Saturday, August 23, 2008

GLBT DIGEST - August 23, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Modern Love
We'll Marry Each Other as Often as Needed
"Come to California," I said. "I will if you marry me," Ira replied. Thiswas two days before I was leaving for Los Angeles for work, and a week aftersame-sex marriage had been legalized there, making it reciprocally legal inNew York State, where we live. At the request of a lesbian couple, theCoquille Indian Tribe on the southern Oregon coast has adopted a lawrecognizing same-sex marriage. Tribal law specialists say the Coquilleappear to be the first tribe to sanction such marriages. Most tribal lawdoesn't address the issue. The Navajo and Cherokee tribes prohibit same-sexmarriages.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/fashion/24love.html

-8 States Cut From System That Tracks Rate of H.I.V.
Eight states and Puerto Rico will no longer receive federal money for anadvanced H.I.V. monitoring system that showed that the annual infection ratein the nation was 40 percent higher than previously estimated, officials atthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/health/policy/23aids.html


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Oregon tribe to allow same-sex marriages
At the request of a lesbian couple, the Coquille Indian Tribe on thesouthern Oregon coast has adopted a law recognizing same-sex marriage.Tribal law specialists say the Coquille appear to be the first tribe tosanction such marriages. Most tribal law doesn't address the issue. TheNavajo and Cherokee tribes prohibit same-sex marriages. The couple planningtheir wedding at the tribal plankhouse say they seek only tribal recognitionand are unconcerned about Oregon and federal prohibitions against gaymarriage.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082200688.html

-Leo Abse, 91; Led British Campaign For Gay Rights
Leo Abse, 91, a colorful Welsh politician who took a leading role inliberalizing laws on homosexuality and divorce, died Aug. 19 in London. Thecause of death was not announced. Mr. Abse, noted for his dandyish apparel,also won attention with books that attempted to apply psychoanalysis toMargaret Thatcher, Tony Blair and Bill Clinton.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/21/AR2008082103396.html

-The Man With All the Medals Blows a Golden Opportunity
Before assessing the supremely unflattering Sports Illustrated cover thatcelebrates Olympian Michael Phelps's eight gold medals in Beijing, one thingmust be made clear: Phelps is an extraordinary athlete. He is an amphibiousmarvel. The man set an unprecedented goal for himself and then madeaccomplishing it look easy. He will undoubtedly serve as inspiration forgenerations of swimmers to come. All hail, Michael Phelps.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082200862.html?hpid=topnews

-Home Circumcisions Appealing to Christian Parents
Jewish Community's Mohels Infuse 'Holistic' Procedure With Spiritual MeaningMark Kushner pulled up to the Watson family's suburban Philadelphia home aweek after the birth of their first son, Colin. In the dining room, heunpacked the tools of his trade: sterilized surgical instruments, topicalanesthetic, prayer shawls and a small bottle of kosher wine.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202673.html?hpid=sec-religion

-Protections Set for Antiabortion Health Workers
Opponents Denounce Proposed Regulation Allowing Federal Officials to PullFunding
The Bush administration yesterday announced plans to implement acontroversial regulation designed to protect doctors, nurses and otherhealth-care workers who object to abortion from being forced to deliverservices that violate their personal beliefs. The rule empowers federalhealth officials to pull funding from more than 584,000 hospitals, clinics,health plans, doctors' offices and other entities if they do not accommodateemployees who refuse to participate in care they find objectionable onpersonal, moral or religious grounds. "People should not be forced to sayor do things they believe are morally wrong," Health and Human ServicesSecretary Mike Leavitt said. "Health-care workers should not be forced toprovide services that violate their own conscience."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/21/AR2008082102818.html?hpid=moreheadlines


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-A Mormon site supports gays
Prompted by their church's support for a California initiative to ban gaymarriage, some Mormons are voicing opposition to the proposed ban on theInternet - saying in cyberspace what they might not be able to express inchurch buildings. MormonsforMarriage is one of a handful of Web sites tospring up since June, when top Mormon leaders distributed a letter to beread from California pulpits to call the faith's 750,000-plus members thereto contribute money and time to help pass Proposition 8.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-flatnatdig08231sbaug23,0,1117840.story

-Neb. 'safe-haven' law allows abandonment of teens
Nebraska's new "safe-haven" law allowing parents to abandon unwantedchildren at hospitals with no questions asked is unique in a significantway: It goes beyond babies and potentially permits the abandonment of anyoneunder 19.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/ny-bc-children-safehavens0822aug22,0,4739473.story


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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Study states 10 percent of trans vets turned away from VA hospitals
An interesting study released today by the Palm Center at the University ofCalifornia, Santa Barbara, shows that transgender veterans face being turnedaway by Veterans Administration hospitals and medical facilities as well asfacing other forms of discrimination. The study, based on a surveyconducted by the Transgender American Veterans Association, is the first ofits kind, according to TAVA. Participating in the survey were 827 U.S.military veterans and active-duty personnel.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=8/17/08&end=8/24/08#20481

-Obama campaign unveils LGBT website
After recent polls came out showing that Sen. Barack Obama has a 58 pointlead over John McCain among LGBT voters, the Obama campaign has revved upits gay out reach with a new website and blog called LGBTforObama.com. Thesite is aimed at gay voters to point out the differences between thepresidential candidates in their stances on GLBT issues. Topics includeFederal hate crimes legislation, Don't Ask Don't Tell policies, and the needfor more inclusive measures to protect civil rights for all Americans.Visitors may get little information on Obama's views on same-sex marriage.The senator says he supports civil unions and not marriage.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-21/news/localnews/4978.cfm

-All eyes on Denver as Dems seek unity
Record number of openly gay delegates to participate in conventionTens of thousands of Democrats, including an estimated 360 openly gayparticipants, will flock to Denver next week for the 2008 DemocraticNational Convention.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-22/news/national/4989.cfm

