Columbia getting ahead of USA on LGBT rights?!!!

Colombia Gives Gay Couples Same Rights As Marriage

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: June 15, 2007 - 4:30 pm ET

(Bogota, Columbia) Colombia's Congress has passed legislation giving same-sex couples most of the same rights as opposite-sex married couples.
President Alvaro Uribe has said he will sign the bill into law.
Under the legislation same-sex couples would have to register as partners. They would have to have lived together for more than two years and be of legal age.
In return they will receive the same social security and inheritance rights as married couples.
Supporters of the bill had tried four times since 1999 to pass the legislation, but each time it failed after opposition from the Roman Catholic Church.
Its success this time is attributed to a February Constitutional Court ruling that gay and lesbian couples must have the same property rights as opposite-sex couples.
The court struck down the definition of cohabitating couples as "men and women" in a 1990 law that allowed unmarried couples property rights including joint ownership of land and rights when one partner died.
The court said the law must be gender neutral.
Under the law same-sex couples who wanted to share their property had had to create a business, put the property in the company name, and list the domestic partners as joint shareholders in the company. But, even that did not always guarantee that in the case of death of one of the partners the shared possessions would go to the surviving one.
In its ruling the court carefully noted the decision did not automatically permit civil unions. That issue it said was up to the Congress. But the ruling clearing indicated for the first time that the court favored gull recognition of same-sex relationships.
"This makes Colombia a more democratic, more open place," LGBT activist Virgilio Barco told the Reuters news service.
"It marks the first time that legislation like this has passed at a national level in Latin America," Barco said.

LINK:

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/06/061507columbia.htm

Summertime, Summertime!

It is officially Summer, but it seems to have hit South Florida early this year. We've had the afternoon thunderstorms, humidity, heat, and some glorious days of bright sun. The plans are already under way. First up is an engagement party on June 29th. The next day I will be going with Mr. S to the Jersey Shore for the 4th of July weekend. ( We will be meeting up with Nancy and some other of Mr. S's extended family.)

Upon the return, the invasion of visitors begins. Most of the girls are like little sisters to me (except my cousins). My cousin and son (9 yrs old) will be the first to arrive. He will be here until August 10, so many activities with children will be the order of the day (this includes trips to the pool, beach, museums, a birthday party, movies, bowling, etc). Next will be a friend from Virginia and her new beau staying for a few days and then taking a cruise. A friend from Atlanta and her son (7 yrs old) will be coming twice this summer. Next up is the Massachusetts group: Husband, wife, and 3 boys (3 yrs old and twins that are 1 yr old). Last, but not least is my cousin from Maryland, her husband and two teenagers (boy and girl). Whew! I gotta make sure the BBQ is clean and the house is in order and stocked up.

This is not including the expected tropical storms and hurricanes for this season. Supplies have been purchased and the generator is ready. Though, some more food supplies might be needed. It's all part of the cost of living in South Florida. I do prefer hurricanes than other natural occurrences....at least you know it's coming and can prepare.

Also during the summer is the planning and staffing of some church youth events that I have committed to assist with. Not included are the unexpected family things that come up.

My camera got busted on the way back from the Bahama's, but the new, upgraded one will be here any day! So, (crossing my fingers) I will have some good pictures to share.

Hope all of you have a good Summer and enjoy some nature, some family and friends and take a little time to enjoy and relax.... at least take some quiet time for yourself.... Peace!

Gemini Birthday

Happy Birthday, Mr. S !!!!

Today is Mr. S's birthday. He really did not want a lot of people to know. He's been doing that "I'm feeling old" thing. I think most of us all look better than some of the twenty and thirty somethings I've seen around lately..... or maybe it's just my rose colored glasses....

He is working today. To celebrate, we will have a few cocktails at a local establishment, I will cook him a nice dinner, give him his gift and card, then and we will have a quiet night in. It's not one of the "big number" birthdays, so he really did not want a fuss, lots of people, etc.

