**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:
-NY Governor's Tax Return Gets Tough Public Audit
Alitha Martinez, a comic book artist who lives in Manhattan, gave severalhundred dollars' worth of clothing that her 6-year-old son had outgrown toneighborhood charities last year. She also took a $1,000 tax deduction fordonating an old Macintosh computer. And she occasionally sells her artworkand gives the proceeds to the Hero Fund, which provides scholarships tochildren of military personnel.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/nyregion/16charity.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Wall Street Winners Get Billion-Dollar Paydays
Hedge fund managers, those masters of a secretive, sometimes volatilefinancial universe, are making money on a scale that once seemedunimaginable, even in Wall Street's rarefied realms.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/business/16wall.html?hp
-Guns and Bitter
We thought the Republican presidential primaries were over. So we are at aloss to explain why Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton have beenwandering around Pennsylvania and Indiana and anywhere else they might finda vote or a dollar arguing about which one cares more about guns andreligion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/opinion/16wed1.html?ref=opinion
-Right Fight, Wrong Word
Ever since Barack Obama's comments about small-town Pennsylvania votersfirst surfaced in the public sphere late last week, the scions of thepolitical community have talked of little else. Both the Clinton and McCaincampaigns focused on the word "bitter" - allowing Senator Obama's supportersto engage in a largely semantic discussion about whether economicallydisadvantaged Americans were "bitter" or "angry" or "frustrated." But thisis a meaningless series of distinctions even in this super-charged politicalenvironment. It's safe to say that people without jobs are not particularlyhappy about that situation, regardless of the adverb in question.
http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/right-fight-wrong-word/index.html?ref=opinion
-McCain Outlines Broad Proposals for U.S. Economy
VILLANOVA, Pa. - Senator John McCain offered the broadest look yet at hiseconomic policies in a speech on Tuesday in Pittsburgh, outlining a seriesof tax reductions and backing away from his pledge to balance the budget bythe end of his first term.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/us/politics/16mccain.html?hp
-Publishers Sue Georgia State on Digital Reading Matter
Three prominent academic publishers are suing Georgia State University,contending that the school is violating copyright laws by providing coursereading material to students in digital format without seeking permissionfrom the publishers or paying licensing fees.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/technology/16school.html
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Hillary Clinton loses traction over Barack Obama in Pennsylvania, Indiana
Her formerly double-digit lead is now just a 5-point margin in Pennsylvania,a survey finds. The reduced margin makes a win for her there lesssignificant. She trails Obama among Hoosiers.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-poll16apr16,0,794499.story
-VIOLENCE: Brutality the road to `fame'
They wanted to be famous. By LEONARD PITTS JR.
Of all the troubling aspects of the Lakeland tale of thuggery and brutalitythat has recently made national headlines, that's arguably the mostappalling. Not that there isn't plenty more here to disgust any observerwith a conscience.
http://www.miamiherald.com/418/story/497373.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-New Strategy for Clinton
Hillary Clinton took an important step Monday toward winning the Democraticnomination by launching an ad targeting Barack Obama's recent comments aboutworking-class voters clinging to "guns or religion." The ad is a markedchange from her recent determination to use a positive message until theDemocratic convention, but for Clinton to capture the nomination she needsto completely abandon her positive campaign and continue to hammer away atObama.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041502664.html
-A Crime and Its Punishment
Is the death penalty the right response to the horror of child rape?
THERE IS NO crime more heinous than the rape of a child. But does theConstitution allow states to impose the death penalty for such a crime whenthe child's life has not been taken?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041502852.html
-Democrats Willing to Let Battle Continue
Poll Shows Gains in Key Areas for Obama
Sen. Barack Obama holds a 10-point lead over Sen. Hillary Rodham Clintonwhen Democrats are asked whom they would prefer to see emerge as the party'spresidential nominee, but there is little public pressure to bring the longand increasingly heated contest to an end, according to a new WashingtonPost-ABC News poll.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041503586.html?hpid=topnews
-MOST SEE DISHONESTY: Poll Shows Erosion Of Trust in Clinton
PHILADELPHIA, April 15 -- Lost in the Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign'saggressive attacks on Barack Obama in recent days is a deep and enduringproblem that threatens to undercut any inroads Clinton has made in herstruggle to overtake him in the Democratic presidential race: She has losttrust among voters, a majority of whom now view her as dishonest.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041502883.html?hpid=topnews
-Benedict XVI: The Shows and the Rifts
"What can Pope Benedict XVI say and do to repair the growing rifts between the Vatican, the clergy and the laity in America?" "Nothing" is my first thought: you don't send the problem to fix the problem. The problem is not the excellent scholar Joseph Ratzinger, or this good man in the papal role.
The problem is the traditional autocratic papacy itself, of which he is the current embodiment.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/willis_e_elliott/2008/04/benedict_xvi_the_shows_and_the.html
=
From Ray: I received an e-mail from Wells Fargo mortgage that lookedsuspicious. I went to the website and did not respond to the e-mail. I'msending the reponse I received from Wells Fargo so you don't respond tobogus e-mails attempting to look like legitimate banks.
-Thank you for reporting a phish email to reportphish@wellsfargo.com.
Below are some common questions about phishing:
Q: What is phishing?
A: Phishing is usually a two-part scam.
Part I: email. Fraudsters, also known as phishers, send email to a wideaudience that appears to come from a reputable company. This is known asa phish email. In the phish email are links to spoof websites.
Part II: spoof websites. Websites that spoof or imitate a reputablecompany's website are known as phish sites. Fraudsters hope to convincevictims to provide their personal information by using clever andcompelling language in their phish emails and spoof websites.
Q: I received a phish email. Does this mean my identity had beencompromised?
A: No. Receiving a phish email claiming to be from Wells Fargo does notmean your identity has been compromised. Phish emails claim to come fromvarious reputable companies.
Q: What if I clicked on an email link to a spoof Wells Fargo website andgave away some of my personal information such as my username andpassword?
A: Call 1-866-867-5568 to speak with a fraud prevention specialist.
Q: What if I clicked on an email link to a spoof Wells Fargo website anddid not give away any of my personal information?
A: Make sure your anti-virus software is current and your operatingsystem and browser are updated with current security patches. Some spoofsites contain viral elements so you should verify that you did notdownload any viruses. Also, delete the email and if you receive otherphish emails, report them as well.
Q: How do I determine if an email is legitimate?
A: Wells Fargo will never request you to send personal information viaemail. Always use your browser to visit the Wells Fargo website bytyping in our URL. If you are familiar with email headers, you can useyour email application to check the headers and make sure Wells Fargo isindeed the sender. If in doubt, delete the email.
Q: How was my email address located?
A: Fraudsters locate email addresses from many places on the web. Theyalso purchase email lists and sometimes guess email addresses.
Fraudsters generally have no idea if people they send phish emails toare Wells Fargo customers or not. They hope a percentage of the phishemails they send will be received by Wells Fargo customers.
Be sure to keep your operating system and browser updated with currentsecurity patches.
Sincerely,
Wells Fargo Online Fraud Prevention Team
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST April 15, 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:
-Some Perspective on 'Bitter'
Maybe Barack Obama felt he couldn't afford to give the correct answer.
He was asked at a fund-raiser in San Francisco about his campaign'sexperiences in the run-up to next week's Democratic primary in Pennsylvania.
One of the main problems, of course, is that he hasn't generated as muchsupport as he'd like among white working-class voters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/opinion/15herbert.html?_r=2&ref=opinion&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
-When Drug Costs Soar Beyond Reach
It doesn't take a health policy expert to recognize that something has goneterribly wrong when patients have to pay thousands of dollars a month fordrugs that they need to maintain their health - and possibly save theirlives. Congress needs to determine why this is happening and what can bedone about it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/opinion/15tues1.html?ref=opinion
-Tax Cuts at Center of McCain Economic Plan
PITTSBURGH - Senator John McCain offered the broadest look yet at hiseconomic policies in a speech here Tuesday, calling for tax cuts, a freezeof discretionary spending for a year, higher premiums for better-offMedicare recipients and elimination of federal gas taxes this summer toreinvigorate the sagging economy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/us/politics/15cnd-mccain.html?hp
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-On the Economy, 70% Disapprove of Bush
Public disapproval of the way President Bush is handling the nation'seconomy has hit a new high in Washington Post-ABC News polling, and hisoverall favorability rating remains near an all-time low.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402842.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Loose Lips and Democratic Ships
The Democratic presidential candidates are doing a splendid job of helpingJohn McCain get to the White House.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402649.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-Shot and a Chablis
Hillary "Shot-and-a-Beer" Clinton has given us the perfect illustration ofwhat's so insane about American politics: the philosophical dictum thatcould be summed up (with apologies to Descartes) as "I seem, therefore Iam."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402449.html
-Guns, God and Gotchas
Long ago I discovered that the word "frankly" often meant a lie was coming.
I learned this from an insurance agent, who preceded every attempt to sellme useless coverage with a "frankly." This is why I distrust what HillaryClinton said about Barack Obama and his admittedly klutzy statement aboutguns, church, immigrants and bitterness -- "elitist, out of touch and,frankly, patronizing," she said. Frankly, I don't believe her.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402453.html
-Two Separate Societies: One in Prison, One Not
Forty years ago, the Kerner Commission concluded in its landmark study ofthe causes of racial disturbances in the United States in the 1960s: "Ournation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white -- separate andunequal." Today we are still moving toward two societies: one incarceratedand one not. The Pew Center on the States released a study in Februaryshowing that for the first time in this country's history, more than one inevery 100 adults is in jail or prison. According to the Justice Department,7 million people -- or one in every 32 adults -- are either incarcerated, onparole or probation or under some other form of state or local supervision.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402451.html
-Rogue Democrat
South Africa's Thabo Mbeki sides with Robert Mugabe against the people ofZimbabwe.
FOR THOSE who argue that democracies are natural allies in internationalaffairs, South Africa poses a vexing challenge. Since that country beganserving a term on the U.N. Security Council last year, the government ofPresident Thabo Mbeki has consistently allied itself with the world's roguestates and against the Western democracies. It has defended Iran's nuclearprogram and resisted sanctions against it; shielded Sudan and Burma from thesort of pressure the United Nations once directed at the apartheid regime;and enthusiastically supported one-sided condemnations of Israel by the U.N.Human Rights Council.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402638.html
-Palfrey Convicted on Prostitution-Related Charges
Deborah Jeane Palfrey was convicted this afternoon of racketeering and othercharges after a federal court jury determined that her upscale escortservice was actually a front for prostitution.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041501564.html?hpid=topnews
-'The Talk'
Forget the Birds and the Bees -- Kids Are Asking About IVF, TransgenderPregnancy and STDs
Early one morning, Nancy Nisselbaum was readying her 6-year-old son Marshallfor school and herself for work when he asked: "Mommy, how does the spermget from the donor to the doctor?"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/11/AR2008041103435.html?hpid=smartliving
-Threats Close 3 Colleges, 4 More Schools
CHICAGO -- A message scrawled in a university bathroom _ "Be prepared to dieon 4/14" _ left not just the college's campus empty Monday, but also thoseof two adjoining high schools and a pair of nearby elementary schools.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041400832.html?hpid=sec-education
-Hundreds Protest Dalai Lama in Seattle
SEATTLE -- In a showing of pro-Chinese support, hundreds of demonstratorsprotested outside a college arena Monday as the Dalai Lama spoke to studentson solving problems through dialogue.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041403430.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-How Republicans Quietly Hijacked the Justice Department to Swing Elections
The GOP may have committed massive vote fraud in plain sight by encouragingwidespread voter purges and restricting registration campaigns.
http://www.alternet.org/democracy/82348/
-Editorial: Obama's lapses make him vulnerable
In better days, Barack Obama has inspired with his words. The senator fromIllinois has offered hope and the promise of a new approach to governing.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-obama_15edi.ART.State.Edition1.4660d60.html
-Most voters disagree with Obama comment
The first poll is out to try to measure voter sentiment on Barack Obama'sremarks about bitter working class voters.
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/04/most_voters_dis.html
-OBAMA COULD SNUB KATIE COURIC
Katie Couric's reported status as a lame duck may torpedo what was supposedto be her biggest night - a starring role as the host of a presidentialdebate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04152008/tv/obama_could_snub_katie_106563.htm
-Michigan poll buoys GOP
With McCain leading Clinton and nearly tied with Obama, analyst sees dangerthis fall for Democrats.
A new poll shows Sen. John McCain nearly tied with Sen. Barack Obama in ahypothetical Michigan general-election matchup, and significantly ahead ofSen. Hillary Clinton -- reinforcing Republicans' hopes of competing in areliably Democratic state.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/POLITICS01/804150352/1374
-Barack Obama, the yuppie candidate
Barack Obama is finally coming into focus.
For a while now, the Obamaphiles have insisted that their candidaterepresents a profound break with the past. No more culture wars. No more"re-litigating the 1960s," in Obama's own words.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-goldberg15apr15,0,2585923.column?track=rss
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Some Perspective on 'Bitter'
Maybe Barack Obama felt he couldn't afford to give the correct answer.
He was asked at a fund-raiser in San Francisco about his campaign'sexperiences in the run-up to next week's Democratic primary in Pennsylvania.
One of the main problems, of course, is that he hasn't generated as muchsupport as he'd like among white working-class voters.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/opinion/15herbert.html?_r=2&ref=opinion&oref=slogin&oref=slogin
-When Drug Costs Soar Beyond Reach
It doesn't take a health policy expert to recognize that something has goneterribly wrong when patients have to pay thousands of dollars a month fordrugs that they need to maintain their health - and possibly save theirlives. Congress needs to determine why this is happening and what can bedone about it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/opinion/15tues1.html?ref=opinion
-Tax Cuts at Center of McCain Economic Plan
PITTSBURGH - Senator John McCain offered the broadest look yet at hiseconomic policies in a speech here Tuesday, calling for tax cuts, a freezeof discretionary spending for a year, higher premiums for better-offMedicare recipients and elimination of federal gas taxes this summer toreinvigorate the sagging economy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/16/us/politics/15cnd-mccain.html?hp
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-On the Economy, 70% Disapprove of Bush
Public disapproval of the way President Bush is handling the nation'seconomy has hit a new high in Washington Post-ABC News polling, and hisoverall favorability rating remains near an all-time low.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402842.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Loose Lips and Democratic Ships
The Democratic presidential candidates are doing a splendid job of helpingJohn McCain get to the White House.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402649.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-Shot and a Chablis
Hillary "Shot-and-a-Beer" Clinton has given us the perfect illustration ofwhat's so insane about American politics: the philosophical dictum thatcould be summed up (with apologies to Descartes) as "I seem, therefore Iam."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402449.html
-Guns, God and Gotchas
Long ago I discovered that the word "frankly" often meant a lie was coming.
I learned this from an insurance agent, who preceded every attempt to sellme useless coverage with a "frankly." This is why I distrust what HillaryClinton said about Barack Obama and his admittedly klutzy statement aboutguns, church, immigrants and bitterness -- "elitist, out of touch and,frankly, patronizing," she said. Frankly, I don't believe her.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402453.html
-Two Separate Societies: One in Prison, One Not
Forty years ago, the Kerner Commission concluded in its landmark study ofthe causes of racial disturbances in the United States in the 1960s: "Ournation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white -- separate andunequal." Today we are still moving toward two societies: one incarceratedand one not. The Pew Center on the States released a study in Februaryshowing that for the first time in this country's history, more than one inevery 100 adults is in jail or prison. According to the Justice Department,7 million people -- or one in every 32 adults -- are either incarcerated, onparole or probation or under some other form of state or local supervision.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402451.html
-Rogue Democrat
South Africa's Thabo Mbeki sides with Robert Mugabe against the people ofZimbabwe.
FOR THOSE who argue that democracies are natural allies in internationalaffairs, South Africa poses a vexing challenge. Since that country beganserving a term on the U.N. Security Council last year, the government ofPresident Thabo Mbeki has consistently allied itself with the world's roguestates and against the Western democracies. It has defended Iran's nuclearprogram and resisted sanctions against it; shielded Sudan and Burma from thesort of pressure the United Nations once directed at the apartheid regime;and enthusiastically supported one-sided condemnations of Israel by the U.N.Human Rights Council.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041402638.html
-Palfrey Convicted on Prostitution-Related Charges
Deborah Jeane Palfrey was convicted this afternoon of racketeering and othercharges after a federal court jury determined that her upscale escortservice was actually a front for prostitution.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/15/AR2008041501564.html?hpid=topnews
-'The Talk'
Forget the Birds and the Bees -- Kids Are Asking About IVF, TransgenderPregnancy and STDs
Early one morning, Nancy Nisselbaum was readying her 6-year-old son Marshallfor school and herself for work when he asked: "Mommy, how does the spermget from the donor to the doctor?"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/11/AR2008041103435.html?hpid=smartliving
-Threats Close 3 Colleges, 4 More Schools
CHICAGO -- A message scrawled in a university bathroom _ "Be prepared to dieon 4/14" _ left not just the college's campus empty Monday, but also thoseof two adjoining high schools and a pair of nearby elementary schools.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041400832.html?hpid=sec-education
-Hundreds Protest Dalai Lama in Seattle
SEATTLE -- In a showing of pro-Chinese support, hundreds of demonstratorsprotested outside a college arena Monday as the Dalai Lama spoke to studentson solving problems through dialogue.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041403430.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-How Republicans Quietly Hijacked the Justice Department to Swing Elections
The GOP may have committed massive vote fraud in plain sight by encouragingwidespread voter purges and restricting registration campaigns.
http://www.alternet.org/democracy/82348/
-Editorial: Obama's lapses make him vulnerable
In better days, Barack Obama has inspired with his words. The senator fromIllinois has offered hope and the promise of a new approach to governing.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-obama_15edi.ART.State.Edition1.4660d60.html
-Most voters disagree with Obama comment
The first poll is out to try to measure voter sentiment on Barack Obama'sremarks about bitter working class voters.
http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/04/most_voters_dis.html
-OBAMA COULD SNUB KATIE COURIC
Katie Couric's reported status as a lame duck may torpedo what was supposedto be her biggest night - a starring role as the host of a presidentialdebate between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04152008/tv/obama_could_snub_katie_106563.htm
-Michigan poll buoys GOP
With McCain leading Clinton and nearly tied with Obama, analyst sees dangerthis fall for Democrats.