-Farewell, Express Gay News-our final issue
New look, new name, and new vibe is on the way with "South?Florida Blade"And so it is time, dear readers, to say goodbye to Express Gay News. Today,August 21, 2008, marks the final edition of this version of our newspaper.Express Gay News is taking a trip to the media publications spa, so tospeak: we're having a few nips and tucks to freshen up our image and makethings look pretty. We're changing our name, to "South Florida Blade," andwe're launching new graphics and colors and layout concepts. Our web sitewill start fresh and new as well, also with the new look and the new name.But fret not-we won't be on hiatus, the new paper will unroll next week,keeping us on our publishing schedule. What's in store, you ask? It'snatural to be curious. You'll have to come back next week to see.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-21/view/editorial/4980.cfm

-Bitch Session
I think it's high time we started beating the crap out of random straightboys. Better yet, pull a "Dexter" and track down those who deserve it. Aw,is that mean? Meeting up with them in public bathrooms does not mean thatyour churchgoing friends and white male Republicans are more accepting, justhorny and out for a thrill before they go home to their wives and families.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-21/view/bitch/4988.cfm

-Extra Signatures Turned In For Gay Adoption Ban Initiative
The group backing a proposed gay adoption ban says it has enough signaturesthis time to get it on the November ballot. But even if the Arkansas FamilyCouncil has enough signatures the initiative could land in the courts beforeyou vote on it.
http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=9093168c-918e-46d6-ae65-6301218d7e06&rss=315

-Wales: Guide for victims of hate crime
Victims of homophobic hate crime are being encouraged by police and a gayrights group to report attacks on them. Stonewall Cymru believes attacks ongay, lesbian and bisexual people in Wales are underreported.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/7575499.stm

-Hitchcock says no to $100,000 offer
Donald Hitchcock, the plaintiff in a discrimination lawsuit against theDemocratic National Committee, has rejected a settlement offer of $100,000made in mediation with the defendants, PageOneQ has learned. The partieswill continue trying to work out their differences when mediation continueson September 11. Because of confidentiality agreements related the case,sources requested anonymity.
http://pageoneq.com/news/2008/Hitchcock_says_no_to_100_0822.html

-Beijing's homosexuals live in the shadows
The Beijing Olympics have not changed anything for Benjamin Han. He is stillgay, still single and still compelled to hide his orientation from publicview. The 28-year-old employee of a large international public relationsfirm is one of an estimated 5 million to 10 million gay men in China wholive, for the most part, in the shadows.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/21/MNGB12CRTC.DTL

-Transgender journalist caught in Wikipedia edit war
Ina Fried, the veteran technology reporter and a regular source of goodMicrosoft dish, is very open about her status as a transgender woman -- herCNET blog is titled "Beyond Binary." She knows she's female. But some usersof Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia any bigot can edit, aren't convinced.An anonymous Wikipedia user in Knoxville, Tenn. however, refuses to accepthers as the last word on the subject, and has been changing pronouns from"she" to "he" on Fried's listing with repeated edits in the last six weeks.The justification offered: I am a med student with an additional major inClinical Psychology. Ina's self-proclaimed gender is debatable (and anydebatable factoids should be left out of an encyclopedic entry).
http://valleywag.com/5040535/transgender-journalist-caught-in-wikipedia-edit-war

-McCain Antoinette
"If there be no bread, let them eat cake" - Marie Antoinette. Thehistorical portrait of Marie Antoinette is one of legendary excess anddisconnection to the common man. When confronted with a starving populace,myth has it that she blithely responded with the line above- notunderstanding that perhaps working class people did not have the luxuries inlife she had come to know and depend on.
http://www.lgbtforobama.com/439


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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Who we need at the top: Notes from our leaders, writers, activists andcelebs
We're not going to have a gay president - at least, not this time around.But where would an openly gay or lesbian, bisexual or transgender appointeeor elected official make the most difference during the next administration?
http://www.365gay.com/features/082108-gay-appointees-main/

-Vanasco: Quick take on Biden and gay issues
I'm at the airport, heading to the DNC. But I thought you might find thisuseful, from About.com:
Lesbian and Gay Rights - Everything But Marriage:
Biden voted for the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, but has been quoted assaying "I don't know why we should be frightened of [same-sex marriage]."Although he sees same-sex marriage as a likely inevitability, he has nottaken the step of actually supporting it. Instead, he supports a civilunions policy that would grant the same legal rights. He also supports theEmployment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), federal hate crime legislationthat includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protectedcategories, and the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell."
http://www.365gay.com/blog/vanasco-quick-take-on-biden-and-gay-issues/

-Groups planning court fight over Ark. anti-gay adoption measure
A group fighting a proposed ballot measure to ban adoptions by unmarriedcouples living together are preparing to take their battle to court.Arkansas Families First, the group fighting the adoption ban, said that ifthe question is certified for the ballot, it will go to court.
http://www.365gay.com/news/groups-planning-court-fight-over-ark-anti-gay-adoption-measure/

-Canadian AIDS researcher given France's highest honor
(Montreal, Quebec) A leading Canadian AIDS researcher has been awardedFrance's highest honor. Dr. Mark Wainberg was named a Chevalier, or knight,of the Legion d'honneur for his work fighting the spread of AIDS and HIV.
http://www.365gay.com/news/canadian-aids-researcher-given-frances-highest-honor/


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Nebraska Wrestlers Broke Rules Before
University of Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne says the two wrestlersdismissed last week after appearing on a pornographic website had run afoulof NCAA rules on a previous occasion.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid59837.asp

