FROM THE STREETS

CALIFORNIA
The State of California in political circles has become one that is increasingly owned, operated and manipulated by Hispanics by and large. Now the Los Angeles Times reports as the California Assembly closes in on naming a new leader, the question is not whether the next speaker will be a Latino from Los Angeles, it is which one.No less than four state political power houses are vying for the position but in a bold and party shattering decision John Perez threw his cigar in the race recently igniting some fierce infighting, back stabbing and bickering.
Perez, who would be California's first openly gay legislative leader, had surprised the Capitol by entering the contest. For months, he had been insisting that he would leave the Assembly to run for a state Senate opening next year. A week earlier, Villaraigosa, a former speaker himself, had hosted a summit of sorts at his mayoral home to talk about the speakership race. The attendees were Perez, De Leon, Nuñez and the mayor. And then the big announcement was made and to throw fuel on the fire the current speaker held a press conference to all but declare Perez the winner months before the official vote takes place. I guess it is true we really do bring drama to all that we do!

UGANDA
If Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill becomes law, it will be little short of state-sponsored "genocide" against the gay community, a prominent member of the Ugandan Anglican church said this week.
Canon Gideon Byamugisha said the bill, which recommends the death penalty for anyone repeatedly convicted of having gay sex and prison sentences for those who fail to report homosexual activity to the police, would breed violence and intolerance through all levels of society.
"I believe that this bill [if passed into law] will be state-legislated genocide against a specific community of Ugandans, however few they may be," he said.
The bill, which will strengthen Uganda's existing laws against homosexuality under its Penal Code Act, has been widely condemned by world leaders and human rights groups, who fear it will trigger a witch hunt against the gay community. Activists have raised concerns that the bill will hinder the country's fight against HIV/Aids among the gay community and legal experts have said it will undermine freedom of expression and association.
Yesterday, Uganda's Daily Monitor news website reported that Sweden will cut aid to Uganda if the bill is passed. Canada has also condemned the bill and the British prime minister, Gordon Brown, took the matter up directly with the Ugandan president, who has given tacit support for the bill, at the Commonwealth summit last weekend. Britain is Uganda's fourth largest donor. But James Nsaba Buturo, the minister of state for ethics and integrity, told the Guardian last week, that the government was determined to pass the legislation, even if meant withdrawing from international treaties and conventions or losing donor funding.
Exploiting traditional views
Byamugisha said gay people were being used as "scapegoats" for Uganda's social problems, such as the breakdown of the family unit and rising HIV infection rates, and politicians were using the bill to tap into the prevailing anti-gay mood in the country in the run up to the 2011 elections.
"They [politicians] are exploiting the traditional and cultural abhorrence to same-sex relationships to their advantage. They know that if they criminalise homosexuals, homosexual tendencies and homosexual acts, they stand a better chance of winning votes from the majority of religious followers and leaders, because most of us may not be able to distinguish what may be considered 'unacceptable', from the point of view of religious and cultural belief and opinion, from what is 'criminal', from the point of state law that is meant to keep peace, order and justice," he said.
"What makes this proposed law truly distasteful is the amount and level of violence that is being proposed against suspected, rumoured and known individuals who are gay, and their families and community leaders in their places of worship, residence, education, work, business and entertainment."
He added: "When you say that parents of homosexual children, and that pastors and counsellors who extend spiritual guidance and psycho-social support to homosexuals, will be regarded as 'accomplices' in promoting and abetting homosexuality if they don't report them to police, then you take the law a bit too far."
Byamugisha's stance will put him at odds with many in Uganda. But the minister has a track record of speaking against a prevailing mood. In 1990, after the death of his first wife, he discovered he was HIV-positive. Two years later he became the first practising African priest to publicly declare his status, not an easy thing to do in a country that, for all its efforts to significantly lower infection rates, has not shaken the stigma associated with the disease.
Since revealing his status, Byamugisha, who is a Christian Aid goodwill ambassador on HIV/Aids, has campaigned for the rights of people living with the disease. In 2003 he established the Friends of Canon Gideon Foundation to end the stigma of diagnosis, encourage safe sexual practices, improve access to treatment and support orphans or vulnerable children who have lost parents. This year he was awarded the Niwano Peace Prize for his work.
Taking a gamble
But while Byamugisha took a risk over his HIV status, speaking out against the bill could prove a bigger gamble. The church in Uganda, as in other African states, takes a clear view that homosexuality is a sin and is something that can be cured. Some will no doubt see the bill as a way of curbing an "evil" practice. But the minister hopes the ferocity of the bill will deter religious leaders from throwing their weight behind it.
"I sincerely hope that my fellow religious leaders will comprehend my stand against the level of violence proposed in the bill," he said. "I hope that they will not translate my hesitation to support the bill as a moral surrender to behaviours and practices that we regard as 'unacceptable' and 'sinful' in our ethics and morality frameworks. I hope that they will translate my hesitation as shying away from endorsing a bill that will institutionalise violence and death to a minority group simply because the majority do not like them."
Regardless of opinion from faith leaders, though, Byamugisha believes he has an obligation to speak out. "I realise that if I am happy to speak out against discrimination and stigma in relation to HIV, then I should also be happy to speak out against paralysing homophobia, sexism, tribalism, Puritanism, fundamentalism and against anything else that reduces and diminishes our love, care and support for each other as we travel the road of faith and belief."
Liz Ford and Emma Pomfret guardian.co.uk,
Friday 4 December 2009 11.44 GMT