A new poll shows Sen. John McCain nearly tied with Sen. Barack Obama in ahypothetical Michigan general-election matchup, and significantly ahead ofSen. Hillary Clinton -- reinforcing Republicans' hopes of competing in areliably Democratic state.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080415/POLITICS01/804150352/1374
-Barack Obama, the yuppie candidate
Barack Obama is finally coming into focus.
For a while now, the Obamaphiles have insisted that their candidaterepresents a profound break with the past. No more culture wars. No more"re-litigating the 1960s," in Obama's own words.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-goldberg15apr15,0,2585923.column?track=rss
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST April 15, 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.
=
Save The Date:
Stonewall Street Festival 2008
Wilton Manor's Stonewall Street Festival is a little over two month's away.
Save the date, June 16th to 20th, 2008. Traveling to Wilton Manors fromoutside of South Florida? For hotel reservations, use the following link:
http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/gay_hotels.htm
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Florida budget cuts would hurt 'oldest, sickest and neediest'
TALLAHASSEE - For every dollar cut from Florida's budget, a life somewherewill be touched. Many of them will belong to the state's youngest, oldest,sickest and neediest, whose numbers grow in bad economic times.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-flfbudget0415sbapr15,0,5282248.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Florida hospitals rated below average
Hospitals in the state rank relatively low in quality and patientsatisfaction, according to two federal surveys.
Florida's hospitals are lagging the nation in two important measures --quality of care and patient satisfaction.
http://www.miamiherald.com/tropical_life/story/495919.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Tallahassee to vulnerable Floridians: Drop dead
If a state had its priorities straight, balancing a budget on the backs ofthe working poor, the elderly and the disabled would be the last option.
This year in Florida, it's the first option.
With the Republican-led House and Senate having completed mutuallyheartless, stupid budgets last week - after rejecting attempts by Democratsto raise revenue by imposing tax fairness - the Legislature officially isconsidering cuts of as much as $637 million in health care for some of thestate's most vulnerable residents. Included are indefensible reductions inthe Medicaid Program for the Aged and Disabled and the Medically Needyprogram.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/15/m14a_leadedit_healthcuts_0415.html
-Options shrink for property tax reform in Florida
TALLAHASSEE - Just last month it looked as if Florida voters could have twochoices for reforming the property tax system in November. Now, it'spossible they could have none.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article456749.ece
-Evolution fray attracts top scientist
Nobel winner battles plan to let teachers challenge Darwin's theory
TALLAHASSEE - His mess of white hair rising with the wind, Nobel laureateHarold Kroto delivered what has become his standard speech on evolution:Humans and fruit flies share the same genes.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080415/NEWS/804150543/1018/news02
-Evolution bill draws scientific ire
TALLAHASSEE - Calling a bill that would introduce theories other thanevolution into the classroom "evilution" and a magnet for lawsuits ifpassed, a group of scientists and other opponents galvanized against thelegislation on Monday.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/BREAKINGNEWS/80414029/1086/news01
=
From The Florida Red and Blue/Say No 2 Team
-We're working across Florida to get voters to Say No 2, but we wanted tofocus a little bit on what's happening in Broward County, definitely one ofour most active areas.
And we'll lead with this: it happened quietly, but we think now's the timeto unveil a major opponent to Amendment 2:
The Broward League of Cities, representing 31 cities in South Florida andover 80 associate government, nonprofit and business organizations.
The League passed a resolution in January opposing Amendment 2, because "theproposed Constitutional Amendment will prohibit other protections that mightotherwise be available, including but not limited to domestic partnershipbenefits."
We think this is a big deal - 31 cities Say No 2 taking away benefits andprotections from unmarried Floridians. Click HERE to see the League'sresolution.
It sure runs counter to what the supporters of Amendment 2 are saying.
They're focused on the tired old message of "banning gay marriage" - even thoughthey know there are no fewer than four laws on the books that make same-sexmarriage illegal in Florida, and that when Amendment 2 is rejected by thevoters it will still be illegal.
And speaking of opposition.If you were at Fort Lauderdale's Pridefest thispast weekend you would have seen a TREMENDOUS amount of opposition toAmendment 2. Florida Red and Blue/Say No 2 staff and volunteers workednonstop to reach attendees and explain the dangers of Amendment 2.
We signed up more than 900 volunteers, and more than 1,500 people pledged toSayNo2 at the ballot box in November. That's what we're replicating acrossFlorida - and that's how we'll beat Amendment 2.
Kudos to SayNo2's new Broward field coordinator SF Mahee, who was a ball ofenergy for two days. If you'd like to volunteer or find out how you canhelp, please click HERE, or contact SF directly at sf@floridaredandblue.com.
If you'd like to contribute so we can replicate our Broward success in yourarea, click HERE.
Last week we told you about our newest Advisory Board member, US Rep. AlceeHastings, who represents a large part of Broward County. He's the sixthmember of the Florida Congressional delegation to Say No 2, and joins hisBroward colleagues US Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Kendrick Meek.
Joining them on the Advisory Board from Broward are Dan Reynolds, BrowardAFL-CIO president; Stacy Ritter, Broward County Vice Mayor; Broward CountyCommissioners Sue Gunzberger and Ken Keechl; Sandy Steen, Broward Log CabinRepublicans president; Andrew Torres, Broward Hispanic Democratic Caucuspresident; Mitch Ceasar, chair of the Broward Democratic Party; and StateReps. Elaine Schwartz and Evan Jenne.
From the Congressional delegation, to municipal officials, to Browardresidents - everyone is on board to Say No 2.
And one more quick thing: please click HERE so Florida Red and Blue/Say No 2
can win a fast $1,000 in an online poll. It'll just take a few seconds, andas you know, every dollar counts toward helping us reach voters to Say No 2.Thanks for your support.
The Florida Red and Blue/Say No 2 Team
http://sayno2.com/index.php?submenu=action&submenu=action&src=gendocs&ref=Volunteer&category=Main
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Save The Date:
Stonewall Street Festival 2008
Wilton Manor's Stonewall Street Festival is a little over two month's away.
Save the date, June 16th to 20th, 2008. Traveling to Wilton Manors fromoutside of South Florida? For hotel reservations, use the following link:
http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/gay_hotels.htm
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Florida budget cuts would hurt 'oldest, sickest and neediest'
TALLAHASSEE - For every dollar cut from Florida's budget, a life somewherewill be touched. Many of them will belong to the state's youngest, oldest,sickest and neediest, whose numbers grow in bad economic times.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-flfbudget0415sbapr15,0,5282248.story
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Florida hospitals rated below average
Hospitals in the state rank relatively low in quality and patientsatisfaction, according to two federal surveys.
Florida's hospitals are lagging the nation in two important measures --quality of care and patient satisfaction.
http://www.miamiherald.com/tropical_life/story/495919.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Tallahassee to vulnerable Floridians: Drop dead
If a state had its priorities straight, balancing a budget on the backs ofthe working poor, the elderly and the disabled would be the last option.
This year in Florida, it's the first option.
With the Republican-led House and Senate having completed mutuallyheartless, stupid budgets last week - after rejecting attempts by Democratsto raise revenue by imposing tax fairness - the Legislature officially isconsidering cuts of as much as $637 million in health care for some of thestate's most vulnerable residents. Included are indefensible reductions inthe Medicaid Program for the Aged and Disabled and the Medically Needyprogram.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/15/m14a_leadedit_healthcuts_0415.html
-Options shrink for property tax reform in Florida
TALLAHASSEE - Just last month it looked as if Florida voters could have twochoices for reforming the property tax system in November. Now, it'spossible they could have none.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article456749.ece
-Evolution fray attracts top scientist
Nobel winner battles plan to let teachers challenge Darwin's theory
TALLAHASSEE - His mess of white hair rising with the wind, Nobel laureateHarold Kroto delivered what has become his standard speech on evolution:Humans and fruit flies share the same genes.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080415/NEWS/804150543/1018/news02
-Evolution bill draws scientific ire
TALLAHASSEE - Calling a bill that would introduce theories other thanevolution into the classroom "evilution" and a magnet for lawsuits ifpassed, a group of scientists and other opponents galvanized against thelegislation on Monday.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/BREAKINGNEWS/80414029/1086/news01
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From The Florida Red and Blue/Say No 2 Team
-We're working across Florida to get voters to Say No 2, but we wanted tofocus a little bit on what's happening in Broward County, definitely one ofour most active areas.
And we'll lead with this: it happened quietly, but we think now's the timeto unveil a major opponent to Amendment 2:
The Broward League of Cities, representing 31 cities in South Florida andover 80 associate government, nonprofit and business organizations.
The League passed a resolution in January opposing Amendment 2, because "theproposed Constitutional Amendment will prohibit other protections that mightotherwise be available, including but not limited to domestic partnershipbenefits."
We think this is a big deal - 31 cities Say No 2 taking away benefits andprotections from unmarried Floridians. Click HERE to see the League'sresolution.
It sure runs counter to what the supporters of Amendment 2 are saying.
They're focused on the tired old message of "banning gay marriage" - even thoughthey know there are no fewer than four laws on the books that make same-sexmarriage illegal in Florida, and that when Amendment 2 is rejected by thevoters it will still be illegal.
And speaking of opposition.If you were at Fort Lauderdale's Pridefest thispast weekend you would have seen a TREMENDOUS amount of opposition toAmendment 2. Florida Red and Blue/Say No 2 staff and volunteers workednonstop to reach attendees and explain the dangers of Amendment 2.
We signed up more than 900 volunteers, and more than 1,500 people pledged toSayNo2 at the ballot box in November. That's what we're replicating acrossFlorida - and that's how we'll beat Amendment 2.
Kudos to SayNo2's new Broward field coordinator SF Mahee, who was a ball ofenergy for two days. If you'd like to volunteer or find out how you canhelp, please click HERE, or contact SF directly at sf@floridaredandblue.com.
If you'd like to contribute so we can replicate our Broward success in yourarea, click HERE.
Last week we told you about our newest Advisory Board member, US Rep. AlceeHastings, who represents a large part of Broward County. He's the sixthmember of the Florida Congressional delegation to Say No 2, and joins hisBroward colleagues US Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Kendrick Meek.
Joining them on the Advisory Board from Broward are Dan Reynolds, BrowardAFL-CIO president; Stacy Ritter, Broward County Vice Mayor; Broward CountyCommissioners Sue Gunzberger and Ken Keechl; Sandy Steen, Broward Log CabinRepublicans president; Andrew Torres, Broward Hispanic Democratic Caucuspresident; Mitch Ceasar, chair of the Broward Democratic Party; and StateReps. Elaine Schwartz and Evan Jenne.
From the Congressional delegation, to municipal officials, to Browardresidents - everyone is on board to Say No 2.
And one more quick thing: please click HERE so Florida Red and Blue/Say No 2
can win a fast $1,000 in an online poll. It'll just take a few seconds, andas you know, every dollar counts toward helping us reach voters to Say No 2.Thanks for your support.
The Florida Red and Blue/Say No 2 Team
http://sayno2.com/index.php?submenu=action&submenu=action&src=gendocs&ref=Volunteer&category=Main
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
GLBT DIGEST April 15, 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:
-Pope: 'Ashamed' of Clergy Abuse Scandal
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday he was''deeply ashamed'' of the clergy sexual abuse scandal that stained theCatholic church and will work to make sure pedophiles don't become priests.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Pope-US.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin
-Faith in Spotlight, Candidates Battle for Catholic Votes
WASHINGTON - Many years have passed since the Democratic Party was as much apart of American Catholic identity as weekly Mass and parochial school. Butit still came as a shock to many Democrats to lose the Catholic vote, a keygroup in must-win states like Ohio, in the 2004 presidential election.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/us/politics/15catholics.html?sq=gay&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&scp=1&adxnnlx=1208264833-ia1R2M5EQUZYq2AaNaclQQ
-How Epidemics Helped Shape the Modern Metropolis
On a Sunday in July 1832, a fearful and somber crowd of New Yorkers gatheredin City Hall Park for more bad news. The epidemic of cholera, cause unknownand prognosis dire, had reached its peak.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/science/15chol.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=nyt
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-A Back-to-Basics Messenger
Pontiff Expected to Stress Traditional Catholic Worship, Belief in Miracles
ROME, April 14 -- In an era saturated with entertainment and politics, a keyquestion looms as Pope Benedict XVI leaves here Tuesday for Washington: Ishis style too dense to get Americans' attention?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041403244.html
=
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Rejected rule on sexuality to come down from state Web site
Raleigh - The state personnel office will take down from its Web site a ruleagainst anti-gay discrimination.
The proposed rule was rejected in January by the state Rules ReviewCommission as overstepping the State Personnel Commission's authority, butit showed up in a copy of the state personnel handbook posted online.
http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880414015&source=rss
=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-GOP Lawmaker Apologizes For Obama Remark
(Frankfort, Kentucky) Republican Rep. Geoff Davis has apologized toDemocratic presidential candidate Barack Obama after referring to him as"that boy."
-BET Founder Takes On Obama, Race
(Charlotte, North Carolina) The billionaire founder of Black EntertainmentTelevision says Barack Obama would not be a leading presidential candidateif he were white and that the Illinois senator's campaign has "ahair-trigger on anything racial."
-Poll: Clinton Maintains 6-Point Lead In Pa.
(Washington) One week before Pennsylvania's presidential primary, Clinton isholding the line as front-runner.
-Gay Hate Becomes A Family Affair
(Worcester, Massachusetts) Three members of a Worcester, Massachusettsfamily are facing trial on hate charges following an incident in anapartment where two men were attacked in what police describe as ahomophobic assault.
-Cdn. Tories, Grits Deadlocked
(Ottawa) A new national poll suggests Conservatives and Liberals remaindeadlocked with neither party able to muster more than lukewarm levels ofpublic support.
-Study: Pink Ceiling Limits Careers
(London) A UK survey of LGBT workers has found that most believe coming outwill hurt their careers.
-Photographer To Appeal Human Rights Fine For Refusing To Take Gay CouplePictures
(Albuquerque, New Mexico) Attorneys for a photographer say they appeal "asfor as it will go" a finding that she violated the New Mexico human rightslaw by refusing to take pictures of the commitment ceremony of a lesbiancouple.
=
National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-"I Am Who I Am"
Franciscan duo again to lead spiritual get-together for "Gay and LesbianCatholics" at order's retreat house in Danville
As they did last year, Franciscan Frs. Jim Schexnayder and Rusty Shaughnessywill direct a "Gay and Lesbian Catholics Retreat" at San Damiano RetreatHouse at Danville, in the Oakland diocese.
-Actor Blair Underwood to Join Thousands of Walkers for Florida AIDS Walk
Actor Blair Underwood (Dirty Sexy Money, In Treatment, The New Adventures ofOld Christine) and actor/comedian Mario Cantone (Sex and the City: TheMovie) will join thousands of walkers for the Florida AIDS Walk on Sunday,April 27th, starting and ending at Huizenga Plaza in downtown Ft.Lauderdale. Presented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), AHF Pharmacy andOut of the Closet Thrift Stores, funds raised by Florida AIDS Walk willsupport the expansion of free HIV testing and prevention education inFlorida's Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, as well as healthcare forHIV-positive individuals throughout the state. For more information, to makea donation, or to register as a team captain, walk participant, virtualwalker, or volunteer, please visit: www.FloridaAIDSWalk.org. Whether walkingthe full 10k route, the 5k route or only a few blocks - each person'sparticipation will make a difference.
-One Third of Thailand's Gays Now Threatened by HIV
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has just released figures detailing thedramatic rise of HIV infection among MSM (men who have sex with men).
Estimated at 28% in 2005, that number has increased to an all-time high ofjust under 31% in 2007.
-"Work Out," Reality TV Normalizing Gays
The third season of Work Out, Bravo's mostly-gay gym drama, premieres thisweek. AfterEllen.com has an insightful article on the reality show and itsstar, Jackie Warner: Warner is a unique personality on the televisionlandscape - a lesbian, an athlete and a businesswoman. In a medium whereelite female athletes are not given much coverage and the emphasis is onthose who are traditionally feminine, Warner stands out for herassertiveness and power.
-Colleges 'Coming Out' For Gays
As high-schoolers are "coming out" at younger ages, universities are doingmore to market themselves to college-bound gay students. The University ofColorado -- which participates in about 65 national, springtimecollege-admissions fairs -- included one for gay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgender students on this year's schedule. Also, the Boulder campus'Gay-Straight Alliance is working with the student government to start a newprogram in which CU students would educate high-schoolers on issuessurrounding sexuality and campus programs.
-Eye-Opening Lecture Kicks Off GLBT Week
Rev. Mel White said coming out as a homosexual was incredibly difficult. Hewas a Christian minister. He feared ridicule. And he chose to make theannouncement on national television. Monday night, students, faculty andother community members gathered in Student Center Ballroom D to listen toWhite's story of his struggle to accept his own homosexual orientation, butalso acceptance from other Christians.
-Candidates Silent to GLBT Issues
On Sunday, Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton traveled to MessiahCollege in Pennsylvania to speak at an event aired by CNN called "TheCompassion Forum." Unfortunately, the senators failed at their chance todiscuss Messiah College's less than compassionate discriminatory policiestoward gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. Messiah is one of ahundred universities that discriminate against the GLBT community. It isdisappointing that the senators did not address these policies that breedintolerance and misunderstanding.
-Gays and Lesbians Conceiving Children via Surrogacy or AlternativeInsemination
Gay and lesbian couples never become pregnant by accident. However, theirmethods of achieving pregnancy are many and varied. A growing number oflesbian couples are choosing alternative insemination of one partner; and agrowing number of gay male couples are choosing gestational surrogacy(fertilizing an egg contributed by one woman and arranging with a differentwoman to carry the fetus until birth).