Wishing all you Gemini a great birthday!!!

(Note: The pic is from our trip to the Bahama's....his first time snorkeling....You are never too old to try something new!!!!)

Dad, Father, Baby Daddy, Papi, etc....

First and foremost, "Happy Father's Day"!!!

Sunday is Father's Day. This day is a bit difficult for me. My dad passed away in 2000. You never really get over the death of a parent, especially if you had a good relationship. There is a void and some sadness thinking about someone you could not imagine would not be there. The happiness and joy comes from all that we shared (the nice and not so nice times) and knowing how many people cared for and loved my father....his smile, bad jokes, openness to all, sometimes the stubbornness, and charity. So....on to Father's Day.....

Okay, some of you have dads that were in your lives and others did not. Whether he was active in your life (in a good or bad way) or completely out of the picture, we all have a father. That is just a biological fact. Having a good father or dad is sometimes the luck of the draw...as they say "we can't choose our family." It is my luck that I had a good one. (NOTE: Either way, this does not excuse you from your own responsibilities or choices you make for yourself.)

My dad was, after I got older, my best friend and whom I told everything to. My mom and sister still have difficulty with this because they thought they could replace him for me in this aspect.....they don't get the father/son/guy thing. You just don't replace people that way.

So, what do we do with Father's Day? I have men in my life that have been "father like" and I have, by example, been a father to others. I have kid's in my life whose father's are not really active in their lives. What do I do? I listen, do activities with them, stand my ground on appropriate behavior, give them guidance when appropriate, babysit if asked....it's the "it takes a village" idea. (Note: when the mother is around all decisions are deferred to her, unless you are asked or ask.) It's really an honor and a compliment that I am trusted. I've even received Father's Day cards and gifts.

To those of you who have physical children of your own: You have the opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the life of a spectacular human being. The ability to procreate does not end your responsibility as a father. To those of you with adopted children or have children in your lives that you care for: It's a hard job. To all the men: Step up and help when you can....there is a generation of kid's out there that is getting lost because of bad examples and no one that "step's up" as a good male role model or father figure.

To All: Go ahead and show appreciation to all the fathers, dads, papis, etc in your life. Many are under appreciated. When was the last time you saw an athelete say "Hey Dad!" when they are interviewed after a successful game?

I guess that's enough of my "off the top of my head" rant about Father's Day....enjoy the day and have a good week.

Old Friends and New Lives......

Tuesday I afternoon I received a telephone call. I heard a "Hey Louie!" and then "Are you up for a visit today?" It took me a minute to recognize the voice. It was one of my old friends that I grew up and got in trouble with (MDG). His family lived in the neighborhood and we all went to the same church. I said "Sure!". I had not seen him since his wife's funeral a year and a half ago.

Things sure have changed the last few years. The "gang" used to be 4 of us. MDG and AB are two years older than me and GF and I are the same age. We did and went everywhere together. Our parents knew each other and if one got in trouble, the others heard about it before we got home. This was a time without cellphones, i-Pods, e-mail or IMs....so the parent mafia was strong, we were able to get around many things. We had to use home telephones and pay telephones to communicate or actually go to the person's house.....sometimes we had to use a thing called "a letter" that you had to use actual paper and ink and mail through the post office. From Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Warriors midnight shows, the beach, boogie boarding, church retreats/conferences, trips to the "Tiki Bar" and "Monty's", hanging out in Coconut Grove and the Malls ... we were all over the city.

One year I was physically kidnapped for my birthday (with my parent's permission). They picked me up the day before my birthday, we went to Ft. Lauderdale and they refused to bring me back. The actual day of my birthday we got to the house and there was a surprise party waiting for me. I was happy and angry at the same time (I did not have a chance to shower, shave, and put on fresh clothes to make an appropriate entrance.).

