Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Are you scared enough...?


All Hallows Eve, best known as Halloween has become big business with retailers, costume shops and venues that participate in the merry making. According to analyst this holiday rivals Christmas with a Billion dollar injection to the economy that reverberates nationwide. I have fond memories of Halloween's past and enjoy seeing some the the creative costumes that come from the demented minds of the community. Of course the GLBT collective has a "take no prisoners" approach to skewing popular culture unilaterally as well as without remorse.
However, as we indulge in the holiday we must also be reminded that there are actually real entities and homegrown forces that we should be monitoring closely. Their motives, tatics, and core bases seek to accelerate platforms and doctrines that could affect us overall. I can see this clearly in this year's mid-term elections, which have again demonstrated that "fear mongering" and gay baiting is still a weapon used by candidates such as Andy Mayberry, Jim Holt and others who choose to demean our existence by affirming inflamatory rhetoric and manipulated facts. The issues of Civil Unions or adoption have been deamonized by a host of Family and God organizations, authors and evangilist like Pat Robinson who purport to have the ultimate hook up with the almightly. My dear reader, we have much to be scared about as pockets of protesters have reached the depths of distaste by equating our lifestyles with the deaths of military personnel who have boldly given the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of an entire nation. This type of highjacking is not only mean-spirited but seriously dangerous once embraced. As a global citizen, I respect the right to civil unrest and peaceful protest, but I can't accept the insensitivity and reprehensible methods promoted by such groups. Each day polarizing moral messages and condemnation continues to poision our abilities to heal as one nation united. Consequently as a community, abdicating our responsiblity to the philosophy that "some one else will take care of it," is soundly unacceptable and foolish at best. Therefore, let the darkness fall with the sounds of clicking heels, bawdy laughter and howling jubilee in celebration of the many mask that will be worn, however, let us not forget that we must be dilligent in un-masking those whom gather at the altar of hate. Happy Halloween 2006!

Friday, October 27, 2006

Shooting from the Hip!...Part 1


I actually remember the Go-Go 80's, lived through the hyper 90's and have prepared myself for the warp speed of the 21st century by not only creating this blog site, but partnering with other mediums such as video or audio, to give my readers a one stop online destination for news and infotainment. Of course there are so many topics and news items that catch my attention that I can't cover them all. But I thought this post will be a catch all of who's hot, what's not and let's not, as we shoot from the hip about pop culture's latest going's on!

From Shoot 1: Ugly Betty starring America Ferrera is a quirky, smartly written, off shoot from the world of tele novellas commonplace throughout Latin America. The evolving character of "Betty" has been re-created to universally fit into cultures of accompanying countries. Her redemptive qualities reverberate to all who come in contact with her. The supporting cast, especially Vanessa L. Williams as uber-corporate climber Wilhemina Slater, is an excellent foil added to the mix and Mark Idelicato who plays Justin, Betty's Nanthan Lane bound brother. Great Fun on ABC,(Thursday), check your local time.

Coming out of Shoot 2: In case you didn't know, local establishments, The Factory and Sidetracks nightclubs have added the next level in the tech craze. Sidetracks has a new Yahoo group listing for messaging and announcements. The bar is also offers FREE internet "wireless" connections. Meanwhile, The Factory has a new TEXT circle, where you get text message updates on events and specials. I suggest that you get the hook up and check out these new platforms. Tell them you heard it first!

Boys, Books, Oh My!: October has been a stellar coming out month as we are priviledge to two, yes two! books from those who have found there way from the closet. Up first, Jim McGreevey, is still making headlines with Alpha male "Confessioins" tell-all about his hide and seek adventures in heterosexual land. The former politician now states that he is for civil unions after being vocally oppose to them as apart of his cover as New Jersey's top man. Personally I believe that Mr.McGreevey deserves the Lavender Flip-Flop award for new understanding in gay politics. Meanwhile, Reichen Lehmkuhl is purging his soul with, "Here' What We'll say..a Memoir.." spilling the beans on his Pre-Don't Ask- Don't Tell romp in the U. S. Air Force. Lehmkul admits to nefarious going on's including a personal gang rape he suffered and the unfortuante death threats that have followed the books publishing. I have'nt had a chance to read any full excerpts but his media tour is in full swing with both Lance Bass and body guards in tow!

From the NOT HOT shoot: Politicos in the mid-term elections are still gay baiting the electorate with the non-issue of gay adoption, foster childcare and civil unions. These desperate candidates, Hutchinson, Holt, etc are trying to play to their bases with these subjects that have already been decided by the courts or past votes. These candidates get the "Gay Shame on You Award" for rhetorical incitement and bottom feeding during a campaign.