-Business More Accepting of Gay, Lesbian Employees
Jan Stevenson became so impatient with the pace of change in acceptance ofpeople with gender concerns she and her partner bought Between the Linesnewspaper in 1995 and transformed it into the Pride Source Media Group witha 20,000 weekly circulation, sales in excess of $1 million andpart-sponsorship of an annual PrideFest in Ferndale that draws up to 50,000people.
-PlanetOut Is Out Of Publishing (And $26 Million)
In an embarrassing setback, PlanetOut Inc., a leading LGBTmedia company, isselling its magazine business for a song--after a steady decline in ad pagesand readership at two of the best-known LGBT magazines, Out and Advocate.
Having purchased the magazines and erotic book business of LiberationPublications for $32.1 million in November 2004, on Thursday PlanetOutannounced it is selling the magazines to Here Networks, a gay andlesbian-themed TV network, for a paltry $6 million.
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Chelsea Clinton Wows Gays at Portland's Red Dress Party
Between giving speeches for her mother in Oregon, Chelsea Clinton made anappearance at Portland's legendary Red Dress Party, an annual dance wherealmost 2,000 attendees -- mostly gay men -- don red gowns and enjoy disco,the Willamette Week reported Sunday.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid53378.asp
-Oregon Methodist Church Votes to Accept Gays
An Oregon Methodist church that previously did not welcome LGBT congregantshas decided to embrace interested churchgoers regardless of sexualorientation. According to The [Eugene] Register-Guard newspaper, thegoverning body of the First United Methodist Church in downtown Eugene voted168-10 to become the third "reconciling" Methodist church in Lane County andninth in the state.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid53382.asp
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Michael Fouquette feels lucky - he found a man, fell in love, and has beenliving happily in Orange County for five years. Now, he only needs a visa.
Fouquette, a 43-year old web designer, is banking on the U.S. government'svisa lottery for skilled workers, hoping his Taiwanese partner Ming-JerLee - who holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from UC Irvine - willbe among the winners. That's because unlike straight couples, same-sexpartners can't apply for a green card. "They can't recognize ourrelationship for him to immigrate, or for us to stay together," saidFouquette, who met Lee, 39, shortly after he came to California for graduateschool on a student visa. "We've been lucky. But should we have to (be)?"
-The trial of a lesbian couple charged with trespassing after they staged asit-in at the Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office was postponed Monday untilMay 6. Catherine Burns and Sheila Schroeder were charged with themisdemeanor after they were denied a marriage license and refused to leavethe building.
-The log cabin is a tricky place -- gay Republicans often must temper theirparty allegiance or risk self-ostracizing. Thanks to Washington's civilunion bill signed March 12, however, conservative gay partners not only havea host of new rights but a new lease on their vote come November. RudyGiuliani began as the obvious favorite among Log Cabin Republicans, a gaywing of the Republican Party. Unafraid of rooming with a gay couple -- as hedid following the separation from his second wife -- or dressing in drag,the sexually confident former mayor was supported by many of the party's gaymembers.
-Hundreds of demonstrators from all over Norway descended on downtown Osloover the weekend to protest the government's proposed law allowing same-sexmarriages. The protesters included immigrants and native Norwegians, andthey came from the villages and the cities. All were firmly against marriagerights for gay and lesbian couples. Former Bishop Per Lønning was amongthose speaking in the public square called Youngstorget in downtown Oslo.
Supporters have called the proposed "sex-neutral" marriage rights "a victoryfor romance and reason." Lønning equated that to nonsense "typical of ourtimes."
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay World Cup organisers say 90% of funding in place
The 2008 International Gay and Lesbian Football Association WorldChampionship being held in London later this year has announced cashsponsorship from a website. The championship became an issue in the electionfor Mayor of London today when LGBT activist and Green party candidate PeterTatchell attacked the incumbent for reportedly declining to contribute tothe funding and or sign a letter of support for a grant application to thelottery fund.
click here for the full article
-Scots Parliament considers gay blood ban
A petition calling for an end to the blanket ban on blood donations from gaymen will be considered by the Scottish Parliament today. The ScottishNational Blood Transfusion Service maintains that it is not a question ofbeing gay or bisexual but the risk involved. Rob McDowall, who has led thecampaign against the ban, said:
"Blood has no sexual preference and being gay does not mean that you sleepabout and have serial sexual partners."
click here for the full article
-American Catholics think Pope is out of touch
A wide-ranging poll of Roman Catholics in the US has found that two thirdsof them feel the Church is out of touch with today's world. Just two yearsago, when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope, 52% of AmericanCatholics held that view: now the figure is 62%. The figures come ahead of aPapal visit to the United States. Pope Benedict XVI, who has been outspokenin his opposition to equal rights for LGBT people, will visit Washington andNew York.
click here for the full article
-DA asked to treat King killer as a juvenile
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans activists are urging that a 14-year-old boywho is to stand trial for the murder of his classmate be dealt with by ajuvenile court. Lawrence King, who self-identified as gay and wore feminineclothing, was shot in the head during a class on February 12th, allegedly byclassmate Brandon McInerney, 14, at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard,California. McInerney has been charged as an adult and could face up to 24years to life for the murder charge.
click here for the full article
-Marilyn sex tape sells for $1.5m
It's been over 50 years since The Seven Year Itch was released but the saleof a newly discovered Marilyn Monroe sex tape proves that some folks willstill pay top dollar to look up the bombshell's skirt. A New York Citycollector and businessman just paid a cool $1.5 million (£762,000) for thesilent, black and white sex film of the famous blonde orally servicing anunidentified man for 15 minutes. But unlike today's celebrity sex tapes,Monroe's will remain under wraps for now.
click here for the full article
-Berlusconi back in power, but what about gay rights?
Conservative media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi has declared victory in theItalian general election as he looks set to begin his third term as primeminister after beating socialist Walter Veltroni. In a phone call to Rai TV,Signor Berlusconi said of his victory: "I'm moved, I feel a greatresponsibility. We have difficult months ahead that will require greatstrength." Berlusconi's right wing alliance is expected to have won 45.9per cent of the vote, compared to 39.1 per cent for the left.
click here for the full article
-Pressure grows on EU over discrimination directive
The European Commission has been urged by several leading groups in theEuropean Parliament to implement a discrimination directive that coverssexual orientation. There have been strong indications from CommissionPresident Jose Manual Barroso and employment, social affairs and equalopportunities commissioner Vladimir Spidla that the directive may focus ondisability only. Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty requires EU memberstates to introduce legislation on discrimination.
click here for the full article
-Anglican leader backs ban on same-sex prom dates
The leader of the Anglican church in Australia has backed a decision by asecondary school to bar its male pupils from bringing their boyfriends tothe annual formal dance. A handful of Year 12 (Sixth Form) students atAnglican Grammar School in Brisbane had expressed their desire to bringtheir gay partners to the end of year ball. The Most Revd Phillip Aspinallis both president of the school's council and Anglican Archbishop ofBrisbane.
click here for the full article
-Serb President guarantees Eurovision safety
An official at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has revealed that theyhave been given "a guarantee for the safety of delegations, press and fansissued by the President of Serbia," covering this year's Eurovision contestin Belgrade. Human rights activists have raised concerns that Western fansvisiting Serbia will be targeted by fascist elements in the country. Gaymen are a particular target, according to the president of the fascistorganisation Obraz.
click here for the full article
-Gay Scots footballers collect silverware
The second and final leg of the inaugural Fitlads Cup, played yesterday inEdinburgh, went to a nail-biting penalties finish after a 3-3 aggregate drawbetween HotScots FC and London Falcons FC. The first LGBT football teamnorth of the border took victory. HotScots FC was founded last year with theaim of organising socials and regular kickabouts and to provide a socialoutlet for LGBT people who wish to watch and participate in football withother like-minded people.
click here for the full article
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-The Mayor of London has refused to contribute to the funding of the2008
International Gay & Lesbian Football Association WorldChampionship, which isbeing held in London in August.Mr Livingstone has also refused to sign aletter of support for theIGLFAWC's grant application to the lottery fund.
Having thehigh-profile support of the Mayor would increase the likelihood ofthegrant succeeding. The unexpected lack of financial support from the Mayorhascontributed to the IGLFAWC being left with a funding shortfall. Theorganisers need to raise another £30,000 to cover their costs.
=
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
-On Monday, April 14, the National Center for Transgender
Equality (NCTE) will honor Rep. Jerrold Nadler and the other six members ofCongress who stood unwavering in their support of gender identityprotections. During last year's disappointing setback in the work to pass aunified Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), seven members of Congressremained true to their commitment to only support legislation that coveredall LGBT people. By standing up for the broadest protections, theydemonstrated their courage and commitment to ensuring that all people inthis country should live free from discrimination.
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Pope: 'Ashamed' of Clergy Abuse Scandal
ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday he was''deeply ashamed'' of the clergy sexual abuse scandal that stained theCatholic church and will work to make sure pedophiles don't become priests.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Pope-US.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin
-Faith in Spotlight, Candidates Battle for Catholic Votes
WASHINGTON - Many years have passed since the Democratic Party was as much apart of American Catholic identity as weekly Mass and parochial school. Butit still came as a shock to many Democrats to lose the Catholic vote, a keygroup in must-win states like Ohio, in the 2004 presidential election.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/us/politics/15catholics.html?sq=gay&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&scp=1&adxnnlx=1208264833-ia1R2M5EQUZYq2AaNaclQQ
-How Epidemics Helped Shape the Modern Metropolis
On a Sunday in July 1832, a fearful and somber crowd of New Yorkers gatheredin City Hall Park for more bad news. The epidemic of cholera, cause unknownand prognosis dire, had reached its peak.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/science/15chol.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=nyt
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-A Back-to-Basics Messenger
Pontiff Expected to Stress Traditional Catholic Worship, Belief in Miracles
ROME, April 14 -- In an era saturated with entertainment and politics, a keyquestion looms as Pope Benedict XVI leaves here Tuesday for Washington: Ishis style too dense to get Americans' attention?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041403244.html
=
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Rejected rule on sexuality to come down from state Web site
Raleigh - The state personnel office will take down from its Web site a ruleagainst anti-gay discrimination.
The proposed rule was rejected in January by the state Rules ReviewCommission as overstepping the State Personnel Commission's authority, butit showed up in a copy of the state personnel handbook posted online.
http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880414015&source=rss
=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-GOP Lawmaker Apologizes For Obama Remark
(Frankfort, Kentucky) Republican Rep. Geoff Davis has apologized toDemocratic presidential candidate Barack Obama after referring to him as"that boy."
-BET Founder Takes On Obama, Race
(Charlotte, North Carolina) The billionaire founder of Black EntertainmentTelevision says Barack Obama would not be a leading presidential candidateif he were white and that the Illinois senator's campaign has "ahair-trigger on anything racial."
-Poll: Clinton Maintains 6-Point Lead In Pa.
(Washington) One week before Pennsylvania's presidential primary, Clinton isholding the line as front-runner.
-Gay Hate Becomes A Family Affair
(Worcester, Massachusetts) Three members of a Worcester, Massachusettsfamily are facing trial on hate charges following an incident in anapartment where two men were attacked in what police describe as ahomophobic assault.
-Cdn. Tories, Grits Deadlocked
(Ottawa) A new national poll suggests Conservatives and Liberals remaindeadlocked with neither party able to muster more than lukewarm levels ofpublic support.
-Study: Pink Ceiling Limits Careers
(London) A UK survey of LGBT workers has found that most believe coming outwill hurt their careers.
-Photographer To Appeal Human Rights Fine For Refusing To Take Gay CouplePictures
(Albuquerque, New Mexico) Attorneys for a photographer say they appeal "asfor as it will go" a finding that she violated the New Mexico human rightslaw by refusing to take pictures of the commitment ceremony of a lesbiancouple.
=
National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-"I Am Who I Am"
Franciscan duo again to lead spiritual get-together for "Gay and LesbianCatholics" at order's retreat house in Danville
As they did last year, Franciscan Frs. Jim Schexnayder and Rusty Shaughnessywill direct a "Gay and Lesbian Catholics Retreat" at San Damiano RetreatHouse at Danville, in the Oakland diocese.
-Actor Blair Underwood to Join Thousands of Walkers for Florida AIDS Walk
Actor Blair Underwood (Dirty Sexy Money, In Treatment, The New Adventures ofOld Christine) and actor/comedian Mario Cantone (Sex and the City: TheMovie) will join thousands of walkers for the Florida AIDS Walk on Sunday,April 27th, starting and ending at Huizenga Plaza in downtown Ft.Lauderdale. Presented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), AHF Pharmacy andOut of the Closet Thrift Stores, funds raised by Florida AIDS Walk willsupport the expansion of free HIV testing and prevention education inFlorida's Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, as well as healthcare forHIV-positive individuals throughout the state. For more information, to makea donation, or to register as a team captain, walk participant, virtualwalker, or volunteer, please visit: www.FloridaAIDSWalk.org. Whether walkingthe full 10k route, the 5k route or only a few blocks - each person'sparticipation will make a difference.
-One Third of Thailand's Gays Now Threatened by HIV
The Thai Ministry of Public Health has just released figures detailing thedramatic rise of HIV infection among MSM (men who have sex with men).
Estimated at 28% in 2005, that number has increased to an all-time high ofjust under 31% in 2007.
-"Work Out," Reality TV Normalizing Gays
The third season of Work Out, Bravo's mostly-gay gym drama, premieres thisweek. AfterEllen.com has an insightful article on the reality show and itsstar, Jackie Warner: Warner is a unique personality on the televisionlandscape - a lesbian, an athlete and a businesswoman. In a medium whereelite female athletes are not given much coverage and the emphasis is onthose who are traditionally feminine, Warner stands out for herassertiveness and power.
-Colleges 'Coming Out' For Gays
As high-schoolers are "coming out" at younger ages, universities are doingmore to market themselves to college-bound gay students. The University ofColorado -- which participates in about 65 national, springtimecollege-admissions fairs -- included one for gay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgender students on this year's schedule. Also, the Boulder campus'Gay-Straight Alliance is working with the student government to start a newprogram in which CU students would educate high-schoolers on issuessurrounding sexuality and campus programs.
-Eye-Opening Lecture Kicks Off GLBT Week
Rev. Mel White said coming out as a homosexual was incredibly difficult. Hewas a Christian minister. He feared ridicule. And he chose to make theannouncement on national television. Monday night, students, faculty andother community members gathered in Student Center Ballroom D to listen toWhite's story of his struggle to accept his own homosexual orientation, butalso acceptance from other Christians.
-Candidates Silent to GLBT Issues
On Sunday, Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton traveled to MessiahCollege in Pennsylvania to speak at an event aired by CNN called "TheCompassion Forum." Unfortunately, the senators failed at their chance todiscuss Messiah College's less than compassionate discriminatory policiestoward gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. Messiah is one of ahundred universities that discriminate against the GLBT community. It isdisappointing that the senators did not address these policies that breedintolerance and misunderstanding.
-Gays and Lesbians Conceiving Children via Surrogacy or AlternativeInsemination
Gay and lesbian couples never become pregnant by accident. However, theirmethods of achieving pregnancy are many and varied. A growing number oflesbian couples are choosing alternative insemination of one partner; and agrowing number of gay male couples are choosing gestational surrogacy(fertilizing an egg contributed by one woman and arranging with a differentwoman to carry the fetus until birth).
-Business More Accepting of Gay, Lesbian Employees
Jan Stevenson became so impatient with the pace of change in acceptance ofpeople with gender concerns she and her partner bought Between the Linesnewspaper in 1995 and transformed it into the Pride Source Media Group witha 20,000 weekly circulation, sales in excess of $1 million andpart-sponsorship of an annual PrideFest in Ferndale that draws up to 50,000people.
-PlanetOut Is Out Of Publishing (And $26 Million)
In an embarrassing setback, PlanetOut Inc., a leading LGBTmedia company, isselling its magazine business for a song--after a steady decline in ad pagesand readership at two of the best-known LGBT magazines, Out and Advocate.
Having purchased the magazines and erotic book business of LiberationPublications for $32.1 million in November 2004, on Thursday PlanetOutannounced it is selling the magazines to Here Networks, a gay andlesbian-themed TV network, for a paltry $6 million.
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Chelsea Clinton Wows Gays at Portland's Red Dress Party
Between giving speeches for her mother in Oregon, Chelsea Clinton made anappearance at Portland's legendary Red Dress Party, an annual dance wherealmost 2,000 attendees -- mostly gay men -- don red gowns and enjoy disco,the Willamette Week reported Sunday.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid53378.asp
-Oregon Methodist Church Votes to Accept Gays
An Oregon Methodist church that previously did not welcome LGBT congregantshas decided to embrace interested churchgoers regardless of sexualorientation. According to The [Eugene] Register-Guard newspaper, thegoverning body of the First United Methodist Church in downtown Eugene voted168-10 to become the third "reconciling" Methodist church in Lane County andninth in the state.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid53382.asp
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Michael Fouquette feels lucky - he found a man, fell in love, and has beenliving happily in Orange County for five years. Now, he only needs a visa.
Fouquette, a 43-year old web designer, is banking on the U.S. government'svisa lottery for skilled workers, hoping his Taiwanese partner Ming-JerLee - who holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from UC Irvine - willbe among the winners. That's because unlike straight couples, same-sexpartners can't apply for a green card. "They can't recognize ourrelationship for him to immigrate, or for us to stay together," saidFouquette, who met Lee, 39, shortly after he came to California for graduateschool on a student visa. "We've been lucky. But should we have to (be)?"
-The trial of a lesbian couple charged with trespassing after they staged asit-in at the Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office was postponed Monday untilMay 6. Catherine Burns and Sheila Schroeder were charged with themisdemeanor after they were denied a marriage license and refused to leavethe building.
-The log cabin is a tricky place -- gay Republicans often must temper theirparty allegiance or risk self-ostracizing. Thanks to Washington's civilunion bill signed March 12, however, conservative gay partners not only havea host of new rights but a new lease on their vote come November. RudyGiuliani began as the obvious favorite among Log Cabin Republicans, a gaywing of the Republican Party. Unafraid of rooming with a gay couple -- as hedid following the separation from his second wife -- or dressing in drag,the sexually confident former mayor was supported by many of the party's gaymembers.
