captainrick

Hey guys. Yea, I know, I know, the phantom pirate strikes again. I've been absent a long time. But, I've been really busy... at least I have a good excuse. See my new blog entry. Anyhow, If anyone is looking for a new book. I have co-authored a new book that is being PUBLISHED. YES! on paper. I have co-written a book with Adam Donaldson Powell entitled "Tunnel at the End of Time" and it is published and right now available through the publisher's web site at www.cyberwit.net . It should be available at Amazon.com sometime later. Hugs, Rick

Wow! Didn?t realize it had been so long since I had posted here?. Well? when you read below, you will see that I?ve been rather busy. After my diagnosis, well, I had to face a few realities. The biggest one was, I was a gay man with AIDS. That is simply not conducive with the fa?ade I had been living for more than twenty years, and yes, in the end it was more than my wife could handle. We had a lot to sort out, I moved into the guest bedroom, and well, yea, we were finally divorced several months ago, and I?m living on my boat. But, it was a VERY friendly divorce, and we are still very close friends, but we both knew we had to move on. I like to tell the folks that I?m ?out? to (which is most anyone who wants to know) that it most closely resembles a ?Will and Grace? type relationship if one has to define it, but we did share most of our lives together, so it?s really the only thing that makes sense. She has moved on and is seeing a nice man, and ummm so am I. More about that later. My boss at work was very cool and understanding about all my ?issues? as were some of my co-workers I chose to share with, so no real work problems. I decided all this had to have a purpose. I met a wonderful person here in Mississippi that was trying to start up a HIV/AIDS peer support group and AIDS service organization. I agreed to serve on his board with several other wonderful people and have become a bit of an AIDS activist. There are SO many things Mississippi DOES NOT have for HIV survivors that other places take for granted, the list is too long for me to start that here. So far, our group has been quite successful. More about that in a bit as well. I have also kept up with my writing. After I finished Sky?s the Limit, Book II, (hosted here at AD) I wanted to do something different. Well, a wonderful fellow author whom I originally met at AD and formerly had some of his stories posted here, Adam Donaldson Powell, asked me to co-write a book with him. Adam and I had struck up a beautiful online friendship, and I had read and enjoyed all of his work so it seemed like a good a fit. The project would be more or less a sequel to his earlier PUBLISHED book, ?2014, Life and Adventures of an Incarnated Angel? which was a sort of science fiction/fantasy genre work. I was immediately intrigued. So, now it?s done, AND PUBLISHED. Yes, I am now a published author. The name of the book is ?Tunnel at the End of Time? and is available for purchase at www.cyberwit.net. It should be available at Amazon.com soon. Adam?s earlier book, ?2014? is also available at Cyberwit or Amazon. There?s lots more info on the book at Adam?s web site, www.adamdonaldsonpowell.com , along with some excerpts. Now, back to where I left off above. In the course of organizing a peer support group for the Jackson area, I met a wonderful man named Sam who joined our group almost a year ago now, right after he himself was diagnosed. Sam and I became instant friends as we quickly discovered in conversations that we shared many things in common. In fact, WAY too many to list here, but a short list would be the same TV shows, movies, music, etc., but also both of us had been married and had a son apiece until we had to finally face our sexuality. Sam and I dated for several weeks before he eventually moved in with me on the houseboat, and the two of us are also trying to restore an old house in North Mississippi where his grandmother had lived and is situated on family land. We call it ?the farm? as the adjacent land is inhabited by cattle that his dad raises. We pretty much stay on the boat during the week and work on the house on the weekends. Sam is a wonderful man, and both of us are very happy. I think THIS is what a relationship is REALLY supposed to be. Our AIDS organization has really taken off. We co-hosted an AIDS town-hall discussion here in Jackson by the White House AIDS czar and his Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) which Prez. Obama has tasked with the responsibility of formulating the first U.S. national AIDS strategy/policy (about 25 years late, but better late than never). The meeting was one of only a dozen fact-finding meetings held in the U.S. last year. See www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/onap/events . We also sponsored a huge city-wide World AIDS Day event here in Jackson, with Dr. Joycelyn Elders, the former U.S. surgeon general under Prez Clinton as the keynote speaker, and the Mississippi Mass Choir, which has one numerous recording awards performed as well. So, yeah, I?ve been sorta busy. A new life, a new partner, a new published book, and a new calling, and sometime in there have to find time for my 9 to 5er to keep the bills paid. Hugz all, Rick