Dont forget to Vote: November 7, 2006 Early voting started October 23rd.

Cat got your tounge? E:mail us at Nealix101@comcast.net

Stay Tune for our salute to the Queens Christmas...Halloween!!

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Vote 2006...Don't Believe the hype


We hope you have been enjoying our new expanded Podcasts! You will always find a savvy mix of music, commentary, information and links for the GLBT community and beyond. We encourage sharing our pods with your friends. If you have news, opinions, or commentary, we would love to hear from you. E-mail us at Nealix101@comcast.net

The Mid-term elections are only weeks away and we would like to share our endorsement for your consideration. After reviewing campaign material and researching voting records we have decided that the following candidates would be accessible to the GLBT community at large. Even though these candidates get a vote of confidence from us, we feel that cultivating relationships with office holders is paramount for the community. For too long we have not utilized this approach. Our elected officals must hear from us in mass to affect change or demonstrate our concern about issues. If you don't know who represents your area, don't hesitate...Educate your self today!

Governor: Mike Beebe
Lt. Gov. Bill Halter (my vote for best commericals)
State Treasurer. Martha Shoffner
Attorney General: Dustin McDaniel
U.S. Congress: Vic Synder
Little Rock Mayor: Mark Stodola


Early voting is suggested. You can get additional information from your County Clerks office. General Election is November 7, don't forget to send a message with your vote.
Links: www.votepulaski.net
www.pulaskiclerk.com
Stonewall Democrats of Arkansas

Perfection we are not. Our podcast info on the HIV/AIDS Care conference was incorrect. The conference will be held at the Peabody Hotel, 3 Statehouse Plaza Need more info? contact: Dr. Michelle Smith, E-mail: msmith9x@aol.com or 870.534.3448, ext.106

Sunday, October 22, 2006

The Body Politic Pod 3



Welcome to our expanded Podcast 3! Thanks to our friends at Evoca we continue to offer you a savvy mix of music, commentary, links and news for the GLBT community and beyond.
Comming soon we will add and interactive response player that will allow you to voice your opinion on our site,your own fast facts, request or maybe just be bitchy. Please feel free to share our podcast with all your friends and stay tune as we upgrade our offerings. A new RSS feed will also be added so you will be the first to get our pods first out the gate.

Email us: NEALIX101@comcast.net

Remember....We are always giving you more of what you've been looking for!!!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Rainbow Viral and U !



We are mid-month in our GLBT History Celebration and we continue to offer our subscribers commentary, links, news, community information and of course cutting edge video. This live version of You Make Me Feel Real by Sylvester is from lost footage discovered on our video partner, YouTube and has been released to showcase the magic that was Sylvester. His star rising began as a member of the avante garde group, The Cockettes in San Francisco, later sizzling to a full tilt during the Go-Go 80's era of Disco. Sylvester's musical contributions found popularity with mainstream audiences and the GLBT community overall. Sylvester performed internationally and in concert at Sgt. Prestons nightclub in Little Rock, Arkansas during his heyday. His untimely death was yet another sobering lost during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Amazingly, many of the online post with this video expressed a deep sense of loss but hailed the proverbal salute," Sylvester...America's Callling! We couldn't have said it better.
Next up:
Tune into our new Podcast launching this weekend.
Product listings,candidates endorsements
and so much more!!!!

LINKS:
www.blackaids.org
www.votepulaski.net
www.araidsfoundation.org
www.outzonetv.com

Got News or something on your mind...share it with us at Nealix101@comcast.net

Friday, October 13, 2006

The Body Politic Podcast 2 Explodes!





Here we grow again! Welcome to our second and expanded podcast on The Body Politic. As the technology evolves so does our revolution to keep posting the latest in commentary, community info, links and special events.Just click the EVOCA player, adjust your volume and enjoy! Our next video will feature a music video from the ultimate Disco diva, Sylvester, so dont' forget to tune in plus teel some friends! To continue the celebration of GLBT History month and this new podcast comes our first triva contest question for a FREE gift. The first correct answer will win...get ready...set..go!

1. Our updating video presentation on GLBT History month began with what international pioneer?

Do you know?, send to: NEALIX101@comcast.net!

FAST FACTS:
2 Billion people on the earth have no access to clean water.
2.8 Billion people are without basic health care.
41% of people living with HIV/AIDS reside in the south.
Think about it...

Check out these new community links for additional info and updates:

NorthWest Arkansas GLBT Community Center
www..nwaglbtcc.org

Diversity Pride Weekend
www.diveristypride.com


Coming Soon: Product Reviews from Jaybri.com, Ugly Betty Rocks, Queen's Christmas

"What have you done today to feel proud!"

