Sarah & Jennifer
Mary & Hubby
Gail (Oprah's Friend)
Lil Kim (plastic surgery is not working for her)Friday, May 30, 2008
SEX AND THE CITY NYC PREMIERE PICS
Mary & Hubby Gail (Oprah's Friend) Lil Kim (plastic surgery is not working for her)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Duncan Donuts Dunks Rachel Ray Ad
Rediculous but true. Dunkin Donuts has pulled a commercial featuring pitchwoman Rachael Ray wearing a scarf because Michelle Malkin and other conservative observers thought the scarf looked too much like a keffiyeh, what Malkin describes as "the traditional scarf of Arab men that has come to symbolize murderous Palestinian jihad."
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
R. Kelly Trial Full Of Surprise Witnesses
Court adjourned abruptly Wednesday, after R. Kelly's attorneys suggested someone had stepped forward with information that could undermine the testimony of the prosecution's star witness.The newfound defense weapon is flying into Chicago tonight to meet with Kelly's team. It's unclear what insights the man will provide."I have no idea what's going on," Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan said. "It might be the impeachment of the [prosecution's] witness."
Defense attorneys insisted the situation wasn't an 11th-hour attempt to prevent the trial's most controversial witness from taking the stand today. They argued they needed to speak with him before the star witness testifies so they could prepare a proper cross-examination.
Complete story at source here>>>
Flavor Flav’s Shocking Proposal
Flavor Flav is saying “yeah, boy!” to one special lady: the mother of his child. The rapper-turned-reality TV star won’t be romancing any more ladies on Flavor of Love because he proposed to Liz (who wasn’t even a contestant) on the reunion show last night.
And the rapper did it the old-fashioned way, getting down on one knee, to which Liz exclaimed, “Finally!”
Flav’s explanation for the shocking twist? “The best gift you can give your child is to love his mother,” he said.
So it seems Karma—their son—did play a huge
And the rapper did it the old-fashioned way, getting down on one knee, to which Liz exclaimed, “Finally!”
Flav’s explanation for the shocking twist? “The best gift you can give your child is to love his mother,” he said.
So it seems Karma—their son—did play a huge
TV Roundup: Ugly Betty Heading to Broadway?
Ugly Betty may be moving to New York, now it may be heading to Broadway? That’s according to Michael Urie, who plays Wilhelmina’s scheming assistant Marc St. James on the ABC hit. Singing, dancing and all that jazz hands–love it!Story here at source>>>
Anti-Gay Legislator Shares Tirade With Supporters
In an unguarded moment of principled, homophobic bigotry; Sally Kern, a Oklahoma Legislator, delivers a jaw dropping anti-gay tirade to a group reported to be made up of about 50 people. Hear her message to the group in the youtube clip below.
To get involved see Victory Fund or The National Black Justice Coalition.
To get involved see Victory Fund or The National Black Justice Coalition.
CALIFORNIA GAY MARRIAGE - May Begin As Early As June 17
SACRAMENTO – A new poll finds that for the first time in the state's history, a slim majority of voters supports same-sex marriage, which the state Supreme Court declared legal this month.
According to the nonpartisan Field Poll, 51 percent of California registered voters favor allowing same-sex couples to marry, 42 percent are opposed and 7 percent have no opinion.
Support for same-sex marriage has steadily increased during the 30 years that the Field Poll has surveyed voters on the issue. But this is the first time more voters expressed support than opposition.
“This is in many ways a historic poll,” said Field Poll director Mark DiCamillo. “It's a very significant moment.”
The poll also found voters are not inclined to support an amendment to the California Constitution banning same-sex marriage, such as the one targeted for the November ballot. Only 40 percent of those surveyed said they favored such a measure, 54 percent were opposed and 6 percent had no opinion.
The survey showed big differences in opinion on keeping same-sex marriage legal. Supporters include younger voters, Democrats, liberals and residents of Los Angeles or the San Francisco Bay Area. Opposed were older voters, Republicans, conservatives, residents of the Central Valley and Southern California counties besides Los Angeles, including San Diego and Orange counties.
Women and men support allowing same-sex marriage, though men less so. Women are in favor, 53 percent to 39 percent, with 8 percent having no opinion. Support among men is 48 percent to 44 percent, with 8 percent having no opinion.
In 2006, the last Field Poll on the issue, 44 percent approved of same-sex marriage and 50 percent disapproved.
Since then, several things have happened.
In 2007, the Legislature passed for a second time a law approving same-sex marriage, which was again vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. For years, California had already allowed same-sex couples to register in domestic partnerships that confer many of the same rights and responsibilities that go with marriage.Last fall, a gay-rights group, Equality California, conducted a campaign that included television and Internet advertising along with house parties in support of making same-sex marriage legal.
Most significant, the state Supreme Court on May 15 ruled 4-3 that statutes banning same-sex marriage violate the right to marry embodied in the state constitution.
The decision overturned a law passed by the Legislature in 1977 and Proposition 22 approved by 61 percent of California voters in 2000. The ruling made California the second state after Massachusetts to legalize same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriages may begin in the state as early as June 14.
See complete story at source>>>
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Fraud-prevention pitchman becomes ID theft victim
SAN JOSE, California (AP) -- Todd Davis has dared criminals for two years to try stealing his identity: Ads for his fraud-prevention company, LifeLock, even offer his Social Security number next to his smiling mug.
Now, LifeLock customers in Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia are suing Davis, claiming his service didn't work as promised and he knew it wouldn't, because the service had failed even him.
Attorney David Paris said he found records of other people applying for or receiving driver's licenses at least 20 times using Davis' Social Security number, though some of the applications may have been rejected because data in them didn't match what the Social Security Administration had on file.
Davis acknowledged in an interview with The Associated Press that his stunt has led to at least 87 instances in which people have tried to steal his identity, and one succeeded: a guy in Texas who duped an online payday loan operation last year into giving him $500 using Davis' Social Security number.