GREAT NEWS!!! My Friend and former AD hosted author Adam Donaldson Powell and co-author Albert Russo have won a very prestigious international literary award for their book "Gaytude" a collection of bi-lingual (English-French) poetry. "Gaytude is a poetic study of both the universality and the diversity of gay experience ... an experience of confluence whereby individual love, lust and identity are constantly in tandem and conflict with collective mores, customs, codes and trends." http://www.adamdonaldsonpowell.com/gaytude.html here is the link to the award page: http://www.indieexcellence.com/indie-results-2009.php#40 under categories choose "gay non-fiction" in the pull down menu. WAY TO GO ADAM!!!!!

IOWA SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN GAY MARRIAGE BAN!!!!! http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090403/ap_on_...wa_gay_marriage

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090402/ME...s+scampering+by

You know... I thought after over 30 years, when i went through this same crap in high school, maybe we were getting past it... maybe tolerance and acceptance were becoming more universal.... I guess i was wrong.. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/...8335&page=1 hugz all... Rick

President Obama made it very clear last week when he signed the Omnibus Spending Bill that this bill was a relic of the previous administration and that he disagreed with many provisions including many of the earmark provisions, but it's passage was necessary to keep the government running. He did not even have a "public signing" ceremony for this bill. I think we need to give this administration and this new Congress a chance. It takes time. The bill in question was drafted and agreed upon in conference when the Repubs controlled the Senate and White House. The Prez does NOT have line item veto powers like the governors of many states to veto only distasteful portions. It's all or nothing. Let's not jump to conclusions on the basis of this bill which was actually drafted under the previous administration. I think if you want to know more about this Prez, let's go look at HIS website. http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/civil_rights/ hugz all.. Rick

You know, there are some articles you have to read twice to see ... "Did he really say that????" :omg: This is one of those times. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090317/ap_on_.../af_pope_africa How do you fight such blind ignorance... None are so blind as those who refuse to see, and none so ignorant as those who refuse to learn. Hugz for us all... we really need them Rick

well, ummm Wibby, what are Prez. and Mrs. Obama really like? Did you have a nice visit? http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/20...oons-sneak.html

URGENT FOR ALL RACOONS>>> READ IMMEDIATELY ! http://www.mcclatchydc.com/251/story/59566.html

okay.. local Pizza chain here in Mississippi and in Memphis. Old Venice Pizza Co. The best is the "Mardi Gras" Comes with cream cheese, andouille sausage, grilled chicken and bell peppers. I also usually add the boiled crawfish tails... YUM!!! Pizza ... Big Easy style

Alrighty, I posted the following link in the thread I started "OK Peoples ..." but it also is equally relevant in this one, and I want as many as possible to read it. --- That includes you James, I think you will like it. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-ostertag...w_b_152717.html

Okay, my final word on the topic isn't even going to be my own, but this amazing article. EVERYONE READ THIS!!! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-ostertag...w_b_152717.html

I agree that Democratic governments should be secular. That is the basis of much of the United States Constitution and its prohibition against state sponsored establishment of religions and the first amendment rights of freedom to worship as one chooses or not at all. This is the "wall of separation between church and state" as the phrase was coined by Thomas Jefferson. With that said, I also am forced to admit that unfortunately conservatives have inextricably linked certain religious views to the issues of gay rights. That's why their attempts to deny equal rights to persons of different sexual orientations will ultimately fail. At least in this Country, assuming our Constitutional government actually survives long enough. However, I don't think a totally secular society is either realistic or even desirable. This world is very diverse and it is that diversity that makes us human. Whether Jew, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, New Age, or whatever, the world would be an incredibly dull place without any religion. Are there some religions that will never accept or embrace homosexuality? Of course there are. But also remember that religion has inspired some of the world's greatest art, music, literature, and philosophy. Yes, a secular world, where we have given up any belief in a creator, guiding force, or reason for our very existence would be a dreary and dull place indeed. I meant no disrespect btw, and apologize if it came across that way, it's just that I get frustrated when the point is lost. Hugz, Rick