- Poll: Most Americans Would Support Gay Presidential Candidate
Following an Advocate article pondering the electability of an openly gaycandidate for president, a new nationwide poll from Zogby Internationalfound that 65% of likely voters would support an openly gay person to serveas president of the United States if they believed he or she was the mostqualified person for the post.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid59801.asp

-Jindal Lets Louisiana Nondiscrimination Policy Lapse
Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal will not renew an antidiscrimination orderput in place by his predecessor when it expires Friday, the Associated Pressreports. The policy, sanctioned by then-governor Kathleen Blanco in 2004by executive order, bars state agencies and contractors from harassing anddiscriminating against employees based on race, religion, gender, sexualorientation, national origin, political affiliation, or disabilities. Jindaltold reporters Wednesday that because state and federal laws prohibitdiscrimination, he did not feel an executive order was necessary. However,neither federal nor Louisiana law protects against discrimination based onsexual orientation or gender identity. He said he was also concerned thatfaith-based organizations could not contract with the state under Blanco'sorder.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid59823.asp

-Mormon Supporters of Gay Unions Take to the Web
Prompted by their church's support for a California initiative to ban gaymarriage, some Mormons are voicing opposition to the proposed ban on theInternet -- saying in cyberspace what they might not be able to express inchurch buildings.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid59838.asp

-GOP Faces Hard Choices in Bid for Revival
The Republican Party that strode confidently into New York City to nominatePresident Bush for a second term in 2004 would hardly recognize the one thatopens its national convention September 1 in St. Paul, Minn.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid59834.asp

-Many, Many Points for Us
It was a good week for gays in the news as Ellen and Portia marry, RachelMaddow gets her own TV show, even Karl Rove says same-sex marriage is nolonger a wedge issue, and Esquire asks the question, "What makes a lesbiantop?"
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid59760.asp

-Beijing in Pictures
On assignment for Amnesty International, out former NBA player John Amaechiand out photographer Jeff Sheng report from the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.When former NBA star John Amaechi, who was raised in England, acceptedassignments from Amnesty International (where he serves as a spokesperson)and the BBC (where he provides basketball commentary) to cover the 2008Olympic Games in Beijing, he knew exactly who he wanted as a travellingcompanion. His friend Jeff Sheng is ethnically Chinese, fluent in thelanguage, and has spent more than a year living and traveling mainland Chinaas a foreign exchange student and frequent visitor. Sheng is also somethingof a wunderkind. At 27 his arresting photographs have appeared in more than20 exhibits across the country, including at Yale University and as part of"LA25," a select group of diverse artists showing October 8 to November 16at Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions in Hollywood. And he's a visitingprofessor at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid59622.asp


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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Bob Barr -- "From Public Enemy No. 1 to gay rights advocate?"
Local resident Rob Calhoun and his husband, Clay, were devastated whenCongress passed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996, the same year Georgiapassed its own law against gay marriage. "We were so demoralized," RobCalhoun said. "But we were also shocked the community didn't come togethermore [to oppose it]. There was an apathy about marriage equality in themid-1990s. Nothing like we see now." The gay rights movement's increasedfocus on marriage isn't the only change since 1996. Bob Barr sponsored theDefense of Marriage Act when he served in Congress as a Republicanrepresenting Georgia's 7th District. Now running for president as aLibertarian, Barr advocates repealing part of the law.

-Republican officials leaving party over social issues
A wave of GOP state legislators and other officials is defecting from theRepublican Party, exposing the role that an increasingly hard line on socialissues may be playing in driving out moderates. The departures weaken theGOP as it confronts another challenging election. "I don't think RonaldReagan would recognize the party anymore," Wisconsin state Rep. Jeff Woodtold the Chippewa Herald on July 8.

-Arizona Secretary of State goes to court to avoid mention of existing lawagainst freedom to marry
Secretary of State Jan Brewer has gone to court to keep from having to tellArizona voters that same-sex marriage is already illegal under state law.Brewer wants a judge to rule that the only thing she needs to tell voters isthat approval of Proposition 102 would amend the state constitution todefine marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

-"Member of European Parliament plans campaign to have UK civil partnershipsrecognised in Europe"
Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Sharon Bowles hasrevealed plans to campaign for the recognition of UK civil partnerships(CPs) in other EU states. At present, the French equivalent of a civilpartnership, known as a pacte civil de solidarité (PACS) is fully recognisedin Britain, but France does not recognise UK CPs.

-NY: County board overturns ruling that prevented recognition of same-sexcouples
The Otsego County Board of Representatives voted late Wednesday night tonullify an amendment to the county's employee health plan that excludessame-sex spouses and others from coverage. There was no dissension as allattending representatives voted to strike down a change in language made byTreasurer Myrna Thayne that listed civil union partners, same-sex spouses ordomestic partners of county employees as ineligible for health carecoverage.

-Opinion: "Same-sex marriage debate is similar in California and Germany"
Few topics on either side of the Atlantic are as emotionally charged as thequestion of same-sex marriage. Germany is following with great interest theCalifornian debate on the U.S. Supreme Court's recent judgment and theimpending referendum on same-sex marriage. In my position as the justiceminister of Germany, I am quite familiar with the arguments and attitudesboth for and against providing same-sex couples with a legal framework -something I learned when I proposed improved rights for registered lifepartnerships in Germany. A visible sign that the important thing in thesedeliberations is love is the rainbow flag that flew over the Hamburg CityHall from July 31 to Aug. 3 to commemorate the local gay pride celebration.While the rainbow flag can be seen flying from several German city halltowers on Christopher Street Day (as the day commemorating the beginning ofthe gay liberation movement is called in Germany), this year was the firsttime the flag flew over Hamburg, the second-largest city in Germany. Theevent was the result of a political agreement between the parties that formthe local government, which is led by the Christian Democratic Union. TheCDU is Germany's leading conservative party, and its attitude towardcreating a legal foundation for registered same-sex partnerships has rangedfrom reluctance to rejection.

