Arguments Filed In Same-Sex Marriage Case

A gay rights organization will file legal arguments in a case before the Iowa Supreme Court on the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

Lambda Legal is a New York-based group that has spearheaded a same-sex marriage drive across the country. It plans to file the arguments Friday in a lawsuit on behalf of six gay and lesbian couples who were denied marriage licenses.

An initial lawsuit was filed in Polk County District Court in 2005, naming former Polk County recorder and registrar Timothy Brien.

That lawsuit prompted a ruling last August by Judge Robert Hanson, who said the state law allowing marriage only between a man and a woman violates the constitutional rights of due process and equal protection.

Polk County attorney's office officials have said lawmakers should decide the issue.

New Beginnings in San Joaquin...

The reorganization of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin officially began on the evening of March 28 in a church partially illuminated by the Paschal Candle.

Officiant Bonnie Anderson, president of the House of Deputies, began the service at the Episcopal Church of St. Anne in Stockton, California, with the Easter acclamation: "Alleluia, Christ is risen." After the Prayer for Light and the rest of the candles were lit, she and the congregation recited the three Easter Lucernaria, or anthems.

The service was based The Book of Common Prayer's Order of Worship for the Evening.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori led the congregation of about 300 in the Litany for Healing, praying in part that God would "heal our wounds received at the hands of our friends, our fellow parishioners, and the clergy of this diocese, and help us to know the joy of your saving help."

The litany also included a prayer that God would "remove the darkness of our anxiety and despair over what has been done in our parishes and in our diocese, and let us see the glories of new possibilities, new friendships, and new ways of serving you." And the litany included the prayer that God would help the people of the diocese to know that God is always present "guiding us to Easter hope and resurrected life."

SORDID LIVES: THE SERIES IS COMING

The new trailer for Sordid Lives The Series, based on Del Shores 1996 play and 2000 film, has hit the web. The show stars Beth Grant, Rue McClanahan, Caroline Rhea, Jason Dottley, Bonnie Bedelia, Leslie Jordan, and Olivia Newton-John. Tammy Wynette is played by Wynette's daughter Georgette Jones. It was rumored to be coming to LOGO in the fall.

Only in LA!

Easter and Andy's Birthday

Since Andy's birthday was only a few days after Easter, Nick wanted to give Andy a little surprise: Andy's birthday party and Easter Bonnet party combined. Everyone (read "most of us") wore our best Easter Bonnets for the celebration.

Sean and I had matching bonnets... if you look closely, you can see the butterflies above our hats.

Nelson will make a good bride!

As always... plenty of great food and great company.

And WE complain...

You don't know how good you have it. Look at the taxes everyone else pays, and surprise, the higher the tax, the more efficient on average the cars are.

Kern and Gay Pastor Talk

On Easter Sunday, Oklahoma state rep. Sally Kern and openly gay pastor Scott Jones of the Cathedral Of Hope in Oklahoma City faced off on Oklahoma City’s political chat show Flashpoint.

At issue, of course, were Kern’s comments about gay people. Kern did not offer any apologies, but the talk does show how vastly different interpretations of the Bible can be.
Kern argues that homosexuality destroys "the moral fabric" of society, but I'd argue that Kern's interpretation of the Bible is far more destructive than any gay person will ever be. I also think pastor Scott doesn’t do that good of a job in defending us and let Sally walk all over him.

Gay Virginia couple celebrates 50th anniversary

John Cook (right) stormed Omaha Beach in the second wave of the Normandy Invasion in June of 1944.

He met Waverly Cole at a cocktail party 14 years later: "Cook, an 88-year-old retired teacher and school counselor, and Cole, a 78-year-old retired physician, are poised to celebrate their 50th anniversary April 15 with a cocktail party among friends.

At last week’s Servicemembers Legal Defense Network dinner in Washington, the two were recognized on stage for reaching their Golden Anniversary. During a lengthy phone interview last week from their second home in Virginia Beach, the two recalled the fateful 1958 cocktail party where they met in Farmville, Va. 'We were introduced and we found each other attractive and pleasant and nice and so we started going together,' Cook says."

Tutu To Receive International Gay Award

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been named the recipient of a prestigious award by the New York-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission.

"There is really only one name in the world that immediately conjures up moral leadership in pursuit of dignity for all people on earth, and that is Desmond Tutu," said Paula Ettelbrick, IGLHRC's Executive Director.

"Archbishop Tutu's vision of a world in which human rights are respected has always explicitly included LGBT people, despite the fierce opposition he has faced from his peers and colleagues. He has challenged political apartheid in South Africa and continues to challenge spiritual apartheid within his religious community."

Archbishop Tutu became a leading moral voice in the crusade for justice and racial conciliation in South Africa.

In 1984, he received a Nobel Peace Prize to recognize his extraordinary contributions to the struggle against apartheid.

Archbishop Tutu has vocally challenged discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. In a 2004 article in The Times of London, he condemned persecution on the basis of sexual orientation, comparing it to apartheid.

"We struggled against apartheid in South Africa, supported by people the world over, because black people were being blamed and made to suffer for something we could do nothing about-our very skins," he wrote. "It is the same with sexual orientation. It is a given. I could not have fought against the discrimination of apartheid and not also fight against the discrimination that homosexuals endure, even in our churches and faith groups."

He has been a vocal opponent of punishing the American branch of his own Anglican Church over the ordination of an openly gay bishop - Gene Robinson in New Hampshire.

Catholics Mount Protest Over Gay Diversity Course

The Roman Catholic Church is escalating its opposition to a British Columbia government teacher guide that encourages diversity in the public school system.

This week the Catholic Civil Rights League, a lay group, urged parents to protest against the guide over its inclusion of gay issues including same-sex marriage.

The guide, which does not mandate diversity studies, is the result of a human rights complaint filed by a same-sex couple in 2005. The following year the education ministry reached a settlement with Murray and Peter Corren to make the curriculum gay-friendly.

Called Making Space, Giving Voice, the guide will help teachers in developing discussions of diversity from kindergarten to Grade 12.

The Catholic Civil Rights League in a statement said that the program will conflict with the religious beliefs of parents and take time away from core core curriculum subjects.

The League said it will work with other groups to mount a concerted effort to kill what it calls the government's attempt drive to introduce "non-heterosexual realities" in all classrooms.

The head of the Vancouver Elementary School Teachers' Association said the League's protest won't succeed because the courts have already ruled that public schools must be inclusive.

[Because, of course, there is nothing better for Catholics to be doing!]

Take Action: Good

ABC News’ Nightline Presents In-Depth Feature About Transgender Executive
Media coverage of transgender issues can too often be plagued by sensationalism and inaccuracy.

Laudably, ABC News’ Nightline avoided both in an in-depth March 6 report about transgender Microsoft executive Megan Wallent. The story, titled "A Stunning Secret," sensitively discussed why Wallent decided to transition in mid-life and how that decision affected her wife, children and colleagues. While the story honestly acknowledged the difficulties Wallent and her wife faced during her transition, ABC News reporter Neal Karlinsky explained that Wallent received more acceptance and support from her loved ones and co-workers than expected. The story concluded with the encouraging message that, regardless of where they are in life, people need to acknowledge and be open about who they are. "...we always try to tell our kids, you have to be true to yourself," Wallent explained. "You have to be who you are. You have to be honest with yourself.”

READ RELATED ARTICLE:http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=4394493=1

TAKE ACTION:GLAAD encourages you to contact ABC News’ Nightline and thank them for sensitively chronicling the life of a transgender person.
CONTACT:http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3428117

Craig to end Senate career

Embattled U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, whose political career was derailed by his guilty plea to charges stemming from an airport restroom sex sting, will not seek another term of office. The deadline for filing for re-election passed Friday, with Craig declining to seek a fourth term.

Gene to release book and have union ceremony

Out Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson, whose 2003 consecration has helped fuel a rift in the Anglican Church over the role of gays, is likely to be making news again in the coming months: Robinson is about to release a new book critical of the church leadership's handling of his situation. He has set a June date for a civil union with his partner of 20 years, and is planning a July trip to London for a major Anglican gathering, although his invitation to attend was rescinded

GAY NIGERIAN CHRISTIAN LEADER ESCAPES ANGRY DEATH MO

The gay Nigerian Christian leader was brutally beaten by an angry mob outside a funeral ceremony last week. He suspects that anti-gay efforts within the Anglican church were behind the attack.

