Cocktail Party for Kelly Skidmore

Please let me know if you plan to attend or have any questions. Barbara Effman (954) 846-8865 Book A FREE 1/2 Hr. Phone Consultation

School bus driver ignores plea for help from kid beaten with metal pipe because he is gay

A Texas teenager was chased by a group of his peers and beaten with a metal pipe because he is gay. The school bus driver did nothing. The school did nothing. The assailants yelled, "You're not going to be gay anymore." They continued until a neighbor with a shotgun cocked his weapon. Read the full story here. THIS is why it is important for the federal Gov't to say "NO, it's not ok to discriminate against LGBT people." Sign the petition to amend the Civil Rights Act to include LGBT status here: www.thepoweronline.org. Hate crimes laws help insure that perpetrators of hate crimes will be prosecuted. But they aren't enough. We need to stop hate from turning into an actionable idea. As long as the government refuses to protect our civil rights and refuses to recognize us as a legitimate part of society and a minority worthy of protection, it continues to send a message that efforts to eliminate homosexuality, whether through discrimination, religious teachings, ex-gay indoctrination, or by other means are acceptable. Some teenagers took that message to a brutal extreme. It has to stop.

Wasserman Schultz criticizes health panel's recommendation that women get mammograms less frequently

Posted by Anthony Man Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, is sharply critical of recommendations from a health panel that said this week women in their 40s don't need routine mammograms. Wasserman Schultz is a prominent breast cancer survivor. Here's what she's said on MSNBC (about 4 minutes into the video) and on CNN. Book A FREE 1/2 Hr. Phone Consultation

BROWARD COUNTY NOW National Organization for Women

BROWARD COUNTY NOW National Organization for Women Invites You to Hear William Schoolman President, Broward ACLU speak about the Proposed "Personhood" Amendment, A Threat to Women's Rights Personhood Florida would ban birth control and all abortions, even in rape cases! Wednesday, December 9th at 7PM Unitarian Universalist Church 3720 NW 21st Avenue Oakland Park BRING A FRIEND…JOIN OUR RESPONSE… BECOME INFORMED…ALL ARE WELCOME Further info: 954-485-7005 Directions to Church: www.uucfl.org Book A FREE 1/2 Hr. Phone Consultation

Miami’s Culinary Architect makes his Sweet Potato Bisque and Sweet Potato Crawfish Churro on Local10 Saturday Nov 21st

1st Place Prize out of 5000 entrants in Louisiana Recipe Contest. Miami's Culinary Architect makes his Sweet Potato Bisque and Sweet Potato Crawfish Churro on Local10 Saturday Nov 21st MIAMI, FL. November 18, 2009 – Ever wonder what else to do with sweet potatoes other than the usual holiday casserole? Chef Irie Spice has the answer. His recipe for Sweet Potato Bisque with Sweet Potato Crawfish Churro had the judges at the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission salivating in anticipation for a taste of his sweet creation. Chef Irie Spice demonstrates what to do with Sweet Potatoes this Saturday morning on Local10 News. Known as the Culinary Architect, personal chef Hugh Sinclair, aka Chef Irie Spice, is designing new food ideas all the time. After deciding that his architectural background was not the inspiration needed to create that 'pais de resistance' he always dreamed of, Chef Hugh enrolled in Johnson and Wales University Culinary School to pursue his dream of becoming a top chef. Art takes many forms, as seen in his Sweet Potato Bisque accompanied by the Sweet Potato Crawfish Churro. Always creating new recipes as he moves through his daily chef duties, Chef Hugh draws his inspiration from his Caribbean heritage fused with his classical chef training. This was evident in recent cooking demonstrations at Publix in North Miami and at the Jerk Festival in Sunrise, where he also served as a judge in the jerk cook-off contest. Join Chef Irie Spice this Saturday morning, Nov 21st, as he shares, with South Florida, tips for preparing your Thanksgiving meal along with his award winning Sweet Potato Bisque and Sweet Potato Crawfish Churro, on Local10 News Saturday edition in a segment appearing between 9am and 10am. Chef Hugh will also be fulfilling his philanthropic duties this Saturday Nov 21st at 6pm in a reception for the first in a series of concerts to benefit classical music for the American Friends of Kronberg Academy (AFKA) in Boca Raton. The benefit concert series, featuring performers Hanah Stuart (Violin) and Jonathan Feldman (Pianist), commences at the Steinway Piano Gallery at 7940 N. Federal Hwy in Boca Raton. Join The American Friends of Kronberg Academy for a night of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and classical music. Proceeds will provide support to AFKA, the American based non-profit organization of Kronberg Academy, whose mission is to foster support for exceptional young American string players to participate in a unique international climate of artistic discovery. Tickets are $40. For more information on the concert series or tickets go to info@rainbowmarketinginc.net . About Chef Irie Spice Chef Irie Spice is a private chef and caterer specializing in smaller intimate dinners for two to grandiose lifestyle parties; he's very supportive of local non-profit organizations and caters for corporate events also. His special approach to creative cooking is what makes him the culinary architect. He creates the right menu to personalize every occasion, making it an exquisite experience for everyone in attendance. For your next party, anniversary, cooking demonstration or corporate event, Chef Irie Spice will create a unique menu designed to compliment your personal style. Visit: www.iriespice.com. Book A FREE 1/2 Hr. Phone Consultation