-Hill vote on D.C. gun law alarms gay activists, casts doubt on marriage
A decision by House Democrats to allow a vote next month on a proposal togut the city's handgun law has stunned local home rule advocates and couldforetell a congressional overturn of a future same-sex marriage bill,according to city hall insiders. Developments surrounding proposed Houseaction to weaken the city's controversial handgun law come at a time whensome gay activists are urging Mayor Adrian Fenty and the D.C. Council toapprove legislation legalizing same-sex marriage in the District. Members ofthe Council are said to be considering introducing a same-sex marriage billnext year.


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Lawrence King's school records obtained for accused teen's defence case
The school records of murdered gay teenager Lawrence King have been releasedto the lawyer defending the student accused of killing him. Mr King, 15,who self-identified as gay and wore feminine clothing to school, was shot inthe head on 12th February during a lesson, allegedly by Brandon McInerney,14, his classmate at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, California.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-8782.html

-Concerned Women for America claim gay greeting cards are detrimental tochildren
Senior members of Concerned Women for America (CWA) have condemnedHallmark's marketing of greeting cards aimed at gays and lesbians.

-COMMENT: Stonewall FC to win Gay Football World Championship?
The British team Stonewall FC is strongly tipped to win the Gay FootballWorld Championship which opens in London this Sunday, 24th August writesPeter Tatchell


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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article

-Judges loved it; fairgoers didn't
Prize-winning photo removed from display after complaints that it was too racy
Indiana State Fair officials removed a first-prize wedding photo from adisplay at the fair because the bride and groom were too close for someviewers' comfort. The photo was removed Thursday, a week into the fair,said spokesman Andy Klotz. He said the decision came in response to two orthree complaints officials heard each day about the photograph.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080817/LOCAL03/808170398

-Lesbian Festival Tickets on Sale!
Make sure you don't miss this year's Ohio Lesbian Festival, on September 13,2008 in Kirkersville Ohio at Frontier Ranch. Entertainment on two stages,workshops, merchant area, and more all for one low price! Pre-sale Ticketsare $35 and Senior and Student tickets are $30. Buy early and save money.All tickets are $40 on the day of the festival. You can purchase ticketson-line at our website, http://www.ohiolba.org


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Newsweek
Letter: As the parent of a young man who happens to be gay, I know thestresses my son went through in middle and high school. Luckily, he had astable home life and stable parents. Apparently, Larry King and BrandonMcInerney had neither. As you report, both boys were under terrible dailystress where they lived and were schooled. Although California provideslegal protections for gay students and mandates fairness in schooladministration, human beings implement these protections. Unfortunately,local schools resisted offers from the local Ventura chapter of Parents,Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) to provide speakers tohelp educate staff and students before the shooting. Nor did local schoolsemulate the model gay and lesbian support program, called Project 10,offered by the neighboring Los Angeles Unified School District, only 50miles away. Sometimes, 50 miles is a world away when tragedy strikes.
Steve Krantz, Director
PFLAG Southern Pacific Region
Sherman Oaks, Calif.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/150468


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Forwarded from Michael Emanuel Rajner
merajner@gmail.com
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

-CALL FOR PROPOSALS
You are invited to submit a proposal for a 90 minute workshop at the Summit.
Participants are gay and bisexual men of diverse backgrounds, who share acommon interest in promoting better physical, spiritual and mental health.The Summit will focus on and celebrate wellness, nurturing, and communitybuilding of gay men living in the southeast. Participants will representurban, suburban, and rural communities from throughout the southeasternUnited States. The program will include plenary sessions, workshops, andsocial activities designed to increase health awareness and a greater senseof community. DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 22
See the website for more information and to submit your workshop proposalwww.gaymenssummit.com


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Detroit News
http://detnews.com/

-Deb Price: Librarian champions intellectual freedom
Veteran of book challenges resists efforts at censorship
Weddings are supposed to be joyful occasions. But reading about UncleBobby's big day in a children's book upset a grownup library patron.Fortunately, a calm and wise librarian, James LaRue, was there to guide thepatron through the dark emotional woods that can be very scary after readingsomething unsettling. That interaction recounted on LaRue's MYLIBLOG -- hastouched countless lovers of books and intellectual freedom.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080818/OPINION03/808180328

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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - August 23, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Obama Chooses Biden as Running Mate
Senator Barack Obama has chosen Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware tobe his running mate, turning to a leading authority on foreign policy and alongtime Washington hand to fill out the Democratic ticket, Mr. Obamaannounced in text and e-mail messages early Saturday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/24/us/politics/24biden.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

-For McCains, a Public Path but Private Wealth
When Senator John McCain is in Washington, he lives in a luxury high-risecondominium in Arlington, Va., owned by his wife, Cindy Hensley McCain. Mrs.McCain also owns their condos in Phoenix, San Diego and Coronado, Calif.,and their vacation compound near Sedona, Ariz. And it is the beer business,Hensley & Company, she inherited from her father that is the source of theMcCain family fortune.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/us/politics/23mccain.html

-Editorial: Beijing's Bad Faith Olympics
The Beijing Olympics still have one more day to run. But the final goldmedal - for authoritarian image management - can already be safely awardedto China's Communist Party leadership.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/opinion/23sat1.html?ref=opinion

-Op-Ed Columnist: McCain's Drill Appeal
Mr. Obama, I'm stunned. You've allowed John McCain to use the energy issueto steal your momentum and erase your lead in the polls. McCain told Americathat we needed to explore all our options to solve the energy crisis,including drilling offshore. He said that you disagreed. He summed up hisargument in a powerful little phrase: "Drill here and drill now." Brilliant!
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/opinion/23blow.html?ref=opinion

