William Keen: October 25th 1956 – June 26th 2008
A celebration of his life
Bill Keen has passed away after a long struggle with cancer and will be greatly missed by our community. Bill has been an important part of the South Beach for deacades and was always greatly respected. Bill was once the owner of the infamous Lulu's.
A formal service will be held in St. Patrick's Cathedral on July 5th at 1PM located at 3716 Garden Ave in Miami Beach. A celebration of his life will follow promptly after the service at the home of Lara Saieh located at 433 East Dilido Dr – (Venetian Causeway). We kindly request that any and all donations be sent to the William Keen Fund, where all proceeds will go to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the Mission of Mother Teresa in Calcutta.
Please forward any and all checks to:
William Keen Fund
1400 Lincoln Road #504
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Restaurateur, ex-ballplayer call it quits
Efrain Veiga, founder of Yuca restaurant and co-creator of Nuevo Latino cuisine, and partner Billy Bean, a former Major League Baseball player, have split after 13 years. "Sometimes things don't work out," Veiga says. "There's still love." Says Bean: "It's a very difficult period, and we're both trying to get through it. I care deeply about him." Their Miami Beach home on North Bay Road is for sale -- for $1.595 million.
Veiga, 57, is renting a two-bedroom at 9 Island Ave., on the Beach's Belle Isle. He had a sad episode there on May 15: Federico Schostak, (MySpace Profile) 26, died in the apartment. Schostak arrived "for a sexual encounter" at 4:30 a.m., and the two fell asleep next to one another, the police report says. At 10 a.m., Veiga tried to wake him and realized "he wasn't breathing and had no pulse." Veiga called 911. Police found Schostak "on the bed, completely undressed." www.miamiherald.com

Police officer by day, interior designer by night
Mikey Verdugo was just another cop on the Hollywood, Fla., police squad when he applied for a spot on HGTV’s Design Star. The Hialeah native moonlights as an interior designer, having learned the trade through working with his family, building and redesigning homes. But will that stack up against the back-stabbing bitchery of his reality-TV rivals? The Express sat down for a chat with Verdugo, to discuss life on the show, and what it’s like being a police officer with a knack for design. www.expressgaynews.com

Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Falls Short
A dearth in corporate sponsorships, lackluster membership figures and failing to raise enough money to meet a cultural matching grant have forced the board of directors of the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, one of the few organized GLBT events based in Miami, to cut half its staff and likely move out of its office on Lincoln Road.
The budget shortfall totals nearly $100,000, according to festival insiders who did not want to go on record. Nonetheless, board of directors chair Franc Castro and vice-chair Francesca Roderick said they are determined to do what they must to keep the festival going. www.expressgaynews.com

Duelling Divas! at the Colony Theater - Saturday, July 12th 8pm
Mix equal parts stand-up comedy and grand opera, add a large helping of “I Love Lucy”, and finish with a pinch of pro wrestling. This comedic musical revue in two acts tells a story of passion, war, death, jealousy, and costume rivalry through banter, song, wit ..... and vodka.
www.duellingdivas.com
Colony Theatre
1040 Lincoln Road Miami Beach
Colony Theatre Box Office 305.674.1040
Use the code "Martini" for discounted tickets on the website, phone, and theater box office $10 instead of $15.
General Admission $15 at Ticketmaster Call 305.358.5885 or click here www.ticketmaster.com

Twist's 15 Year Anniversary - Wednesday, July 9th
Twist's 15th Anniversary Party will be held on on Wednesday July 9th with Complimentary Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres served 9pm to 11pm. They have been under a major renovation of the Dance Room for almost two months and we hear that it looks amazing and completely different. www.twistsobe.com

Amnesia Tea Dance 10 Year Reunion - Sunday, July 6th 3pm to 9pm
A special return to the venue Amnesia with DJ David Knapp, DJ Lazaro Leon, Daisy Deadpetals, Adora Shelley Novak. A portion of the proceeds will benefit SAVE in celebration of the passage of the Miami-Dade Domestic Partner Registry. Presented by Edison Farrow and SoBeSocialClub.com. Amnesia Tea Dance at Opium Garden 136 Collins Avenue Miami Beach. Advance tickets are $15. The VIP $50 ticket includes sponsored Belvedere Vodka open bar. Tickets at the door will be $20. Tickets will be available on www.brownpapertickets.com/event/36305