Says the unnamed leader: "I am in total shock and living in fear while feeling the pains. I suffered in the hands of a mob group that attacked me at the Service of Songs for Davis’s late sister. While hymn singing was going on a muscular man walked up to me and asked me for a word outside the compound. The next thing I saw was a mob group who were there to attack me. They started slapping and punching me, kicked me on the ground and spat on me. I have never known fear like I knew when they were brutalizing me. I thought they were going to kill me there and then. While beating me they were shouting: ‘You notorious homosexual, you think can run away from us for your notorious group to cause more abomination in our land?’ Those who attacked me were well informed about us so I suspect an insider or one of the leaders of our Anglican church have hands in this attack."

According to Changing Attitude Nigeria, the thugs told him, "We will not rest until we silence you and any who join you to pollute the land with the abominable act of homosexuality. You are perverts who go around corrupting and inducting young people into our evil society. We will kill you and it will be a favour to the country."

According to the group, Archbishop Peter Akinola and the leaders of the Church of Nigeria have encouraged violence against LGBT people in the nation.

4000 US Soldiers Killed In Iraq

Happy Easter

Jon Stewart on Obama’s Race Speech

[Okay, yes, I think I'm in I love Jon Stewart.]

What Planet is Bush From?!?!?

“The world is better, and the United States of America is safer.”

GEORGE BUSH, U.S. President, marking the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq



“The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a tragedy — for Iraq, for the U.S., for the U.N., for truth and human dignity.”

HANS BLIX, former chief U.N. weapons inspector in Iraq, on the fifth anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion

Exxon Skimps On Oil Production To Boost Profits

Reports of slackening demand sent oil down another 2.5% on Thursday to $101.84 per barrel. Crude prices have declined 7.6% since the beginning of the week. Not long ago, that would have been an astonishing plunge that shook the trading establishment. These days? Nah, that's just the ho-hum volatility in the oil market. But how is it that crude can still trade above $100 a barrel, three times what it sold for at the start of the decade, despite a very wobbly economy?

If you want to understand that, it helps to listen in to ExxonMobil's presentation to analysts in New York City in early March. Halfway through the three-hour meeting, Exxon management flashed a chart that showed the company's worldwide oil production staying flat through 2012.

Ponder that for a minute. Exxon is the largest publicly traded company in the energy business. In fact, it's the most profitable company in the history of capitalism, earning a record $40.6 billion last year on sales of $404 billion. Yet even with crude oil prices near all-time highs, Exxon isn't planning on producing any more oil four years from now than it did last year.

Competition for the next super-efficient car

The X Prize Foundation on Thursday announced that it is sponsoring a $10-million competition for the next super-efficient car. Contenders, who must create “real cars” that are available for purchase, will race across the country in 2009 while being judged on fuel efficiency, speed, distance, and other factors.

Seattle Bans Sale Of Bottled Water

First San Francisco banned it. Then Chicago started taxing it. Now, the city of Seattle is taking action against bottled water; last week, Mayor Greg Nickels signed an executive order to stop the city from buying bottled water. That means no more bottled water at city facilities and events, which may sound like a small step, but it'll make a big difference; last year, the city spent $58,000 on the stuff (and that's not including the true cost and carbon footprint of bottled water). We're willing to bet that the city's taxpayers can probably think of about 58,000 ways to better spend that money.

The move isn't just an issue of saving money, though that is a nice ancillary effect. It's also a strong vote of confidence in the city's municipal water supply and treatment systems; in light of the fracas about prescription drugs in our water last week, it's good to see the city standing behind its tap water and encouraging its employees and citizens to drink up.

Further, "This is a matter of leading by example," Nickels said. "The people of Seattle own one of the best water supplies in the country, every bit as good as bottled water and available at a fraction of the price. When you add up the tremendous environmental costs of disposable plastic bottles clogging our landfills, the better choice is crystal clear."

5th Anniversary of the Iraq War

The Cost to Our Forces in Iraq

• 3,990: American troops who have died in Iraq since the start of the war. 29,395: Number of U.S. service members that have been wounded in hostile action since the start of U.S. military operations in Iraq.
• 60,000: Number of troops that have been subjected to controversial stop-loss measures--meaning those who have completed service commitments but are forbidden to leave the military until their units return from war.
• 5: Number of times the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment has been sent to Iraq. They are the first Marine Corps unit to be sent to Iraq for a fifth time.
• 2,100: Number of troops who tried to commit suicide or injure themselves increased from 350 in 2002 to 2,100 last year.
• 11.9: Percent of noncommissioned Army officers who reported mental health problems during their first Iraq tour
• 27.2: Percent of noncommissioned Army officers who reported mental health problems during their third or fourth Iraq tour
  

The Cost to Our Military Readiness

• 88: Percent of current and former U.S. military officers surveyed in a recent independent study who believe that the demands of the war in Iraq have "stretched the U.S. military dangerously thin"
• 79: Percent of Army recruits who had high school diplomas in Fiscal Year 2007
• 4,644: Number of new Army recruits who were granted moral waivers in Fiscal Year 2003.
• 12,057: Number of new Army recruits who were granted moral waivers in Fiscal Year 2007.
• 67: Percent of captains the Army managed to retain this year, short of its goal of 80 percent, and in spite of cash bonus incentives of up to $35,000

The Cost to Our National Security

• 1,188: Number of global terrorist incidents from January - September 11th, 2001.
• 5,188: Number of global terrorist incidents in from January- September 11th, 2006.
• 30: Percent increase in violence in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2007.
• 21: Number of suicide bombings in Afghanistan in 2001.
• 139: Number of suicide bombings in Afghanistan in 2006, with an additional increase of 69 percent as of November 2007.
• 30: Percent of Afghanistan controlled by the Afghan Government according to DNI Mike McConnell.
• 2,380: Days since September 11th, 2001 that Osama Bin Laden has been at-large.
  

The Cost of Funding the War in Iraq

• $50-60 Billion: Bush Administration's pre-war estimates of the cost of the war.
• $12 Billion: Direct cost per month of the Iraq War. $526 Billion: Amount of money already appropriated by Congress for the War in Iraq.
• $3 Trillion: Total estimated cost of the Iraq War.
• $5 Trillion - $7 Trillion: Total cost of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan accounting for continued military operations, growing debt and interest payments and continuing health care and counseling costs for veterans.
• 160: Percent that the cost of the Iraq War has increased from 2004 to 2008
  

The Cost to Iraqis and Journalists

• 8,000: Number of Iraqi military and police killed since June 2003.
• 82,000-89,000: Estimate of Iraqi civilians casualties from violence since the beginning of the Iraq War.
• 4.5 Million: Number of Iraqi refugees both inside and outside the country.
• 61: Percent of Iraqis that believe the U.S. military presence makes the security situation in Iraq worse.
• 127: Number of journalists killed in Iraq since March 2003.
  

Economic Costs of War in Iraq

• $33.51: Cost of a barrel of oil in March 2003.
• $105.68: Cost of a barrel of oil on March 17, 2008.
  

U.S. Troops and Contractors in Iraq

• 132,000: Number of U.S. troops in Iraq in January 2007, before President Bush's escalation.
• 155,000: Number of U.S. troops currently in Iraq
• 140,000: Number of U.S. troops projected to be in Iraq in July 2008.
• 35,000: Number of private security contractors operating in Iraq.
• 180,000: Number of private contractors operating in Iraq.
  

Progress Towards Political Reconciliation Made By Iraqis

• 3: Number out of 18 Bush Administration Benchmarks Met by Iraqi Government As of January 24, 2008.
• 18: Number of provinces President Bush said would be secured by Iraqis as of November 2007.
• 8: Number of provinces actually secured by Iraqis as of January 2008.
  

Bush-Republican Intransigence on Staying the Course in Iraq

• 8: Number of times a majority of the Senate has voted to change course in Iraq.
• 7: Number of times Bush Republicans in Congress have blocked changing course in Iraq.
• 1: Number of vetoes issued by the White House over changing course in Iraq.
  

PFLAG Protests Antigay Comments of Oklahoma Lawmaker

Supporters of the Oklahoma’s LGBT community will meet at the state’s Capitol building Tuesday to protest State Rep. Sally Kern’s recently revealed antigay tirade, according to a press release from Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Protesters also plan to use the event to request a meeting with Kern.