-Editorial: Taking On the Traffickers
The Federal Trafficking and Victims Protection Act of 2000 was an ambitiousattempt to rescue women and children who are smuggled into the country assex slaves and to step up prosecution of the pimps and traffickers who drivethis ghastly business. It has fallen short on both counts.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/opinion/23sat2.html?ref=opinion

-Editorial: Mr. Johnson Steps Up
We have had very little good to say about Stephen Johnson, the administratorof the Environmental Protection Agency who has refused to stand up to theWhite House or industry on important issues involving clean air and climatechange. Yet he clearly deserves credit for asserting his authority in twoclean water cases where the Army Corps of Engineers was on the verge ofcausing environmental damage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/opinion/23sat3.html?ref=opinion

-Despite Pullout, Russia Envisions Long-Term Shift
MOSCOW - As the Russian Army withdrew most of its forces from Georgia, itwas becoming ever more clear on Friday that Moscow had no intention ofrestoring what once was - either on the ground or diplomatically.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/world/europe/23moscow.html?hp

-The Olympics over, China counts medals and respect
BEIJING (AP) -- In the heady, waning days of Beijing's Olympics, youngChinese took to greeting each other gleefully: ''How many gold medals havewe won today?''
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/sports/AP-OLY-Chinas-Olympics.html

-News Analysis: After Musharraf, U.S. Struggles to Find New Pakistan AllyAgainst Taliban
Now that Washington's close friend, President Pervez Musharraf, is gone, thequestion is this: who among the array of characters in the politicalfirmament here will America turn to in the messy fight against an emboldenedTaliban?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/23/world/asia/23assess.html

-2 Withdraw From Petition to Rethink Drinking Age
Two college presidents, both in Georgia, have withdrawn their names from apetition to reconsider the legal drinking age after it drew blisteringcriticism this week from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, safety experts,transportation officials and politicians.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/us/22drinking.html

-Mixed Results on Paying City Students to Pass Tests
Offered up to $1,000 for scoring well on Advanced Placement exams, studentsat 31 New York City high schools took 345 more of the tests this year thanlast. But the number who passed declined slightly, raising questions aboutthe effectiveness of increasingly popular pay-for-performance programs inschools here and across the country.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/education/20cash.html


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Deepak Chopra: Founder and president of the Alliance for a New HumanityFaith Quizzes Get an F
For me, the God quiz that Barack Obama endured with barely concealed sweatypalms and that John McCain breezed through with seasoned casualness has noplace in American politics. Rick Warren is a feel-good preacher who softenedthe interrogation and administered no canings, but that's irrelevant. Toclaim that "faith and politics" is different -- and more acceptable -- than"church and state" is semantic sleight of hand. The reason that anycontemporary presidential candidate is forced to suffer the indignity ofconfessing his religious beliefs in public goes back to the Reaganrevolution. Pandora's box was opened by the right wing in 1980, admittingnot just inappropriate matters of religion into political life but alsomaking acceptable a range of prejudice, bigotry, and divisiveness that hadbeen banished by an era of liberal social legislation. Reagan, after all,was the president who, if left to his own devices, would have let thousandsmore AIDS victims die through neglect and lack of funding for basic medicalresearch. The implicit reason, well understood by the right and endorsed byfundamentalists, was that gays deserve what they get if they pursue alifestyle that doesn't match right-wing Christian ideology. Minorities,women, immigrants, and progressivism in general were given the same backhand.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/deepak_chopra/2008/08/faith_quizzes_get_an_f.html

-What Rick Warren Should Have Asked
Even a cable TV commentator could watch Saturday's Saddleback Church CivilForum and figure out why John McCain did so well. In a sanctuary filled withconservative evangelicals, McCain decided to preach to the choir whileBarack Obama decided to talk to the pastor. Obama had a conversation;McCain's goal was conversion. Fortunately for McCain, Karl Rove could nothave designed a better set of questions for him. In his opening remarks,Rev. Rick Warren, Saddleback's pastor and forum moderator acknowledged that"faith is just a worldview and everybody has some kind of worldview and it'simportant to know what they are." Intentionally or not, understandably ornot, Warren's questions were grounded in the priorities and worldview ofAmerican cultural conservatives.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2008/08/what_rick_warren_could_have_as.html

-New Data: Impact of Biden
Barack Obama's choice of Joe Biden as his running mate is unlikely toshake-up the presidential horse race. In a new Washington Post-ABC News pollcompleted last night, three-quarters of voters said picking Biden would notsway their votes one way or the other. And about as many said they would bemore apt to support Obama with Biden on the ticket as said the choice wouldmake them less likely to vote Democratic on Election Day (13 to 10 percent).
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/behind-the-numbers/2008/08/new_data_impact_of_biden.html?hpid=topnews

-Convicted Of Charisma
"On Thursday, as the convention moves from the indoor Pepsi Center to MileHigh, an open-air football stadium, Democrats will have to balance theirdesire to spotlight Obama's enthusiastic following with concern that imagesof a cheering throng will ratify Republican attacks on the candidate as aglitzy but untested celebrity." -- The Post, Aug. 14
It's not completely crazy for a political party to worry that a campaignevent could be too successful. In Britain in 1992, the Labor Party wasleading in all the polls until just a few days before the election, when italso staged a huge rally in a football stadium (different kind of football,of course). British voters punished Labor's leader, Neil Kinnock, forseeming complacent and overconfident and delivered an upset victory toConservative Prime Minister John Major. The rally was regarded as "tooAmerican."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202354.html