Barack Obama worked out at Equinox Miami Beach
Presumptive Democratic prez nominee Barack Obama worked out at Equinox South Beach Saturday, in town with some Secret Service men, working out in plain clothes. According to our gym bunny, "He had his iPod buds in, so the few people there left him alone. He left around 8:20 a.m., I guess to head to the Mayors' Conference." www.miamiherald.com

Halo's One Year Anniversary - Saturday, July 5th
Come out and celebrate the One Year Anniversary of Halo Lounge on Saturday, July 5th! This is an event not to be missed. Join the Halo staff and DJ George Figares for a spectacular anniversary, Halo style! www.haloloungemiami.com

Bryan Norcross is signing off after 25 years
Bryan Norcross, a South Florida TV meteorologist for 25 years, has signed off. His contract at WFOR-CBS4 expires on Monday, and he told station president and GM Shaun McDonald he will not renew. www.miamiherald.com

Heathrow Lounge set to open in completely renovated Goddess space
"Heathrow Lounge is a UK-inspired club where socialites and strippers are celebrated, diversity rules, and the entire staff is kissable. Imagine boozin and schmoozin with prince harry, kate moss, amy winehouse and ziggy stardust under one roof. We decided to go back to basics with Heathrow and offer great music, cool crowd, specialty liquor bottles and four rooms where debauchery is highly encouraged. Wilde Manor, an old English manor a rock star moves into. Hyde Park, Mr. Hyde's salon set in a burlesque forest. Milk Bar, Ziggy Stardust meets Clockwork Orange in this mod lounge. Spy Bar where Bond girls rule and martini's are shaken, never stirred." Fridays & Saturdays - Begining July 4th & 5th
Heathrow Lounge 681 Washington Avenue South Beach

Halo: First DC, the Miami Beach, and next Fort Lauderdale!
The arrival of DC based martini bar Halo turned Miami Beach's scene on its head, pumping some much needed life into happy hour with hot DJs and excotic half priced martinis (and did we mention that it is also smoke free?). Well, after rumors the bar would be expanded to Chicago, word has hit the street that Fort Lauderdale is next. Look for another outpost of the hip martini bar to land in 2009 on trendy Las Olas Boulevard (which hasn't been the same since Cathose Ray closed nearly two years ago). Given its success in Miami Beach, look for Halo Fort Lauderdale to shake up the scene just a bit in Broward, too. www.the411mag.com

Miami's Bryan Hawn has top 10 video on Logo TV
You can wacth the video and vote for Bryan Hawn's "More Than Enough" in the Logo video countdown here: www.logoonline.com

Return to the Sandbox - 4th of July Weekend in Miami
AMNESIA Tea-Dance 10-Year Reunion
Back when fabulous washed over South Beach like an algae tide, there was a club-a fabled club-where the fabulous gathered to play. Modeled after its Mediterranean sister on the isle of Ibiza, Amnesia opened on February 18, 1994-ushering in an era of hedonism not seen on Miami Beach since-well, since the last debauched era. With 32,000 square feet and a capacity for 2,500 revelers, Amnesia’s indoor/outdoor space was the scene of numerous bacchanals-and yet there was nothing quite like the annual Amnesia New Year’s Day party thrown by Craig and the Boys. www.edgemiami.com

Sunday's Amnesia Tea Dance 10 Year Reunion
Take Sunday's Amnesia Tea Dance 10 Year Reunion. Wow, 10 years? We thought it had been 20, frankly, but that said, for those who weren't born yet, who weren't here yet, or who hadn't found a decent ID then, Amnesia was the original club in the space that's now Opium Garden. This Sunday's reunion from 3-9 p.m. features DJs David Knapp and Lazaro Leon, with shows by drag divas Adora, Daisy Deadpetals and Shelly Novak, among other unintended, non-headlining drama queens. Advance tickets are being sold at Halo for $15; they're $20 at the door at Opium. A portion of the proceeds will benefit SAVE Dade's efforts to fight the Marriage Protection Amendment. In addition, dance diva Aleta will sing live. Shirts not required. If you've never experienced a tea dance, this is not your granny's sweet Lipton, so brace yourself for a wild and raucous time. www.miamiherald.com