-Hundreds of demonstrators from all over Norway descended on downtown Osloover the weekend to protest the government's proposed law allowing same-sexmarriages. The protesters included immigrants and native Norwegians, andthey came from the villages and the cities. All were firmly against marriagerights for gay and lesbian couples. Former Bishop Per Lønning was amongthose speaking in the public square called Youngstorget in downtown Oslo.
Supporters have called the proposed "sex-neutral" marriage rights "a victoryfor romance and reason." Lønning equated that to nonsense "typical of ourtimes."
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay World Cup organisers say 90% of funding in place
The 2008 International Gay and Lesbian Football Association WorldChampionship being held in London later this year has announced cashsponsorship from a website. The championship became an issue in the electionfor Mayor of London today when LGBT activist and Green party candidate PeterTatchell attacked the incumbent for reportedly declining to contribute tothe funding and or sign a letter of support for a grant application to thelottery fund.
click here for the full article
-Scots Parliament considers gay blood ban
A petition calling for an end to the blanket ban on blood donations from gaymen will be considered by the Scottish Parliament today. The ScottishNational Blood Transfusion Service maintains that it is not a question ofbeing gay or bisexual but the risk involved. Rob McDowall, who has led thecampaign against the ban, said:
"Blood has no sexual preference and being gay does not mean that you sleepabout and have serial sexual partners."
click here for the full article
-American Catholics think Pope is out of touch
A wide-ranging poll of Roman Catholics in the US has found that two thirdsof them feel the Church is out of touch with today's world. Just two yearsago, when Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope, 52% of AmericanCatholics held that view: now the figure is 62%. The figures come ahead of aPapal visit to the United States. Pope Benedict XVI, who has been outspokenin his opposition to equal rights for LGBT people, will visit Washington andNew York.
click here for the full article
-DA asked to treat King killer as a juvenile
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans activists are urging that a 14-year-old boywho is to stand trial for the murder of his classmate be dealt with by ajuvenile court. Lawrence King, who self-identified as gay and wore feminineclothing, was shot in the head during a class on February 12th, allegedly byclassmate Brandon McInerney, 14, at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard,California. McInerney has been charged as an adult and could face up to 24years to life for the murder charge.
click here for the full article
-Marilyn sex tape sells for $1.5m
It's been over 50 years since The Seven Year Itch was released but the saleof a newly discovered Marilyn Monroe sex tape proves that some folks willstill pay top dollar to look up the bombshell's skirt. A New York Citycollector and businessman just paid a cool $1.5 million (£762,000) for thesilent, black and white sex film of the famous blonde orally servicing anunidentified man for 15 minutes. But unlike today's celebrity sex tapes,Monroe's will remain under wraps for now.
click here for the full article
-Berlusconi back in power, but what about gay rights?
Conservative media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi has declared victory in theItalian general election as he looks set to begin his third term as primeminister after beating socialist Walter Veltroni. In a phone call to Rai TV,Signor Berlusconi said of his victory: "I'm moved, I feel a greatresponsibility. We have difficult months ahead that will require greatstrength." Berlusconi's right wing alliance is expected to have won 45.9per cent of the vote, compared to 39.1 per cent for the left.
click here for the full article
-Pressure grows on EU over discrimination directive
The European Commission has been urged by several leading groups in theEuropean Parliament to implement a discrimination directive that coverssexual orientation. There have been strong indications from CommissionPresident Jose Manual Barroso and employment, social affairs and equalopportunities commissioner Vladimir Spidla that the directive may focus ondisability only. Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty requires EU memberstates to introduce legislation on discrimination.
click here for the full article
-Anglican leader backs ban on same-sex prom dates
The leader of the Anglican church in Australia has backed a decision by asecondary school to bar its male pupils from bringing their boyfriends tothe annual formal dance. A handful of Year 12 (Sixth Form) students atAnglican Grammar School in Brisbane had expressed their desire to bringtheir gay partners to the end of year ball. The Most Revd Phillip Aspinallis both president of the school's council and Anglican Archbishop ofBrisbane.
click here for the full article
-Serb President guarantees Eurovision safety
An official at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has revealed that theyhave been given "a guarantee for the safety of delegations, press and fansissued by the President of Serbia," covering this year's Eurovision contestin Belgrade. Human rights activists have raised concerns that Western fansvisiting Serbia will be targeted by fascist elements in the country. Gaymen are a particular target, according to the president of the fascistorganisation Obraz.
click here for the full article
-Gay Scots footballers collect silverware
The second and final leg of the inaugural Fitlads Cup, played yesterday inEdinburgh, went to a nail-biting penalties finish after a 3-3 aggregate drawbetween HotScots FC and London Falcons FC. The first LGBT football teamnorth of the border took victory. HotScots FC was founded last year with theaim of organising socials and regular kickabouts and to provide a socialoutlet for LGBT people who wish to watch and participate in football withother like-minded people.
click here for the full article
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-The Mayor of London has refused to contribute to the funding of the2008
International Gay & Lesbian Football Association WorldChampionship, which isbeing held in London in August.Mr Livingstone has also refused to sign aletter of support for theIGLFAWC's grant application to the lottery fund.
Having thehigh-profile support of the Mayor would increase the likelihood ofthegrant succeeding. The unexpected lack of financial support from the Mayorhascontributed to the IGLFAWC being left with a funding shortfall. Theorganisers need to raise another £30,000 to cover their costs.
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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
-On Monday, April 14, the National Center for Transgender
Equality (NCTE) will honor Rep. Jerrold Nadler and the other six members ofCongress who stood unwavering in their support of gender identityprotections. During last year's disappointing setback in the work to pass aunified Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), seven members of Congressremained true to their commitment to only support legislation that coveredall LGBT people. By standing up for the broadest protections, theydemonstrated their courage and commitment to ensuring that all people inthis country should live free from discrimination.
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Monday, April 14, 2008
GLBT DIGEST April 14, 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:
-Papal Visit Provokes Array of Protests
NEW YORK (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI may not see them or hear them, butaggrieved Roman Catholic activists hope his U.S. visit this week will helpthem draw attention to issues ranging from the ordination of women and gayrights to sex abuse by priests and the Vatican ban on contraception.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Pope-Protests.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-POPE BENEDICT XVI IN AMERICA
As Visit Nears, Sexual Abuse Victims Group Plans Protest
A decade ago, Toni McMorrow and her husband might have joined in the prayerand pageantry of the pope's visit to Washington. But now, she says, BenedictXVI's arrival and the throngs who will cheer him are "like daggers cuttinginto our broken hearts."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041302369.html?hpid=sec-religion
-McCain: More Conservative Than His Image
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The independent label sticks to John McCain because heantagonizes fellow Republicans and likes to work with Democrats.
But a different label applies to his actual record: conservative.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-McCain-the-Conservative.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Senator Vitter Won't Testify in Sex Case
WASHINGTON -- Sen. David Vitter will not have to testify about his ties toan upscale Washington escort service, a defense attorney said Monday,sparing the Louisiana Republican an embarrassing trip to the witness stand.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041400773.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Breast Cancer Vaccine Works Against Deadlier Form of Disease
SUNDAY, April 13 (HealthDay News) -- A breast cancer vaccine significantlyreduced the risk of recurrence for patients who have a high expression ofthe protein HER2-neu.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301616.html?hpid=sec-health
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-State's gay Republicans fine with McCain
The log cabin is a tricky place -- gay Republicans often must temper theirparty allegiance or risk self-ostracizing. Thanks to Washington's civilunion bill signed March 12, however, conservative gay partners not only havea host of new rights but a new lease on their vote come November.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/358749_firstperson14.html
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Clinton, Obama Target Faith Voters
(Grantham, Pennsylvania) Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sundaythat the potential for life begins at conception as she and presidentialrival Sen. Barack Obama answered questions about faith and religion in boththeir personal lives and the public discourse.
-Democrats Sue McCain
(Washington) Democratic Party officials want a federal judge to order aninvestigation into whether Sen. John McCain violated election laws bywithdrawing from public financing, saying federal regulators are too weak toact on their own.
-War Weighs Heavily In Minds Of Pa. Voters
(Allentown, Pennsylvania) For Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama,vital to getting the edge in military service-oriented but war-wearyPennsylvania is figuring out how to pull U.S. forces out of Iraq withoutdragging the flag in the process.
-Gay Foes Target Marriott Over Adult Movies
(Tupelo, Mississippi) Several conservative groups, including the AmericanFamily Association, are asking Marriott International Inc. to stop givinghotel guests the option of ordering pay-per-view movies with strong sexualcontent - gay and straight.
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Is Lindsey Graham Gay?
At 52, the life-long bachelor has been fodder for such rumors for years, butwith the resignation of Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho - the anti-gay politicianwho pled guilty to disorderly conduct after allegedly soliciting sex in anairport men's room - the internet is abuzz over who's next, and they'redying to know what's going on in Graham's bedroom. Is it the latest graspfor the light switch in South Carolina's powerful political closet? Or theinevitable labeling of "closet-clinging self-hater" that befalls any contentbachelor?
-Gay Student Partners Banned From Dance
One of Brisbane's most prestigious all-boy schools says it's willing todebate a ban on gay students taking same-sex partners instead of girls tothe senior formal. The Anglican Church Grammar School, or Churchie, was indefence mode after it emerged several Year 12 students wanted to take theirgay partners to the college's end-of year dance on June 19.
-Get This Straight: I Love You, Man
In a 2007 episode of NBC's Scrubs, the show's main characters, J.D. andTurk, break into a musical duet proclaiming their mutual affection. "Guylove. That's all it is," the song goes. "Guy love, he's mine, I'm his.
There's nothing gay about it in our eyes." Turk and J.D. are two straightmale doctors who are, without a doubt, in a bromance, a relationship definedas "the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males,"according to urbandictionary .com.
-Homosexuals Want Pope to Bless Sodomy
Per Religion News Service's(1) Jonathan Rubin, homosexuals want PopeBenedict to honor their homosexual lifestyle. They say they want to beCatholic while at the same time practice sodomy. Who do these people thinkthey are anyhow?
-City's Gay Prejudice That Dare Not Speak Its Name
The only known lesbian on the board of a top City of London company blamesbusiness leaders today for the climate of fear that forces corporate gays tokeep their sexuality secret. Ashley Steel, from the accountancy giant KPMG,believes that gay people in the Square Mile are scared that their careerswill be blighted if they are open about their orientation. She admittedhaving lied at work about a ring given by her long-term lover, pretendingthat it came from her grandmother, to conceal her lesbianism from hercolleagues.
-Wilson Cruz, Among Others, Honored at 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards inSouth Florida
Jai Rodriguez, Teresa Rodriguez, Ivy Queen and Frank Cairo were among theguests who joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) asit honored actor Wilson Cruz and the best in Spanish-language media lastnight at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in South Florida.
-Bryan Fuller Reveals the Gay "Pushing Daisies" Character, Steals Our Hearts
Stuff you should know about Bryan Fuller: He hates Queer as Folk. He has "ahuge lesbian agenda". His beautifully written, eye-popping pilot for ABC'sPushing Daisies was named one of the 10 best television broadcasts of 2007by The Washington Post.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-For the typical young teen growing up in the Baby Boom generation, earningan allowance might involve some weed pulling, dish scrubbing or maybedetailing the family's sedan. But when your mother was Dear Abby creatorPauline Phillips, chores became a lot more interesting. Jeanne Phillipsclearly remembers her first allowance conversation with her mother, when shewas 14 and the family lived in Hillsborough. The advice column that hadstarted in The San Francisco Chronicle in the mid-1950s was still growing inpopularity. "I went to my mom with my hand out for money and she said, 'What are you going to do for it?' " Phillips remembers. "We didn't need anyone to clearthe table or dust. There was already somebody doing that. She said, 'I havean idea. I get lots of mail from teenagers. Why don't I select some for youand you can answer them? And if they're good, I'll sign them, and if they'renot, you can do them over.' That's how I started."
-SANTA FE-The number of same-sex couples in New Mexico has increased about35 percent between 2000 and 2005, a study released last week showed.
Researchers at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Law foundNew Mexico in 2005 was home to 6,063 same-sex couples. Of those couples, 27percent were raising children, the study found. Chuck Jones and his partner,Richard Parker, who have adopted two sons, have seen evidence of moresame-sex couples who have families at his son's school. They were the onlysame-sex couple at the school five years ago. Now, there are two othercouples like them.
-Textbook - Texas: Talk about a civics lesson: A high school senior hasraised questions about political bias in a popular textbook on U.S.government, and legal scholars and top scientists say the teen's criticismis well founded. .... Another part of the book that the report criticizesdeals with a Supreme Court decision overturning a Texas law banning sexualcontact between people of the same sex. The authors wrote that the SupremeCourt decision had a "benefit" and a "cost." The benefit, it said, was tostrike down a rarely enforced law that could probably not be passed today,while the cost was to "create the possibility that the court, and notCongress or state legislatures, might decide whether same-sex marriages werelegal." Derek Araujo, the report's author, said that's a matter of opinionand that gay rights activists, for example, see it differently. "The majorproblem with this is they describe the costs and benefits of the system in avery political way," he said.
-Italy will hold general elections Sunday and Monday, with 32 candidatesrunning for prime minister.
Two-time premier Silvio Berlusconi, who heads the center-right People ofFreedom party (PDL), and former Rome mayor Walter Veltroni, leader of thecenter-left Democratic Party (PD), are the two main contenders for the post.
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Pressure grows on EU over discrimination directive
The European Commission has been urged by several leading groups in theEuropean Parliament to implement a discrimination directive that coverssexual orientation. There have been strong indications from CommissionPresident Jose Manual Barroso and employment, social affairs and equalopportunities commissioner Vladimir Spidla that the directive may focus ondisability only. Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty, covering race andemployment directives, requires EU member states to introduce legislation tooutlaw unfair discrimination.
click here for the full article
-Wales may get "ex-gay" ministry
The controversial fundamentalist Christian Stephen Green has hinted that thecontroversial movement that encourages people to "pray away the gay" andbecome straight could be established in Wales. Mr Green, who is notoriousfor his protests at gay Pride events, made his remarks in a BBC Walescurrent affairs programme, Week In, Week Out. While being interviewed by Hfrom Steps, also known as Ian Watkins, he told the former pop star, who cameout in 2007, that he could "walk away" from homosexuality.
click here for the full article
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From Deb Price
-Legal unions still have shortfalls for gays
The couple's move from New Jersey to Idaho was to help Robert Ryan breakfree of the dark depression he'd sunk into after narrowly escaping thecollapse of the World Trade Center tower where he'd worked until the Sept.11 terror attacks. Ryan was on the health insurance of his partner, Ralph Martinelli, a district sales manager for Konica Minolta Business Solutions. They'd fallenin love in 2004 and entered into a domestic partnership in Mount Laurel,N.J., the next year.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/OPINION03/804140327/1008
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Wikipedia.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Gay pride or LGBT pride refers to a world wide movement and philosophyasserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should beproud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Gay pride advocateswork for equal "rights and benefits" for LGBT people.[1][2][3] The movementhas three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexualorientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift, and thatsexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot beintentionally altered.[4] Marches celebrating Pride (pride parades) arecelebrated worldwide. Symbols of LGBT pride include the rainbow flag, theGreek lambda symbol,and the pink as well as black triangles reclaimed fromtheir past use
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_pride
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
dailyqueernews@yahoo.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-NEW YORK GOV. DAVID PATERSON 'HELD HOSTAGE' TO ALBANY BUDGET PROCESS, SENDS
EXTRAORDINARY MESSAGE TO LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER ADVOCATES
"We will push on until we bring full marriage equality to New York state."
Gov. David Paterson addressed a standing-room-only audience at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's New York Leadership Awards last night, in which he was honored for his longstanding work on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights.
http://www.outinnyc.com/home/news.asp?articleid=31914
-A Historic Democratic Primary in North Carolina?
The mainstream press is giving increasing coverage to the grassroots primarycampaign of openly gay North Carolina Democratic Senate nominee Jim Neal.
Special attention has been paid to the way Neal has used the Internet toraise funds and compete against Democratic rival, state Sen. Kay Hagan, whohas the support of party leaders like Sen. Chuck Schumer. Ever since HowardDean utilized the netroots in his '04 presidential bid to raise money andgalvanize voters the media have increasingly focused on how the Internet ischanging the political process. It has been a consistent theme for Sen.Barack Obama's campaign, especially in talking about how he has been able toengage young voters. Now we are starting to see more stories of openly gaycandidates, like Neal, who are utilizing online technologies to challengethe party establishment.
http://glaadorg.nexcess.net/2008/04/a-historic-democratic-primary.html
-HRW's Long-Awaited Gay Iran Report: Not Available for Public Inspecton
Where is the Human Rights Watch report on Iranian gays promised in thesummer of 2006, as gay advocates in dozens of world cities, includingTehran, were preparing for a global day of solidarity with gay Iranians andagainst the death penalty?
http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/
-Can't pray it away - I'm gay to stay By Victoria Lavin
I am a survivor of the harmful and dangerous techniques used by the ex-gaymovement. Until eight years ago, I had spent my life in deep denial that Icould change my identity as a lesbian. I was raised Catholic, and I rememberhearing, from a young age, that my life, my identity, was unacceptable toGod. The devastation that followed in trying to change to satisfy my familyand church led me to self-hatred and destruction. When I heard that MikeHaley was coming to Hastings College to spread the damaging lies of "ex-gay"reparative therapy, I was upset. I don't want students to buy into Haley's"message."
