Wednesday All Hands on Deck

Republican Pork-a-Rama

Well it seems when you get rid of one there always seems to be another one crawling somewhere from a nearby crack. Yes it been revealed that another ethically challenge Republican is now under the hot glare of the press and hopefully the scorn of the electorate. That means you and me!

Who is this time? News sources on the web report that Republican state Rep. Mark Biviano of Searcy was one of only two applicants — and the only one from Arkansas — for a job worth as much as $119,000 a year to head an agency planning for a possible state health insurance exchange.

Biviano sponsored the legislation that created the Health Insurance Marketplace Board.

He couldn't be hired during his term of office, most likely, but that doesn't mean arrangements couldn't be made to postpone his hiring until the end of this year.

The Board, because of the small number of applicants, is seeking more.

Biviano's seeking a job he created — personal pork barreling, you might say — is a fitting act for a fellow we affectionately know as Bourbon and Bacon Biviano. That's after the name of the Capital Hotel fete Biviano attended shortly before an alleged hit-and-run incident.

Arkansas Times Max Brantley waxes on his blog pointing out, "I should add  that the shuffle of legislators to state jobs is a time-honored and bipartisan tradition in Arkansas. But help me readers: Can you remember another legislator who shuffled directly into a six-figure job he or she created?"

Just think about it this way, three years of a $100,000 job added to a number of years in state service as a legislator can up your annual public employee pension handsomely, since it is based on a combination of years of service and the three highest-paid years of compensation. Here we go again with another self serving politician elected by the people with his hands all in the pork barrel. It sounds like good work if you can get it!
Renegades Raising Funds

The venerable group Renegades for a Cause are back at it in 2014 with Lucie's Place being the recipient of their efforts. The event will step off at MK's, 1/17/14 with show time at 11pm. Lucie's Place will also team with The Living Affected Corporation in October for the duo's 2nd Annual Hair Affair. Stay locked and loaded to this site for updates!

2014 Gay & Lesbian critics award nominations announced

12 Years A Slave has been given yet another big Oscar boost after landing three nominations for the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association's 2014 Dorian Awards.

Director Steve McQueen's acclaimed movie's haul from Hollywood's gay community, includes Film of the Year.

 

The drama will go up against American Hustle, Blue Is the Warmest Color, Dallas Buyers Club, Gravity, Her and Laurence Anyways.

12 Years' star Chiwetel Ejiofor is nominated for Film Performance of the Year - Actor, and his co-star Lupita Nyong'o will compete for the Film Performance of the Year - Actress award. The Award season is off and running with the Golden Globes presented earlier this week and Screen Actors Guild to come. Have you seen all the nominated film? Got reviews or picks? Share them with COP 24/7 so we can see who's got the best eye for film winners!

 

Don't Forget that February 7th is Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tueday Drive Thru and Take OUT Part 1

Equality Shifts Takes Toll on LGBTQ Community

As competitive as this forum would like to be in bringing Arkansas' LGBTQ community all the
breaking news, every now and then this forum sits on a story until they can get some sense of facts. Or at least try to get some corroborating information since often times "rumor" is not quite fact based and must be thought through before putting it on blast.

Yet, COP 24/7 can always count on that other digital town square where folks are always ready to "spill the tea." Seems that Miss Kittys will pack her bags and get out of dodge come March 1, 2014. Why is this important you ask, well thanks for asking as here's our take on the matter that this forum posted about in both 2010 and 2011 respectively.

From a historical note, gay bars at one point was where the gay community not only met but became a bastion of building the "community," for those seeking like minded individuals. After all Gay Pride is based on the Stonewall uprising that took place in a bar June 28, 1969 which is cited as the step off the gay liberation movement that we know today as the equality movement. For the record, without the gay bar, gay culture and gay rights might not exist.

I followed that track from my early years, learning the "in's and out's" of a who's who that became acquaintances and extended family. Although it took some time to get to know my new "family," it was these folks whom I identified and reveled in both the triumphs and tragedies. I remember most if not all of those bars that have come and gone. Here are just a few that served the LGBTQ community including. The French Quarter,Variations, Code Bleu, Garbo's, 5th Gear, Sargent Preston's, Silver Dollar, Aquarium, Grand Alley, Our House Lounge, Little Rock Inn and The Factory. All gone but not forgotten in my memory of both the good times and sad times spent during their hey days.

Not to mention so much of the music which became the soundtrack of my life which comforted me during times when love went wrong and certainly during the days when lives seemed fleeting as the HIV/AIDS epidemic raged on. 

Although this forum had heard rumblings about this demise which was entangled in the "kitty cat" fight commenced by former employees and numerous others who wanted to have their say. COP 24/7 took a "wait and see" position as we awaited to see when the next pump was going to fall! In case you didn't know the property on which the venue sits is own by a local church and as it would have it, they decided not to renew the lease.

 For those of you who have forgot or don't remember, this spot has had a checkered spot from its days as Easy Street, to the Kristie Mash Up featuring gone to soon Whitney Paige and onto it current incarnation that ebbed and flowed into a flamed out under former manager Luke Henley. COP 24/7 has been there for all of it and will add it to the pantheon of our memories of local bars gone belly up.

Working Toward Health Equity

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Office of Health Equity in CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP).

To commemorate this milestone event, CDC hosted international, national, and local leaders in health equity to provide their perspectives on achievements, strategies, and goals in this critical area of work to protect health.

“Health inequities are unnecessary, avoidable, and unjust,” said Professor Sir Michael Marmot  in his keynote address. Sir Marmot is a world-renowned expert in health equity and is the Director of the Institute of Health Equity at University College London. He was knighted by Her Majesty The Queen in 2000 for his services in epidemiology and understanding health inequities.

 

 He was also the Chair of the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Determinants of Health. Sir Marmot challenged CDC leaders to make health equity an even bigger priority. He stated that “’today, right now, we have the knowledge and the financial means to reduce health disparities,’ but he asked, ‘Do we have the will?’” It is a poignant question that asks each of us to look at what we are doing now and what we can do better.

 

- See more at: http://blog.aids.gov/2014/01/working-toward-health-equity.html#sthash.rrhaSgi2.dpuf

Maddening Monday

And there off! Another week news, views, smoking tidbits and hot links for your reading pleasure. Its all going down here at COP 24/7 and not a minute to soon after that Polar Vortex!! Grid your loins, touch pearls and prepare yourself for another rousing take on "what's really going on!"