Now, LifeLock customers in Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia are suing Davis, claiming his service didn't work as promised and he knew it wouldn't, because the service had failed even him.
Attorney David Paris said he found records of other people applying for or receiving driver's licenses at least 20 times using Davis' Social Security number, though some of the applications may have been rejected because data in them didn't match what the Social Security Administration had on file.
Davis acknowledged in an interview with The Associated Press that his stunt has led to at least 87 instances in which people have tried to steal his identity, and one succeeded: a guy in Texas who duped an online payday loan operation last year into giving him $500 using Davis' Social Security number.
Complete story at source>>>
Oprah Ratings Down - Are White Women Defecting Because of her Obama Endorsement?
LOS ANGELES — Oprah Winfrey is still the queen of all media, but her crown is beginning to look a bit tarnished.The average audience for “The Oprah Winfrey Show” has fallen nearly 7 percent this year, according to Nielsen Media Research — its third straight year of decline. “Oprah’s Big Give,” an ABC philanthropic reality show, beat every program on television except “American Idol” in its premiere week this winter, but steadily lost nearly one-third of its audience during the rest of its
eight-week run, according to Nielsen.The circulation of O, The Oprah Magazine, has fallen by more than 10 percent in the last three years, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations, and the magazine is now seeking a new editor in chief after the announced retirement of its longtime steward, Amy Gross.
And while Ms. Winfrey still displays a Midas touch when it comes to the endorsement of books and products, some of her latest picks have attracted criticism from longtime fans as she has strayed into new-age spiritualism and, perhaps more dangerously, politics. Her endorsement of the presidential bid of Senator Barack Obama appears to have alienated some of the middle-aged white women who make up the bulk of her television audience, many of whom support Senator Hillary Clinton.
Complete story at source>>>
Monday, May 26, 2008
Lalah Hathaway Interview About New Album - Self Portrait
Over the Memorial Day weekend I had the pleasure of interviewing Lalah Hathaway (daughter of the legendary Donny Hathaway) on Real Talk about her 5th studio album "Self Portrait" featuring the single "Let Go" (Stax Records) due in stores and online June 3, 2008.I also must give a special shout-out and thank you to my friend Peter Albertelli over at Fly-Life Inc. in NYC for hooking this interview up for us!
Lalah's performance at the world famous Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland was nothing less than stellar. Lalah, you so very cool and so very funny (you could be a comedian) for real. And she is a techie!
Thanks for taking time to talk with us and we look forward to taking another musical journey with you on your new album. I hope that everyone will go to see her when she is in your city or town. Click here for tour dates.
Take care.
Joe
See video interview below
See some of my previous music related Real Talk video interviews below:
1. Ru Paul
2. L.L. Cool J
5. Angie Stone
6. Slick Rick
8. Kelly Price
9. Kirk Whalum
10. World AIDS DAY Concert -Martin Luther, Ise Lyfe, Sunny Hawkins, Mayor Dellums
11. Latoya London
12. Kevin Aviance
15. Billy Porter
Click here for some of my LGBT Youtube Interviews.
Click here for more real talk interviews with numerous people to include straight and gay folks from actors to athletes, politicians to poets and people in our community who make a difference.
Enjoy!
Joe
Joe
Janet Gets GLAAD
JANET JACKSON accepts the "Vanguard Award" from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) at its 19th Annual Media Awards in Hollywood in April. The Vanguard Award is presented to media professionals who have increased the visibility of the gay/lesbian community through their work.Congratulations to all of the honorees to include Deondray Gossett & Quincy LeNear, creators of "The DL Chronicles" for their award for “Outstanding TV Movie, Mini-Series or Anthology.” I also want to encourage you all to purchase "The DL Chronicles" DVD of season one so that you can see for yourself just how good this show really is.
The 19th annual GLAAD media awards will air on BRAVO June 27th at 7pm. See Glaad.org for details for this year's event. Click here for press info>>>
BRAZIL BLACK HOMOSEXUAL HAVEN?
Homosexuality has been legal in Brazil since 1823, except in the armed forces, and civil unions are allowed in some areas.Brazil's population of over 184 million people is about 45 percent black and mixed race. Bahia's is more than 80 percent black. Compare that to America's 12% black population and you get the picture.
For more about Brazil click here.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Star Jones Hosts The Bad Girls Club Season Two Reunion
As if she hasn't gone through enough already (see divorce announcement), embattled talk show casualty Star Jones' star has gotten even dimmer with her "dead bitches" analogy made at her new job. What's the job you may ask? Well, Star has been chosen to be the host of the season two reunion for the Bad Girls Club.
So don't forget to check out Star in action on Oxygen. Maybe they could make it interesting and have her get into a bitchfight with one of the "bad girls."
See video clip below.
LATINO FAN CLUB FANS - NEW COFFEE TABLE BOOK
In case you're looking for the perfect naughty coffee table book that is sure to get the attention of your guest, it's your lucky day!To celebrate its recent 20th anniversary (and its move to a new web home), Latino Fan Club has published its first ever hardcover coffee table collection featuring photos of its trademark straight-outta-Rikers trade by Brian Brennan, the founder of the studio.
This beautiful, deluxe edition of their hottest
Latino men in all their glory, is now available at better bookstores everywhere, and will retail for $45.XXX-Rated - Adults Only
BONUS! We'll include a hot XXX DVD: "NEW LATIN GOLD" with every order (While supplies last- Offer Extended: now ends 6/15/08)
Models include big-dicked faves like a baby-faced Tiger Tyson, uber-top turned bossy bottom Alejandro, super sexy and hung cover model Reynaldo and new toast of the town Viper .
Purchase your copy by clicking here
The Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant
Ever wondered what the story was behind these two famous party animals?
The now-famous Democratic donkey was first associated with Democrat Andrew Jackson's (man on $20 bill) 1828 presidential campaign. His opponents called him a jackass (a donkey), and Jackson decided to use the image of the strong-willed animal on his campaign posters. Later, cartoonist Thomas Nast used the Democratic donkey in newspaper cartoons and made the symbol famous. 