For 30 years of my life, I hated myself. I struggled with trying tochange my orientation. I ended up with a life that was not totally open,honest and loving to others and myself. I tried prayer in the most intensemanner. I have tried to be celibate, tried to live as heterosexual. It ledme to a hell I do not wish to return to. The harder I tried to change, themore deeply I fell into the trap of drugs and alcohol. The church taughtthat being gay was a sin and that I could not be in a relationship with Godbecause I was a lesbian. I found things that have been distorted forgenerations about being gay and the context in which it was being discussedin the Bible passages which the "ex-gay" industry often misquote. I havecome to an internal peace that God created me for a time and purpose. Hecreated me to be exactly what I am. I found that man places the rules on us,but God accepts me just the way I am. It's important that people know thetruth of my experiences so they don't head down the same self-destructivepath. I get upset when such claims have been made that there is a cure forhomosexuality when there is not. All these ministries do is tear upfamilies, lives and individuals. I give my message freely to all who willlisten. I started doing drugs and alcohol to cover up the pain and hurt thatI felt; I even attempted suicide while I was in college. I was in arelationship with my daughter's father for several years but nothingchanged. I was still a lesbian.
Today, I am living in Nebraska with my daughter and have been active inthe gay community on local and national levels. I am no longer strugglingwith my orientation or my spiritual journey. I have discovered that God doesnot live or exist by man's rules but his own. I came out of the denial whenI was recovering from my addictions. I found after being sober I still hadthese feelings and they did not just disappear after I stopped drinking andtaking drugs. I learned "to thyself own self be true."
Victoria A. Lavin
Beatrice, Nebraska
-Faith-based Eviction?
Gay man says Baptist-run shelter kicked him out of rehab program forattending Cathedral of Hope
A local gay man says he was kicked out of a drug rehabilitation program atNorth Texas' largest homeless shelter for attending the Cathedral of Hope.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_8598.php
-Why Ex-Gay Survivors?
Over at the Gay Christian Network I received a thoughtful private messagewith a series of questions that I have heard before (but not quite soeloquently presented.
http://a_musing.blogspot.com/2008/04/why-ex-gay-survivors.html
-Protesters disrupt ex-gay speaker at Georgia State
Richard Cohen, founder of the International Healing Foundation, made apresentation on "Transitioning from Homosexual to Heterosexual" to anaudience comprised of 50-plus gay and lesbian protesters and about 20supporters of his "Freedom to Choose" theories at Georgia State UniversityApril 4, 1991.
http://www.southernvoice.com/2008/4-11/locallife/flashback/8388.cfm
-We're just about tolerated: Pakistani American gay activist
Chicago, April 14 (IANS) Being an openly gay Muslim is not easy, says
Pakistani American poet and activist Ifti Nasim who is now the subject of aBBC documentary. Ever an iconoclast, Chicago-based Nasim has on severaloccasions outraged the Muslim community through his poetry and columns.
Accolades have been a little late in coming to him, but Nasim expressed hispleasure at the latest honour - the BBC film.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/were-just-about-tolerated-pakistani-american-gay-activist_10037683.html
-Living with HIV long-term raises concerns
10.00PM: News that the quality of life of people infected with HIV hassignificantly improved in recent years is being welcomed by the AIDSFoundation, but the organisation harbours concerns for the future regardingthe effects of living long-term with the virus and toxic medications and apossible link to sudden deaths amongst long-term HIV positive men.
http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_5808.php
-Haley, Lavin talk tolerance under scrutiny
Mike Haley spoke to an overfilled chapel Monday night on his experiencesentering and exiting the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community.
Forty-eight hours later, Victoria Lavin of Beatrice, Nebr., spoke to no morethan 50 people on her experiences of realizing and accepting her ownhomosexuality.
http://www.hcworldnews.com/story.cfm?content_id=1848
-Tolerance means separation from Bible
I typically start a column by sharing a similar experience in hopes to findcommon ground with you, the readers.
Today, I am starting with a quote.
http://www.hcworldnews.com/story.cfm?content_id=1937
-SUNY students take on FDA blood policy
AU group supports end to blood donations ban
Student leaders at the State University of New York at Binghamton are urgingtheir university to rethink its relationship with the American Red Cross,which enforces a Food and Drug Administration policy banning men who havesex with other men from donating blood.
http://media.www.theeagleonline.com/media/storage/paper666/news/2008/04/14/News/Suny-Students.Take.On.Fda.Blood.Policy-3322137.shtml
-No day of absence
It's not OK to skip school to avoid ideas you disagree with
No.
That's the answer Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools should give to those whowant excused absences for students who stay out of school in protest of the"National Day of Silence" April 25. On that day some students won't talkduring school as a protest of harassment of gay students.
http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/576071.html
-Gay sexpert: Do you have a sexual disorder?
I have to warn you, this column has a sharp edge to it. I guess I can get onmy high horse when sex gets misrepresented. Case in point -- thepsychological community has a manual called, The Diagnostic and StatisticalManual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which helps therapists determine differentmental illnesses and how to treat them. It contains a list of "sexualdisorders" called "paraphilias."
http://www.planetout.com/news/roundups/package.html?sernum=6394&navpath=/channels/health/sexuality/
-Hispanics Shine In S. Fla. GLAAD Media Awards
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (CBS4) ? Hollywood Florida played host to the 19th AnnualGLAAD Media Awards, honoring bit Hispanic names in the media for the workthey've done supporting and promoting causes of the gay, lesbian, bisexualand transgender community (GLBT).
http://cbs4.com/entertainment/GLAAD.Media.Awards.2.698767.html
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#####
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Papal Visit Provokes Array of Protests
NEW YORK (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI may not see them or hear them, butaggrieved Roman Catholic activists hope his U.S. visit this week will helpthem draw attention to issues ranging from the ordination of women and gayrights to sex abuse by priests and the Vatican ban on contraception.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Pope-Protests.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-POPE BENEDICT XVI IN AMERICA
As Visit Nears, Sexual Abuse Victims Group Plans Protest
A decade ago, Toni McMorrow and her husband might have joined in the prayerand pageantry of the pope's visit to Washington. But now, she says, BenedictXVI's arrival and the throngs who will cheer him are "like daggers cuttinginto our broken hearts."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041302369.html?hpid=sec-religion
-McCain: More Conservative Than His Image
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The independent label sticks to John McCain because heantagonizes fellow Republicans and likes to work with Democrats.
But a different label applies to his actual record: conservative.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-McCain-the-Conservative.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Senator Vitter Won't Testify in Sex Case
WASHINGTON -- Sen. David Vitter will not have to testify about his ties toan upscale Washington escort service, a defense attorney said Monday,sparing the Louisiana Republican an embarrassing trip to the witness stand.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/14/AR2008041400773.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Breast Cancer Vaccine Works Against Deadlier Form of Disease
SUNDAY, April 13 (HealthDay News) -- A breast cancer vaccine significantlyreduced the risk of recurrence for patients who have a high expression ofthe protein HER2-neu.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301616.html?hpid=sec-health
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-State's gay Republicans fine with McCain
The log cabin is a tricky place -- gay Republicans often must temper theirparty allegiance or risk self-ostracizing. Thanks to Washington's civilunion bill signed March 12, however, conservative gay partners not only havea host of new rights but a new lease on their vote come November.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/358749_firstperson14.html
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Clinton, Obama Target Faith Voters
(Grantham, Pennsylvania) Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sundaythat the potential for life begins at conception as she and presidentialrival Sen. Barack Obama answered questions about faith and religion in boththeir personal lives and the public discourse.
-Democrats Sue McCain
(Washington) Democratic Party officials want a federal judge to order aninvestigation into whether Sen. John McCain violated election laws bywithdrawing from public financing, saying federal regulators are too weak toact on their own.
-War Weighs Heavily In Minds Of Pa. Voters
(Allentown, Pennsylvania) For Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama,vital to getting the edge in military service-oriented but war-wearyPennsylvania is figuring out how to pull U.S. forces out of Iraq withoutdragging the flag in the process.
-Gay Foes Target Marriott Over Adult Movies
(Tupelo, Mississippi) Several conservative groups, including the AmericanFamily Association, are asking Marriott International Inc. to stop givinghotel guests the option of ordering pay-per-view movies with strong sexualcontent - gay and straight.
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Is Lindsey Graham Gay?
At 52, the life-long bachelor has been fodder for such rumors for years, butwith the resignation of Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho - the anti-gay politicianwho pled guilty to disorderly conduct after allegedly soliciting sex in anairport men's room - the internet is abuzz over who's next, and they'redying to know what's going on in Graham's bedroom. Is it the latest graspfor the light switch in South Carolina's powerful political closet? Or theinevitable labeling of "closet-clinging self-hater" that befalls any contentbachelor?
-Gay Student Partners Banned From Dance
One of Brisbane's most prestigious all-boy schools says it's willing todebate a ban on gay students taking same-sex partners instead of girls tothe senior formal. The Anglican Church Grammar School, or Churchie, was indefence mode after it emerged several Year 12 students wanted to take theirgay partners to the college's end-of year dance on June 19.
-Get This Straight: I Love You, Man
In a 2007 episode of NBC's Scrubs, the show's main characters, J.D. andTurk, break into a musical duet proclaiming their mutual affection. "Guylove. That's all it is," the song goes. "Guy love, he's mine, I'm his.
There's nothing gay about it in our eyes." Turk and J.D. are two straightmale doctors who are, without a doubt, in a bromance, a relationship definedas "the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males,"according to urbandictionary .com.
-Homosexuals Want Pope to Bless Sodomy
Per Religion News Service's(1) Jonathan Rubin, homosexuals want PopeBenedict to honor their homosexual lifestyle. They say they want to beCatholic while at the same time practice sodomy. Who do these people thinkthey are anyhow?
-City's Gay Prejudice That Dare Not Speak Its Name
The only known lesbian on the board of a top City of London company blamesbusiness leaders today for the climate of fear that forces corporate gays tokeep their sexuality secret. Ashley Steel, from the accountancy giant KPMG,believes that gay people in the Square Mile are scared that their careerswill be blighted if they are open about their orientation. She admittedhaving lied at work about a ring given by her long-term lover, pretendingthat it came from her grandmother, to conceal her lesbianism from hercolleagues.
-Wilson Cruz, Among Others, Honored at 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards inSouth Florida
Jai Rodriguez, Teresa Rodriguez, Ivy Queen and Frank Cairo were among theguests who joined the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) asit honored actor Wilson Cruz and the best in Spanish-language media lastnight at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in South Florida.
-Bryan Fuller Reveals the Gay "Pushing Daisies" Character, Steals Our Hearts
Stuff you should know about Bryan Fuller: He hates Queer as Folk. He has "ahuge lesbian agenda". His beautifully written, eye-popping pilot for ABC'sPushing Daisies was named one of the 10 best television broadcasts of 2007by The Washington Post.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-For the typical young teen growing up in the Baby Boom generation, earningan allowance might involve some weed pulling, dish scrubbing or maybedetailing the family's sedan. But when your mother was Dear Abby creatorPauline Phillips, chores became a lot more interesting. Jeanne Phillipsclearly remembers her first allowance conversation with her mother, when shewas 14 and the family lived in Hillsborough. The advice column that hadstarted in The San Francisco Chronicle in the mid-1950s was still growing inpopularity. "I went to my mom with my hand out for money and she said, 'What are you going to do for it?' " Phillips remembers. "We didn't need anyone to clearthe table or dust. There was already somebody doing that. She said, 'I havean idea. I get lots of mail from teenagers. Why don't I select some for youand you can answer them? And if they're good, I'll sign them, and if they'renot, you can do them over.' That's how I started."
-SANTA FE-The number of same-sex couples in New Mexico has increased about35 percent between 2000 and 2005, a study released last week showed.
Researchers at the University of California-Los Angeles School of Law foundNew Mexico in 2005 was home to 6,063 same-sex couples. Of those couples, 27percent were raising children, the study found. Chuck Jones and his partner,Richard Parker, who have adopted two sons, have seen evidence of moresame-sex couples who have families at his son's school. They were the onlysame-sex couple at the school five years ago. Now, there are two othercouples like them.
-Textbook - Texas: Talk about a civics lesson: A high school senior hasraised questions about political bias in a popular textbook on U.S.government, and legal scholars and top scientists say the teen's criticismis well founded. .... Another part of the book that the report criticizesdeals with a Supreme Court decision overturning a Texas law banning sexualcontact between people of the same sex. The authors wrote that the SupremeCourt decision had a "benefit" and a "cost." The benefit, it said, was tostrike down a rarely enforced law that could probably not be passed today,while the cost was to "create the possibility that the court, and notCongress or state legislatures, might decide whether same-sex marriages werelegal." Derek Araujo, the report's author, said that's a matter of opinionand that gay rights activists, for example, see it differently. "The majorproblem with this is they describe the costs and benefits of the system in avery political way," he said.
-Italy will hold general elections Sunday and Monday, with 32 candidatesrunning for prime minister.
Two-time premier Silvio Berlusconi, who heads the center-right People ofFreedom party (PDL), and former Rome mayor Walter Veltroni, leader of thecenter-left Democratic Party (PD), are the two main contenders for the post.
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Pressure grows on EU over discrimination directive
The European Commission has been urged by several leading groups in theEuropean Parliament to implement a discrimination directive that coverssexual orientation. There have been strong indications from CommissionPresident Jose Manual Barroso and employment, social affairs and equalopportunities commissioner Vladimir Spidla that the directive may focus ondisability only. Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty, covering race andemployment directives, requires EU member states to introduce legislation tooutlaw unfair discrimination.
click here for the full article
-Wales may get "ex-gay" ministry
The controversial fundamentalist Christian Stephen Green has hinted that thecontroversial movement that encourages people to "pray away the gay" andbecome straight could be established in Wales. Mr Green, who is notoriousfor his protests at gay Pride events, made his remarks in a BBC Walescurrent affairs programme, Week In, Week Out. While being interviewed by Hfrom Steps, also known as Ian Watkins, he told the former pop star, who cameout in 2007, that he could "walk away" from homosexuality.
click here for the full article
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From Deb Price
-Legal unions still have shortfalls for gays
The couple's move from New Jersey to Idaho was to help Robert Ryan breakfree of the dark depression he'd sunk into after narrowly escaping thecollapse of the World Trade Center tower where he'd worked until the Sept.11 terror attacks. Ryan was on the health insurance of his partner, Ralph Martinelli, a district sales manager for Konica Minolta Business Solutions. They'd fallenin love in 2004 and entered into a domestic partnership in Mount Laurel,N.J., the next year.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/OPINION03/804140327/1008
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Wikipedia.org
http://en.wikipedia.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Gay pride or LGBT pride refers to a world wide movement and philosophyasserting that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals should beproud of their sexual orientation and gender identity. Gay pride advocateswork for equal "rights and benefits" for LGBT people.[1][2][3] The movementhas three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexualorientation and gender identity, that sexual diversity is a gift, and thatsexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot beintentionally altered.[4] Marches celebrating Pride (pride parades) arecelebrated worldwide. Symbols of LGBT pride include the rainbow flag, theGreek lambda symbol,and the pink as well as black triangles reclaimed fromtheir past use
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gay_pride
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
dailyqueernews@yahoo.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-NEW YORK GOV. DAVID PATERSON 'HELD HOSTAGE' TO ALBANY BUDGET PROCESS, SENDS
EXTRAORDINARY MESSAGE TO LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER ADVOCATES
"We will push on until we bring full marriage equality to New York state."
Gov. David Paterson addressed a standing-room-only audience at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's New York Leadership Awards last night, in which he was honored for his longstanding work on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights.
http://www.outinnyc.com/home/news.asp?articleid=31914
-A Historic Democratic Primary in North Carolina?
The mainstream press is giving increasing coverage to the grassroots primarycampaign of openly gay North Carolina Democratic Senate nominee Jim Neal.
Special attention has been paid to the way Neal has used the Internet toraise funds and compete against Democratic rival, state Sen. Kay Hagan, whohas the support of party leaders like Sen. Chuck Schumer. Ever since HowardDean utilized the netroots in his '04 presidential bid to raise money andgalvanize voters the media have increasingly focused on how the Internet ischanging the political process. It has been a consistent theme for Sen.Barack Obama's campaign, especially in talking about how he has been able toengage young voters. Now we are starting to see more stories of openly gaycandidates, like Neal, who are utilizing online technologies to challengethe party establishment.
http://glaadorg.nexcess.net/2008/04/a-historic-democratic-primary.html
-HRW's Long-Awaited Gay Iran Report: Not Available for Public Inspecton
Where is the Human Rights Watch report on Iranian gays promised in thesummer of 2006, as gay advocates in dozens of world cities, includingTehran, were preparing for a global day of solidarity with gay Iranians andagainst the death penalty?
http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/
-Can't pray it away - I'm gay to stay By Victoria Lavin
I am a survivor of the harmful and dangerous techniques used by the ex-gaymovement. Until eight years ago, I had spent my life in deep denial that Icould change my identity as a lesbian. I was raised Catholic, and I rememberhearing, from a young age, that my life, my identity, was unacceptable toGod. The devastation that followed in trying to change to satisfy my familyand church led me to self-hatred and destruction. When I heard that MikeHaley was coming to Hastings College to spread the damaging lies of "ex-gay"reparative therapy, I was upset. I don't want students to buy into Haley's"message."
For 30 years of my life, I hated myself. I struggled with trying tochange my orientation. I ended up with a life that was not totally open,honest and loving to others and myself. I tried prayer in the most intensemanner. I have tried to be celibate, tried to live as heterosexual. It ledme to a hell I do not wish to return to. The harder I tried to change, themore deeply I fell into the trap of drugs and alcohol. The church taughtthat being gay was a sin and that I could not be in a relationship with Godbecause I was a lesbian. I found things that have been distorted forgenerations about being gay and the context in which it was being discussedin the Bible passages which the "ex-gay" industry often misquote. I havecome to an internal peace that God created me for a time and purpose. Hecreated me to be exactly what I am. I found that man places the rules on us,but God accepts me just the way I am. It's important that people know thetruth of my experiences so they don't head down the same self-destructivepath. I get upset when such claims have been made that there is a cure forhomosexuality when there is not. All these ministries do is tear upfamilies, lives and individuals. I give my message freely to all who willlisten. I started doing drugs and alcohol to cover up the pain and hurt thatI felt; I even attempted suicide while I was in college. I was in arelationship with my daughter's father for several years but nothingchanged. I was still a lesbian.
