Phanatic sends LOVE to a friend

The Philly Phanatic filled out a "With Love" postcard at last night's Phillies game. The letter writing campaign encourages Philadelphians and visitors to invite their friends and family to visit Philadelphia sometime soon. You to can participate by stopping by one of these upcoming letter writing events:

Wednesday, July 8th at Suburban Station from 3-6pm
Thursday, July 9th at the Downtown Marriott (12th & Markets Sts) from 3-5pm
Friday, July 10th at the Sheraton in Univ. City from 3-5pm

The letter writing campaign is sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (gophila.com) and has a goal of sending 5,000 postcards encouraging people to visit the city.

Photos by M. Edlow for GPTMC

"Eating Out 3" the surprise film at QFest

"Eating Out 3: All You Can Eat," is set to be unveiled ats Philadelphia QFest's on July 19th at the Prince Music Theater. the Eating Out films have proven to be immensely popular comedies, launching the career of creator Q. Allan Brocka (Boy Culture, Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple In All The World), and showcasing the talents of such rising stars as American Idol's Jim Verraros, Desperate Housewives' Ryan Carnes, Marco Dapper, and comedic genius, Rebekah Kochan.

The deception and partner juggling of the prior two films continues in Eating Out 3, as bombastic Tiffani and her friend Casey try to lure the gorgeous Zack with a phony online profile using the image of Tiffani's buff ex, Ryan... which works fine until the real Ryan shows up. Only through some fancy footwork, advice from his Aunt Helen and mentor Harry, and a daring sexual escapade can Casey figure out how to set things right and perhaps even find the love he's been looking for.

In case you have never heard of QFest, it is the new name for the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. For more information on this year's festival, visit QFest.com.

Madonna pays tribute to M.J. on July 4th

You have to give it to Madonna for showing some LOVE to Michael Jackson at her July 4th concert. Check it out.

M.J. viewing today

Michael Jackson is on display today at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in what some are calling his viewing...not really, it is a closed casket, so lets call it his last performance. The list of friends/performers slated to attend include: Lionel Richie, John Mayer, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Brooke Shields and Martin Luther King III to name a few.

On the eve of his viewing, New York Republican Congressman Peter King said society is "glorifying" a "Low-Life" & "Pervert-Pedophile"...referring to Jackson. In case you missed it - check it out.

Candlelight vigil to be held for murdered sailor

A candlelight vigil will be held for murdered gay sailor August Provost on July 10th outside Camp Peldleton in California from 7:30pm to 9pm. Provost was tied, gaged, shot 3 times, and burned - in what many think was a hate crime.

Organizers hope this will be a very somber occasion and the signs need reflect his memory. Preferably with his picture and the words "In the loving memory of Seaman August Provost 1980 - 2009" or "1 Life Taken is 2 many" Candles will be lit. There is a picture of a sign for your car window for the funeral procession at :

http://dodfedglobe.ning.com/photo/sign-for-seaman-august-provost?context=user

Mullen advises 'measured' approach to gay policy

The nation's top military officer said Sunday he has advised President Barack Obama to move "in a measured way" in changing the "don't ask, don't tell" policy that bans gays from serving openly in the military.

Obama as a candidate pledged to end the ban. As president, he has not said when or how he will take steps to do so, drawing criticism from gay rights activists and others. The president has pointed out that Congress in 1993 made into law a policy begun by President Bill Clinton.

"It's very clear what President Obama's intent here is. He intends to see this law change," Adm. Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on CNN's "State of the Union."

"I've had conversations with him about that. What I've discussed in terms of the future is I think we need to move in a measured way," Mullen said.

Mullen said he has discussed with his staff what steps might be taken to implement a change in the policy.

"I haven't done any kind of extensive review. And what I feel most obligated about is to make sure I tell the president, you know, my — give the president my best advice, should this law change, on the impact on our people and their families at these very challenging times," he said. (source)
(AP Photo/CBS Face the Nation, Karin Cooper)

Philadelphia Fireworks

Philadelphia's July 4th Concert with Sheryl Crow

Philadelphia's July 4th Parade 2009

Philadelphia's July 4th parade was simply spectacular this year after moving from the Ben. Franklin Pkwy to Old City this year. Check out these photos.

