CHECKERED NATION - The upbeat gay talk show!

Checkered Nation Interviews Assemblymember Roger Dickinson

2011-12-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Mark, Michelle and Jelanie interview California State Assemblymember Roger Dickinson (9th district Sacramento area). They ask him about how he got into politics, who his role models are, his accomplishments and his views on social issues and gay rights.

Assemblymember Dickinson's web page is asmdc.org/members/a09

Sacramento Rainbow Festival 2011

2011-09-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

Checkered Nation at the Sacramento Rainbow Festival 2011,
talking to people at Faces and at the street fair.

Mizz Monique Moore and Dragalicious at Faces

2011-08-16T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sacramento's fabulous Dragalicious Show! Every Sunday 9:30pm at Faces Nightclub. Starring Mizz Monique Moore and the Downtown Divas!

Checkered Nation hosts Mark, Michelle and Kevin interview performers of the Downtown Divas Dragalicious show including Mizz Monique Moore, Kima LaRue, Spade Royal Gotti Moore and Roxie Monroe.

Check out Mizz Monique Moore's YouTube page for more video.

HIV negative and HIV positive guys dating

2011-04-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

Mark and Kevin discuss HIV negative and HIV positive guys dating.

Cheril Vendetti

2010-11-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

Mark and Kevin interview comedienne Cheril Vendetti about her career, family and influences. Cheril entertains us with her answers and her stand up act. Topics include Headhunters, her family, CLIO award winning TV ad, cooking and her cookbook, Sacramento, lesbians, gays, relationships and Oprah. In 2 parts.
For more about Cheril check out her web site www.cherilvendetti.com

It Gets Better: Mark and CheckeredNation

2010-11-07T17:55:00.000-08:00

Checkered Nation host Mark joins the "It Gets Better" campaign.

Mark's Cancer Journey

2010-09-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Checkered Nation host Mark tells us about his cancer journey. Mark is now cancer free!!!

Kevin tells us about the "Stand Up To Cancer" Telethon happening Friday Sept. 10, 2010 at 8pm PT on all the major TV networks. Their web site is www.standup2cancer.org

Rainbow Festival 2010

2010-09-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

Checkered Nation at the Rainbow Festival 2010 Sacramento California September 5, 2010

(producer note: sorry about the camera glitches drop outs)

How can you be a gay Republican?

2010-09-02T00:41:00.000-07:00

Mark asks Kevin "How can you be a gay Republican?"

Sacramento Pride 2010

2010-06-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

Checkered Nation at Sacramento Pride 2010.

Mark, Kevin and Jonathan talk to people outside Faces nightclub about pride and marriage.

After a fabulous parade and festival downtown, people are in midtown to celebrate.

Jonathan adds his energy and a bilingual mix to the show.

Rappers LIL V and T.LAKHI promote their CD "The First Date" with rap, check them out at myspace.com/lilv916

Watch video of the parade and festival at OutSacramento.com

The meaning of Easter with Claudette

2010-04-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

William interviews Claudette, former Empress of Chico, and she shares the meaning of Easter.

Online Dating

2010-04-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

An online dating success story.
Mark interviews William and Curtis about how they met online and their long distance relationship.

Men are domestic violence victims too

2010-03-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

A husband being beaten up by his wife?
Mark tells us this happens and is no less serious than any abusive behavior.
Domestic violence can take many forms: husband against wife, wife against husband, partner against partner, in straight or gay relationships and can be physical or verbal.
If someone confides in you, listen, give them support and steer them to an agency that can help.
In Sacramento we have WEAVE.

The Effects of Rape and Molestation

2010-03-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Checkered Nation hosts Mark and Jelanie talk about a serious subject and share their stories in hopes that it will help others.
The effects of rape and molestation can last a lifetime.
Their advice to others is confront the problem, report it, talk to someone and seek therapy.

2010 California Marriage Protection Act with John Marcotte

2010-02-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

Checkered Nation hosts Mark and Kevin interview John Marcotte, the author of the 2010 California Marriage Protection Act.
John explains this act would ban divorce in California thus protecting marriage and families even better than the recently enacted Proposition 8 which effectively banned gay marriage.
So far the Catholic and LDS churches have not thrown their support behind the act but he is still hoping.
John receives hate mail and support mail from the left and hate mail and support mail from the right so he figures he must be in the middle, in the mainstream.
This is a real grass roots initiative.
Read more at www.rescuemarriage.org and at the facebook page.