Lt. Governor Darr Takes a Hike

It was revealed on last Friday evening that embattled Lieutenant Governor Mark Darr decided to bust a move and resign by February 1, 2014. Just in case you missed it, Darr admitted to receiving state
and campaign money for personal expenses, which isn't allowed by law.

He got some $12,000 in state money he must repay, according to a legislative audit, and he took $31,000 in campaign money for personal expenses. He was fined $11,000 for ethics law violations and the violations are being reviewed by the Pulaski prosecuting attorney to consider whether those violations may be prosecuted as criminal misdemeanors, as the law allows.

He has said his mistakes were made out of ignorance and poor record keeping, not improper intent.  Darr's resignation mea culpa was a last ditch attempt to make a case that "he been done wrong," while citing,  "politics can be a toxic business. I will no longer subject my family to its hard lessons. All my forgiveness to those who play the games and all my respect and appreciation to those who serve with class and humility."

As a refresher, let's not forget that this public servant was a Tea Party darling, favored, ironically, the state on-line "checkbook," which allows Internet access to details of state spending. It has, however, been little employed since its adoption. That's another story. Meanwhile, he also campaigned against Obamacare and intervened in a lawsuit challenging it among much of his other ceremonial work across the state according www.arkansas.gov website. Ok Arkansas electorate, lets get it together to stop electing "zero's" and get some hero action going.

Gay Elders Promote Gen Silent


Arkansas LGBTQ Elders have announced the Little Rock premier of the acclaimed and compelling documentary “Gen Silent” on January 19, 2014, at 2:00 pm at the Darragh Center at the Main
Library. This documentary chronicles the problems and challenges of LGBTQ aging in a still sometimes hostile and indifferent world and their experience and search for ways to keep them from having to go back in the closet and aging in silence.

COP 24/7 posted commentary and video (1/9/2012) concerning this work produced and directed by Stu Maddox. This forum has been at the forefront of discussing the challenges and barriers around aging in the LGBTQ community.

Furthermore, this forum cited the film's importance  in lieu of the death of Dr. Robert Frank a retired Unitarian Minister who was ejected from a long term care facility here in North Little Rock after his HIV status was disclosed.

His case was taken by Lambda legal whom reached an out of court settlement concerning fair housing laws and basic human rights. Before Frank's death, he was able to share his story and highlight the issue of gay seniors and AIDS Stigma during a 2010 White House conference before his death in 2011.

According to a press item circulated by Dr. R.L. Hillard, the award winning documentary has been shown throughout the country and the Arkansas LGBTQ Elders group is excited to host the first public viewing in Little Rock.

The 70 minute documentary will be followed by a discussion of the  issues facing LGBTQ seniors in Little Rock and throughout the state. Three doctors  from UAMS who are interested in the problems of LGBTQ seniors, will present their interpretation of the film and the issues it raises, and answer questions. A meet and greet with refreshments will take place from 1:30 pm until 2:00 pm with the program concluding at 4:30 pm. Also visit Arkansas LGBTQ Elders on facebook.com  The event is free but donations are welcome.

National Black HIV/ AIDS Awareness Day 2014


National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is February 7. There are four specific focal points for the day: “Get Educated, Get Tested, Get Involved, and Get Treated.” The Delta AIDS Education Center will present a program February 12, Little Rock Main Library (100 Rock Street in the Rivermarket), 3rd floor Conference Room, 9:45 till 3pm

The program will undertake addressing the treatment cascade, linkages to care and additional challenges concerning those living affected with HIV and AIDS in Arkansas. Local experts will share their insights, updates as well as information on the 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey . Stay tuned to this forum for additional announcements and updates.

 

Friday Follies Galore

Thank God that COP 24/7 got to Friday! Its been a heck of week with all manner of news, out takes, upticks and breaking news that just kept coming, and coming  and coming! There was just no way to get it all in. This platform has done its best to stay trendy and on pace with how the digital frontier is taking on new depth or even breaking bad. According to all those in know "digital guru's," they keep popping off that in order to keep your blog content kicking, it's got to be fast and furious. In other words as Executive Producer, I'm suppose to through down the "ELMO," (Enough, Lets Move On) card without hesitation. However, some items just will not get you what you really need to know if we only just shoot from the hip while skimping on the facts. And as usual, "with that said," let's go get em as we do a COP 24/7 Friday Folly!


Gays Gone Survivalist

This just in..."they say them gays are everywhere!" Believe it or not, after reading an article in the Advocate dated 1/7/13 concerning the ground swell of LGBTQ folks gravitating toward the survivalist movement, I thought REALLY?  Then it occurred to me yes silly!  And where did they source this evidence, why somewhere in the Ozarks of Arkansas!  According to the article,

"... an increasingly vocal number of LGBT Americans are banding together online in preparation for social, economic, or governmental collapse. There are an estimated 3 to 4 million survivalists in the United States, and although it’s impossible to know how many are gay, the question — or rather, debate — of whether to accept them runs rampant on survivalist websites. “For your own good, stay in the city and stock up. Your commune will be sighted by the first group of armed heterosexuals that is nearby. Most likely they will burn you alive. I am not joking,” one commenter cautioned prospective gay preppers."

Holy Armageddon! Hide you sister, hide you brother!  The article goes on to further explore additional details about bunkers, food storage and America’s $500 million survivalist industry. Wow I now know that some of the lavender set caught up in the latest doomsday conspiracy. (www.advocate.com)

Lieutenant Gov. Darr: You STILL Ain't Gone Yet?

Lieutenant Governor Darr is doing a Jenifer Holiday and saying "I'm not going, and you gonna love me too!" Well hold on, wait a minute, Not. The drum beat for this ethics buster is loud and clear that he needs to get to stepping. Yet Darr believes that everyone is delirious and has gone on the record while commenting yesterday that,

"I am not downplaying what has occurred, but there is no scandal, no conspiracy and no malicious intentional disregard of the law. If there were, it would apparently involve multiple offices and agencies. It was an oversight that should have been noticed and corrected long before now and by multiple people including myself."

Darr goes on to explain just how he didn't do nothing wrong because other agencies and folks didn't bring any of this to his attention. Also that he's planting a "stake" in the ground based on them facts that he claims has some political implications or games.

It never seems to amaze me how crooked folks always got  "interpretations" of what had happen or what we are suppose to believe. So we have to assume that he was only pleading guilty to being unethical. And so it goes...stay tuned.

