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

GLBT History 2006

We would like to invite you to celebrate GLBT History Month as we reconize our triumphs, lossess and motivation for the future. Our history is so ripe and rich with a cast of thousands who have "created the space for us to fill in" and continue to forge a 21st Century vision. We implore you to share your thoughts as well as concerns with us while explore the lives of those who have been a testament to faith, courage under fire and perserverance. Lets Celebrate by asking ourselves...

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY TO BE PROUD"


Watch this site for video, commentary, podcast and of course, more of what you've been looking for!

To Share contact us at: Nealix101@comcast.net

Talking Out Loud...Part3

We've returned to our series of "talking out loud" pieces that are a fast paced review of happenings that just need a brief airing. So with out further due, here we go.

First up, how much more Oprah can a person stand. I mean is it not enough that she's a daily TV fixture, staring at me from the grocery newstand, DVD's, political candidate write-in and now O and Friends on XM. Enough already. To my chagrin, I've found other important things to do with my time, like building my own media empire, instead of watching the chat queen talk about bras, her favorite things or other yawn subjects that titilate her demographics. It must be so convenient to be friend of the Big O. You get not only air time, but book deals and many other development opportunities to demonstrate the next big brand. Of course, I digress and will check my hate meter. Meanwhile, I do appreciate her efforts to make change with her cash flow in Africa, New Orleans and colleges. However, despite it all, Oprah's Big Adventure rolls on, just without me in tow.

E-Voting is just around the corner as we are now aproximately 39 days away from the Mid-Term elections. Are you ready and updated on what the candidates really stand for. Well, the rhetoric has been hard and heavy within the last few weeks. Mike Bebee with his everyman stance on gun control and middle class concerns has filled the airways on how he's the man for us. On the flip side Asa "homeland security" Hutchinson is standing with small school districts, immigration problems and knowing what's best for Arkansas. I'm not excited about either, but I'm leaning toward the Po Dunct upbringing guy who has now amassed a million dollar war chest to convince me. For Mayor: Maybe Mark Stodola ? Don't forget to cast your ballot on Nov. 7 For more info: www.votepulaski.net

Local Color: Recently, The Body Politic has been fielding questions concerning the L.R. gay community support of it's establishments and outlets. In an effort to report our findings we will be commissioning a poll to extract feedback on what the community deems issues, complaints and wish list. If you have questions you would like to submit feel free to E-mail us at Nealix101@comcast.net. Stay tune for the results.

Fast Fact: Did you know that 2 Billion people on earth don't have access to clean water?
Did you know that 41% of people living with HIV/ AIDS reside in the south and this statistic consist of a disproportiate amount of African Americans espeically black hetrosexual women?

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TODAY TO FEEL PROUD?
Next up: our new Podcast... stay tune and tell a friend that we are giving you more of what you've been looking for!

And the Beat goes on 24/7!

Happy Anniversary to CorneliusOnpoint featuring The Body Politic. We are celebrating our first birthday in cyberspace as your exclusive connection to all that's going on in the global village. During the last year we have moved light years ahead with the addition of our online partenrerships with Odeo podcast, video with YouTube, new links and our continuing efforts of keeping you both entertained and informed. Believe it or not, news and events are coming out the the shoot almost too quickly to cover, therefore we have decided to increase our postings to daily. We are determined to stay on top of breaking news and getting you the latest with each post. And now for the news...

Fashionistas on parade: The fall fashion catwalks were alive and well with the latest offerings from the fashion Gods. Trendsetters state that it's all about the Marie Antoinette look, featuring those umpire waist and bubble bottoms with wispy hair do's. Even the MGA pageant organizers are getting in on the scene, requring contestants to show their creativity with patterns from the era. Hopefully, everyone will keep the heads about this look, because it's not for everyone.

Manscaping 2006: In case you haven't notice, there are so many products our their to enhance your man's appearance and attitude. Counters in upscale stores are fully stocked with creams, onintments and sprays to take your stud muffin to the next level. One such product, Headblade, sold by Rite Aid that it suppose to give you head to die for. Equipped with special jells and specific razors, this product will make everyone want to just "touch it" according to it's ad tag line. Also, for those needing a weight loss plan, enter the Perricone Weight Loss diet from Dr. Nicolas Perricone, M.D. who swears that his 3 part plan has a means to loose fat, wrinkles, and years on your life. Perricone also states that this diet is beneficial to HIV-affected individuals who possibly are in the wasting syndrome. He encourages an organic program covering the body inside and out. Of course, super hunk model, Jon Jonsson (pictured above) of Iceland probably doesn't need any help from me on maintaining a great body. He was the last man standing one the Bravo reality model contest earlier this year. On the website, Jon utters the "F-word" ,talks about his new girl, how much he likes ice cream sandwiches and how he's not comfortable taking nude photos. Need we say anything else.