We have gone through many things together...weddings, births, baptisms, birthdays, death of parents and some friends, family trouble, health issues, etc. This is at least a 35 year relationship..... We keep in touch here and there and sometimes lament the freedom of youth and how things have changed for the kids of today. Some of the kids that I Know do not understand how we can still be in contact after so many years or believe how much we did when we were younger.

MDG and I talked for about 5 hours and he stayed for dinner. My little sis came by and there was another wave of memories. While I was in college and then living in Tampa, he and the gang were my eyes, ears and her big brothers.

A lot has changed in all our lives. MDG is a widower (no kids) and now a mail carrier, AB just announced that after 17 years he is getting divorced (they have two boys age 3 and 13), and GF is doing ok but has gained about 100 pounds (he has two kids). I seem to be the keeper of information and the contact for the gang. It's a good feeling, but sometimes a little sad that we do not see each other as often as we did. It is a little difficult since we are a little spread out (locally)..... Miami, Way West Kendall, Hollywood and Boca Raton.

All of us are now taking care of aging parents and are involved in different church or community events. It's good to know that you can still keep some friendships. We are no longer the kids we were and we all have new or evolving lives. The core of the person is still there and I am glad we can still talk once in awhile.

Here's hoping that all of you have at least one friendship you cherish.

The rain is here.....

South Florida has been under water restrictions due to the lack of rain. This has caused Lake Okeechobee (source of clean water) to go down to it's lowest level. The water from the Lake is also a source of water for the Everglades. It no longer has a natural flow due to Human intrusion and control. There is currently a plan to try to restore the Everglades, but once you mess with Nature it is hard to put it back.....

Today is the first day of Hurricane season and we are expecting rain for the next few days. This is a good thing. It might ruin a couple of outdoor plans, but we do need the water.

I've been wanting to get some new flowering plants for the front yard, but that requires that they get watered regularly to take root and survive. I only use plants that are native to Florida.

Oh Well......on to the weekend. Was planning on going to the beach one of the days...let's see how it goes with the rain...... Might end up another indoor movie day....hmm... maybe some retail therapy.....

The artwork is titled "Everglades" and is by Nicholas (8 years old). I am counting the days as he will be here the beginning of July and through the beginning of August.

The Duchess of Alba, tramps, and peasants at the Palace

The Palace hosted a party for the end of the season. This is just before the official start of the 2007 Hurricane season, Summer and the bon voyage of the remaining snowbirds and visitors. Normalacy might ensue ...... at least until the next spontaneous thing....

As boys will be girls, some of the staff of the Palace were dressed to impress. The Duchess of Alba from Spain (Google her or see "the" Mrs Astor's blog) was present and all others had to pay their respects. See if you can recognize Ray Ray..... It was a fun night. Mr S. And I headed home early and missed the evening show.

China has an idea.....

This is occuring in China as reported by Tim Johnson through the McClatchy News Service and printed in The Miami Herald on May 30, 2007. (Business section C, Page 2)

Crooked Chinese drug official to be put to death
Zheng Xiaoyu, former head of China's food and drug agency, has been sentenced to death for approving substandard medications.

BEIJING -- In an unusually harsh sentence, a court Tuesday ordered the death penalty for the disgraced former head of China's food and drug agency, making a show of the nation's resolve to crack down on public health violations.