Nast invented another famous symbol—the Republican elephant. In a cartoon that appeared in Harper's Weekly in 1874, Nast drew a donkey clothed in lion's skin, scaring away all the animals at the zoo. One of those animals, the elephant, was labeled “The Republican Vote.” That's all it took for the elephant to become associated with the Republican Party.
Democrats today say the donkey is smart and brave, while Republicans say the elephant is strong and dignified.
Nast invented another famous symbol—the Republican elephant. In a cartoon that appeared in Harper's Weekly in 1874, Nast drew a donkey clothed in lion's skin, scaring away all the animals at the zoo. One of those animals, the elephant, was labeled “The Republican Vote.” That's all it took for the elephant to become associated with the Republican Party.
Democrats today say the donkey is smart and brave, while Republicans say the elephant is strong and dignified.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
SOUTH BEACH DOUBLE SHOOTING IN MIAMI TODAY
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MIAMI -- The party scene in South Beach turned dangerous early Saturday (May 24, 2008) when two men were shot, forcing police to shut down Washington Avenue.
Investigators said the shots rang out near 11th Street. Two men were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, but are expected to survive, police said.
Police closed Washington Avenue as they searched for suspects and clues. Investigators said the area is busy with tourists over Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected on the beach this holiday weekend and details about the shooting were sketchy.
Investigators said the shots rang out near 11th Street. Two men were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, but are expected to survive, police said.
Police closed Washington Avenue as they searched for suspects and clues. Investigators said the area is busy with tourists over Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected on the beach this holiday weekend and details about the shooting were sketchy.
This is becoming an annual occurance in Miami during the Memorial Day Weekend. See story from 2007.
Source>>>>
Source>>>>
Friday, May 23, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
GAY YOUTH ORGANIZATION ACCUSES MAYOR'S STAFF OF USING N-WORD
I just received this press release from the Executive Director of the SMAAC Youth Center in Oakland California.
--------------------------------------
Oakland, CA - May 21, 2008
The Atrium of Oakland’s historic city hall was the scene of a vulgar display of abusive power yesterday, 20 May 2008, when a small group of youth and young adults (ages 14 – 22) and their Leader peacefully requested a meeting with the Mayor and his Chief of Staff to discuss the inequities in funding allocated by the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY). The youth participants from SMAAC Youth Center were at City Hall to bring attention to the lack of program funding for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQQI) youth and young adults in the City of Oakland. The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth administers $13.8 million dollars for programs. Only one (1) program serving LGBTQQI youth and young adult received $175,000.00 (1.26% of the $13.8). This is an amount significantly less than the requested $300,000.00 (2.17% of the $13.8m).
While practicing their civil rights to peacefully assemble, the well-behaved youth were insulted and made visibly upset after the guard began shouting at them. The youth were possibly traumatized when their Leader, Mr. Roosevelt Mosby, was verbally assaulted and described as a “nigger” by one of the Mayor’s Private Security Guards. The youth and young adults were surprised when the Guards call the Oakland Police Department as if they were rioting and looting City Hall.
“I am convinced that Mayor Dellums doesn’t value this community and doesn’t believe he must serve all of the citizens of Oakland. He may have championed the causes of the LGBTQQI Community in Washington, DC, but not locally,” declared Roosevelt Mosby. “We ask all freedom loving persons to join our campaign in support of Oakland’s youth and young adults! Firstly, please write to Mayor Dellums and let him know that the disenfranchisement of any of Oakland’s citizenry is unacceptable! (http://us.mc559.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=officeofthemayor@oaklandnet.com) Secondly, join us next Tuesday, 27 May 2008 at 5:30 for a Rally for Youth and Young Adults in conversation with the City Council! Thirdly, if you have never supported the LGBTQQI youth community please consider making a tax-deductible donation to SMAAC Youth Center. (SYC 1608 Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94612) As we celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary (July 12 – 19, 2008), we are confident that with more community support we will be able to continue our efforts to help youth and young adults make the transition to healthy and productive adulthood.”
The Atrium of Oakland’s historic city hall was the scene of a vulgar display of abusive power yesterday, 20 May 2008, when a small group of youth and young adults (ages 14 – 22) and their Leader peacefully requested a meeting with the Mayor and his Chief of Staff to discuss the inequities in funding allocated by the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY). The youth participants from SMAAC Youth Center were at City Hall to bring attention to the lack of program funding for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQQI) youth and young adults in the City of Oakland. The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth administers $13.8 million dollars for programs. Only one (1) program serving LGBTQQI youth and young adult received $175,000.00 (1.26% of the $13.8). This is an amount significantly less than the requested $300,000.00 (2.17% of the $13.8m).
While practicing their civil rights to peacefully assemble, the well-behaved youth were insulted and made visibly upset after the guard began shouting at them. The youth were possibly traumatized when their Leader, Mr. Roosevelt Mosby, was verbally assaulted and described as a “nigger” by one of the Mayor’s Private Security Guards. The youth and young adults were surprised when the Guards call the Oakland Police Department as if they were rioting and looting City Hall.
“I am convinced that Mayor Dellums doesn’t value this community and doesn’t believe he must serve all of the citizens of Oakland. He may have championed the causes of the LGBTQQI Community in Washington, DC, but not locally,” declared Roosevelt Mosby. “We ask all freedom loving persons to join our campaign in support of Oakland’s youth and young adults! Firstly, please write to Mayor Dellums and let him know that the disenfranchisement of any of Oakland’s citizenry is unacceptable! (http://us.mc559.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=officeofthemayor@oaklandnet.com) Secondly, join us next Tuesday, 27 May 2008 at 5:30 for a Rally for Youth and Young Adults in conversation with the City Council! Thirdly, if you have never supported the LGBTQQI youth community please consider making a tax-deductible donation to SMAAC Youth Center. (SYC 1608 Webster Street, Oakland, CA 94612) As we celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary (July 12 – 19, 2008), we are confident that with more community support we will be able to continue our efforts to help youth and young adults make the transition to healthy and productive adulthood.”
