CUPPA JOE

MY FINAL BLOG ENTRY

2009-09-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

This is my final blog entry and I really appreciated everyone who supported my journey into the world of blogging. For those of you who got me and commented, I am glad that you did. For those of you who didn't get it and commented...oh well. It was all good!

I have become a partner in a new nightclub venture in Oakland California in the San Francisco Bay Area, and have expanded my business activities in Southern California...SO I AM BUSY!

I am also involved in many community activities that prevent me from finding the time to post.

I hope to see some of you at the new nightclub or at my annual event in Palm Springs California
BLATINO OASIS.

Until then...Don't take things so seriously and enjoy life to the fullest.

Joe Hawkins
http://www.clubrimshot.com/

Miss Cleo Vs. Milan

2009-09-07T23:33:00.001-07:00

Ritchie Family - Give me a break 1980

2009-09-02T21:20:00.001-07:00

Racism In Upscale Store - What Would You Do?

2009-09-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Blacks Against Obama

2009-09-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

THE POLARIZING FACES OF BLACK AMERICA
Black Republicans Against Obama

Brooklyn Ready to Get "Deep" for Michael Jackson's Birthday

2009-08-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn might not be able to get the MTA to honor Michael Jackson at a subway station, but Kings County can still throw down for the King of Pop.

As many as 10,000 people are expected at the Nethermead meadow in Prospect Park -- rain or shine -- on Saturday to honor MJ on what would have been his 51st birthday.

Even if the weather doesn't cooperate, the event promises to be a “Brooklyn style block party,” Spike Lee, the organizer of the event told The Root. “It’s going to just be how we do it, Brooklyn style, I’ll leave it at that. It’s going to be a joyous, festive, celebratory party.”

The initial crowd estimate of 2,000 swelled to more than 10,000, prompting police and organizers to settle upon Prospect Park instead of Fort Greene Park as initially planned, The New York Times reported Friday.

The Rev. Al Sharpton will say a prayer at the party; Borough President Marty Markowitz will present a proclamation declaring Aug. 29 Michael Jackson Day in Brooklyn, and Brooklyn's own DJ Spinna, famous for his Wonderful and Michael Jackson versus Prince parties, will play all things Michael.
Complete story at source>>>

Celebrity Disc Jockey 'DJ AM' Found Dead in New York Apartment

2009-08-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Celebrity disc jockey Adam Goldstein, known as DJ AM, was found dead Friday evening in his New York City apartment, and media reports say drug paraphernalia was found nearby.

Goldstein, 36, was a DJ for hire who performed at Hollywood's most exclusive parties. He became a celebrity in his own right with a glamorous lifestyle and high-profile romances, including with Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore.

Paramedics had to break down the door to his Manhattan apartment before they found his body at about 5:20 p.m., a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. There was no evidence of foul play, the official said.

Goldstein had talked openly about past addictions to crack cocaine, Ecstasy and other drugs, but he claimed he had been drug-free for years.

He died nearly a year after surviving a South Carolina plane crash that killed four people and seriously injured rock musician Travis Barker.

"This comes as a complete shock. I will miss him forever. He was a great friend to me," DJ AM's friend, actor Simon Rex, who was at his welcome home party after the tragic plane crash, told FOXNews.com.

Source>>>

Will New Mexican Law Make It A Haven For Drug Tourism?

2009-08-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

MEXICO CITY — Mexico now has one of the world's most liberal laws for drug users after eliminating jail time for small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and even heroin, LSD and methamphetamine.

"All right!" said a grinning Ivan Rojas, a rail-thin 20-year-old addict who endured police harassment during the decade he has spent sleeping in Mexico City's gritty streets and subway stations.

But stunned police on the U.S. side of the border say the law contradicts President Felipe Calderon's drug war, and some fear it could make Mexico a destination for drug-fueled spring breaks and tourism.

Tens of thousands of American college students flock to Cancun and Acapulco each year to party at beachside discos offering wet T-shirt contests and all-you-can-drink deals.

"Now they will go because they can get drugs," said San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne. "For a country that has experienced thousands of deaths from warring drug cartels for many years, it defies logic why they would pass a law that will clearly encourage drug use."

Enacted last week, the Mexican law is part of a growing trend across Latin America to treat drug use as a public health problem and make room in overcrowded prisons for violent traffickers rather than small-time users.

Brazil and Uruguay have already eliminated jail time for people carrying small amounts of drugs for personal use, although possession is still considered a crime in Brazil. Argentina's Supreme Court ruled out prison for pot possession on Tuesday and officials say they plan to propose a law keeping drug consumers out of the justice system.

Colombia has decriminalized marijuana and cocaine for personal use, but kept penalties for other drugs.

Officials in those countries say they are not legalizing drugs — just drawing a line between users, dealers and traffickers amid a fierce drug war. Mexico's law toughens penalties for selling drugs even as it relaxes the law against using them.

"Latin America is disappointed with the results of the current drug policies and is exploring alternatives," said Ricardo Soberon, director of the Drug Research and Human Rights Center in Lima, Peru.

As Mexico ratcheted up its fight against cartels, drug use jumped more than 50 percent between 2002 and 2008, according to the government, and today prisons are filled with addicts, many under the age of 25.

Complete story at source>>>

Texting While Driving PSA Causes Internet Stir

2009-08-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Woman Beat At 50's Mansion For Refusing Oral Sex

2009-08-27T01:54:00.000-07:00

A man employed by 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records is accused of attacking a woman last Sunday (August 16), after she refused his requests for oral sex.

News broke last week that Dwayne McKenzie, 28, and Michelle Krzykowski, 21, were accused of assaulting a woman on 50 Cent’s sprawling mansion in Farmington, Connecticut.

The incident began after McKenzie made the request, which resulted in an argument between McKenzie and one of the woman’s friends.

When the two women and their friends attempted to leave, Krzykowski attacked one of the women, striking her in the head with a hard object, as McKenzie held the woman down.

The unknown woman, who had danced in music videos in the past, managed to pepper spray McKenzie, Krzykowski, flee the scene and call 911.

According to the Hartford Courtant, the woman’s head wound was serious, requiring a total of 9 staples to close the gash.

Krzykowski has told police that she was intoxicated during the assault and only remembers that the women had called her a “cracker.”
Source>>>

Ted Kennedy dead at 77

2009-08-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON -- In the quiet of a Capitol elevator, one of Edward M. Kennedy's fellow lawmakers asked whether he had plans for a family Thanksgiving away from the nation's capital. No, the Massachusetts senator said with a shake of his head, and mentioned something about visiting his brothers' gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery.

In his half-century in the public glare, Kennedy was, above all, heir to a legacy - as well as a hero to liberals, a foil to conservatives, a legislator with few peers.

Alone of the Kennedy men of his generation, he lived to comb gray hair, as the Irish poet had it. It was a blessing and a curse, as he surely knew, and assured that his defeats and human foibles as well as many triumphs played out in public at greater length than his brothers ever experienced.

He was the only Kennedy brother to run for the White House and lose. His brother John was president when he was assassinated in 1963 a few days before Thanksgiving; Robert fell to a gunman in mid-campaign five years later. An older brother, Joseph Jr., was killed piloting a plane in World War II.

Runner-up in a two-man race for the Democratic nomination in 1980, this Kennedy closed out his failed candidacy with a speech that brought tears to the eyes of many in a packed Madison Square Garden.
Complete story at source>>>

Bisexual singing teacher Gets Simon's Attention

2009-08-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

He's done it with boys, he's done it with girls. That's what the 27-year-old "X Factor" singer Danyl Johnson said after his hit singing performance. He even said he finds Simon Cowell attractive.
Source>>>

Commercial: He Kicked That Man In The Penis

2009-08-25T19:22:00.000-07:00

Cosby Mom Phylicia Rashad loses 35 pounds

2009-08-25T18:57:00.000-07:00

Check out the new Phylicia Rashad. After 8 months as Jenny Craig spokesperson, she has lost 35 pounds and met her weight loss goal. Each week, Phylicia, 61, met with a consultant about her program, based on 1,200 calories a day and 30-45 minutes of activity up to four times a week, including a variety of floor exercises, light strength training and the use of a recumbent bike.

"The most rewarding thing about reaching my goal weight is that I feel so much lighter," she says in a statement. "There's just an overall sense of well-being. And there's the increased energy as well, too. It's nice to have people say you look nice."

The Cosby Show actress will reveal her new figure (no word on whether that means still be sporting a bikini, a la Valerie Bertinelli) -- in a commercial set to debut Saturday.
Source>>>

Chris Brown sentenced in Rihanna assault case

2009-08-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

A judge on Tuesday sentenced Chris Brown to five years' probation, six months' community labor for the beating of Rihanna and ordered the R&B singer to stay away from his former girlfriend for the next five years.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg told Brown that he could be sent to state prison if he violated any terms of his sentence, including an order to stay 100 yards away from Rihanna unless they're attending music industry events.

A probation report prepared for Tuesday's sentencing describes two previous violent incidents. The first happened about three months before the February beating while the couple was traveling in Europe; Rihanna slapped Brown during an argument, and he shoved her into a wall. In the second instance, Brown allegedly broke the front and passenger side windows on a Range Rover they were driving while visiting Barbados, Rihanna 's home country. Neither attack was reported, the probation report states.