Zheng Xiaoyu was found guilty of taking bribes and dereliction of duty, according to the Beijing Municipal No. 1 Intermediate Court. He's the highest-ranking Chinese official to get the death penalty since 2000.
Zheng was convicted of taking cash and gifts worth about $832,000 to grant approvals for hundreds of substandard drugs, according to the state news agency, Xinhua. In several cases during his tenure, from 1998 to 2005, faulty medicines and fake infant formula led to the deaths of infants and adults.
A global alarm has sounded in the past two months over adulterated goods from China, including tainted pet food, which killed animals in North America, toothpaste containing industrial chemicals found in Latin America and Australia, and contaminated antibiotics in China's domestic market.
Several analysts said the harsh sentence for Zheng, 62, was aimed more at Chinese citizens angry over lax regulation and shoddy products than at consumers around the world suddenly edgy over foods and goods originating in China.
''People are increasingly outraged that profit is supplanting safety,'' said Russell Leigh Moses, an analyst of Chinese politics based in Beijing. 'This is also meant to stanch some of the rising citizen complaints about healthcare in a general sense. This is to tell that audience, `We hear you.' ''
One pharmaceutical firm, Kongliyuan Group, paid Zheng in return for the approval of 277 drugs, Chinese state media said.
In another instance, an antibiotic that the State Food and Drug Administration approved under Zheng's tenure killed 10 patients in the southern city of Guangzhou last year before it was pulled from the market.
After his removal in 2005, Chinese authorities announced that they were reviewing 170,000 pharmaceutical approvals that the agency issued under Zheng.

...the after weekend lull...

Memorial Day weekend came and went. Mr. S and I cooked, went to the movies ("28 Weeks Later"), rented some movies, and hit Twist and the Palace for a little bit. It was difficult to sleep in the evenings with the sounds of traffic, police/emergency vehicles, helicopters, and the screaming local "crazy" person or drunk tourist.

Saturday, we met up with Vickie and her friend, Meg. Meg was visiting from out of town. They had a stroll and lunch on an almost empty Lincoln Road and then met us at the Palace. The fantabulous "The" Mrs Astor was there and stated "As God is my witness the Palace will be open!". We had a good time watching the "Hoochie Mamas", the boys on the sidewalk and the over sized, multicolored cars with loud music on the street (some of the drivers must be making up for some short comings...).

Ray Ray was bartending and the music was catering to the street crowd with the loud "boom-boom" music. I guess you have to give in a little. Though there were many visitors, the crowds before dark were not as big as I thought they would be.

The police presence was everywhere. Streets were closed off, extra holding buses were on hand and the Tow Truck Nazis were hovering like buzzards on all the corners. There were many arrests (as predicted, but not as many as expected). The worst thing, I would say, was the two guys that were shot and killed in front of David's Cafe II on Lincoln Road and Meridian. They were visiting from out of town. Of course, many of the witnesses saw nothing and supposedly the shooter was assisted to escape by his friends. A suspect was caught and he confessed to the murders. This all occurred on Monday morning at 5:30 am and the arrest happenend Tuesday afternoon. These were the first murders on Miami Beach for the year.

On a good note, things are getting back to normal. Provincetown Jerry and her crew called to wish us all a good weekend. Sis had a good visit to Dallas and Mom has some plans to actually go out this week. Wednesday will the the "Turn about" night at the Palace and it is said it will be the last big party of the season (well, I guess until the next big party comes up...)

Oh...just an additional observation. I kept calling the weekend "Real Boobs" weekend. Most of the women were displaying their "girls" and other parts of the anatomy in full glory. Where else but on the beach can you wear handiwipes as a top for double D breasts with a thong for a size 18 butt and 5 inch heels and still look under dressed as the person next to you is larger and wearing less. There wasn't a lack of self confidence. Of course, the boys had bigger hair and more jewelry than the girls. (A note to the boys: A t-shirt that goes down past your knees is called a dress.)

That's it for now. Have a good week y'all!

"Urban/Hip-Hop Weekend" and the Loss of Respect

First, I must mention that I do observe the moment of silence at 3:00pm on Memorial Day for those who have given their lives in the service of our country and do know the meaning of holiday.

Memorial Day Weekend had changed greatly in the last few years. This is especially true on South Beach. I think the shift has been due to the growing lack of respect that visitors have for the people, businesses and the city during this time.

