Post-"Personal Best," (see Jespersen v. Harrah's Operating Company, 444 F.3d 1104 (9th Cir 2006)) it appears that Harrah's has had a change of heart. Once determined to enforce a grooming and appearance standard based on outdated sex stereotypes, now they apparently love the gays.

This is from the HRC mailing list:
We would like to welcome Harrah's Entertainment as a Silver-level corporate sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign. The company has made a long-term commitment to an inclusive and diverse workforce, and this year has achieved an impressive 95 percent score on HRC's Corporate Equality Index. Harrah's was also a presenting sponsor of the first-ever HRC Las Vegas Gala Dinner in September.

Harrah's has been reaching out to GLBT travelers through clever ads in GLBT publications for its Paris Las Vegas resort, and we encourage you to consider staying there the next time you head to Las Vegas. For more information on the company and its Casino Hotel locations in destinations such as Reno/Tahoe, Atlantic City, New Orleans and of course Las Vegas, visit www.harrahs.com.

Diverse workforce? Here is what they required for female employees, including Darlene Jespersen, an openly gay model employee with 20 years experience. They fired her for not wearing makeup:

Females:
. Hair must be teased, curled, or styled every day you work. Hair must be worn down at all times, no exceptions.
. Stockings are to be of nude or natural color consistent with employee's skin tone. No runs.
. Nail polish can be clear, white, pink or red color only. No exotic nail art or length.
. Shoes will be solid black leather or leather type with rubber (non skid) soles.
. Make up (face powder, blush and mascara) must be worn and applied neatly in complimentary colors. Lip color must be worn at all times.

RIP housing search

I am cleaning out my email and found this-- it was the response I received when I asked a realtor if the property he advertised allowed pets:

Laura,

Cats can be the worst pet nightmare. I don't understand the technical
jargon of cats spayed etc., but I do know that I have seen many homes where it was impossible to get cat urine smell out of the house and
particularly on rugs. On the other hand, I am sure that if one
properly cares for cats, one never even notices that they were in a
house. Can you tell me more about the ages of the cats etc? Also if
I visit where you are living now, and there is no damage from cats,
that would also be very helpful. Thanks, Howard

I found it a little creepy-- it's nice he is trying to be flexible, but I don't usually invite strangers to my house.

survey of potential virginia voters

The Washington Post did an interesting poll:

12. Amendment One on the November ballot would add to the state's Constitution a definition of marriage as being ONLY the union of one man and one woman.

It would also keep Virginia from creating or recognizing any legal status for relationships of unmarried persons that assign the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities or effects of marriage.

If the election were held today, would you vote yes or no on Amendment One?

Yes No No opinion
10/12/06 LV 53 43 4

13. (Supporters say the measure would mean that same-sex marriages would never be approved or recognized in the Commonwealth of Virginia.) (Opponents say the proposed language is too broad, and would endanger contracts made between unmarried heterosexual couples.)

With these arguments in mind, if the election were held today, would you vote yes or no on Amendment One?

Yes No No opinion
10/12/06 LV 48 47 5

14. Do you think homosexual couples should or should not be allowed to form legally recognized civil unions, giving them the legal rights of married couples in areas such as health insurance, inheritance and pension coverage?

Should Should not No opinion
10/12/06 LV 48 47 5

hypocrites

How do the American Family Association and the Concerned Women for America like them now???

As First Lady Laura Bush stood behind her, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice administered the oath of office on Oct. 10 to gay physician Mark Dybul as U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator, a post that has the rank of ambassador.

In a ceremony held at the State Department's historic Benjamin Franklin Room, Dybul placed his hand on a bible held by his domestic partner, Jason Claire. Dybul's parents and Claire's mother stood nearby as Dybul became the nation's third openly gay ambassador.

"I am truly honored and delighted to have the opportunity to swear in Mark Dybul as our next Global AIDS Coordinator," Rice said. "I am pleased to do that in the presence of Mark's parents, Claire and Richard, his partner, Jason, and his mother-in-law, Marilyn," she said.

"You have a wonderful family to support you, Mark, and I know that's always important to us. Welcome," Rice said.

from: here.

I have always said that I don't think the highest members of the Bush administration are actually homophobic. But I don't know if that makes it better or worse.

Another article that basically says the same thing: here

crime

this is the most interesting thing ever.

Apartment hunting has its own joys. For example:

$450 Young Christian Professionals looking to fill 3rd Bedroom in DC
We are two young christian females seeking the same to fill the third bedroom in our NW DC rowhouse (It is actually pretty much right North of the Capitol, so barely NW). [...] We have excellent landlords and love our house, but want potential roomates to know that it is in a very transitional neighborhood. Although we have been fine living here, there is still crime and drug activity that you will find in any inner-city. We like to think of it as Jesus' neighborhood.

I am not making this up! (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/doc/roo/216402003.html)