Remembering Amnesia
Gone are the days of Warsaw Ballroom, Splash, Pump, Salvation, Paragon, Level, Kremlin, and the Loading Zone. Those gay nightspots defined South Beach in the 1990’s. Another weekly event that helped to define South Beach as a gay Mecca was the long-running Tea Dance held at Amnesia (now Opium Garden). Edison Farrow will be bringing back the decadence and fun of that weekly event that celebrated not only gay life, but life in general. Even with a name like Amnesia, it is hard to forget the drag shows and foam parties. The Amnesia Tea Dance 10 year anniversary party will be held once again at Opium Garden on July 6, 2008 from 3pm until 9pm. Farrow will also be bringing back the DJ that made this event such a success and who went on to be a superstar DJ himself. David Knapp held his Sunday service with his turntable as his choir and South Beach’s gayest as his congregation. Also making appearances will be Amnesia regulars Daisy Deadpetals, Adora and Shelley Novak. www.sobegayinfo.com

July 4th Fireworks 7:30pm on Ocean Drive at 10th Street
This is a truly unique, touching demonstration of our independence. Beginning at 7:30 PM, music by DJ Irie will bring the crowd to its feet. Fireworks will start at nighfall. I can’t think of a more patriotic or more purely Miami way to celebrate! Festivities will be on the beach at 10th Street and Ocean Drive. For more information, call the Miami Beach Tourism Center at 305.673.7400. www.miami.about.com

MDGLCC 7th Annual Gala Awards Dinner - Saturday, June 28th
Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) will honor corporate and individual leaders of the community at its 7th Annual Gala Awards Dinner, Saturday, June 28 at 6:30 PM. This year’s honorees are: Williamson Cadillac, AT&T Business of the Year Award; Yesi Leon and Alison Burgos, Business Persons of the Year; and SAVE Dade, Not-For-Profit Organization of the Year. Tickets are $140 per person/$1250 for table of 10; includes cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, Cabaret and valet parking. Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel, 1601 Biscayne Blvd. For tickets and information, please call 305.573.4000 www.gogaymiami.com

Dealer Accused of Selling Banned Munitions to Army
The 22-year-old president of a Miami Beach arms-dealing company and three other people were charged Friday with selling prohibited Chinese ammunition to the Pentagon to supply Afghan security forces, federal officials said. A federal grand jury in Miami indicted the munitions dealer, Efraim E. Diveroli, president of AEY Inc., as well as two former employees and a business associate, on charges of fraud and conspiring to misrepresent the types of ammunition they sold to the Defense Department as part of a $298 million Army contract. www.nytimes.com

The Art of Being Blair Russell
Blair Russell has created a little spot on the edge of Miami's Historic Lemon City where coloring all over the walls is encouraged. A place where you can live within your art, create art and yes, even graffiti the walls - all in the name of improving the area and providing a haven for artists to live and work. Located on 62nd Street off Biscayne Boulevard, Russell bought a former crack house four years ago and converted it into affordable housing for local artists. www.ambiente.us

Ed Hardy 2008 Swimwear Fashions
Beach brights don’t always mean flowers and tropical prints. Give the florals a break with beachwear that is tattoo-inspired, minus the pain and commitment. All swimwear and accessories available at Shop 603 on Las Olas Boulevard, except Little Boy Blue Design briefs - available at www.lbbdesign.com. Models are Elio Soto, Alexa Elder, Amee Inger, Charles Justo, and Michele Graglia. All models are represented by Irene Marie in South Beach. www.expressgaynews.com

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force donates $180,000 to Dade Community Foundation
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced at a Coconut Grove reception last night that $200,000 from the 11th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner and the 2008 Winter Party Festival will benefit the local Miami GLBT community. Of that amount, $180,000 will be granted to Dade Community Foundation’s GLBT Community Projects Fund to be disbursed to local organizations providing critical services to LGBT people. The remaining $20,000 will be used to conduct a long-term strategic planning process for the future of the Winter Party Festival. Last year the Task Force’s donation to the Foundation was $160,000. www.miamiherlad.com/gay

Unity on the Bay "Summerfest 2008"
Unity on the Bay has been busy at work preparing its next concert "Summerfest 2008" which will take place on Friday, June 27 at 8pm at Unity on the Bay 411 NE 21 Street. The concert is being presented on a love offering basis, with a suggested donation of $25.00
They have a wonderful variety of artists lined up:
Tomey Sellars, Vocalist and Top 3 contestant in VH1's "Born To Diva" competition
Nicole Yarling, Vocals and Violin
Vince Broomfield, Jazz Saxophone
Unity on the Bay Choir- Voted "Best Choir in 2007" by the Miami New Times. Voces de Luz - Unity on the Bay's Spanish Choir, directed by local Latin artist Rafa Caraballo. Unity on the Bay House Band, lead by Grammy-nominated producer Dan Geary.