-They Can Only Go So Far
The world's bullies are throwing their weight around. But history isn't ontheir side. Are we entering the age of the autocrat? It's certainlytempting to think so after watching Russia's recent clobbering of Georgia.That invasion clearly marks a new phase in world politics, but it's amistake to think that the future belongs to Russian strongman Vladimir Putinand his fellow despots.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202395.html

-Who Needs Russia?
The United States should make a clear-eyed assessment of the fruits ofstrategic cooperation. ON THURSDAY, while overseeing his country'scontinuing occupation of neighboring Georgia, Russian President DmitryMedvedev found time to meet with visiting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.Mr. Assad, who is under suspicion of ordering the murder of politicalopponents in Lebanon, lavishly praised Russia's invasion of Georgia andasked for more Russian weapons. Mr. Medvedev acceded to this request,according to his foreign minister.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202760.html

-The Overthinking Obama
Abortion is back with, dare we say it, biblical vengeance. Republicansrecently have focused on Barack Obama's opposition years ago to "born alive"legislation in Illinois that mirrored federal legislation aimed at grantingpersonhood to a fetus or baby that was alive after removal from its mother'sbody, either by abortion or premature birth.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202207.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

-U.S. Halts Self-Deportation Project
In 3-Week Test, Just 8 Illegal Immigrants Volunteered to LeaveDespite drawing only eight volunteers, a three-week pilot program that urgedsome illegal immigrants to turn themselves in for deportation was not afailure, U.S. authorities declared yesterday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082202561.html?hpid=moreheadlines


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-A dream reawakened
Obama poised to accept candidacy 45 years after King's historic speechKetley Blaise Williams believes. The 50-year-old West Palm Beachbusinesswoman already has her plane ticket to Washington, D.C., for theJanuary 2009 presidential inauguration.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/elections/sfl-flbobamaking0823sbaug23,0,1813521.story

-Neb. 'safe-haven' law allows abandonment of teens
Nebraska's new "safe-haven" law allowing parents to abandon unwantedchildren at hospitals with no questions asked is unique in a significantway: It goes beyond babies and potentially permits the abandonment of anyoneunder 19. While lawmakers may not have intended it, the month-old lawraises the possibility that frustrated parents could drop off misbehavingteens or even severely disabled older children with impunity.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/ny-bc-children-safehavens0822aug22,0,4739473.story


-Tips for saving money on prescription drugs
Switch to generic drugs if your doctor approves it; generic drugs usuallycost less than equivalent brand names. Buy three-month supplies throughyour pharmacy or mail-order service.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/custom/consumer/sfl-flzmedicarebox0822sbaug22,0,918955.story

-Medicare costs cause some to stop meds
Many people in Medicare with diabetes, high blood pressure and other chronicconditions stop taking their medicine when faced with picking up the entirecosts of their prescriptions, researchers say. About 3.4 million older anddisabled people hit a gap, known as the doughnut hole, in their Medicaredrug coverage in 2007. When that happened, they had to pay the entire costsof their medicine until they spent $3,850 out of pocket. Then, insurancecoverage would kick in again.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/custom/consumer/sfl-flzmedicare0822sbaug22,0,2399914.story



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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-FTC pulls plug on annoying `robo calls'
OUR OPINION: CONSUMERS DESERVE A BREAK FROM NEVER-ENDING PITCHES
The Federal Trade Commission this week adopted a new rule that will prohibittelemarketers from calling households with prerecorded messages -- except incases where consumers have given the caller written consent to dial theirnumber.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/652565.html

-EQUAL RIGHTS: Losers, line up for your awards, please
Once more we prepare to honor our foremothers by celebrating the anniversaryof the passage of women's suffrage. Each year, in advance of Aug. 26, ourone-woman committee gathers to hand out the Equal Rites Awards to thosestalwarts who have done the most in the past year to set back the cause ofwomen.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/654316.html

-Leonard Pitts: SADDLEBACK FORUM
Thoughtful questions, candid answers
First I spent long moments trying to decide upon my greatest moral failing.Then I spent longer moments asking myself whether I'd really want to sharethat failing with an audience of millions. So much for playing along athome.
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/leonard-pitts/story/649056.html

-IN MY OPINION: John Edwards is the new Clinton, Spitzer, Craig
There is obviously no way to quantify this, but I regard Bill Clinton as themost thoroughly humiliated person in all of human history. Who else evencomes close? There is obviously no way to quantify this, but I regard BillClinton as the most thoroughly humiliated person in all of human history.Who else even comes close?
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/leonard-pitts/story/639680.html


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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Gay-baiting Ads Get Their Due
Writer Bob Garfield takes issue with intolerance being used as marketing.
Clad in bright yellow short shorts, a speed-walker swishes down thesidewalk. Suddenly Mr. T drives up in a truck and machine-guns the walkerwith a Snickers bar, calling him a "disgrace to the man race," then imploresviewers to "get some nuts!" This is the latest questionable commercialcreated by Omnicom Group advertising agencies. You may know their work: Theywere behind the 2007 Super Bowl Snickers spot that showed two men freakingout after accidentally kissing -- and attacking each other with wrenches inan alternative online version. And in a Dodge ad from another Omnicomagency, a macho man snidely calls a male Tinker Bell-like character a "sillylittle fairy," only to have the pixie turn him into a sweater-cladmetrosexual -- a silly little fairy in his own right.
http://advocate.com/issue_story_ektid59206.asp


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-OBAMA-BIDEN 08
WASHINGTON ? Barack Obama named Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware as his vicepresidential running mate early Saturday, balancing his ticket with aseasoned congressional veteran well-versed in foreign policy and defenseissues. Obama announced the pick on his Web site with a photo of the two menand an appeal for donations. A text message went out shortly afterward thatsaid, "Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee." Biden, 65,has twice sought the White House, and is a Catholic with blue-collar roots,a generally liberal voting record and a reputation as a long-winded orator.Across more than 30 years in the Senate, he has served at various times notonly as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee but also as head of theJudiciary Committee, with its jurisdiction over anti-crime legislation,Supreme Court nominees and Constitutional issues.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/23/joe-biden-is-obamas-vice_n_120772.html