“Every Oklahoman, and every American, deserves a public servant who believes in the dignity of all our children and who refuses to take part in divisive and counter-productive attacks on our families,” PFLAG wrote in a statement to be released at the rally. “Her remarks disrespect our GLBT loved ones, dishonor the service of nearly 10,000 lesbian and gay veterans in Oklahoma and disregard her duty to uphold our country’s most noble values. Representative Kern owes her constituents an explanation, and our families an apology."

Oh…. this is Jesse Kern, the gay son of homophobe Sally Kern, Oklahoma Republican and state representative.

Poor guy to have her as a mother!

Marriage Round-Up

Civil Unions not Enough.

"Though such arrangements were created, often under court mandate, with a promise of treating same-sex couples the same as opposite-sex couples, many gays and lesbians say they have not delivered and can never do so because separate institutions are inherently unequal. Many also resent being denied use of the word marriage, which they say carries intangible benefits, prestige and status."

There’s no substitute for marriage.

Couples in Connecticut, where the state's high court is reviewing the constitutionality of its civil-union law, are among those around the country who believe such marriage equivalents fail to match the benefits or stature of marriage, according to this article. "We're civilized? We're unionized? Whatever," Suzanne Rogers said of her civil union. "That's part of the problem. Nobody really understands it, and that includes me."

Maryland couple may gain rights, but not marriage or unions.

Maryland couples may gain some of the benefits of marriage, including medical decision-making, joint property ownership and inheritance, through several bills pending before the Legislature. However, measures to grant equal marriage or civil-union rights are considered unlikely to pass, with some key lawmakers still not ready to support full recognition of same-sex couples' rights, according to this article.

Norwegian Government Proposes Law Allowing Same-sex Marriage

The Norwegian government proposed a new marriage law Friday in Oslo that would give gay couples the same rights as heterosexual pairs, including church weddings, adoption and assisted pregnancies.

It was not immediately clear whether the proposal would make it through parliament without changes. Even though the Labor-led coalition has a majority in the legislature, one of the three parties, Center, has said its representatives will be allowed to vote according to their consciences.

''This new marriage law is a step forward along the lines of voting rights for all and equality laws,'' said minister of Children and Equality Anniken Huitfeldt.

The new legislation would replace a 1993 law that gives gays the right to enter civil unions similar to marriage, but refuses them the right to church weddings or to be considered as adoptive parents.

In 1989, Denmark became the world's first country to allow civil unions for gays, similar to Norway's current law. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to offer full marriage rights to gay couples.

Deposit on a Smart Car

Yep, I did it. I put a deposit down on a Smart Car last weekend.

I am still going to look at other cars, but I like the Smart Car. 44mpg, small, convertable.

About 3 months - on the waiting list now. If I go to the website and order one, delivery times is about a year.

Stay tuned for more.

A Letter to Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern, from 18-Year-Old Tucker

Eighteen year old Tucker attempted to deliver this letter to Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern after her hateful words comparing gays to terrorists, but was prevented from doing so by a highway patrol officer. As a result, Tucker's family members began circulating the letter in its entirety. Please be moved by the powerful words of this remarkable young man.

Rep Kern:

On April 19, 1995 in Oklahoma City, a terrorist detonated a bomb that killed my mother and 167 others. Nineteen children died that day. Had I not had the chicken pox that day, the body count would've likely have included one more. Over 800 other Oklahomans were injured that day and many of those still suffer through their permanent wounds.

That terrorist was neither a homosexual nor was he involved in Islam. He was an extremist Christian forcing his views through a body count. He held his beliefs and made those who didn't live up to them pay with their lives.

As you were not a resident of Oklahoma on that day, it could be explained why you so carelessly chose words saying that the homosexual agenda is worse than terrorism. I can most certainly tell you through my own experience that is not true. I am sure there are many people in your voting district that laid a loved one to death after the terrorist attack on Oklahoma City. I kind of doubt you'll find one of them that will agree with you.

I was five years old when my mother died. I remember what a beautiful, wise and remarkable woman she was. I miss her. Your harsh words and misguided beliefs brought me to tears, because you told me that my mother's killer was a better person than a group of people who are seeking safety and tolerance for themselves.

As someone left motherless and victimized by terrorists, I say to you very clearly you are absolutely wrong. You represent a district in Oklahoma City and you very coldly express a lack of love, sympathy or understanding for what they've been through. Can I ask if you might have chosen wiser words were you a real Oklahoman that was here to share the suffering with Oklahoma City? Might your heart be a bit less cold had you been around to see the small bodies of children being pulled out of rubble and carried away by weeping firemen?

I've spent 12 years in Oklahoma public schools and never once have I had anyone try to force a gay agenda on me. I have seen, however, many gay students beat up and there's never a day in school that has gone by when I haven't heard the word f****t slung at someone. I've been called gay slurs many times and they hurt and I am not even gay so I can just imagine how a real gay person feels. You were a school teacher and you have seen those things too. How could you care so little about the suffering of some of your students?

Let me tell you the result of your words in my school. Every openly gay and suspected gay in the school were having to walk together Monday for protection. They looked scared. They've already experienced enough hate and now your words gave other students even more motivation to sneer at them and call them names. Afterall, you are a teacher and a lawmaker, many young people have taken your words to heart. That happens when you assume a role of responsibility in your community. I seriously think before this week ends that some kids here will be going home bruised and bloody because of what you said.

I wish you could've met my mom. Maybe she could've guided you in how a real Christian should be acting and speaking.

I have not had a mother for nearly 13 years now and wonder if there were fewer people like you around, people with more love and tolerance in their hearts instead of strife, if my mom would be here to watch me graduate from high school this spring. Now she won't be there. So I'll be packing my things and leaving Oklahoma to go to college elsewhere and one day be a writer and I have no intentions to ever return here. I have no doubt that people like you will incite crazy people to build more bombs and kill more people again. I don't want to be here for that. I just can't go through that again.

You may just see me as a kid, but let me try to teach you something. The old saying is sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never hurt you. Well, your words hurt me. Your words disrespected the memory of my mom. Your words can cause others to pick up sticks and stones and hurt others.

Sincerely, Tucker

Ya Gotta Love Ellen!

Ellen calls Sally Kern! I wish Sally had answered! I wish Sally would call back!

Annie Lennox Fights HIV With A Song

The Scottish singer is using her musical talents for charity, launching a campaign with 23 other international pop star ladies to record the track, "Sing." Of the female superstars performing on the track are Celine Dion, Madonna, Shakira, Pink and Beth Orton, all of whom have lent their voices to raising awareness of the HIV problems faced by South Africa.

Any profits made by the campaign will be given to the Treatment Action Campaign and Annie said of her efforts, "Music has given me a platform I can use to help people in need."

Schwarzenegger flies to Sacramento every day?

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, whose official place of work is in the Northern California city of Sacramento, reportedly spends nearly every night in his Los Angeles-area mansion.

The distance between the two cities is about 360 miles one way!

The governor uses his own money to pay for his Gulfstream flights, which price out at about $10,000 an hour. But, the environmental costs are high. Flying TO AND FROM WORK is not very ecologically sound!

The governor's staff says he purchases "carbon credits." Such credits are aimed at offsetting the greenhouse gases generated by his flights but do nothing about the particulates and smog-forming compounds released into the air.

The reason the Governator gives for the 'commute'? It's so he can spend time with his family. Admirable but can't the family move up to Sacramento?

Arnold recently made the cover of Newsweek for being 'green'.

Washington Governor Signs Expanded Domestic Partner Law

Gov. Christine Gregoire has signed legislation expanding the state's domestic partnership law to provide for more than 170 additional rights and responsibilities which married couples already have.

The measure passed its final hurdle in the legislature earlier this month. It goes into effect on June 12.

"This bill is about protecting and helping Washington families," said Gregoire at a ceremony to mark the signing on Wednesday. "It simply gives these families the same rights as everybody else. It's the right thing to do."

The new law makes domestic partnerships equal to marriage in areas of community property, guardianship and powers of attorney. It would allow partners the right to refuse to testify against partners in court. And it provides the same remedies as married couples have in ending a relationship including the division of property. But while the bill would cover state 170 laws governing marriage it would not affect federal laws which do not recognize same-sex relationships.

"Domestic partners still lack the vast majority of the protections that married couples take for granted in Washington state," said Pedersen but added that the new law is the "next step in addressing that injustice."

Biogas Project in California

You can almost smell the photo above: "a vat of liquid cow manure covering the area of five football fields and 33 feet deep". But as long as we are stuck with all that manure from industrial farms, something might as well be done with it.