Brown will serve his sentence in his home state — Virginia — and his community labor will be overseen by the police chief in Richmond.

The judge said she wanted to ensure that Brown, 20, performs physical labor instead of community service, such as mentoring young people. He will also undergo a year of domestic violence counseling.

Rihanna did not attend Tuesday's sentencing.

Source>>>

Michael Jackson's Death Ruled A Homicide

2009-08-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson died of "lethal levels" of the powerful anesthetic propofol, according to a search warrant affidavit unsealed today in Houston.

The court documents quote the L.A. County coroner's office as reaching that conclusion after an autopsy of the pop star.

The documents address one of the major unanswered questions surrounding Jackson's death. But they also raise new questions about how Jackson was treated, particularly in the hours before his death.

Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal doctor, told detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department that he had been treating Jackson for insomnia for about six weeks. He had been giving Jackson 50 milligrams of propofol every night using an intravenous line, according to the court records.
See Complete Story At Source>>>

Is Porn Company FlavaWorks Copying the Blatino Erotica Awards?

2009-08-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Palm Springs CA - They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, however, “Blatino Erotica Awards” creator Joe Hawkins, is not impressed by FlavaWorks similarly named upcoming “FlavaMen Blatino Awards.”

Hawkins (who is African American) said that FlavaWorks Inc. ( which is white owned) copied the name of his awards event by naming their event "FlavaMen Blatino Awards" which is so similar to the "Blatino Erotica Awards", that it is causing confusion in the industry and among fans about who is producing what.

In 2007, long time California based African American event producer Joe Hawkins, created an event celebrating men of color called Blatino Oasis, that is held annually during the month of May in Palm Springs, California. Blatino Oasis also held the first ever Blatino Erotica Awards ceremony in Palm Springs California, recognizing men of color involved in the erotic entertainment industry. Since its inception, Blatino Erotica Award honorees have included: Tiger Tyson, Mario Cruz, Marc Williams, Eddie Diaz, Sebastion Rio, Author James Earl Hardy, Erotic illustrator Belasco, actor and dancer Marcus Patrick, websites- Bilatinmen.com and Papithugz.com. FlavaMen Magazine has also been recognized.

“I have no objections to Flavaworks creating an awards ceremony to honor men of color in erotica, the more the merrier. As a man of color, the very reason behind my creating the Blatino Erotica Awards three years ago was to ensure that more of these men be recognized for their contributions to the erotic entertainment industry. I only wish that FlavaWorks Inc. would have been more creative with the naming of their event and showed me and my organization some professional respect so that their would be no confusion about our respective awards ceremonies.” Hawkins said.

Posing Perfection

2009-08-25T01:56:00.001-07:00

Old School Rapper Makes Label Pay For Her Ph.D

2009-08-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

From The New York Daily News

Roxanne’s revenge was sweet indeed.

Twenty-five years after the first queen of hip-hop was stiffed on her royalty checks, Dr. Roxanne Shante boasts an Ivy League Ph.D. - financed by a forgotten clause in her first record deal.

“This is a story that needs to be told,” Shante said. “I’m an example that you can be a teenage mom, come from the projects, and be raised by a single parent, and you can still come out of it a doctor.”

Her prognosis wasn’t as bright in the years after the ’80s icon scored a smash hit at age 14: “Roxanne’s Revenge,” a razor-tongued response to rap group UTFO’s mega-hit “Roxanne, Roxanne.”

The 1984 single sold 250,000 copies in New York City alone, making Shante (born Lolita Gooden) hip hop’s first female celebrity.

She blazed a trail followed by Lil’ Kim, Salt-N-Pepa and Queen Latifah - although Shante didn’t share their success.

After two albums, Shante said, she was disillusioned by the sleazy music industry and swindled by her record company. The teen mother, living in the Queensbridge Houses, recalled how her life was shattered.

“Everybody was cheating with the contracts, stealing and telling lies,” she said. “And to find out that I was just a commodity was heartbreaking.”

But Shante, then 19, remembered a clause in her Warner Music recording contract: The company would fund her education for life.

She eventually cashed in, earning a Ph.D. in psychology from Cornell to the tune of $217,000 - all covered by the label. But getting Warner Music to cough up the dough was a battle.
Complete Story At Source>>>

City Hires First Black Officer In 152 Years

2009-08-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

Green Bay has a black police officer for the first time in the 152-year history of its Police Department.

Solomon Ayres starts the first phase of a 17-week training regime this week. He says he expects some resistance from both black and white residents. But thinks his life experiences will help defuse difficult situations and make him open to different points of view.

Fran Jonet, president of Green Bay’s Police and Fire Commission, says hiring a black recruit is a long-awaited step in the right direction.

Census figures show that African-Americans make up about 2.5 percent of Green Bay’s more than 98,000 people. Its Police Department as 177 officers, including 15 women, four American Indians or Alaska natives and one Hispanic.
Source>>>

Whitney Houston to be Oprah’s first guest

2009-08-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

The Grammy Award-winning singer, 46, whose much-anticipated upcoming album, “I Look to You” will be released Aug. 31, will sit down with the talk show queen for her first interview in almost seven years.

Calling it “the most anticipated music interview of the decade,” Winfrey, 55, will welcome Houston as her first guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show's” 24th season, which airs Sept. 14.

Talk Show Host Loses Sponsors For Calling Obama Racist

2009-08-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK – Glenn Beck returns to Fox News Channel on Monday after a vacation with fewer companies willing to advertise on his show than when he left, part of the fallout from calling President Barack Obama a racist.

A total of 33 Fox advertisers, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., CVS Caremark, Clorox and Sprint, directed that their commercials not air on Beck's show, according to the companies and ColorofChange.org, a group that promotes political action among blacks and launched a campaign to get advertisers to abandon him. That's more than a dozen more than were identified a week ago.

While it's unclear what effect, if any, this will ultimately have on Fox and Beck, it is already making advertisers skittish about hawking their wares within the most opinionated cable TV shows.

The Clorox Co., a former Beck advertiser, now says that "we do not want to be associated with inflammatory speech used by either liberal or conservative talk show hosts." The maker of bleach and household cleaners said in a statement that it has decided not to advertise on political talk shows.

The shows present a dilemma for advertisers, who usually like a "safe" environment for their messages. The Olbermanns, Hannitys, O'Reillys, Maddows and Becks of the TV world are more likely to say something that will anger a viewer, who might take it out on sponsors.

They also host the most-watched programs on their networks.

"This is a good illustration of that conundrum," said Rich Hallabran, spokesman for UPS Stores, which he said has temporarily halted buying ads on Fox News Channel as a whole.

Beck can bring the eyeballs. With the health care debate raising political temperatures, his show had its biggest week ever right before his vacation, averaging 2.4 million viewers each day, according to Nielsen Media Research.

He was actually on another Fox show July 28 when he referred to Obama as a racist with "a deep-seated hatred for white people." The network immediately distanced itself from Beck's statement, but Beck didn't. He used his radio show the next day to explain why he believed that. He would not comment for this article, spokesman Matthew Hiltzik said.

Complete story at source>>>

Miami MC borrowed the hit's hook from a pair of mambo musicians.

2009-08-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK — When Pitbull made his first top-10 hit, "I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)," a Dominican duo who weren't even thinking about the Billboard charts powered the idea.
Source>>>

Un-beweavable No More For Tyra

2009-08-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

Just weeks ago Solange Knowles caused an internet buzz when she shaved off her long hair into a natural, closely-cropped cut. And now Tyra Banks reveals on her Twitter that she is gearing up to go natural and lose her extensions. “Guess What! I’m rockin’ my REAL hair on my talk show September 8th.” she says. “No fake hair at all! Will be the hair coming out of my scalp! 4 all 2 C!” She continues, “no ponytails, no ballet bun head. hair will be out and free!” We are setting our TVs to record now! Tell us: Will you tune in to see Tyra’s natural look?

Source>>>

After Glow

2009-08-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

South African female track star faces questions about her gender

2009-08-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

AP)—Facing questions about her gender, South African teenager Caster Semenya easily won the 800-meter gold medal Wednesday at the world championships.

Her dominating run came on the same day track and field’s ruling body said she was undergoing a gender test because of concerns she does not meet requirements to compete as a woman.

Semenya took the lead at the halfway mark and opened a commanding lead in the last 400 meters to win by a massive 2.45 seconds in a world-leading 1 minute, 55.45 seconds. Defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei was second and Jennifer Meadows of Britain was third in 1:57.93.

After crossing the line, Semenya dusted her shoulders with her hands. Semenya did not speak to reporters after the race or attend a news conference.

About three weeks ago, the international federation asked South African track and field authorities to conduct the verification test. Semenya had burst onto the scene by posting a world-leading time of 1:56.72 at the African junior championships in Maruitius.

Her dramatic improvement in times, muscular build and deep voice sparked speculation about her gender. Ideally, any dispute surrounding an athlete is dealt with before a major competition. But Semenya’s stunning rise from unknown teenage runner to the favorite in the 800 happened almost overnight. That meant the gender test—which takes several weeks—could not be completed in time.