SMAAC Youth Center
Contact: Roosevelt Mosby, Jr.
1608 Webster Street, Oakland, CA
510-834-9578
http://us.mc559.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=SMAACSED@AOL.COM
http://www.smaacyouthcenter.org/
Contact: Roosevelt Mosby, Jr.
1608 Webster Street, Oakland, CA
510-834-9578
http://us.mc559.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=SMAACSED@AOL.COM
http://www.smaacyouthcenter.org/
Joe
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life's Purpose
Over the past few months, my friend Marvin K. White has been asking me if I had seen Oprah's latest journey into the world of personal and spiritual development inspired by author Eckhart Tolle "A New Earth: Awakening To Life's Purpose."During the time that Marvin was sharing this info with me, my mind was definitely not ready to receive it, because I was overwhelmed with producing my event in Palm Springs and struggling to create a path to open a new nightclub in Oakland.
On the day that most of our guest from around the world were leaving Palm Springs, I remember a group of guys from Atlanta who seemed negative from the time that they arrived in Palm Springs. And although I saw hundreds of men all around me enjoying themselves, some of the guys from the Atlanta group seemed to have been determined to hate their trip. As this group of Atlantans were checking out of the hotel, I thanked them for coming and said that I hoped to see them again and one of them replied...I won't be back. I thought, with that attitude...Good!
But then something amazing happened immediately afterwards...a group of men (African American and Latino) came to me full of excitement and joy saying how powerful that this trip was for them and that they had now created a new support group called Kings Supporting Kings. They described how they had all bonded during their stay at the Canyon Club Hotel and drew encouragement, spiritual enlightenment and support from one another over the weekend.
Wow!...everything isn't for everyone I thought and life really is what you make of it.
I stood at the reservation desk fully vindicated in knowing that just as I have believed all along, that sex is not only a path to pleasure, life, and for some death. Sex and sexuality is a gift and can also be the path which leads to self acceptance, spiritual enlightenment, peace and more healthy and fulfilling relationships.
After returning home from Palm Springs and the experience that I had with the men leaving the Canyon Club Hotel, I was ready to explore Marvin's exciting suggestion to take the free online course and experience this powerful personal and spiritual development experience and share it with all of you.
Click here to take the video webcast journey "A New Earth: Awakening To Life's Purpose"
and Click here to explore that new awakening with us next year in Palm Springs, California.
Joe
Ted Kennedy Diagnosed With Malignant Brain Tumor
Sen. Ted Kennedy has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and will remain hospitalized for at least several additional days as he and his family determine treatment options.The Massachusetts Democrat suffered a seizure Saturday and has since been hospitalized at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He has been talking and joking with family and friends while undergoing a battery of tests that revealed the malignant tumor, a glioma in the left parietal lobe, according to the hospital.
"He has had no further seizures, remains in good overall condition and is up and walking around the hospital," Drs. Lee Schwamm and Larry Ronan said in a joint statement released by the hospital.
"The usual course of treatment includes combinations of various forms of radiation and chemotherapy," they said. "Decisions regarding the best course of treatment for Sen. Kennedy will be determined after further testing and analysis."
Kennedy, the second-longest serving senator in U.S. history, has represented Massachusetts in the Senate since 1962.
"Tough days ahead," a Kennedy family friend told ABC News, "but (Senator Kennedy is) in fighting mood." Another Kennedy family member said they are bringing in another doctor for further evaluation adding, "This is not a good time."
Vicki Kennedy, the Senator's wife, informed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Tuesday afternoon of Kennedy's diagnosis. Reid, in turn, informed the Senate Democratic caucus at their weekly luncheon on Capitol Hill.
Coming To The Bay Area Memorial Day Weekend?
The picture above is of Oakland in the foreground and San Francisco inThe Background. Click here to see the overwhelming number of things to do while you are here!
Click below for Memorial Day Weekend Club Rimshot party @ Anton In Jack London Square!
Monday, May 19, 2008
RUPAUL TO HOST NEW REALITY SERIES
RuPaul, will host a new reality competition series for MTV Networks' LGBT themed channel Logo, titled "RuPaul's Drag Race." The show will feature contestants competing to become "America's next superstar drag queen.
RuPaul will serve as host, mentor and judge, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Online voters will help pick one of the contestants at http://www.rupaulsdragrace.com/.The hourlong, six-episode series is expected to debut on Logo's digital cable channel early next year.
See my video interview with Ru Paul from late last year by clicking here!
You Betta Keep Working Ru Paul!
Joe
America's Richest Man Warren Buffett supporting Obama
(CNN) — Warren Buffett, a longtime friend of both Hillary and Bill Clinton, told CNN Monday Barack Obama would be his choice for the next President of the United States.
Speaking with CNN's Becky Anderson, the billionaire investor said he would gladly vote for either candidate, but said it is clear the senator from Illinois will be the party's nominee.
"So it would be Barack Obama, — [he] would be my preference," Buffett said.
Buffett had refused to take sides in the prolonged Democratic presidential race. The Nebraska Democrat hosted million dollar fundraisers for both last summer, and had previously held back on endorsing one over the other. Though he reportedly said at the Clinton fundraiser that the New York senator is "the person to run the country."
Buffett also has offered Clinton informal advice on the economy, and the two led a question-and-answer session about the economy with voters at a San Francisco campaign event in December.
Buffett, the world's richest man according to Forbes Magazine, runs Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The company's assets total more than $260 billion.
Speaking with CNN's Becky Anderson, the billionaire investor said he would gladly vote for either candidate, but said it is clear the senator from Illinois will be the party's nominee.
"So it would be Barack Obama, — [he] would be my preference," Buffett said.