NEW JERSEY
In a last minute now or never fervor a bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey will be posted for a vote. Sen. Ray Lesniak, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says the bill is scheduled to go before that committee on December 7th and will be voted on by the full Senate next Thursday. Garden State lawmakers who support the idea have been reluctant to post the bill for a vote unless they were fairly certain it would pass. Both houses of the Legislature must pass it before it goes to the governor. The current governor "Corzine" has pledged his support and said he would sign the bill into law. The timing is crucial to reach his desk before he is replaced by the newly elected republican governor who is strongly opposed to marriage quality and has vowed to veto the legislation if presented.

OHIO
In a not so surprising move members of Cleveland’s transgender community will be protected against discrimination under legislation passed unanimously by the city council. The ordinance approved Monday night expands the city’s existing anti-bias laws to bar businesses from denying jobs or housing to people because of their gender identity or gender expression.
It’s the council’s latest step meant to show that Cleveland is a tolerant city. The city was recently rewarded for those efforts by being named the host city for the 2014 Gay Games, an international sports festival.
Council members said they may consider extending the protections further next year, possibly by allowing transgender persons to use either a men’s or women’s public restroom.

CHINA
Opening of the gay pub in southwest China’s Yunnan Province was delayed due to pressure, said its founder on Tuesday, the 22nd World AIDS Day.The pub in the tourism Dali city which has drawn wide public attention was set to open on Tuesday. “The pub will open sooner or later,” said its founder Zhang Jianbo, who was a doctor from the Dali No.2 People’s Hospital. One reason for the delay was too much pressure towards volunteers working in it. “They will be looked at through ‘colored glasses’,” he said. The staff are worried they will be subject to hatred and criticism for offering help and assistance to people seeking information on HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Not withstanding societal stigmas regarding homosexuality.

NEW YORK
As the holiday season roars into full speed so does the season of giving and some of the New York City's major gay promoters and marketing companies are teaming up for a few special charity events. If you are in the area please support the cause of your choice but do share something with someone this holiday season!

LIFE STYLE AND CULTURE

"ASPIRING NEW MUSICIAN AND MODEL"
Hot, sexy and multi-talented London based model Louis-Harris Tench was a recent “Ford/ VMan” Search Finalist. Although a finalist, Louis didn’t win. The aspiring R&B artist/ model is very likely to be signed by one of the major agencies given his exposure and success during the contest. Age: 23
Height: 6'1
Chest: 38
Waist: 31
Shoe: 11
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown


We look forward to hearing and seeing more of this hot new prodigy on the fashion & music scenes! For more about Louis or his music check out: youtube.com/louisharristench

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2009

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH, 2009

Wassup Family!
From our family at THE STYLE SHOPPE, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! We are busy catering and preparing a fabulous dinner party for 250 guests for one of our Jewish clients. Yeah, "koshruth cooking" has very special requirements and restrictions but we can handle it!
We cooked 25 Kosher Turkeys. The day began at 5:00 AM the turkeys had to be cleaned, marinaded and finally roasted. We used 16-20 pound turkeys so they cooked roughly three hours each. Once properly cooked and cooled, they had to be broken down into breasts, dark meat and scraps for the gravy and stuffing. The day came to a close at 7:30 PM. We hope you and your family are having as much fun as we are!
The final menu featured:
Pumpkin Bisque
Mesclun Field Greens with Cranberry Walnut Dressing
Roasted Turkey
Pecan Cranberry Stuffing
Giblet Gravy
Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Herb and Garlic Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Hot Water Cornbread Muffins
Deep Dish Apple Pie Souffle
Egg Nog Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream

CHEFS CORNER

While surf'in the web, I came across this interesting piece produced by "THE FUTURE" a handsomely well produced website authored by a group of friends who self promote and offer their own unique and personal flavor on culture, lifestyle and media. I think the website is fabulous overall but I take issue with their lack of fact checking and research of the material they present. "Opinions" are not necessarily factually accurate and are subject to personal interpretation. What is not subject to personal interpretation or conjecture are technical facts and historical precedence. One plus one equals two no matter what one thinks personally.