-College presidents' petition sparks national debate
The college presidents said they wanted a national debate on the 21-year-olddrinking age. They got it. For years, former Middlebury College PresidentJohn McCardell has been criticizing the law, saying it only encourages bingedrinking and pushes alcohol into the shadows.
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080822/NEWS/152296&title=College_presidents__petition_sparks_national_debate

-PROJECT GREEN: Saving the Everglades
The engine that spurred restoration of a dying eco-treasure
On a sweltering day in June, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist convened a pressconference at the edge of the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge near PalmBeach to make a blockbuster announcement. The state, he declared, had agreedto buy the U.S. Sugar Corp. for $1.75 billion in a bold effort to acceleraterestoration of the Everglades. The company's vast swath of land wouldprovide a "missing link" reconnecting Lake Okeechobee with marshlands to thesouth that depend on it for nourishment. Widely hailed by environmentalists,the deal nevertheless came as a shock to most of them. But not to the folksat the Everglades Foundation, a tiny conservation group that was dialed into the negotiations months earlier. At the June announcement, itsrepresentatives were already armed with gleaming press kits touting thebuyout proposal.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/154161


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Local10.com
http://www.local10.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-AP Says Biden Accepts Dem. VP Nom.
Neither Camp Confirms Choice
A Democratic official said Sen. Joe Biden will be Sen. Barack Obama's vicepresidential nominee. An unnamed source close to the Obama camp said Bidenwas asked -- and accepted -- the vice presidential nomination, TheAssociated Press reported.
http://www.local10.com/politics/17272070/detail.html?treets=mia&tml=mia_natlbreak&ts=T&tmi=mia_natlbreak_1_12160308232008

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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

FLORIDA DIGEST - August 23, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Six gay films come to town
After stints in New York and Los Angeles, TLA Releasing is bringing itsmini-fest of six gay-themed films to Fort Lauderdale.Running today through Thursday at Sunrise Cinemas Gateway (1820 E. SunriseBlvd.), the series features everything from comedy to suspense to romance.(Although there is one constant: It seems most of the movie postersprominently feature a shirtless man.) To see a trailer of the lineup, checkout youtube.com/user/tlareleasing. For a schedule and information, go tosunrisecinemas.com or call 954-763-7994.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/lifestyle/sfl-aa22pplgayfestsbaug22,0,6865635.story


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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:

--Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival to screen 'Boystown' and 'Anatomy of anIcon' in Fort Lauderdale
TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
http://prod1.agileticketing.net/WebSales/Pages/TicketSearchCriteria.aspx?epguid=6fa5adfb-6d5f-4787-a1ef-2df5b834ea48&


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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Farewell, Express Gay News-our final issue
New look, new name, and new vibe is on the way with "South?Florida Blade"
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-21/view/editorial/4980.cfm

-SoFla in Gay World Series
Plus: Charitable laughs, festivals of films
Several local softball teams are heading to Seattle for the 2008 GaySoftball World Series, Aug. 23 - 30. More than 4000 athletes are expectedfor the tournament, which is the pinnacle of the North American Gay AmateurAthletic Alliance season. Former Army officer Grethe Cammermeyer andpro-football player Dave Kopay will be the featured guests at the openingceremonies. In open division play, South Florida will be represented AlibiC-5 (A Division); Bill's Raptors and Scandals Maulers (B Division); Rosie'sBlue Ice and Sidelines Cyclones (C Division); and Paladin Knights (DDivision). For more information or scores, go to www.series2008.org.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-21/locallife/pulse/4986.cfm

-Fort Lauderdale travel agent flees
Broward Circuit Judge Michael L. Gates issued a warrant for Jacob Torossian,the former owner of Rita Olwell Travel Agency in Fort Lauderdale, when hefailed to show up for a hearing Aug. 14. Torossian pled guilty to threefelony counts of grand theft May 12. He was convicted of raking up more than$200,000 in false credit card charges, arranging fake trips and pocketingthe money. In several cases Torossian billed clients for cruises, but whenthey showed up they found that the agency had never booked their tickets.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-21/news/localnews/4977.cfm

-After closure gym nets no takers
Main Street Gym landlord wants to keep a fitness facility, but has yet tofind a buyer
Two days after Broward Sheriff's deputies locked the doors of the MainStreet Gym in Wilton Manors, the front door was unlocked and ajar. The gym'sair conditioning - for months out of order - kept the now-empty business acool 79 degrees.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-21/news/localnews/4973.cfm

-Relationships redux
Sol Theatre scores win with "Blowing Whistles"
Years ago, it was very trendy for directors to change the location orcontext of a classic play or opera, in an attempt to force audiences tofurther delve into the playwright's or composer's deepest message.Shapespearian dramas were set in modern day suburbs; characters written asminorities were portrayed by white actors; details were adjusted, to(theoretically) make the productions more pertinent to local audiences.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/8-21/locallife/theatre/4984.cfm


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Gay & Lesbian Community Center of South Florida (GLCC) eVOICE
Ft. Lauderdale
http://glccsf.org/

-RESTAURANTS PARTICIPATING IN GLCC FOOD FOR THOUGHT FUNDRAISING EVENT ONTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23.3030 Ocean -
3030 Holiday Drive
Christina Wan's - 664 N. Federal Highway
Galanga Thai Kitchen - 2389 Wilton Drive
Java Boys - 2230 Wilton Drive
Catalina Restaurant - 1611 N. Federal Hwy
The Melting Pot - 1135 N. Federal Highway
One Tea Lounge - 2037 Wilton Drive
Primavera - 830 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
Rendez Vous - 1576 E. Oakland Park Blvd.
Rosie's Bar & Grill - 2449 Wilton Drive
The Usual Place - 3045 N. Federal Highway