Buffett had refused to take sides in the prolonged Democratic presidential race. The Nebraska Democrat hosted million dollar fundraisers for both last summer, and had previously held back on endorsing one over the other. Though he reportedly said at the Clinton fundraiser that the New York senator is "the person to run the country."
Buffett also has offered Clinton informal advice on the economy, and the two led a question-and-answer session about the economy with voters at a San Francisco campaign event in December.
Buffett, the world's richest man according to Forbes Magazine, runs Omaha-based Berkshire Hathaway Inc. The company's assets total more than $260 billion.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Raul Castro's daughter spearheads anti-homophobia drive
HAVANA (AFP) - President Raul Castro's daughter, Mariela, is organizing Cuba's second anti-homophobia festival this week to boost public awareness of the country's long-marginalized gay community, this time with the approval of her dad's government.
"There's political support for this educational strategy. It's the best thing that's happened to us," Mariela Castro said about the backing the National Center for Sexual Education (CENESEX) she heads is receiving from Cuba's Communist Party.
She said Raul Castro, 76, "is helping us a lot ... not only because I'm his daughter, but because I've earned his respect by working at my job carefully."
A teacher and mother of three children, Mariela Castro, 46, took over from her late mother, Vilma Espin, in running Cuban Womens' Federation (FMC) after she died in 2007, and has headed CENESEX for the past 14 years. Her uncle Fidel Castro, 81, relinquished presidential power to his brother Raul, 76, in February citing health reasons.
For as long as Cuba's communist revolution began nearly 50 years ago, Mariela and her mother have been busy trying to whittle away at the country's machismo tradition.
The week-long festival in Havana and six of Cuba's 14 provinces, aims to increase public awareness about gay rights through television programs, movies, theater, debates and book fairs, culminating with the International Day Against Homophobia, on May 17.
Besides the educational efforts, Mariela's group is also busy reforming Cuba's Family Code and has proposed in parliament a bill on freedom of gender -- the right to choose one's gender, and the right to "legal union" for gays. The legal union issue is an effort to sidestep the Catholic Church's determined opposition to gay marriage rights.
Sex-change is another controversial issue in Cuba, after the country's first operation in 1988 raised such an outcry that the procedure was put on indefinite hold.
"We're getting ready a team of surgeons from Belgium" to restart transgender operations, Mariela told reporters, adding that 30 such procedures have been approved by health authorities.
Mariela is hopeful the festival will be successful. "We don't know how the public will react. We suppose it'll go well because of the way we've organized it. It'll help people understand things, reflect and think."
She said Raul Castro, 76, "is helping us a lot ... not only because I'm his daughter, but because I've earned his respect by working at my job carefully."
A teacher and mother of three children, Mariela Castro, 46, took over from her late mother, Vilma Espin, in running Cuban Womens' Federation (FMC) after she died in 2007, and has headed CENESEX for the past 14 years. Her uncle Fidel Castro, 81, relinquished presidential power to his brother Raul, 76, in February citing health reasons.
For as long as Cuba's communist revolution began nearly 50 years ago, Mariela and her mother have been busy trying to whittle away at the country's machismo tradition.
The week-long festival in Havana and six of Cuba's 14 provinces, aims to increase public awareness about gay rights through television programs, movies, theater, debates and book fairs, culminating with the International Day Against Homophobia, on May 17.
Besides the educational efforts, Mariela's group is also busy reforming Cuba's Family Code and has proposed in parliament a bill on freedom of gender -- the right to choose one's gender, and the right to "legal union" for gays. The legal union issue is an effort to sidestep the Catholic Church's determined opposition to gay marriage rights.
Sex-change is another controversial issue in Cuba, after the country's first operation in 1988 raised such an outcry that the procedure was put on indefinite hold.
"We're getting ready a team of surgeons from Belgium" to restart transgender operations, Mariela told reporters, adding that 30 such procedures have been approved by health authorities.
Mariela is hopeful the festival will be successful. "We don't know how the public will react. We suppose it'll go well because of the way we've organized it. It'll help people understand things, reflect and think."
Saturday, May 17, 2008
California wine legend Robert Mondavi dead at 94
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Robert Mondavi, the vintner who built his career and helped an iconic Northern California industry blossom by insisting that Napa Valley wines can compete with the best in the world, died in the valley Friday. He was 94. Mondavi died peacefully at his home in Yountville, Robert Mondavi Winery spokeswoman Mia Malm said.
"It is hard to imagine anyone having more of a lasting impact on California's $20 billion-a-year wine industry than Robert Mondavi," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement. Mondavi, said the governor, was "a tireless entrepreneur who transformed how the world felt about California wine, and an unforgettable personality to everyone who knew him."
Mondavi was 52 and a winemaking veteran in 1966, when he opened the winery that would help turn the Napa Valley into a world center of the industry. Clashes with a brother that included a fistfight led him to break from the family business to carry out his ambitious plans with borrowed money.
When Mondavi opened his winery, California was still primarily known for cheap jug wines. But he set out to change that, championing use of cold fermentation, stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, all commonplace in the industry today. He introduced blind tastings in Napa Valley, putting his wines up against French vintages, a bold move.
His confidence was rewarded in 1976 when California wines beat some well-known French vintages in the famous tasting known as the Judgment of Paris.
"He had the single greatest influence in this country with respect to high quality wine and its place at the table," wine critic Robert Parker wrote in a chat room posting on his Web site Friday. He called Mondavi "an exceptional man....a true pioneer...a legendary pathfinder.....and I feel so priviledged to have known him...a sad day...but also one to pay homage to his enormous contributions."
Always convinced that California wines could compete with the European greats, Mondavi engaged in the first French-American wine venture when he formed a limited partnership with the legendary French vintner Baron Philippe de Rothschild to grow and make the ultra-premium Opus One at Oakville. The venture's first vintage was in 1979.
The success of the Mondavi winery allowed him to donate tens of millions of dollars to charity, but a wine glut and intense competition gradually cost his family control of the business. In 2004, the company accepted a buyout worth $1.3 billion from Fairport, N.Y.-based Constellation Brands.