I was born and raised in this city. I recall having great times with friends and family enjoying the beaches, clubs, restaurants and the atmosphere of the "ongoing party" that is South Beach. This is no longer true for most of the natives or residents during this end of the summer weekend. It has been replaced by an inundation of vacationers that find it fun and amusing to insult the locals, be rude to employees of local establishments, play the loudest music possible at all hours and litter the streets/beaches with trash (including bottles, cans, paper, condoms, etc). There have been weapons drawn and street fights. This is not acceptable behavior!

Some businesses have opted to close (as vacation time) or limit their services due to the drop in revenue that occurs Memorial Day Weekend. How can the city greet 300,000 people and lose money?

The City uses it's police resources (along with that of some of the other local authorities) to enforce local laws and ordinances during this weekend. The ACLU is present to observe because of the large amounts of arrests that typically occur (especially of people of color). There were1,010 arrests in 2006 with 145 of them being felonies and 865 being misdemeanors. The typical amount of arrests (on a normal weekend) is 150 total.

I do not consider the arrests racial profiling. Most are for DUI, open containers and loud music (considered "quality of life" violations). I guess young people have not been taught how to visit and be festive without being abusive. I know when South Beach is shown on television and movies it is portrayed with glamour, inclusiveness, and controlled indecency. Some of these visitors have not learned how to do this.

I have not hit on the "urban" or "hip-hop". Yes, there is a greater number of visitors of color this weekend. There is live music at Bicentennial Park and parties around the town featuring Hip-Hop/Rap music. The trend, when it began, was Reggae and Caribbean music. Maybe it is just the younger age of the participants, but respect is not limited by race, culture, beliefs, lifestyle or age. Friends (of color) that used to visit this weekend and now opt to go somewhere else have told me the weekend is for "kids" and there is no room for "mature" people. The streets are blocked, the traffic and parking becomes a problem, and then they are treated badly by other party goers. It's not worth the hassle for them.

Well, as for me, I plan to spend time with Mr. S this weekend. Ms. Vickie and a friend of hers from New Jersey might be down on Sunday and we will meet up at the Palace. My sis is escaping the city and going to Texas. We decent people will keep our heads and cocktails high and welcome all visitors.

I will end with a quote from "The" Mrs Astor about the treatment of locals by visitors on Memorial Day Weekend: "...the mob is the mob and have no respect for decent people acting indecently. Alas."

EVERYONE HAVE A FUN AND SAFE WEEKEND!!!!

Saturday and the Lion King...

Finally got to see the stage production of "The Lion King" at the Broward Center in Ft. Lauderdale last Saturday. For me, it was a little slow in parts and the sound system was a little off, but it was very enjoyable. Part of the fun was watching the kids. I saw excitement and awe in their faces. Some could not stay in their seats, but it was because they needed to sit up higher to see the full stage.

There were seven kids with us. I had fun showing them the theater and running around the lobbies. I am trusted by all the parents. I set boundries and the kids listen to me...plus I do enjoy them.

The day was a little off for me. I was with Mr. S in the morning and then left to go see the show. (Note: My friend bought the tickets before Mr. S and I started seeing each other, or else I would have had one for him.) The plan was to see the show and then come back and meet up with Mr. S for some drinks and then he was making dinner. That happened in a round about way.

It is difficult when you make plans, but are relying on the group to follow through. I went up to the show with 3 friends (total 4 in the car) to meet up the rest of the group (21 in total). Me and the other passengers all had plans for after the show,but the driver informed us after the show that we were going to her friend's house WAY west. This is when I began not to smile and get a little hot under the collar. Me and the other two passengers had to make phone calls to delay or cancel plans. We were ready to take a cab or public transportation back, but the driver insisted that we would be back early. (I should have grabbed the cab.)

I recommended "Jaxon's Ice Cream Parlor" for the parents and kids. The rest of us (without kids) had dinner at "Max's Cafe" in Riverwalk (I only had a salad because I kept saying "Mr. S. is waiting and cooking me dinner). After bad/slow service, my complaining, some good conversation (the company was good), rain and traffic, I finally made it to see Mr. S two hours later than anticipated. I was flustered when we met up and he was a little upset, but we both got in a better mood once we were together. We had a great dinner and then spent Sunday having a "Loaf Day".

