Weekend Box Office Preview: Can "Thor" outrun the "Fast Five"

Last weekend, the 5th installment of a surprisingly enduring "Fast and Furious" franchise, Fast Five, dominated the U.S. Box Office with a whopping $86.2 million!! The Paul Walker and Vin Diesel vehicle surpassed even the most optimistic expectations, and jolted the film industry after months of mediocrity.

But this weekend, Walker and Diesel may have met their match - in the form of legendary superhero, Thor - a big budget, live action film based on the Marvel comic book character of the same name. Thor has been promoted for what seems like months now, and my guess is that it will have enough juice to knock Fast Five from the top spot. I'm not certain it will earn more than Fast Five did last weekend, but anytime you combine a super-hot ancient warrior (delicious Aussie actor Chris Hemsworth as The Mighty Thor) with Natalie Portman (Earth-bound damsel in distress / Thor's love interest) and 130 minutes of outrageous special effects directed by Kenneth Branaugh- you've got a formula for success! I haven't had time to go to the movies in forever, but this one might be worth the trip!! Are you going to see Thor? Learn more about the plot, watch the trailer, and search for showtimes in your area by clicking here.

Philadelphia back with Miss Richfield 1981

Miss Richfield 1981 has become one of Provincetown staples over the years. Last year Philadelphia signed on as one of her primary sponsors and signed on again for 2011. Above is her "Enter to Win" a trip to Philadelphia form she will give out at the end of each show.

Ron Pual on Gay Marriage

Ron Paul was among the Republican hopefuls for the first GOP debate of the 2012 presidential race. When asked about gay marriage he said that government should get out of the marraige business. Unfortunately, he is defending DOMA. Check it out.

Weekend round-up in Philly

Events this weekend in Philly:
Friday, May 6, 2011

If you haven’t been out to take part in PhilaVenture’s monthly First Friday in Olde City event, now is your chance! From 5:30 to 8:00 pm the group will be taking a walking tour of the many free art galleries in the area and will be sampling local pizza as well! The walk begins at the William Way LGBT Community Center (1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA) at 5:30 and participants will encounter a wide array of art works-from works on paper, figurative sculptures, landscapes and oil paintings of the streets of Philadelphia along the way. RSVP requested to info@waygay.org or 215-732-2220.

Come support a good cause by attending Heroes 2011 benefitting the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund (DVLF)! The event will be taking place at Center Hall of the PNC Center located on the third floor of 1600 Market Street. The VIP Reception will run from 6:00 to 7:00pm with the Heroes event set to follow from 7:00 to 9:00pm.

Looking to take part in the fight against AIDS? Join John David for Ride HARD at Q Lounge + Kitchen [1234 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA] this Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00pm and enjoy live entertainment from Vanessa Stone along with other special guests. Donated raffle prizes will also be given out during the event so come try your luck all the while supporting a good cause! ($10 Door donation or donate online: www.ToFightHIV.org/goto/DBishop)

Calling all ladies! Don’t miss this year’s Miss Philadelphia Gay Pride 2011 Pageant hosted by The Goddess Isis at Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar (200 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA). There will also be a special guest appearance by the current reigning Miss Philadelphia Gay Pride and Gay Black Pride, Alexis Cartier. Doors open at 9:00pm and the schedule for the show includes Presentation - Sportswear (High Fashion Couture), Talent, Evening gowns, and a Q&A with the contestants. It is asked that you RSVP if you plan to compete in the pageant or need any additional information.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Last chance for Girl Dance! Saturday night is the final event before the Summer hiatus so come out to Stir (1705 Chancellor St., Philadelphia, PA) to hear DJ JOVI and enjoy great drink specials all night long!

FCKH8.com: The "Teachers Can't Talk About Homos" Law

FCKH8.com’s latest video takes on the forces of H8 behind the “Teachers Can’t Say Gay” Law in Tennessee.

Atlantic City's Resorts Casino Flys Gay Flag

Resorts Hotel and Casino will now fly the gay flag daily. Tonight, the casino will open a 7-day a week bar called Prohibition.

Cinco De Mayo in the Gayborhood

Where will you be celebrating Cinco De Mayo in Philadelphia's Gayborhood? Three places stand out to make this drinkers holiday extra special.