Can I Get a CLIA?

Earlier this week COP 24/7 mused on about local group Team Friendly and their attempt to do some

community service in the fight to address HIV and AIDS through offering free testing. Unfortunately the emerging group got "caught up" in a bureaucracy shuffle that led organizer Mike K. to get a "WTF" feeling. At the core of the matter is a "CLIA," (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act) certificate as means to do this type of testing to which TF was instructed that they had to acquire.

However, it seem that the instructions got lost in translation or otherwise, causing the group some angst and aggravation, that there good deed intentions were for naught. Currently the matter is working its way through various channels with sites on a possible collaboration or partnership with a local CBO whom has already navigated this testing maze. COP 24/7 will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated. Thanks Team Friendly for stepping up to do your part in end game of HIV and AIDS! 

Sounds Scandalous

On yesterday, Judy Smith, the "real life" Olivia Pope of which the hit ABC show Scandal is based, rolled into town as part of the Bless the Mike lecture series. Smith was to address a capacity crowd on her firm Smith & Company, a strategic and crisis communications firm with offices in Los Angeles and Washington, DC. According to those in attendance the presentation was well received, however, some quipped to the fact the there was no "meet and greet" prior or post to the event. Furthermore local news accounts reported the fact that Ms. Smith was unavailable for further engagement, no pictures, no autographs or nothing beyond her two hour timed speech, due to her contractual restrictions.

You don't say! COP 24/7 understands "people with people," not to mention riders and other "diva" moves by those who have made it. But one would think that a few autographs and quick pictures couldn't hurt a crisis manager who has assisted folks like  actor Wesley Snipes, NFL quarterback Michael Vick, and more recently, celebrity chef Paula Deen. She has also worked with Fortune 500 companies such as BellSouth and Wal-Mart. What's even more scandalous is the fact that Ms. Smith's expenses were covered including a tidy $30,000 for stopping by to Bless the Mike. Obviously, Its a good living if you can get it. They can call COP 24/7 any time and we would be happy to oblige with autographs and handshakes for all!  

The Mix It UP Call to Action

In Search of GBM
Dear Dad, Letters from Same Gender Loving Sons

Often times when I am considering what will be the lead post or perhaps an item that should be a focal point. I make that decision based on what I believe will have the greatest impact or the attention grabber that will keep those elusive eyeballs on the page for more than a blink. Of course, sometimes I throw all of that out of the window and just go for it.

Among my many irons in the fire, I've had a chance to check in on various focus groups dealing with an array of issues especially those around gay black men because I take the position that as a proud Black man who happens to be gay that we need to continue to be about the business of "us healing us." I refute the thought that somehow our lives don't matter and we should just accept that while moving on without resolve.

Yet with that rebuff, I encourage men both young and whatever, to take a stand on being responsible for their lives. I believe that I have done what I could to adhere to the "each one, teach one" mindset all the while being a positive role that I don't encourage individuals to mimic but to improve upon. In short, I'm doing me, you do you, but if you need a hand up, holla!

Furthermore, in those meet up's I discovered a common theme that I found disturbing, yet revealing to the importance of having a relationship with one's dad in a gay man's or any young man's life . Fortunately I revered the experience of having my father all through my life until his death at 91.  It was not always ideal, but we worked through the rough patches, allowed each other to grow and consequently he was my hero because he lived to be proud of the man I had become and not the man that he though I was suppose to be.

Unfortunately, these sessions revealed to me just how vital this patriarchal component  was to those participants and how those in this video presentation deeply echo that sentiment. Featured on southern4life.blogspot.com and on Vimeo.com, I was delighted to discover this project produced by Eight Piece Productions. This is distinctly more evidence to the impact that having dad's in the development of their sons no matter the orientation, economic level or geographical area.

On the backdrop of this dilemma, we can not be shortsighted of the situation  in which our critical needs are often being used as opportunity to "check boxes" or pimped by any means necessary. We must continue to rebuke that many whom claim to have our best interest but simply do not. Let us not continued to be fooled by smiling faces with empty promises, token gifts and other crumbs from the social justice table. Our live are worth more than this!

I highly encourage my brothers to come to the realizations that our role models need not be bickering housewives or over paid divas with  marginal talents. Although popular in culture, none of images should be embraced as reality based or attainable. Consequently we should be about the following:

 'Empowering Black men to reach their full potential is the most serious economic and civil rights challenge we face today. Ensuring their future is critical, not just for the African American community, but for the prosperity, health, and well-being of the entire American family.'
National Urban League President, Marc H. Morial

 Let us not allow our existence be assessed to death without any results or policies that we move toward us increasing our economic justice while decreasing disease infections among us! ?Share your thoughts, observations and stories in our comment section.


 

"Dear Dad: Letters from Same Gender Loving Sons" from Eight Peace Productions on Vimeo.

Bumpin the Hump Wednesday

Welcome to the Low Wage State

I am a native Arkansan with lots of pride about how far my state has come despite our past embrace of segregation and our current slow boat to china on equality. Nevertheless there are numerous
positive attributes to living in the Natural State, however it is very obvious that earning a living wage is not one them especially among the LGBTQ set.

With Congress returning to work or perhaps "no work" on Monday and President Obama preparing for his State of Union speech, January 28, the White House reports that his 2014 agenda will focus on income inequality among other items such as immigration. In his 2013 speech Obama called for a $9.00 raise and now backs a proposal by Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) to raise it to $10.10 per hour. Now that's some equality that could make some difference in the house long before jumpin the broom!

And yes it sounds good on paper but the reality in Arkansas at this time is $6.25. But not a minute to soon, AG Dustin McDaniel has certified a ballot initiative sponsored by Give Arkansas a Raise Now, which submitted the ballot proposal, now has until July 7 to gather 62,507 signatures of registered Arkansas voters in order to qualify the proposed initiated act for the Nov. 4 general election ballot.

Organizers include Stephen Copley whom serves as Chairman, Arkansas AFL-CIO President Alan Hughes and Dale Charles, president of the Arkansas chapter of the NAACP which has announced that the organization will begin to scale up its website in the next 10 days and other activities by early February. COP 24/7 has already spotted a Facebook notice alerting readers to

Under the proposal, the state minimum wage would rise to $7.50 an hour on Jan. 1, 2015, to $8 an hour on Jan. 1, 2016, and to $8.50 on Jan. 1, 2017. This is good and fine, but this sounds like another slow boat to china approach with no $10 landing in site. Arkansas is one of four states with a minimum wage below the federal minimum of $7.25 and according to the living wage calculator (www.livingwage.mit.edu ) for one adult the wage should fall around $8.53 right now.