As a professional classically trained chef, I was surprised they did not edit the piece for technical and historical accuracy. Esthetically it doesn't matter because the average subscriber most likely will not know right from wrong anyway, but for the culinary professionals who watch the piece, it is an insult from someone calling themselves a chef. Similar to a doctor diagnosing you with a common cold but treating you with a shot of penicillin in the rear.
Pastry Arts are a highly specialized skill set within Culinary Arts with it's own techniques and terminology. Chef Love references the butter and sugar to be beaten together and emulsified with the eggs. The order of the ingredients is correct but the process is not. Anytime butter, sugar and eggs are combined in this style it is known as "the creaming method." The creaming method is one of several ways that you can mix ingredients to make a cake or cookies. It is the most prevalent method used because the resulting cake will be light and tender. If in fact the butter, sugar and eggs are beaten, the results will be grainy and thick. Yes! Now you know why your last cake was so thick and heavy. Another golden rule of baking "always combine the dry ingredients" before adding the wet. The spot also failed to mention a critically important step. The oven must be preheated before placing the batter in the oven. If the oven is not properly heated, the leavening agents in the batter will not properly activate and the results will be flat. Eggs require steam to rise and agents such as baking soda or power require water and heat.

"Brulee" means burnt cream. The chef incorrectly referred to the method/ technique of burning sugar as Brulee. The technique is caramelization. When ones refers to brulee most often it describes the classic french dessert. Creme Brulee is a classic dish of smooth custard, with a CARAMELIZED SUGAR topping. I am looking over my notes taken in Pastry Arts 101 during Culinary school. The chef incorrectly states he brulees the bananas when in fact he is caramelizing the sugar topping. If the sugar is caramelized to the point it melts and forms a solid sheet on top of the bananas it may be called "bananas brulee."

To the novice these are minor insignificant points but one must remember there is always a part of the audience that knows the proper and correct style and technique. Television, movies and talk shows all use fact checkers to avoid these types of errors. Here is a fabulous simple pound cake recipe to enjoy this holiday season.

SIMPLE POUND CAKE RECIPE
Preheat oven to 340 degrees F. Spray and line 2 8" cake pans.
BUTTER 1 1/4 lbs.
SUGAR 1 1/2 lbs.
LEMON RIND, grated 1 oz.
SALT 1/4 oz.
CAKE FLOUR 1 3/4 lbs.
BAKING POWDER 3/4 oz.
EGGS 2 lbs.
Cream together the butter, sugar, lemon rind and salt, set aside
Sift together the cake flour and baking powder
Alternately add the eggs and flour mixture to the bowl in thirds on low speed
Add half the batter to each of cake pans and bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched in the center.

LOVE AND ROMANCE

"JAMAICA ON THE DL"
Most of what you read and hear is so anti-gay when the subject of Jamaica comes up. I personally desire to see the country first hand but refuse to spend money where it would be used against me. Not with standing the fact there is a thriving gay community.
A subculture of "gay for pay" hustlers in Jamaica as in most communities around the globe. Further evidenced by the many personal ads from within Jamaica on sites such as Adam4Adam, Gaycrawler and Gaydar. Not to mention the theatrics on Rudejam. It amazes me how a few green backs can effect such a potent instant social change!

FROM THE STREETS

DALLAS TEXAS
The long anticipated relocation and grand opening of the new location "The Brick/Joe's " will open at 5:00 pm Friday night 11/13. Drop by this weekend for a sneak peak! They are also accepting applications for all positions. Inquire at the club.
Be sure to come back here and give us the details and inside scoop!

The Brick / Joe's Dallas
2525 Wycliff Ave., #120
Dallas, Texas 75219
214-521-3154
*****
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
During the past few years an alarming trend has been quietly stripping the black gay community. Fast and furiously black gay owned, operated or patronized bars and clubs are becoming a thing of the past. The promoters and owners are finding a number of obstacles to remaining in business. Poor judgement and behavior by patrons in local neighborhoods, high rents and changing zoning issues are but a few of the nails in many of these coffins.