FAST FACTS: The Stonewall Democrats have monthly meetings at the Democratic HQ, go to their website, www.sdcar.org for more information.

Race Equailty week ( Sept. 25-29 2006 )

Friends of Sidetracks has a new web group on Yahoo. Go to Yahoo to sign up or www.sidetracksnlr.com for more information.

Congrats to Taylor Madison Monroe, MGA and Raven St. James 1st Alternative

Tragedy Rewind 2006

2006 has been a Rock and Roll year that just keeps on rolling. In the past few weeks our senses have been on overload as we returned to New Orleans and the government three ring circus that was Katrina relief. Today, the fifth anniversary of 9/11 is being relived and re-told from every prespective by all that is media. Government officials from President Bush to Firefighter captains are recalling this tragic milestone in American History. Conspiracy theories aside and the ongoing debates about the 9/11 commission or intelligence reports, the controversary surrounding this malaise rages until this day. I'm deeply troubled with the ongoing rehtoric that seems to fuse 9/11 with the war on terror, Iraq, Afgahnistan, Axis' of Evil and almost anything else that justifies our erratic foreign policy as well as our domestic sensibilites. Epecially the fact that each of these events impacted people of color accross the board. Film trailblazers Oliver Stone and Spike Lee added to the abjectness with their forceful films "World Trade Center," and "When the Levees broke" documentry featured on HBO. These reaccountings have stirred fresh emotions from my soul, in conjunction with the nation as we all watched this epic tragedy within every breaking news segment for a week straight. In Little Rock, freedom walks, prayer vigils, and many roundtable discussions will commemerate this ongoing drama that seems to be open ended.

And the Tragedy Tour would not be complete without the 9th annivesary of the Princess Diana's death in Paris. As we all do with headline national events, I know exactly where I was when I heard that "Di" had been killed in an traffic accident. My partner and myself were returning from an evening out to hear the announcement. We sat quietly in disbelief trying to comprehend how this could have happened. Amazingly these unfortuante guidepost in our lives are seared into our memory. We go into rewind mode, often experiencing the same emotions and a common sense of lost that affects us universally when a major event occurs. The 9/11 massacre is a perfect example of this mass greif when the planes hit the towers and subsequent collaspe.

Event though most of these tragedies happen via TV, we had chance to go the Oklahoma Bombing Memorial in August to sense the enormity of such an event. Just as 9/11, I had seen this awful event unfold on network TV and was moved by the array of mini-memorials that had been left outside the gates. Upon entering the west wall, facing the reflecting pool, the beauty and calmness was breathtaking despite my full knowledge that many died and suffered greatly in this place. The "Chair" desgin which further remembers the victims, are dignified and reminds us that we all deserve an equal place at the table of life. Leaving the memorial, I realized that life is so fleeting and at a moments notice or twinkling of an eye, it can all be over. Consequently, our 24 hour media link delivers us the latest each day, but I often ponder about the countless everyday mishaps happening all around us that gets no coverage or the massive outpouring of support. Those adversities are just as important and should cause us to live everyday to the fulliest even in a Tragedy Rewind.

Let The fall Games begin..Part Deux

Nine weeks and counting. The mid-term elections are rapidly approaching and I hope that your guns are a blazin, locked and loaded to send a message to our employees in Washington. Enough is enough and the people must speak loudly this fall to let our lawmakers know that we've all had it with the bamboozling that going from the White House to the Congressional Chambers.
In the comming weeks we will offer our candidate endorsement post, as we way out the pro's and con's of each candidate. We further suggest that you find your polling place early and plan your stratergy. No matter, your vote is vital. Our call to action: call a friend and remind them to vote!

Bar Update: We have an update on the happenings at "The Factory" nightclub. We got an ear full from new owner, Jassiel, who has stated that the first phase of the makeover is taking place in the space known as,"The Loft" and will be transformed into a multi-use room with a cabaret feel. The new hours, (which we find a bit strange and probably will need some real tweaking) are Thursday thru Sat from 8-until and a talent night to be held on the last Sunday of the Month opening at 8 p.m. A revolving cast with undetermined "early" showtimes will be a feature of the new lounge. Stay Tuned...

Katie, Rosie, Meredith, Oh my! Yes the TV fall mix-up is in full swing as eveybody changes places and confuses endearing fans with their whereabouts. However, in case your score card has not been updated here's the scoop. Katie Couric is the sole anchor over at CBS news and doing quite nicely. Her debut to me was a "much a do about nothing." I felt it went smoothly and she seemed at ease with telling us the news. You go Katie. Meanwhile, Rosie O donnell brings her "Power Lesbian Mom" attitude to The View this season and Meredith Vierra will freshen up morning show TODAY at NBC. On the homefront, the local affiliates continue to punish early viewers with uninspired casting. First up, KARK had the bright idea to revive Matt Moseler's career with another boring turn at hosting a morning show after being shown the door by KATV some years ago. However, Channel 7 continues to be a bright spot with it morning offerings of live shots, gadgets and local musical guest. KTHV's staid and reliable cast are a viable alternative, unless you decide to just skip it all and stay asleep instead.