Before the race, IAAF spokesman Nick Davies stressed this is a “medical issue, not an issue of cheating.” He said the “extremely complex” testing has begun. The process requires a physical medical evaluation and includes reports from a gynecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, internal medicine specialist and gender expert.

Source>>>

Underwear Show Including Sean Jean

2009-08-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

Barney Frank Reads Woman At Health Care Forum

2009-08-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

Ellen - Should Oprah Quit TV?

2009-08-15T00:29:00.000-07:00

Nelly Featuring Pharell "Let it Go"

2009-08-14T22:58:00.000-07:00

11 Year Old Damon Weaver Interviews Obama

2009-08-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee - What Were You Thinking?

2009-08-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

What was Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee thinking?

On CNN today, she totally avoided Rick Sanchez's direct question "Why were you on the phone?" She went on to say that she was seeking information for the town hall meeting that she was in.

Congresswoman Jackson, when you are the guest speaker, (Barring a national or family emergency)talking on your cell phone while a constituent is asking a question is flat out inappropriate.

Is this her way of selling Obama's healthcare reform plan to the people?
This is bizarre behavior from a person who is supposed to be politically savvy.

The congresswoman needs to admit that it was wrong and move on before this thing blows up in her face even more.

Joe

Man Faces 6 Months In Jail For Yawning

2009-08-13T11:14:00.001-07:00

Drowsy spectators in one suburban Chicago courtroom might want to stifle their yawns from now on. Clifton Williams, 33, of Richton Park, is facing six months in jail for making what court documents call a yawn-like sound in Will County Judge Daniel Rozak’s court last month. The yawn happened as Williams’ cousin, Jason Mayfield, was being sentenced for a drug charge on July 23.

Rozak found Williams in contempt of court and sentenced him to six months in jail. However, Rozak could free Williams after a status hearing Thursday, if Williams apologizes and the judge accepts. By then, Williams will have served 21 days.

Witnesses disagree about whether Williams’ yawn was out of line.

Charles Pelkie, spokesman for the Will County state’s attorney’s office, said the prosecutor in the courtroom at the time told him that what came out of Williams’ mouth could hardly be called a “yawn.”

“This was a very loud, boisterous, deliberate attempt on the part of this individual to disrupt the proceedings and show disrespect to the court,” Pelkie said. “It was not a guy who involuntarily yawned. This guy was making a statement — a very loud statement — in court.”

Mayfield disagreed, saying it was “not an outrageous yawn.” Williams has written his family to say that he can’t believe he’s in jail “for nothing.”

A message left for Rozak Tuesday was not immediately returned.

Six months is the maximum sentence judges can give for criminal contempt without a jury trial.

Source>>>

WHITE GAY HYPOCRISY...KARMA IS A BITCH

2009-08-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

The Advocate is talkin shit again, complaining about what Barack Obama is or isn’t doing.

Didn't Obama, just the other day recognize Harvey Milk's contributions to the Civil Rights Movement & Billy Jean King's contributions to society?(see posting below).
Which other president has made a gesture to the gay community such as this?

Civil Rights for all is the obvious right thing to do for the gay community and all Americans. However, when will white gay people, who exhibit some of the most racist and elitist behavior of any group, stop acting like their heterosexual white counterparts when it comes to issues of race in the gay community?

In cities across America, particularly in San Francisco, white gay people continue to treat African American LGBTQ people like 3rd class citizens in the struggle for social and economic equality. Which is ironic since our African American ancestors as an enslaved and then oppressed minority established the foundation for the gay civil rights movement of today.

Face it, most gay white people never wanted Obama in the White House, they wanted Hillary!

There is a famous line in the movie "The Color Purple" where actress Whoopie Goldberg (Celie) turns to her oppressor and says..."Until You Do Right By Me, Everything You Even Think About Will Fail."

How can you (white gays) ask for that which you don't display toward gay people of color?

Karma is a bitch...

Joe Hawkins
Cuppa Joe

Angry white man snatches 'Rosa Parks' sign from black woman at town hall meeting

2009-08-13T09:44:00.000-07:00

If there was any doubt that race is playing a role in the town hall confrontations taking place in recent weeks, a new video demonstrates exactly how racially polarized the debate has become.

A provocative scene shown on the news Tuesday night featured a black woman being escorted from a town hall meeting in Missouri held by Senator Claire McCaskill. The clip on the news showed the black woman hauled off by the police, which seemed to indicate the black woman was angry at something being said.

Most of the town hall participants and angry protesters in recent weeks have been white, so the image was a bit unusual. But a new video released on YouTube puts yesterday's news clip in context. The black woman, identified later as Maxine Johnson, had just been attacked by a white man, who walked up from his seat in the bleachers and yanked away a sign the black woman was holding that depicted civil rights icon Rosa Parks.

As the black woman was showing the sign to a news photographer who asked to see it, the white man, identified by the local press as 67-year-old James Winfrey, walked over and grabbed the black woman's sign and stole it from her. The mostly white audience cheered when the man returned to his seat and ripped up the sign. (Editor's Note: From the video, the white person appears to be a woman but the commentary from the YouTube poster and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch story indicate the white person was a man.)

When the black woman got up and walked over to get her sign back, the police intervened and separated the two. But the part that was shown on most television stories only depicted the black woman being carried away by police.
Source>>>

Harvey Milk, Sidney Poitier among Obama's Medal of Freedom recipients

2009-08-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

President Obama has named the 16 recipients of the Medal of Freedom. All honorees were chosen for doing their part to be “agents of change.”

In addition to pioneering gay rights activist Harvey Milk and veteran actor Sidney Poitier, Obama selected American civil-rights activist the Rev. Joseph Lowery, South African freedom fighter Desmond Tutu, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, tennis star Billie Jean King, retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, Republican Congressman Jack Kemp and singer Chita Rivera.
Source>>

Oakland California taxes weed to escape deficit

2009-08-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Against the backdrop of budget deficits across the Golden State, the Californian city of Oakland votes yes to a proposal to tax the sale of medical marijuana.

Nearly 80 percent of Oakland voters endorsed the idea to make the city the first in the United States to impose taxes on medical marijuana proceeds.

To celebrate the approval, supporters hand-rolled marijuana cigarettes at Oaksterdam University where some students train to work in the marijuana industry.

Cannabis is California's biggest cash crop. It is valued at $14 billion annually.

"It is important because the city of Oakland is facing a massive deficit like many jurisdictions in California," CNN quoted Steve DeAngelo, a leader of one of the city's cannabis clubs, as saying. "And we decided to step up to the plate and make a contribution to the city in a time of need."

Some anti-drug fighters say the tax measure sends the wrong message. The City Council in Oakland, however, has a different opinion.

"Given that the medical cannabis dispensaries are something that was legalized in California, why not have revenue from it?" said councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan.

The new measure places a 1.8 percent gross receipts tax on the four licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Oakland.

The endorsement comes after Democrat Tom Ammiano earlier this year introduced a bill that if approved, would allow the recreational use of marijuana in the state of California.

Under the bill, people of over 21 years of age would be able to grow, buy, sell and possess cannabis

Source>>>

Oprah's $1 trillion lawsuit dismissed

2009-08-11T11:51:00.000-07:00

Oprah Winfrey has fired back at reports an author is suing her for plagiarism, insisting she only found out about the $1 trillion lawsuit after a judge dismissed it.

A U.S. tabloid last week (ends07Aug09) alleged the TV mogul was being sued by author Damon Lloyd Goffe, who claimed her internet-published work Pieces of My Soul copied his book A Tome of Poetry.

The National Enquirer claimed to have access to the lawsuit Goffe filed at the District of Columbia Court on 31 July (09), in which he alleged Winfrey admitted to the alleged plagiarism.

The talk show host was left stunned by the claims. Her spokesperson tells WENN, "We were never served with this lawsuit, but we've been informed that the judge dismissed it."
Source>>>

Jennifer Hudson Gives Birth To Baby Boy

2009-08-11T11:44:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK — Jennifer Hudson has a new role — that of a proud mother.

The 27-year-old Oscar winner gave birth to her first child, David Daniel Otunga Jr., on Monday, according to her publicist, Lisa Kasteler of WKT Public Relations. He is named after her fiance, David Otunga. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces.

"The baby is beautiful and perfect," says Hudson's publicist Lisa Kasteler. "His parents are ecstatic."

Hudson, who is also a Grammy-winning singer, had not confirmed she was expecting before announcing news of the birth.

The entertainer suffered a tragic blow last fall when her mother, brother and nephew were slain in her native Chicago. Her sister's estranged husband is charged with the killings.

Hudson, who gained fame first as a top contender on "American Idol," won an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Effie in "Dreamgirls" in 2007. Earlier this year, she won a Grammy for best R&B album for her self-titled debut CD.

The birth was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter's Showbiz411.com.

On the Net:
www.jenniferhudson.com

Did This Criminal Deserve This?

2009-08-10T10:11:00.001-07:00

Barack Obama faces 30 death threats a day, stretching US Secret Service

2009-08-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

US President Barack Obama is the target of more than 30 potential death threats a day and is being protected by an increasingly over-stretched and under-resourced Secret Service, according to a new book.