The most recent bar to face closing is the well known landmark "Starlight Lounge". A fixture in the Bed-Sty/ Mid-wood neighborhood for decades. According to published reports the building that housed the Starlite was secretly and abruptly sold and the oldest Gay bar in Brooklyn, was given the boot, three months to vacate. No doubt this will mean increased business for the newer Caribbean hot spot "Langstons/ Moore's Bar and Lounge" that is located a few blocks away @1073 Atlantic Avenue just off the corner of Franklin & Atlantic Avenues.
*****
SALT LAKE CITY UTAH
Make room for the Mormons on the supporters list. This week Utah unanimously passed an anti discrimination ordinance, the first in Utah to ban employment and housing discrimination against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, the New York Times reports. I'm not sure how many of our brothers and sisters live in Utah but this has to be good news for the gay community at large.
*****
PROVIDENCE RHODE ISLAND
For nearly a century, gay black men have contributed to the state’s political, academic and cultural life.
“People always ask me, ‘Have things gotten better for you, the blacks?’ ” said author James Baldwin at a 1985 reading at the First Baptist Church in Providence. “I survived it. That’s the best I can say.”

A new exhibit at the John Hay Library examines the lives and accomplishments of more than 30 gay black men with Rhode Island connections, including the late Baldwin.
Curator Robb Dimmick tells the stories of these men — many of them local artists, actors, public servants and scholars — through letters, photographs, playbills and even State House laws, items he has collected over a 30-year span.Some, like House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox, are openly gay. But many others prefer to remain in the background. Just before the Nov. 5 opening of Dimmick’s exhibit, “Black Lavender 2,” one participant withdrew his name.
“It is such a rich community and it is not connected at this point. Our hope is this presentation will spark a new discussion among gay black men.” Dimmick became interested in gay black literature in the mid-1980s, after he took a job as a book scout for Ray Rickman, the founder of Cornerstone Books, a rare and used bookstore in Providence. A year later Dimmick joined the store as a business partner. At Cornerstone, the two men — Rickman, then a black state representative, and Dimmick, the white star of a one-man show about Abraham Lincoln — specialized in black literature at a time when many stores did not have an African American section. “If they did,” said Dimmick, “it was in the back, on the floor, in a dark, dank corner. But we were right on the cutting edge.”

James Baldwin visited the store. So did poet Maya Angelou and Pulitzer Prize-winning civil rights historian Taylor Branch. A frequent customer was Henry Louis Gates Jr., the director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard and the author of the PBS series, “African American Lives.”
“I knew there were black gay writers, but where were their books? That became the start of my hunt,” said Dimmick, who started collecting newspaper clippings, obits, programs, fliers, posters and pamphlets — anything connected to black gay men — in the mid-1970s.
Often, such items are thrown away after an event, said Dimmick. Some of that material found its way into the first “Black Lavender” exhibit in 2005, which focused on black writers. But Dimmick wanted to do a second show that centered on Rhode Island.

At the Nov. 5 opening, Rhode Island College English Prof. Daniel M. Scott III talked about his oral history project. Gay black men in Rhode Island, he said, struggle to fit into two worlds: the small, church-centered African American community and the larger white world, a tight-knit Catholic community. For many, “it gets very complicated,” Scott said.The men in the “Black Lavender 2” exhibit are connected to the state in various ways. Some, like Baldwin, visited only once –– but sparked a round of soul searching. Others have studied at Brown University or the Rhode Island School of Design before embarking on careers elsewhere. Others in the exhibit include the painter Robert Dilworth, who chairs the University of Rhode Island’s Department of Art and Art History, Trinity Rep actor Joe Wilson Jr. and Michael Evora, executive director of the Rhode Island Commission for Human Rights. “The big surprise is that black gay men exist in the state and have flourished,” said Dimmick.

The exhibit, funded by the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, is open weekdays through Jan. 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the John Hay Library in Providence.