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Come out, Come out where ever you are...!


National Coming Out Day came and went. Locally there was a celebration at an area park with a poetry slam and other merry making. However, I'm begining to question the revelance or it's significance in the context of our community. I don't believe such a day existed as I pursued a deeper understanding of this complicated point in my evolution. At that time there were no visual role models, just a stark reality that anyone different from the status quo would be subjected to being ostracized. I can't forget the distinct fervor of a backhand face slap from my misunderstanding father, reacting to his opinionated son who he branded a sissy. It was a defining moment in our relationship juxtaposed to the many more awful circumstances I would later hear. I became involved in the local movement effort in 1983 and began learning an empowering history that would impact my life for forever. I embrace progress but,unfortunately the 21st Century has provided a healthy assortement of distractions that preclude young people from being aprised of that history or those who made significant strides for human rights. Our celebration of LGBT History month included a series of video profiles that offered mini- history lessons on a daily basis. However, we can only hope that it will be utilized. My ultimate concern is based on the fact that these days it seems that everybody who's anybody is already "outing" themselves either by choice or force. Case in point, NSYNC boy babe Lance Bass, felt he had to let everyone in on his kept secret and mutal love entangelement with reality star, Reichen Lehmkuhl. Of course they didn't want the tabloids or fans to make much of their true love connection. Meanwhile, being gay in America via Will and Grace, Queer Eye or Folk, Noah's Arc and The L Word have created a trendiness or it's so cool to be gay acceptance. According to Neilsen ratings, these shows are seen by mostly White Heterosexual women, obsessed with wanting to know the sexual box from which one hails continues with recent reports on Cheryl Swoopes who admitted her long term relationship, Clay Aiken who is shocked at the notion that anyone would even suggest a thing and American Idol finalist Jim Verraros who outed himself in 2003 as an outreach to his fan base are just to name a few. Thusly specualtions whirl daily as closets are flying open faster than you can say "Trim Spa,baby!" And now enter the sordid mixed messages and recent revelations conveyed by GOP Congressman Marc Foley's attorney who just wanted us to know that first, Foley wasn't gay... only an alcholic. Then, not a practicing homosexual?, just a victimized altar boy. Ultimately admitting he was actually gay but needed a stay in rehad to deal with it, even though his sexual orientation was "well known" in his power circles. According to an interview with Donald Trump," it was just painful for me to see him with so many beautiful women on his arm." Just imagine if the countless gay teens, young adults and disenfranchised whom face daily violence, homelessness and abuse from family members or strangers could be so so lucky to find such a refuge. On the flip slide, the well heeled congressman just couldn't make up his mind on which golden parachute he needed to get the forgiveness in his major fall from grace. Others on the forgivenss road include the new Gay American former New Jersey Govenor Jim Mc Greevey. A recent Oprah interview subject who solidly wraps himself in the colors of any flag available. McGreevey spins a tale that positioned him as a tortured soul consumed by his Alpha male fixation to achieve and deceive everyone else around him. We are suppose to come to grips with what he was selfishly going through. McGreevey was outed by his arrogrance plus a gaggle of cutie pie staffers and a "I'm not one of them aides"(Golan Cipel) who wasn't going gently into the night without some blackmail cash or a fight. The former politican states that it's all in his current book, "The Confession" much of which Cipel disputes. Neverthless he gets to bounce around the country promoting it to anyone who will listen. You know when a girl comes out, he's still gotta eat. Apparently the angst of Coming Out in 2006 can be not only fulfilling but profitable.
Need to talk, here are some helpful links:
www.artisticrevolution.org
www.BlackAIDS.org
www.The Treveor Project.org

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

National Stonewall Democrats Convention

We are aproximately 40 days away from the Arkansas mid-term elections. Please don't vote until you have reviewed the issues and candidates. The rhetoric is almost unbearable. Ranging from the emotional Po' dunct upbringing of Candidate BeBee to the "all things" to everyone Asa Hutchinson. This video clip is a inside look at the Stonewall Democrat National Convention in June. Of course, I have no idea if we had any delegates or if we even know it occurred. There are local monthly meetings, you can check out there website for more info. Political clout is very important in this culture and if we are unable to harness it's power to ensure our place at the table, we will be subject to circus bizzare of flip flop politics for the massess. Vote like you mean it on November 7. Got something to add,let's hear it at Nealix101@comcast.net

Sunday, October 01, 2006

History: Past, Present and Future



In order to know where you are going, you have to know where we've been. So each day this site will update with a brief bio of a spotlighted figure. Please feel free to share it. We encourage your thoughts and personal reflections at nealix101@comcast.net