The federal wage has to be paid except when the employing business makes less than $500,000 annually, according to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act. Waiters or others working in a profession where tips are common would still have to make a minimum of $3.62 an hour. Arkansas last raised its minimum wage in 2006, from $5.15 to $6.25 an hour.

The Arkansas Hospitality Association and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce-Associated Industries of Arkansas opposed the higher minimum wage proposal, arguing it would harm small businesses. Wow, I bet none of those folks are working at a minimum wage level.

Executive Director Penelope Poppers has announced a new counseling program to serve LGBT young adults who are currently homeless, at high risk of becoming homeless or those with a history of homelessness will be able to receive free counseling services from volunteer counselor Jean Speegle, LCSW, MSW.

She has been practicing in Little Rock for 33 years and a large number of per clients have been LGBT. Although now semi-retired and she has agreed to assist Lucie's Place and see our homeless LGBT young adults in need of counseling services. According to Poppers, more counselors who have agreed to offer their services, free of charge, to this vulnerable population will be added in the future. Poppers stated,  "we have been working on the specifics of this program for almost a year now and it feels wonderful to add another level of assistance we are able to offer to our clients."

In 2013, the agency assisted 25 young adults in the area, who needed help ranging from cell phones, bus passes, food, toiletries or advice on which shelters/agencies in the area they should attempt to visit. organizers have sites on moving closer to opening our Transitional Living Program (TLP) in late 2014.

The organization will also have two fundraisers scheduled for 2014. On March 18th, Lucie's Place will be hosting a dinner with the Arkansas author Brock Thompson and October 10th, the second annual “Hair Affair”, which is a celebration & competition of large, fabulous local hair will be staged at The Terry House mansion in Little Rock. 

Donations can be forwarded through their secure Paypal site at www.luciesplace.org  COP 24/7 applauds the efforts of this local community based entity and its tenacity to improve the quality of life for LGBTQ youth.

Need Information on the Affordable Care Act? Got Questions, Need Answers! There's direct assistance available in both group and individual sessions. Call 349-7777 to get the facts on how you can get in to healthcare! Do it today!

 

The Big Wheel Spinning into 2014

Ten Years of Feeding COP 24/7

Doing COP 24/7 often reminds me of the 1986 movie "Little Shop of Horrors," in which a nerdish florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who
demands to be fed.

OK, that's what happened in the movie and may a bit of a stretch.

But I have to admit that I've seen it more than five times including its initial movie debut. With that said, as the "nerd" or as some prefer to characterize me as an "elitist snob," I have learned over the past years that producing this platform takes considerable effort and commitment. It has to be "fed" a daily diet of fresh crackling content, assorted links, interesting video and meaty facts that has kept it moving in the right direction.

Recently I got a notice from my subscriber tracker that one reader left the roost because our offering wasn't seen as "relevant." I beg to differ, perhaps not relevant in their life at the moment but at its core this portal has been forthright in its tenants to be "empowering, educating and entertaining."

With that wide of scope, there's always something for everyone and COP 24/7 has a distinct track record of giving it to you from the obscure to often times the absurd. I never quite know what items will appear or take the lead on a daily basis. Fortunately using Blogger expert tools I can optimize my time with scheduled content and other features.

Since it's 2004 launch, I had no clue then as to what a "blogger" was or even how to do it. I had in mind that at least I could share some of my thoughts and perhaps garner some type of response or discussion. Along the way and up until this post which is 1125, I've offered this digital space as the town square for all to contribute, refute, be opinionated or decry their beliefs. In 2014, COP 24/7 will stay on the scene with breaking news, updates and spotlights on more of what we know our readers are looking for!

Lt. Darr: You Ain't Gone Yet?

As of this post Lieutenant Governor Darr still ain't left the room! Despite howls and reports that Republican Lt. Gov. candidate State Representative Andy Mayberry (R-Hensley) called last week on Lt. Gov. Mark Darr (R) to resign amidst a recent ruling from the Arkansas Ethics Commission, and other candidates and legislative leaders joined the chorus calling for Darr to step down.

As a reminder, Darr accepted an $11,000 fine from the commission for violations concerning discrepancies on his campaign filing reports. The violations were brought to the Ethics Commission’s attention through a complaint filed by fellow blogger Matt Campbell.

In a previous post, COP 24/7 cited that other individuals subject to similar infractions not only were forced out of their jobs but many served jail time. Further scratching our head, why does it seems that these politicos whom earn tidy incomes such as Darr's over $41,000 for what amounted to part-time work seem to get fines and a chance to just move on.

All of this flies in the face of those 1.5 Million individuals loosing their UC as they await bipartisan action on the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) that was introduced yesterday by Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.) that would continue long term unemployment insurance benefits for three months.

Meanwhile, Democratic members of the Arkansas House said they are prepared to push for impeachment of Darr if he does not resign before the fiscal session in February. Hey Lt. Darr, could COP 24/7 suggest that you just cough up what you owe and merely slither away back under the rock from which you came.


Holy Ballot Initiative and More

Surely you've heard that numerous factions across the state are on the move concerning the question of marriage equality. With the onset of Utah and New Mexico among other states blazing forward on this issue, there has been much talk and backtalk as to the level of support from national
organizations, a who's who of allies including actress and former Miss America, Vanessa Williams whom have shared their views. The temperament of locals who will have to be engaged in the process seems to be energized.

So what do we know? Pay attention because this takes a little thinking.

For one, Arkansas attorney general Dustin McDaniel approved language for a 2016 ballot initiative back in November 2013 that would repeal the state's constitutional ban on marriage equality, and would declare that marriage is a "union between two people regardless of sex."

That proposal was submitted by the Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality, which can now begin collecting the 78,133 signatures from registered voters needed to qualify for the 2016 ballot. Unfortunately the flip side of this is the fact that Arkansas voters approved the constitutional ban on marriage equality by a margin of 75 percent in 2004 and current polls, depending on who you ask, many folks have a different take on the situation.