The Power of Purple - Friday, June 27th
Each year, between 50,00 and 100,000 lesbians and as many as 50,000 gay men are battered. The Power of Purple will be an event to raise awareness about intimate violence in the GLBT community on Friday, June 27th at 7pm at Score 727 Lincoln Road Miami Beach. Admission is $10. For more information, contact Gheisha at 305.693.1170 ext 237 or email gheishar@thelodgemiami.org www.thelodgemiami.org

Memoir coming from Madonna's brother Christopher Ciccone
The mystery is solved: Madonna's brother, Christopher Ciccone, is writing a memoir about his sister, to be released in mid-July by an imprint of Simon & Schuster, the publisher told The Associated Press on Wednesday. "Life With My Sister Madonna" will have a first printing of 350,000. Financial details were not disclosed. Ciccone, 47, has worked often with his older sister, designing and directing her "Girlie Show" tour in 1993 and serving as artistic director of her 1991 documentary, "Madonna: Truth or Dare." But according to Madonna's spokeswoman, Liz Rosenberg, they are no longer close. www.news.yahoo.com

Desmond Child: Livin' out his prayer
Songwriter/producer Desmond Child's name may not be universally known, but chances are you've heard to one of his songs, and probably have had one of his hook-heavy anthems stuck in your head for days. Miami-born of Cuban descent, Child, 54, has penned some of the biggest, if not most memorable, songs in recent pop history including Aerosmith's "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)," "The Thong Song" by Sisqo, "Livin' la Vida Loca" by Ricky Martin, and his signature anthem, Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer." He's considered a genius in songwriting circles, having written major songs in just minutes. And on June 19th, Child will be inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, joining music giants Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, and one of Child's greatest musical heroes, Joni Mitchell. www.expressgaynews.com

Lee Schrager: The Food Festival Booker, Catering to Star Chefs
On a morning early this spring, Lee Brian Schrager phoned Kimberly Yorio, a publicist who works with chefs. Ms. Yorio had been trying to figure out how to promote a client’s book, and she used the occasion of the call to ask about the New York City Wine & Food Festival that Mr. Schrager was planning for October. www.nytimes.com

True Colors Tour - Thursday, June 19th
Tickets are now on sale for the True Colors tour starring Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, Rosie O'Donnell, Deborah Cox, The Clicks and hosted by Carson Kressley. The concert will be at the Sinatra Theater in the Bank Atlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 19th at 6:30pm www.ticketmaster.com

Glitzy Karu & Y restaurant seeks a buyer
In retrospect, the owner of Karu & Y realizes that spending $25 million to open a restaurant and nightclub on the edge of Overtown was a prescription for failure. Monter won't disclose how much money he lost since opening the Karu & Y complex in October 2006, although he admits that spending $25 million was ''way too much.'' During its first year of operation, Karu & Y, at 71 NW 14th St. in Miami, rang up $8 million in revenue and attracted lots of high-profile celebrities to the glitzy complex with its over-the-top decor and original artwork worth millions. Yet, it still couldn't generate enough revenue to cover the investment. www.miamiherald.com

Record producer Scott Storch's legal, tax problems spin out of control
Record producer Scott Storch, who owns a $10.5 million home on Miami Beach's Palm Island, is behind in property taxes -- $511,839.16. He owes $294,492.50 for '06, and $217,346.66 for '07. Storch, 34, who has worked with such major names as Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Dr. Dre and Paris Hilton, also has mounting legal problems. He is in arrears on child support for son Jalen, 2, and was a no-show at a hearing. So Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Marc Schumacher issued a pick-up order, authorizing cops to jail Storch until he can be brought to court. www.miamiherald.com

Karu & Y is done: Stick a fork in it
Celeb not-so-hot spot Karu & Y is way done. The $25 million downtown Miami restaurant closed in February and now Y Ultralounge, the other glitzy half of the complex, has shuttered its doors, too. Opened in September 2006, Karu never could seem to shake the fact that it was on the edge of an impoverished section of Overtown. High-end patrons often had to be escorted to their cars by bodyguards, and kids on bikes peddled around the entrance asking for money. www.miamiherald.com