-PICTURES FROM JULY FOUNDER CIRCLE RECEPTION AT THE BROWARD COUNTYCONVENTION CENTER.
Thank you to the Broward County Convention Center for hosting and sponsoringthe July Founder Circle Reception. Click on these two links to view thepictures from Steve Shires: http://www.photoshow.com/members/shirespics andJumpOnMarksList.com: http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/MSFL/2008/072308.htm

-Mike Trost will host the second annual fundraising event at his home forthe GLCC.
Last year Mike raised $25,000 to support the programs and services of theGLCC. This year the goal is $40,000. Cost is only $100 to enjoy greatfood, drink, Silent Auction with great items, and much more. For moreinformation contact Robert Boo, Development Director, at 954.463.9005 orrboo@glccsf.org.

-MIKE TROST HOSTS FUNDRAISING EVENT - SEPTEMBER 25
Our next Founder Circle Reception will be on Thursday, August 28 on the newGLCC Campus. To learn more about the Founder Circle membership and how youcan get invited to these great networking events, contact Robert Boo,Development Director at rboo@glccsf.org or 954.463.9005.

-GLCC HOSTS WOMEN'S EVENT ON AUGUST 30
Lavender Events, the new women's committee established by the Gay andLesbian Community Center (GLCC) of South Florida is pleased to announce itsfirst dance! Lavender Events is comprised of lesbian, bisexual andtransgendered women who take an active interest in the south Floridacommunity. "I Am What I Am, So Come As You Are" is the theme of this eventwhich will take place at the GLCC, 1717 N. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdaleon Saturday, August 30 from 8-midnight. DJs Rae Rae and Gemini from New Moonwill be playing a variety of music for all ages. The cost is $12 at the doorwhich includes 2 drinks and snacks or $10 in advance. Advance tickets can bepurchased by contacting Janet Vargas at 954.463.9005. For furtherinformation regarding the dance, other events or volunteering, pleasecontact Janet Vargas at 954-463-9005 or jvargas@glccsf.org.


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The NAMES Project South Florida Chapter of the AIDS Memorial Quilt will beshowing over 300 12 x 12 foot sections beginning the week of September 8thand continuing thru December5th 2008. The majority of these sections willbe displayed during the NMAC conference being held at the Broward ConventionCenter Sept 18th-20th,.6 hotels along 17th street causeway and Ft.Lauderdalebeach have requested Quilt to be hung in their lobby during this time.Additional displays are being scheduled for both Miami International Airportand the Ft.Lauderdale Airport. After the conference a portion the displaywill continue to the Galleria Mall for display and WPB Compass in observanceof World AIDS Day. We are in need of volunteers to help inventory, hang inthe hotels and pack up for transport to other destinations and displaysafter the conference. We will be hosting a volunteer training on SaturdaySeptember 13 from 1 - 3PM at the GLCC 1717 N Andrews Ave. If you areavailable and would like to help please contact Jodi at our web sitewww.namesprojectsouthflorida.org or e-mail panels123@aol.com, We can alsobe reached at 954-599-7782. Please leave your contact information and wewill get back to you as quickly as possible.


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From Clarence Brooks
Boca Raton
I've helped add a few more seconds to my mother's 15 minutes of fame when Inominated her for the Mom-of-the-Month in Instinct Magazine (August Issue,page 15) which is just out on magazine newsstands now. (Compass, GLSEN anddance are mentioned in the article.)
Clarence
PS Yes the picture of the two of us is old, but there is no denying thefamily resemblance.
Clarence Brooks
Boca Raton
clarencejr1960@bellsouth.net


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White Party Week Miami
Now is the time to make your plans for the 24th Annual White Party week asall passes and tickets will go on sale, Monday, September 1st with specialdiscounts available for a limited time on select pass purchases. TheFlorida Resident Pass is currently available for only $175.00 and is limitedto 4 per household with proof of State of Florida residency. This passentitles entrance to both the 24th Annual White Party at Villa Vizcaya andPoseidon's Muscle Beach. The Florida Resident Pass sale ends September 30thso be sure to get yours today before they sell out.
http://www.whiteparty.org/tickets.html



~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Fay's 4th Florida landfall is one for record books
Tropical Storm Fay crossed into the Florida Panhandle on Saturday, becomingthe first storm of its kind in recorded history to hit the state fourdifferent times. Fay's center made landfall around 1 a.m. EDT about 15miles north-northeast of Apalachicola, according to the National WeatherService's National Hurricane Center.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Tropical-Weather-Fay.html


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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-On the 5th day of Fay, cleanup begins in Fla.
As Tropical Storm Fay finally got on track Friday to leave Florida behind,flood-stricken homeowners got an encouraging sign: Muddy brown water linesbegan appearing on the sides of homes, a clue that floodwaters werereceding. The fickle storm that stuck around for five days and carved adizzying path that included three separate landfalls dumped more than twofeet of rain in some places. But to the relief of Floridians, it finallyveered west on a path that should take it away from the state for good laterthis weekend.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/22/AR2008082200265.html?hpid=sec-nation


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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Robin Bartleman raises most money among Broward School Board contendersStudent enrollment is declining at Broward public schools, the state'sbuilding industry is in a financial slump and the school district's budgetis so tight that officials say there isn't money for teacher raises thisyear. That isn't stopping many groups from spending thousands to influencethis year's race for the Broward County School Board.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbboardcash0823sbaug23,0,3730114.story

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#####

Friday, August 22, 2008

GLBT DIGEST - August 22, 2008

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.