Tonight I was able to make it to a screening of the new Gus Van Sant film Milk at The Enzian Theater in Winter Park and I have to say, this is by far the best film of 2008. Harvey Milk was the first ever openly gay political candidate to be elected to public office. Milk became a member of the Board of Supervisors of the City of San Francisco in 1977 and would face multiple anti-gay initiatives fiercely and “head-on” before his untimely death in 1978. He also worked to pass a strict anti-discrimination policy in San Francisco in a time when states all over the country were repealing civil rights initiatives for gays and lesbians and an aggressive California-based bill that would outlaw homosexuals as teachers within public schools (lead by Christian right wing-nut Anita Bryant) was being heavily pushed. If you don’t know anything about the life of Harvey Milk, I would encourage you to keep it that way until you see the movie. The film is an absolute masterpiece and Sean Penn continues to prove he is simply one of the best actors of our time. Penn has been nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Actor for his portrayal of Milk. Given the passage of Florida’s Amendment 2, California’s Proposition 8, and Arizona’s Proposition 102 this past election season, this film’s relevance is palpable. Milk was able to shine a light of hope in a time that was very dark for America’s gay and lesbian communities. If you’re gay, you will probably feel a strong sense of connection to the times of Harvey Milk and the times of today. While that is unfortunate, let it serve as an impetus to get you involved in your community and to live your life open and honestly to those you love, those you work with, and those who are significant in your life. If there’s one lesson Harvey Milk left us, it’s that no matter what, “you’ve got to have hope.” I loathe The Enzian and usually refuse to see films there given its pretentious atmosphere and expensive cost. But Milk is definitely worth the trip to The Enzian. Go see Milk… You’ll find the film amazingly inspirational and moving. Milk was released limited on November 26, 2008 from Focus Features. For showtimes in your area and for more information on Milk, visit the film’s official Web Site @ http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/milk/.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Milk
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Obama Responds to Warren Concerns
When President-elect (and TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2008) announced controversial and ultra-conservative Evangelical minister Rick Warren was going to be delivering a speech at his inauguration ceremony, GLBT advocacy groups were outraged. Warren has been an outspoken opponent of GLBT equality (and just about every other social issue) and has consistently supported discriminatory and degrading ideologies towards GLBT persons. Joe Solmonese, President of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest GLBT equality advocacy group released the following letter to the President-elect, linked here yesterday:
Obama responded today: “Well, let me start by talking about my own views. I think it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something I have been consistent on and something I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency…What I’ve also said is that it is important for America to come together even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues…And I would note that a couple of years ago I was invited to Rick Warren’s church to speak, despite his awareness that I held views entirely contrary to his when it came to gay and lesbian rights, when it came to issues like abortion….Nevertheless, I had an opportunity to speak, and that dialogue, I think, is a part of what my campaign’s been all about, that we’re never going to agree on every single issue. What we have to do is create an atmosphere where we can disagree without being disagreeable, and then focus on those things that we hold in common as Americans. So Rick Warren has been invited to speak, Dr. Joseph Lowery — who has deeply contrasting views to Rick Warren about a whole host of issues — is also speaking.”
Dr. Lowery, an African American minister is a major force in the civil rights movement and has been a champion of GLBT equality. While I disagree with Obama’s selection of Warren to provide a speech at his inauguration, actions speak louder than words. Obama will ultimately be judged on his policies which affect GLBT equality much more than a bigoted preacher selected to give a speech at his inauguration.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Iraqi Journalist Shows His Gratitude
At a press conference in Iraq Sunday, outgoing President George W. Bush got a striking reminder of just how unpopular he is around the world when an Iraqi journalist removed both of his shoes and hurled them at Bush’s head. The man, identified as Muntadhar al-Zaidi, an Iraqi journalist with Egypt-based al-Baghdadia television network — could be heard yelling in Arabic: “This is a farewell … you dog!” The sentiments perhaps highlight what the vast majority of the world (including Americans) believe about Bush’s failed presidency and erred war in Iraq. But regardless, the actions of this man were deplorable and show a blatant disregard for whatever little positive effect the US presence in Iraq has provided. While most of the world is counting the minutes until he’s finally out of office, Iraqis should be at least a little grateful for the democracy America has provided their country. While the cost has been high to Iraq, it has also been high for the United States, who has sacrificed the lives of thousands of soldiers and paid the billions of dollars to bring freedom to their people. Bush’s failures have been painfully obvious; but the actions of this journalist are completely unacceptable.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Circus Debuts @ #1
Pop Princess Britney Spears latest album Circus has debuted as the #1 album in America, according to Billboard. In less than a week, Circus has sold over 1/2 a million copies while its first single “Womanizer” also peaked at #1 in the singles category. While Spears’ previous release Blackout also debuted @ #1, it quickly fell down the charts amid her increasingly negative publicity and lack of promotion. But industry insiders say Circus is altogether different, proven not only by the #1 single “Womanizer” but also the quick skyrocketing of the second single “Circus,” which gained the most radio airplay of any single since its release last week. Britney’s taught and hot body is also being shown-off in her high-profile performances of “Circus” on the TV circuit. Spears’ manager sums it pretty good, “Professionally, she’s feeling great…and it’s great for her to hear she has the #1 album again.” Debuting over a decade ago, Britney Spears is a multiplatinum sensation and has sold over 30 million copies of her albums in the United States alone. Circus is available from JIVE Records in retailers nationwide or for digital download through iTunes.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Dems Demand Crist Pay