Today, I am living in Nebraska with my daughter and have been active inthe gay community on local and national levels. I am no longer strugglingwith my orientation or my spiritual journey. I have discovered that God doesnot live or exist by man's rules but his own. I came out of the denial whenI was recovering from my addictions. I found after being sober I still hadthese feelings and they did not just disappear after I stopped drinking andtaking drugs. I learned "to thyself own self be true."
Victoria A. Lavin
Beatrice, Nebraska
-Faith-based Eviction?
Gay man says Baptist-run shelter kicked him out of rehab program forattending Cathedral of Hope
A local gay man says he was kicked out of a drug rehabilitation program atNorth Texas' largest homeless shelter for attending the Cathedral of Hope.
http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_8598.php
-Why Ex-Gay Survivors?
Over at the Gay Christian Network I received a thoughtful private messagewith a series of questions that I have heard before (but not quite soeloquently presented.
http://a_musing.blogspot.com/2008/04/why-ex-gay-survivors.html
-Protesters disrupt ex-gay speaker at Georgia State
Richard Cohen, founder of the International Healing Foundation, made apresentation on "Transitioning from Homosexual to Heterosexual" to anaudience comprised of 50-plus gay and lesbian protesters and about 20supporters of his "Freedom to Choose" theories at Georgia State UniversityApril 4, 1991.
http://www.southernvoice.com/2008/4-11/locallife/flashback/8388.cfm
-We're just about tolerated: Pakistani American gay activist
Chicago, April 14 (IANS) Being an openly gay Muslim is not easy, says
Pakistani American poet and activist Ifti Nasim who is now the subject of aBBC documentary. Ever an iconoclast, Chicago-based Nasim has on severaloccasions outraged the Muslim community through his poetry and columns.
Accolades have been a little late in coming to him, but Nasim expressed hispleasure at the latest honour - the BBC film.
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/were-just-about-tolerated-pakistani-american-gay-activist_10037683.html
-Living with HIV long-term raises concerns
10.00PM: News that the quality of life of people infected with HIV hassignificantly improved in recent years is being welcomed by the AIDSFoundation, but the organisation harbours concerns for the future regardingthe effects of living long-term with the virus and toxic medications and apossible link to sudden deaths amongst long-term HIV positive men.
http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_5808.php
-Haley, Lavin talk tolerance under scrutiny
Mike Haley spoke to an overfilled chapel Monday night on his experiencesentering and exiting the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community.
Forty-eight hours later, Victoria Lavin of Beatrice, Nebr., spoke to no morethan 50 people on her experiences of realizing and accepting her ownhomosexuality.
http://www.hcworldnews.com/story.cfm?content_id=1848
-Tolerance means separation from Bible
I typically start a column by sharing a similar experience in hopes to findcommon ground with you, the readers.
Today, I am starting with a quote.
http://www.hcworldnews.com/story.cfm?content_id=1937
-SUNY students take on FDA blood policy
AU group supports end to blood donations ban
Student leaders at the State University of New York at Binghamton are urgingtheir university to rethink its relationship with the American Red Cross,which enforces a Food and Drug Administration policy banning men who havesex with other men from donating blood.
http://media.www.theeagleonline.com/media/storage/paper666/news/2008/04/14/News/Suny-Students.Take.On.Fda.Blood.Policy-3322137.shtml
-No day of absence
It's not OK to skip school to avoid ideas you disagree with
No.
That's the answer Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools should give to those whowant excused absences for students who stay out of school in protest of the"National Day of Silence" April 25. On that day some students won't talkduring school as a protest of harassment of gay students.
http://www.charlotte.com/171/story/576071.html
-Gay sexpert: Do you have a sexual disorder?
I have to warn you, this column has a sharp edge to it. I guess I can get onmy high horse when sex gets misrepresented. Case in point -- thepsychological community has a manual called, The Diagnostic and StatisticalManual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which helps therapists determine differentmental illnesses and how to treat them. It contains a list of "sexualdisorders" called "paraphilias."
http://www.planetout.com/news/roundups/package.html?sernum=6394&navpath=/channels/health/sexuality/
-Hispanics Shine In S. Fla. GLAAD Media Awards
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (CBS4) ? Hollywood Florida played host to the 19th AnnualGLAAD Media Awards, honoring bit Hispanic names in the media for the workthey've done supporting and promoting causes of the gay, lesbian, bisexualand transgender community (GLBT).
http://cbs4.com/entertainment/GLAAD.Media.Awards.2.698767.html
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NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST April 14, 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:
-Bush Readies Big Welcome for Pope
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The leader of the world's Roman Catholics has been to theWhite House only once in history. That changes this week, and President Bushis pulling out all the stops: driving out to a suburban military base tomeet Pope Benedict XVI's plane, bringing a giant audience to the South Lawnand hosting a fancy East Room dinner.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Popes-and-Presidents.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Crisis of Confidence
The Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan has been tracking
American economic perceptions since the 1950s. On Friday the center releasedits latest estimate of the consumer sentiment index - and it was a stunner.
Americans are more pessimistic about their situation than they have been formore than a quarter century.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14krugman.html?ref=opinion
-The Mask Slips
I haven't read much Karl Marx since the early 1980s, when I taught politicalphilosophy at the University of Pennsylvania. Still, it didn't take me longthis weekend to find my copy of "The Marx-Engels Reader," edited by RobertC. Tucker - a book that was assigned in thousands of college courses in the1970s and 80s, and that now must lie, unopened and un-remarked upon, on anawful lot of rec-room bookshelves.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14kristol.html?ref=opinion
-Obama's Indonesian Lessons
When Barack Obama's Indonesian classmates are asked to recall the boy theyall called "Barry" (pronounced "Berry"), their description is unanimous:"chubby."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14cohen.html?ref=opinion
-How to Judge a Would-Be Justice
It is hard to imagine a more solemn responsibility than confirming thenomination of a Supreme Court justice. And we have worried, especially inrecent years, that nominees are far too carefully packaged and coached onhow to duck all of the hard questions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14mon3.html?ref=opinion
-Home Buyers Needed
OUR politicians are devising economic stimulus measures to encourageconsumers to spend more. These measures will cost taxpayers $200 billion ormore. This is not money well spent. The problem is not too little consumerspending; the problem is too few home buyers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14leamer.html?ref=opinion
-Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics
BEIJING - Chinese officials laid out a sweeping series of measures on Mondaythat will freeze construction projects, shutter chemical plants and closedown obsolete gas stations around Beijing, the capital, this summer in anattempt to clear the air for the Olympics. Even spray painting outdoors willbe banned during the weeks before and after sporting events, which begin onAugust 8.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp
-Co-Payments Go Way Up for Drugs With High Prices
Health insurance companies are rapidly adopting a new pricing system forvery expensive drugs, asking patients to pay hundreds and even thousands ofdollars for prescriptions for medications that may save their lives or slowthe progress of serious diseases.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/14drug.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1208185363-hKHBa4OCtUKbyJF5ZPDHZA
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-A Time for Penance, Not Pomp
At the height of the potato famine, Queen Victoria of England made a statevisit to Ireland. Facades were built in Dublin to prevent her from seeingthe dire suffering of the people who lived along her route from ship tocastle, where she was wined and dined. The wrenching issue of the famine wastotally ignored.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301884.html
-Our Tibet Protests Won't Work
Public humiliation does not work nearly as well on the regime in Beijing asprivate pressure.At first glance, China's recent crackdown in Tibet lookslike a familiar storyline: a dictatorship represses its people. And ofcourse that's part of the reality -- as it often is in China. But on thisissue, the communist regime is not in opposition to its people. The vastmajority of Chinese have little sympathy for the Tibetan cause. To theextent that we can gauge public opinion in China and among its diaspora,ordinary Chinese are, if anything, critical of the Beijing government forbeing too easy on the Tibetans. The real struggle here is between anationalist majority and an ethnic and religious minority looking to secureits rights.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/fareed_zakaria/2008/04/our_tibet_protests_wont_work.html
-A Lapsed Principle
What happened to Barack Obama's promise to rely on public financing in thegeneral election?
BARACK OBAMA held out the hope of salvaging part of the public financingsystem for presidential elections. Now he seems poised to drive a nail intoit by rejecting the $85 million available to nominees who agree to take fullfederal funding for the general election. That may be understandable as amatter of campaign tactics; Mr. Obama sits atop a whirring money machinethat appears capable of vacuuming up amounts far in excess of the federalcheck. But going back on his pledge to take public financing if the GOPnominee were to agree to do the same would be an unfortunate step -- and onethat reflects badly on Mr. Obama.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301994.html
-Child Rape Tests Limits Of Death Penalty
La. Law Spurs Review Of Eighth Amendment
Ever since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty more than 30 yearsago, justices have been finding ways to limit it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/13/ST2008041302758.html?hpid=topnews
-Carter: Dem Leaders Should Follow People
WASHINGTON -- Former President Carter says Democratic superdelegates shouldfollow the people and vote for the presidential candidate with the mostdelegates, but that they also should be free to vote the other way if theywant.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301592.html?hpid=sec-politics
-'OUT-OF-TOUCH' DEMOCRATS
Obama Reinforcing Stereotypes, Clinton Asserts
GRANTHAM, Pa., April 13 -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) assertedSunday night that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), through his recent descriptionof sentiments in small-town America, reinforced a stereotype of"out-of-touch" Democrats that doomed the party's past two presidentialnominees.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041302461.html
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-The Democrats' Turn at Faith and Politics
On the surrogate trail in Pennsylvania today, there's a new topic and tone _small-town virtues and old-time pleasures, like guns and religion.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/the-democrats-turn-at-faith-and-politics/
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Inside Higher Education
http://www.insidehighered.com/
-Growth in International Applicants Slows
The growth in international graduate student applications at Americancolleges and universities has slowed considerably, according to new surveyresults released today by the Council of Graduate Schools. The council foundthat the number of international applicants grew only 3 percent in 2008,after gains of 9 and 12 percent in the preceding two years.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/04/14/international
-Torture and Tenure
A civil liberties group that is working to curb what it sees as abuses bythe Bush administration has mounted an e-mail campaign to push for thefiring of John Yoo, a tenured professor of law at the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/04/14/yoo
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Clinton fans controversy over Obama's gaffe
PHILADELPHIA - The cold, hard delegate count looks nearly impossible forDemocratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton to overcome, andthe pundits keep questioning why she's bothering to soldier on against rivalBarack Obama.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/article455398.ece
-It's Obama, stupid: Carter and Gore to end Clinton bid
DEMOCRAT grandees Jimmy Carter and Al Gore are being lined-up to deliver thecoup de grâce to Hillary Clinton and end her campaign to become president.
http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/It39s-Obama-stupid-Carter-and.3976738.jp
-What Clinton wishes she could say
Why, ask many Democrats and media commentators, won't Hillary Rodham Clintonsee the long odds against her, put her own ambitions aside, and gracefullyembrace Barack Obama as the inevitable Democratic nominee?
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9564.html
-No 'bitter' aftertaste? How Obama gaffe plays
JACOBUS, Pa. - Phil Little seems like just the sort of Pennsylvanian voterwho might have been offended by Sen. Barack Obama's comments that small-townresidents "get bitter" and "cling to guns or religion."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-04-13-Obama_N.htm?csp=34
-Firing Barbs, but Looking Like a Saint
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton showed no mercy at the "compassion forum."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/politics/14watch.html?ex=1208836800&en=506f61bb5336b593&ei=5040&partner=MOREOVERNEWS
-Fighter image carries costs for Clinton
Tough persona obscures likable side, some say
WASHINGTON - For many years, whenever a Republican senator looked for aDemocrat to cosponsor a bill, one name popped immediately to mind - HillaryClinton, according to South Carolina's senior senator, Lindsey Graham.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/04/14/fighter_image_carries_costs_for_clinton/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z
-Hoffa drums up Obama support
Teamsters chief pushes members to vote for Ill. senator while some unionswait to endorse.
READING, Pa. -- Organized labor is working overtime to get a Democratelected president, flexing its once dominant muscles to try and get tradedeals rewritten or canceled and secure passage of a proposal to boostmembership.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/AUTO01/804140322/1022/POLITICS
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Bush Readies Big Welcome for Pope
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The leader of the world's Roman Catholics has been to theWhite House only once in history. That changes this week, and President Bushis pulling out all the stops: driving out to a suburban military base tomeet Pope Benedict XVI's plane, bringing a giant audience to the South Lawnand hosting a fancy East Room dinner.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Popes-and-Presidents.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Crisis of Confidence
The Survey Research Center of the University of Michigan has been tracking
American economic perceptions since the 1950s. On Friday the center releasedits latest estimate of the consumer sentiment index - and it was a stunner.
Americans are more pessimistic about their situation than they have been formore than a quarter century.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14krugman.html?ref=opinion
-The Mask Slips
I haven't read much Karl Marx since the early 1980s, when I taught politicalphilosophy at the University of Pennsylvania. Still, it didn't take me longthis weekend to find my copy of "The Marx-Engels Reader," edited by RobertC. Tucker - a book that was assigned in thousands of college courses in the1970s and 80s, and that now must lie, unopened and un-remarked upon, on anawful lot of rec-room bookshelves.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14kristol.html?ref=opinion
-Obama's Indonesian Lessons
When Barack Obama's Indonesian classmates are asked to recall the boy theyall called "Barry" (pronounced "Berry"), their description is unanimous:"chubby."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14cohen.html?ref=opinion
-How to Judge a Would-Be Justice
It is hard to imagine a more solemn responsibility than confirming thenomination of a Supreme Court justice. And we have worried, especially inrecent years, that nominees are far too carefully packaged and coached onhow to duck all of the hard questions.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14mon3.html?ref=opinion
-Home Buyers Needed
OUR politicians are devising economic stimulus measures to encourageconsumers to spend more. These measures will cost taxpayers $200 billion ormore. This is not money well spent. The problem is not too little consumerspending; the problem is too few home buyers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/opinion/14leamer.html?ref=opinion
-Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics
BEIJING - Chinese officials laid out a sweeping series of measures on Mondaythat will freeze construction projects, shutter chemical plants and closedown obsolete gas stations around Beijing, the capital, this summer in anattempt to clear the air for the Olympics. Even spray painting outdoors willbe banned during the weeks before and after sporting events, which begin onAugust 8.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html?hp
-Co-Payments Go Way Up for Drugs With High Prices
Health insurance companies are rapidly adopting a new pricing system forvery expensive drugs, asking patients to pay hundreds and even thousands ofdollars for prescriptions for medications that may save their lives or slowthe progress of serious diseases.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/14drug.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1208185363-hKHBa4OCtUKbyJF5ZPDHZA
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-A Time for Penance, Not Pomp
At the height of the potato famine, Queen Victoria of England made a statevisit to Ireland. Facades were built in Dublin to prevent her from seeingthe dire suffering of the people who lived along her route from ship tocastle, where she was wined and dined. The wrenching issue of the famine wastotally ignored.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301884.html
-Our Tibet Protests Won't Work
Public humiliation does not work nearly as well on the regime in Beijing asprivate pressure.At first glance, China's recent crackdown in Tibet lookslike a familiar storyline: a dictatorship represses its people. And ofcourse that's part of the reality -- as it often is in China. But on thisissue, the communist regime is not in opposition to its people. The vastmajority of Chinese have little sympathy for the Tibetan cause. To theextent that we can gauge public opinion in China and among its diaspora,ordinary Chinese are, if anything, critical of the Beijing government forbeing too easy on the Tibetans. The real struggle here is between anationalist majority and an ethnic and religious minority looking to secureits rights.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/postglobal/fareed_zakaria/2008/04/our_tibet_protests_wont_work.html
-A Lapsed Principle
What happened to Barack Obama's promise to rely on public financing in thegeneral election?
BARACK OBAMA held out the hope of salvaging part of the public financingsystem for presidential elections. Now he seems poised to drive a nail intoit by rejecting the $85 million available to nominees who agree to take fullfederal funding for the general election. That may be understandable as amatter of campaign tactics; Mr. Obama sits atop a whirring money machinethat appears capable of vacuuming up amounts far in excess of the federalcheck. But going back on his pledge to take public financing if the GOPnominee were to agree to do the same would be an unfortunate step -- and onethat reflects badly on Mr. Obama.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301994.html
-Child Rape Tests Limits Of Death Penalty
La. Law Spurs Review Of Eighth Amendment
Ever since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty more than 30 yearsago, justices have been finding ways to limit it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/04/13/ST2008041302758.html?hpid=topnews
-Carter: Dem Leaders Should Follow People
WASHINGTON -- Former President Carter says Democratic superdelegates shouldfollow the people and vote for the presidential candidate with the mostdelegates, but that they also should be free to vote the other way if theywant.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041301592.html?hpid=sec-politics
-'OUT-OF-TOUCH' DEMOCRATS
Obama Reinforcing Stereotypes, Clinton Asserts
GRANTHAM, Pa., April 13 -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) assertedSunday night that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), through his recent descriptionof sentiments in small-town America, reinforced a stereotype of"out-of-touch" Democrats that doomed the party's past two presidentialnominees.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/13/AR2008041302461.html
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-The Democrats' Turn at Faith and Politics
On the surrogate trail in Pennsylvania today, there's a new topic and tone _small-town virtues and old-time pleasures, like guns and religion.