Sheryl Crow Free Concert Tonight

Tonight at 8 PM, Sheryl Crow, one of the world's most exquisite singer-songwriter's, will headline Philadelphia's July 4th festivities on the Ben Franklin Parkway.  Always a hugely popular event, residents and tourists from all over the world will descend on Center City for one of the country's most fabulous Independence Day celebrations.  Jeffrey Gaines and The Roots will also perform during.  Philly's famous fireworks show will begin immediately following the concert.  The Parkway is always packed for this event, so plan to arrive early and reserve a spot for the concert.

Sarah Palin Quits Her Job

Alaska Governor Sarah Palin announced today that she is resigning her post after only two plus years in office.  The 'hot mess' already declared she would not be running for reelection in 2010, and felt it best to hit the road. 

According to some paper in Anchorage, she felt that sticking around until the end of her term, "would just be another dose of 'politics as usual,' something I campaigned against and will always oppose."  I'm not exactly buying that explanation.  A more likely scenario is that she'll now have the opportunity to travel with more flexibility, possibly shoring up support across the country for a bid for the Republican Presidential nomination in 2012.  I'm not certain, but it seems likely that her decision to quit her current elected position may hurt her in future campaigns.

 

OFFLINE: Summer 2009 Music Events

With the untimely passing of Michael Jackson last Thursday, I devoted my most recent column in the PGN to music.   Arguably the most prolific entertainer in history, Jackson left an indelible mark on every fan and artist who connected with his music.  Without Michael Jackson, ‘pop’ music and its contemporary stars would be light years behind in their vocal, choreographic, and artistic development.  No matter what genre of live music you prefer, please find time in the coming months to experience its power and joy.  To help identify an event that whets your musical appetite, I offer the following suggestions –

 The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the most beloved groups of its kind in the world.  Credited with developing the “Philadelphia Sound,” our local orchestra provides one of the most accessible and family-friendly cultural experiences in the city.  During the summer, you can find the Philadelphia Orchestra playing numerous concerts at the Mann Music Center (52^nd and Parkside) in Fairmount Park.  I’m most excited about “Hollywood Classics” (Tuesday, July 21 @ 8 PM), “All Gershwin” (Friday, July 24 @ 8 PM) and “Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang” (Thursday, July 30^th @ 8 PM).  To see a complete list of upcoming events, or to learn more about the orchestra’s musical style and history, visit www.philorch.org.

If you prefer pop music to classical, keep an eye on the Wachovia Center’s (3601 S. Broad St. #1) concert schedule over the next several months.  On July 23^rd and 24^th, teen pop sensations, the Jonas Brothers, will perform 7 PM shows with former “American Idol” champion Jordin Sparks.  It appears that tickets are still available, but I can’t imagine they’ll be around much longer.  If you have a ‘tweeneaged’ niece or nephew, a surprise trip to this concert will undoubtedly make you their favorite aunt or uncle.  Also, mark your calendar for Britney’s “Circus” tour and Pink’s “Funhouse” show on August 30^th and November 3^rd, respectively.  Visit www.ticketco.com to reserve your spot. 

Though live concerts are easily one of the most exciting cultural experiences, many big name stars command exorbitant ticket prices.  Luckily, Philadelphia has a number of smaller venues, such as World Café Live (www.worldcafelive.com), the Electric Factory (www.electricfactory.info) and the Theater of the Living Arts – TLA (www.theateroflivingarts.net) with more cost effective options.  From local independent groups to seasoned bands that tour year-round, Philadelphia’s smaller venues provide a more intimate experience than their larger counterparts.  For a comprehensive listing of Philly’s live music venues separated by genre, visit www.phillymusic.com. 

 One of Philadelphia’s most enduring qualities is its close proximity to other major urban areas like New York City, Washington DC, and Boston.  But if you want a unique live music event outside of the city, look no further than Atlantic City – specifically, the Borgata Hotel and Casino (www.theborgata.com).  Since opening in 2003, the Borgata has built a reputation for attracting incredibly popular and talented musicians.  With Katy Perry (July 30^th) and Patti Lupone (August 15^th) scheduled to perform this summer, it’s high time for a musical trip ‘down the shore!  