Valanni: “Cinco de Mayo Smackdown”? Two tequilas: Tequila Patron and Tequila Don Roberto will be competing to be the favorite for the night. They’ll also have $5 margaritas and $25 pitchers until 2 a.m.

El Vez: Stephen Starr’s Elvis themed Mexican restaurant at 13th & Sansom Streets will have a DJ, specials, giveaways and a make-your-own T-shirt station.

Lolita: Marcie & Valarie will serve up a three-course prix fixe dinner for $38. Remember to bring your own tequila for the BYOB’s fresh made mixers...including my favorite Blood Orange.

Klondike's homophobic commercial

Klondike Executives - Why is it such a big deal for two guys to hold hands?

The Voice's Blake Shelton Gay-Friendly or Not?

The other night, I watched The Voice for the first time and I had no idea who Blake Shelton was. It turns out he is a country singer who scored his eighth No. 1 hit on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart for his cover of "Who Are You When I'm Not Looking." Congratulations Blake...sort of...after this tweet this week I am not sure I he deserves to be #1:

Tweet: "re-writ[e]" of Shania Twain's "Any Man of Mine" -- states that if a man "tries Touching my behind He's gonna be a beaten, bleedin', heaving kind of guy..."



The tweet cause quite a stir and has led to people to question whether Blake is anti-gay and if he is promoting violence. Today, in response to the criticism Blake tweeted this:


Of course, this tweet may lead people to think he swings both ways. One thing for sure, he is a dumb ass!

Chris Crocker on fem. vs. masc.

Jade Starling to headline Triumphant Pride

Jade Starling, the lead vocalist to the 80's super group Pretty Poison will headline Nightlifegay.com's Triumphant Pride party on June 12th. Pretty Poison's hit song "Catch Me I'm Falling" was #1 on Billboard's Dance Chart in '87. Jade is set to enter a new phase of her career with a new album dropping in the upcoming weeks.


Mad River located at 126 Chestnut Street will once again host Triumphant Pride. Stay tune for more announcements on this event in the near future.

NY Gay Marriage Push

HRC and several LGBT organizations have launched a major campaign to win marriage equality in the Empire State. Below is a new commercial for the campaign.

Sally Kern is back but gets repremanded this time!

Remember Rep. Sally Kern form Oklahoma? If you don't, she made national headlines when said this back in 2008:

“ Studies show that no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted more than, you know, a few decades. So it's the death knell of this country. I honestly think it's the biggest threat our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam — which I think is a big threat, okay? Cause what's happening now is they are going after, in schools, two-year olds...And this stuff is deadly, and it's spreading, and it will destroy our young people, it will destroy this nation."

Well, she is back - now offending minorities and women. On April 27th, while debating in favor of SJR 15, a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate Affirmative Action in Oklahoma, Kern said:

“ We have a high percentage of blacks in prison, and that’s tragic, but are they in prison just because they are black or because they don’t want to study as hard in school? I’ve taught school, and I saw a lot of people of color who didn’t study hard because they said the government would take care of them.”

During the same debate, Kern also stated that:

“ Women usually don't want to work as hard as a man... women tend to think a little bit more about their family, wanting to be at home more time, wanting to have a little more leisure time."

On Monday, the Oklahoma State House of Representatives publicly reprimanded Rep. Kern for the disparaging comments she made. Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, made the motion to reprimand her. A member objected, but in the end the House voted 76-17 to reprimand Kern. Looks like there some descent legislators in Oklahoma after all.

Kern's response:
"Last Wednesday night while debating a bill, I said some words that were not well thought out and that offended many African Americans and many women," said Kern, who fought back tears and quoted several Bible passages during her apology. "That was not my intent, but sadly it happened, and I take full responsibility for it and I'm truly sorry.

"While my words were not expressed well and implied things I did not mean, they were not spoken with any contempt or malice."

Agassi, Sampras, McEnroe and Courier to compete in Philadelphia

Tennis legends Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe and Jim Courier are set to compete in Philadelphia on September 24th. The former tennis stars will compete in in the Champions Shootout (a 12 city tour) as part of the 2011 Champions Series circuit at the Wells Fargo Center.

