In my last column I made an erroneous statement regarding the residential status of Halsted Street. This month's correction was provided by Roger Hickey, owner of Cellblock bar 'Halsted is not and never has been a residential district. It has always been commercial, with secondary residential. It is now considered an Entertainment District and residential buyers on the street are (or should be) made aware of that.'
Moving California another step closer to giving gay and lesbian couples the same legal status as their heterosexual counterparts, a state tax panel has extended an important property tax benefit enjoyed by married homeowners to same-sex homeowners. Another bone tossed our way!
Rev. Troy Perry quoted as saying 'I thank god for Canada, for the progressive judges who did this,' after marrying his long-time partner Philip De Bliek. Congratulations also go out to David Kloss and his partner for tying the knot as well. Details for Canadian marriages www.cbsgov.on.ca/mcbs/english/marriages.htm
For those of us who are stuck with protecting our loved ones the old fashioned way, write the Cremation Society of Illinois www.cremation-society.com offering the most complete package info: What my family should know: An Executor/Survivors Guide. Fill it out; get it to your lawyer, then save big bucks on the 'wedding' invites.
BELATED: Eunice Kathleen Waymon, born 1933 in Tryon, NC, died April 21 in a town named Carry-le-Rouet, France at age 70. Otherwise known as jazz legend Nina Simone.
The Goddess Lakshemi, the reigning Ms. World, is getting her breast awareness campaign off to a rousing start. Her efforts to alert the Leather Community are being noticed around the country. One of the most interesting facts coming to the forefront is that breast cancer is not just about women. Those of you who are fans of the HBO series OZ will remember one of the principal characters (Ryan O'Riley) was diagnosed with breast cancer. In 1999, it is estimated that 1,300 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 400 will die from it. In addition, 175,000 women will be diagnosed, and 43,300 will die.
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in men? Nipple discharge (usually bloody), nipple inversion, breast lump, occasionally, local pain, itching, pulling sensation. Growing older, family history, are among some of the risks factors related to men's breast cancer. Men are usually diagnosed at a later stage, after the cancer has spread, because they are less likely to report any symptoms.
For information on breast cancer: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation 1-800-462-9273; American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345; NCI/Cancer Information Service 1-800-422-6237.
Have a great Equinox!
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