Fast Fact: Sidetracks, the "NO COVER" northside club house is looking for you and wants to reach out and touch, so go to their web site and check in at www.sidetracksnlr.com Tell em The Body Politic sent ya.
The Stonewall Democrats will be hosting a fundraiser at the Weekend Theatre, 9/15 at 7p.m. For more info go to www.sdcar.org

Next up..Fall fashion, Election news, New Video and our first free stuff contest. If you've got something on your mind, let us know at Nealix101@comcast.net

Dear Mr. President, By PINK

Governor Huckabee has proclaimed the Month of September as Homeless Awareness Month. I found this video to be a fitting acknowledgement of that proclamation. However,the entire situation of homelessness begs the question of why in a nation of plenty, we can't get a handle on this dilemma. According to recent statistics, Arkansas is 49th in median income level, in the top 10 of bankruptcies, most citizens don't have adequate access to health insurance, meanwhile we are nation building in Iraq and Afghanistan. Express yourself and vote on November 7th. Send a clear message to our employees in Washington. Got something to say, let's hear it at Nealix101@comcast.net

Let The fall Games begin

O.K. the summer re-runs have taken their course with you and your household and it's time for some fresh meat, so to speak. Well in our effort to keep giving you more of what you've been looking for,let's highlight some fall entertainment alternatives that run the gambit. On the tube,there are a myraid of shows that are returning or newly produced. If you want my opinion,(and I know you do) I suggest that you check out, The Closer on TNT, Mondays at 8p.m. Kyra Sedgwick stars (and was robbed at the Emmy Awards) giving a robust and rubics cube tour de force performance each week. As character Chief Brenda Johnson, Sedgwick chews scenery and espouses southern charm with arsenic and old lace bravado. When I can't get a chance to watch as presented, I set the VHS tape in order not to miss an episode. Another favorite is Monk, USA, Fridays 8p.m. Emmy Winner Tony Shalhoub continues the offbeat and often hilarious depiction of Dectective Adrian Monk who foils San Francisco crime with his OCD ticks in overdrive. This show now has a catalog of shows available, so if you missed some of the earlier seasons madness they are available. Believe it or not, I actually met an individual while living in San Francisco who resembles Mr. Shalhoub, had OCD,and taught me a great deal about the condition long before the show. Go Figure.

Yes Dorthy gay TV is busting out over at LOGO network featuring a host of original productions and ground breaking series such as Noah's Arc. I 've watched serval episodes, most are humourous and often reality based. If you were a Sex in the City fan, then you'll get a good dose of GBM interaction from bonded friends who share their utmost personal moments with each other usually via the cellphone. The show stars, Daryl Stephens/ Noah, Doug Spearman/Chance, Christan Vincent/Ricky, Jensen Atwood/Wade, and Rodney Chester as Alex. Certain episodes of this show are availble on Comcast On Demand locally. The system has not added LOGO as an option, but we got the Gospel channel instead. I suggest calling Comcast and asking them what's up with that? Or you can get caught up with the boys on DVD at Logo online.com

Need more, well we have more and will continue to update you with our next post.Hopefully you haven't become a couch potato or completely nested with your latest partner, becasue partonizing our local establishments is very important. If we don't serve them, they won't be able to continue to serve us. We have plans to began linking with other outlets in the next 30 days. Networking our resources to keep you informed and encouraged is a vital part of our mission. So be on the lookout for a copy of Pink Spectrum or go to www.arspectrum.bravehost.com According to the Publishers they have new and exciting plans to come!

The Podcast Launch begans!

powered by ODEO


As promised this is our trial run with podcasting and we are determined to enhance our capabilities as we deliver to you valuable information, commentary, and so much more. This evolving tech platform, will allows us an "actual voice" to share breaking news and cutting edge reports with our audience. Of course, we will take it to the next level and produce our own broadcast in the comming weeks, yes we are talking about Cornelius TV! So stay tuned, tell your friends and feel free to share your thoughts, questions, concerns or ideas with us at Nealix101@comcast.net As always, we are trying to give you more of what you've been looking for.