Hollywood, FL Designer Mike Verdugo Chosen for HGTV's Design Star
He's a ploice officer with a passion for building and design. Now Michael Verdugo is hoping to turn his passion into a TV career, as one of the nine designers competinh on HGTV's "Design Star". www.cbs4.com

Former Nicky O site sells for $25M at auction
The investors behind Jordache Jeans bought the Breakwater and Edison hotels for $25 million in a bankruptcy auction. A condo-hotel plan had fallen flat. www.miamiherald.com

She sees your True Colors
When Cyndi Lauper and her True Colors Tour pulls into the BankAtlantic Center on Thursday, June 19, fans will hear more than great music during the five-hour program. In each city, the all-star line-up has varied; the south Florida concert will feature headliners Lauper, The B-52s, Rosie O’Donnell, Deborah Cox, The Cliks, as well as former porn star-turned-singer Colton Ford. "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" fashion expert Carson Kressley is serving as host for the tour. www.expressgaynews.com

SoBe Fest - June 13th - 16th
This year, Miami Beach will have its first summer gay weekend celebration with eight different events held at seven of Miami Beach’s hottest venues including the rooftop of the Catalina Hotel, Score Nightclub, Halo, Gem Restaurant, Palace Bar, Dek23, and TWIST nightclub. Each venue will have a live DJ and performances by local, national, and international artists. 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the South Beach Aids Project. Call 305.535.4733 to purchase tickets or email SoBeFest@Sobeaids.org. SEE FLYER

Miami Gay Chorus "By the Sword" - June 13th - 15th
The Miami Gay Men's Chorus' June concert "By the Sword" (a tribute to America's armed forces) will be performed at the Colony Theater 1040 Lincoln Road in South Beach. Performances will be Friday June 13th at 8pm, Saturday June 14th at 8pm and Sunday June 15th at 3pm. For tickets or more information please visit www.miamigaychorus.org

Casting Gay Millionares for Season 2 OF Bravo's "The Millionaire Matchmaker"
Bravo's latest hit docu-series, "The Millionaire Matchmaker," returns for a second season of exciting romantic introductions with real-life cupid Patti Stanger, The series chronicles this matchmaker's life mission to bring people together in hopes that they can find their true love.
We are in search of eligible gay male and female millionaires* who are ready to meet the love of their life. Selected participants will gain the benefit of working with Patti Stanger of the Millionaire's Club, one of the most upscale executive matchmaking services in the nation.
We are interviewing candidates in Southern California and select cities around the country until June 6th. To schedule an interview or receive video submission instructions please call or email a brief description, including a recent photo, and your contact information to:
Attn: Goloka Bolte
Casting Producer
108casting@gmail.com
Office: 323.472.62229

Miami-Dade domestic partners ordinance now law
Thanks to the support of Mayor Carlos Alvarez, the Domestic Partners and Family Health Coverage Ordinance is now law in Miami-Dade County. The Miami-Dade County Commission approved the ordinance at their meeting on May 20, 2008 in a historic 8 to 4 vote. Any measure that is passed automatically becomes law after 10 calendar days unless vetoed by the mayor. www.miamiherald.com

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel: Working It Out in Miami
Spotted working out again at the David Barton Gym at the Flamingo South Beach Tuesday afternoon: Justin Timberlake, working out with his girlfriend Jessica Biel. www.miamiherald.com

Mario Lopez hits the beach in Miami
Marion and Kartina Smirnoff enjoy some time together in Miami while Mario was in town for a book signing last week. www.socialitelife.com

Dad: Lindsay Lohan Lesbian Romance is Obvious
Responding to photos which surfaced late last week of Lindsay Lohan and DJ Samantha Ronson necking and kissing in Cannes, Lohan's father Michael told Us Weekly that the couple's "romance is evident to anyone with half a brain." www.towleroad.com

Advertiser: Gustavo Briand Hair Studio
We offer profound and lasting results due to our intense training and most importantly, our creativity. Our haircutting and color techniques are at the same capacity as those of a classically trained musician. We know and understand the rules of technique before we expand our creativity. We are transforming the world one head at a time; by making differences in the High Arts and the Sustainability of our planet. We transform hair into High Art.
Hair can save the world.
Gustavo Briand
Gustavo Briand Studio
1701 Sunset Harbor Drive (Purdy Ave) Suite #106
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Phone: 305.673.3600
www.gustavobriandstudio.com