Since Mr Obama took office, the rate of threats against the president has increased 400 per cent from the 3,000 a year or so under President George W. Bush, according to Ronald Kessler, author of In the President's Secret Service.

Some threats to Mr Obama, whose Secret Service codename is Renegade, have been publicised, including an alleged plot by white supremacists in Tennessee late last year to rob a gun store, shoot 88 black people, decapitate another 14 and then assassinate the first black president in American history.
Source>>>

Oakland 2009 Black LGBT Film Festival Cancelled

2009-08-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

It is with much disappointment that we inform the community that this year's annual Oakland Black LGBT film festival that was scheduled to take place August 13-17, has been cancelled.

In March we learned from the Speakeasy Theaters owners that they would be going out of business at the Parkway Theater location (see video below). As we scrambled to find new theaters, we were told by the then owners of the Parkway that they were now operating out of the Cerrito theater in El Cerrito (close to Oakland). We took a look at the new space (which was very nice) and decided to move forward with a plan to temporarily move the festival to the Cerrito location.

We then were abruptly notified by the owners that the Cerrito was also closing its doors. (see this link for complete article in East Bay Express about what happened).

Rather than try again to scramble to find another theater, we decided to cancel this year's festival and focus on producing another quality film festival next year.

We appreciate your past support and look forward to your support at our 7th Festival in 2010.

Thank you,
Debra Wilson
Joe Hawkins

FAREWELL PARKWAY - 2009 @ Yahoo! Video

Blatino Erotica Winner Eddie Diaz Far East Fantasy

2009-08-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

Official Cause Of Death E. Lynn Harris

2009-08-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - A coroner's official says heart disease, complicated by high blood pressure and a hardening of the arteries, is what killed author E. Lynn Harris last week.

County coroner Craig Harvey said Wednesday that the 54-year-old died of natural causes. Harris died July 23 while visiting Los Angeles to promote his latest book.
source>>>

HAPPY 48TH BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT

2009-08-04T11:20:00.000-07:00

Click here for article .

Transgender mayor's clothes spur complaint

2009-08-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

Silverton Mayor Stu Rasmussen's clothing choices are at the center of a formal complaint filed Friday with the city council president.

His appearance at a recent youth leadership training event spurred the complaint, filed by Silverton Together Director Brenda Sturdevant. She said the mayor's attire was in violation of the city council dress code.

Sturdevant said Rasmussen's attire, "high heels, a very short skirt and some sort of halter top revealing much of his bosom, shoulders and back," was inappropriate.

"This puts Silverton Together in a position that will be difficult to defend when we have sent our youth home on various occasions to change into something more appropriate," she said. "I expect our public leaders to follow the same guidelines that we have for our youth."

Rasmussen, deemed the nation's first openly transgender mayor, is a member of Silverton Together's Board of Directors and was invited to speak with the youths, ages 12-17.

Rasmussen said he was surprised by the complaint and initially thought it was a hoax. But when a retraction did not follow, he opted to write a rebuttal.

He noted the description of Silverton Together's annual "Celebration of Cultures" and its goal to raise awareness of diversity.

"It is surprising and disappointing that an organization chartered to promote diversity and cultural understanding would take a public position of intolerance," Rasmussen said.

Source>>>

BiG Daddy Kane Ain't no Half Steppin

2009-08-02T23:49:00.000-07:00

Apollonia 6 sex shooter

2009-08-02T23:20:00.001-07:00

En Vogue Recent Interview

2009-07-30T01:42:00.000-07:00

Summer Is Sexy

2009-07-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

Beyonce's Big Ego

2009-07-27T13:08:00.000-07:00

Beyonce - Ego (New)
by Le-Tour-2Lor

Study: HBO leads on TV in showing gay characters

2009-07-27T12:38:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK -HBO scored highest among 15 networks for its representation of gay characters last season, according to a report released Monday.

In its third annual Network Responsibility Index, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation found that of HBO's 14 original prime-time series, 10 included content reflecting the lives of gay, bisexual and transgender people. That totaled 42 percent of the network's programming hours, in series such as "True Blood," "Entourage" and "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency."

By contrast, on NBC and CBS only 8 percent and 5 percent, respectively, of prime-time hours included them, the report said.

For the report, GLAAD reviewed all prime-time programming — totaling 4,901 hours — for inclusion of such characters or issues on the five major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and the CW) from June 1, 2008, to May 31, 2009. The study also examined all original prime-time programming — 1,213 hours — on 10 prominent cable networks. The programming included dramas, comedies, unscripted fare and newsmagazines.

Cable's Showtime ranked second, with 26 percent of its programming hours featuring gay characters or themes. Series included "The L Word," "Weeds" and "The United States of Tara," a new comedy about a family whose teenage son is gay.

ABC got the highest ranking of the five broadcast networks, with 24 percent. It was the second year in a row that ABC led the broadcasters.

Among ABC series, the report cited newlyweds Kevin and Scotty on "Brothers & Sisters," the engagement of Andrew to Dr. Alex Cominis on "Desperate Housewives" and bisexual Dr. Callie Torres on "Grey's Anatomy."

The CW logged 20 percent, and the Fox network 11 percent, the report said.
Among the sampling of cable networks evaluated, TNT showed the largest growth, jumping to 19 percent last season from 1 percent the year before. This was largely thanks to its new drama series, "Raising the Bar," which features gay law clerk Charlie Sagansky as a regular character, GLAAD said.

"Television shows that weave our stories into the fabric of the series present richer, more diverse representations," said Rashad Robinson, GLAAD's senior director of media programs.
In September, GLAAD will release its annual report evaluating gay, bisexual and transgender inclusion, and other diversity, among scripted characters scheduled to appear during the 2009-10 season. Monday's report said TV characters in general are predominantly white, regardless of sexual orientation.
Source>>>

Author E. Lynn Harris dies at age 54

2009-07-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

By JOSH L. DICKEY, AP Entertainment Writer Josh L. Dickey, Ap Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES – E. Lynn Harris, a pioneer of gay black fiction and a literary entrepreneur who rose from self-publishing to best-selling status, has died, his publicist said Friday. He was 54.

Publicist Laura Gilmore said Harris died Thursday night after being stricken at the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills, and a cause of death had not been determined. She said Harris, who lived in Atlanta, fell ill on a train to Los Angeles a few days ago and blacked out for a few minutes, but seemed fine after that.

Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter said only that a man matching Harris' name and date of birth had died Thursday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, which was confirmed by hospital spokeswoman Simi Singer. Gilmore said an autopsy would be performed Monday or Tuesday.

An improbable and inspirational success story, Harris worked for a decade as an IBM executive before taking up writing, selling the novel "Invisible Life" from his car as he visited salons and beauty parlors around Atlanta. He had unprecedented success for an openly gay black author and his strength as a romance writer led some to call him the "male Terry McMillan."

He went on to mainstream success with works such as the novel "Love of My Own" and the memoir "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted."

His writing fell into several genres, including gay and lesbian fiction, African American fiction and urban fiction. But he found success in showing readers a new side of African American life: the secret world of professional, bisexual black men living as heterosexuals.

"He was a pioneering voice within the black LGBT community but also resonated with mainstream communities, regardless of race and sexual orientation," said Herndon Davis, a gay advocate and a diversity media consultant in Los Angeles. "Harris painted with eloquent prose and revealing accuracy the lives of African American men and the many complicated struggles they faced reconciling their sexuality and spirituality while rising above societal taboos within the black community."

Harris published 11 novels, 10 of which were on The New York Times best-seller list. There are over 4 million copies of his books in print, according to his publisher, Doubleday.

"We at Doubleday are deeply shocked and saddened to learn of E. Lynn Harris' death at too young an age," said Doubleday spokeswoman Alison Rich, his longtime publicist. "His pioneering novels and powerful memoir about the black gay experience touched and inspired millions of lives, and he was a gifted storyteller whose books brought delight and encouragement to readers everywhere."

In an interview last year, Harris recalled the first time he realized he was poor, when as a young boy his family was invited to the housewarming of a well-to-do family in his hometown of Fayetteville, Ark. Fresh from an afternoon of playing outside, he tried desperately to tuck his bare, dusty feet underneath the sofa after another guest remarked on his appearance.

"I didn't grow up in the kind of environment that my characters grew up in, or the kind of environment that I live in now," he said. "It was one of the things that I always aspired to."

His 1994 debut, "Invisible Life," was a coming-of-age story that dealt with the then-taboo topic.

"If you were African American and you were gay, you kept your mouth shut and you went on and did what everybody else did," he said. "You had girlfriends, you lived a life that your parents had dreamed for you."

Harris was not living as an openly gay man when "Invisible Life" was published, and could not acknowledge the parallels between himself and the book.

"People would often ask, 'Is this book about you?' I didn't want to talk about that," he said. "I wasn't comfortable talking about it. I would say that this is a work of fiction."

Harris said that the courage readers got from the book empowered him to be honest about himself. He continued to tell stories dealing with similar issues, to tell black middle class readers about people they knew, but who were living secret lives.