Needless to say, the next time I go see a show with "the group" I will pin down the plans better or plan on getting there and back on my own.

Sunday and the Rain

Sunday was "Loaf Day" with Mr. S. We could not have planned it any better. In the morning there was torrential rain and wind ... this made for a good beginning to the day for us. Rain storms are always romantic. I actually went out in the storm to buy eggs and bread for Mr. S to make breakfast.....my shoes and clothes were soaked. I washed all his dishes and then we spent the rest of the day on the couch watching TV and movies. Along the way we ate Salmon Patties, Crab Cakes, Chocolate Mousse Cake, Popcorn, Cheez Nips, etc.

I loved the day. I also got to see the stress from the previous week disappear off Mr. S's face. Plus, my anxiety of planning for the following week went away (at least for the day).

Empty Nest..

So far this year, there has been more than usual activity of birds in my area. When I was growing up there used to be pigeons, mocking birds, finches and the occasional blue bird and the wayward parrot. After the last few years of hurricanes and the disappearance of and damage to the trees in the area, it was quite quiet last year.

The first sign of new life was a woodpecker family that took residence in a stump in the neighbor's yard. They are very protective of their young and the cats that came around were attacked swiftly. They also attacked my sis when she got too close. I have not seen the cats around for the last few weeks.

We have finches nesting and residing in the mango tree. Their young hatched and are now able to go away. After leaving, the nest fell out of the tree during this week's rain storm.

It's remarkable to see the amount of detail and work that the birds put into their nest. The adult birds are still around. I'm glad some things are still normal and simple. Sometimes, I get caught up in too many details and forget just to be simple and get the normal things completed and done.

This week's update

Okay, received an e-mail and a call telling me to post about what I have been up to this week.

Today, I get to go to th eye doctor for a check up. My prescription has not changed in 11 years. I am then going to make sure some paperwork was received in downtown for a position I have applied for.

A friend's dad had a hernia operation yesterday morning. If he is still in the hospital today, I will attempt to go visit. Later on, I will be meeting up with Mr. S for a bit. (He's having a busy week and Tara's cat is not doing well.) Then, I will head home to cook dinner and assist Mom with Irma.

The rest of the week? Thursday, Mr. S and I were invited to a going away party for one of his friends. It will be at "Jazid". Friday we will attempt to see a movie....maybe "28 Weeks Later" or "Shrek, The Third".

Saturday, I am going to see "The Lion King" in Broward Perfoming Arts Center. That's going to be fun. Included in the group of 21 people are seven kids between the ages of 5 and 8 at a 2:00pm matinee. Afterwards, and attempt to feed them all.

Sunday I will most likely go to church early. I would like to spend some time with Mr. S if he does not have to work during the day ..... hmm? maybe hit the beach if it is not raining.

Guess that's it for now. Will post later in the week. Enjoy the day!

Who's Your Mommy?

Mother's Day has come and gone. I went to church with my mom and sis and then we had a nice lunch at "Casa Jauncho". It got me thinking about the relationship between me and my Mom compared to that of some of my friends and family.

I do believe in the commandment "Honor thy Father and Mother", but I add the line "if they deserve it." I have a relationship with my mom. She's there for me when I need her and I am here for her. Among the disagreements and frustrations we sometimes cause each other, there is love there. Some people are not as lucky. Some Moms are not "Mom like" at all or completely absent from their children's lives. Others are so much into the lives of their children that they smother them into indifference.

Part of the church service was recognizing all the mother's present. I take it a step further and recognize the other Mothers in my life...... aunts, grandmothers, neighbors, cousins, family friends that I have relationships with and, in some ways, cover the bases that I need that my mom does not.

I know some friends think it odd to buy gifts and cards for other women besides my Mom. All I know is that they give me something that I appreciate and I like to let them know it. I am lucky and do not want to take it for granted.