Cornelius gets more Hot, Live and otherwise!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have reached yet another milestone in my life and I wanted to set the record straight. Yes I am 45 years old and don't hate me because I'm still beautiful, dammit. Ok, maybe the beautiful is a bit much, but I'm well on my way to being the person I was born to be, hot, live and otherwise! I had a great birthday with my partner of 14 years, as we spent some quality time in OKC,Oklahoma over the past weekend. Everyone made us feel welcomed and wanted us to find the right mix of activities that would make our short stay simply FABU. There are many options for entertaining one's self in the city. No matter what your heart's desire you can get it 7 days a week and all night if neccessary. Many Thanks to waitstaff of Topanga Grill for the quaint brunch on Sunday. The bartenders at the Boom, Club Rox and The Copa during the Miss OKC US of A pageant. Congrats to Mya Iman on the win. MC Rachel Eriks was in fine form to help keep things moving along. My hats off the OKC for making my B-day one to remember!

Now for the news...In our last blog we updated you on the situation at The Factory nightclub and it seemed uncertain. However, on Friday (8/18/06) the bar was open with a liquor promotion in progress. Some new staffing was in place(?) and no remodel was evident. The entire evening was somewhat surreal as people seemed clueless as to what was really going here. Most of the crowd left ( yes, I said left) before the "mini-show" was to occur. You'll have to stay tuned on this one, because we have not idea how this is going to end.

We are plum proud as punch about having access to the YOU TUBE video vault,as we have begun including them in our blogs. The catalog is vast and we spend a lot time searching for just the right clip that fills our mission to keep you entertained and informed on a variety of subjects. We also will have more of our own version of video shopping and personal weblogs. So much to do and not enough time!!

Mistakes and misprints happen and we are not immune to such instances. Therefore, please be advised that November 7, not the 5th, is when you need to voice your opinion at the polls. Feel free to ask for a paper ballot, these electronic machines may be a disaster in the making. If you are not aware of the cable TV issue surrounding TV Freedom, I suggest that you take a look at this issue and contact your senator.
In Arkansas, that would be, Senator Mark Pryor or Blanche Lincoln. As a matter of action, send them your cable bill with your letter. I don't think they will be paying it, but they'll get the point.

There's so much more, but we'll save it for next time. Until then realize that "none of us are free until all of us are free...!

Talking Out Loud...Part 2

Breaking News is the new catch phrase of the year. Everything seems to be breaking news these days. Especially over at the piranna newtwork, CNN, which gobbles up news incesantly and then spews it viewers repeatedly from all aspects. Don't get me wrong, I like CNN and News Stud Anderson "360" Cooper, but often I wish they would give us a break on the breaking news. Every container, flash flood, sink hole, or stupid criminal act gets reported until something really happens. Talk about the fast and furious.

Meanwhile, locally we reported in our last blog, about the musical chairs being played at The Factory nightclub. However, apparently the music has also stopped. There has been no "oh so 3 week fabu" remodel and the cast of characters involved have a giant, "no comment." We've visted the location on several occassions, survyed the competition and come up with nothing. The lights are on but no one is home. Stay tune...

Congratulations go out to Dr. Dean Blevins,as the new President of the Arkansas AIDS Foundation, according to a ( 8/13) professional profile blurb in Arkansas Democrat Gazette, but not listed on the organizations website. A website that obviously hasn't been updated since, "oh can you say January?" Maybe the first order of business for the new prez is to get his Tech people cracking on utilizing the web as as vital resource to informing the community or better yet, market the organization for future growth. Ya Think?

Speaking of stealth operations, people are talking about the missing, Pink Spectrum publication that was hearlded as the not to be missed Arkansas alternative magizine. Last seen in June 2006, the magazine and it's staff has been missing in action. The word on the street is that the operation couldn't embrace the Rodney King plea of "can we not just get along?" Is this another one bites the dust!

Personna Emeritus, Cassaundra Manchester, deserves "atta girl" for his new Ebay ranking in the Review category. Manchester's send up of, The Top 10 Things for your Drag Personna, has been well received by personal auction customers and the public at large. "I was a bit overwhelmed at the response to the review and even more so at the proceeds from my gown collection. It was sentimental and somewhat bittersweet. But I'm so glad that these items found additional love and life with new owners." Manchester said. Plans are under way for more items to be posted within the month.

November 5 is rapidly approaching and we at The Body Politic we will shift gears within the next few postings to address political issues that need your attention. Don't forget that you can express your voice with your vote. Go to the polls in November and take a friend. As always, we are always trying to keep giving you what you are looking for. Stay in touch...( nealix101@comcast.net)

Whitney Houston Screws Up The Classics

In this age of terriost, mayhem and government failure, we have to laugh a little. Debra Wilson's parody of Whitney Houston is on the money and causes us to realize that even in the bleakest of times, we have to ask, "Where are the clowns, there have to be clowns, don't bother, they're here." Stay safe America!

Talking Out Loud...Part 1

Excuse me can we talk! Issues abound and it's taken me a few weeks to gather the facts and get my two cent together about it all. There is so much to talk about that I almost didn't know where to start or who to start with. So let's just begin...