Charlie David: Star of the hit indie comedy, "A Four Letter Word"
Fort Lauderdale's Gateway Cinemas hosts the gay indie film "Four Letter Word," starring Charlie David ("Dante's Cove") and Jesse Archer ("Slutty Summer"). The film won a positive review from The New York Times, described as "good natured raunchiness;" it opened in Fort Lauderdale on May 9. Express caught up with David, to ask him about relationships, nakedness, and what that "four letter word" really means. www.expressgaynews.com

A FOUR LETTER WORD - Wednesday, June 11th
Join us for this special screening of Casper Andreas' A FOUR LETTER WORD on Wednesday, June 11th. There will be two screenings 7:45pm and 9:30pm. This will be the only Miami screening of this film. The film stars Charlie David and Jesse Archer. There will be an After Party immediately following each showing.
Miami Beach Cinematheque 512 Espanola Way in Miami Beach
You can purchase advance tickets here: www.mbcimena.com

Magic Kingdom: One Mighty Weekend - June 5th - 8th
In 1991, a small gay group donned eye-catching red shirts and gathered at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, having no idea that word of mouth would propel their ''Gay Day'' outing into an event of epic proportions. Within six years, attendance had swelled to 60,000, and a single day had morphed into nearly a week of activities. www.miamiherald.com/gay

Orlando: One Mighty Weekend - June 5th - 8th
Noted party impresario Johnny Chisholm invites you to experience ONE MIGHTY WEEKEND 2008 - four days and nights of legendary dance events, world-class entertainment, wet and rambunctious pool parties, plus "family fun" in the Disney parks. Chisholm's ONE MIGHTY WEEKEND festivities are the only Orlando Gay Days Weekend events hosted at the Walt Disney World® Resort. For more information, go to www.onemightyweekend.com

Sex and the City: The girls are back
There are no Wookies in the Sex and the City movie -- no Vulcans with pointy ears or hobbits with oversize feet or aging archaeologists fond of bullwhips and fedoras. Heck, there probably isn't a single computer-generated special effect in it, although it's a safe bet its overwhelmingly female target audience will be oohing and aahing through it anyway. www.miamiherald.com

The News at 55th Street Station is now open!
Mark Soyka, who owns the 55th Street Station retail and restaurant complex, is opening an indoor-outdoor cafe and bar there -- this month. He planned to call it The News - he operates News Cafe on South Beach's Ocean Drive. Soyka, 64, also operates Van Dyke Cafe and Segafredo on Lincoln Road, and on Biscayne Corridor, Soyka's and Andiamo pizza. www.miamiherald.com

Vlada Bar is coming to Mid-Town Miami!
Well, it's official. Vlada was given permits and permission and is now officially coming to Miami. Look for a grand opening coming in a few months. www.vladabar.com

Miami Dade Domestic Partnership Passes
In a 8-4 vote, the Miami-Dade County Commission approved a county-wide domestic-partnership registry, providing recognition to all non-married couples who register in the county. The measure includes shared health insurance for county employees, as well as family visitation rights for partners at county health care facilities. www.expressgaynews.com

Footlights on once again
The musical theater genre can be seen as a metaphor for the way gay people live: suppressing emotions until they can’t bear holding them inside any longer, and bursting into song and dance. Reality may translate such experiences into “coming out” to family and friends, or even just making that drive to the single gay bar in the area that is hours away. Nevertheless, as the modern gay rights movement has evolved and fought for legitimate representation on the large and small screen, the stage has excelled in using theatrics to tell stories that speak about the LGBT experience. www.expressgaynews.com

John McCain and Ellen DeGeneres Talk Same-Sex Marriage
John McCain taped Ellen DeGeneres' show yesterday and the subject of same-sex marriage came up. Ellen is firing on all pistons here. She takes what was becoming an awkward impasse and drives home her argument with a laugh. www.towleroad.com

"Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad" takes Downtown Miami
"I put the whore in hora," declares the Goddess Perlman, ringmaster and MC extraordinaire of Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad – and so goes an evening of bashing all stereotypes ever uttered about Jewish women. Bringing a combination of comedy, parody and burlesque to South Florida for one evening only, the cast of Nice Jewish Girls Gone Bad will take to the stage on Saturday, May 31 at 9 p.m. at the historic Alfred I. DuPont Building 169 E Flagler Street in downtown Miami. Admission is $18 and tickets may be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800.838.3006.