Mondavi was an enthusiastic ambassador for wine — especially California wine — and traveled the world into his 90s promoting the health, cultural and social benefits of its moderate consumption. "He had an amazing life," said Robert C. Koch, president and CEO of the San Francisco-based Wine Institute. "He was a major driving force and an incredible promoter for California wine and the Napa Valley."
Born in Virginia, Minn., Mondavi got an economics degree from Stanford University in the 1930s and went to work at the Charles Krug Winery, which his Italian-born parents had bought after moving to California from Minnesota.
He married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Declusin, in 1937, and they had three children, Michael, Marcia and Tim.
For 20 years, the winery was a family business. But Robert clashed frequently with his younger brother, Peter, who had a more conservative approach the business. According to Robert Mondavi's autobiography "Harvests of Joy," matters came to a head with a November 1965 fistfight.
"When it was all over, there were no apologies and no handshake," wrote Robert Mondavi.
In the late 1970s, Mondavi's first marriage ended; in his autobiography he wrote that his single-minded pursuit of the wine business was partly to blame. In 1980, he married a second time, to Margrit Biever, a native of Switzerland who had worked at the Mondavi winery since the late '60s.
By the mid-1990s, Mondavi had turned over operation of the company to his sons. But like their father and uncle before them, Tim and Michael clashed over management styles.
More troubles emerged as a grape glut soured the wine market in 2002 and lower-priced wines in the Mondavi portfolio faced tough competition from cheaper Australian imports and domestic brands like California's Two Buck Chuck.
Also a problem were the millions in charitable donations Mondavi and Margrit had pledged, including helping found Copia, The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, in Napa and giving $35 million to the University of California, Davis.
In her 2007 book, "The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty," author Julia Flynn Siler wrote that declining stock prices later left Mondavi in danger of not being able to cover the millions in gifts he and Margrit had promised.
A corporate restructuring in August 2004 boosted the stock price, but undercut the family's control of the company. By time it was bought out, Michael Mondavi, who disagreed with the board strategy, had already left the company, and Tim Mondavi had loosened ties.
Later there was a bittersweet family moment when Robert and Peter Mondavi, aided by members of the younger generation, made wine together for the first time in 40 years. Using a 50-50 split of grapes from Robert Mondavi and Peter Mondavi family vineyards, the brothers made one barrel of a cabernet blend that sold for $401,000 at the 2005 Napa Valley wine auction.
The auction lot was called "Ancora Una Volta," or "Once Again."
"It is hard to imagine anyone having more of a lasting impact on California's $20 billion-a-year wine industry than Robert Mondavi," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a statement. Mondavi, said the governor, was "a tireless entrepreneur who transformed how the world felt about California wine, and an unforgettable personality to everyone who knew him."
Mondavi was 52 and a winemaking veteran in 1966, when he opened the winery that would help turn the Napa Valley into a world center of the industry. Clashes with a brother that included a fistfight led him to break from the family business to carry out his ambitious plans with borrowed money.
When Mondavi opened his winery, California was still primarily known for cheap jug wines. But he set out to change that, championing use of cold fermentation, stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, all commonplace in the industry today. He introduced blind tastings in Napa Valley, putting his wines up against French vintages, a bold move.
His confidence was rewarded in 1976 when California wines beat some well-known French vintages in the famous tasting known as the Judgment of Paris.
"He had the single greatest influence in this country with respect to high quality wine and its place at the table," wine critic Robert Parker wrote in a chat room posting on his Web site Friday. He called Mondavi "an exceptional man....a true pioneer...a legendary pathfinder.....and I feel so priviledged to have known him...a sad day...but also one to pay homage to his enormous contributions."
Always convinced that California wines could compete with the European greats, Mondavi engaged in the first French-American wine venture when he formed a limited partnership with the legendary French vintner Baron Philippe de Rothschild to grow and make the ultra-premium Opus One at Oakville. The venture's first vintage was in 1979.
The success of the Mondavi winery allowed him to donate tens of millions of dollars to charity, but a wine glut and intense competition gradually cost his family control of the business. In 2004, the company accepted a buyout worth $1.3 billion from Fairport, N.Y.-based Constellation Brands.
Mondavi was an enthusiastic ambassador for wine — especially California wine — and traveled the world into his 90s promoting the health, cultural and social benefits of its moderate consumption. "He had an amazing life," said Robert C. Koch, president and CEO of the San Francisco-based Wine Institute. "He was a major driving force and an incredible promoter for California wine and the Napa Valley."
Born in Virginia, Minn., Mondavi got an economics degree from Stanford University in the 1930s and went to work at the Charles Krug Winery, which his Italian-born parents had bought after moving to California from Minnesota.
He married his high school sweetheart, Marjorie Declusin, in 1937, and they had three children, Michael, Marcia and Tim.
For 20 years, the winery was a family business. But Robert clashed frequently with his younger brother, Peter, who had a more conservative approach the business. According to Robert Mondavi's autobiography "Harvests of Joy," matters came to a head with a November 1965 fistfight."When it was all over, there were no apologies and no handshake," wrote Robert Mondavi.
In the late 1970s, Mondavi's first marriage ended; in his autobiography he wrote that his single-minded pursuit of the wine business was partly to blame. In 1980, he married a second time, to Margrit Biever, a native of Switzerland who had worked at the Mondavi winery since the late '60s.
By the mid-1990s, Mondavi had turned over operation of the company to his sons. But like their father and uncle before them, Tim and Michael clashed over management styles.
More troubles emerged as a grape glut soured the wine market in 2002 and lower-priced wines in the Mondavi portfolio faced tough competition from cheaper Australian imports and domestic brands like California's Two Buck Chuck.
Also a problem were the millions in charitable donations Mondavi and Margrit had pledged, including helping found Copia, The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts, in Napa and giving $35 million to the University of California, Davis.