Item:It's musical chairs/ owners again at The Factory Nightclub. We've learned exclusively that the entertainment venue is changing hands, yet again. New owner Jassiel,(pictured above)long time Manager of the lounge, stated that the bar will take a new direction in decor and entertainment. He stated that the venue had lost some of it's luster and overall appeal. The club will be closed in late July for 3 weeks and will reopen Mid August with a grand re-opening. Stay tune!

Item: Even though the Arkansas Supreme Court has spoken or should I dare say ruled decidedly, on the misguided policy directive concerning Gay foster parents. It seems that this is simply not enough for politico's seeking office or the Huckster who feels that there should be some type of legislation doctored to keep fully qualified and most of all willing Gay's who wish to participate in the program. All of those who weighed in on this matter, have decided not to acccept studies and broad base testimony that children interacting with gay people in any way will not affect their development or well being.

Item: Whatever happend to the waiting list for the ADAP program? It was in dire straits enough to have local activist Eric Camp, refusing to take his medications in an effort to assist others. Seems like it's significance and The ADAP Working Group that was given the task to monitor the matter have went AWOL. I contacted the then President Elect, Ken Scott about the situation and got a resounding," "DAHHH..I don't know what happened." Does anyone know what became of all those angry people who felt that their lives were in jeporday and proceeded to rattle tin cups as a public demostration of the poverty. Meanwhile, The state has begun it's own version of offering prescription drug coverage with a discount card. However, I'm not clear if any of the retrovirals will be included in this new drug merry-go-round. Go figure?

Item:The midterm elections are aproximately 3 months away and The Stonewall Democrats of Arkansas are meeting on the Third Sunday of each month at the Democratic Party Headquarters. According to the groups website, next meeting is scheduled for August 20. In the meantime, Arkansas Gazette's Kane Webb column( Sun 7/16) concerning "Beebe's Stonewall" highlighted the fact that the Democratic Candidates returned a donation from the group and then did a complete flip flop on his statements to the group about possible discriminatory legislation. Even more surprising was the fact that there seemed to be no mention about the column or the return of the PAC donation anywhere on the ASD website. Webb's column reported "commuinity outrage" about this lack of support. An action alert was circulated on other matters, but mums the word on it's affect. So much for the outrage. I highly encourage everyone to take a friend to the poll in November.

Item: In leiu of the recent local LGBT film festival, I am looking forward to the release of "Invisable Man" directed by the creative force of Bill Duke. The buzz on the film is beginning to swell and I had a chance to catch the online trailer. The storyline deals with those on the "down low" and all that comes with this drama. Most likely this film will probably not make the cut and be shown in Little Rock, but we will make every attempt to keep you updated on this challenging production and update the information as it's released. If you would like the link to the trailer write to us and let us know. Email: Nealix101@comcast.net and we will shoot it to you!

Item:I would like to send a hearty "congrats" to the National Association of BWMT on their 26th annual convention in Long Beach, CA.(July 31- Aug 5) I have attended this convention in the past and was highly educated on a variety of social issues affecting the community at large. Hopefully in 2007, I will get a chance to return to the fold and embrace the diversity and fullfillment that each session offers. Good Luck and Best wishes on a great convention.

We are here to keep giving you what you've been looking for. Let us know what you think at nealix101@comcast.net

Crowns Revisted 2006

And the winner is... were the words that I heard on that June night in 2002, not really expecting to hear my name, but hoping at least I had done my best as a contestatnt. To my utter suprise, the Mistress of Ceremonies, Dolly said, " a good buddy of mine, Cassausdra Manchester!" The audience errupted with cheers and well wishes from the darkened lounge. Fellow contestants stood steadfast and then offered there ceremonious well wishes. The crown was placed on my head by then, MGA Alexa Breckenridge and I was off to represent the title MGNLR 2002-2003, yet later discovering that all the glitter isn't gold. Flash forward to the 2006. The pageant season is again in full swing and I had to take a look back at the significance of that experience. My alter ego was something thatI dreamed up and was a creation that I had crafted over the years. But, the fact was that this character had always lived in me because it was apart of my self confidence, creative outlet and imagination, despite the reality that often I didn't really know what to make of it or how to exploit it. My winning the pageant was a small validation of all those things past, as well as, my embrace of all those who felt really proud of it. Of course those in my camp, long time companion James who served as Co-producer and friend Micheal who served in all capacities assured me to believe that I was a winner. This inner circle of love had actually prepared me for the tempest that was brewing on the horizon. Their support allowed me to withstand the lies, inundo, untruths and mischaracterazation that were espoused by disgruntled agitators. Consequently I was summoned to appear before the pageant Board of Directors on trumped up allegations that were being manipulated by forces "from the shadows" and further coerced by the State pageant promoter whom had differences with Dolly D productions, and a 20 year old business maneuver made by myself. I made the decision to not be apart of this mean spirited witch hunt that smelled of tacky ego's with vague recollections and small minded individuals who were being used as puppets to instigate this madness. The pageant agreement and subsequent fees associated with it did not state that my background would have any adverse affect on the outcome of the pageant. I contend that if there were going to be any issues, none of my money should've been accepted upfront. For those unaware, pageantry is an expensive venture where the contestant usually bears the all the cost involved. Even though fundraisers are held, these don't cover all cost. I actively sought out sponsorships and private donations to offset expenses. After the win, I was fortunate to have a sponsor who compensated me accross the board. Others are not so lucky. Yet,apparently those naysayers didn't abide by the good sportsmanship rule and accept this a fair outcome. This entire ordeal became a "reality check" to me about the pageant system and why these pageants have diminished in significance within the community. Historically, these pageant productions deemed themselves as avenues to creativity thusly producing pride and sportsmanship. However, I take exception that these "pageants" have subcumbed to real competition resulting in rather contrived "recycled productions" with often manipulated or questionable results. In my case, bold statements such as, "I wasn't expected to win the title", " I had secured special help," and that I should abdicate the title "because I wasn't prepared to take it to the state level," were hurtful and condescending. All of this engineering from somewhere over the "symbol of excellence," meanwhile participants who quietly acknowledged this misdeed, but didn't rally the cause. As I understand there have been many other cases using these tactics throughout pageant history. As for me, I resloved that I would rise above it all and continue to represent no matter the tensions. I felt that I exuded the real excellence that pageants tout, by remaining professional and meeting all scheduled commitments,even without participating in the state competition. I chose my comments carefully about the system while reigning and concluded as I started, a true winner in the eyes of the people who stood before me on that prideful night in June 2002. It was their support, belief and encouragement to which I owe a hearty thanks. Best wishes and good luck to this year's contestants, hopefully all that glitter's is really gold!

AIDS 25: Lives lost and lessons learned

It's almost surreal for me as I realize that AIDS turns 25 this year and that I've been apart of it's lifeline from the beginning. What's most disturbing is the fact that I probably won't live to see a cure or vaccine of this life changing disease that has touch people around the globe. In the early days, there was so much confusion and misinformation about exactly what was know then as an un-named disease that was affecting men primarily on the coast. The interior of the US seemed unaffected and unconcerned about what we would later find out about how this infection would cross all paths of our daily lives. As I read as much material as I could find and understand, It seemed that this modern day plague couldn't be defined and doctors were baffled as to treatment. All around me opinions abound and the terror of this crisis was mounting with each passing month. We seemed paralyzed as to what to do as we partied on and watched the horrifying death numbers rise. Nationwide organizations began to form and speak out about how our medical community was being overwhelmed and how ineffective our government, most notably lead by Ronald Reagan was playing politics, as people continued to die. Finally, the disease not only had claimed victims, it had a name,AIDS. For me, the swiftness and agony of it's effects was demostrated as I watched a friend, Mark slowly disappear and ultimately die. At his funeral I was stoic and attempted to understand why his life was cut so short. There were so many unanswered questions, too many blanks that were not filled in and so much left unsaid. To my dismay, this first death had not sufficiently prepared me for the many funerals to come, especially, my best friend Will, who I sat bedside with on his last full day of life. I remember vividly my outrage and frustration about these lost lives as well as the subsequent fallout that reverberates throughout. My world, my community and long time friendships were simply vanishing from the earth and for the first time in my life I felt helpless. Locally I participated in various organizations, fundraisers and attended meetings, with the hopes that I could affect change. Unfortunatley, the results were marginal then and now. Thusly here we are 25 years later with effective, but expensive drug cocktails to help individuals to live longer. Researchers are aggressively pursuing a vaccine and potential cure. Groups are still having fundraisers and the debates over government funding, intrevention preceptions and faith based methods often cloud the basic issue. Neverthless, we still have new cases of HIV still occuring in sectors of society accross the world. The recent May 2 part PBS special about the subject is a comforting signal that we will not be allowed to forget this journey. A sojourn in the age of AIDS that has deeply affected my life through the lives lost and lessons learned.

Cornelius' Divinci Code

It seems that the whole world has some vested interest in dicphering exactly what the code is in the Divinci Code. Even though the Dan Brown novel didn't make it to my bedside. I found myself immersed in the flurry of theroies about secret socieites, mysterious leaders and assorted characters that would have significant influences upon my own life as I started exploring and discovering my own Divinci Code. My allegiance to a not so secret society began many years ago as I was introduced to the "sinner's bench" and the doctrine of the New Light Baptist church. Every Sunday and Wednesday night or almost every time the doors were open, there I was being verbally whipped with the firey heat of the gospel, later to be submerged in the waters of salvation that I did'nt quite understand. Daily the scrolls were quoted and used to evaluate my destiny inconjuction to whether I would achieve not being left behind during the rapture. Inside my brain, I grappled with so many issues about who I was and exactly who were these people telling me to be. My journey led me to seek charts, graphs, dusty books and a host of documents to help me reconcile my inner feelings juxtaposed to that of the order. According to the Sisters of the pews there would be signs, blessed whispers and comfort in the holy artifacts that would usher me through the valley of death to the pinnacle of the light. Ultimately revealing to me the answer to the code and a shrouded cover-up that would clarify everything.... Art imitating life or Life initating art is a paradigm that we all continue to observe and dissect. Each and every day our hurried lives cause us to somehow to disconnect and tune out from each other. Brown's Divinci has ignited controversy, lawsuits,pronouncements and outrage. However, the good thing is that it has cause some of us to reconnect and engage in actual conversations again. I resoluted that my scavenger hunt with the church, even though tormenting in places, has had overall positive aspects. Finally, I've determined that the real answer to the code lies in my embracing the God in me, as well as, my personal relationship with him is all that really matters.

The United States of Understanding

The familiar Reganism of "it's morning in America..." has again become the backdrop from which many in this nation still grappled with some of the same ageless societal issues that we thought someone had addressed all those years ago. The first few months of 2006 has reminded us that those issues of days ago are still with us and more so. The culture wars that can be plainly defined in this country have reached a boiling point with such flashpoints as illigal immigrantion, border and port security, entitlements, earmarks, gay marriage and yes, even racism has creeped back into the consciouness of our daily lives. As I compose this piece I can't help but reflect on the life I've lived thus far and try to assess if any progress has been made and what lies ahead for the future. I was extremely reminded of this when I was picked up a copy of the Pink Spectrum, a local alternative magazine, exclusively devoted to covering the entertainment outlets in the central Arkansas area. The cover story was promoting entertainer Shirley Q. Liquor at Jester's, an alternative bar in Hot Springs. The character portrayed by comic actor/ drag queen Charles Knipp, can be described as a "Obese Black Women of questionable literacy who has birthed 19 children and has a dimwitted view of the world." Mr. Knipp, a former preist and Quaker minister who purports to belive that his comedy takeoff is a bow to legendary lesbian comic Mom's Mabley. Plus he affirms that his legions of fans, including "SuperModel of the World", Rupaul, that this type of humor is not a throwback to the ministral shows of yesteryear, but rather is his version of edgey comedy and social commentary that we shouldn't get upset about. Adorning a pink wig, oversize wardrobe and tragic dark cosmetics covering his obvious white face, Knipp devolves into his "stepin and fetchit" peresonna thusly bringing Shirley to life. He has been touring basically gay bars and other venues for a few years and has an acerbic website with other methods of his madness. Throughout his career Mr. Knipp has seemingly engaged mostly white audiences with the "Eubonics of Ignunce" from a character who espouses philosophy ticks that range from the ridiculous to the offensive, all in the vein of attempting to get laughs. Knipp staunchly defends his characters bold statements as "race relations 101," due to the fact that Shirley is actually poking fun at White people and their missed cues about other black people, especially since he grew up around blacks for which he grew an affinity and in his words, respected. To be fair I had not seen SQL live, but I did view some video clips of his musings, website and show footage,and personally I was not amused. Of course as a fellow creative being, I respect the creative process and realize that often edgey comedy, i.e. South Park, Mad TV,the White Chicks movie featuring the Wayans brothers and Def Comedy Jam all provide avenues to express humor that appeals to certain audiences. I embrace the First Amendment rights of expression and will be the first to defend it, yet I do resevere the right to cite an act as in "Bad Taste", even though I have no objections to his performance rights. Futhermore, gay media as well as culture has had a variety of issues with it's characterization of People of Color and it's ability to deal with racism. For your information, Two San Francisco Bars were cited by the city and sued over racial profiling and discrimination in 2005! On the homefront, I also ponder the mindset of the local bar owner who would promote this type of comedy despite it's "toxically politically incorrect," approach to comedy as reviewed by the Atlanta Journal- Constitution when Shirley Q. Liquor was dropped from a local Georgia fundraiser. Did the Owners of Jester's realize that this show has been canceled in New York and Boston due to obejctions from local organizations whom objected to this type of humor. Are the Owners seriously suggesting that the community of Hot Springs would openly embrace entertainment such as this without question or is this an attempt to "shock and awe" an audience into attendance? I shutter to think so. Finally, no one enjoys a bit of bawdy comedy more than myself, however, I can't endorse or remotely support this type of gutter humor that panders to the obsurd and masquerades itself as plausible social commentary. I suggest that patrons of Jester's inquire to the owners as to there motivation for this action and react accordingly. It may be morning in America again but, I bet Mom's Mabley is probably shaking her head and rolling in her grave over how little we seemed to have learned.