You guys just don't seem to get it.... I didn't mean to start another discourse on religion or religious intolerance....... It's much deeper than that. In California, it was simply political ignorance of those fighting that ridiculous proposition and failure to be inclusive of blacks and other minorities that helped pass the gay marriage ban. WE CAN NOT just sit on asses and whine about our lack of equal rights. We have to put forth a positive image of ourselves and work together to cross cultural AND religious barriers that stand in the way. It can be done as the following link (article) clearly demonstrates: http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=6491162&page=1 However, condemning all religions, Christians, etc. because of the intolerance of a few is self-defeating. It's up to us to educate and convince those that are intolerant and full of hate or fear or both that we pose no threat to them, their families, or society in general. We just want equal rights. Period. Hugz, Rick

Read this Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/19/u...-_n_152325.html particularly the part that says : "According to some of the declaration's backers, U.S. officials expressed concern in private talks that some parts of the declaration might be problematic in committing the federal government on matters that fall under state jurisdiction. In numerous states, landlords and private employers are allowed to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation; on the federal level, gays are not allowed to serve openly in the military." These assholes in charge of U.S. policy AGAINST gay rights a/k/a the Republican party that voted down the proposed federal ENDA legislation that would have made such discrimination in the workplace illegal, by one republican vote voted straight down party lines. BEFORE we start harping on the gay marriage issue like we were beating a dead horse, let's all unite to get basic equal rights for gays in the workplace, in housing, in education, etc. etc. etc. Gay marriage or civil unions will inevitably follow in time, but we must first end being treated as second or even third class citizens. Hopefully a new democratically controlled House and Senate will make these changes, but it is up to us... each of us ... to put up a united front. This week I was very disappointed in President Obama's choice of Rev. Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. Also he has not yet appointed any openly gay persons to any significant posts. This leads me to believe that while this new President may be "tolerant" he may not necessarily be pro-active to gay rights. He will need encouragement and support in this area. I don't want to be "tolerated" I just want basic respect and equality for all..

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff...d-rashida-jones could be a tad "too gay"

And here's another Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081201/hl_af...oJli1Lfr7es0NUE I challenge everyone to PLEASE show support for any AIDS charity in your area any way you can. I'm going to a candlelight vigil tonight here. Most communities are doing something. You may have to look for it because apparently AIDS is no longer "press-worthy". While I'm on that point, I also challenge anyone reading this to NOT become apathetic about HIV/AIDS. Yes, there are new medications that effectively "control" the disease. But they are expensive, toxic, and far from a cure. Make NO MISTAKE this disease is still a killer. We can just delay it a bit longer. I also challenge EVERYONE to get tested regularly. At least once a year. It is estimated that perhaps more than 25% of those currently infected have NOT been tested and are not even aware they carry the virus. That's the dirty little secret the CDC and WHO don't publish. Unfortunately, I speak from experience. If you are reading this, chances are high that you know someone with this disease. Most will never admit it because of the stigma that is still attached. Just being gay in some parts of the world or even in this country is hard enough. adding the stigma of AIDS, well, ... So yes, there is much work yet to be done in this arena. The crisis is far from over. Hugz everyone... Rick

This is what I've been talking about for so long. My own state of Mississippi has laws specifically aimed at preventing gays from adopting, but they also single out ANY unmarried persons as "unsuitable" to adopt or even be foster parents..... Someone please explain the twisted logic of the idea that someone who desperately wants to care for an unwanted or parentless child is incapable of providing that child with the necessary nurturing and care simply because they don't have a traditional male-female marriage. I still say... before the gay community goes to war over the right of traditional marriage, basic human and civil rights protections of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual preference must first be firmly established and entrenched in the law. But what do I know... I only have a juris doctorate and 23 years of law practice upon which to base my opinion.

It's not just one state, Graeme it's now in several states, especially in the South. In fact in Mississippi neither unmarried persons nor gays can legally adopt... As I have stated so many times in other threads, Basic civil rights laws on the federal level similar to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity needs to be extended to LGBT's. Then the Federal Courts would have the teeth needed to set aside the patchwork of discriminatory anti-gay laws in the various states. That is once we get the votes needed on the Supreme Court after an Obama appointment or two..

