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Content
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Legal Corner
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Religion
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Restaurant Critique
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Ashlee Wilson-Hawn
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Out Destination
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DOMA & Supreme
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Sports
Publisher/Executive Editor: David Vandygriff publisher@cityxtramag.com Creative Designer: Jason Joshlin designer@rcityxtramag.com Sales Department: Shane Trice sales@cityxtramag.com Writers: Jonathan Jaxson, Ryan Ali, David Vandygriff, Sebastian Fortino, Ty Nolan, Dr. Harvey Carr, Atty, Gordon Nicols, and Joey Amato cityXtra Magazine is published by cityXtra Magazine, LLC. 2941 Plum Street Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 410-9592 www.cityxtramag.com Like us on Facebook/cityxtramag
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night life
616: 616 Park St. (904) 358-6969 AJ Bar & Grill: 1024 Atlantic Blvd. (904) 805-9060 Boot Rack: 4751 Lenox Blvd. (904) 384-7090 Bo’s Club: 201 5th Ave. N. (Jax Beach) (904) 246-9874 Club Jax: 1939 Hendricks Ave. (904) 398-7451 Hamburger Mary’s: 3333-1 Beach Blvd. (904) 551-2048 InCahoots: 711 Edison Ave. (904) 353-6316 Park Place: 931 King St. (904) 389-6616 Metro: 859 Willow Branch Ave. (904) 388-7192 The Norm: 2952 Roosevelt (904) 384-0029
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city: legal corner Part 2: DIVORCE 101 By Gordon T. Nicole, Atty Since a lot of the G/L/B/T/Q community are in marriages before they come out, divorce is one of the most common legal issues in our community. Last month I wrote about how to “navigate” the divorce process. This month we’ll discuss options to make the divorce “less messy.” Divorce is typically an adversarial process i.e. “a fighting” process. Unfortunately not only does an adversarial divorce pit one side against the other but the children are also dragged in to “pick sides.” Talk with your lawyer about an option called a marital settlement agreement. This is a legal and binding contract that spells out the terms of the divorce and the relationship between you and your ex. A marital settlement agreement is a written contract. A legal marital settlement agreement must include the property division; child custody, support and visitation; alimony; the IRS and dividing all debt. Be sure the contract resolves any other specific issues related to your divorce to be legally binding. Your lawyer will draft specifics of what your divorce looks like and submit this contract to the Judge. I know this may be “shocking” but yes lawyers can make the divorce process “less messy.” A marital settlement agreement has a number of advantages. First, because it lays out all of the agreements in writing, there are no ambiguities. It is my experience, that most Judges will honor the written agreement when it is drafted to meet all the legal requirements. Another advantage of a marital settlement agreement is that it shows the Judge that the issues were thought out and specifically addressed. Another advantage is that your divorce case will move smoother, quicker, and less expensively through the court system. Keep in mind, though, that you will still need a hearing and the Judge will have to enter an order including the terms of the marital settlement agreement.
known as "alimony." Spousal support is not mandatory in Florida. When you are working to solve spousal support keep in mind that the legal deciding factor is the need to maintain the customary standard of living. However, other factors are also taken into account. For example, the marital settlement agreement must address if the marriage was for a short time or if both spouses are employed and self-sufficient. Under the IRS rules and regulations, one spouse can be penalized for tax mistakes made by the other spouse. There is a legal chapter with sub-sections known as the “innocent spouse” provision which needs to be interpreted for the facts in each divorce. If applicable this “saves” IRS fees, penalties and criminal charges for fraud. Another IRS concern is who claims the children as dependents. The last thing that you want is a situation where both parents claim the children and then end up being audited with fees and penalties.
A marital settlement agreement can take place before –or- during the divorce law suit. If the marital settlement agreement is drafted before the divorce is filed this makes the process even faster. If a marital settlement agreement is not reached before –or- during your divorce, then you will have to have a trial.
Lastly, please please please make sure your legal agreement resolves balances on credit cards, home mortgages and car loans. It is important to close out all credit cards, bank accounts, and all other joint accounts as soon as possible after a divorce has been decided. It is not enough to remove names from the account. If the debts are too high, one or both of you, should discuss if bankruptcy makes sense. It is better to include all of your debts as part of the marital settlement agreement and a bankruptcy rather than to be surprised after your divorce.
Even though the goal is to make the divorce “less messy” the settlement agreement is not marriage counseling.
Just to emphasize: never ever forget the IRS and all of your debts ( credit cards, mortgages, and car loans).
To be legally enforceable, be sure your lawyer addresses the following “big” issues including, visitation, child support, alimony, and especially IRS taxes and debts.
The above article is general in nature and should not be relied upon for specific legal advice. Every legal situation is different. _______________________ Gordon T. Nicol, Attorney at Law Your G/L/B/T Law firm 7545 Centurion Parkway, Suite 108 Jacksonville, FL 32256 E-mail : helpdesk@yourjacksonvillelawyer.com
Visitation and child support must be addressed legally to be enforceable. Under Florida law both parents are entitled to reasonable visitation. There may be exceptions if there is a history of violence. What is reasonable in one circumstance is not necessarily reasonable in another; therefore, be sure that your agreement is specific and detailed. Under Florida law, the calculation of child support takes into account a number of factors. It is based on the incomes of both parents and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. The legal agreement should include child care costs, health care and health insurance costs, the cost of private school or any special educational needs. The marital settlement agreement must also address if there is any child support arrearage. Spousal support, as it is now called in Florida, has in the past been
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city: religious corner Was President Obama’s Inaugural Address a Call to Action? By Dr. Harvey Carr
O
n Monday, January 21, President Barack Obama gave his second inaugural speech, a speech that has lawmakers and pundits, both liberal and conservative, saying his second term will be more liberal than his first. Some are asking if his references to a progressive America will encourage Americans to demand our representatives and senators try to work together for a better future for all Americans. Yet, some are saying president Obama is the most conservative Democratic president since World War II.
may have done so at the expense of building any type of relationship with Republicans. Senator John McCain said that It may be decades before his speech will be recognized by historians as inspiring, especially since he did not use any many of the GOP did not see any “I want to work with my memorable catch-phrases like President Kennedy’s “Ask not colleagues” in the speech. Perhaps, Mr. McCain, that is because what your country can do for you – ask what you can for your most of the GOP have demonstrated they are not colleagues in government, but antagonists. country.” One paragraph of his speech highlighted what he has done in his first term and what he hopes to accomplish in his second term: "It is now our generation's task to carry on what those pioneers began. For our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as wellOO." His specific reference to full equality, including marriage equality, for the LGBT community, will most likely remind the LGBT voters who supported him in overwhelming numbers why we need to stay committed to his cause. For the first time in history, we have a president who has thrown open the doors to public recognition of a President’s support for the LGBT community and his willingness to fight for all Americans to be treated equally. Surprisingly, Columnist and Fox News Contributor Charles Krauthammer said, "I thought it was an amazing speech, and historically very importantOThis was really Obama unbound.”
It should be a call to the LGBT community to become protagonists and be more active in our efforts to gain full equality. It should be a call that when the HRO is introduced again at City Hall, let us outnumber the opponents 10 to one, just as they out-numbered us in every hearing following the introduction of HRO 2012-296. More than one City Council Member remarked that it was the same few people within the LGBT community who came to hearing after hearing, while those opposing us filled the chambers. Our attendance, with dignity in style and purpose, should inspire our elected officials to move forward for equality. English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 penned the phrase "The pen is mightier than the sword" in his play for his play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy. Beneath the rule of men entirely great The pen is mightier than the sword. Behold The arch-enchanters wand! — Itself is nothing! — But taking sorcery from the master-hand To paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike The loud earth breathless! — Take away the sword — States can be saved without it! Let us, as citizens of this great land, take up the pen or pick up the phone or inundate the web or pay a friendly visit reminding our elected officials we have a leader who has taken a stand for ALL Americans. Let us remind them that if they are not willing to follow his leadership in this matter we can assure them of the loss of their jobs, for most assuredly we will vote.
Our time has come. Our President has called us to action. We cannot sit idly by. If the president’s objective was to appease his liberal base, he
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city: restaurant critique We've simply moved beyond the basic gin and tonic. By: Ryan Ali
T
he phrase "let's grab a drink" has a whole new meaning. Now, "a drink" is a complex configuration of words -- in it's all-too-nifty name and flavors -- blending ingredients from different worlds and sides of the tracks. We are witnessing the creation of the "evolved cocktail" and the centerpiece to any culinary affair. A simple weekend brunch, isn't built around the old Mimosa or a Bloody Mary, thanks to Riverside's Black Sheep. We were just recently invited to try their new brunch menu, which featured creative and unique libations by house mixologist, Kurt Rodgers. Start off with an entry into Heaven's Gate, featuring blueberry and cucumber infused St. Germain and prosecco. Then dive fork first into the fried green tomatoes with warm gorgonzola fondue. Our table ordered everything from the truffled Back Hog Farms Egg Toast, to the Croque Madame and even had room for the Cardamon Pancakes, which were drizzled with apple butter. But the pièce de rÊsistance has to be their take on fresh bacon and eggs, which features mouth-watering pork belly and poached eggs on a bed of creamy grits. (Brunch service begins 2/16 from 9-3pm). After brunch, take a drive over the bridge to San Marco and stop into Jacksonville's only speakeasy, Grape and Grain Exchange. This place combines a modern interior stocked full of specialty liquors and craft beers, live entertainment, good looking bar guys and a cooler stocked full of imported cheeses, rare caviar and Charcuterie. Every night Jackson and his team create a specialty cocktail, that will sure to have you making new friends. Drinks start at $7 with nightly happy. Make sure you try their newest drink, "Woke up Married and in a Ditch", a cocktail very true to its name and uses ice as the only mixer. The bookcase reveals the back area which opens in March promising an unforgettable adventure. If staying in is more your thing, why not create a five-course, or in this case a FineCourse meal right at home. Recently, we were lucky enough to have a catered dinner provided by Blake Burdett's newest venture FineCourse. Blake has combined five star cooking, with a witty and personalized cooking classes for the aspirational chef. As we arrived we were greeted with his pomegranate sparkling elixir which combined vodka fresh mint and fresh pomegranate seeds. The feast included Filet Mignon and turkey sliders with truffle fries, a fresh seafood platter, an assortment of fresh salsas and dips and organic fruit with raspberry dipping sauce (because after all dessert is forbidden in gay gym culture). FineCourse dinners start at $175 for a dinner for four. Just as our drink has evolved, so should we.
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cover: Ashlee Wilson-Hawn
Ashlee Wilson-Hawn World Exclusive By Jonathan Jaxson
If you’ve been watching The Style Network’s "Big Rich Atlanta" then you are already very familiar with Ashlee Wilson-Hawn, the show's self-proclaimed “Boss Bitch." The bubbly and out spoken gorgeous blonde is in the business of helping young girls to achieve their dreams in the complex world of beauty pageants and came to the show expecting to enjoy filming and to be able to look back on the experience as a positive one. But, instead the experience has left her seemingly bitter against the reality TV world. Between the obvious choppy editing or scripted scenes that have turned her into a bad caricature of the woman that she truly is. Having sitting down and talking to Ashlee for this interview, she is anything but from what you see on TV. Editing has left fans to think that she is definitely someone she isn't in real life and has led to backlash that has followed, all in which has prompted Ashlee to finally speak out candidly. In this exclusive interview with CityXtra Magazine, she goes on the record about the show’s exploitation of her and breaks the reality show barriers by being the very first reality star to speak out so candidly about how staged reality TV truly is. Something I have found to be VERY true about this show in particular with several casting notices for extras in every episode all over the nets since filming began last year.
try club set. So, it's definitely not my day to day life so this show isn't as invasive as actual reality TV that follows the actual activities of my life so this was why I chose this project because who doesn't want to have a little fun on a television set?!? JJ: Nearly 99 percent of reality shows are scripted/staged in some aspect, as is seemingly the case with Big Rich Atlanta. So what "character" do you play and why did you decide to play her on TV? Ashlee: This show is definitely 100% scripted and every scene is a set. I am the only one on the show without my mother because they casted me as the villian AKA: "The Boss Bitch" and who doesn't like having a little fun playing the bad girl?!? It has been huge for soap legend Susan Lucci playing bad girl Erica for decades so I thought, "Hey, why not have fun with it!"
JJ: Thanks for taking the time to sit down with us. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
JJ: How has being on reality TV affected your personal life?
Ashlee: You bet doll! Well, I am the Star of the new hit Style Network show "Big Rich Atlanta." Something that I have been busy working on for the past six months and it has been a really fun acting job taking on the persona of the "Boss Bitch" on our imaginary Country Club set,
Ashlee: It hasn't really affected me too much as my family and friends knew the whole show was a scripted set. They were just completely enraged when one of my fellow cast mates took a TV birthday party set too far and attacked me. That was really hard for me because had it been my REAL life birthday party that NEVER would have happened! JJ: Would you like a season two of "Big Rich Atlanta" after being brutally attacked on the show by a fellow cast member and for all the heat you have caught as being labeled the "boss bitch?" Ashlee: I am not sure being on a television set that has and promotes violence is my MO. JJ: What has kept you strong through all the negative press towards the show and attention in general? Ashlee: My family, friends and professional team have been very helpful. The fans of course have also been so supportive throughout this ride so far.
which is the setting of a drama filled adult play ground. JJ: While living such a lavish lifestyle, most could only dream of, why did you decide to take your life to reality TV?
JJ: There are many comparisons to you and the late Anna Nicole Smith...What are your thoughts on that? Ashlee: I think she is beautiful, so I love it! Quite flattered actually!
JJ: Your a classically trained singer, would you see yourself releasing Ashlee: Well, I didn't mine doing this show because it is a docu-series, music in the future? which is a modern day soap opera where story writers create story lines Ashlee: I would love that! Music is my passion! Now you have my mind for us to take on scenarios and the set is an imaginary country club where we all gather as members and drama is written around this coun- spinning thinking about new music!
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JJ: Why do you think you get along with more gays than the straight guys of the world?
standing up for violence and hate!
Ashlee: Gay guys totally get me! It is a community full of so much love and beauty! My dream would be to be "The Queen of The Gays!"
2. Building my new love life moving towards having a family of my own some day!
JJ: Would you say being a gay activist is a very personal thing to you then?
Ashlee: Absolutely! I have grown up around sooo many in the LGBT 3. Working towards my community and have seen the pain and growth they have been through. goal of being the "Queen of the Gays" I am a HUGE supporter of equal rights on ALL sides! JJ: What are three items you can't leave your house without? Ashlee: 1. Lip balm & sunscreen 2. Voss Water 3. Sunglasses JJ: What's on your playlist right now? Ashlee: A variety of every single genre of music! JJ: Where do you want to be in life in the next year? Ashlee: There are several thingsO
as an activist for a community that deserves so much to be loved and embraced by all!
4. Doing MAJOR syndicated television, because acting and hosting is a passion of mine. 5. My other goal is to focus on my music, also a HUGE passion of mine! ever-thankful supporter of the StandUp Foundation!
1. Promoting my new philanthropy Divarella as a spokeswoman
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APRIL 5, 2013 @ NORM Nightclub
2692 Post St JAX, FL (904) 894-7465
925 King St JAX, FL (904) 476-7283
city: road trip OUT DESTIINATION: ROAD TRIP By Joey Amato Chicago to St. Louis, but the one thing I’ve never done before is go on a road trip. Well folks, it’s time. Pack your bags, fuel up your tank and get ready to head out on the most exciting gay adventures you can imagineOwell kinda! I decided to take a ride on Interstate 40 from Nashville to Las Vegas and stop of a variety of cities along the way. Driving through Memphis, I recalled my time at the Peabody Hotel and sipping cocktails on Beale Street as I crossed the mighty Mississippi River into Arkansas. I wasn’t planning on stopping in Arkansas, but as I was Googling and driving (no, I do not encourage that), I discovered that Fort Smith, Arkansas had a small gay scene so I decided to check it out. It’s not Fort Lauderdale or San Francisco, but there were a few gay bars, most notably, Club Kinkead’s. I actually met a really cool guy who was willing to show me the highlights of the city which included a lookout point, owned by the military set high upon a hilltop overlooking Fort Smith. Not too far away are the towns of Fayetteville and Hot Springs, two destinations better known for vibrant gay nightlife, but unfortunately they were located too far off I-40, so I didn’t have the chance to visit them. The next day, I packed up my suitcase and headed back out on the open road, next stop, Oklahoma City. OKC as the locals call it, is not a destination one would initially think would be very gay friendly, however after doing a bit of research, I actually found a gay resort fairly close to the interstate.
evolutions of the car line most notably the birth and death of the defining feature of mid twentieth century Cadillac’s, the tailfins. The automobiles, which were produced between 1949 and 1963, are all half -buried nose-first in the ground, at an angle corresponding to that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Everything is bigger in Texas and visitors to Amarillo must stop at The Big Texan. The iconic restaurant, located along the historic Route 66, is a legend within its own right. The restaurant and lodging complex has been featured on major cable television networks and has even been the target of Adam Richman’s “Man vs. Food” for its 72-ounce steak challenge. A few hours further west is Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Nob Hill neighborhood, located on the old Route 66 site, is the local gayborhood. There you will find a strip of gay clubs and bars, perfect for dancing, bar-hopping or people watching.
Although listed as a private club, the Albuquerque Social Club is a fun, friendly venue with live DJ's and regularly scheduled drag shows. Habana Inn is the largest gay resort in the Southwest and offers visitors Guests can enjoy a game of pool, while sipping on some of the cheapest cocktails in town. 170 hotel rooms, two swimming pools, two nightclubs, a restaurant, piano bar, and gift shop, all conveniently located within the same Not too far away is Sidewinders, Albuquerque’s best dance bar. Servcomplex. After checking into my room, I decided to go for dinner at ing the LGBT community for two decades, Sidewinders features one of Gushers, the hotel’s restaurant. I opted for a soup and salad combo, the state’s largest dance floors. The venue also offers nightly however the restaurant is known for their prime rib dinner, which has entertainment including karaoke, pool tournaments and dance lessons. been called the best in the city. Last stop on my road trip is Las Vegas. On previous visits, I stayed a After speaking with some members of the staff and other patrons, I was luxurious hotels on the strip, however this time I wanted to experience something different, so I chose the wonderful Blue Moon Hotel. The pleasantly surprised by the array of bars, clubs and other attractions boutique property boasts 45 rooms and suites and is a clothing optional within Oklahoma City, including a gay-owned and operated coffee hotel complete with a Jacuzzi grotto, perfect for the cool Vegas nights. house and community center. My two-room suite was beautifully appointed with luxurious linens, a modern seating area, walk-in closet and unobstructed views of the pool The nightlife options in and around Habana Inn are plentiful, from the and sun deck. venues on property to nearly half-dozen other establishments located within walking distance. My first stop was a small neighborhood bar called The Boom, which served up inexpensive cocktails and provided a welcoming environment. Directly across the street are Angles, Tramps and Phoenix Rising. But if you choose to stay at the hotel, I suggest visiting The Copa for dancing and great drag performances or Finishline if you are looking to kick off your boots and enjoy some beers and country music. Further on up the road is Amarillo, located in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. Since I did a little too much partying in OKC the night before, I decided to visit some cultural attractions in Amarillo. Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation and sculpture park which was created in 1974 by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels, and consists of junk Cadillac automobiles, representing a number of
The atmosphere at Blue Moon is vibrant and fun, however if you are looking to hit up a show on the strip, I recommend Cirque du Soleil’s Zarkana, performing at the Aria Resort & Casino. Zarkana has been described as an “acrobatic rock experience that blends circus arts with the surreal to create a world where physical virtuosity rubs shoulders with the strange.” The show was the perfect way to end a fabulous trip across America, one which I will surely never forget. Be sure to keep a look out for a new all-male revue show named “Men of the Strip”, opening in Vegas, later this year.
www.OUTreachPublicRelations.com
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city: DOMA & Supreme DOMA Goes Before the Supreme Court: Two Lawyers and a Priest Walk Into a Bar By Sebastian Fortino On March 26th the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) goes before the Supreme Court. We asked two lawyers and one priest for input on this topic – which is very broad and complex. So, how about a joke? “Two lawyers and a priest walk into a bar where they meet nine bartenders, in black robes. ‘What’ll you have,’ the bartenders ask. ‘We want to legally marry our same sex partners. The good stuff. Federalized.’ The nine bartenders respond, ‘Oh, thatOpull up some stools. This could take some time.’” Tony Adams, the priest in our “joke” never left the priesthood formally, officiates at same-sex weddings and is affectionately Gordon Nicol, a Jacksonville-based attorney who advocates for known as “Father Tony.” He has a trinity of reasons related to “anything an LGBT couple is going through, throughout Florida” DOMA. We spoke on Ash Wednesday, an appropriate day to weighed in. discuss DOMA with him: to Christians the holiday recalls when Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem, before ultimately being “We all have equal rights, supposedly, but not in terms of brought to trial. marriage. The gay community wants the same bankruptcy laws, tax laws, and all the benefits straight couples get in marriage, “It’s very frustrating because of the little transactions. I’m on the but many states say marriage is strictly between a man and a board of my condo association in Fort Lauderdale. It took them a woman so, we’re not equal. This goes into immigration law for long time to accept I’m married and my last name isn’t just couples married in countries where gay marriage is legal ‘Barbie’s Dream Home’ version of a real marriage and accept because being married to an American of their own sex doesn’t my husband as the other Mr. Adams,” he said delivering a guarantee citizenship,” Nicol said emphatically. “However, my spirited homily on the subject. “Even though Florida is a blue gut feeling is that we will win, because the Supreme Court state it took a while to really convince them of its validity – trying doesn’t hear every case that comes before it soOif they are to get my last name changed on my drivers’ license was an willing to hear it chances are they will give us our equal rights.” Olympic event! It took MANY trips to the DMV to legally change my name.” Carrington Mead said becoming a lawyer was fueled by her desire to help LGBT people legally and spoke with us As an officiant he sees fractures within marriage law. “In New accordingly. York State it takes 24 hours from the time you get your marriage license to be married, in Florida I think it takes three days. In “On a personal note I hope they do the right thing and allow certain states I have to apply for an exemption if I’m not a LGBT people the same equal rights and protections through resident.” marriage. That ‘everyone has the same thing, at the same time, in the same place,’ as Thurgood Marshall said. As a lawyer I’m Okay Father Tony, why is the Catholic Church so anti-gay not sure the Supreme Court is going make this giant leap,” said marriage? Meade, who was legally married in Washington, DC. She fears it may go the opposite way and undo same-sex marriage in states “The American Bishops want us to believe gay marriage will which allow it. destroy their religious freedom, but that’s insidious sleight-of-hand. They are upset because of the potential loss of Taxation – in this case the inequality LGBT couples face as benefits being a non-profit religious institution. If the laws compared to married straight couples – is often cause for change protecting marriage, either they fall in line and grant litigation. The case of Windsor vs. The United States decided marriage rights or they may lose those rights.” DOMA was unconstitutional in New York in terms of inheritance laws. Eventually, same-sex marriage was allowed in the Empire Our lawyers and our priest all agreed on one thing: it’s going to State. take quite some time for the Supreme Court to make their decision. “Cases of taxation inequality often help us,” Meade said. “A few years ago an individual claimed gender reassignment surgery as So for now TO BE CONTINUED…... tax exempt. At first the claim was denied, as if it was purely elective surgery. However in the end she won citing it as a mental health issue.”
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city: sports Mike Piazza: New York Mets By Ty Nolan LB's Mike Piazza is coming out this week with an autobiography. Among other things, he addresses "the gay rumors." Interestingly, rather than going homophobic or offended by the very idea he might be considered gay, he takes a fresher direction of being offended by the implication he was being dishonest about his sexual orientation. In other words, he takes the attitude that if he were gay, he'd be upfront about it. According to Yahoo: Mike Piazza's autobiography has been long anticipated, as fans presumed it would address a number of topics on which the should-beHall-of-Fame catcher has remained silent. With Piazza's book (Long Shot) set to come out on Tuesday, details have begun to leak out. Today's New York Post contains a plethora of spoilers. Based on these, it seems Piazza does, in fact, answer The Big Questions. And the answers are largely what you might expect. Is Piazza still mad at Roger Clemens for throwing at his head during a game at Yankee Stadium? Yes, he is. He even admits to "taking karate lessons" to prepare for some form of revenge. But when Clemens pulled his bizarre bat-throwing incident in game 2 of the World Series, Piazza had second thoughts about following through. There were complications. The least of them was the realization that Clemens was a big guy, and I stood a pretty fair chance of getting my ass kicked in front of Yankee Stadium and the world. That was a legitimate concern. Piazza concedes his failure to act put a shadow over the games that followed. "It was the story of the Series. I couldn't deliver a punch." For those wondering about PEDs, Piazza "confesses" doing andro at a time when the drug was neither illegal nor banned by baseball. He also admits to "experimenting" with Vioxx to deal with the intense pain of catching and "greenies" to deal with exhaustion, plus a few other medications to deal with the aches and pains of his profession. Those hoping for some blockbuster announcement about steroids (a certain former Times columnist, maybe) will be disappointed. "I was into power, not prison." he insists. As for That Other Rumor, Piazza uses the book to once again assert his heterosexuality. Not because he dislikes being called gay, he says, but because he resents the implication that he is a liar.
way — living with Playmates, vacationing with actresses, showing up at nightclubs — to act out a lifestyle that would amount to a charade. If I was gay, I'd be gay all the way. Of all the revelations contained in the Post piece, the only ones that comes across as potentially controversial are the ones regarding Piazza's opinions about Latin players. I certainly don't dispute that Latin players are entitled to the same dreams and opportunities that I had, but I'm sorry: when they arrive on US soil, the onus isn't on the American players to learn Spanish. It's on the Latin players to learn English. Piazza also describes having tensions with Latin teammates, going so far as to call this "some kind of weird Hispanic conspiracy against me, almost like a secret brotherhood, a Latin mafia-type of thing." If the book garners buzz in the weeks to come, I have to Imagine it will be this, rather than any talk about Clemens or his sexuality, that will do the buzzing. Courtesy of www.mediaoutloud.com
I found it hugely insulting that people believed I'd go so far out of my
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