By Paul Davis

Rhode Island Journal Staff Writer
*****
WASHINGTON STATE
The people of Washington State have spoken loud and clear as they approved a win for gay-rights in their state as voters in Maine rejected that state's same-sex marriage law, while in Michigan, voters in Kalamazoo overwhelmingly retained that city's anti-discrimination law protecting gays and lesbians.
Washington States Referendum 71 results were disappointing to religious conservatives, whose aggressive efforts to get the expanded partnership law thrown out had gained momentum in recent months. Passage of referendum 71 "For gay and lesbian Washingtonians and their families,is a major step forward in assuring that we're all treated equally under the law."
*****

DOMINICAN REPUBLICJean Luis Valdez Flores (Wey Jam), the confessed killer of the television producer Juan Miguel Breton Mieses (Miky), told the National Police that a disagreement in room 3 of the Princesa Motel, located on the 30 de Mayo Highway, was the reason for the fight that ended up in the killing. "These were immoral things, that we are asking the media to omit in order to preserve the moral of the Breton Mieses family", said Nelson Rosario, the spokesperson for the National Police, as he explained the circumstances of the killing.According to the accused, the discrepancies over not fulfilling some of Breton's requests, turned into the fight that left the victim badly wounded. While Miky was bleeding in the room, Jean Luis, fearful for what could happen if the producer survived, went to get the knife that he had in his backpack in the KIA Sportage SUV, license G-203287, and with which he stabbed Breton two times: In the stomach and in the neck. Valdez Flores, 20, took flight in Breton's vehicle. The prosecutor for the National District, Alejandro Moscoso Segarra, said that due to the nature of the crime, the accused would probably be sent to preventive prison for a year.

The simple version, Miky picked up trade- a well known dominican rapper - and they took the episode to a canbana (motel) where the accused rapper insists although he agreed to have concentual sex with Miky he later changed his mind when Mikey alledgedly wanted "to tap that booty." He than killed him and stole his jeep. The accused will most likely get no more than a year because it involved a hush hush crime that is not to be discussed or mentioned. This type of behavior and cover up is becoming increasingly frequent in DR.

LIFE STYLE AND CULTURE

Just the funniest and cutest thing!

I realize a gang of professional and college athletes have received some much deserved bad press regarding their homophobia recently but you have to "see them" at play. Hysterically funny and homoerotic.
As society on the whole becomes more familiar and tolerant of alternative lifestyles, the lines of what is acceptable behavior between the groups has gotten very blurry. Everyday I see young so called str8 men wearing more and more outlandish colors, prints and patterns. Don't lie you see them, the ones in the hot pink and fuchsia sneakers and blouses! What's with the pants saggin (n i g g a s) lower and lower every year. Certainly if you have your cheeks hanging all out hot and sexy, you are sending a message loud and clear, no matter to whom it is intended. The down low phenomenon is less and less on the DL as homies are smacking each others asses more openly, you know a lot of touchy feel stuff that most gay men refrain.
*******
"Not exactly Americas Next Top Model"
Speaking of breaking out of the "DL mode". An interesting new book "Follow the Model: Miss J's Guide to Unleashing Presence, Poise, and Power" by J Alexander -of ANTM Fame - was released this week. In his first bio slash self help offering "Miss J" talks about his early years growing up in Bronx, NY and goes on to tell how a public casting call for a Jean Paul Gaultier runway show led him to take his first impeccably clad step on the catwalk and confirmed his conviction that he belonged in the world of high fashion!How he has influenced the careers of many of the most sought after models, actresses and actors alike.
It is a nice easy read tailored to a female audience but entertaining and recommended non the less.

