AIDS WALK LOS ANGELES...October 19th! Battle not over!

Over the years, events have come and gone.

But, the AIDS walk has been a mainstay.

In fact, in these parts - the Annual AIDS walk, West Hollywood's Halloween Carnival (go figure!) and the Gay Pride Parade have always been the three largest "must-attend" celebrations of the year.

When the epidemic first broke out a couple of decades ago - virtually nothing was known about the disease - except that once a patient displayed symptoms he probably would not survive.

Troubled by inaction on the part of the government - and the frustrations which hindered the medical community - a group of compassionate, dedicated, and capable San Franciscans founded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation in 1982. (SFAF).

It was in this climate of paranoia and uncertainty that SFAF held its first AIDS Walk (originated by 26-year-old Craig Miller) and his newly formed organization of activists in 1985. (MZA Events)

Miller's crusade launched the world’s first successful AIDS Walk in Los Angeles which was followed by another on the eastern seaboard in New York in 1986.

The money raised at that event - and the annual AIDS Walks that have followed - enabled SFAF to engage in critical work and provide services to more than 100,000 men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

A portion of the AIDS Walk proceeds have also been distributed to important AIDS organizations within the Bay Area.

There was a breakthrough in 1986 when scientists isolated the virus that causes AIDS and named it the Human Immune-Deficiency Virus (HIV).

Researchers determined that HIV was transmitted sexually or intravenously from one individual to another - man or woman - gay or straight.

In spite of the urgency for action, HIV remained shrouded in ignorance and bigotry.

Shockingly, the Federal government turned a blind eye and was slow to respond to the crisis!

In the early days, the AIDS walk was mainly comprised of gay men afflicted with the disease, their loved ones, family members, researchers, support groups, and concerned health-care workers.

Over the years, I was personally heartened to witness many jump on the bandwagon - young children from schools learning about compassion and understanding and the need to give a selfless helping hand to others - walkers en masse from the "straight community" - and a host of commercial sponsors.

Biggie corporate supporters today include: Bank of America, Target, Toyota, Disney, and 20th Century Fox.

Today, the AIDS walk is hosted by the Hilton Family.

Seems like a scant few years ago the hint of an HIV infection might result in loss of employment, a shunning by society - and worse - a productive useful life to end in despair and misery without hope!

Today, everyone stands in unison, walking tall and proud.

Thanks to people like Elizabeth Taylor, Craig Miller, and SFAF, who have worked tirelessly over the years to raise funds and end discrimination against the infected.

The stigma is on the way out.

Can the cure be far behind?

I have fond memories of the events.

I've "walked the walk" in Los Angeles on numerous occasions - and in San Francisco, Toronto, and on the West Coast of Vancouver - as well.

In spite of the seriousness of the occasion, there's usually a throng of festive walkers in tow, all in good spirits.

Along the route, there are usually a handful of pit-stops, with plenty to snack on to sustain energy levels.

If you attend this year's walk (October 19th) be sure to snap up the - yogurt, fruit, and thirst-quenching water - to buoy yourself up on the energy-sapping journey to raise consciousness and funds for the sick and needy.

And, take a moment to splash in the "water-misters" scattered along the stretch of the "AIDS HIGHWAY" to stay hydrated and fresh for the joyous celebration at the end of the journey.

And, don't forget your cash, checkbooks, and donations!

After all, funding is still needed for research so that a cure may be found to end the deadly reach of this insidious disease.

I have a dream...

Registration info: http://www.aidswalk.net

Michael Phelps...hits tenfold! Stylish Mom in on action, too!

Michael Phelps splashes onto world stage...


As I reported a few days ago - during a span of one week when Michael Phelps was blasting his way into Olympic history at the Beijing games - my blog site revved up and soared in popularity around the globe because of a staggering number of frenzied fans seeking out tidbits of news about America's instant "golden boy".

After a couple of follow-up features, I expected the hysteria to drop off, though.

I was quite delirious - to say the least - when I logged on yesterday morning to discover that my blog stats reflected that due to the Michael Phelps posts - hits were boosted tenfold overnight.

Today, the trend has continued!

Just goes to show 'ya what happens when you hitch a ride with a superstar.

You get catapulted into the stratosphere - and there is no looking back - I guess.

In recent days, the phenomenon that is "Michael Phelps" has continued to surge forward full-steam ahead.

Facebook reported, for instance, that the Olympic Gold Medalist had a million requests for "friend" status at the most popular social hub on the Internet.

And, on the heels of his historic wins, the studly swimmer was signed to grace the package of a popular morning breakfast cereal.

"Breakfast-of-Champions-style"

Even humble "Mom" managed to snatch up a little of the limelight, too.

USA Today reported that fans not only took note of the outfits she was inclined to sport in the stands each day - but later dashed into Chico's to pull the attractive outfits off the racks - to emulate the stylish woman.

Can a signature line be in the offing?

And, all the hoopla will be recorded for posterity in a published tome.

According to news flashes this weekend - it was revealed that Michael Phelps has signed a pact with a publisher to write a book about all the behind-the-scenes events at the Beijing Olympics - which is sure to excite his enthusiastic fan base.

"Built to Succeed" will focus on his philosophy on training and competition.

He has one, at such a young age?

I guess so, to score so big at the Olympics, eh?

But, the page-turning will not be just a piece of fluff.

The editor has noted that the bio will not only take a foray into normal aspects of his childhood, but also take an insightful glimpse into the heart-wrenching experience of being raised by a single mother.

Phelps will also discuss what it was like to cope with an attention deficit disorder.

Where do I order a copy?

Michael Phelps in Vogue...

Barack Obama...Joe Biden. Salt & Pepper team to appear at rally!

Did you want honey on those grits?


The dailies are now on the uptake and reporting that Joe Biden has been selected as the Vice Presidential hopeful for the Democrats in the upcoming fall election.

In my own post last night, I gave my own nod of approval.

Excellent choice, considering the meager offerings, eh?

Voters can catch the "Salt & Pepper" team in action later today when the dynamic duo make a first-time appearance together at an upbeat rally in Springfield (Illinois) at the Old State Capitol.

Shortly after the formalities, it is expected the top dems will make a handful of strident appearances in key states, before the running mates descend on the Democratic throngs in Denver on Wednesday.

Pundits will be watching to see how the two personalities gel.

I anticipate that at some point on the campaign trail - as each candidate has splintered off to glad-hand prior to the big day - a few delightfully entertaining - "Good Cop" "Bad Cop" - scenarios may go down.

Can't be avoided, given the character traits of each hopeful.

In fact, as Americans head into the final stretch of the presidential elections, I predict that the landscape will get downright intriguing.

May you live in interesting times, Barack!

Barack Obama...chooses Joe Biden as VP. No, not a yes man!

Yeah, I'm a backdoor man...

If anything, I was surprised that Barack Obama elected to reveal his choice for Vice President before the National Democratic Convention rang up the curtain next week.

This week's controversial mud-slinging with John McCain may have played a part in it!

No matter.

Biden comes as a welcome choice to moi.

But, when the mainstream press made mention of his name about two days ago as possible running mate, I was surprised as heck. After all, I didn't realize the Obama team was even considering the old windbag.

But, when it was announced on the sly today that the choice was made - and that the candidate was not a "yes man" - I figured right off the bat it was going to be Biden!

Some have been theorizing that Barack needed a solid candidate on the ticket that had a proven record of "good works" and one that Americans trusted and respected in a myriad of voting sectors around the country.

Yeah, Biden's the man, alright.

After all, he's well-versed in foreign policy and on defense issues.

At sixty-five years of age, he's also a seasoned pro.

For the record, it should be noted that "Joe" has twice-sought a slot at the White House during the course of his long, distinguished, and illustrious career.

In his roles as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee and head of the Judiciary Committee, Biden was able to build a solid reputation for himself in American political and social circles over the past couple of decades.

The Obama campaign is expected to release a text message on Saturday morning with all the specifics.

Biden dropped out of the 2008 race for the Democratic presidential nomination after fair poorly in the Iowa caucuses. At that time, he talked dismissed the notion of joining a ticket by virtue of another candidates bid for the Oval Office.

"I am not running for vice president," he said in a Fox interview.

"I would not accept it if anyone offered it to me. The fact of the matter is I'd rather stay as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee than be vice president."

Well, that was yesterday, and this is today.

At long last, the cat is out of the bag.

And, in spite of the fact savvy voters knew it all along, Hillary Clinton is now finally out of picture.

Ding Dong!

The Witch is Dead.

With Biden in the White House, I'll have more time in the field...

Vizeau...risque swimwear & bold work-out trappings for the liberated man! Visionary German Design...

If you're a stud with scads of confidence, and a ripped bod to back it up, then German Fashion House - Vizeau - has designs on you!

The scintillating, eye-popping collection of swimwear, work-out clothes, and casual wear is stunning.

If you have the style to pull it off, I dare 'ya.

Where's David Beckham when you need him?

McCain...Condo Ho. Barack not off hook, either!

Presumptive candidate's new home...

Well, it was expected.

At some point, McCain was bound to make a serious misstep and send his campaign into a tailspin.

It occurred with the infamous - can't count past three - scenario which unfolded this past week on the campaign trail.

When asked how many homes the family held in their name - he was inclined to advise pundits at politico.com - that he would get back to 'em cause,

He "didn't know".

Of course, the startling response did not bode well, no matter how a voter fathomed it.

Was the Republican party's top pit bull having a senior moment?

On the one hand, perhaps McCain was inferring that he has so many assets he can't keep track of 'em!

In the alternative - the nasty bit of business underscored that when McCain is flapping in the breeze (without a net to catch him) - he has trouble "winging" it.

No matter how you haggle it - American voters must be asking themselves right about now - is this the kind of clueless president they want running the country?

Barack didn't fair too well on the uptake, either.

He went for the jugular!

Barack seized on the issue of McCain's wealth to underscore that the presidential hopeful was out-of-touch with the needs of voters struggling in a difficult economy.

"If you're like me and you've got one house, or if you were like the millions of people who are struggling right now to keep up with their mortgage so they don't lose their home, you might have a different perspective."

First, I thought it intriguing that Barack referred to his residence as a "house". Most people call their abode a "home".

So, maybe in his instant case, the dwelling is actually an investment?

And, what a prize asset it is!

A million-dollar Manse in an upscale part of town.

And, don't think Barack's poke at the old windbag McCain didn't have repercussions.

If you ask me, the presumptive candidate, should have let "sleeping dogs lie".

Yeah, a McCain spokesperson jumped right on that one.

"Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from a vacation on a private beach in Hawaii, and bought his own million-dollar mansion with help from a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses?"

Ah!

Barack, time to retreat.

The scriptures provide a clue at John 8:7

"Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone."

Jody Foster...to pay palimony? Lesbo circles incestuous!

Foster a lipstick lesbian?

Gossip mongers are hinting that Jody Foster may have to face a palimony suit.

Allegedly, Ms. Foster has been in a long-term relationship with another woman. But, now that the two-some have gone kaput - and Jody is nurturing a cozy romance with a sexy new partner - some are speculating that a court battle over assets may be in the offing.

The respected actress racked up at least 100 mil (according to informed sources) during the former union which - according to easy math - signals that the cutie may have to part with $25 big ones at a minimum.

Some people in-the-know (and close to the principals) have whispered that in a bold-faced effort to avoid any nasty legal battles - or tawdry displays of soiled linen in public - Ms. Foster elected to introduce her new gal pal to her ex.

The reasoning?

Foster figures in that pretty little noggin' of hers - that if the dynamic trio all get along - there may not be any need for any ugly tustling in the courts.

But, Jody may have overlooked one important factor.

Lesbians tend to be an incestuous lot.

Once a love affair doesn't pan out - jilted partners tend to split off into their "circle" - and recycle each other!

Watch out, Jody!

You may be left out in the cold at night and finding yourself short of cash at the local ATM.