Vice Mayor Patte Atkins-Grad declares on facbook elections are a waste of tax payers money

From Facebook: Vice Mayor Patte Atkins-Grad Ok last 24 hours till the election is over. What a waste of taxpayers money having to open the polls. Last time I won 2/1 what are the odds this time now that the citizens know about me and the newspapers have endorsed me?

Help Elect St. Petes First GLBT elected

Steve Kornell for St. Pete City Council No matter where you live, you can make phone calls for Steve Kornell. We have an easy-to-use online interface, complete with the script for our calls. We will provide you with a username and password, and you can log in and start making calls. Mike Fox can get you connected. Simply call him at 727-320-4502 or email him at field@stevekornell.com

Rep. Perry Thurston Calls Attention to 2010 Sunshine Census Initiative

State Representative Perry E. Thurston, Jr. today wrote Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul to urge renewed legislative attention and appropriate funding for efforts to get a complete count of Florida's population in the 2010 Census. Representative Thurston proposes that a $10 million appropriation should be considered by legislative leaders in order to identify Florida's hard-to-count residents. See text of the letter below. October 29, 2009 The Honorable Larry Cretul, Speaker Florida House of Representatives 402 South Monroe Street 420 The Capitol Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Dear Speaker Cretul: The people of Florida represent a rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds and experiences. The diversity of our state is, in fact, one of our greatest treasures. Therefore, it is imperative that we do our best to ensure a complete and accurate count of everyone who resides in Florida during the 2010 U.S. Census. As you know, the Census takes place every 10 years and it is used for a variety of purposes. The original purpose of the census was for determining the appropriate number of seats the state should have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Today, the count impacts much more, including the amount of federal funding received by the states, counties and cities. In fact, many matters of civic importance are determined by the census. The planning of Florida's schools, highways, roads and other vital public services is largely based on data derived from the census. And, of course, we also will rely on the census data for reapportionment and redistricting, particularly in the redesign of congressional and legislative district boundaries. I am proud to serve as a delegate to the Florida's Complete Count Committee. As such, I recognize the critical importance of an accurate Census count. I write today, however, to share my disappointment regarding a matter I was reminded of during an Oct. 21 briefing of the Florida House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning. During the meeting, we discussed how the Florida Legislature has appropriated less than $3 million toward the 2010 Sunshine Census Initiative that will focus on reaching the hard-to-count populations of our state. Florida's hard-to-reach populations often include children, migrant workers, university students, and sometimes people of African, Caribbean, Hispanic, Asian and Native American backgrounds. It is crucial that these individuals be counted. If Florida intends to be a model for the nation in preparing for and conducting the 2010 U.S. Census, it is imperative that our state dedicate considerably more resources in its effort to reach our hard-to-count populations. In fact, it seems appropriate to me that an allocation of $10 million would be justifiable for the census initiative. Additional spending to obtain an accurate count of our population is money well spent. Every additional person accurately identified in the U.S. Census as a resident of our state is important to ensuring that Florida gets its fair share of national resources. Every year, about $300 billion in federal funds are distributed to local, state and tribal governments based on census data. An accurate count of every person during the 2010 Census could result in more appropriate funding for our state's priorities. I urge you to bring this important matter of the U.S. Census to the attention of the appropriations committees of the Florida House of Representatives. And should there be a special session of the Legislature prior to the 2010 regular session, I hope that you will join me in seeking support for a more appropriate level of funding to meet the goals of Florida's Complete Count Committee. Sincerely, Perry E. Thurston, Jr. Representative, Florida House District 93 cc: House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands; Representative Dean Cannon, Chair, Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning; All members of the Florida House Select Policy Council on Strategic & Economic Planning. CONTACT: Representative Perry Thurston, 954-762-3746