Although such polls are fluctuating all across the board from below 40 percent to a Human Rights www.thinkprogress.org .
Campaign poll, which optimistically pointed out that 61 percent of voters under the age of 30 do support marriage equality, which is encouraging, but not promising, according to sourced material at

Then we have the Arkansans for Equality entity who will also be seeking thousands of signatures to repeal Amendment 83 based on the premise to repeal the constitutional amendment, but wouldn’t change the law banning same-sex marriage. The legislature would still have to take that step, although without the constitutional language, the Arkansas Supreme Court could also potentially arrive at a ruling that the law banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. 

Adding to this equality trinity approach is a SSM lawsuit now under the scrutiny of Judge Piazza which did a "dismiss and deny" action that will allow for a trial to move forward sometime in the near future. Did you get all of that? Its certainly a lot to either think about or not. Nevertheless, COP 24/7 applauds all this action and reaction in this arena.

As inquiring minds would have it, there are still a few questions that I find intriguing. Such as where is the money coming from to support all this canvassing? Is the work being done on the lawsuit pro-bono? Exactly what level of support is being funneled into the state from national entities?  What's the strategy to sustain such a surmountable task? And finally, if all this goes south, then what?  So many question and we will be reporting the answers as we find them. Stay tuned....
 

COP 24/7: The Power Post 2014

Here Little CLIA
Here CLIA...Here CLIA...where's my little CLIA? This bit sounded funny when conceived but then it somewhat fell flat because the back story is not really a laughing matter either. So what are we talking about? Let's just say COP 24/7 just doesn't make this stuff up, because you just can't. This forum was reached out to by Mr. Michael Kaplan, reigning Mr. Heartland Leather 2013 and principal organizer of Team Friendly which was organized to fight stigma, recruitment for HIV testing, finding people living with HIV that need support and creating an atmosphere in the community that raises awareness about HIV.

Kaplan stated that in his organizing efforts to support the TF program he and others enlisted the assistance of the Arkansas Department of Health's HIV Hepatitis Section to gain the necessary VCT training necessary to support their outreach work. The training was an expedited session that took place in 2013 with recruited member from the community.

He further recalled that even though he felt that initially this was a positive move he
now feels otherwise. His bone to pick with ADH is the fact that the group since then has been haphazardly assisted. He cited a sense of abandonment, unclear explanations and a directive to obtain a "CLIA" for which no formal direction was given as to how to obtain it or what the devil it was.

So what is this must have item you ask? Its a little ditty called Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments certificate. This instrument is used by agency whom perform all type of testing especially those using laboratories. With that said, organizations or agencies involved with testing such as HIV need to have either applied for or possibly partnered with a firm that has secured this certificate from the Department of Health and Human Services. This CLIA brouhaha also affected LA Corp which had to halt its testing activities until the needed certificate was processed. An even more glaring interesting fact to this revelation is that fact that HIV testing has been occurring for years through community based organizations and otherwise with out the knowledge of this missing link. So were those testing event outcomes invalid? Why didn't past leadership have the competency to know of this procedure? Wait there's more? Well of course there is and we will bring it to you in Friday's post. Stay tuned... 

Assistance Powered by LIHEAP

Amid government shut downs, unemployment benefits dissed and budget slashing, COP 24/7 pondered as to whether their would another round of utility assistance available to those who are in need of such help. Apparently, the budget God's smiled and some how, some way, there was cash found in the till to offer this service.

In full disclosure, I have used this assistance in the past when times warranted it. Although it was invaluable at the time, I took the position that this "assistance" was a mean for myself to improve my situation as I could and not take advantage to this service as means to sustain my utilities. I am proud to say that although I appreciated it at that time, I moved forward with increasing my money literacy as well as my earning power to enhance my personal responsibility for my living conditions. It was life lesson that I learned and live by today. Of course there are different strokes for different folks.

Meanwhile, the Central Arkansas Development Council will begin accepting applications January 6th, 2014 for the regular Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) utility assistance in its 12-county service area. Regular Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assists households with home energy and heating bills. Eligible households must meet income guidelines and furnish proof of all household income for the month prior to applying. Shut off notices will not be accepted.

Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis at the following locations:

In Pulaski County, applications will be taken beginning January 6th and 7th at the mass intake day, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Arts and Crafts Building at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds, 2600 Howard Street in Little Rock.

After the mass intake days in Pulaski County, applications will be accepted at the following locations and times:
• Arkansas Workforce Center of Jacksonville, #2 Crestview Plaza in Jacksonville. Applications will be accepted on a walk-in basis on Thursdays only, 9 am until Noon and is limited to the first 50 customers.
• Arkansas Workforce Center of Little Rock, 5401 South University in Little Rock. Applications will be accepted on a walk-in basis only, Monday-Wednesday, 8 am until Noon and is limited based on staff availability. For more information in Pulaski County, call 501-603-0909.

Applicants for LIHEAP assistance must meet income guidelines. For a household of 1, monthly countable income is $1,482. The income eligibility limits are set at 60% of the state's median income level. Countable income includes check stubs, child support, unemployment, housing utility assistance, SSI, SSA, TEA, VAS and retirement benefits.

CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the "War on Poverty." The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, please contact your local CADC office.

The New Year Friday Edition 2014

The COP 24/7 Celebration Grind
We are three days into the New Year and trends, buzz and all manner of interesting items are
falling in to the COP 24/7 box. Since re-igniting this platform, I've heard from many of you who have expressed that you like our special brand of caring on and often look forward to the latest post. In management this site, I have to confess that I was grinding out content, editing, re-editing and sourcing material from all angles. Believe it or not, and sometimes I can't believe it myself, in September, CorneliusOnpoint will celebrate 10 years in existence. Yes my pretties, this forum is Arkansas' longest running online LGBTQ news portal. Others have come and gone, but we are still here in 2014. COP 24/7 has also featured videos including our link to YouTube, I was the first to offer a podcast attached to site, and reported from conferences in Las Vegas and even kept coming with content from my hospital bed! Who does that? Well, of course COP 24/7 does and how. I am actively seeking partnerships, sponsors, content providers and collaborators to push this forum forward. I you are the one, be sure to hit us up for info in our comment section or directily at nealix101@comcast.net  Thanks for your support then and now as we keep striving to take this to the next level. Watch for changes, updates and so much more. Stay locked and loaded by subscription, RSS feed, mobile or email. Come follow the leader! Now let's dive in...

Affordable Care Act A Go-Go

January 1 marked the first day of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act which according to
White House reports amassed some 2 Million enrollments. Whew! Of course, the beleaguered ACA has been taunted, bemoaned, demonized, shanked and misrepresented from talking heads near and far. Holy Pile On!