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/the-democrats-turn-at-faith-and-politics/
=
Inside Higher Education
http://www.insidehighered.com/
-Growth in International Applicants Slows
The growth in international graduate student applications at Americancolleges and universities has slowed considerably, according to new surveyresults released today by the Council of Graduate Schools. The council foundthat the number of international applicants grew only 3 percent in 2008,after gains of 9 and 12 percent in the preceding two years.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/04/14/international
-Torture and Tenure
A civil liberties group that is working to curb what it sees as abuses bythe Bush administration has mounted an e-mail campaign to push for thefiring of John Yoo, a tenured professor of law at the University ofCalifornia at Berkeley.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/04/14/yoo
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Clinton fans controversy over Obama's gaffe
PHILADELPHIA - The cold, hard delegate count looks nearly impossible forDemocratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton to overcome, andthe pundits keep questioning why she's bothering to soldier on against rivalBarack Obama.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/article455398.ece
-It's Obama, stupid: Carter and Gore to end Clinton bid
DEMOCRAT grandees Jimmy Carter and Al Gore are being lined-up to deliver thecoup de grâce to Hillary Clinton and end her campaign to become president.
http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/It39s-Obama-stupid-Carter-and.3976738.jp
-What Clinton wishes she could say
Why, ask many Democrats and media commentators, won't Hillary Rodham Clintonsee the long odds against her, put her own ambitions aside, and gracefullyembrace Barack Obama as the inevitable Democratic nominee?
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9564.html
-No 'bitter' aftertaste? How Obama gaffe plays
JACOBUS, Pa. - Phil Little seems like just the sort of Pennsylvanian voterwho might have been offended by Sen. Barack Obama's comments that small-townresidents "get bitter" and "cling to guns or religion."
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-04-13-Obama_N.htm?csp=34
-Firing Barbs, but Looking Like a Saint
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton showed no mercy at the "compassion forum."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/politics/14watch.html?ex=1208836800&en=506f61bb5336b593&ei=5040&partner=MOREOVERNEWS
-Fighter image carries costs for Clinton
Tough persona obscures likable side, some say
WASHINGTON - For many years, whenever a Republican senator looked for aDemocrat to cosponsor a bill, one name popped immediately to mind - HillaryClinton, according to South Carolina's senior senator, Lindsey Graham.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/04/14/fighter_image_carries_costs_for_clinton/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z
-Hoffa drums up Obama support
Teamsters chief pushes members to vote for Ill. senator while some unionswait to endorse.
READING, Pa. -- Organized labor is working overtime to get a Democratelected president, flexing its once dominant muscles to try and get tradedeals rewritten or canceled and secure passage of a proposal to boostmembership.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080414/AUTO01/804140322/1022/POLITICS
=
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#####
FLORIDA DIGEST April 14, 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.
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Dispute stalls bill banning bias over sexual orientation
It looked like a big victory for gay and lesbian Floridians and theirallies: A state Senate committee overwhelmingly approved legislation lastweek that would ban discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flbgay0414sbapr14,0,1012101.story
-Patients rate hospitals in Broward County in new federal survey
Some hospitals make the grade in new report card
South Florida patients spoke loud and clear about which hospitals they likedand disliked, in a new federal survey aiming to help consumers judge theirlocal institutions
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flrxhospitals0413sbapr13,0,2202191.story
-Find it: Search survey results for South Florida hospitals
The ratings in this database are the result of surveys of patients on 10questions -- asking whether the hospital or medical center was clean andquiet, the nurses and doctors were helpful, if they would recommend it tosomeone else and an over 1 to 10 rating.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-hospitalsurvey-database,0,5064162.htmlstory
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Pundits split on Crist's VP shot
Republican presidential candidate John McCain will never pick Gov. CharlieCrist to be his running mate. Or maybe he will. As the Democratic primaryplods on and restless political minds turn to the Republican veepstakes, theaffable governor of Florida is routinely on the national media's shortlist.
http://www.miamiherald.com/548/story/494716.html
-Program weakens state's public education system
As superintendent of the Miami-Dade Public Schools from 2001 to 2004, Iexperienced the effects of the Corporate Scholarship sham directly. When ourschools opened in the fall of 2002, we amazingly lost 3,500 elementaryschool students. The teachers were in their school classrooms and ready tostart but without many anticipated students.
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/494735.html
-Keeping Miami clean is a never-ending job
It may come as a surprise to you that Miami is the cleanest city in theUnited States.
http://www.miamiherald.com/446/story/494685.html
-Fund Glades cleanup, Florida Forever
OUR OPINION: TOUGH BUDGET TIMES CALL FOR TRIMS, NOT ZERO SPENDING
Since 2000, the Florida Legislature has allocated $2.8 billion forEverglades restoration to keep its end of the bargain that the state and thefederal government would split the costs. But while Florida lawmakers haveconsistently stepped up, Congress dithered year after year. Until lastspring, that is, when Congress finally approved a water resources bill thatincluded federal dollars for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan,to the applause of all the project's stakeholders.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/494727.html
-MONEY TALKS
There's gold for some in the mortgage mess
Perhaps we've all been looking at the housing crisis from the wrong angle.
We've seen the plunging share prices of banks that made mortgages.
http://www.miamiherald.com/business_monday/story/494644.html
=
Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association announces 2008 Hall of Fameand annual honors
Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 14, 2008) -- Matt Skallerud, Chairman of theBoard of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA)announced with pleasure today the recipient of the 2008 IGLTA Chairman'sAward.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Taxpayer 'Bill of Rights' all wrong for Florida
Looking for a smart and responsible way to jump out of a plane without aparachute? Here's a hint: There isn't one.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/14/a14a_leadedit_tabor_0414.html
-FLORIDA CAPITOL VIEW
Are cuts tough, or are they ruthless?
Republican legislators hope voters will look at last week's debate overbudget cuts and see the same kind of fiscal discipline families practice atthe kitchen table in tough times.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-capview1308apr13,0,3535640.column
-Congressmen stick with presidential picks against grain
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings is a black congressman who is notsupporting the first black presidential candidate likely to win theDemocratic nomination.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/nation/epaper/2008/04/13/m1a_hastingswexler_0414.html
-Florida public schools face major budget cuts
Crist promised to 'hold schools harmless' but cuts continue to deepenIn January, Gov. Charlie Crist broke with tradition and gave the press asneak peek at his eye-popping proposal to increase public school spending by$1 billion.
http://floridacapitalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/CAPITOLNEWS/804130335
-Some state lawmakers pitch uniform sex education
As schools grow and STD rates rise, some state lawmakers want contraceptiontaught in 6th grade.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-abstinence1408apr14,0,5607153.story?track=rss
-House pushing $10 million cut from libraries
TALLAHASSEE - Just as people have less money to buy a new book from Barnes &Noble or a DVD from Best Buy, local libraries also may be strapped for cash.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/04/14/m1b_library_0414.html
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To All MedicaidAdvocates.Com Members, Friends, and Allies:
From Bill Rettinger Bill Rettinger, Co-Founder
MedicaidAdvocates.Com
MedicaidAdvocates1@netscape.com
-THIS story from TODAY'S New York Times NEEDS to be read by ALL of us andALSO FORWARDED BY ALL OF US to ALL of the Members of the Senate HealthCarePolicy Committee that will be meeting tomorrow! Let them ALL see WHAT weARE NOW facing, and WILL DIE FROM, with the elimination of the MedicallyNeedy Share of Cost Program! Thanks to the "heads up" byMedicaidAdvocates.Com member Michael Golk of Sarasota for bringing thisstory to my attention for forwarding!
Senate Health Policy Committee
Mandy Dawson - Chair: 850-487-5112 / dawson.mandy.web@flsenate.gov (D - Ft.Lauderdale)
Victor Crist - Vice Chair: 850-487-5068 / crist.victor.web@flsenate.gov (R-Tampa)
Charles Dean - 850-4875017 / dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov (R- Inverness)Paula Dockery - 850-487-5106 / dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov (R -Lakeland)
Rudy Garcia - 850-487-5009 / garcia.rudy.web@flsenate.gov (R- Walton Beach)Burt Saunders - 850-487-5124 / saunders.burt.web@flsenate.gov . Possibleswing vote, given his history on tobacco issues
NOTE re Arthenia Joyner - She is with us so any phone calls to hershould be to say "Thanks": 850-487-5059 / joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov.(D- Tampa)
Co-Payments Go Way Up for Drugs With High Prices
Health insurance companies are rapidly adopting a new pricing system forvery expensive drugs, asking patients to pay hundreds and even thousands ofdollars for prescriptions for medications that may save their lives or slowthe progress of serious diseases. With the new pricing system, insurersabandoned the traditional arrangement that has patients pay a fixed amount,like $10, $20 or $30 for a prescription, no matter what the drug's actualcost. Instead, they are charging patients a percentage of the cost ofcertain high-priced drugs, usually 20 to 33 percent, which can amount tothousands of dollars a month. The system means that the burden of expensivehealth care can now affect insured people, too.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/14drug.html?scp=1&sq=co-payments+go&st=nyt
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From Palm Beach Human Rights Council
www.pbchrc.org
-A BILL TO AMEND FLORIDA'S CIVIL RIGHTS AND FAIR HOUSING ACTS TO PROHIBITDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING AND PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS BASED ONSEXUAL ORIENTATION
Introduced by: Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton).
Co-Introducers: Senators Dave Aronberg (D-Greenacres), Jeff Atwater (R-NorthPalm Beach), Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg), Gwen Margolis (D-MiamiBeach), Nan Rich (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Jeremy Ring (D-Margate). SenatorsAlex Diaz de la Portilla (R-Miami), Victor Crist (R-Tampa), Rudy Garcia(R-Hialeah), Burt Saunders (R-Fort Myers) and Gary Siplin (D-Orlando) allvoted in favor of the bill.on April 8, 2008, when it was approved by theSenate Commerce Committee by a vote of 7 to 1. For a link to the web pagefor CS/SB 572 which includes a link to the complete text of the bill asamended on April 8, 2008, please go to:
http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&SubMenu=1&Year=2008&billnum=572
To date, twelve of Florida's forty state senators (seven Democrats and fiveRepublicans) are on record supporting CS/SB 572. It appears likely that ifthe bill reaches the Senate floor, it will be approved and sent on to theFlorida House of Representatives for consideration. The bill is currentlyin the Committee on Community Affairs. We have asked Chairman Rudy Garcia toplace the bill on the agenda within the next few days, and we await hisreply. If the bill is approved in the Committee on Community Affairs, itnext goes to the Judiciary Committee. Finally, the bill must pass theGeneral Government Appropriations Committee before it can be considered bythe full Senate .
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Next Sunday, April 20th, the 20th Annual AIDS Walk Miami will commence onthe streets of South Beach. Join our Grand Marshal, Jane Lynch, and ourMaster of Ceremonies, Fox News Anchor, Craig Stevens and "Mr. Miami Beach"Michael Aller, along with your family, friends and co-workers for an amazingday and help Care Resource, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of SouthFlorida, Broward House, and Food For Life Network, continue the fightagainst HIV/AIDS in South Florida. As we anticipate a greater attendancethis year, registration will begin at 7:30 at Hall D of the Miami BeachConvention Center. The entrance is located on Convention Center Drive,directly across from the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. The 20th AnnualAIDS Walk Miami is a 5K (3.2 mile) walk, run, blade fundraiser beginning9:00 AM at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The scenic route heads (routemap) through the commercial heart of Miami Beach, along the Atlantic ocean,and concludes at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens with an excitingpost-walk celebration sponsored by MTV Latin America. Cool down and enjoythe sounds of DJ HiRO?, performances by Life Project, Shelina, and TonyCruz, visit our sponsor booths, enjoy free massages provided by Miami-DadeCollege School of Massage, food, drinks, and more.
www.aidswalkmiami.org
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Dispute stalls bill banning bias over sexual orientation
It looked like a big victory for gay and lesbian Floridians and theirallies: A state Senate committee overwhelmingly approved legislation lastweek that would ban discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flbgay0414sbapr14,0,1012101.story
-Patients rate hospitals in Broward County in new federal survey
Some hospitals make the grade in new report card
South Florida patients spoke loud and clear about which hospitals they likedand disliked, in a new federal survey aiming to help consumers judge theirlocal institutions
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flrxhospitals0413sbapr13,0,2202191.story
-Find it: Search survey results for South Florida hospitals
The ratings in this database are the result of surveys of patients on 10questions -- asking whether the hospital or medical center was clean andquiet, the nurses and doctors were helpful, if they would recommend it tosomeone else and an over 1 to 10 rating.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-hospitalsurvey-database,0,5064162.htmlstory
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Pundits split on Crist's VP shot
Republican presidential candidate John McCain will never pick Gov. CharlieCrist to be his running mate. Or maybe he will. As the Democratic primaryplods on and restless political minds turn to the Republican veepstakes, theaffable governor of Florida is routinely on the national media's shortlist.
http://www.miamiherald.com/548/story/494716.html
-Program weakens state's public education system
As superintendent of the Miami-Dade Public Schools from 2001 to 2004, Iexperienced the effects of the Corporate Scholarship sham directly. When ourschools opened in the fall of 2002, we amazingly lost 3,500 elementaryschool students. The teachers were in their school classrooms and ready tostart but without many anticipated students.
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/494735.html
-Keeping Miami clean is a never-ending job
It may come as a surprise to you that Miami is the cleanest city in theUnited States.
http://www.miamiherald.com/446/story/494685.html
-Fund Glades cleanup, Florida Forever
OUR OPINION: TOUGH BUDGET TIMES CALL FOR TRIMS, NOT ZERO SPENDING
Since 2000, the Florida Legislature has allocated $2.8 billion forEverglades restoration to keep its end of the bargain that the state and thefederal government would split the costs. But while Florida lawmakers haveconsistently stepped up, Congress dithered year after year. Until lastspring, that is, when Congress finally approved a water resources bill thatincluded federal dollars for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan,to the applause of all the project's stakeholders.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/494727.html
-MONEY TALKS
There's gold for some in the mortgage mess
Perhaps we've all been looking at the housing crisis from the wrong angle.
We've seen the plunging share prices of banks that made mortgages.
http://www.miamiherald.com/business_monday/story/494644.html
=
Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association announces 2008 Hall of Fameand annual honors
Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 14, 2008) -- Matt Skallerud, Chairman of theBoard of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA)announced with pleasure today the recipient of the 2008 IGLTA Chairman'sAward.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Taxpayer 'Bill of Rights' all wrong for Florida
Looking for a smart and responsible way to jump out of a plane without aparachute? Here's a hint: There isn't one.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/14/a14a_leadedit_tabor_0414.html
-FLORIDA CAPITOL VIEW
Are cuts tough, or are they ruthless?
Republican legislators hope voters will look at last week's debate overbudget cuts and see the same kind of fiscal discipline families practice atthe kitchen table in tough times.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/orl-capview1308apr13,0,3535640.column
-Congressmen stick with presidential picks against grain
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings is a black congressman who is notsupporting the first black presidential candidate likely to win theDemocratic nomination.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/nation/epaper/2008/04/13/m1a_hastingswexler_0414.html
-Florida public schools face major budget cuts
Crist promised to 'hold schools harmless' but cuts continue to deepenIn January, Gov. Charlie Crist broke with tradition and gave the press asneak peek at his eye-popping proposal to increase public school spending by$1 billion.
http://floridacapitalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/CAPITOLNEWS/804130335
-Some state lawmakers pitch uniform sex education
As schools grow and STD rates rise, some state lawmakers want contraceptiontaught in 6th grade.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-abstinence1408apr14,0,5607153.story?track=rss
-House pushing $10 million cut from libraries
TALLAHASSEE - Just as people have less money to buy a new book from Barnes &Noble or a DVD from Best Buy, local libraries also may be strapped for cash.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/04/14/m1b_library_0414.html
=
To All MedicaidAdvocates.Com Members, Friends, and Allies:
From Bill Rettinger Bill Rettinger, Co-Founder
MedicaidAdvocates.Com
MedicaidAdvocates1@netscape.com
-THIS story from TODAY'S New York Times NEEDS to be read by ALL of us andALSO FORWARDED BY ALL OF US to ALL of the Members of the Senate HealthCarePolicy Committee that will be meeting tomorrow! Let them ALL see WHAT weARE NOW facing, and WILL DIE FROM, with the elimination of the MedicallyNeedy Share of Cost Program! Thanks to the "heads up" byMedicaidAdvocates.Com member Michael Golk of Sarasota for bringing thisstory to my attention for forwarding!
Senate Health Policy Committee
Mandy Dawson - Chair: 850-487-5112 / dawson.mandy.web@flsenate.gov (D - Ft.Lauderdale)
Victor Crist - Vice Chair: 850-487-5068 / crist.victor.web@flsenate.gov (R-Tampa)
Charles Dean - 850-4875017 / dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov (R- Inverness)Paula Dockery - 850-487-5106 / dockery.paula.web@flsenate.gov (R -Lakeland)
Rudy Garcia - 850-487-5009 / garcia.rudy.web@flsenate.gov (R- Walton Beach)Burt Saunders - 850-487-5124 / saunders.burt.web@flsenate.gov . Possibleswing vote, given his history on tobacco issues
NOTE re Arthenia Joyner - She is with us so any phone calls to hershould be to say "Thanks": 850-487-5059 / joyner.arthenia.web@flsenate.gov.(D- Tampa)
Co-Payments Go Way Up for Drugs With High Prices
Health insurance companies are rapidly adopting a new pricing system forvery expensive drugs, asking patients to pay hundreds and even thousands ofdollars for prescriptions for medications that may save their lives or slowthe progress of serious diseases. With the new pricing system, insurersabandoned the traditional arrangement that has patients pay a fixed amount,like $10, $20 or $30 for a prescription, no matter what the drug's actualcost. Instead, they are charging patients a percentage of the cost ofcertain high-priced drugs, usually 20 to 33 percent, which can amount tothousands of dollars a month. The system means that the burden of expensivehealth care can now affect insured people, too.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/14/us/14drug.html?scp=1&sq=co-payments+go&st=nyt
=
From Palm Beach Human Rights Council
www.pbchrc.org
-A BILL TO AMEND FLORIDA'S CIVIL RIGHTS AND FAIR HOUSING ACTS TO PROHIBITDISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT, HOUSING AND PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS BASED ONSEXUAL ORIENTATION
Introduced by: Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton).