For years, he was alone in exposing the "down low," but the phenomenon exploded into mainstream culture in 2004, a decade after "Invisible Life." That year, J.L. King's "On the Down Low: A Journey Into the Lives of 'Straight' Black Men Who Sleep With Men" hit bookstores and the author appeared on Oprah Winfrey's TV show.

His 10th novel, "Just Too Good to Be True," focused for the first time on a straight relationship, telling the story of a 21-year-old football star, his mother, and his cheerleader love interest. Harris taught writing classes at his alma mater, the University of Arkansas, and leaned on his students there to gather material for the book.

The last book Harris published, "Basketball Jones," focused on a hidden relationship between a successful business professional in New Orleans and an NBA star.

Janis F. Kearney met Harris when the two were among a handful of black journalism students at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The two became fast friends and their relationship deepened as they both evolved into authors. Kearney, who now lives in Little Rock, Ark., recalled Harris' huge heart.

"I've seen him help so many people," Kearney said. "He was very open, very giving, very caring, someone you felt so fortunate to have in your life. He's just one of those people I'll never stop missing."

Source>>>

School Daze - Be Alone Tonight

2009-07-22T12:16:00.001-07:00

Porn actor gets 3-8 years in Pa. rooftop break-ins

2009-07-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

By The Associated Press 07.18.2009 8:00am EDT

(Philadelphia) A porn star who was accused of using a handsaw and an ax to break into stores through their rooftops while his twin brother and occasional co-star acted as a lookout is going to prison for at least three years.

Taleon Goffney, who appeared with his brother in such gay skin flicks as “Marc and the Twins,” was arrested last year after police said they saw the twins breaking into a beauty shop.

He pleaded guilty to two counts each of burglary and criminal conspiracy and was sentenced to three to eight years. Charges including criminal trespass, receiving stolen property and possession of an instrument of crime were dropped in exchange for his pleas.

Goffney, 27, could have faced up to 40 years in prison if convicted after trial.

“Thank you for your lenience in accepting my plea,” Goffney, of Pennsauken, N.J., told a judge in court Wednesday. “These crimes won’t be happening again.”

Goffney’s twin brother, Keyontyli Goffney, also is charged and appeared at Wednesday’s hearing, but it was unclear if he planned to negotiate a plea. He’s due back in court Aug. 6. Neither his lawyer, Gerald Stein, nor Assistant District Attorney Caroline Keating immediately returned telephone calls from The Associated Press on Thursday.

Keating told the Philadelphia Daily News that Taleon Goffney is sure to serve at least the minimum three years due to his prior criminal record. Goffney’s lawyer, Michael F. Gushue, told the newspaper that his client plans to complete his college education while in prison.

“I think he’s had an epiphany,” Gushue said. “He’s a bright young man.”

The brothers have appeared in Internet porn videos under the names Teyon and Keyon, said Erik Schut, of Philadelphia-based video retailer TLA Entertainment Group. They could have had good careers if they hadn’t gotten into trouble, he said in February.

“They are incredibly good-looking, and being identical twins, it’s a novelty,” Schut said then.

In “Marc and the Twins,” the brothers offer to audition for chiseled porn star Marc Williams in a seedy hotel room and are seen rubbing each other’s chests.

Keyontyli Goffney has appeared in porn since at least 2002 and worked as a fashion model, while Taleon Goffney got involved in porn more recently.

Taleon Goffney, who police believe is a trained gymnast and karate expert, has used his athleticism to make several daring escapes.

He was handcuffed in the back of a moving police cruiser after a 2006 drug arrest in Clementon, N.J., when he broke out the glass with his head and jumped into a lake while still handcuffed, police Chief Dave Kunkel said.

“He swam across like Flipper, taunting the officers, saying, ‘You’ll never catch me,’” Kunkel told the Daily News for a story in February.

He turned himself in a week later.

In January 2007, he jumped 30 feet from the roof of a Camden, N.J., liquor store and swam across the frigid Cooper River before he was caught, police said.

A defense lawyer, Jeffrey Zucker, said Goffney “should have signed up for the Olympics” and referred to him as Spider-Man.

Gay hatred in Jamaica

2009-07-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

By The Associated Press07.20.2009 1:21pm EDT

(Kingston, Jamaica) Even now, about three years after a near-fatal gay bashing, Sherman gets jittery at dusk. On bad days, his blood quickens, his eyes dart, and he seeks refuge indoors.

A group of men kicked him and slashed him with knives for being a “batty boy” - a slang term for gay men - after he left a party before dawn in October 2006. They sliced his throat, torso, and back, hissed anti-gay epithets, and left him for dead on a Kingston corner.

“It gets like five, six o’clock, my heart begins to race. I just need to go home, I start to get nervous,” said the 36-year-old outside the secret office of Jamaica’s sole gay rights group. Like many other gays, Sherman won’t give his full name for fear of retribution.

Despite the easygoing image propagated by tourist boards, gays and their advocates agree that Jamaica is by far the most hostile island toward homosexuals in the already conservative Caribbean. They say gays, especially those in poor communities, suffer frequent abuse. But they have little recourse because of rampant anti-gay stigma and a sodomy law banning sex between men in Jamaica and 10 other former British colonies in the Caribbean.

It is impossible to say just how common gay bashing attacks like the one against Sherman are in Jamaica - their tormentors are sometimes the police themselves. But many homosexuals in Jamaica say homophobia is pervasive across the sun-soaked island, from the pulpit to the floor of the Parliament.

Hostility toward gays has reached such a level that four months ago, gay advocates in New York City launched a short-lived boycott against Jamaica at the site of the Stonewall Inn, where demonstrations launched the gay-rights movement in 1969. In its 2008 report, the U.S. State Department also notes that gays have faced death and arson threats, and are hesitant to report incidents against them because of fear.

For gays, the reality of this enduring hostility is loneliness and fear, and sometimes even murder.

Andrew, a 36-year-old volunteer for an AIDS education program, said he was driven from the island after his ex-lover was killed for being gay - which police said was just a robbery gone wrong. He moved to the U.K. for several years, but returned to Jamaica in 2008 for personal reasons he declined to disclose.

“I’m living in fear on a day-to-day basis,” he said softly during a recent interview in Kingston. “In the community where my ex-lover was killed, people will say to me when I’m passing on the street, they will make remarks like ‘boom-boom-boom’ or ‘batty boy fi dead.’ I don’t feel free walking on the streets.”

Many in this highly Christian nation perceive homosexuality as a sin, and insist violence against gays is blown out of proportion by gay activists. Some say Jamaica tolerates homosexuality as long as it is not advertised - a tropical version of former President Bill Clinton’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy for the U.S. military.

Jamaica’s most prominent evangelical pastor, Bishop Herro Blair, said he sympathizes with those who face intolerance, but that homosexuals themselves are actually behind most of the attacks reported against them.

“Among themselves, homosexuals are extremely jealous,” said Blair during a recent interview. “But some of them do cause a reaction by their own behaviors, for, in many people’s opinions, homosexuality is distasteful.”

Other church leaders have accused gays of flaunting their behavior to “recruit” youngsters, or called for them to undergo “redemptive work” to break free of their sexual orientation.

Perhaps playing to anti-gay constituents, politicians routinely rail against homosexuals. During a parliamentary session in February, lawmaker Ernest Smith of the ruling Jamaica Labor Party stressed that gays were “brazen,” “abusive,” and “violent,” and expressed anxiety that the police force was “overrun by homosexuals.”

A few weeks later, Prime Minister Bruce Golding described gay advocates as “perhaps the most organized lobby in the world” and vowed to keep Jamaica’s “buggery law” - punishable by 10 years - on the books. During a BBC interview last year, Golding vowed to never allow gays in his Cabinet.

The dread of homosexuality is so all-encompassing that many Jamaican men refuse to get digital rectal examinations for prostate cancer, even those whose disease is advanced, said Dr. Trevor Tulloch of St. Andrews Hospital.

“Because it is a homophobic society, there’s such a fear of the sexual implications of having the exam that men won’t seek out help,” said Tulloch, adding Jamaica has a soaring rate of prostate cancer because men won’t be screened.

The anti-gay sentiment on this island of 2.8 million has perhaps become best known through Jamaican “dancehall,” a rap-reggae music hybrid that often has raunchy, violent themes. Some reggae rappers, including Bounty Killer and Elephant Man, depend on gay-bashing songs to rouse concert-goers.

“It stirs up the crowd to a degree that many performers feel they have to come up with an anti-gay song to incite the audience,” said Barry Chevannes, a professor of social anthropology at the University of the West Indies.

Brooklyn-based writer Staceyann Chin, a lesbian who fled her Caribbean homeland for New York more than a decade ago, stressed that violence in Jamaica is high - there were 1,611 killings last year, about 10 times more than the U.S. rate relative to population - but that it is “extraordinarily” high against gays.

“The macho ideal is celebrated, praised in Jamaica, while homosexuality is paralleled with pedophilia, rapists,” Chin said. “Markers that other people perceive as gay - they walk a certain way, wear tight pants, or are overly friendly with a male friend - make them targets. It’s a little pressure cooker waiting to pop.”

