Phaedrus

Well deserved, Old Dog. Your blend of humour and occasional seriousness and downright silliness is awesome!

*sigh* If you're the kind of person who's going to decide whether or not to date me on what music I like, then I'm pretty sure you're not the kind of person I'd want to have any kind of a relationship with.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15630789 Poland's first transsexual member of parliament has been sworn in, in what has traditionally been a socially conservative country. Fifty-seven-year-old Anna Grodzka was previously a man, known as Krzysztof, before having surgery in Thailand. Poland's first openly gay MP was also sworn in, following the general election in October. Analysts say the electoral success of the party they both represent is a sign of the waning influence of the Church. The party, the Palikot Movement, has taken a strong anti-clerical stance, criticising Roman Catholic priests who get involved in politics. It surprised many observers by winning 10% of the vote in the general election, making it the third largest political grouping in the Polish parliament. Anna Grodzka, quoted by the Associated Press, said the voters "wanted a modern Poland, a Poland open to variety, a Poland where all people would feel good regardless of their differences. I cannot fail them in their expectations." Palikot campaigned for the legalisation of abortion, gay marriage and marijuana. Church power challengedMany people have argued that its success shows the Roman Catholic hierarchy is out of touch with Polish youth. "It's a real signal, especially about young people, that the form of religion presented sometimes in Poland by the Catholic Church is not well addressed to young people," says Maciej Zieba, the former head of the Dominican Order. "Obviously it's a challenge, it's a problem - not how to fight with anti-clericalism but how to preach the Gospel." Anna Grodzka says the response to her election has been mixed. "When I've met people on the streets, I've mainly had a favourable reaction." "Of course there's also been aggressive behaviour too," she says. "It's been a little worse in political and media circles that don't always understand the problems of transsexual issues and they try to use the fact I was a man against me." Robert Biedron, Poland's first openly gay lawmaker, has said he will campaign for legislation to tackle discrimination against gay and transsexual people in Poland, and to legalise civil unions for gay couples.

Awesome, Nicki! Well deserved!

Congratulations, Gabriella! Well deserved... I look forward to offering my devotions in person before too long :)

Congratulations, Winnipegcub! That 500th was worth waiting for :)

Make sure that stays fresh - keep it in Fridgehenge!

Fatboy Slim - Bird of Prey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unF1QIdwdfs

Whyever not? You're seriously missing out, my friend :)

So, you're a news anchor. And there's a report on strippers. Remember to stop... whatever you were doing before the report ends :)

This is... strange...

If it's a trip I do reasonably often, then I know what it costs... and trip + tip is always the same. If the driver wants to have more on the meter and less of a tip, that's fine by me :)

Congrats, Spud! Looking forward to many more...

...the first movement of which is Mars, The Bringer of War. And that movement had quite a bit of influence on this metal classic: Diamond Head - Am I Evil? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlatOLl0NDg (Bonus: Holst's original, which is better: )

I like Sky because she started this thread in the first place! And also because she's sexy as hell, but being beautiful on the inside is more important.

There's a spot on Uranus! Caused by a huge cloud of gas, apparently. :)

No. The Oasis bit of ALO is east-ish, not west. Exact address is on their website.

Congratulations, Sophia! Love your posts... keep 'em coming!

So this is it. My thousandth post One that requires more thought than most It really seems completely wrong To use this on another song So I would like to take the time To thank you, in this too-short rhyme All of you folks who may read this Who make this forum what it is I signed up many moons ago To find out, from all those who know The information that I lacked On etiquette, and also tact Let's start this with a big shout out To those who made this come about The lovely ladies who I've met And also those I haven't - yet The guys whose posts I love to read And whose opinions I must heed The songs, the lolcats, the undead And, of course, each reco thread And overseeing all, the Mods our very own CERBian Gods The rules may sometimes, suck, I fear But they keeps many of us here I love the jokes, I love the news I love to read your different views On everything under the sun You're awesome, each and every one. That's most of what I need to say The rest can wait; another day. Before I kick this to the kerb A toast for one and all: to CERB!