Message From Commissioner Kristin Jacobs

Fall is upon us once again, and along with the (slightly) cooling weather comes a number of great events all across the greater District 2 area. Some events are fall-themed while others highlight important issues like climate change and health, but they all provide a great way to spend your Saturday. Fall is the perfect time for you and your family to get involved in our community, so I hope to see you out there! 350.org International Day of Climate Action Saturday, October 24, 2009 – 10 AM to 1 PM Museum of Discovery and Science 401 SW 2nd Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 On October 24th, 2009, people all over the world will take part in local actions to draw attention, help raise awareness and join together with other industrialized countries to stabilize the climate. Local environmental groups and activists are working together, presenting a rally with guest speakers and an interactive South Florida sea level model, followed by a march through the heart of Fort Lauderdale! Halloween Horse Show and Grand Opening Saturday, October 24, 2009 – 9 AM to 2 PM Sand and Spurs Park 1600 NE 5th Avenue Pompano Beach, FL 33060 Celebrate the grand opening of the second Bit-By-Bit Therapeutic Riding Center with a special spooky horse show, featuring games, food and fun for everyone! Admission is free, and wear your costume! Bit-By-Bit is a community supported, NARHA-accredited center offering therapeutic riding classes, including children and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome and other disabilities. Economic Empowerment Expo Broward County Commission on the Status of Women Saturday, October 24, 2009 – 11 AM to 3 PM North Regional/Broward College Library 1100 Coconut Creek Boulevard Coconut Creek, FL 33066 In an effort to help women weather the current recession, the Broward County Commission on the Status of Women is holding a free Economic Empowerment Expo. Attendees will learn how to refresh and revitalize their careers or their businesses with advice and tips from industry experts. Speakers and exhibitors will provide guidance and resources on job searching, retraining as well as resume writing, interviewing skills, and networking. In addition, the expo will have consultants offering advice on starting and growing small businesses and franchises, as well as gaining certification to do business with governmental agencies. 9th Annual Health Fair "Fit Through the Ages" Saturday, October 24, 2009 – 9 AM to 12:30 PM NE Focal Point Senior Center 227 NW 2nd Street Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 Health Fair activities will include vendors with "healthy" education and information for all ages. Complimentary Health Screenings include: Cholesterol, Blood Sugar, Balance, Hearing, Blood Pressure, Carotid Artery, Massage Therapy, Bone Density, Pulse Oximetry, Podiatry, Rapid HIV and Pregnancy testing. Complimentary seasonal Flu Shots for seniors over 60 years of age, and refreshments and entertainment will be available. Kristin Kristin D. Jacobs Broward County Commissioner District 2