Yet the plan is the law of the land, no matter how flawed and yes its clear that there are some definite flaws. However, what major American social change mandate has not had hiccups and blemishes in their initial phases. COP 24/7 has been made acutely aware that some of the plans in the market place are not consider "affordable" by many in the LGBTQ community.

Although the hate "Obamacare" talk is rampant among many in the lavender set, what was most surprising is the fact that the Arkansas Insurance Agency actually awarded the gay owned entity The Living Affected Corporation to directly educate and serve as an enrollment site. The organization is serving 7 counties across the state with both in person or phone assistance. What a novel idea to have an organization of folks who look like me that I could go to without any pre-judgement or homophobia?

Yet apparently there was no rush to their offices nor were folks blowing up the phones to get a full understanding of the impact of the law. Despite outreach efforts directly targeted to the gay community, still to this day many are still howling about not knowing where to go to get factual information or enrollment assistance. The you've got this section of folks who are just not happy in life anyway, so they spend there days hating every body and every thing.  What's even more amazing about this, is the fact that marketing materials were designed, social media engaged and outreach events held in local venues over the last three months that were organized to broadcast this service which will run throughout the open enrollment till March 31, 2014. Need help call 501.379-8203 for appointments or hit em up at info@livingaffected.org  Just so you know, its been announced that a Pop Up Enrollment event is slated tonight for Club Sway, 412 Louisiana Street. Doors open at 9pm.

Cat's Meow: We Are Family

Ye Ole Facebook never fails to deliver or meet my expectations of its users to share and share alike. I've said it before and I'll say it again, you just never know what they will post next. Speaking of postings and updates, former Kitty's manager shared his 2013 reflections and clarifications on his tenure in the position. His rather extensive and lengthy expressions were filled with interesting behind the scene tidbits while musing on how all his experiences had created a self styled extended family.


As we know, often in the LGBTQ community, "family" units are unconventional and take on other nuances to fill a need that may be otherwise missing. He spoke about working "72 Hour" stretches, bars full and full of life, possible elocution., $800 monthly pay days and working conditions that had no resolutions which might cause him to be homeless. Wow, who knew?

This heartfelt sharing is also the latest "kitty cat" back and forth recollection of his experience at this venue. COP 24/7 can attest that truly much was done including the Sordid Lives dinner theater which was a "first" in the gay community. (pictured: Jason A. as "Sissy" from Sordid Lives)

I concur that Henley and his merry troupe seemed unstoppable and untiring even as I warned him personally that mastering "burning the candle at both ends," has consequences.

Undeterred by my sage advice, he pushed forward until his ultimate admission that he,"walked away from my community feeling like I had just been forced to shoot my best friend." Unfortunately, Henley is only the latest begrudging former employee that has peeled back the curtain of "what's really going on" at these establishments. This situation is nothing new in the LGBTQ community where folks in need of jobs often find themselves working for entrepreneurs who have some questionable business practices or other nefarious thought processes.

Currently it is alleged that Henley and others have shared their distress to Labor Board officials who have been engaged to look into possible broken labor laws. Personally I've encountered working for a gay business some 20 years ago that had no problem with payroll checks that often bounced. I can sympathize with Henley as I worked for that business that often didn't have daily cash to operate while I was left to answer to vendors whom came looking for their payments.

I too experienced getting "short changed" in my pay or a "bait and switch" based on promises that never materialize despite my belief in the business itself.  Just as they, I too used my right to reached out to governing entities who would act on my behalf. Because I learned long ago that it was my responsibility to "learn and know" the law and how to use it. If these allegations are true, it would sadden me but I would not be surprised that this type of activity continues. As we move forward to demand equality, its shameful that some gay employers internally marginalize as they call for the rest of society's respect. If nothing else, its hypocritical to say the least and down right illegal at most. 
 

COP 24/7 Still on the Scene in 2014!

Lt. Gov. Darr Needs to Move On
State Democratic Party Chairman Vincent Insalaco said Tuesday that Darr should resign
immediately. Governor Beebe has called for his second in command to "do as the others," and resign his post such as Senator Paul Bookout and Martha "pie box" Shoffner.

COP 24/7 believes that characters or better yet "crooks" like this guy need to get to stepping and don't let the door knob hit ya where the good Lord split ya!!

However the Lieutenant Governor ain't having none of it according to Dan Greenberg, Darr's lawyer. Just as an update here's the facts.

The head of the state Ethics Commission said Monday that commissioners found probable cause that Darr violated portions of the Arkansas code 11 times, dating back to his 2010 run for office.
On Monday, the commission said Darr agreed to pay $11,000 in fines to settle claims that he misspent campaign funds and failed to keep complete records.

In its settlement letter to Darr, the panel said the lieutenant governor made personal use of $31,572.74 of his campaign funds, received excess contributions to retire his campaign debt, didn't maintain adequate records, failed to itemize loan repayments and accepted improper reimbursement for travel expenses. It suggested $1,000 fines for each of the 11 complaints upheld.

Even more glaring is the fact that no one seems to be talking about any jail time. Does anybody remember Lola Thrower, a former official at the Arkansas department of health and human services, who was sentenced in 2006 to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised probation stemming from her involvement in the theft of more than $10,000 in state AIDS funds. Thrower, the former head of the health department’s HIV grant program, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of aiding and abetting the theft of government property.  She was accused of creating a nonprofit organization, BMON, and then directing state AIDS funds to the agency. Records show that $3,085 from the $10,000 to the agency was used to pay invoices at the nonprofit but that a BMON debit card
also was used to purchase a $5,000 diamond ring. Folks were outraged as she was thrown under the bus, tarred and feathered in the media and dismissed. So Darr doesn't think its a good thing to just step aside?? Sounds like different strokes for different folks. COP 24/7 suggest that he "think" again.

Wyatt Evans Continues the Rage

I'm always on the hunt for talented writers and contributors to this platform not to mention checking out new books that I like to recommend. In this case, I actually get a "two for one" with not only a book recommendation but also a chance to announce that my friend and nationally published author Mr. Wyatt O'Brian Evan has agreed in 2014 to begin offering original content on CorneliusOnpoint. Yes, that's right and how!

From its inception, eventually I envisioned that COP 24/7 could be a digital force that would offer interesting and cutting edge items that would be of interest to the LGBTQ community and beyond. The topics are endless with many issues that warrant further teasing out and or reviewed for new angles or outcomes.