Postcards from The Edge of Reality

As I compose this session of The Body Politic, the politics of our nation continues to take knee jerk courses of action to deal with our ongoing internal dilemmas. Recent demostrations and proclamations from "undocumented" individuals better known as illegal immigrants, has piqued my senses and cause me to assess not only the issue of any illegal immigration, but also the processes involving how we handle people in personal jeporady. I don't consider my views racist or in the vein of bigotry, but unfortunately, we are all to blame for some of these problems. We have allowed the U.S. Congress to continue to be wishy-washy with the functioning of our country. Our mere abdication and disengagement with our policy makers at all levels of government have provided us with broken borders, disfunctioning governmental agencies such as FEMA, SBA,Department of Interior and the Department of Homeland Security. It is a bitter pill for me to swallow when these protesters are in the streets demanding so-called rights and a pathway to citizenship altered from the established laws. The fact that the law of our land has been usurped and dismissed by an estimated 12 million people is simply too much to accept. I am not advocating massive deportation because it's probably not practical. Even though we are spending thousands of dollars daily "actually deporting" new arrivals by jetliner to destitnations in the heart of Mexico and beyond. I believe that in order to stem this tide we must start with securing the borders. Futher address the urgent resources available to our border patrol, adhere to the laws that have been enacted, severely punish business interest that employ any undocumented workers and hold everyone accountable for their inaction dealing with formal immmigration. Universally, it seems that we have'nt had the best track record for the management of people issues. Homelessness is still rampant throughout our nation and certainly here in Arkansas. Despite task forces, NGO's, Nonprofits, homeless advocates and city fathers, we are still embroiled in how we approach this ongoing human crisis. Recently, I saw some raw footage from Homeless Activist Charles Neeley who has joined the legion of citizen journalist who take cameras to the issue and give it a face. The segments offered a stark and revealing attitude from a service provider and possible clients. The footages featured a verbal exchange with the local Salvation Army's Lodge Manager who had been rather abrupt with two women seeking services prior to the center's opening. The manager cited the cities loitering act and ejects them from the premises. Later he summons the police when confronted by Neely about his aloof attitude. It would be in the best interest of the Salvation Army, a 501c 3 "Tax Expempt" organization to further address this incident and seek to save face with the public that it constantly cajoles with pleas of financial assistance. It would seem that they would'nt need any additional public relation debacles since the alleged misappropriations during Hurricane Katrina. If you would like links to the acutal video stream, e-mail us at Nealix101@comcast and we will provide it. Look for more video and citizen journalism from this site, so stay tuned and let us hear from you!

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Deconstructing Cornelius... Part Two

Item: The bush Poll numbers are in and the Bush White House has decided that polls, no matter how low they may go, do not superseded the administrations domestic agenda, foreign policy development and of course their committment to the war on terror. How much more of this will the "American people" take. Well, I say a whole lot more because the alternatives a far and few. The endless finger pointing, rampant flip-flopping and muddled viewpoints from both sides of aisle is simply mindnumbing. As a member of this democracy I'm finding that democracy is over classified, sometimes secretive, jargon filled and awashed in reports galore that the electorate ( that's you and me) don't have a clue who or what to believe. And just think, India is the world's largest Democracy? No wonder those mangoes are so good?

Item: Tavis Smiley once again gathered the usual suspects(Malvo, Sharpton, Congress folks and of course, Farrakhan) to harken to the Black community about our "State of the Union." It seems that this day long think tank of innovators,commentators, and agitators filled the airwaves with various rememdies to our assorted ailments. The new "Covenant" edited by Smiley, is being totuted as the Holy Grail to a more prosperous Black Nation and yet another blueprint to get our shit together. However, in my everyday life, my encounters with "my people" are often not to pleasant. Just the other day a male salesperson at a Drive thru window handed my order to me without every acknowleding me at any point. He handed my credit card slip, my package and close the door in my face. Another case in point, was my visit to Target recently as one of my "sisters" walked behind me while on her cell, openly cursing and smarting off to the listener all for my hearing pleasure. And finally, I am disgusted at the those Afro-Americans who fill the University Denny's Restaurant at 4 A.M. on weekend nights and act like banchees from the Congo. Most likely none of these people that I've mentioned saw the program, or will ever read this Covenant. Kudos to those participants and Smiley for another year of interesting rhetoric and intellecutal spin. We'll see you next Black History Month and so it goes...

Item: In an effort to stay on the cutting edge and bring you all the latest pings from the internet,we are now offering those cutesy Obama/ Clinton 08 mugs for your shelves. If you are interested, email us at Nealix101@comcast.net and we will hook you up. As soon as possible we will get a direct link on this site. Also we will be adding audio blogs and sending you video clips from time to time. So Come back and read ahwile.