GADS! When are the book-burnings? This is... unfathonable to me.... I thought your labor party was the more progressive "liberal" side. I don't know what to say as I simply don't get this. I believe that our first amendment in this country would prevent such as this but I am so shocked as to be speechless. Who died and appointed these assholes as the "guardians of the internet"? If the same is attempted here.... umm Canada is looking better and better.... Rick

James, my old dear friend and colleague: That is exactly why I said we need to pause, back up, and take smaller steps. We have been so blinded by the ultimate goal sought by so many, that we have ignored the more basic road necessary to get there. ENDA was defeated in the Senate by a single vote when a then Republican-controlled Senate voted strictly on party lines. ENDA wasn't even taken up by the House of Representatives ONLY because of a promised Veto by the Bush White House and what was then insufficient votes to over-ride the veto. ENDA would grant the gay, lesbian, and transgendered people in this country the same basic guarantees of basic civil rights and protection from discrimination given the African Americans and other racial minorities based on race in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. ENDA IS an achievable goal now. THAT in turn would be a basis for overturning in Federal Courts the inane constitutional amendments to state constitutions in these various states including our own Mississippi, as well as California, Arizona, Florida, and others prohibiting gay marriage as they discriminate against gay and lesbian couples on the basis of sexual preference. Patience, perseverance, and unity my old friend... and we will succeed. "YES, WE CAN!!!!" Many, many, sincere hugs; Rick D.

Trab, that is exactly what I have been trying to say in my last two posts. WE MUST be accepted as equals first. We must be given the same protections from discrimination as other groups and minorities (i.e. ENDA). The way to do that is by setting positive examples with a UNITED front. Quoting from President-Elect Obama. "Together, YES WE CAN." THEN and only then will we be treated as equals, and then and only then will we be able to achieve the admirable goals of gay marriage or civil unions and other basic rights others enjoy. Des, I did not intend to try promote any religion at all, I was merely stating that it is wrong to condemn all religions or those who believe in them because of a few ignorant fools who refuse to see the truth That is that all humans ARE created equal and ARE entitled to the same basic human and civil rights. We have a unique and extraordinary chance now with a new leader who appears to be compassionate and a democratic congress whose leaders express views of progressive leadership. We simply need to step back, take smaller steps to achieve the means to get the ultimate goals and do so with a united front and by setting positive examples whenever possible. hugs, Rick

Treb, Richard, Pecman, Now is the time for cooler heads. Minorities nor even these religious zealots are the true enemy. I am also tired of seeing members here and at sister sites condemning all religion. It saddens me greatly. There are many noble and righteous religious leaders who are sympathetic to gay rights. No, the true enemy is ignorance and fear. So many believe that somehow we "choose" to be gay, and that if we would just see their way of thinking we would simply "choose" not to be gay. They somehow fear that if we're not "cured" of homosexuality, the "dis-ease" will spread. The only cure for ignorance is a desire to learn and education. Violence, or even civil uprising has never cured ignorance... it only feeds it and re-enforces the fear. No, "fighting" back will never achieve the goal of true equality. Barack Obama just proved that. We must set good examples, educate the public, and send positive messages. Gay marriage or civil unions is an admirable goal, but as I said in my earlier post, it's too soon. Lets get some basic civil rights and "acceptance" not tolerance. Then anything can be possible. Don't be blinded by ends until we have achieved the means. Hugz to all of you, Rick D.

Okay, I've been waiting and thinking hard about what I would like to say here. Some of you may not like at all what I am about to say, but here goes. In my modest opinion, and as dearly as I would love to see legal gay marriages or civil unions, I think we (the American gay community at large) were trying to fly before we learned how to walk or run. What do I mean by that you ask.... well my answer is this. Did any of you realize there is no federal law preventing discrimination in the workplace, housing, or education based on sexual preference or gender identification!!!!??? That's right... NONE. In other words, If your employer chooses to fire someone simply because they are gay, there is no federal law prohibiting that. IT'S PERFECTLY FARKING LEGAL IN MOST STATES!!!!! Granted, 14 or so states and some cities have legislation prohibiting such discrimination, but it is a haphazard patchwork that often has no teeth. Right now, in most states, including my own, gay and transgendered Americans have fewer protections against discrimination than African Americans had prior to 1964. Federal Legislation with the acronym ENDA has been proposed as late as last year, but was defeated by one vote in the Republican controlled Senate, and never taken up by the House because of a PROMISED veto by Emporer George II. So basically, what I am saying is we put the cart about 100 miles out in front of the horse on this issue. Let's get some basic human and civil rights and protections, then go for the gold rings. I say all this with much love and respect for all of you, but I really thought it needed to be said. Hugz, Rick D P.S. Basic info on ENDA can be seen here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employment_No...crimination_Act