Bruno on the cover of gay "Attitude"

Sacha Baron Cohen's new alter ego "Bruno" graces the cover of the British gay magazine Attitude. In the movie, Bruno is a gay fashionista that travels the world causing havoc along the way. The film's has been getting mixed reviews - especially within the gay community. Although the film clearly exposes homophobia, some in the community worry the film will actually set gay rights back.

India strikes down old law banning gay sex

A court in New Delhi, India overturned a colonial-era law banning gay sex between consenting adults. In a strongly worded statement, New Delhi's High Court ruled that the 150-year-old statute prohibiting homosexual acts was discriminatory and therefore a "violation of fundamental rights."

"It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster dignity of every individual," the court said in a 105-page judgment.

Quoting India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Chief Justice A.P. Shah said that although "words are magic things often enough, even the magic of words sometimes cannot convey magic of human spirit and of a nation's passion." (source)

Michael Jackson's final rehersal

This video of Michael Jackson's last rehersal for his scheduled London concert series was just released. Check it out.

Candlelight vigil held outside the Rainbow Lounge

Outrage is growing in Fort Worth, Texas over last week's raid on the gay operated Rainbow Lounge. During the raid, Chad Gibson sustained traumatic head injuries while being arrested by the police. The officers have been assigned to desk duty during the official investigation into the raid. Last night, a candlelight vigil was held at the Rainbow Lounge in Chad Gibson's honor. Check out this video from the event.

Gay sailor found dead in San Diego

A 29-year-old sailor was found in a Camp Pendleton guard shack, Navy officials said yesterday. The body of Seaman August Provost of Houston was discovered about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday on the western edge of the base, said Doug Sayers, a spokesman for Navy Region Southwest.

An autopsy was completed yesterday, but authorities were waiting for results of toxicology tests to determine the cause of death.

A “person of interest” was being held in the brig at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. No charges have been filed. (source)

New York gay media shake-up

Big news coming out of NYC. The New York Blade will close down and HX is sold. Matthew Bank of HX Media (owns the Blade and HX) said: “Everyone was let go, but the people on The Blade know that they may come back if The Blade is coming back,”.

The moves came on Tuesday after HX was sold to undisclosed buyers. The Blade, a biweekly paper with a free circulation of 22,000, was left with an uncertain future.

“It doesn’t have an issue scheduled until a week from Friday.” Mr. Bank said. “There are a lot of things that can happen between now and then.” (source)

Gay man harassed after leaving Minneapolis' gay pride

After two guys left Minneapolis' gay pride, one was asked by a group of kids if he was gay - the man replied "yes." Check out how the group reacted:

Disturbing - their parents must be really proud...

Gibbs commits to no executive order for Guantanamo

Chuck Todd interviewed Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on executive orders for both DADT and Guantanamo Bay detainees. Chuck calls Gibbs on the possibility that the President may issue one for Guantanamo, but not for DADT. Gibbs, realizing that issuing one for Guantanamo but refusing for DATA would put the administration in a very bad position, commits (for the President) that no executive order would be issued to detain prisoners at Guantanamo. Check it out.

Dolly remembers Michael Jackson

Dolly Parton released this video remembering Michael Jackson. She remarks on how we lost a true ledgend and how we all should live every day like it is our last. Check it out.

Olbermann on Obama "stonewalling" on DADT

MSNBC's Keith Olbermann: Obama Is "Goddamned Wrong" On Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy. Gay activist Dan Savage Is interviewed on the subject. Check it out.

Military board recommends discharge for Dan Choi

A military administrative board recommends a gay New York National Guard officer who publicly announced he's gay should be discharged for violating the military's policy against openly homosexual service members.

Lieutenant Dan Choi would be the first New York National Guard member discharged for violating the policy, known as "don't ask, don't tell". About 10,500 military and National Guard members were discharged for violating the policy between 1997 and last year.

Tuesday's recommendation against Choi must be approved by the chief of the National Guard Bureau. (source)

This is a great time for Obama to step-up!

From the Rachel Maddow show: