attic Scotia Bridge - a wooden suspension bridge - replaced with an iron bridge by Schenectady Railway Co - that bridge has since been removed Statue of 'Lawrance' on site of the old fort - confluence of Front, Green & Ferry Streets in Stockade Mohawk River There's surprisingly little river frontage acessable to the public in this town Erie Canal looking south from State Street - filled in the 1920s to create Erie Blvd Looking east from same spot - in 1930s top three floors of turreted building were demolished and rest of building remodeled for shops Second Ellis Hospital building - demolished in 1930s for new City Hall State Armory - demolished in 1940s - stones used for a church uptown State Street Methodist Church - once the edge of town now the upper end of downtown Corner of Union Street and Union Avenue near Union College Union College - South Dorm Union College - Nott Memorial American Locomotive plant - company folded in 1968 and most buildings demolished Alco shop floor - for a brief period Alco produced a motorcar and during WWII they produced tanks GE Plant - most of these buildings have since been replace or removed GE Plant - Offices - still standing GE Plant - Building 10 - electric turbo-generators were produced here GE Plant - Building 16 Work was moved to larger buildings in 1930s much of the older plant has since been demolished to avoid paying property taxes GE Plant - Foundry - employment has dwindled from a peak of around 40.000 during the war to only a few thousand today

Posted in: Patna, Bihar, India by Nitesh. “Mom! Have you seen a tiger? How does it look like?” asks a seven year old child. “Um... Well, it has black stripes, golden skin, is very strong and lives in the wild.” Her mom replies. “How did they become extinct?” the child’s curiosity never ending. Her mother now looking confused says, “I don’t know, why you are asking?” “Is it the same way the dinosaurs died?” “No honey, but why do you want to know?” “Because I like tigers.” The child said and got on hands and knees mocking roars. Her mother started laughing, thinking to give him a tiger soft toy… Well, such a conversation could be common anywhere near the next two decades with tigers gone away from the earth forever. I could have started like “TIGERS – our nation’s pride, don’t let them die” or “TIGERS – help them survive!” But then it wouldn’t be as practical as I want it to be. Clearly, all of us are well aware of the ever reducing tiger count in India. And also we know that we can not help effectively by donating money or by planting trees, because sadly, it’s too late for that now. The war between mankind and wildlife has begun centuries ago, and it was always a win-win for us. We knew our politics, and we were always able to explain things like “why deforestation is necessary”, “if animals die in the process then it is only for the greater good” Now imagine, a tiger in a suit, sitting at a conference table explaining his problems… Tiger – “You humans have destroyed our homes and even some kill us for enjoyment. You rear our skin to decorate your living room! You’re just not being fair with us. Human – “See Mr. Tiger, The humans are a very gifted creation of god and we do all the work that assures a better knowledge. Sometimes we do need to settle down so we become more productive, which in turn does good for the whole planet” Tiger – “You mean you become productive by hunting us down? And anyways who put you in charge of doing favors for the planet? Human – “Of course god did, by making us the most intelligent race on earth. Mr. Tiger do not take it personally but our growing population needs home and for that we have to cut forests down and make new cities” Tiger – “You mean by robbing us from our own homes! You disgust me, I cant see a difference between you and a parasite” Getting back to the real world, which isn’t much different with the exception of tiger in suit. Ask yourself a question, ‘Does it matter you, if tigers become extinct?’ I believe most will have no answers, being the first time they are asked such a question. One of the answer came from a friend, “Yes it does matters, after all Tiger is our national animal” If it is so then okay, elephants are not under national tag let them die. My point is, indeed it doesn’t makes much difference for a common man who have to tackle the same odd-even problems with or without tigers in the world. Then why am I asking help? Wrong! I’m not asking help. I’m asking conscience. Imagine, you are sitting on a bench when a person comes to you and tells you to get up because he is more important and has something to think which is out of your league, and so let him sit in your place. What will you do? Tell him to go somewhere else. He shows a gun and threatens you. Now, some will get up and some won’t. But he pulls the trigger in either case. Here you were in place of any wild animal as a tiger and the bench refers the forest and so on... The past years has seen a sudden rise in concerns for Global Warming. Nations’ Heads are meeting at different parts of the world to work out an effective plan to counter the warming problem. It won’t be strange if you find someone saying on a hot day, “The temperature keeps going higher every year. Sure this global warming thing is dangerous!” And I assure you, it is. And what if I assure you that Global Warming, Deforestation, Extinction of Wildlife, Unusual Earthquakes; Tsunamis etc. are the beads of a same necklace? Of course you will want scientific explanations, but even after you have them what will be the difference? Every smoker knows that smoking kills, but no one quits smoking until one turns up in a hospital. See, the truth is we don’t care for things until things come down to the wire. And It’s about time… Importance of tigers is not only because of their magnificent strength and features but also they maintain a check on herbivores which cause overgrazing. The best examples I have to support the consequences are the ‘Great Sahara Desert’ and ‘Thar Desert’. You might well think that, tigers or any other wild animal should not get extinct. Even when if you want to help, you just cannot rush to Ranthambore or to the Sundrbans with blankets and food cans for tigers. But most importantly, tigers do not want our help. We may realize they do need our help, though the only thing they have been asking for ages is, ‘to leave them alone’. Wonder what a mom would say to her son when he asks why tigers are not on earth now. Either she’ll have to say humans killed them to extinction or else she’ll ask him to stop asking questions. Isn’t it funny that we don’t hesitate in saying that dinosaurs were killed by a meteorite, but if I’ll have to say, tigers became extinct because of humans, then I would feel a pang of guilt as I was too one of the humans who couldn’t do anything to help protect this exquisite species. Remember, there is no difference between a person aiming a gun and a person not trying to stop him, knowing very well what he’s doing. Wonder what would happen to the ‘Sher Khan’ of ‘Jungle Book’, ‘The Mayor (Mr. Tiger)’ of ‘Tale Spin’ and many more. No matter what happens to the tigers in the real world but these characters will cherish the memories of all who loved them. Before going to bed tonight, try to answer my question, “How would you feel if there is no assurance of your mom and dad coming back, once they leave the house?” As that is exactly how a cub feels, even when he can only purr. And for those who can not satisfy their skepticism, so they can decide how to react to this situation, once my geography teacher said in class “no tiger, no water, no electricity”, which I’m leaving for you to figure out. - nitesh

Posted in: Copenhagen, Denmark by L.E.R.O.. Nordhavnen - "The North Harbour" in Outer Copenhagen. A deserted industrial area. But not entirely deserted.

Posted in: Schenectady, NY by Franny Wentzel. Proctor's Theater was built in the 1920s as part of a chain of motion Picture and vaudeville theaters - there are Proctor's Theaters in the cities of Utica and Troy. By the 1970s it had been reduced to showing porno movies before being restored as a performance arts center in the late 1970s. In the 1990s there was a proposal to demolish all the adjacent buildings for the 'Metroplex' convention center leaving the theater as "the only real tooth in a mouth full of dentures". Luckily they decided to just restore the older buildings... Doris - a former Old Navy modelkin - now works the unused ticket office out front... For no good reason Doris is in military garb today... The old arcade leading to the theater and the rear entrance on Smith Street... It's no Cleveland Galleria but one of the nicer interiors left in this dirty old town... The Smith Street side had been altered considerably since the Canal Square redevelopement of the 1980s folded... The original 1920s back of Proctor's - no great shakes as architecture but important nonetheless for context. Due to the theater's success as a venue it was recently decided to expand the stage and backstage area. Would've been nice if they used more sympathetic materials... There's still some old fabric left - the Van Curler sheet music store was also able to keep its space. Smith Street was completely made over however... Curious massings... Curious vistas... State Street in the distance... What your parked car sees...

Posted in: Copenhagen, Denmark by L.E.R.O.. Queen Louise's Bridge

Posted in: TRUTH by PILLOW BITER BLOG. Faggot, often shortened to fag, is a pejorative term and common homophobic slur against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and is English slang. Its pejorative use has spread from the United States to varying extents elsewhere in the English-speaking world through mass culture including movies, music and Internet. In some countries faggot has additional meanings (all dated or rare in the US): a bundle of sticks, a culinary term for herbs or seasoning added to a meal;[3] "faggot trim", a style of embroidery in clothing;[4] and faggots, which are a kind of meatball.[5] Fag also has additional meanings: slang for a cigarette (dated in the US[6]), or for hard work and chores. In some UK public schools, fagging was the name given to the practice where a younger boy (a "fag") acted as an unpaid servant for an older boy. Contents [hide] 1 Etymology 2 Use in Britain 3 Earliest printed use 4 Usage in popular culture 5 See also 6 References 7 External links Etymology The word meaning "bundle of sticks" is ultimately derived, via Old French and Italian, from Latin fascis (also the origin of the word fascism).[7] The origins of the word as an offensive epithet for homosexuals are, however, rather obscure, although the word has been used in English since the late 16th century to mean "old or unpleasant woman," and the modern use may derive from this.[8] Female terms, it should be noted, are often used with reference to homosexual or effeminate men (cf. nancy, sissy, queen). The application of the term to old women is possibly a shortening of the term "faggot-gatherer", applied in the 19th century to people, especially older widows, who made a meagre living by gathering and selling firewood.[9] It may also derive from the sense of "something awkward to be carried" (compare the use of the word "baggage" as a pejorative term for old people in general).[7] It is sometimes claimed that the modern slang meaning developed from the standard meaning of "faggot" as "bundle of sticks for burning," presumably with reference to burning at the stake.[7] This is, however, unlikely to be the case,[7] and there is no tradition of burning at the stake being used as a punishment for homosexuality in Britain,[10] although supposed witches and heretics were burnt to death in many parts of Europe, and were often accused of homosexual behaviour.[11] The Yiddish word faygele, lit. "little bird", is also claimed by some as an explanation for the modern use of "faggot." The similarity between the two words makes it a reasonable possibility that it might at least have had a reinforcing effect.[10]. An obsolete reference to faggot from 17th century Britain refers to a "man hired into military service simply to fill out the ranks at muster."[7] Use in Britain Originally confined to the United States,[7] the use of the words "fag" and "faggot" as epithets for gay men has spread elsewhere in the English-speaking world, but the extent to which they are used in this sense has varied outside the context of imported US popular culture. The words "queer", "homo", and "poof" are all still in common use in the UK, and some other countries, as pejorative terms for gay men. The words "fag" and "faggot", moreover, still have other meanings in the British Isles and other Commonwealth societies. In particular, "faggot" is still used to refer to a kind of meatball, and "fag" is common as a slang word for "cigarette". Use of fag and faggot as the term for an effeminate man has become understood as an Americanism in British English, primarily due to entertainment media use in films and television series imported from the United States. When Labour MP Bob Marshall-Andrews was overheard supposedly using the word in a bad-tempered informal exchange with a straight colleague in the House of Commons lobby in November 2005, it was considered to be homophobic abuse.[12][13] Earliest printed use The earliest known reference to the word with the pejorative meaning in print was in the 1914 Jackson and Hellyer A Vocabulary of Criminal Slang, with Some Examples of Common Usages which listed the following example under the word, drag:[14] "All the fagots (sissies) will be dressed in drag at the ball tonight." The word was also used by a character in Claude McKayÂ’s 1928 novel Home to Harlem, indicating that it was used during the Harlem Renaissance. Specifically, one character says that he cannot understand: "a bulldyking woman and a faggoty man" Usage in popular culture Benjamin Phelps, Fred Phelps' grandson and creator of the first "GodHatesFags" webpage, is also from the Westboro Baptist Church which regularly employ picket signs such as these using fag as epithets. The cited Bible verse Romans 9:13 does not mention fag or homosexuality.[15]There is a long history of using of using both fag and faggot in popular culture, usually to denigrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, (LGBT) people. Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's 1995 documentary The Celluloid Closet, based on Vito Russo's book of the same name notes the use of fag and faggot throughout Hollywood film history.[16] The Think Before You Speak (campaign) has sought to stop fag and gay being used as generic insults.[17] In film: The character of Michael in Mart Crowley's 1968 play and 1970 film The Boys in the Band has dialogue that includes "Believe it or not, there was a time in my life when I didn't go around announcing I was a faggot"[18] and "Not all faggots bump themselves off at the end of the story."[19] In the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, Ratso (Dustin Hoffman) criticizes the cowboy persona adapted by Joe (Jon Voight) as "faggot stuff."[20] Leonard Frey played the character "Laurence Faggot" in the 1970 comedy film The Magic Christian.[21] In the 1974 film Blazing Saddles, Slim Pickens' character berates his laborers by declaring: "I hired you people to try to get a little track laid, not to jump around like a bunch of Kansas City faggots."[22] That dialogue inspired the name of a Texas-based band called The Kansas City Faggots.[23] In theater: In 1973 a broadway musical called "The Faggot" was praised by critics but condemned by gay liberation proponents.[24] In books and magazines: Larry Kramer's 1978 novel, Faggots, discusses the gay community including the use of the word within and towards the community.[25] In its November 2002 issue, the New Oxford Review, a Catholic magazine, caused controversy by its use and defense of the word in an editorial. During the correspondence between the editors and a gay reader, the editors clarified that they would only use the word to describe a "practicing homosexual". They defended the use of the word, saying that it was important to preserve the social stigma of gays and lesbians.[26] In music: The Dire Straits 1985 song "Money for Nothing" makes notable use of the epithet "faggot",[27] although the lines containing it are often excised for radio play, and in live performances by singer/songwriter Mark Knopfler. In 1989, Sebastian Bach, lead singer of the band Skid Row, created a controversy when he wore a t-shirt with the parody slogan "Aids: Kills Fags Dead".[28] The 2001 song "American Triangle" by Elton John and Bernie Taupin uses the phrase God hates fags where we come from.. The song is about Matthew Shephard, a gay man who was killed in Wyoming for the fact he was gay.[29] The 2007 song The Bible Says, which includes the line "God Hates Fags" (sometimes used as an alternate title) caused considerable controversy when it was published on various websites. Apparently an anti-gay song written and performed by an ex-gay pastor "Donnie Davies", it was accompanied by the realistic Love God's Way website about his "ministry". Debate ensued about whether Donnie Davies and the outrageous song, which included a few double-entendres, were for real, and whether the lyrics could ever be considered acceptable even in satire. Donnie Davies was revealed in 2007 to be a character played by actor and entertainer. Some gay rights advocates acknowledge that as a spoof it is humorous, but claim the message behind it is still as malicious as someone who seriously possessed the opinion.[30][31][32] In December 2007, BBC Radio 1 caused controversy by editing the word "faggot" from their broadcasts of the Kirsty MacColl & The Pogues song "Fairytale of New York," deeming it potentially homophobic, however the edit did not extend to other BBC stations, such as BBC Radio 2. Following widespread criticism and pressure from listeners, the decision was reversed and the original unedited version of the song was reinstated, with clarification from Andy Parfitt, the station controller, that in the context of the song the lyrics had no "negative intent."[33][34] On television and newsmedia: In 1995, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey referred to openly gay congressman Barney Frank as "Barney Fag" in a press interview.[35] Armey apologized and said it was "a slip of the tongue". Frank did not accept Armey's explanation, saying "I turned to my own expert, my mother, who reports that in 59 years of marriage, no one ever introduced her as Elsie Fag."[36] In July 2006 conservative pundit Ann Coulter, while being interviewed by MSNBC's Chris Matthews, said that the former U.S. Vice President Al Gore was a "total fag", and suggested that former U.S. President Bill Clinton may be a "latent homosexual".[37] Coulter caused a major controversy in the LGBT community; GLAAD and other gay rights organizations demanded to know the reason why such an offensive usage of the word was permitted by the network. In October 2006, Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington called his co-star T.R. Knight a "faggot" on the set during an argument with Patrick Dempsey. According to Knight, the incident led to him publicly coming out of the closet.[38] Washington made another outburst using the epithet, this time backstage at the Golden Globe Awards. In January 2007, Washington issued a public apology for using the word "faggot" and went into rehab to help him with what the show's creator Shonda Rimes referred to as "his behavioral issues."[39] In March 2007 Coulter again created controversy when she made an off-color joke: "I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word "faggot," so I'm kind of at an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards ..."[40][41] Her comments triggered a campaign by a gay rights group and media watchdog to persuade mainstream media outlets to ban her shows and appearances. In November 2009 "The F Word", a South Park episode aired dealing with the overuse of the word fag, along with its history and how it evolved from a 16th century slang meaning "old or unpleasant woman" to a homophobic slur into a general insult commonly used amongst American youth.[42] The four lead characters, all young boys, assert that the meaning remains an insult but refers to Harley motorcyclists and convince the town to officially change the meaning which is kept despite criticism from the rest of the nation.[43][44][45]

Posted in: FAGVILLE by FAGBLOGBAG. Faggot, often shortened to fag, is a pejorative term and common homophobic slur against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and is English slang. Its pejorative use has spread from the United States to varying extents elsewhere in the English-speaking world through mass culture including movies, music and Internet. In some countries faggot has additional meanings (all dated or rare in the US): a bundle of sticks, a culinary term for herbs or seasoning added to a meal;[3] "faggot trim", a style of embroidery in clothing;[4] and faggots, which are a kind of meatball.[5] Fag also has additional meanings: slang for a cigarette (dated in the US[6]), or for hard work and chores. In some UK public schools, fagging was the name given to the practice where a younger boy (a "fag") acted as an unpaid servant for an older boy. Contents [hide] 1 Etymology 2 Use in Britain 3 Earliest printed use 4 Usage in popular culture 5 See also 6 References 7 External links Etymology The word meaning "bundle of sticks" is ultimately derived, via Old French and Italian, from Latin fascis (also the origin of the word fascism).[7] The origins of the word as an offensive epithet for homosexuals are, however, rather obscure, although the word has been used in English since the late 16th century to mean "old or unpleasant woman," and the modern use may derive from this.[8] Female terms, it should be noted, are often used with reference to homosexual or effeminate men (cf. nancy, sissy, queen). The application of the term to old women is possibly a shortening of the term "faggot-gatherer", applied in the 19th century to people, especially older widows, who made a meagre living by gathering and selling firewood.[9] It may also derive from the sense of "something awkward to be carried" (compare the use of the word "baggage" as a pejorative term for old people in general).[7] It is sometimes claimed that the modern slang meaning developed from the standard meaning of "faggot" as "bundle of sticks for burning," presumably with reference to burning at the stake.[7] This is, however, unlikely to be the case,[7] and there is no tradition of burning at the stake being used as a punishment for homosexuality in Britain,[10] although supposed witches and heretics were burnt to death in many parts of Europe, and were often accused of homosexual behaviour.[11] The Yiddish word faygele, lit. "little bird", is also claimed by some as an explanation for the modern use of "faggot." The similarity between the two words makes it a reasonable possibility that it might at least have had a reinforcing effect.[10]. An obsolete reference to faggot from 17th century Britain refers to a "man hired into military service simply to fill out the ranks at muster."[7] Use in Britain Originally confined to the United States,[7] the use of the words "fag" and "faggot" as epithets for gay men has spread elsewhere in the English-speaking world, but the extent to which they are used in this sense has varied outside the context of imported US popular culture. The words "queer", "homo", and "poof" are all still in common use in the UK, and some other countries, as pejorative terms for gay men. The words "fag" and "faggot", moreover, still have other meanings in the British Isles and other Commonwealth societies. In particular, "faggot" is still used to refer to a kind of meatball, and "fag" is common as a slang word for "cigarette". Use of fag and faggot as the term for an effeminate man has become understood as an Americanism in British English, primarily due to entertainment media use in films and television series imported from the United States. When Labour MP Bob Marshall-Andrews was overheard supposedly using the word in a bad-tempered informal exchange with a straight colleague in the House of Commons lobby in November 2005, it was considered to be homophobic abuse.[12][13] Earliest printed use The earliest known reference to the word with the pejorative meaning in print was in the 1914 Jackson and Hellyer A Vocabulary of Criminal Slang, with Some Examples of Common Usages which listed the following example under the word, drag:[14] "All the fagots (sissies) will be dressed in drag at the ball tonight." The word was also used by a character in Claude McKayÂ’s 1928 novel Home to Harlem, indicating that it was used during the Harlem Renaissance. Specifically, one character says that he cannot understand: "a bulldyking woman and a faggoty man" Usage in popular culture Benjamin Phelps, Fred Phelps' grandson and creator of the first "GodHatesFags" webpage, is also from the Westboro Baptist Church which regularly employ picket signs such as these using fag as epithets. The cited Bible verse Romans 9:13 does not mention fag or homosexuality.[15]There is a long history of using of using both fag and faggot in popular culture, usually to denigrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, (LGBT) people. Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman's 1995 documentary The Celluloid Closet, based on Vito Russo's book of the same name notes the use of fag and faggot throughout Hollywood film history.[16] The Think Before You Speak (campaign) has sought to stop fag and gay being used as generic insults.[17] In film: The character of Michael in Mart Crowley's 1968 play and 1970 film The Boys in the Band has dialogue that includes "Believe it or not, there was a time in my life when I didn't go around announcing I was a faggot"[18] and "Not all faggots bump themselves off at the end of the story."[19] In the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, Ratso (Dustin Hoffman) criticizes the cowboy persona adapted by Joe (Jon Voight) as "faggot stuff."[20] Leonard Frey played the character "Laurence Faggot" in the 1970 comedy film The Magic Christian.[21] In the 1974 film Blazing Saddles, Slim Pickens' character berates his laborers by declaring: "I hired you people to try to get a little track laid, not to jump around like a bunch of Kansas City faggots."[22] That dialogue inspired the name of a Texas-based band called The Kansas City Faggots.[23] In theater: In 1973 a broadway musical called "The Faggot" was praised by critics but condemned by gay liberation proponents.[24] In books and magazines: Larry Kramer's 1978 novel, Faggots, discusses the gay community including the use of the word within and towards the community.[25] In its November 2002 issue, the New Oxford Review, a Catholic magazine, caused controversy by its use and defense of the word in an editorial. During the correspondence between the editors and a gay reader, the editors clarified that they would only use the word to describe a "practicing homosexual". They defended the use of the word, saying that it was important to preserve the social stigma of gays and lesbians.[26] In music: The Dire Straits 1985 song "Money for Nothing" makes notable use of the epithet "faggot",[27] although the lines containing it are often excised for radio play, and in live performances by singer/songwriter Mark Knopfler. In 1989, Sebastian Bach, lead singer of the band Skid Row, created a controversy when he wore a t-shirt with the parody slogan "Aids: Kills Fags Dead".[28] The 2001 song "American Triangle" by Elton John and Bernie Taupin uses the phrase God hates fags where we come from.. The song is about Matthew Shephard, a gay man who was killed in Wyoming for the fact he was gay.[29] The 2007 song The Bible Says, which includes the line "God Hates Fags" (sometimes used as an alternate title) caused considerable controversy when it was published on various websites. Apparently an anti-gay song written and performed by an ex-gay pastor "Donnie Davies", it was accompanied by the realistic Love God's Way website about his "ministry". Debate ensued about whether Donnie Davies and the outrageous song, which included a few double-entendres, were for real, and whether the lyrics could ever be considered acceptable even in satire. Donnie Davies was revealed in 2007 to be a character played by actor and entertainer. Some gay rights advocates acknowledge that as a spoof it is humorous, but claim the message behind it is still as malicious as someone who seriously possessed the opinion.[30][31][32] In December 2007, BBC Radio 1 caused controversy by editing the word "faggot" from their broadcasts of the Kirsty MacColl & The Pogues song "Fairytale of New York," deeming it potentially homophobic, however the edit did not extend to other BBC stations, such as BBC Radio 2. Following widespread criticism and pressure from listeners, the decision was reversed and the original unedited version of the song was reinstated, with clarification from Andy Parfitt, the station controller, that in the context of the song the lyrics had no "negative intent."[33][34] On television and newsmedia: In 1995, former House Majority Leader Dick Armey referred to openly gay congressman Barney Frank as "Barney Fag" in a press interview.[35] Armey apologized and said it was "a slip of the tongue". Frank did not accept Armey's explanation, saying "I turned to my own expert, my mother, who reports that in 59 years of marriage, no one ever introduced her as Elsie Fag."[36] In July 2006 conservative pundit Ann Coulter, while being interviewed by MSNBC's Chris Matthews, said that the former U.S. Vice President Al Gore was a "total fag", and suggested that former U.S. President Bill Clinton may be a "latent homosexual".[37] Coulter caused a major controversy in the LGBT community; GLAAD and other gay rights organizations demanded to know the reason why such an offensive usage of the word was permitted by the network. In October 2006, Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington called his co-star T.R. Knight a "faggot" on the set during an argument with Patrick Dempsey. According to Knight, the incident led to him publicly coming out of the closet.[38] Washington made another outburst using the epithet, this time backstage at the Golden Globe Awards. In January 2007, Washington issued a public apology for using the word "faggot" and went into rehab to help him with what the show's creator Shonda Rimes referred to as "his behavioral issues."[39] In March 2007 Coulter again created controversy when she made an off-color joke: "I was going to have a few comments on the other Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, but it turns out you have to go into rehab if you use the word "faggot," so I'm kind of at an impasse, can't really talk about Edwards ..."[40][41] Her comments triggered a campaign by a gay rights group and media watchdog to persuade mainstream media outlets to ban her shows and appearances. In November 2009 "The F Word", a South Park episode aired dealing with the overuse of the word fag, along with its history and how it evolved from a 16th century slang meaning "old or unpleasant woman" to a homophobic slur into a general insult commonly used amongst American youth.[42] The four lead characters, all young boys, assert that the meaning remains an insult but refers to Harley motorcyclists and convince the town to officially change the meaning which is kept despite criticism from the rest of the nation.[43][44][45]

Posted in: Ottawa, Canada by Nicole. Preston street, also named Corso Italia, is the heart of Littly Italy The new Archway at the entrance of Little Italy But we find a bit of everything on Preston street.... One of Ottawa's oldest pools, complete with the original Art Nouveau lettering. Took me a while to figure out what this sign means. I'm cheating, this is on another street not too far away, but it looks cool. www.prestonstreet.com

Posted in: Schenectady, NY by Franny Wentzel. Continuing on our journey to the less frequented side of the downtown district... First a look back uptown from under the railway bridge... and the shiney new cineplex... Just before you get to the bridge - the underside of which was turned into a bus stop - you see this old Uneeda Biscuit sign... It had been hidden from the main drag for well over a century... Was visible from the railroad platform... as was this sign. The train to The City just happened to pull in... Probably there by the time I post this. The other side of the street Buildings along Erie Boulevard - once part of the Erie Canal The Wedgeway Building - basically a hallway to a now demolished theater Camcorder framegrab of the GE plant Meant to take one on this visit but this little rascal showed up... Wanted to get more pix but my camera kept shutting down on account of a low battery... Managed to squeeze of a few more shots by letting the battery rest for a bit... Results of an 'emergency' demolition due to collapse... Great view of a 1950s gem - there used to be decorative slats along the front... Still looks nice... From the 'fancy trimmin's' school of architecture... Right - former Patton & Hall store Left - former Barneys Department Store The Un-building... Former Barneys - now apartments A few remaining architectural gems... Former Breslaws store - Schenectady had quite a few substantial businesses back in the day... Formerly a fire station... When the Breslaws building was converted to apartments they reconfigured the entrances and didn't bother to rip up the old tilework... Andy Warhol won't you please come home? Formerly the Freeds Auto Exchange - Schenectady has a few remnant of the auto districts other cities used to have further uptown... The former Van Curler Hotel - now a community college Battery was almost completely spent but there was just enough juice left to get one more image...

Posted in: Bronx, NY by Peter. ...I guess that's why she's sitting. Bronx, NYC New York City graffiti, decay Puerto Rico

Posted in: Toronto, ON by Patrick. Cities are made for vertical panoramas, no? Yes, the distortion is normal ... unless you see the floor and the ceiling, simultaneously, in a different way. That's the Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes, Sherbourne and Bloor. This wasn't intended to juxtapose anything against anything. I just like how tall the building behind is :) Yonge-Dundas Square. Sadly, I don't believe that John Woo owns that restaurant. Too bad, dessert could've been a bullet and a pair of chopsticks. The portico to the Manulife building on Bloor East. Love how little security they have here :) torontocitylife.com