HEALTH, NUTRITION AND WELLNESS

Sometimes Easier Said IS easier done!
Recently the good life and living of a chef finally caught up to me front row and center in a dramatic visit to the doctor. In September I started to feel slight pains in my right leg and went to the emergency room. Initially the intern said it was muscle fatigue and with a few days rest all would be fine. Knowing my body better than him, I was not satisfied and requested to see the attending. The attending physician ordered a MRI that revealed I had a blood clot at the entry to my heart. After 2 weeks in the hospital on blood thinners and a harsh reality check I realized change was necessary. A diabetic with high cholesterol and triglycerides was not going to cut it if I wanted to continue to live for any significant length of time.
During my discharge the cardiologist reiterated the seriousness of the issue when he simply asked me “If I wanted to continue to live”. I was stunned and seriously shook up. He prescribed an extreme and merciless diet that would stimulate my metabolism and immediately put me on the road to a swift recovery.
The “Metabolic Syndrome Diet” is a transitional diet that restricts carbohydrates, especially those low in nutrients – such as sweetened beverages, snack foods and baked goods. The intensity of the restrictions is short term and expanded as my specific goals are achieved. Initially when I started on October 1st at 256 pounds I was not allowed any fruits, juice, soda, sweetened beverages or dairy products. No fried meats or fish. No high fat or processed protein foods. "I was a wreck" and went directly to my family doctor’s office, a sat down and cried like a baby. My imagination had gotten the best of me; I was focused on the end not the change. Until that very moment I had not accepted how severe my situation had become and certainly didn’t feel I could manage what seemed like a health fanatic’s rabbit food buffet. After the tears and the initial shock settled I spent a few hours with my doctor, nurse and dietitian who were superb. We addressed my fears and concerns. I am unmistakably a strong black man I love my pig feet, collard greens and macaroni & cheese. Why else would I have spent 60K and 4 years of my life studying and toiling to become a professional chef and food stylist? (1)This diet was not ethnically friendly! (2) I am and always have been a “big boy” I have a hearty appetite. (3) I am spoiled and set in my ways; I like what I like.
The bottom line, it wasn’t working for me and I needed to change or be evicted! Meredith, my dietitian, acknowledged the diet was not ethnically sensitive and together we found acceptable alternatives to better meet my preferences. Dr. Jones scolded “a big frame is different from a fat man”. I should give it a try before complaining about “being hungry”. Finally if my way was working we would not have been having the conversation. If I wanted to be here for future conversations I needed to make changes. I went home determined and willing to meet the challenge. The first thing I did was to enlist the help of my best friends and a neighbor. They took as much of the offenders in my cabinets and refrigerator as they wanted and I disposed of the rest. I went to the grocery store and started restocking with the diet as a guideline and shopping list.The diet requires me to eat five times a day, roughly every 4-5 hours, beginning with breakfast. “When doing it my way” I was only “eating” once a day but snacking generously and continuously between 11:00 AM and 1:00 AM. Breakfast was out of the question unless it was Grits, Buttery Pancakes or French Toast. This is the original version of the diet which is not very ethnically friendly and can be costly. It works well for me after some preferential adjustments.My adopted version of the diet substituted different nuts for the olives. No red meat period in favor of more fish and shrimp. Finally I created a salad dressing to be used on salads and in tuna instead of canola mayonnaise I use 1T of nonfat Greek Yogurt and 2tsp of stone ground or dijon style mustards. For breakfast I add cinnamon, splenda and vanilla extract to the Greek Style Yogut. I only use light colored salad greens and vegetables because dark leafy greens are prohibited while on blood thinners. I am only drinking Crystal Light and water. The diet has proven to be a huge success with my weight dropping from 256 to 235 in the first two weeks. My triglycerides dropped from 720 to 227. My posture and balance had improved tremendously as my overall energy has quadrupled.

PASSPORT AND JETWAY

THE INTERNATINAL FAST LANE
Well it was a rough 2 years and unfortunately too rough for fledgling company CLEAR to survive. CLEAR was a prgram that offered expedient processing through US immigrations. For a fee of $100 USD per year they would process a background check, set up your retina scan and finger printing in a national data base. The data base was connected to electronic scanners at Custon and Immigration areas of major airports. Members avoided the long lines by simply walking up to the machines and scanning their eyes and fingers for quick entry. Due to the slump in the economy and slower than forcasted international travel the program never causght on and closed withing 16 months. TSA has adopted the concept and developed their own program dubbed the Global Entry Program. Global Entry is a new pilot program managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers expedited clearance upon arrival into the United States. Participants will enter the United States by utilizing automated kiosks located, at designated airports. Although the program is intended for “frequent travelers” who make several international trips per year, there is no minimum number of trips an applicant must make in order to qualify.
Currently Global Entry is available at: John F. Kennedy International (JFK); Washington Dulles International (IAD); George Bush Houston Intercontinental (IAH); Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Miami International Airport (MIA), Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS), Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW), Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Honolulu International Airport (HNL), Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS), Detroit Metropolitan International Airport (DTW), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU), Orlando-Sanford International Airport (SFB), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The fee and program are very similar if not exactly the same in nature and idea. I will report at a later date on how user friendly the program is after using it a few times.
www.cbp.gov/global_entry

FROM THE STREETS

NEW YORKGov. David Paterson remains stedfast in his efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, comparing the effort to the fight for the abolition of slavery. The legislation that he introduced passed the NYS Assembly in May is now headed for a final showdown in the State Senate. The proposal is the same bill the Democratic-controlled state Assembly passed in 2007before it died in the Senate, where the Republican majority kept it from coming up for a vote. Democrats now control the Senate, but opponents are vowing to make sure this one fails, as well.
Gay marriage is a crucial issue of equal rights in America that cannot be ignored, Paterson said. He was joined Mayor Michael Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and other elected officials, as well as gay rights advocates and his wife, Michelle.