In 1996, when she was 20, Chin came out as lesbian on the Kingston UWI campus. She said she was ostracized by her peers, and one day was herded into a campus bathroom by a group of male students, who ripped off her clothes and sexually assaulted her.

“They told me what God wanted from me, that God made women to enjoy sex with men,” recalled Chin, a poet, performer and lecturer who closes her just-published memoir “The Other Side of Paradise” with her searing account of the attack.

Even in New York City, anti-gay Jamaican bigots sent her hate-filled e-mails after a 2007 appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s TV talk show to discuss homosexuality.

Chin said she doesn’t know if she would have the courage to come out now as a lesbian in Jamaica.

“The tensions are higher now. People are feeling very much that they have to declare camps,” she said.

Jamaican nationalism has always been tied in deeply with bugbears about masculinity, making for a “potent brew” where those who violate accepted standards of manliness are easy targets, said Scott Long of Human Rights Watch.

Long, head of a gay rights program at the New York-based group, pointed out that most other English-speaking islands in the region have tiny populations, where gays don’t come out and visible activism is limited.

“(But) what stands out about Jamaica is how absolutely, head-in-the-sand unwilling the authorities have been for years to acknowledge or address homophobic violence,” he said. “Most notably, three successive governments have completely, utterly, publicly refused even to talk about changing the buggery law - which expressly consigns gay people to second-class citizens and paints targets on their backs.”

Prominent Jamaican political activist Yvonne McCalla Sobers noted that social standing still protects gay islanders, especially in Kingston, where a quest for privacy and the fear of crime has driven many to live behind gated walls with key pad entry systems, 24-hour security and closed-circuit television monitoring. People with power and money who are not obviously gay are often protected, she said.

“My thought is there are far more men having sex with men in this country than you would ever think is happening,” Sobers said.

Many gays from poorer areas in Jamaica say they congregate in private to find safety and companionship. Once a month, they have underground church services at revolving locations across the island.

Sherman, meanwhile, is simply trying to move on with his life. But he said he will always remember how, after his attack, patrolmen roughly lifted his bloodied body out of their squad car when a man admonished them for aiding a “batty boy.” A woman shamed them into driving him to a hospital; they stuffed him in the car’s trunk.

“Being gay in Jamaica, it’s like, don’t tell anybody. Just keep it to yourself,” he said evenly, with a half smile.

Chris Brown...I AM SORRY

2009-07-21T21:08:00.001-07:00

Republican Racist Attacks on Obama's Continue

2009-07-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Racism is alive and well in the far right of the Republican Party.
A public attack on children is never right, no matter your disagreement with their parents. This goes for the Palin family as well as the Obama. (Also see racist republican facebook posting)

Do all white families know or care how much pain this kind of racism causes children, and how much anguish their parents feel for their young ones? Do they care?

This is from to Leonora Epstein in theThe Frisky: "But it would seem that Malia’s wardrobe choice wasn’t so informed so much by style, but rather political agenda, because the 11-year-old wore a peace sign shirt on two different occasions. (Props for fearlessly repeating styles.)
Unfortunately, some saw Malia’s shirt as an opportunity to vent hate, and in some cases, extreme racism.

After the photo was posted on a conservative blog called “Free Republic,” commenters went wild: “A typical street whore.” “A bunch of ghetto thugs.” “Ghetto street trash.” “Wonder when she will get her first abortion.” These hateful accusations appear to be the completely random, wild rantings of people with some serious amounts of pent-up rage. "

What is going on in the mind of someone to read all of that into what an eleven year old girl chooses to wear. She is an American girl, she has the right to wear whatever she wants. The implosion of the Republican party is increasing at a disarming rate.

Apparently the sign before the hippies took it over was the sign for nuclear disarmament. And, who would be for that? If you believe them an eleven year old has no business advocating such things. She is not even supposed to know about such things at her age. Shame on Malia for being so smart. Wonder if she gets it from her father.

The horrible reality is so many feel comfortable venting sheer hatred against "colored" people no matter what their age or status. I suppose you could call that some sort of equality. But, not one that any sane person would want.

Source>>>

Whitney Houston Unveils Album Art for "I Look To You"

2009-07-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

How Often Are Men Raped In U.S. Prisons?

2009-07-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Prison rape commonly refers to the rape of inmates in prison by other inmates or prison staff. Corrections officers and other staff have also been targeted and have become victims of rape by prison inmates.

According to Human Rights Watch, at least 140,000 inmates are raped in the US each year, and there is a significant variation in the rates of prison rape by race. Stop Prisoner Rape, Inc. statistics indicate that there are more men raped in U.S. prisons than non-incarcerated women similarly assaulted.

They estimate that young men are five times more likely to be attacked; and that the prison rape victims are ten times more likely to contract a deadly disease.

According to the study conducted by the United States Department of Justice for the year 2006, there were 2,205 allegations of inmate-on-inmate nonconsensual sexual acts reported, total, in the U.S. prison system. 262 of the allegations were substantiated.

In 2003, the U.S. Congress passed the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003, Public Law 108-79, now codified 45 U.S.C. 15601 to 15609.

It would also be interesting to learn how many men are raped among the civilian population.

For more on these findings>>>

Book claims Michael Jackson gay

2009-07-13T20:43:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson had an "insatiable" appetite for gay sex, it has been claimed.

The late Beat It singer's unofficial biographer Ian Halperin claims to have spoken to two of the star's male lovers, including an actor named only as Lawrence.

Lawrence told the author: "He was very shy. But when he started to have sex, he was insatiable."

According to Halperin - who makes the allegations in his book 'Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson' - "virtually everyone" around the singer knew he was gay and he used to meet lovers in a run-down motel dressed as a woman.

One alleged lover said: "The very first time he had sex with me he said, 'The King of Pop's going to lick your lollipop.' I still laugh thinking about that."

Jackson moved to Los Angeles in 2007 and barely left his home, except to meet one of his lovers for secret liaisons.

A source told Halperin: "He met a construction worker and fell madly in love with him. Michael would leave the house in disguise, often dressed as a woman, and would go to meet his boyfriend at a motel that was one of Vegas' grungiest dives. Michael was broke. He struggled to put food on the table for his children. It was all he could afford then."

Complete story>>>

Stockholm Tribute To Michael Jackson

2009-07-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Murder Of Black Gay Soldier Prompts High Level Concern

2009-07-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

Very disturbing developments in the case of August Provost, the 29-year-old black gay sailor found dead at Camp Pendleton. A Southern California congressman confirms the deceased was gay and killed in a horrific manner, and is calling for congressional and Defense Department investigations.

Complete story at rod2.o

BOTTOMS UP - ANAL SEX 101

2009-07-09T18:01:00.001-07:00

Anal sex can be a pleasurable experience for gay/bi men, but there are a few things you should know before having anal sex and a few tips to help ease the pain.

Know how the anus works:

The anus is the opening at the end of the colon which controls the passage of waste. Waste passes through the small intestines to your colon, then your rectum and finally out the anus. The opening and closing of the anus is controlled by the internal and external sphincter muscles (the most important muscles when engaging in anal sex). The sphincter muscle is a sensitive membrane with many nerve endings and thus the source of pleasure or pain.

What makes you tense? What are your limits? Stop if you feel uncomfortable, experience pain or bleeding. The more you both know about your bodies, the better your anal sex experience.

Practice good hygiene:

Many gay/bi men shy away from anal sex because of the possible hygiene problems. Maintaining proper hygiene is not only important for an enjoyable anal sex experience, but your health as well. Cleaning can be overdone, however. Be careful with over the counter internal cleansing products. They contain harsh ingredients not formulated for the anus. Also, avoid over wiping as this can cause irritation and bleeding. Baby wipes also contain perfumes that can irritate the skin. To properly clean, use pre-moistened adult wipes, like Charmin Fresh Mates or Kleenex Cottonelle Flushable Wipes.

Beware of the dangers of STD's:

The anus is a thin membrane and therefore a hot bed for sexually transmitted diseases. HIV and other STD's can easily enter the bloodstream, especially when there are abrasions or tears in the anus. Having a thin membrane between your bloodstream and your partner's bodily fluids is what makes bareback sex so dangerous. Always use a condom and practice safer sex.

Dispel anal sex myths:

Many gay/bi men avoid seeking medical attention because they feel if they've had anal sex the doctor can immediately tell. Yes, the anus is stretched after anal sex, but it returns to normal soon after. If you think something may be wrong with your anus, see a gay-affirmative doctor.

Teachers Response To Horse Play

2009-07-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

The Jackson Women

2009-07-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Marcus Patrick

2009-07-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

Sarah Palin Resigns As Governor of Alaska

2009-07-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Gov. Sarah Palin announced Friday that she will step down as Alaska's chief executive by the end of the month. She will not seek election to a second gubernatorial term in 2010.

As the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, Palin had been considered one of the front-runners for the GOP nomination in 2012.
"People who know me know that besides faith and family, nothing's more important to me than our beloved Alaska," Palin said at an announcement from her home in Wasilla. "Serving her people is the greatest honor I could imagine."
Palin was elected governor in 2006. She was tapped as Arizona Sen. John McCain's vice presidential running mate last year.

complete story>>>

LA Black Pride OPULENT Hollywood Mansion Party July 4th

2009-07-03T00:46:00.000-07:00

Click Here For Details

Chip Reid and Helen Thomas take Robert Gibbs to task

2009-07-02T20:20:00.001-07:00

Michael's Will

2009-07-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson's 7-year-old will was filed Wednesday in a Los Angeles court, giving his entire estate to a family trust and cutting out his former wife Debbie Rowe.

