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Brett's Favorite Things

Animals Dogs. The photo at right is my dog Hwafo (a Chow mix). She was abandoned as a puppy on my friend Kenny's doorstep when we both lived in Dallas, and I adopted her when he moved to California and couldn't keep her any more. (Thanks, Kenny.) Dolphins. These magnificent creatures are beautiful, friendly, graceful, playful, intelligent, compassionate, and fun. They live in harmony with the rest of the natural world. I chose Dolphyn as a nickname and as the name of my website because these are qualities that I admire in other people and that I strive to attain in my own life.

Activities

• Bike riding. My recumbent bike is my primary mode of transportation, especially since I no longer own a car!
• Vegetarian cooking. Unfortunately I think my culinary skills have declined in recent years, but I do like to cook.
• Step aerobics. Okay, I haven't been doing aerobics lately, but I'm intending to get back to it one of these days. It's fun and healthy, and it doesn't tear my legs apart as other styles of aerobics seem to do.
• Local theatre. I enjoy watching and participating in performances. As of this writing, I've only been in one theatre production, but I hope to do more in the future.
• Computer programming and web design. Dolphyn.com wouldn't exist if I didn't enjoy these! Lately I've been doing more computer programming at work, too.
• Artistic pursuits. Well, I try anyway. At least occasionally.

Gay Community

• Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus. Did I mention that I like to sing?
• Swing Out! Gay swing dancing in San Francisco. It's really fun. I never thought I liked big band music, but as they say, "don't knock it 'til you've tried it."
• The Experience. Weekend workshops and other events designed to give people the tools to make their lives. It changed my life (for the better), and maybe it will change yours.
• Discovery Community. Weekend retreats for Bay area gay men. A great place to get to know some cool people.
• California Men's Gathering. Somewhat similar to the Discovery Retreat, but much larger and open to all men.
• Baylands Frontrunners. I'm a walker, not a runner, but it's okay. I'm not very active with this organization, but it's a great group SF Peninsula/South Bay people.

Charitable Organizations

• American Civil Liberties Union. While some people may consider this organization to be anti-patriotic, I think upholding our First Amendment rights is a very patriotic goal. The ACLU protects the voices of the other organizations on my list!
• Amnesty International. Continuing the struggle for the rights of political prisoners.
• Earth Island Institute. A great environmental organization that publishes an incredible magazine.
• Grameen Foundation. Small loans make a big difference for the poor in developing countries.
• Human Rights Campaign. Protecting basic civil rights for gays and lesbians.
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Animals are not ours to eat, wear, or experiment on.
• Rainforest Action Network. Protecting the world's fast-disappearing rainforests.
• Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Direct action to protect the world's oceans.
• San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Providing comprehensive services for people with AIDS, and educating the public.

Movies

• Cane Toads. An Australian nature documentary, and one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.
• Europa Europa (Hitlerjunge Salomon). A Jewish teenager living in Nazi Germany struggles to survive by masquerading as a Nazi soldier.
• Les Comperes. I saw this move when I was very depressed, and the movie cured my depression! Pierre Richard always makes me laugh.
• My Life in Pink (Ma Vie en Rose). A six-year-old girl is trapped in a boy's body. A "must see" for anyone who ever felt like they didn't quit "fit in."
• Rapa Nui. The dying civilization of Easter Island struggles to preserve its last remaining tree. A metaphor for environmental issues in today's world.
• Tampopo. A sexy noodle western, and probaby the best and funniest movie ever made about food.
• Titanic. Hey, sometimes I like mainstream movies, too.
• The Wedding Banquet. In an effort to please his parents, a gay Chinese man living in San Francisco agrees to marry. He wants a small quiet ceremony, but the parents have other plans, and hilarity ensues.

Music

• Barenaked Ladies. Great music. Great fun.
• Black (Colin Vearncombe) He may not be very well known, but I love this man's music.
• Michael Callen (19??-1993). A former member of the Flirtations, one of the first long-term AIDS survivors, and a great singer-songwriter in his own right. His music makes me laugh and it makes me cry.
• Harry Chapin (1942-1981). Great musician. Great storyteller.
• Tracy Chapman. She's great...what can I say?
• Paula Cole. What a powerful voice. At one time my co-workers ragged on me because "Where Have All the Cowboys Gone" was always playing in my office.
• Cusco. Electronic instrumental music with traditional Peruvian rhythms. I can't believe these guys are German!
• Chris De Burgh. His best-known song is "Lady in Red," but I think this song pales in comparison to some of his other work.
• Enya. Beautiful.
• Peter Himmelman. Powerful songs. And well worth seeing in concert, since he also has amazing talent as a stand-up comedian!
• Christine Lavin. A folksinger and a very funny woman. Her songs have a lot of heart and humor.
• Natalie Merchant/10,000 Maniacs. Fabulous voice, thought provoking lyrics.
• Phil Ochs (1940-1976). His "Pleasures of the Harbor" album is just beautiful.
• Pet Shop Boys. Music that makes you want to get up and dance.
• Romanovsky & Phillips. Gay folk singers.
• Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus. I couldn't resist sneaking that one in. Don't miss our new CD, available in mid-2000.
• Fred Small. A singer-songwriter who sings from the heart.
• Al Stewart. My favorite musician, ever since the Year of the Cat came out when I was in 8th grade! He has an amazing ability to turn world history into great music.
• Peter White. A remarkably talented guitar player who performed with Al Stewart and with Basia for years.

Comics & Cartoons Dilbert. Cubicle humor. My brother hates this comic because it reminds him of his job! The Far Side. Truly bizarre. Simpsons. I hardly ever turn my TV on, but I've enjoyed this one whenever I've seen it. Gromit. British claymation.