The Vintage Dairy Biogas Project, the project of dairyman David Albers, wants to provide enough natural gas to power 1,200 homes a day. "As cow manure decomposes, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide. Scientists say controlling methane emissions from animals such as cows would be a major step in addressing climate change."

To tap the renewable gas from cow manure, the Vintage Dairy farm first flushes manure into a large, octagonal pit, where it becomes about 99 percent water. It is then pumped into a covered lagoon, first passing through a screen that filters out large solids that eventually become the cows' bedding.

Weights on top of the digester channel the gas to the small facility where it is "scrubbed" of hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. The end product is "close to 99 percent pure methane" according to BioEnergy Chief Operating Officer Thomas Hintz.

The the gas is injected into PG&E's pipeline, where it will be shipped to a power plant in Northern California.
There are many other manure lagoons like that one that aren't capturing the methane, so that seems like the thing to do both economically and environmentally.

A second dairy in Fresno county has already agreed to join the Vintage Dairy project and Albers estimated gas from the two dairies combined could power 2,500 homes a day.

Ruling for equal marriage rights would be "just"

The Los Angeles Times, in an editorial, calls on the California Supreme Court to do the right thing and rule in favor of equal marriage rights.

"In 1948, the court was accused of thwarting the will of the people when it struck down the ban on interracial marriage; it would face similar condemnation if it ruled that 'equal protection of the laws' requires the same treatment for heterosexual and same-sex couples," the Times writes. "But, as in 1948, the result would be the just one."

Episcopal bishop says 'no' to limited role in global meeting of Anglican leaders

The first openly gay Episcopal bishop announced he will have no official role in a meeting this summer of world Anglican leaders, saying restrictions that organizers wanted to place on his involvement had caused him ''considerable pain.''

New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson had been told last year that he could not fully participate in the once-a-decade gathering in England, called the Lambeth Conference, as the world Anglican Communion sat on the brink of schism over his 2003 election.

Still, Episcopal leaders had been negotiating with the Anglican Communion Office to allow him to join the event in some capacity. The Episcopal Church is the Anglican body in the U.S.

At a Texas meeting Monday night of the Episcopal House of Bishops, Robinson said that the final offer to include him was in effect a ''non-offer,'' and he had declined it.

Anglican leaders said Robinson could ''be present'' in the conference Marketplace, or convention hall, where exhibitors and church agencies set up stalls, and that he could participate in one ''high profile'' event, such as a news conference, at the 20-day summit. The exhibit hall is open to the public, while the Lambeth discussions are private.

Robinson told the bishops in Texas that ever since he got word of the proposal late last Friday, ''I have been in considerable pain.'' He said he had hoped to participate in Bible study and small group discussions with other bishops.

''I am dismayed and sickhearted that we can't sit around a table, as brothers and sisters in Christ, and study Scripture together,'' he said. ''It makes me wonder, if we can't sit around a table and study the Bible together, what kind of Communion do we have and what are we trying to save?''

A spokesman for the Anglican Communion did not respond to a request for comment.
The spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, didn't invite Robinson to Lambeth, partly to appease theological conservatives, who believe the Bible bars gay relationships. Some had threatened to boycott the meeting if he attended.

American Family Association ends 2-year boycott of Ford

A conservative group is ending its 2-year boycott of Ford Motor Co. for donations to what it calls gay organizations.

Ford said Tuesday, however that it has decreased overall charitable spending and advertising in recent years because of financial losses.

The Tupelo, Miss.-based American Family Association says the automaker has met its conditions, including not making donations to gay organizations and ceasing almost all advertising in gay publications.

Ford said in a statement Tuesday that its principles haven't changed and that it is committed to treating everyone fairly.

Ford is refuting the AFA's claims that anything has changed. "The AFA has made its decision and is ready to move on. Our principles have not changed. We are committed to treating everyone fairly and with respect, including our dealers, customers and employees. Ford will continue to market its products widely to attract as many customers as possible and make charitable contributions to strengthen communities to the extent business conditions allow. Difficult business conditions in recent years have reduced our overall spending across the board."

ANTI-LGBT HATE CRIMES 2008 (so far)

Over the weekend, the LA Times continued its coverage of the King murder, revealing the broken home behind King's 14-year-old killer Brandon McInerney as well as the troubled school atmosphere that led up to the unthinkable violence:

"Earlier this year, some of Brandon's classmates say, Larry began 'hitting' on him and remarking for all to hear that he thought Brandon was 'cute.' Other boys then ribbed Brandon by saying he must be gay himself. Brandon dismissed Larry with an obscenity, the students say, but it didn't stop there. They say the kid wearing eye shadow had gotten under the skin of the Young Marine. Michael Sweeney, an eighth-grader at E.O. Green, picked up on the whispering that followed -- the rumors that were so extreme, so out there, that they had to be bogus. 'Brandon told this one girl that he was going to kill Larry,' Michael said. 'She didn't tell the principal. I didn't, either, after I heard about it. I thought it was a joke.' Larry was shot the next day."

Oklahoma State Legislator Sally Kern on a tirade about homosexuality

Oklahoma representative Sally Kern refused to apologize for her disgusting statements this past weekend. Instead, she defended her hateful words.

If you want to let good Sally know how you feel, you can get in touch with her!

Ms. Kern's contact information:
Capitol Address:2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 332Oklahoma City, OK 73105(405) 557-7348.

District Address:2713 Sterling Ave.Oklahoma City, OK 73127.

Email: sallykern@okhouse.gov

Voice of the Faithful

“It is unthinkable that Pope Benedict XVI could visit Ireland without alluding to [the] betrayal of children.”

SEAN O'CONAILL, coordinator of Voice of the Faithful in Ireland, predicting protests if the Pope refuses to meet with victims of sexual abuse by priests

“Just because the number of victims has decreased, don't feel that there aren't more victims out there needing encouragement to come forward.”

TERESA KETTELKAMP, executive director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection, after the number of sex-abuse claims against Catholic clergy dropped for the third consecutive year

Pro-Gay Government Re-Elected In Spain

Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero's Socialist party has been re-elected but with a smaller majority following a campaign that featured threats by the conservative Popular Party to overturn Spain's same-sex marriage law and accusations that the Vatican was meddling in Spanish affairs.
The Socialists won 169 seats with the PP gaining 153. Zapatero will have to depend on support from smaller parties to remain in office.

When Zapatero called elections he said that enacting the same-sex marriage law in 2005 was one of his greatest achievements. But it pitted him against the Vatican and the Popular Party.
Both the PP and the Catholic Church held massive rallies in Madrid in the days leading up to the marriage vote. When it failed to defeat the bill in Parliament the PP vowed to continue the fight into the next election.

During the campaign PP leader Mariano Rajoy hammered away at what he called a watering down of morals under Zapatero.

Last month Roman Catholic bishops urged voters to shun the Socialists.

The Spanish Bishops Conference in a statement to the faithful said that voters should not back parties that support gay marriage or other policies contrary to church teaching, nor should they support talks with armed Basque militants - clearly references to the governing Socialists.

Repeal of Ban on HIV Travel, Immigration Attached to Senate Bill

U.S. Sens. John Kerry and Gordon Smith have secured an attachment to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief that would lift the nation’s ban on travel and immigration for HIV-positive people, the Human Rights Campaign announced Monday. The Senate Committee on Foreign Relations is expected to consider the legislation this week.

“The time is long overdue to repeal this unjust and sweeping policy that deems HIV-positive individuals inadmissible to the United States,” Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese said in a press release. “This law emerged out of fear and stigma, and there remains no public health rationale for treating HIV more harshly than other communicable diseases.”

The government bans HIV-positive foreign nationals, students, and tourists from entering the U.S. unless they acquire a waiver that allows only for short-term travel. Current policy also keeps most people with HIV from obtaining permanent residency.

The United States is one of only 13 countries to have an HIV travel ban. Others include China, Iraq, Libya, and Sudan.

SoCal Edison Building Largest USA Wind Farm

Southern California Edison announced today that it was breaking ground on a desert wind farm that could provide power for upwards of 3 million homes by 2013, predicting that it will be the largest wind transmission project in the country.

Officials estimate that the Tehachapi Renewal Project will eventually provide 4,500 megawatts of electricity. The project will harness the wind that blows through the Tehachapi Mountains about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.