I would like to explore possibility of hosting Mr. Evans here in our city while putting together programming to address the impact of violence in our lives and relationships. If you are interested in assisting with sponsorship or donating toward such programming hit us up at Nealix101@comcast.net

Evan's interest in "Intimate Partner Violence" caught my attention some time ago as well as how I found many elements of this dilemma intersecting on numerous levels of my day job. A continuation of the journey of his two main characters can be followed in "Nothing Can Tear Us Apart: RAGE!, now available online at www.lulu.com. The site gives a brief synopsis as follows:

What would you do after the man of your dreams battered you because he believed you’ve been unfaithful? Could you forgive this man to whom you’ve given every piece of your heart? Desirable, ... More > Apart???”

wealthy gay Black celebrity Wesley (Wes) Laurence Kelly, 45, yearns for an enduring, satisfying love. Unfortunately, disastrous relationships have left him shattered and disillusioned. Enter Antonio (‘Tonio) Miguel Rios, Jr., 31, a deliciously muscular gay Puerto Rican whom Wes has hired as his bodyguard.

He, too, has failed at love. Soon, Wes and ‘Tonio break down and profess their love! However, tough challenges and obstacles jeopardize their relationship! And, there’s a mysterious individual who makes ‘Tonio believe that Wes is being unfaithful. Taking the bait, the frenzied bodyguard physically brutalizes his soul mate! The final blow is when the couple learns just who is behind the deception. Can Wes and ‘Tonio still vow that “Nothing Can Tear Us.

I highly encourage you to consider getting a copy for your library or to share with someone who you may know is grappling with this predicament. Here are some great links to take you to either a E-book version or paperback: Do it Today!!

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/nothing-can-tear-us-apart-rage/14319617

http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/nothing-can-tear-us-apart-rage/14303464

COP 24/7 Welcomes to 2014

If you are reading this, then you crossed over. Not crossing over to the after life, although some of you may feel that you may have after last nights festivities. But what we are actually speaking of is crossing over to 2014, that would be fourteen years into the 21st Century and counting!!  Now that we are done with that other year, who knows what will happen to the masses  this year. No matter what tumbles down, COP 24/7 will have its ear to the ground on "what's really going on," and so much more. With that said, Happy New Year and let's keep this thing moving!

I'm Coming Out 2.0

2013 was a banner year for folks "outing" themselves and then there were individuals who we sorta always thought they were out but forgot that everyone doesn't have that special "gaydar" that goes off when another individual is within our space.
Getting just under the radar of 2013 was news that Robin Roberts, Co-host of Good Morning America decided to "out" herself on Facebook as she recalled her year long struggle with health dilemmas related to her bone marrow transplant. In her recollections she thanked her LTC, Amber Laign and their impending glorious new year together which is now entering 10 years.

Consequently, Robert's joins a legion of notable TV personalities including her counterpart Sam Champion, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow, CNN's Anderson Cooper, Jonathan Capehart of the Washington Post and colorful commentator L.C., Granderson are among those who have come out or shared their sexuality openly. And these are just the folks that I decided to put in this post because there are so many more!!!. However, none have been more forthright than CNN's Don Lemon whom outed himself in 2011.

This Emmy award winning journalistic force has taken unpopular positions on numerous fronts. He used his Monday newscast to show his support for Roberts and make the case that broadcasters such as his self and others unabashedly deserve their platforms as a counterpoint to Duck Dynasty Phil Robertson's platform.

In the memoir synopsis of, Transparent, he is described as, " never one to stop at the surface of the story, Lemon digs deep, exposing his own history with wealth and lack, with family secrets and painful revelations--and explains how those painful early experiences shaped his ambitions and gave him the tools of empathy and fearlessness that he brings to his work."

Roberts too has scored big interviews, especially the May news breaking piece with President Obama whom shared his reversal on same-sex marriage. ABC News issued a statement of support: “We love Robin and Amber, who we have all known for a long time. We were so touched by Robin’s Facebook message today and so thankful for all the loving support she has in her life.” Alright high five Ms.Roberts, it is certainly a journey to acceptance and when the time is right you do what you think is right for you. Amazingly I've been out so long that I don't remember a time when I wasn't. Things sure are a changing and not a minute too soon. Alright who's next? Or does it even matter anymore?


Medicaid sign-ups rise 1,500 in week
State’s expansion tally nears 69,500
January 1 is the start date for some individuals who enrolled in insurance plans during the open enrollment period of the Affordable Care Act. Arkansas uniquely moved to utilize its

state partnership with the federal government in using those dollars for a private insurance option for its citizens. COP 24/7 will be devoting a series of both pro and con post on the Affordable Care Act in the coming weeks. If you need to contact resources hit up this forum for more information. 

According to Arkansas Online, enrollment for the state’s expanded Medicaid program climbed to nearly 69,500 as of Saturday, up by about 1,500 from the week before, a spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Human Services said Tuesday.

The number of people who will receive coverage through private insurance plans sold on the state’s health-insurance exchange and have Medicaid-paid premiums rose to 63,173, up by more than 1,000 last week, spokesman Kate Luck said.
Enrollment in the program also included 6,312people - almost 400 more than last week - assigned to the traditional fee-for service Medicaid program because they were deemed to be medically frail, she said.

Most of those who enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program are recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, who received letters from the Human Services Department in September notifying them of their eligibility. 

More than 63,000 food stamp recipients are included in the enrollment totals after they submitted applications via the phone, mail or through a state-run website, access.arkansas.gov. The Medicaid expansion, authorized by the federal health-care overhaul law and approved by the state Legislature in 2013, made an estimated 250,000 people eligible for coverage to start today. Enrollment began Oct. 1.

Eligibility was expanded to adults with incomes up to 138 percent of the poverty level - $15,860 for an individual or $32,500 for a family of four.
According to Luck, of the 98,114 people who have filed applications for the private, Medicaid-funded plans under the so-called private option, just over 75 percent were determined eligible as of Saturday.

The enrollment figures don’t include the thousands who applied for Medicaid coverage through the federal enrollment portal, healthcare. gov, Luck said.
“We have not gotten all that information yet,” she said Tuesday. “Next week, we should have processed all our applications from the federal government.”

The federal government determined eligibility for those who applied, and the Human Services Department corrected other problems, including removing duplicates and adding county information to the applications.