Florida’s Democratic Party is demanding Republican Governor Charlie Crist repay taxpayers for his over-the-top taxpayer subsidized trip to Europe he took last Summer as part of a “trade mission.” Former Congresswoman and Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman stated, “With tours of Buckingham Palace and visits to the Eiffel Tower on his agenda, it was clear at the time that his trip served as a taxpayer-financed vacation. While some positive results may come from the trip, the lavish accommodations and first class travel were beyond excessive.” The over $430,000 trip comes at a time when Florida is operating on one of its largest budget deficits ever. Looks like the wonderful “leadership” the Republicans gave us at the federal level is following their “trickle-down” economic myth they’ve subscribed to for years. I only hope Floridians show some intelligence and repay Crist at the polls in 2 years.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
A Fun Circus
A little over a year after the release of Blackout, Pop Princess Britney Spears is going back to her roots with the release of her 6th studio album Circus. Working hard to overcome her poor paparazzi-prescribed image, Britney has worked hard over the last year to put her life back on-track and produce one of her best albums yet. Circus sees Spears re-teaming with some of her original collaborators, including Max Martin, who helped catapault her into stardom with such hits as “Oops…I Did it Again,” “Baby One More Time, ” and “(You Drive Me) Crazy.” I downloaded the album this morning and decided to give Circus a listen during my workout routine today and I agree with the critics here; it is definitely one Britney’s best albums! Although I really liked Blackout; it was a little too heavy for me and outside of “Gimme More” and “Piece of Me” I didn’t find many of the tracks “poppy” enough. Circus definitely brings us that pop sound that Britney fans are craving! If you’ve been a fan of Spears in the past, give Circus a listen. I would venture to bet, you’re going to really like it! A world tour is forthcoming so the opportunity to see Britney’s Circus come to life in an arena or stadium near you will quickly be approaching. Circus (from JIVE Music) is available from retail outlets nationwide or for digital download from iTunes.
Knights End Abysmal Season
The UCF Knights ended their 2008 football season with an all-time low loss to the Blazers of UAB. It was the first time in over two decades the Knights were shutout at home, losing 15-0. The Knights’ overall record was a horrific 4-8 and 3-5 in Conference USA. Even more dismal, the Knights’ offense ranked the lowest in the nation at #119. The amazing “fall from grace” the Knights took in 2008 comes only one season removed since UCF was crowned Conference USA Champions and made an appearance in the Liberty Bowl, the crown jewel of Conference USA’s Bowl ties. Let’s hope 2009 proves to be a better year for the Black & Gold. With such a terrible season in 2008, many donors, Alumni, and season ticket holders have been clamoring for change, suggesting athletics strongly consider terminating Head Coach George O’Leary. Perhaps the off-season will be even more interesting than the season itself. GO KNIGHTS!!! GO BLACK & GOLD!!!
Not so Sticky, But Definitely Sweet
I had the honor of watching Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet World Tour just 8 rows from the stage last week in Atlanta, Georgia! I have seen the Material Girl live 3 other times with 2001’s Drowned World Tour, 2003’s Re-Invention Tour, and 2006’s Confessions Tour; but personally, I believe her latest Sticky & Sweet Tour was by far the best I’ve seen. Madonna’s shows are notoriously absent of her classic hits (minus Re-Invention, which was billed as her greatest hits tour) but in Sticky & Sweet, Madonna made sure to include a slew of the tunes which put her on the map. She performed such classics as “Boderline,” “Into the Groove,” “Like a Prayer, ” “Express Yourself (a-capella),” “Vogue,” and “La Isla Bonita” to name just a few. She also included many of the fast-paced dance tunes from Hard Candy and performed for a solid 2 hours! Perhaps some of my favorite performances were “You Must Love Me” from one of my favorite movies EVITA and one of my favorite Madonna tunes “Ray of Light.” Atlanta’s Philips Arena provided an amazing venue with great acoustics, staging, and lighting. For a 50 year-old megastar, Sticky & Sweet shows Madonna is just as strong as ever.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Obama to Name Hillary Clinton Secretary of State
It was reported today that after Thanksgiving, President-Elect Barack Obama will name Hillary Clinton the Secretary of State for his cabinet. Obama, who has wasted no time in reviewing Bush’s executive orders (including the ban on stem cell research which Obama vows to reverse immediately once he takes office) and policies on off-shore drilling, has been assembling a strong cabinet that will provide the essential leadership that has been largely lacking for the past 8 years. Although many suspected Clinton might be offered the post, some critics voiced concern over the extensive involvement in foreign affairs of her husband as a potential conflict of interest. However, these concerns were deemed unwarranted after President Clinton fully disclosed the financial documents of his charitable organizations that provide services to over 40 impoverished nations. This nomination unites Clinton with Obama officially and allows two very intelligent leaders the ability to form a partnership that should benefit the United States quite positively. Obama’s other appointments include Eric Holder as Attorney General and Tom Daschle as Health Secretary. Clinton’s departure of the Senate shouldn’t cause a significant impact as the likelihood of a Democrat replacing her would be quite high given the strong support Democrats enjoy in New York. Congratulations Hillary! Although Obama has yet to take office, he is already demonstrating extraordinary leadership as he begins to build his advising team.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Madonna Tops in World Sales
Madonna was named “Best Selling American Artist” of the year during the 20th annual World Music Awards ceremony, which was held in Monte Carlo last night. This World Music award is in recognition for Madonna’s ‘Hard Candy’ having the highest global sales for an artist from the United States this year. Congratulations Madonna!! Tracey and I head for Atlanta in less than 2 weeks to see Madonna’s “Sticky and Sweet” Sold-Out World Tour at the Philips Arena!