The will, dated July 7, 2002, estimated his estate at that time at more than $500 million.
It names his mother, Katherine Jackson, as a beneficiary of the trust and the guardian of Jackson's children, who are named in the will.

It also names entertainer Diana Ross as a successor guardian for the children and

One of Jackson's most lucrative assets is his stake in the massive Sony-ATV Music Publishing Catalog, which includes music by the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Lady Gaga and the Jonas Brothers, and is estimated to be worth as much as $2 billion.

Jackson's longtime lawyer John Branca and John McClain, a music executive and a family friend, are named in the will as co-executors.

complete story>>>

SF Pink Triangle Fire An Arson, Investigators Say

2009-06-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / KCBS / BCN) ―

(6/29/2009) San Francisco fire officials said Monday that the weekend burning of "The Pink Triangle," a large fabric triangle, spread on the Twin Peaks hillside during the city's gay pride celebration each year, was arson.

"Officially it is an intentionally set fire," said fire department spokeswoman Lt. Mindy Talmadge."There is an active criminal investigation," she added, but said no arrests had been made as of Monday evening.

Talmadge declined to indicate how the fire was believed to have been set, citing the ongoing investigation.The early Sunday morning fire was reported around 5 a.m. near Christmas Tree Point Road.It burned about 25 to 30 feet of the massive Pink Triangle before being extinguished about a half-hour later.

The triangle, which has been displayed during the Pride Parade in San Francisco each year since 1995, pays tribute to the gay victims of the Holocaust and others who have suffered discrimination.

Source>>>

My Grand Marshall Album From SF Pride 2009

2009-06-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Waving to the over 1 million people who attended SF Pride 09
Great workout!

San Francisco City Hall recognizing the Grand Marshalls

Me with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsome

Me with my friend and veteran Deputy DA Paul Henderson who is head
of Admin under San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris.

Me and Ongina of Ru Paul's DRAG RACE

Me and two of my fellow gay military service members
Lt Dan Choi & gay Iraqi war veteran and
California congressional candidate Anthony Woods

Me moving a crowd of thousands @ The Hip Hop Stage!

My Grand Marshall Jeep

Egpyt & Craig.....NOW THAT's WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR!!

Actor Darryl Stephens & California Senator Mark Leno

Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshall Bill Beasley

Alvin, thanks to you and your wonderful friend for holding the clubrimshot.com banner
high and taught!....Did I tell you two looked like twins?

MORE GREAT PICTURES TO COME!!

Michael Is Gone....1958-2009

2009-06-26T00:18:00.000-07:00

Census to count gay couples

2009-06-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

It has been widely reported in the last few days that "the White House said" it was going to start counting same-sex married couples in the U.S. census. Although it's hard to pin down just exactly who in the White House said exactly what, the news is apparently true and it's a big deal to many in the LGBT community. Numbers count in Washington – they justify programs, illustrate the need for certain bills, and give a sense of size for a particular voting bloc. And they can counter a general tendency toward simply ignoring the existence of gays. Complete story here>>>

'Charlie's Angel' Farrah Fawcett dies at 62

2009-06-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES – Farrah Fawcett, whose luxurious tresses and blinding smile helped redefine sex appeal in the 1970s as one of TV's "Charlie's Angels," died Thursday after battling cancer. She was 62.

The pop icon, who in the 1980s set aside the fantasy girl image to tackle serious roles, died Thursday shortly before 9:30 a.m. PDT in a Santa Monica hospital, spokesman Paul Bloch said.
She burst on the scene in 1976 as one-third of the crime-fighting trio in TV's "Charlie's Angels." A poster of her in a clingy swimsuit sold in the millions.

She left the show after one season but had a flop on the big screen with "Somebody Killed Her Husband." She turned to more serious roles in the 1980s and 1990s, winning praise playing an abused wife in "The Burning Bed."

Source>>>

Transformers’ Racist “Little Black Sambots”

2009-06-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Kevin Clark at The Urban Daily saw this movie and said he was disturbed by the Sambots, robot Sambos who epitomized negative stereotypes of African Americans. Here’s his review.
From UGO.com

One should expect explosions and cleavage in a Michael Bay film, but should one expect the perpetuation of racial stereotypes?

If you snoop around movie sites today, you’ll find references to Mudflap and Skids, twin Autobots from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen who bear more than a passing resemblance to minstrel show depictions of African Americans. CHUD.com aptly dubbed them Little Black Sambots. The wider story is that Mudflap and Skids are just the tip of the insensitive iceberg in Bay’s newest film. Here is a list of what you can expect when you go to see the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Mudflap and Skidz - the aforementioned “from da hood” Autobots with gold teeth, poor grammar, the inability to read (or speak with inside voices) and, final sigh, actual simian features. The voice work (by Spongebob Squarepants’ Tom Kenny) is more of the Howard Stern/Amos & Andy style as opposed to the Chris Rock “daaaaaamn!” variety.
Source>>> also, see video clip below.

Africans Crowd The Bottom of The Life Expectancy List

2009-06-24T23:59:00.001-07:00

According to the CIA's world fact book, more people of African Descent around the world and particularly in Africa live shorter lives when compared to other ethnic groups.

In some African nations the life expectancy is only 31 years. While Asian nations fare far better with life expectancy well into the 80's.

It is also a known fact that the U.S. spends more on health care than any other country but according to the CIA world fact book (out of 224 nations) it ranks only 50 (78.11 years) in life expectancy.

And according to the Census Bureau and domestic numbers from the National Center for Health Statistics, Black Americans have an average life expectancy of 73.3 years, five years shorter than white Americans. Black American males have a life expectancy of 69.8 years, slightly longer than the averages for Iran and Syria and slightly shorter than in Nicaragua and Morocco.

Source>>>

Black Church Exorcism Caught On Tape

2009-06-24T21:50:00.000-07:00

Years ago (circa 1989), I was invited to a church by a straight "friend" who told the pastor before I arrived that I am gay and was unexpectedly subjected to a similiar situation where I was ambushed by the pastor and his disciples of hate and I eventually and literally, had to twist the pastors arm to escape.

I just remember walking to my car with tears in my eyes. It was years before I went into a church again and even to this day, when I am in church, I often cry when I think of how humiliated I felt about what happened to me on that day.
See my posting "GOD HATES FAGS" by clicking here.

Beyonce Makes Forbes Top 3 Earning Musicians List

2009-06-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

You'll have to forgive Madonna, Celine Dion, and Beyonce Knowles if that question shows up on their full, rich lips today, as the three superstar entertainers have given new meaning to the term "well-(high)heeled."

Forbes has just released its list of the top-earning musicians of the last 12 months (June '08-June '09), and according to the business mag's data, which estimates total income generated by recording sales, song publishing, concert tours, and endorsement deals, the top three slots in all of musicdom's money-making this past year go to the three aforementioned divas, with estimated hauls of $110 million (Madonna), $100 million (Dion), and $87 million (Knowles).
Source>>>

SF PRIDE THIS WEEKEND 2 PARTIES IN TWO CITIES

2009-06-24T21:48:00.001-07:00

Join me this Saturday and Sunday as I produce two Grand, Grand Marshall Parties for SF Pride. One on Saturday in Oakland at the Vibe Lounge with a free reception from 8pm-9:30pm and the other on Sunday, directly after the pride festival at 6pm in San Francisco at Pink Diamonds Strip Club. Click here for SF Pride stage and party info. Plus check out these two arial videos of the two cities by the Bay!

For those unfamiliar with the Bay Area, Oakland is about 15 minutes from San Francisco by car or subway and both easily seen across the Bay from one another...kind of like Manhattan and Brooklyn. Enjoy!

SAN FRANCISCO

OAKLAND

Madea Goes Old School

2009-06-18T01:44:00.001-07:00

Same Sex Partners To Get Federal Benefits

2009-06-17T00:28:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama, under growing criticism for not seeking to end the ban on openly gay men and women in the military, is extending benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.

Obama plans to announce his decision on Wednesday in the Oval Office, a White House official said Tuesday. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the president hadn't yet signed the presidential memorandum.
The official said Obama would release more details on Wednesday.
Complete story here>>>

Beauty Salon Beatdown In Oakland

2009-06-16T23:59:00.000-07:00

See back story by clicking here

Is Whitney Back?

2009-06-08T14:33:00.001-07:00

( New York, NY – June 4, 2009) Whitney Houston’s new album will be released worldwide September 1, 2009 on Arista Records. This is Whitney’s 7th studio album. Since her 1985 self-titled debut, she has built an illustrious career that has generated over 170 million combined worldwide sales of albums, singles and videos. Cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as music’s “most awarded female artist of all time,” with an unsurpassed tally of 411 awards, inclusive of 6 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, 23 American Music Awards and 16 Billboard Music Awards…Houston remains a singular force in music today.