That county-level information helps the department determine which plans on the state’s exchange the recipient can choose from. The state is divided into seven zones. Some insurers offer plans in all zones, others only in some.

Once the Human Services Department sorts through the applications submitted via the federal website, officials will send out notices to those who are eligible, sending them to another state website, insureark.org, where they can complete the enrollment process.
The applicant has 12 days within receiving notification of eligibility to complete enrollment or face automatic assignment to a plan on the exchange. The applicant then has 30 days to change plans.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, QualChoice Health Insurance and Centene Corp. - which is offering plans on the exchange through a subsidiary, Arkansas Health and Wellness Solutions - couldn’t immediately provide information about enrollment in each company late Tuesday.
 

Tuesday Countdown to 2014!!

Doing a COP 24/7 Yearly 360

What a hell of a year 2013 has been and continues to bang out breaking news and such until its final bow at 11:59 tonight. Where has all the time gone and just how can this forum really recall all the lowlights and highlights that may have made the cut on our platforms. However, as tradition would have it, COP 24/7 will do a "360" in its effort to pick a few headlines that signified "what was really going on."

The Vote: President Barrack Obama was re-elected to a second term to continue to build on his
legacy to guide the nation to being a better union. However, this long and winding road has been wrought with defying obstruction from Republican opponents to "anything favored" by Obama. Yet through the morass of a do nothing Congress, the President has been ardent force since his first term with the National HIV AIDS Strategy, appointing LGBTQ members to administration post and now his signature legislation the Affordable Care Act. As of 12/24/13 up to 1 Million people have signed up for coverage. Just so you know it is reported that at least 48 Million people do not have healthcare insurance. Its not been perfect, but his vision has been laser focused on increasing social justice for all.

Marriage Equality:

Commonly mentioned as "gay marriage," this issue morphed into "Marriage Equality" which found itself surging among the masses with surprising outcomes. The vote heard around the world was the Supreme Courts striking of the Defense of Marriage Act that set in motion a flurry of legal actions across the nation.

Including a recent move by Kendall and Julia Wright of White County whom filed a July 2013 lawsuit challenging Arkansas' own ban on such marriages. Cheryl Maples, attorney for Kendall and Julia Wright, has said she filed the lawsuit in circuit court, rather than federal court, because she think it stands a better chance of being successful there.

Currently the motion is under consideration of Judge Piazza. Meanwhile there were also other actions from groups Arkansans for Equality seeking a ballot repeal and Arkansas Initiative for Marriage Equality that would amend the states constitution.

To date 19 states have moved forward with the matter with Massachusetts in 2003 which among the first and most recently Utah that have either affirmed the issue or awaiting court decisions.

Community Wide: This category is a full one which will not catch all that happened but certainly note some highlights. In June Gay Pride activities entitled Our Diversity 2013 took to downtown with a day long festival like event featuring local organizations such as The Living Affected Corporation (www.livingaffected.com) , entertainers and supporters. Unfortunately Mother Nature had her way with a torrential rain storm that sent organizers into a "plan B" mode while securing participants safety and determining how to move forward with planned activities.

The city also hosted its first Annual Gay Pride Parade that snaked it's way into the River Market area to awaiting crowds. Numerous other community based organizations such as Center for Artistic
Revolution (www.artisticrevoltion.org ) provided exciting programming ranging from its Summit on LGBTQ Health to a gala celebration of Bayard Rustin held at the Mosaic Templars Museum in November.

And of course their was pageantry galore with all manner of crowns and sashes being passed out to the best of the both female and male impersonators plus lots of award winning Renegades for a Cause fundraising that served many entities.

Congrats to all who competed and their sponsor/supporters who shelled out some big bucks to make it so. Also big shout out to the emerging Arkansas Leather Alliance as it plans to host the first ever Mr. Leather Arkansas contest, June 20-22,2014 as culmination of Gay Pride Week. The event will also hosted by Mr. Michael Kaplan,  Mr. Heartland Leather 2014 and Team Friendly promoter.(pictured right)

HIV/AIDS: The Arkansas HIV Planning Group continued its collaboration with the Arkansas
Department of Health's HIV/ Hep C section in an effort to move forward with Arkansas' Jurisdictional Plan.
 At the group's helm is this forum's Executive Producer, Cornelius Mabin whom was elected in 2012 and reaffirmed in the leadership capacity through 2014. Other changes departmental changes for 2013 was the arrival of new Section Chief, Ralph Wilmoth. Since taking the position in June he has moved to garner a greater understanding of issues and challenges that have plagued ADH's effectiveness and credibility in addressing HIV and AIDS in Arkansas. HIV Arkansas also continued to serve its membership base in Northwest Arkansas and Jefferson

Kicking It in the City: On the bar scene, even though the there was a revolving door of managers at Miss Kitty's, the venue broke new ground with dinner theatre, comedians, assorted shows and a dizzying array of promotions. A nerve was struck with the departure of former manager L. Henley as he and crew staged a munity of sorts as they "walked," in support of allegations that are still raw in come circles. COP 24/7 alluded to this "kitty cat" fight in an earlier post and has learned additional details that we will muse on about later this week.

The 7th street area also saw additional changes late 2013 with the "re-launch" of The New 610, in an effort to revive the venue to its past luster. Now managed by a syndicate of owners, the bar added short order food items and beer on tap, which they cited as demanded by its clientele. Reviews have been stellar from those who have decided to make this haunt a destination stop for the socializing
pleasure.

On the north shore, TRAX's continued as a staple for die heart supporters although amidst catcalls and ballyhoo's of constant personnel changes, inventory shortfalls and assorted missteps that keeps supporters wondering out loud, WTF! and then some.

Late 2013 ushered in a "soft opening" of CHAPS ( 2619 Pike Avenue) as another alternative venue for local seeking  what's been haphazardly described as a"muscular" vibe joint. However, other sources have described the place as a "dive," it appears to COP 24/7 as a place that could get some traction with the right attractions. Currently this venture as well as its sister entities are now under the management of Mr. Brandon Allen. Stay tuned for more updates on this outpost and other developments on the nightlife scene in 2014.

And there you have it, but not all of it as 2013 becomes a faded memory. COP 24/7 has done its best in covering the community highs and lows, not to mention staying on point with updates, observations, links, video and so much more. With 2014 just hours away, I hope that each of you will find peace, prosperity and maybe even a partner in 2014.

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