Co-Introducers: Senators Dave Aronberg (D-Greenacres), Jeff Atwater (R-NorthPalm Beach), Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg), Gwen Margolis (D-MiamiBeach), Nan Rich (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Jeremy Ring (D-Margate). SenatorsAlex Diaz de la Portilla (R-Miami), Victor Crist (R-Tampa), Rudy Garcia(R-Hialeah), Burt Saunders (R-Fort Myers) and Gary Siplin (D-Orlando) allvoted in favor of the bill.on April 8, 2008, when it was approved by theSenate Commerce Committee by a vote of 7 to 1. For a link to the web pagefor CS/SB 572 which includes a link to the complete text of the bill asamended on April 8, 2008, please go to:
http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&SubMenu=1&Year=2008&billnum=572
To date, twelve of Florida's forty state senators (seven Democrats and fiveRepublicans) are on record supporting CS/SB 572. It appears likely that ifthe bill reaches the Senate floor, it will be approved and sent on to theFlorida House of Representatives for consideration. The bill is currentlyin the Committee on Community Affairs. We have asked Chairman Rudy Garcia toplace the bill on the agenda within the next few days, and we await hisreply. If the bill is approved in the Committee on Community Affairs, itnext goes to the Judiciary Committee. Finally, the bill must pass theGeneral Government Appropriations Committee before it can be considered bythe full Senate .
=
Next Sunday, April 20th, the 20th Annual AIDS Walk Miami will commence onthe streets of South Beach. Join our Grand Marshal, Jane Lynch, and ourMaster of Ceremonies, Fox News Anchor, Craig Stevens and "Mr. Miami Beach"Michael Aller, along with your family, friends and co-workers for an amazingday and help Care Resource, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of SouthFlorida, Broward House, and Food For Life Network, continue the fightagainst HIV/AIDS in South Florida. As we anticipate a greater attendancethis year, registration will begin at 7:30 at Hall D of the Miami BeachConvention Center. The entrance is located on Convention Center Drive,directly across from the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens. The 20th AnnualAIDS Walk Miami is a 5K (3.2 mile) walk, run, blade fundraiser beginning9:00 AM at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The scenic route heads (routemap) through the commercial heart of Miami Beach, along the Atlantic ocean,and concludes at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens with an excitingpost-walk celebration sponsored by MTV Latin America. Cool down and enjoythe sounds of DJ HiRO?, performances by Life Project, Shelina, and TonyCruz, visit our sponsor booths, enjoy free massages provided by Miami-DadeCollege School of Massage, food, drinks, and more.
www.aidswalkmiami.org
=
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#####
Sunday, April 13, 2008
GLBT DIGEST April 13, 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.
=
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay CSU workers may get same health care plan as married workers
Faculty Council chairman says 'society has changed'
The gay partners of Colorado State University employees would get the samehealth care benefits as married couples under a plan that faculty areconsidering. CSU Faculty Council chairman Bob Jones says society has changedand it's the right time for the proposal. Faculty Council members willlikely take the plan to the CSU's Board of Governor's next month forapproval. The board rejected a similar proposal four years ago. The planwould not include students.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=17669
-Group: Shift Evangelical priorities
Liberals within movement seek to link religious faith with social action
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=17668
-She draws on personal, political experience
Mayor Simmons to keep service issues in forefront
Denise Simmons received a burst of national attention when she became mayorof Cambridge in January, but says her 25 years of political involvement havetaught her that change comes slowly.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/04/13/she_draws_on_personal_political_experience/
-Hillary appeals to gun owners
Sen. Hillary Clinton attempted to appeal to gun owners and hunters during acampaign stop this weekend. She said that hunting is part of a tradition formany families, and that she was taught how to shoot when she was a child.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=4/7/08&end=4/14/08#17673
-Hundreds gather to learn about 'ex-gay' movement
A traveling national conference billed as an event "to provide help forthose struggling - and those whose loved ones struggle - with unwantedsame-sex attractions," drew about 700 people to a Mountain View church onSaturday.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8910088?source=rss
=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-A professional photographer who refused to take pictures of a gay couple'scommitment ceremony because of her religious beliefs violated New Mexicodiscrimination law, a human rights panel ruled. Vanessa Willock filed acomplaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Commission in 2006, contendingthat Albuquerque photographer Elaine Huguenin told her she photographed onlytraditional marriages. Huguenin and her husband, Jon, own Elane Photography.
The commission's one-page ruling Wednesday said Elane Photography violatedthe state Human Rights Act by discriminating against Willock on the basis ofsexual orientation, and should pay $6,637 for Willock's attorney's fees andcosts.
=
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
-Welcome to the April 1, 2008 newsletter of www.glbtq.com, the world'slargest encyclopedia of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queerculture.
-The LGBT Cancer Project- Hot for Health
Our work focuses on educating health care providers, increasing awarenessvia the internet and other media, participating in national cancerorganizations, advocating for LGBT inclusion in cancer research and offeringinformation and resources through this website for both professionals andLGBT people with cancer.
http://www.thelgbtcancerproject.org/
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay CSU workers may get same health care plan as married workers
Faculty Council chairman says 'society has changed'
The gay partners of Colorado State University employees would get the samehealth care benefits as married couples under a plan that faculty areconsidering. CSU Faculty Council chairman Bob Jones says society has changedand it's the right time for the proposal. Faculty Council members willlikely take the plan to the CSU's Board of Governor's next month forapproval. The board rejected a similar proposal four years ago. The planwould not include students.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=17669
-Group: Shift Evangelical priorities
Liberals within movement seek to link religious faith with social action
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=17668
-She draws on personal, political experience
Mayor Simmons to keep service issues in forefront
Denise Simmons received a burst of national attention when she became mayorof Cambridge in January, but says her 25 years of political involvement havetaught her that change comes slowly.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/04/13/she_draws_on_personal_political_experience/
-Hillary appeals to gun owners
Sen. Hillary Clinton attempted to appeal to gun owners and hunters during acampaign stop this weekend. She said that hunting is part of a tradition formany families, and that she was taught how to shoot when she was a child.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=4/7/08&end=4/14/08#17673
-Hundreds gather to learn about 'ex-gay' movement
A traveling national conference billed as an event "to provide help forthose struggling - and those whose loved ones struggle - with unwantedsame-sex attractions," drew about 700 people to a Mountain View church onSaturday.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8910088?source=rss
=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-A professional photographer who refused to take pictures of a gay couple'scommitment ceremony because of her religious beliefs violated New Mexicodiscrimination law, a human rights panel ruled. Vanessa Willock filed acomplaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Commission in 2006, contendingthat Albuquerque photographer Elaine Huguenin told her she photographed onlytraditional marriages. Huguenin and her husband, Jon, own Elane Photography.
The commission's one-page ruling Wednesday said Elane Photography violatedthe state Human Rights Act by discriminating against Willock on the basis ofsexual orientation, and should pay $6,637 for Willock's attorney's fees andcosts.
=
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
-Welcome to the April 1, 2008 newsletter of www.glbtq.com, the world'slargest encyclopedia of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queerculture.
-The LGBT Cancer Project- Hot for Health
Our work focuses on educating health care providers, increasing awarenessvia the internet and other media, participating in national cancerorganizations, advocating for LGBT inclusion in cancer research and offeringinformation and resources through this website for both professionals andLGBT people with cancer.
http://www.thelgbtcancerproject.org/
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST April 13, 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.
=
TONIGHT: CNN To Air Live Presidential Candidates Forum On Faith Issues'Compassion Forum' Scheduled Nine Days Ahead Of Crucial Democratic PrimaryCNN will serve as the exclusive broadcaster of a presidential-candidateforum on faith, values and other current issues at Messiah College nearHarrisburg, Pa., April 13 at 8 p.m., officials said Monday. CNN ElectionCenter anchor Campbell Brownand Newsweek editor and Newsweek.com electionanchor Jon Meacham will moderate what is being billed as The CompassionForum, which will take place nine days before the Pennsylvania primary.
Organized and sponsored by Faith in Public Life, the 90-minute forum willconsist of wide-ranging and probing discussions of policies related to moralissues.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6548653.html
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Extended Forecast: Bloodshed
Here's a forecast for a particularly bizarre consequence of climate change:more executions of witches.
As we pump out greenhouse gases, most of the discussion focuses on directconsequences like rising seas or aggravated hurricanes. But the indirectsocial and political impact in poor countries may be even more far-reaching,including upheavals and civil wars - and even more witches hacked to deathwith machetes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/opinion/13kristof.html?ref=opinion
-Of Witches and the Wait for Justice
In 1662, the colonists of Hartford accused 39-year-old Mary Sanford ofwitchcraft. Based on evidence - drinking wine and dancing around a bonfire -the court pronounced her guilty "for not having the feare of God beforethyne eyes." Sanford was hanged, leaving behind five children and a shakenhusband who was later acquitted of similar charges.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/opinion/13sun2.html?ref=opinion
-Faster, Higher, Stronger, No Longer
IN 1894, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, having refused the military andpolitical careers typical of a French aristocrat, settled upon the revivalof the Olympic Games as his life's work. He saw sport as a higher calling, areligion. And he saw the Olympics as an event that would enhance andheighten moral virtue: "May joy and good fellowship reign, and in thismanner, may the Olympic torch pursue its way through ages, increasingfriendly understanding among nations, for the good of a humanity always moreenthusiastic, more courageous and more pure."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/opinion/13bissinger.html?ref=opinion
-China's Loyal Youth
MANY sympathetic Westerners view Chinese society along the lines of whatthey saw in the waning days of the Soviet Union: a repressive governmentbacked by old hard-liners losing its grip to a new generation ofwell-educated, liberal-leaning sophisticates. As pleasant as this outlookmay be, it's naïve. Educated young Chinese, far from being embarrassed orupset by their government's human-rights record, rank among the mostpatriotic, establishment-supporting people you'll meet.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/opinion/13forney.html?ref=opinion
-A 26 - Year - Old Secret Could Free Inmate
CHICAGO (AP) -- For nearly 26 years, the affidavit was sealed in an envelopeand stored in a locked box, tucked away with the lawyer's passport and will.
Sometimes he stashed the box in his bedroom closet, other times under hisbed. It stayed there -- year after year, decade after decade.
Then, about two years ago, Dale Coventry, the box's owner, got a call fromhis former colleague, W. Jamie Kunz. Both were once public defenders. Theyhadn't talked in a decade.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-The-26-Year-Silence.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-The Pope's Impassioned But Independent U.S. Flock
To Pope Benedict, experts say, the U.S. Catholic Church is a bit like anadolescent: young and unpredictable.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/12/AR2008041201226.html
-A Catholic Wind in the White House
Shortly after Pope Benedict XVI's election in 2005, President Bush met witha small circle of advisers in the Oval Office. As some mentioned their ownreligious backgrounds, the president remarked that he had read one of thenew pontiff's books about faith and culture in Western Europe.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/11/AR2008041103327.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-American Returns All MD-80s to Service
DALLAS -- American Airlines on Saturday received clearance from federalaviation officials to return all of its 300 grounded jets to service, anairline spokesman said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/12/AR2008041200835.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Oprah Winfrey may have helped Obama, but hurt herself
The TV celebrity's poll numbers have been dropping since she endorsed andcampaigned for her fellow Chicagoan.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ticket13apr13,1,169307.story?track=rss
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
TONIGHT: CNN To Air Live Presidential Candidates Forum On Faith Issues'Compassion Forum' Scheduled Nine Days Ahead Of Crucial Democratic PrimaryCNN will serve as the exclusive broadcaster of a presidential-candidateforum on faith, values and other current issues at Messiah College nearHarrisburg, Pa., April 13 at 8 p.m., officials said Monday. CNN ElectionCenter anchor Campbell Brownand Newsweek editor and Newsweek.com electionanchor Jon Meacham will moderate what is being billed as The CompassionForum, which will take place nine days before the Pennsylvania primary.
Organized and sponsored by Faith in Public Life, the 90-minute forum willconsist of wide-ranging and probing discussions of policies related to moralissues.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6548653.html
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Extended Forecast: Bloodshed
Here's a forecast for a particularly bizarre consequence of climate change:more executions of witches.
As we pump out greenhouse gases, most of the discussion focuses on directconsequences like rising seas or aggravated hurricanes. But the indirectsocial and political impact in poor countries may be even more far-reaching,including upheavals and civil wars - and even more witches hacked to deathwith machetes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/opinion/13kristof.html?ref=opinion
-Of Witches and the Wait for Justice
In 1662, the colonists of Hartford accused 39-year-old Mary Sanford ofwitchcraft. Based on evidence - drinking wine and dancing around a bonfire -the court pronounced her guilty "for not having the feare of God beforethyne eyes." Sanford was hanged, leaving behind five children and a shakenhusband who was later acquitted of similar charges.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/opinion/13sun2.html?ref=opinion
-Faster, Higher, Stronger, No Longer
IN 1894, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, having refused the military andpolitical careers typical of a French aristocrat, settled upon the revivalof the Olympic Games as his life's work. He saw sport as a higher calling, areligion. And he saw the Olympics as an event that would enhance andheighten moral virtue: "May joy and good fellowship reign, and in thismanner, may the Olympic torch pursue its way through ages, increasingfriendly understanding among nations, for the good of a humanity always moreenthusiastic, more courageous and more pure."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/opinion/13bissinger.html?ref=opinion
-China's Loyal Youth
MANY sympathetic Westerners view Chinese society along the lines of whatthey saw in the waning days of the Soviet Union: a repressive governmentbacked by old hard-liners losing its grip to a new generation ofwell-educated, liberal-leaning sophisticates. As pleasant as this outlookmay be, it's naïve. Educated young Chinese, far from being embarrassed orupset by their government's human-rights record, rank among the mostpatriotic, establishment-supporting people you'll meet.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/13/opinion/13forney.html?ref=opinion
-A 26 - Year - Old Secret Could Free Inmate
CHICAGO (AP) -- For nearly 26 years, the affidavit was sealed in an envelopeand stored in a locked box, tucked away with the lawyer's passport and will.
Sometimes he stashed the box in his bedroom closet, other times under hisbed. It stayed there -- year after year, decade after decade.
Then, about two years ago, Dale Coventry, the box's owner, got a call fromhis former colleague, W. Jamie Kunz. Both were once public defenders. Theyhadn't talked in a decade.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-The-26-Year-Silence.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-The Pope's Impassioned But Independent U.S. Flock
To Pope Benedict, experts say, the U.S. Catholic Church is a bit like anadolescent: young and unpredictable.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/12/AR2008041201226.html
-A Catholic Wind in the White House
Shortly after Pope Benedict XVI's election in 2005, President Bush met witha small circle of advisers in the Oval Office. As some mentioned their ownreligious backgrounds, the president remarked that he had read one of thenew pontiff's books about faith and culture in Western Europe.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/11/AR2008041103327.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-American Returns All MD-80s to Service
DALLAS -- American Airlines on Saturday received clearance from federalaviation officials to return all of its 300 grounded jets to service, anairline spokesman said.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/12/AR2008041200835.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Oprah Winfrey may have helped Obama, but hurt herself
The TV celebrity's poll numbers have been dropping since she endorsed andcampaigned for her fellow Chicagoan.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ticket13apr13,1,169307.story?track=rss
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST April 13, 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.
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Is it 2000? Or 1787?
Florida's senior senator couldn't persuade Democratic party leaders to holda mail-in, do-over primary and seat Florida's delegates at the nationalconvention. Apparently, Bill Nelson's Plan B is to overhaul the entirepresidential election system.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/13/a2e_nelson_edit_0413.html
-Saggy pants and the new racial divide
Stand with me in the 1970s. James Brown exhorted us to "Say it loud, I'mblack and I'm proud." The Afro hairstyle, made famous by Angela Davis, andthe dashiki tunic were the symbols of this pride. And they were everywhere.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/13/a1e_jones_commentary_0413.html
-Our view: Undermining science
Academic freedom bill harms education and should be swiftly voted down
Teachers in Florida's public schools should teach to the highest standardsof scientific knowledge.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/OPINION/804130319/1004/opinion&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL
-Jimmy Carter defends meeting with Hamas
WASHINGTON - Former President Jimmy Carter said he feels "quite at ease"about meeting Hamas militants over the objections of Washington because thePalestinian group is essential to a future peace with Israel.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/5696815.html
-It's time to clean up South Florida's dirty little secret
Blue sky. Golden sun. Blue sea. White sand. An offshore breeze hollowing outperfectly formed head-high waves.
Sure, it sounds like paradise. Until you find out that the ocean waters arefouled by poorly treated sewage.
The Surfrider Foundation, an international conservation organization, andthe Florida Coastal and Oceans Coalition have decided to put a stop to thedecades-long practice of dumping minimally treated wastewater directly intothe ocean.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/13/a1e_davanzo_commentary_0413.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Is it 2000? Or 1787?
Florida's senior senator couldn't persuade Democratic party leaders to holda mail-in, do-over primary and seat Florida's delegates at the nationalconvention. Apparently, Bill Nelson's Plan B is to overhaul the entirepresidential election system.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/13/a2e_nelson_edit_0413.html
-Saggy pants and the new racial divide
Stand with me in the 1970s. James Brown exhorted us to "Say it loud, I'mblack and I'm proud." The Afro hairstyle, made famous by Angela Davis, andthe dashiki tunic were the symbols of this pride. And they were everywhere.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/13/a1e_jones_commentary_0413.html
-Our view: Undermining science
Academic freedom bill harms education and should be swiftly voted down
Teachers in Florida's public schools should teach to the highest standardsof scientific knowledge.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/OPINION/804130319/1004/opinion&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL
-Jimmy Carter defends meeting with Hamas
WASHINGTON - Former President Jimmy Carter said he feels "quite at ease"about meeting Hamas militants over the objections of Washington because thePalestinian group is essential to a future peace with Israel.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/5696815.html
-It's time to clean up South Florida's dirty little secret
Blue sky. Golden sun. Blue sea. White sand. An offshore breeze hollowing outperfectly formed head-high waves.
Sure, it sounds like paradise. Until you find out that the ocean waters arefouled by poorly treated sewage.
The Surfrider Foundation, an international conservation organization, andthe Florida Coastal and Oceans Coalition have decided to put a stop to thedecades-long practice of dumping minimally treated wastewater directly intothe ocean.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/04/13/a1e_davanzo_commentary_0413.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
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