Happy Holidays from Checkered Nation

2009-11-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

Checkered Nation, Mark and Jelanie wish you Happy Holidays and be safe.

How to stay fit during the holiday season

2009-11-16T18:47:00.000-08:00

Mark interviews Ben about "How to stay fit during the holiday season."

Ben, a Personal Trainer, tells us it is a lifestyle and talks about sodium, saturated fat and calories.

Coping During the Holidays

2009-11-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark and Jelanie talk about coping with the Holidays - especially if you're alone, don't get along with your family or are struggling with the recession.

Volunteer, set limits, visit the 99 cent store.

Sacramento Valley AIDS Run/Walk 2009

2009-09-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

Checkered Nation hosts Mark and Kevin interview people at the Sacramento Valley AIDS Run/Walk 2009.

Sacramento Valley AIDS Run/Walk

More resources:

Are You the Difference?" - eliminate the spread of HIV in Sacramento in 5 years
Think Twice Sacramento" - safer sex information

Sacramento Pride Festival 2009

2009-06-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION at the Sacramento Pride Festival 2009. Mark and William interview members of Verge, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence River City Chapter and other attendees.

www.sacramentopride.org

Sacramento Pride 2009 Parade

2009-06-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION at the Sacramento Pride 2009 Parade, Mark introduces the parade and look for William holding the giant pride flag at the end.

www.sacramentopride.org

Sacramento Pride Week, June 2009

2009-06-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark, Kevin and William interview people outside Faces night club about Sacramento Gay Pride.

Sacramento Pride 2009 Parade and Festival take place Saturday June 20, 2009 at Southside Park. www.sacramentopride.org

Day of Decision on Proposition 8

2009-05-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Day of Decision on Proposition 8, May 26, 2009, Sacramento, California

The State Supreme Court announced their decision on Proposition 8 which states "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." The court upheld the proposition.

For local reactions Mark and William interviewed Jerry Sloan, Tina Reynolds, Jade Baranski, Amanda Webster, and Rev. Lindi Ramsden.

Learn more at EqualityActionNow.org

WEAVE and domestic violence

2009-04-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark and William visit WEAVE and interview Margaux Rooney, Director of Programs.

WEAVE provides crisis intervention services to women, men and children in Sacramento County who have experienced domestic violence or have been sexually assaulted.

www.weaveinc.org
Sacramento County WEAVE's 24-Hour Crisis Line 916-920-2952

National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233)

NorCal AIDS Challenge

2009-04-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION host William interviews Clyde and John for the upcoming NorCal AIDS Challenge which is a 330 mile cycling event that raises money for Northern California HIV/AIDS service providers Breaking Barriers, CARES and AIDS Housing Alliance.
They are stoked to be part of the event.
Visit www.norcalaidschallenge.net for all the info and to make donations to this worthy cause.
William is riding in the event. You go William!

Shane aka ForWord at the Love and Marriage Rally

2009-02-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

CHECKERED NATION host William interviews Shane at the Love and Marriage Rally, Sacramento, California, February 16, 2009.

Shane as ForWord performs his poem "Malcolm X Mentality."

Sacramento Valley AIDS Run/Walk 2008

2008-09-14T15:48:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark and Michelle enjoy the eighth annual Sacramento Valley AIDS Run/Walk event and interview some of the participants including Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson.
www.sacvalleyaidsrunwalk.org

The music in the video is from the band at the event listed on the schedule as SMOKE.

Rainbow Festival 2008 Street Fair

2008-09-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark and William interview people at Sacramento's Rainbow Festival 2008 street Fair.

They interview a rainbow of people: Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo, a Log Cabin Republican, youth, artists, a couple and straight friends. Topics range from diversity and unity to music and fun.

This event is one of 2 annual gay pride events in Sacramento, California that benefit local charities such as the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center and WEAVE.

Web sites mentioned in the show:
www.heatherfargo.net
www.logcabin.org/logcabinca/sacramento_chapter.html
www.saccenter.org
www.photomyway.com
www.lightningbugkilnworks.com

Rainbow Festival 2008 at Faces

2008-08-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark and William with some lively interviews at Faces nightclub celebrating Sacramento's Rainbow Festival 2008.

Interview topics include the Rainbow Festival, gay marriage in California, coming out and celebrating diversity.