Possibly California is 'breaking wind' at Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, all of which have recently announced "largest" solar projects of their own.

Bishop Schofield Formally Resigns from HOB

Bishop John-David Schofield of San Joaquin formally resigned from the House of Bishops in a letter sent to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori on March 1.

Bishop Schofield said it was the only way for the diocese to preserve biblical truth and the historic Anglican faith and order.

"It is important to note that this is separation and not schism," he said "Separation, by definition, is the biblical answer to unrepentant and public false teaching and immorality."

The vote by clergy and lay delegates to the annual convention to amend the diocese's constitution and canons last December meant that Bishop Schofield had left The Episcopal Church. After the vote, Presiding Bishop Gregory Venables informed Bishop Schofield that he had been welcomed as a member of the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of the Southern Cone. Bishop Schofield said he remains Bishop of the Diocese of San Joaquin, and The Episcopal Church "has no jurisdiction or authority" to change that status.

"This leaves only my status as a member of the House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church to be determined," he said. "Rather than force the House of Bishops to a vote, I herewith tender my resignation as a member of the House of Bishops effective midnight EST, March 7, 2008."

Believe it or Not: Bush Says U.S. is "In the Lead" on Climate Change

To be honest, we were as surprised as you (probably) are to hear President Bush proclaim the U.S. to be "in the lead" in the fight against climate change. See, it turns out we got that whole Bali climate talk debacle all wrong; when the U.S. delegation refused to back a modest emissions cut proposal - in the process, almost causing the talks to collapse - it didn't mean to suggest it wasn't committed to the plan (apparently, the officials just had "problems with defining the numbers up front"). Neither was the president's move 6 months earlier to block a statement by G8 leaders committing to halving total emissions by 2050 meant to suggest a lack of resolve on his part.

No, as the good people at Think Progress were quick to point out, the president, speaking at the Washington International Renewable Energy Conference, is, in fact, committed to the spirit of the Kyoto Protocol and confident of the U.S.'s "leadership" in moving the world community toward achieving those lofty goals:

"You know, there's a lot of politicians who just talk. I hope when history is written of this administration, we not only talked, we actually did positive things and constructive things.

Jon Stewart Ponders Bush's Ignorance About $4 Gas

On Thursday night's episode of "The Daily Show," host Jon Stewart riffed on the fact that President Bush was unaware of the fact that analysts have predicted gas prices could soon reach four dollars a gallon.

Columbia SC Passes Trans Rights Bill

Columbia, South Carolina on Wednesday became the first municipality in the state to enact laws protecting gays and transgendereds.

City Council voted unanimously to pass the ordinances prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in housing and public accommodations.

“We have passed one of the most comprehensive bills in the country, in one of the most conservative states in the country," said C. Ray Drew, Executive Director of South Carolina Equality, which pressed for the laws. "South Carolina, and states like ours, represents the front lines of our battle for LGBT civil rights in this country.”

[As much as I dislike South Carolina, I have to give my hats off to them for being a little, tiny bit progressive – cuz this is a big deal in South Carolina.]

“Terrorism-related deaths since 2001: 11,377.

Tobacco-related deaths since 2001: 30,000,000.”

Obama: Equality of Everyone?

Top Iraq contractor skirts US taxes offshore

Shell companies in Cayman Islands allow KBR to avoid Medicare, Social Security deductions

Kellogg Brown & Root, the nation's top Iraq war contractor and until last year a subsidiary of Halliburton Corp., has avoided paying hundreds of millions of dollars in federal Medicare and Social Security taxes by hiring workers through shell companies based in this tropical tax haven.

More than 21,000 people working for KBR in Iraq - including about 10,500 Americans - are listed as employees of two companies that exist in a computer file on the fourth floor of a building on a palm-studded boulevard here in the Caribbean. Neither company has an office or phone number in the Cayman Islands.

The Defense Department has known since at least 2004 that KBR was avoiding taxes by declaring its American workers as employees of Cayman Islands shell companies, and officials said the move allowed KBR to perform the work more cheaply, saving Defense dollars.

But the use of the loophole results in a significantly greater loss of revenue to the government as a whole, particularly to the Social Security and Medicare trust funds. And the creation of shell companies in places such as the Cayman Islands to avoid taxes has long been attacked by members of Congress.

California Station Sells Gas for $5 a Gallon.

Gas prices in California are at an all-time high. The statewide average price for a gallon of regular is now 58 cents more per gallon, than the same time last year.

But, there is one place on the Central Coast where you can expect to pay more than $5 a gallon. The Americo gas station in the tiny coastal town of Gorda, about 40 miles south of Big Sur, is selling gasoline for $5.19 a gallon for regular, and $5.39 for premium.

Despite high prices, the local gas stop grabs customers, without any competition. And according to locals, the pain at the pump isn't over yet... as they plan to raise the prices another 20 cents in the coming weeks.

More Lip Service from Bush

President Bush said Wednesday that the United States has to "get off oil" to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and declared "it should be obvious" that high demand is creating painful gasoline prices.

Bush's assessment was at odds with that from the 13-nation Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which said before he spoke that it would not put more oil on the global market because crude supplies are plentiful.

During a Middle East trip in January, Bush urged OPEC to increase production and help ease soaring gasoline prices. Bush also said on Tuesday that it's a "mistake to have your biggest customers' economies slowing down as a result of higher energy prices."

Bush's speech was aimed at touting his administration's efforts to increase the use of renewable energy sources.

"The Bush/Cheney administration has paid lip service to renewable energy and backed it up with inadequate and incremental funding support, favored old dirty and unsafe technologies, threatened vetoes of energy bills because they supported renewable energy incentives and mandates, and undermined the science of and the search for solutions to global warming," said a statement from Senate Democrats.

American Family Association - Day of Silence - April 25

From the American Family Association:

If your child's school observes the homosexual sponsored "Day of Silence," keep your child at home April 25.

Friday, April 25, several thousand schools across the nation will be observing "Day of Silence (DOS)." DOS is a nationwide push to promote the homosexual lifestyle in public schools. AFA is joining other family-oriented groups in urging parents to keep their children at home that day if their local school is participating in the DOS project. By remaining silent, the intent of the pro-homosexual students is to disrupt the classes while promoting the homosexual lifestyle. DOS is sponsored by an activist homosexual group, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). DOS leads the students to believe that every person who identifies as a homosexual, bisexual or cross-dresser is a victim of ongoing, unrelenting harassment and hate. Students are taught that homosexuality is a worthy lifestyle, homosexuality has few or no risks, and individuals are born homosexual and cannot change. Those who oppose such teaching are characterized as ignorant and hateful bigots.

