There is no doubt that the rising cost for an education in the recent years has put a heavier burden on the average college student. According to the College Board Source by David Evans of USA Today the cost of tuition for a four-year public college has increased to nearly $13,000 a year. Within the last five years the cost of tuition has jumped 35%. Education has never been more expensive to achieve, nor has it been more essential. The trend in the workforce is such that even an entry-level position will require a four-year degree.

One of the things I do to exorcise my creative demons is to create a music video from time to time. I’m constantly listening to music and movies and video have fascinated me since I first picked up an 8MM camera. It’s therapeutic for me, especially given the current state of the nation.

BULLDOG PRIDE FUND RECEIVES $1,000 ANONYMOUS GIFT: ~ In Memory of Lt. Barbara Hammerman ~ (June 18, 1959 – Dec. 31, 2006) ~

Barbara Hammerman passed away peacefully on December 31, 2006 at age 47 in her Belmont home with her long-time partner Frances Grunder at her side. Barbara was born in Chicago , raised in Scottsdale , Ariz. , and lived in San Mateo County for the last 22 years where she served proudly with the San Mateo Police Department as a lieutenant until her medical retirement in 2005.

The Gay & Lesbian Armenian Society is now accepting applications for a $1,000 school scholarship. Anyone interested can click on the link below to access the application and information on this opportunity.

GALAS Scholarship

“Ma Vie En Rose” (My Life In Pink) will be shown at Fresno State on Friday, January 19^th at 5:15PM in the McLane Hall 121.  Admission is free.

“Ma Vie En Rose” is the story of a little girl born in a little boy’s body. For him, nothing is more natural than to change his gender. As a hopeful and sensitive child, he truly believes that a miracle is going to happen. He will be a girl, no doubt about it, and he’s in love with Jerome, his school mate, and son of his father’s colleague.

STAND UP with us on February 14th!

On Wednesday, February 14^th, Marriage Equality USA will host the 3^rd Annual Marriage Equality Demonstration in downtown Fresno at the County Clerk’s Office. This action will involve same sex couples, along with allies and supporters, gathering at the County Clerk’s office to request marriage licenses.

Under current California law, all same sex couples will be refused that right, and will be turned away. This is, however, not a pointless mission. In fact, this political action draws vital media attention to the current discrimination same sex couples face in California, as well as across the country. It’s critically important that the GLBT community continues to make our presence known in all aspects of social structure. Without optimum visibility, our goals of equal civil rights in America will be much more difficult to attain.

January 20, 2007 will mark the one year anniversary of PROJECT: MALE being incorporated!  If you have ever started your own nonprofit business, you can relate to the hell and strain it has been to get this puppy started let alone keeping it going.  But the sad truth of the matter is that since my work involves HIV/AIDS, it has made my task that much harder.  Most of the men that I have asked to be on my board had refused to get involved in this issue because they felt it "doesn't concern them".