Guests include locals and out of towners, drag queens, go go boys in underwear and Terry Sidie who tells us the history of the Rainbow Festival.

The Rainbow Festival is a benefit for the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center (formerly the Lambda Center).

www.saccenter.org

Mark shares his cancer diagnosis

2008-08-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

Mark, the creator of this talk show CHECKERED NATION, has recently been diagnosed with a type of cancer called gastrinoma.

In this episode with William he tells us some of his experiences.

Mark's many friends have rallied around to lend him love and support.

He hopes people can learn from his experiences. He reminds us all to be our own health care advocates. "If you're not your own advocate nothing is going to get done. And you don't want to be just another statistic." "If something doesn't feel right, speak up ... Push your doctor to do things, to do tests."

Mark will continue hosting this show and his many friends will continue to support him. Think of him in your thoughts and prayers.

Episode 19 - Wedding Planner Katy

2008-08-09T19:57:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark, Michelle, Kevin and Jelanie talk with Katy about wedding planning. Topics include how to plan a wedding, the effect of legal gay marriage in California and bridezillas.

Katy Baker is with Adagio Weddings & Events and can be reached at www.myadagioevent.com

In 2 parts-

Episode 18 - Gay guys fall for straight guys

2008-07-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Episode 18 of CHECKERED NATION. Hosts Mark, Michelle, Kevin and Jelanie talk about when gay guys fall for straight guys. In 2 parts.

Part 1

Part 2

There are some low volume sound problems at the beginning.

Episode 17 - CHECKERED NATION at Sacramento Pride 2008

2008-06-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark and William visit Sacramento Pride 2008 and interview some of the participants.

What does pride mean? Equality, bringing people together and just good fun.

Episode 13 - CHECKERED NATION talks to Christopher Cabaldon

2008-05-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION hosts Mark, Michelle and Kevin talk with Christopher Cabaldon who is the mayor of West Sacramento and is currently running for 8th District Assembly of California.

They talk about coming out, LOGO TV, the lavender ceiling in politics and issues important to the 8th district - schools, the delta and transportation.

Christopher Cabaldon's web site.
City of West Sacramento's web site.

Production... Mark L
Production assistant... David

Episode 12 - CHECKERED NATION talks with Terry Sidie

2008-05-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION crew Mark, Michelle and Kevin
visit with Terry Sidie on the balcony of his nightclub Faces
and talk about Terry's history with clubs, the gay straight clientele at his clubs and more chat.
Mark tells us his first gay club was Bojangles.

The sound is bad with birds chirping, bar noise (good times) and sirens. Crank up the volume to hear our friends talk.

Web sites mentioned
Faces Nightclub
Headhunter's Restaurant
Mom Guess What Newspaper
Sacramento Pride
Rainbow Festival

Episode 10 - Body Image

2008-03-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the 10th episode - a milestone - of CHECKERED NATION.

Mark, William and Kevin talk about "Body Image" and gay men.

Do gay men put more emphasis on looks?
Is what is inside more important?
In addition they touch on Slim-Fast, mirrors and themselves.

Episode 9 - CHECKERED NATION at Badlands

2008-03-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

CHECKERED NATION visits Badlands... hosts Mark and William chat with the two people behind the popular Sacramento night club Badlands- TJ and Marge.

They talk about how TJ got into the club business, his passion for it, his mom Marge as well as Midtown and future projects.

Sacramento Badlands celebrates its 1 year anniversary March 28, 2008. Check out their web site: www.sacbadlands.com

The hosts of Checkered Nation encourage your email comments and suggestions checkerednation@yahoo.com

Episode 7 - Bug Chasers

2008-02-19T18:23:00.000-08:00

CHECKERED NATION gets serious and talks about "Bug Chasers".

Kevin defines the term for us - "Bug Chasers: HIV negative gay men interested in becoming HIV positive," then Mark, Kevin and William talk about it.

Two local Internet resources for Sacramento, California, USA are -
Sacramento GLBTI Center: www.saccenter.org
Sacramento HIV/AIDS CARES: www.caresclinic.org

Episode 1 - Being Single and Dating

2008-01-20T00:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Episode 1 of Checkered Nation.

Mark, Kevin and William in a lively discussion of being single and dating from a gay point of view.

In 4 parts -

Part 1 -

Part 2 -

Part 3 -

Part 4 -