Here is a list of schools in California that have indicated they are participating in the Day of Silence:
ABRAHAM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL -SAN FRANCISCO, ABRAHAM LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL - SANTA, CLARA, ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF PEACE, ACALANES HIGH SCHOOL , AGOURA HIGH SCHOOL, ALAMEDA HIGH SCHOOL , ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL , ALHAMBRA SENIOR HIGH, ALISO NIGUEL HIGH SCHOOL, ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL , ALTA LOMA HIGH SCHOOL , AMADOR HIGH SCHOOL , AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL, AMERICA'S CHOICE HIGH SCHOOL, ANALY HIGH SCHOOL , ANDERSON VALLEY JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL, ANDREW HILL HIGH SCHOOL, ANIMO FILM AND THEATRE ARTS CHARTER, ANIMO INGLEWOOD CHARTER, ANIMOR VENICE CHARTER, ANN SOBRATO HIGH SCHOOL , ANTIOCH HIGH SCHOOL , APTOS HIGH SCHOOL , ARCADIA HIGH SCHOOL, ARCATA HIGH SCHOOL, ARCHER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, ARROYO GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL, ARROYO HIGH SCHOOL- EL MONTE, ARROYO HIGH SCHOOL- SAN LORENZO, ARROYO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, ATASCADERO HIGH SCHOOL, ATHENIAN HIGH SCHOOL, AYALA HIGH SCHOOL, AZUSA HIGH SCHOOL, BAKERSFIELD HIGH SCHOOL , BALBOA HIGH SCHOOL , BARSTOW HIGH SCHOOL, BEAR CREEK HIGH SCHOOL, BELL SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, BELLA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL, BELLARMINE COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL, BELMONT HIGH SCHOOL, BENICIA HIGH SCHOOL, BENTLEY UPPER SCHOOL, BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL , BEVERLY HILLS HIGH SCHOOL, BEYER (FRED C.) SR. HIGH SCHOOL, BIRMINGHAM SENIOR HIGH , BISHOP O'DOWD HIGH SCHOOL, BISHOP HIGH SCHOOL, THE BISHOP'S SCHOOL, BLOOMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, BONITA HIGH SCHOOL, BONITA VISTA SENIOR HIGH , BRANHAM HIGH SCHOOL, BRAVO MAGNET HIGH, THE BRANSON SCHOOL , BREA OLINDA HIGH SHCOOL, BRENTWOOD SCHOOL , BRIDGES ACADEMY, BUCKINGHAM CHARTER MAGNET, BUCKLEY SCHOOL, BUENA HIGH SCHOOL, BULLARD HIGH SCHOOL, BURBANK HIGH SCHOOL, BURROUGHS HIGH SCHOOL, BURLINGAME HIGH SCHOOL, BURTON HIGH SCHOOL, C.K.MCCLATCHEY HIGH SCHOOL, CABRILLO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, CALABASAS HIGH SCHOOL, CALAVERAS HIGH SCHOOL, CALEXICO HIGH SCHOOL , CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE, CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOLCALIFORNIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAL AND BLIND, CAMARILLO (ADOLFO) HIGH SCHOOL , CAMPBELL HALL (EPISCOPAL) SCHOOL , CAMPOLINDO HIGH , CANYON CREST ACADEMY, CANYON HIGH SCHOOL, CANYON SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL, CAPISTRANO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, CAPUCHINO HIGH SCHOOL, CARLMONT HIGH SCHOOL, CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL, CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, CARONDELET HIGH SCHOOL, CARPINTERIA HIGH SCHOOL , CARSON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, CASA GRANDE HIGH SCHOOL, CASTILLEJA SCHOOL , CASTRO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, CATE SCHOOL , CATHEDRAL CITY HIGH SCHOOL, CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL, CENTER HIGH SCHOOL, CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL-EAST, CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL-WEST, CERES HIGH SCHOOL , CERRITOS HIGH SCHOOL, CHADWICK SCHOOL, CHANNEL ISLANDS HIGH SCHOOL , CHAPARRAL HIGH SCHOOL, CHARTER OAK HIGH SCHOOL, CHATSWORTH SR HIGH SCHOOL, CHICO HIGH SCHOOL, CHINO HIGH SCHOOL, CHULA VISTA SENIOR HIGH, CITY ARTS AND TECH HIGH SCHOOL , CLAIREMONT SENIOR HIGH , CLAREMONT HIGH SCHOOL, CLAYTON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL , CLEVELAND (GROVER) HIGH SCHOOL, CLOVIS HIGH SCHOOL-EAST, CLOVIS HIGH SCHOOL, COLFAX HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE PARK HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL, COLONY HIGH SCHOOL , COLTON HIGH SCHOOL, CONCORD HIGH SCHOOL , CORDOVA HIGH SCHOOL , CORONADO HIGH SCHOOL, CORTEZ HILL ACADEMY , COVINA HIGH SCHOOL , CRAWFORD HIGH SCHOOL, CRENSHAW SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, CRESCENTA VALLEY SENIOR HIGH , CROSSROADS SCHOOL, CRYSTAL SPRINGS UPLANDS SCHOOL , CULVER CITY SENIOR HIGH , CUPERTINO HIGH SCHOOL, CYPRESS GROVE CHARTER SCHOOL , CYPRESS HIGH SCHOOL, DAVIS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, DE ANZA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, DEER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, DEL CAMPO HIGH SCHOOL, DEL MAR HIGH SCHOOL, DEL NORTE HIGH SCHOOL, DEL ORO HIGH SCHOOL, DESERT HOT SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL, DE WOLF HIGH SCHOOL, DIAMOND BAR HIGH SCHOOL, DIXON HIGH SCHOOL, DOMINGUEZ HIGH SCHOOL, DORSEY HIGH SCHOOL , DOS PUEBLOS SR HIGH SCHOOL, DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL, DOWNTOWN COLLEGE PREP, DREW COLLEGE PREP, DUBLIN HIGH SCHOOL, EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL, EAST PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL , EAST UNION HIGH SCHOOL, EASTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL, EDISON COMPUTECH, EDISON SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL , EL CAMINO HIGH SCHOOL--SAN DIEGO, EL CAMINO HIGH SCHOOL--sOUTH SAN FRANCISCO , EL CAMINO REAL SENIOR HIGH , EL CAPITAN HIGH SCHOOL, EL CERRITO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, EL DORADO HIGH SCHOOL , EL MODENA HIGH SCHOOL, EL MOLINO HIGH SCHOOL, EL MONTE HIGH SCHOOL, EL RANCHO HIGH SCHOOL, EL SEGUNDO HIGH SCHOOL, EL TORO HIGH SCHOOL, ELIZABETH LEARNING CENTER, ELK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL , ELSIE ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL, EMERSON JR. HIGH SCHOOL, ENCINA HIGH SCHOOL, ENCINAL HIGH SCHOOL, ENOCHS HIGH SCHOOL , ESTANCIA HIGH SCHOOL , ETIWANDA HIGH SCHOOL , EUREKA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, EVERGREEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, EXCELSIOR MIDDLE SCHOOL , FAIR VIEW HIGH SCHOOL (CONT.) , FAIRFAX SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, FAIRFIELD HIGH SCHOOL, FLINTRIDGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL, FLORIN HIGH SCHOOL, FOLSOM HIGH SCHOOL, FOOTHILL HIGH SCHOOL--BAKERSFIELD, FOOTHILL HIGH SCHOOL--PALO CEDRO, FOUNTAIN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, FRANCIS ELLEN WATKINS HARPER JR HIGH , FRANCIS (JOHN H.) POLYTECHNIC , FRANCIS W PARKER SCHOOL, FRANCISCO BRAVO MEDICAL MAGNET SCHOOL , FRANKLIN (BENJAMIN) SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL--ELK GROVE, FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL--STOCKTON , FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL, FREMONT HIGH SCHOOL, JOHN C. FREMONT HIGH SCHOOL, FRENCH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, FRESNO HIGH SCHOOL, FULLERTON HIGH SCHOOL, GABRIELINO HIGH SCHOOL, GALILEO ACADEMY, GALT HIGH SCHOOL, GANESHA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, GARDENA HIGH SCHOOL, GAREY SR HIGH SCHOOL, GARFIELD (JAMES A.) SENIOR HIGH, GATEWAY HIGH SCHOOL, GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, GEORGIANA BRUCE KIRBY PREP, GILROY HIGH SCHOOL, GLADSTONE HIGH SCHOOL, GLEN A WILSON HIGH SCHOOL, GLENDALE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL , GLENDORA HIGH SCHOOL, GOLDEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL--MERCED, GOLDEN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL -- SANTA CLARITA, GOLDEN WEST HIGH SCHOOL, GRACE M DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL , GRANADA HIGH SCHOOL, GRANADA HILLS SENIOR HIGH , GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL, GRANITE HILLS HIGH SCHOOL--APPLE VALLEY, GRANITE HILLS HIGH SCHOOL--EL CAJON, GRANITE HILLS HIGH SCHOOL--PORTERVILLE , GRANT (ULYSSES S.) SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, GROSSMONT HIGH SCHOOL , GUNDERSON HIGH SCHOOL , GUNN (HENRY M.) HIGH SCHOOL , HALF MOON BAY HIGH SCHOOL, HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL , HANFORD WEST HIGH SCHOOL, HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL, HARKER SCHOOL, WILLIAM S HART HIGH SCHOOL , HARVARD-WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL, HAWTHORNE HIGH SCHOOL, HAYWARD HIGH SCHOOL , HEAD ROYCE SCHOOL, HEALDSBURG HIGH SCHOOL , HELIX CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL, HEMET SR HIGH SCHOOL, HENRY J KAISER HIGH SCHOOL, HERBERT HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL, HERBERT HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL, HERCULES HIGH SCHOOL, HERCULES MIDDLE SCHOOL, HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL, HESPERIA HIGH SCHOOL, HIGH TECH HIGH SCHOOL, HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL, HILL HIGH SCHOOL, HILLSDALE HIGH SCHOOL, HILLTOP SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, HIRAM JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL, HOGAN HIGH SCHOOL, HOLLYWOOD SR HIGH SCHOOL, HOLMES JR HIGH SCHOOL, HOLY NAMES HIGH SCHOOL, HOMESTEAD HIGH SCHOOL, HOOVER SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, HUENEME HIGH SCHOOL, HUNTINGTON BEACH HIGH SCHOOL, IDA B WELLS, IDYLLWILD SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND ARTS, INDEPENDENCE HIGH SCHOOL, INDERKUM HIGH SCHOOL, INDIO HIGH SCHOOL, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ACADEMY, IRVINE HIGH SCHOOL, IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, JAMES LICK HIGH SCHOOL , JAMES LOGAN HIGH SCHOOL, JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL--DALY CITY, JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL--LOS ANGELES, JESSE BETHEL HIGH SCHOOL, JOAQUIN MORAGA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, JOHANSEN HIGH SCHOOL, JOHN BURROUGHS HIGH SCHOOL, JOHN H FRANCIS POLYTECHNIC SR HIGH SCHOOL, JOHN H GLENN HIGH SCHOOL, JOHN O'CONNELL TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL, JOHNSON (HIRAM W.) HIGH SCHOOL, JORDAN HIGH SCHOOL--FRESHMAN ACADEMY, JUNE JORDAN SCHOOL OF EQUITY, JUSTIN SIENA HIGH SCHOOL , KELSEYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, KENNEDY (JOHN F.) HIGH SCHOOL--LA PALMA, KENNEDY (JOHN F) HIGH SCHOOL --SACRAMENTO, KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL--FREMONT, KENNEDY SR HIGH SCHOOL--GRANADA HILLS, KERN VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, KING/DREW MEDICAL MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL, KING (MARTIN LUTHER JR) HIGH SCHOOL, KING MIDDLE SCHOOL, PETE KNIGHT SCHOOL , LA CANADA HIGH SCHOOL, LA COSTA CANYON HIGH SCHOOL, LA JOLLA COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL , LA JOLLA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, LA MIRADA HIGH SCHOOL, LA PUENTE HIGH SCHOOL, LA QUINTA HIGH SCHOOL, LAGUNA CREEK HIGH SCHOOL, LAGUNA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL, LAS LOMAS HIGH SCHOOL, LEADERSHIP HIGH SCHOOL, LEADERSHIP PUBLIC SCHOOLS--HAYWARD, LEIGH HIGH SCHOOL, LELAND HIGH SCHOOL, LEMOORE HIGH SCHOOL, LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL, LICK-WILMERDING HIGH SCHOOL, LIFE ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL, LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL--LINCOLN, LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL--STOCKTON , LINDHURST HIGH SCHOOL, LIVE OAK HIGH SCHOOL, LIVERMORE HIGH SCHOOL, LODI HIGH SCHOOL, LOMPOC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, LONG BEACH POLYTECH HIGH SCHOOL, LOS ALAMITOS HIGH SCHOOL, LOS ALTOS HIGH SCHOOL, LOS AMIGOS HIGH SCHOOL, LOS ANGELES CENTER FOR ENRICHED STUDIES, LOS ANGELES COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS, LOS ANGELES LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, LOS ANGELES SENIOR HIGH , LOS BANOS HIGH SCHOOL, LOS GATOS HIGH SCHOOL, LOS OSOS HIGH SCHOOL, LOWELL HIGH SCHOOL, LUTHER BURBANK HIGH SCHOOL, LYNBROOK HIGH SCHOOL, LYNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, MAAC COMMUNITY CHARTER , MADERA HIGH SCHOOL, MADISON SR. HIGH SCHOOL, MAGNOLIA HIGH SCHOOL, MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL, MAMMOTH HIGH SCHOOL, MANDELA HIGH SCHOOL , MARIN ACADEMY , THE MARIN SCHOOL, MARIN SCHOOL OF THE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY, MARINA HIGH SCHOOL--HUNTINGTON BEACH, MARINA HIGH SCHOOL--MARINA, MARLBOROUGH SCHOOL, MARSHALL (JOHN) SR HIGH SCHOOL, MARTIN LUTHER KING HIGH SCHOOL--DAVIS, MCCLATCHY (C.K.) HIGH SCHOOL, MCLANE HIGH SCHOOL, MENDOCINO HIGH SCHOOL, MENLO SCHOOL , MENLO-ATHERTON HIGH SCHOOL, MERCED HIGH SCHOOL, MERRILL F WEST HIGH SCHOOL, MERRITT MIDDLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, MILKEN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL , MILLENNIUM HIGH SCHOOL, MILLIKAN SENIOR HIGH, MILLS HIGH SCHOOL, MILPITAS HIGH SCHOOL , MIRA COSTA HIGH SCHOOL, MIRA LOMA HIGH SCHOOL, MIRA MESA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, MIRAMONTE HIGH SCHOOL, MISSION BAY HIGH SCHOOL, MISSION HIGH SCHOOL, MISSION SAN JOSE HIGH SCHOOL, MISSION VIEJO HIGH SCHOOL, MODESTO HIGH SCHOOL, MONROE SR HIGH SCHOOL, MONTA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL, MONTCLAIR HIGH SCHOOL, MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL, MONTEBELLO HIGH SCHOOL, MONTEREY HIGH SCHOOL, MONTEREY TRAIL HIGH SCHOOL, MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL--SAN DIEGO, MONTGOMERY HIGH SCHOOL--SANTA ROSA, MOORPARK HIGH SCHOOL, MOREAU CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, MORENO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, MORNINGSIDE HIGH SCHOOL , MORRO BAY HIGH SCHOOL, MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, MT.DIABLO HIGH SCHOOL, MT.EDEN HIGH SCHOOL, MT.PLEASANT HIGH SCHOOL, MT WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL, MURRIETA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, NAPA HIGH SCHOOL, NARBONNE HIGH SCHOOL, NATOMAS HIGH SCHOOL, NEVADA UNION HIGH SCHOOL, NEVADA UNION TECH HIGH SCHOOL, NEW DIRECTIONS HIGH SCHOOL, NEW ROADS SCHOOL, NEW COMMUNITY JEWISH HIGH SCHOOL, NEW TECHNOLOGY HIGH (ALT) NEWARK MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL, NEWCOMER HIGH SCHOOLNIPOMO HIGH SCHOOL, NOGALES HIGH SCHOOL, NORDHOFF HIGH SCHOOL, NORTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL, NORTH ( JOHN W.) HIGH SCHOOL, NORTH BAY ORINDA SCHOOL, NORTH HILLS PREP SCHOOL, NORTH HOLLYWOOD SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, NORTHGATE HIGH SCHOOL, NORTHRIDGE ADADEMY, NORTHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL, NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL, NOVATO HIGH SCHOOL , OAK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL, OAK PARK HIGH SCHOOL, OAK RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, OAKDALE HIGH SCHOOL, OAKLAND MILITARY INSTITUTE, OAKLAND SR HIGH SCHOOL , OAKLAND/EMILIANO ZAPATA STREET ACADEMY, OAKWOOD SECONDARY SCHOOL, OCEANA HIGH SCHOOL, ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, ORANGE COVE HIGH SCHOOL, ORINDA ACADEMY, ORTHOPAEDIC HOSP MEDICAL MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL, OTAY RANCH HIGH SCHOOL, OXNARD HIGH SCHOOL, PACE ACADEMY, PACIFIC COLLEGIATE SCHOOL, PACIFIC HIGH SCHOOL, PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL, PALM SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL, PALO ALTO HIGH , PALOMA VALLEY HIGH , PALOS VERDES PENINSULA HIGH , PANORAMA HIGH SCHOOL , PARAMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL , PARLIER HIGH SCHOOL, PASADENA HIGH SCHOOL, PASO ROBLES HIGH SCHOOL, PATTERSON HIGH SCHOOL, PAUL ROBESON HIGH SCHOOL, PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL , PETALUMA HIGH SCHOOL, PETER JOHANSEN HIGH SCHOOL, PHINEAS BANNING HIGH SCHOOL , PIEDMONT HIGH SCHOOL, PIEDMONT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL , PILARCITOS HIGH (CONTINUATION) , PINER HIGH SCHOOL , PINEWOOD SCHOOL , PINOLE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL , PIONEER HIGH SCHOOL--SAN JOSE, PIONEER HIGH SCHOOL--WOODLAND, PITTSBURG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL , PLEASANT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL , POINT LOMA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL, POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL, PONDEROSA HIGH SCHOOL , PORTOLA HIGH SCHOOL, PORTOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL--EL CERRITO, PORTOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL --TARZANA, POWAY HIGH SCHOOL , PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL, QUARTZ HILL HIGH SCHOOL, RAMONA HIGH SCHOOL, RANCHO ALAMITOS HIGH SCHOOL, RANCHO BERNARDO HIGH SCHOOL , RANCHO BUENA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL , RANCHO COTATE HIGH SCHOOL, RANCHO CUCAMONGA HIGH SCHOOL, RED BLUFF UNION HIGH SCHOOL , REDLANDS EAST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, REDONDO HIGH SCHOOL, REDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL--LARKSPUR , REDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL--VISALIA, REEDLEY HIGH SCHOOL, RENAISSANCE HIGH SCHOOL, RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL, RIM OF THE WORLD HIGH SCHOOL , RIO AMERICANO HIGH SCHOOL, RIO LINDA HIGH SCHOOL, RIO MESA HIGH SCHOOL, RIVER CITY HIGH SCHOOL, ROBERT FULTON COLLEGE PREP, ROBERTSON HIGH SCHOOL, ROCKLIN HIGH SCHOOL, ROLLING HILLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL, ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL--CORONA, ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL--FRESNO, ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROOSEVELT SR. HIGH SCHOOL, ROSEMONT HIGH SCHOOL, RUBIDOUX HIGH SCHOOL, SACRAMENTO COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL, SACRAMENTO HIGH SCHOOL, SACRAMENTO NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL, SACRED HEART CATHOLIC PREP , SACRED HEART PREPARATORY , SADDLEBACK HIGH SCHOOL, SAGE HILL SCHOOL , SAINT MARY'S COLEGE HIGH SCHOOL, SALINAS HIGH SCHOOL, SAN BENITO HIGH SCHOOL, SAN BERNADINO HIGH SCHOOL, SAN DIEGO SCHOOL OF CREATIVE & PERFORMING ART , SAN DIEGO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, SAN DIEGUITO ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL, SAN DIMAS HIGH SCHOOL, SAN DOMENICO UPPER SCHOOL, SAN FERNANDO MIDDLE SCHOOL, SAN FERNANDO SR HIGH SCHOOL, SAN FRANCISCO SCHOOL, SAN FRANCISCO UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL, SAN GABRIEL HIGH SCHOOL, SAN JACINTO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, SAN JOSE HIGH ACADEMY, SAN JUAN HIGH SCHOOL, SAN LEANDRO HIGH SCHOOL , SAN LORENZO HIGH SCHOOL , SAN LUIS OBISPO HIGH SCHOOL, SAN MARCOS HIGH SCHOOL , SAN MARIN HIGH SCHOOL , SAN MATEO HIGH SCHOOL , SAN PEDRO SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, SAN RAFAEL HIGH SCHOOL, SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL , SAN YSIDRO HIGH SCHOOL, SANGER HIGH SCHOOL , SANTA ANA HIGH SCHOOL, SANTA BARBARA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, SANTA CLARA HIGH SCHOOL, SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL, SANTA MONICA HIGH SCHOOL, SANTA PAULA HIGH SCHOOL, SANTA ROSA HIGH SCHOOL, SANTA SUSANA HIGH SCHOOLSANTA TERESA HIGH SCHOOL, SANTA YNEZ VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL, SANTANA HIGH SCHOOL, SANTIAGO HIGH SCHOOL--CORONA, SANTIAGO HIGH SCHOOL --GARDEN GROVE, SARATOGA HIGH SCHOOL , SAUGUS HIGH SCHOOL , SAVANNA HIGH SCHOOL , SCHOOL OF THE ARTS HIGH, SCHURR HIGH SCHOOL, SCOTTS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, SCOTTS VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL , SCRIPPS RANCH HIGH SCHOOL, SELMA HIGH SCHOOL, SEQUIOA HIGH SCHOOL , SHASTA HIGH SCHOOL , SHELDON HIGH SCHOOL , SHERMAN OAKS CTR. FOR ENRICHED STUDIES , SIERRA HIGH SCHOOL , SILVER CREEK HIGH SCHOOL, SILVERADO HIGH SCHOOL , SIR FRANCIS DRAKE HIGH SCHOOL, SKYLINE HIGH SCHOOL, SONOMA ACADEMY, SONOMA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, SONORA HIGH SCHOOL, SONORA UNION HIGH SCHOOL, SOQUEL HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH EAST HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH GATE SR HIGH SCHOOL , SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL , SOUTH PASADENA SENIOR HIGH , SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO HIGH SCHOOL, SOUTH TAHOE HIGH SCHOOL, ST HELENA HIGH SCHOOL, ST. IGNATIUS COLLEGE PREP , ST MARYS COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL , STAGG HIGH SCHOOL, STANLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL, STEELE CANYON HIGH SCHOOL, STEVENSON SCHOOL , STRATHMORE HIGH SCHOOL, SULTANA HIGH SCHOOL , SUMMERFIELD WALDORF SCHOOL , SUNNYSIDE HIGH SCHOOL , TAFT (WILLIAM HOWARD) SENIOR HIGH , TAMALPAIS HIGH SCHOOL, TEMECULA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, TEMPLE CITY HIGH , TENNYSON HIGH SCHOOL, TERRA LINDA HIGH SCHOOL , TERRA NOVA HIGH , THE ATHENIAN SCHOOL , THE BRANSON SCHOOL , THE HARKER SCHOOL , THE URBAN SCHOOL OF SAN FRANCISCO , THOMAS DOWNEY HIGH SCHOOL , THOUSAND OAKS HIGH SCHOOL, THURGOOD MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL, TOMALES HIGH SCHOOL, TORRANCE HIGH SCHOOL , TORREY PINES HIGH SCHOOL , TRABUCO HILLS HIGH SCHOOL, TRACY HIGH SCHOOL, TREASURE ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL, TROY HIGH SCHOOL , TULARE UNION HIGH SCHOOL, TULARE WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL, TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGH SCHOOL, UKIAH HIGH SCHOOL, UNION MINE HIGH SCHOOL , UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL--LOS ANGELES, UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL--FRESNO, UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO HIGH SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY CITY HIGH SCHOOL, UPLAND HIGH SCHOOL, VACAVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, VALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL, VALLEJO HIGH SCHOOL, VALLEY ALTERNATIVE MAGNET SCHOOL, VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL--SACRAMENTO, VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL--SANTA ANA , VALLEY TORAH JEWISH DAY SCHOOL, VALLEY VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, VAN NUYS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, VAUGHN INTL STUDIES ACADEMY, VANDEN HIGH SCHOOL, VENICE HIGH SCHOOL, VENTURA HIGH SCHOOL , VERDUGO HILLS SENIOR HIGH, VIEW PARK PREP ACCEL.CARTER, VIEWPOINT HIGH SCHOOL, VINTAGE HIGH SCHOOL, VISTA HIGH SCHOOL, WALNUT HIGH SCHOOL, WARREN HIGH SCHOOL, WASHINGTON ACADEMIC MIDDLE SCHOOL , WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL, WASHINGTON PREP HIGH SCHOOL, WATSONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL, WEST HIGH SCHOOL , WEST HILLS HIGH SCHOOL, WEST RANCH HIGH SCHOOL, WEST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, WESTCHESTER HIGH SCHOOL, WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL, WESTMONT HIGH SCHOOL, WESTMOOR HIGH SCHOOL, WESTON RANCK HIGH SCHOOL, WESTRIDGE SCHOOL , WESTVIEW HIGH SCHOOL , WHITTIER HIGH SCHOOL, WILL C WOOD HIGH SCHOOL, WILLARD MIDDLE SCHOOL, WILLITS HIGH SCHOOL, WILLOW GLEN HIGH SCHOOL, WILMER AMINA CARTER HIGH SCHOOL, WILSON HIGH SCHOOL, WILSON SR HIGH SCHOOL, WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL, WINDWARD HIGH SCHOOL, WINTERS HIGH SCHOOL, WOODBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, WOODLAND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL, WOODSIDE HIGH SCHOOL, WOODSIDE PRIORY HIGH SCHOOL , YERBA BUENA HIGH SCHOOL , YGNACIO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, YOSEMITE HIGH SCHOOL, YUCIAPA HIGH SCHOOL, ZOE BARNUM HIGH SCHOOL

[I say congratulations to all the schools that are participating. I think it is wonderful.]