In her 2007 book, "The House of Mondavi: The Rise and Fall of an American Wine Dynasty," author Julia Flynn Siler wrote that declining stock prices later left Mondavi in danger of not being able to cover the millions in gifts he and Margrit had promised.
A corporate restructuring in August 2004 boosted the stock price, but undercut the family's control of the company. By time it was bought out, Michael Mondavi, who disagreed with the board strategy, had already left the company, and Tim Mondavi had loosened ties.
Later there was a bittersweet family moment when Robert and Peter Mondavi, aided by members of the younger generation, made wine together for the first time in 40 years. Using a 50-50 split of grapes from Robert Mondavi and Peter Mondavi family vineyards, the brothers made one barrel of a cabernet blend that sold for $401,000 at the 2005 Napa Valley wine auction.
The auction lot was called "Ancora Una Volta," or "Once Again."
Friday, May 16, 2008
State Supreme Court says same-sex couples have right to marry
(05-15) 10:31 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- Gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry in California, the state Supreme Court said today in a historic ruling that could be repudiated by the voters in November.
In a 4-3 decision, the justices said the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates the "fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship." The ruling is likely to flood county courthouses with applications from couples newly eligible to marry when the decision takes effect in 30 days.
The ruling set off a celebration at San Francisco City Hall. As the decision came down, out-of-breath staff members ran into the mayor's office where Gavin Newsom read the decision.
Outside the city clerk's office, three opposite-sex couples were waiting at 10 a.m. for marriage certificates. City officials had prepared for a possible rush on certificates by same-sex couples, but hadn't yet changed the forms that ask couples to fill out the name of the "bride" and "groom."
Kenton Owayang, the office supervisor for the city clerk's office, said he's waiting for word from the state registrar's office about marriage forms and working on getting extra staff members in today in case the city is able to give out the certificates to same-sex couples.
Ed Harrington, the general manager of the city's Public Utilities Commission, was one of the staff members in the mayor's office shortly after the decision was released. Harrington has lived with his partner for 35 years and in 2004 Harrington married about 40 same-sex couples.
Complete story at source>>>
In a 4-3 decision, the justices said the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates the "fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship." The ruling is likely to flood county courthouses with applications from couples newly eligible to marry when the decision takes effect in 30 days.
The ruling set off a celebration at San Francisco City Hall. As the decision came down, out-of-breath staff members ran into the mayor's office where Gavin Newsom read the decision.
Outside the city clerk's office, three opposite-sex couples were waiting at 10 a.m. for marriage certificates. City officials had prepared for a possible rush on certificates by same-sex couples, but hadn't yet changed the forms that ask couples to fill out the name of the "bride" and "groom."
Kenton Owayang, the office supervisor for the city clerk's office, said he's waiting for word from the state registrar's office about marriage forms and working on getting extra staff members in today in case the city is able to give out the certificates to same-sex couples.
Ed Harrington, the general manager of the city's Public Utilities Commission, was one of the staff members in the mayor's office shortly after the decision was released. Harrington has lived with his partner for 35 years and in 2004 Harrington married about 40 same-sex couples.
Complete story at source>>>
White Morehouse Man
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Joshua Packwood knows what it's like to be a minority.
This weekend he'll be the first white valedictorian to graduate from the historically black, all male Morehouse College in the school's 141-year history.
Morehouse, in Atlanta, Georgia, is one the nation's most prestigious universities of its kind. For more than a century, the school has prided itself on personifying the dream of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the school's most notable alums, by producing "Morehouse Men" - intelligent and successful black leaders.
"Because I'm one of the only white students, it's easy to call me 'the white boy,' I'm naturally going to stand out," says Packwood.
But Packwood, 22, doesn't stand out solely because he is white or has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. For those who don't know him, what is surprising is that a Rhodes Scholar finalist turned down a full scholarship to Columbia University to attend the all-black men's university.
This came naturally to Packwood, who attended a predominantly black high school.
"A large majority of my friends, like all my girlfriends have been minorities," says Packwood. "So it was very, it was kind of strange that I always kind of gravitated to the black community."
Packwood fit in immediately at Morehouse. His charm, movie-star good looks and chiseled physique made him popular among students. He was elected dorm president and to class council during freshmen year - and was a favorite at campus fashion shows.
Complete story at source>>>
This weekend he'll be the first white valedictorian to graduate from the historically black, all male Morehouse College in the school's 141-year history.
Morehouse, in Atlanta, Georgia, is one the nation's most prestigious universities of its kind. For more than a century, the school has prided itself on personifying the dream of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the school's most notable alums, by producing "Morehouse Men" - intelligent and successful black leaders.
"Because I'm one of the only white students, it's easy to call me 'the white boy,' I'm naturally going to stand out," says Packwood.
But Packwood, 22, doesn't stand out solely because he is white or has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. For those who don't know him, what is surprising is that a Rhodes Scholar finalist turned down a full scholarship to Columbia University to attend the all-black men's university.
This came naturally to Packwood, who attended a predominantly black high school.
"A large majority of my friends, like all my girlfriends have been minorities," says Packwood. "So it was very, it was kind of strange that I always kind of gravitated to the black community."
Packwood fit in immediately at Morehouse. His charm, movie-star good looks and chiseled physique made him popular among students. He was elected dorm president and to class council during freshmen year - and was a favorite at campus fashion shows.
Complete story at source>>>
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Bay Area Gay Black Political Group Forms
A new political group for LGBTQ African Americans is making its presence felt in this year's June 3 primary.The nonpartisan club released its first list of endorsements earlier this month and is now focused on making an impact in the fall elections, when San Francisco voters will go to the polls to elect supervisors from the city's odd-numbered districts.
Named the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ Coalition, after the gay African American man who was a confidante to slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., the club is meant to empower the black LGBTQ community in the political process and to advance civil and human rights.