I do not want to forget the Dads that are nurturing, but I will leave that for Father's Day.

To those that have women in their lives that have helped them in a motherly way, go ahead and thank them. It does not have to be on Mother's Day, but please let them know.

What are they thinking?

(Assuming that they do think.) The politicians and elected officials this week (well, actually most of the time) are really ticking me off. They are all as confused in what to do as Adam on Mother's Day.....

Happy Anniversary, Cliff and Doug!

(Doug and Cliff)

I would like to wish

Cliff and Doug

Happy 16th Anniversary!

Cliff is my "friend from the womb" (as he says correctly). Doug is a great guy and when I was living in Erie, PA it ended up that he and his family were from there .... it is a small world. They (including Bongo Kitty) are now residing in Columbus, Ohio.

I am not going to soapbox about marriages and rights etc., but will say that there are friends and family that have been married, and are now divorced, that did not last in their relationships as long as they have.....

I wish them continued happiness and many, many blessings!

On the road with Patrick

Patrick Pedraja (see my post dated 3/10/07 - "Driving For Donors" or go to the the link www.drivingfordonors.com) has begun his cross country journey. On Saturday, May 5, there was a front page story in El Nuevo Herald (the Spanish edition of The Miami Herald) and Monday, May 7, he was the cover/main story in the Tropic Life section of The Miami Herald. He was also featured on local radio and television news programs.

Patrick's mom, Claudina, is starting the cross country trip with him and his dad,Willie, will be joining in June. They have just begun and have already met half their goal of obtaining 2,007 people to register with the bone marrow registry. Because of this success, they have increased their goal.

They have set up at different sites so he can receive his treatments during the trip. He is in remission right now.

To my friends in Boston, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando, Philadelphia, Cleveland, New York, Washington D.C., Denver, San Antonio and New Orleans: They are going to be coming your way and have the support of local police associations (Wille is a Metro-Dade police officer, a friend and neighbor). Please do what you can in welcoming, assisting and getting the word out and support for their cause. Thanks!

To follow their trip and find out when they will be in your area, donate, become an "Ambassador" or assist go to:

http://www.drivingfordonors.com/

Images from 'Disco de Mayo"

Saturday was the 'Disco de Mayo" party at the Palace Food bar. I was glad to see old friends and not so old friends all gathered to enjoy good food, music, entertainment and company.

A big "Gracias and Thank You!" to "The" Mrs Astor and the Palace Staff, J & J Catering and Event Design (the Jonnie's) for all of their work and assistance, Tommy for the loan of the DVDs and Mr. S for his support, assistance and smile.

Here Comes the Judge...

Wednesday, I was one of the Science Fair Judges at an elementary school in Hialeah (grades 1 to 5). It was quite nice to see students of all backgrounds interested in science. Even though many of them are from families of low economic backgrounds and the parents speak little or no English, I was impressed with their efforts. I had to look past the grammar mistakes (though it did count in assigning points) and look at the actual efforts.

Some of the lower level, ESE and younger classes did their projects as class projects. One, about eggs floating, was submitted completely in Spanish.

The experiments ranged from: What type of popcorn pops best? What creates more power: Fruits or Potatoes? What makes an ice cube melt quicker? and Cleaning pennies with juices. My favorite in "The Most Creative Attempt" category was one about singing to plants to make them grow better. The song chosen was "Fergalicious", a solo song by Fergie of the group The Black Eyed Peas. I had to laugh. (By the way, that plant did grow quicker than the one left alone.) Hmm? I wonder what else that song can help grow..........?

The day was long, but the feeling was good after we had chosen the top three projects for each grade level. They will be receiving trophies and ribbons at a ceremony and on the video morning announcements. All participants received Science Fair Participant ribbons. The winners were almost equally divided between boys and girls. I will remain an optimist in the hope for our kids' futures.