“We are thrilled to reunite seven legends who have won an astonishing 52 Grand Slam singles titles among them,” said Jon Venison, Founding Partner of the Champions Series. “This is the greatest generation of champions ever assembled and an unprecedented opportunity for sports fans around the U.S. to reconnect with them.”

“Competing against my friends and foes in front of fans across the country is going to get my adrenaline pumping” said Jim Courier. “The player line-up and format of the circuit is ideal for me and my peers to quench our competitive thirst while showcasing tennis to many cities that lack pro tennis events. May the best man win.”

Champions Series Tour Schedule:
September 22 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Bank Atlantic Center – Sampras, McEnroe, Courier, Chang

September 23 – Washington D.C. – Verizon Center – Agassi, Sampras, Courier, Chang

September 24 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center – Agassi, Sampras, McEnroe, Courier

September 30 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center – Agassi, McEnroe, Courier, Chang

October 1 – Boston, MA – TD Garden – Agassi, McEnroe, Courier, Chang

October 8 – Phoenix, AZ – Surprise Stadium – Sampras, Wilander, Courier, Chang

October 13 – Seattle, WA – Key Arena – Sampras, McEnroe, Courier, Chang

October 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Staples Center – Agassi, Sampras, McEnroe, Courier

October 15 – Las Vegas, NV – Thomas and Mack Center – Agassi, Sampras, Courier, Chang

October 20 – Chicago, IL – United Center – Agassi, McEnroe, Courier, Borg

October 21 – St. Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena – McEnroe, Borg, Courier, Chang

October 22 – Buffalo, NY – HSBC Arena – McEnroe, Borg, Courier, Chang

For more information visit ChampionsSeriesTennis.com.

PIFA Photos

Photos of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts street fair held on Broad Street this past Saturday.












Photos by: Patrick Hagerty

Jennifer Lopez - I'm Into You

"How many gay people must God create..."

Representative Steve Simon says a proposed Minnesota constitutional amendment is about religion and not anything else. He says if sexual orientation is innate as science is showing us, and not a lifestyle choice, then God created gay people. He asks: "How many gay people must God create before we accept that he wants them around?" Check it out.

86 year old Republican/WWII Vet stands up for marriage equality

Philip Spooner, a 86 year old WWII Veteran and Republican, spoke-up for marriage equality in Maine on April 22, 2009. The Republican party could take a lesson from Philip.

Equality Forum Glance Back

Equality Forum Executive Director Malcolm Lazin presents the National Hero Award to Daniel Hernandez Jr. at Equality Forum's International Equality Dinner at the National Constitution Center, Philadelphia on Saturday, April 30.

Katherine Miller, former West Point cadet discharged under "Don't Ask, Don’t Tell," presents the 16th annual International Role Model Award to former Congressman Patrick Murphy and Lt. Dan Choi at Equality Forum's International Equality Dinner.
(Left to right: Miller, Murphy, Choi, Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director, Equality Forum

Photos by: Tara Lessard

Dan Choi at the International Equality Dinner:

Kat Deluna at Sunday out:

Maybe one more time!

La Compagnie Transe Express performs over Broad Street in Philadelphia

AMAZING! The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) closed out its 3 weeks festival (and 135 events) with a stunning street fair on Saturday featuring La Compagnie Transe Express. I must say this festival raised the bar for Philadelphia and the city needs to produce more events like this one.




I will have photos from the weekend later this week.

Blue Celebrates Royal Wedding With Themed Performance at G-A-Y

The band Blue performed a royal wedding themed show at G-A-Y club in London on Saturday, in front of 2,000 patriotic fans. The band, who are this year’s UK Eurovision entry, were introduced on stage by their actress pal Sheridan Smith. Simon, Lee, Duncan and Antony stormed on dressed as grooms along with four brides. As began to sing All Rise, the Blue boys tore off the brides’ dresses – to reveal they were wearing Union flag undies and socks.

The below video caught part of the performance.

Inside Bin Laden's Compound

ABC News has this brief video from inside Osama Bin Laden's compound.

Breaking News: Osama Bin Laden Dead