ALABAMA
Judge Herman Thomas, a prominent member of the Alabama Democratic Party, was found "not guilty" on charges of sex abuse, sodomy and assault. The former Alabama judge was accused of checking dozens of male inmates out of jail and forcing them to engage in sexual activity for reduced sentences in his court office and chambers.
Alleged victims testified of being spanked, told to masturbate or forced to have oral sex with Thomas in exchange for lighter sentences. Semen of two alleged victims was found in the judges office. Despite the DNA evidence, visitor logs and testimony of several witnesses the jury found him "not guilty" on several charges and the judge dismissed the other counts

MILWAUKEEPolice were recently forced to close an investigation of a shooting of what officers initially thought was a woman, shot in the leg. It turned out be a 27-year old man. The short period of confusion developed because the victim was wearing woman’s clothes.
The victim was shot in the thigh, knee, and buttocks. The injuries reportedly were not critical or life threatening. The victim says he was walking home early Sunday morning when the suspect's vehicle pulled up beside him and someone fired multiple shots. The suspect was vaguely described as a black man, 5'07", 170-180 pounds, stocky build, with braids. The victim was uncooperative with investigators.
This incident is only the latest in an increasing number of incidents in which lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have been attacked or killed in bias-motivated incidents. An increase of 28 percent in 2008 compared to a year ago, according to a national coalition of advocacy groups. Last year's 29 killings was the highest recorded by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs since 1999, when it documented the same number of slayings, according to a report released Tuesday by the coalition.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
About 100 witnesses testified on Monday before a D.C. city council committee on legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in the nation’s capital.
Attendees had the opportunity to discuss the measure's language and proposed changes to it, such as replacing the terms “bride” and “groom” on marriage licenses with “spouse,” reports the Associated Press. Many religious organizations attended to vent their concerns, mainly they want to ensure that they are not forced to rent their space for ceremonies uniting gay couples. An extreme anti-gay zealot self-professed "Christian" Earnestine Copeland, the final witness testified or accurately ranted on Sodom and Gomorrah, "devils" and "demons" and compared same-sex relations and marriage to bestiality. She harangued the Council for deciding “to lead my people to hell” by supporting same-sex marriages which “will destroy our society.” and asked “Who among you would allow your male dog to lie with a male dog?”


THE UNITED KINGDOMEngland Celebrates "Black History Month"Black History Month has been celebrated in England widely for many years honouring the achievements, culture, and the history of black people. In Southwark Black History Month has been recognised for over 20 years with a month long programme of exciting and inspirational events and workshops. Every year throughout October people, schools, libraries, groups and organisations host events and get involved with the celebration of black history.
Continuing the theme of "The Journey: Past, Present, Future", Black History Month 2009 will offer a diverse and rich programme of events for everyone to enjoy. Exploring the theme is a mixture of organisations, groups and individuals that will interpret 'The journey: past, present, future' with exhibitions, talks, walks, film screenings, showcases, and more. With this in mind, Outburst UK, in association with Southwark Council and the London Southbank University presents: "Finding Me".
A story of one young man's journey to self-acceptance and self-love. It is also a story that lies close to our hearts, because we have all taken the trip to "Finding Ourselves". This story begins with a question, "What am I doing with my life?"Faybien Allen begins his journey to self-discovery with the aid of his two best friends, Amera and Greg. He also plays the teacher at times to these friends as well.Faybien's father's disappointment looms over any of his achievements or progress toward self acceptance until a stranger enters his life. Lonnie's love for Faybien allows him to open his eyes, hear and mind. As he begins his journey he is introduced to a character, which proves just how harsh life can be and the unfortunate outcomes of poor decisions. This individual forces Faybien to accept his responsibility for his actions, and provides a new obstacle for him on his journey to self-acceptance. Faybien's emotions are defined by his guilt and sadness, because he has not accepted the loss of someone close to him.
Will young Faybien accept who he is?
Will he take responsibility for his life and gain control?
Producer/Writer/Director: Roger S. Omeus, JR
Date: Friday 30 October 2009
Location: London Southbank UniversityThe Keyworth Centre main auditoriumKeyworth StreetLondon SE1 6NG

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

"YES OR NO?"
I always wonder if models and the extremely beautiful faces and bodies of the world have real life relationships? "Do you think you could have a relationship with someone who is breath takingly hot?"

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

WOULD YOU? COULD YOU?

One weekend a few years ago I was hanging out with the gang laughing, joking and having a good time. "Stellas" was the local strip bar known for weak but cheap drinks, attractive but hungry street hustlers and strippers. As was the routine back then we were checking out the Saturday Night Revue when one of them caught more than just my eye. What followed was a hot affair with plenty of sex, lies and drama. After more than a year of ups and downs we reached a fork in the road. It was time to take the next step and commit- Hit it one last time and move on- or put the rubbers away and "just be friends". This proved to be a far more complicated decision than I expected. Yeah, that trickster feelings had something to say about the whole thing! On the one hand I had become very fond of him. Hooked on that hot pot and wicked dip stick. The fact he was a latin lover was extra. BUT, there is always that BUT! he was a hustler, a stripper which meant he had a past! How could I commit and TRUST him? The people I trust most felt I should go with my heart and if it was what I wanted they could support it.I wasn't sure "I" could deal with all my friends knowing what he looked like naked, had hung dollars from those little strings he wore every weekend. To top it all off there was the question of his "girlfriend" what the f--k?If I committed, how many times would it be thrown in my face that he had had thousands of hands all over those toys. Ultimatey, I was not strong enough to deal with any of the possibilities and put the rubbers away and we have had some great times as "just friends". Sometimes f--king friends and other times just laughs, jokes and beers.
What do you think, what choice would or could you make? Do relationships kindled from these types of fires survive?

FROM THE STREETS

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT! "

Increasingly during my travels I encounter "the sisters" who look so real that it blows my mind. I have found myself cruising more than one of our sisters who look better than the brothers. Much to do was made about this and featured in a local documentary that recieved over whelming praise and awards world wide recently. The Aggressives took an indepth and personal look intothe world and families of "The Aggressives!" Lets see how you do? Which ones of these gentlemen do you think are real gentlemen and which ones are just "gentle" men?

LIFESTYLE AND CULTURE

AFRICAN AMERICAN DAY 2009
Traditionally, African American Day has been a much celebrated event in NYC. However, as more ethnic groups assimilate into the African American Community an increasingly growing number of Black Americans are opting to abandon their own culture, heritage and traditions including holidays and cultural celebrations. The once very popular and well attended African American Day Parade is now victim to this growing trend. One of the contributing factors during the past five or six years the organizers have failed to keep the parade relevant and appealing to the community at large. Many blacks now choose to attend the more popular and better organized Peurto Rican and Dominican Day Parades in Manhattan. This year's parade was the worse it has ever been. Firstly, all major parades in the city are held on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The entire notion of hosting the parade in Harlem has long been a bust. Harlem residents "alone" see Harlem as the center of the black community in NYC. Long gone are the days when Harlem was recognized as "the Mecca" with the likes of the Apollo Theater and 125th Street headlining. Today's Black Culture and Community in NYC is far more diverse and evenly distributed across the 5 boroughs. The organizers should consider moving the parade to Fifth Avenue to incorporate all of the black communities into the celebration.Secondly, because of poor advertising and promotion. Community support and participation has dwindled year after year to a handful of people. All of the other cultural events and parades in the city are prominently advertised by local community calendars, posters in the transit hubs and on the radio stations as community service announcements. The African American Day Parade was not publicized in print or radio anywhere within the community. It was a very short string of groups that were separated by 20 minutes between each group. 12 bands and groups from "Baltimore, Maryland" and 7 groups from surrounding counties and cities within New York State provided the bulk of the parade. The biggest embarrassment was the fact that only 8 groups from the 5 boroughs and they were civil service employee groups - fire, police, sanitation and correction departments. The largest non civil service group that participated was The Fraternal Orders of Masons and Eastern Stars. The Islamic Brothers and Sisters of Harlem looked fabulous and very well groomed as always. The only radio station that participated was "WBLS" and the only community leaders and politicians that attended were those running for public office this year - John Liu (running for comptroller), Bill Thompson (running for mayor), Bill de Blasio (running for public advocate), The hot and enticing NYC GYM BOYS kept the girls (and fellas) screaming all day! Noticeably absent were any celebrities or personalities from the black community at large. 6 people from Al Sharpton's Action Network marched but Al Sharpton was no where to be found. A sad commentary given the wealth of talent and star power that call NYC home. It is better to not hold the event if organizers cannot realize they are loosing the trust and respect of the community sponsoring such as a fiascoFinally, the organizers must keep the parade and events relevant to the times. The majority of the observers who came out for the parade were either under the age of 12or older than 45. The parade should attract and be appealing to all members of the community. The police presence was so overwhelming that it appeared as if it was a police event. Police should be present but not so promenent that they create an atmosphere where everyone is anticipating an waiting for trouble. It is safe to say that unless dramatic changes are made this parade will be a thing of the past!