Click here for more information and be sure to visit http://www.whitneyhouston.com/ regularly for up-to-date album information, exclusive photos and breaking news!

Make Me A Super Model Finale Disappoints....Me

2009-06-04T02:35:00.000-07:00

At long last, it's time to deliver the results. Shockingly, Jonathan is eliminated first followed by my favorite Sandhurst. In the end, it's Branden who walks away with the title and don't think that coming into this as the underdog did anything to diminish that ego of his. Oh no. He still wants the ladies to call him. Sandhurst, you were robbed!
Call me....

Joe

Tiger Woods Dubai Golf Course Delayed

2009-06-04T02:13:00.000-07:00

LONDON, England -- (CNN) -- The construction of the first golf course designed by Tiger Woods, currently being built on the outskirts of Dubai, has been hit by delays.

The "Tiger Woods Dubai" was seen as the Emirate's crowning glory in its bid to become a hub for golf development, after attracting other marquee-name designers including Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Greg Norman to the area.

But CNN has exclusively learned that the official opening of Woods' 18 holes on the Al Ruwaya course, due to be ready by September, will now not take place until at least April.
It is understood that just six holes will be opened in September, three of which were fully grassed in May before the heat of summer, where temperatures often reach 45 degrees Celsius.
The $1 billion project being built by construction company Tatweer includes 197 "palaces, mansions and villas" over an area of 55 million square feet and was launched in 2006 to much fanfare.

Phase one of the project, which includes the golf course, an academy and driving range was due to be completed in the last quarter of this year. The second phase, which includes 360,000 square feet boutique hotel and the gated village is scheduled to be completed by the second or third quarter of 2010.

A spokesperson for the course denied there were any delays. "In terms of the timeline to club opening, we will announce our specific timeline and opening closer to the opening date in conjunction with IMG and Tiger Woods," said the spokesperson.
It is another blow for the Emirate where other projects have been subject to difficulties in recent times. Developers such as Leisurecorp, the company behind the $20 million "Race to Dubai" event have been blighted by falling land prices.

Real estate consultancy Colliers International recently reported property prices in Dubai had plunged 41 percent during the first three months of 2009.
Colliers said prices had fallen as global finance has dried up and job opportunities in Dubai have declined.
Source>>>

This Is What Beyonce's Video Phone Video Should Look Like

2009-06-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

DawgPoundUSA Presents Tyson Kobie at BLATINO OASIS

2009-05-31T12:46:00.000-07:00

As you can imagine our adult film honorees were wheeling and dealing during my event Blatino Oasis earlier this month (see below) in Palm Springs, California and they were also making Porn...Of Course! See the above G-rated intro featuring New Adult Film Star Tyson Kobie and then visit Dawgpoundusa.com for XXX rated version!

Bedside In Palm Springs with Actor Marcus Patrick

2009-05-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Me and Marcus Patrick at Blatino Oasis 2009 in Palm Springs California

MORE BLATINO OASIS PICS 2009

2009-05-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

Good Clean Fun In Palm Springs!
Photo's by Ron Fulcher & Steven Blank of pinkmafiaradio.com

BOOKING RESORT ROOMS NOW FOR 2010
CLICK IMAGE BELOW!

Oprah Winfrey And Tyler Perry Present PRECIOUS

2009-05-22T02:29:00.000-07:00

Starring Monique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz
and introducing Gabourey Sidibe

Gabourey's Audition Tape

PRECIOUS THE MOVIE

Marcus and Me at BLATINO OASIS 2009

2009-05-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for my bedside interview.....

Will Smith Set To Play Egyptian Pharaoh

2009-05-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hollywood has always portrayed the Pharaohs of the African nation of Egypt as white, even though history clearly tells a different story.

Finally a more accurate representation of an Egyptian Pharaoh will be presented on the big screen. Academy-nominated actor and box office powerhouse Will Smith is gearing up for his latest role in the upcoming drama The Last Pharaoh.

Taharqa was a Nubian pharaoh who ruled over Egypt from 690BC to 664 BC, along the way repelling Assyrian invaders and stopped an army from destroying Jerusalem and therefore helped to shape the Western world.

Some say that the title of the film should have been ‘when Ethiopians ran Egypt.’ The 25th Dynsaty (751 - 525 BCE) was an Ethiopian Dynasty, a Dynasty that ruled both Egypt and Nubia, which was also called Ethiopia. The name Ethiopia in the ancient times refers to territories south of ancient Egypt.

This film will help to frame the field of global African and Ethiopian Studies. In addition to the ancient history of Ethiopia (Meroitica and Aksumita Ethiopia), which has a rich intellectual history of Ethiopianism and Neo-Ethiopianism (Rastafrianism) in the African Diaspora, South Africa, West Africa, and the Caribbean and helps us recognize the fact that the ’stretched hands of Ethiopia’ is a global phenomena.

The movie will focus on Taharqa's battle with the Assyrian leader, Esarheddon, and promises to be truly epic.

VANESSA WILLIAMS NEW ALBUM

2009-05-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

The stars of Ugly Betty have all been keeping busy, and Vanessa Williams is no exception. The singer/actress is getting her song back, by releasing The Real Thing, on Concord Records, June 2.

This is her first album in 4 years. It will have an interesting style, as well: a mixture of jazz, samba, salsa, pop and R&B.

"I had been wanting to do a Latin-flavored album since I played a ballroom dancer in the (salsa) movie Dance With Me," Williams says.

Her Ugly Betty schedule will keep Vanessa from touring extensively, but she does plan introduce new music at shows in Atlantic City in May.

I Will Be A Grand Marshall Of San Francisco Pride 2009

2009-05-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Joe Hawkins is a noted Oakland California community activist and organizer who was the first Black gay man to appear on national television on the Oprah Winfrey show in 1989, defending his right to parent his then 7-year-old son.

Joe is co-founder of the East Bay AIDS Walk and is co-producer of the nation’s largest Black LGBT Film Festival and was selected as one of Click Magazine’s top 25 Elite LGBT people in America in Atlanta in 2006.

Mr. Hawkins also owns one of the nation’s first African American gay lifestyle websites (http://www.clubrimshot.com/) and produces the largest black gay men’s events in the northwest.

He is also co-producer of the nation’s only national event celebrating gay erotica and men of African or Latino descent called BLATINO OASIS, held annually in Palm Springs, California.

A military veteran, Mr. Hawkins’ work in the community has been recognized by the White House and has been featured on Good Morning America and in numerous publications to include USA Today and the Wall Street Journal.
______________________________________________________
About San Francisco Pride

This year marks the 39th anniversary of the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade. This year's theme is "In Order to Form a More Perfect Union…," and the event will be held over the weekend of June 27 and 28, 2009. With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and more than a dozen community-run stages and venues, the San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of LGBT people and allies in the nation. The two-day celebration is free and open to all.

The energy reaches a crescendo the last weekend of June. On Saturday close to 150,000 folks will gather at Civic Center for the first day of the two-day celebration! Stages of music, more than 300 exhibitors, great food and drinks are available to enjoy. That same night, 200,000 revelers will pour into the Castro and party into the wee hours of the night.

On Sunday morning, the roar of 500 motorcycles heralds the start of the Pride Parade, a dazzling cavalcade of diversity. The streets are lined 12 people deep as 750,000 people cheer the contingents on. Going on during and after the parade is the second day of the Celebration at Civic Center. More than a dozen community stages entertain the crowds with world famous acts.Come and enjoy the show, culture and experience! If you are visiting from out of town, we suggest you browse our Travel and Hotels page.

http://www.sfpride.org/parade/grandmarshals.html

New Porn Star Ty Kobie Sends Shout Out After BLATINO OASIS

2009-05-12T22:50:00.001-07:00

BLATINO OASIS SOUTHERN CAL MEDIA BLITZ

2009-05-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

In advance of my event in Palm Springs, California, Los Angeles photographer
(and brotha) Steven Williams shoots a memorable photograph and Blatino Oasis is selected as the cover story for 5 major Los Angeles and Southern California based magazines.

My Message To Visitors To Palm Springs California Next Weekend

2009-04-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

Next weekend (May 8-11) our team will launch the 3rd annual Blatino Oasis MEN’s Retreat & Getaway in beautiful, sexy and sunny Palm Springs, California. Our goal is to create a vacation that will transport men away from urban life into a uniquely beautiful and tropical desert oasis resort city unlike any place in the world.

This legendary Hollywood getaway to the stars is just a short drive from Los Angeles and boasts 350 days each year of sunshine and the highest concentration of gay/bisexual people in America.

With all of the challenges that our nation is facing from the ongoing recession, health issues and location safety, we know how important it is to provide our attendees with a quality, safe and friendly environment for your travel dollars. We are confident that your trip to Palm Springs will be a welcome escape.

We have taken great care to assure that we provide a unique MEN’s event that is upscale, scenic, entertaining, erotic and relaxing .

For those of you who are unable to attend this year, we hope to see you in 2010!
However, If you will be attending this year, you won’t be disappointed.
See you in Palm Springs, California.

Warm Regards,
Joe Hawkins

SELF DESTRUCTION - How Far Have We Come Since 1988

2009-04-29T12:58:00.001-07:00