According to co-chairs Andrea Shorter and Robert W. Williams III , the new coalition replaces the now-defunct Lesbians and Gays of African Descent for Democratic Action. It is the outgrowth of a March 2007 retreat for people within the Bay Area's black LGBT community organized by Zwazzi Sowo, who was given a fellowship through a program launched by the anti-racism group And Castro For All and the Horizons Foundation, the LGBT grant-making and philanthropic organization.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
BACK FROM PALM SPRINGS AND WOW
Well...I just returned tonight from Blatino Oasis in Palm Springs, California and I have one word to describe the event...Phenomenal! I am still overwhelmed by the number of men who turned out for this event.I will be sharing video footage to include interviews and pictures from the event as soon as possible. I am so, so very humbled by this experience and from seeing men from all over the nation and all over the world enjoying each others company and exploring beautiful Palm Springs. Some of the testimonials that these guys offered were inspiring and we are already accepting reservations for our 3rd Annual Blatino Oasis event May 8-11 2009!
Thanks to all of my friends old and new who took this journey to the desert with me and I look forward to our next trek together.
I love you all!
Joe
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
OFF TO PALM SPRINGS
Dear readers,
I am heading to Palm Springs tonight to produce my 2nd Annual Blatino Oasis weekend event, so I won't be posting anything until at least after next Wednesday. Unless I am just compelled.
I doubt if I will be able to do any postings while I am there but, I will most definitely have video and photos soon after I return. And stay tuned for my online reality show of my trip to Blatino Oasis. Have a great weekend everyone.
I doubt if I will be able to do any postings while I am there but, I will most definitely have video and photos soon after I return. And stay tuned for my online reality show of my trip to Blatino Oasis. Have a great weekend everyone.
Joe
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Model Daniel Norell Heads To Blatino Oasis Palm Springs
The list of hot men who will either model, dance, strip or....do other things continues to grow for next weekend's Blatino Oasis event in Palm Springs, California.
Just added..super-duper sexy Swedish-Jamaican model & bodybuilder- Daniel Norell will be modeling in the Rufskin poolside fashion show at Helios Resort. How much can you expect to see of this adonis??...hmmm.
See you in Palm Springs, May 9-12!
MARIAH MARRIES NICK!
NEW YORK (AP) — Nick Cannon is cast as Mariah Carey's lover in her new video — but has the superstar diva given the young actor a considerably bigger role in real life?
According to several published reports, Carey, 38, married Cannon, 27, on Wednesday. Neither Carey's publicist nor Cannon's manager returned requests from The Associated Press for comment.
If the pair did indeed wed, it would be a whirlwind romance. Word that the two were seeing each other first surfaced in the past few weeks. Last Saturday, Carey was seen sporting a huge diamond ring on her finger at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of her movie, "Tennessee," in which she plays a waitress. Cannon was at her side at the party. Speculation swirled that the couple were engaged.
Latina.com was first to report that the two got married, at Carey's home in the Bahamas. Friday's New York Post also had the pair wed. People magazine on its Web site Friday quoted a clergyman, Bishop Clifford Petty of the National Church of God in the Caribbean, as saying he presided over the wedding.
E Online quoted a relative of Cannon's as saying that he called his family and confirmed the news. "He called us and told us all about it. We are happy for him. If that is what he wants, then we are happy for him," Linda Cannon, identified simply as a family member, was quoted telling E.
People reported Friday that Carey had obtained a marriage license on the island of Eleuthera, in the Bahamas, where she has an estate.
Cannon has put out a rap album but is best known for his role in the movie "Drumline" and a Nickelodeon TV series (yes, Nickelodeon — Cannon is 11 years Carey's junior). He's featured in Carey's upcoming video for "Bye Bye."
While Carey and Cannon (or is it the Cannons?) were playing coy, the famed jeweler Jacob & Co. was quick to publicize its apparent role in the reputed union with a news release touting the ring Cannon reportedly gave her.
The release described it as "crafted from platinum and features a square emerald cut fancy light pink diamond as the center stone surrounded by 58 intense pink diamonds and two half moon diamonds on each side."The total carat weight of the ring — center stone is 10 carats — is a jaw-dropping 17 carats with a value of $2.5 million."
Cannon does have experience with engagement rings. The actor, who has previously romanced singer Christina Milian and voluptuous reality star Kim Kardashian, last year gave a 15-carat stone to Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks as he proposed in grand fashion — on the Jumbotron in New York's Times Square. Cameras were flashing as she said yes. They split just a few months later.
The Carey-Cannon match is already getting considerably more ink, leaving some to wonder whether it's a publicity stunt: After all, she's just released a No. 1 album ("EMC2" is on the top of the charts), and he has at least four movies due out this year.
But then again, Carey is one of the most successful artists in music, and hardly needs a marriage to get attention: She's already scored a No. 1 hit off the album with "Touch My Body."
This would be Cannon's first marriage but Carey's second. She famously wed top music executive Tommy Mottola in an extravagant wedding in 1993. They had a bitter divorce in 1998.
Source>>>
Friday, May 2, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
BARBARA WALTERS HAD JUNGLE FEVER
NEW YORK (AP) -- After three decades of keeping mum, Barbara Walters is disclosing a past affair with married U.S. Senator Edward Brooke, whom she remembers as "exciting" and "brilliant."
Appearing on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" scheduled to air Tuesday, Walters shares details of her relationship with Brooke that lasted several years in the 1970s, according to a transcript of the show provided to The Associated Press.
A moderate Republican from Massachusetts who took office in 1967, Brooke was the first African-American to be popularly elected to the Senate. Both he and Walters knew that public knowledge of their affair could have ruined his career as well as hers, Walters says.
At the time, the twice-divorced Walters was a rising star in TV news and co-host of NBC's "Today" show, but would soon jump to ABC News, where she has enjoyed unrivaled success. Her affair with Brooke, which never before came to light, had ended before he lost his bid for a third term in 1978.
Brooke later divorced, and has since remarried. Calls to a listing for Brooke in Miami by The Associated Press were not immediately returned Thursday.
Complete Story At Source>>>
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