Lavender Footlights Festival - May 31st - June 1st
The 6th Annual Lavender Footlights Festival is being held on Saturday May 31st and Sunday, June 1st at the Miami Science Museum, 3280 South Miami Avenue, across from Vizcaya. The festival will feature daily cocktail receptions with entertainment. The full-lineup of plays, talents, and events will be announced in early April.
For more information and to learn how you can get involved call 305-433-8111 or visit www.lavenderfootlights.org

Save the Date! Amnesia Tea Dance 10 Year Reunion - Sunday, July 6th
Oh, the good old days! On Sunday, July 6th, Edison Farrow will take you back to the days of the Amnesia Tea Dance with DJ David Knapp, DJ Lazaro Leon and performances by Adora, Daisy Deadpetals and Shelley Novak. This event will be back at the venue where it all happened, Amnesia, which is now Opium Garden.

Underdog Denim 1 Year Anniversary Friday Night
You are invited to party, eat, drink & meet in celebration of the One Year Anniversary of Underdog Denim. This is an all men's boutique with jeans, tees, jewelry, bathings suits, footwear and accessories. 25% off on all items. Complimentary cocktails 4pm to 10pm, DJ Sean Drake.
Underdog Denim 6665 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138.
For more information, call 305.746.5151.
www.underdogdenim.com

An Evening with Music - Friday, May 30th 8pm
You are invited to a complimentary evening of classical music featuring South Beaches finest Classical musicians on Friday, May 30th at 8pm at the Standard Hotel 40 Island Avenue Miami Beach, FL 305.673.1717 . This casual evening fuses Strings, Arias, and true to Miami style, a DJ. Featuring Thomas Moore and Melissa Palichat on Violins, Richard Fleischman on Viola, Michael Andrews on Cello and the musical stylings of DJ Tavin. Arias by Eduardo Calcano (Tenor), Suana Diaz (Soprano), Maria Aleida Rodriguez (Soprano). See Flyer

Dade approves domestic-partner benefits
Unmarried couples in Miami-Dade won the right to hospital and jail visitation on Tuesday, following an 8-4 vote by the County Commission, and county employees will be able to buy health coverage for their partners. Couples will be able to register their partnerships with the county's Consumer Services Department by late August. The system is open to unmarried, nonrelated couples -- gay or straight -- who are at least 18 and live together. "It's a matter of compassion, a matter of correcting an injustice, a matter of moving forward as a progressive county," said Commissioner Katy Sorenson. County staff estimated 900 couples would file this year. www.miamiherald.com

Drag Queen robs Burger King
SEE VIDEO

Miami Ink ending after three years of tattooing
The stars of Miami Ink, the series that thrust a South Beach tattoo parlor into reality TV fame, say the show has come to an end after nearly three years on the air. Ami James said Monday he and co-star Chris Nuñez declined to extend Discovery Communications' option to order more episodes of the TLC show. James said that move effectively ended their contracts with the cable conglomerate, and that no talks are under way to shoot more episodes of their life as South Beach tattoo artists. www.miamiherald.com

South Beach clubs face tougher noise rules
In a blow to the South Beach nightlife industry, city commissioners took steps toward beefing up Miami Beach's noise ordinance in two big ways on Wednesday. As it stands now, the city can temporarily shut down clubs and restaurants for a weekend after the business's fourth noise violation. Under the proposed change, the gathering spots could be closed for the weekend upon their second violation. www.miamiherald.com

Cuban Government Backs Calls to Combat Homophobia
Cuba's gay community celebrated unprecedented openness -- and high-ranking political alliances - with a government-backed campaign against homophobia on Saturday. The meeting at a convention center in Havana's Vedado district may have been the largest gathering of openly gay activists ever on the communist-run island. President Raul Castro's daughter Mariela, who has promoted the rights of sexual minorities, presided. www.advocate.com

Vote for Tiffany on "RuPaul's Drag Race"!
"RuPaul's Drag Race" will feature contestants competing to become 'America's next superstar drag queen,' with RuPaul serving as host, mentor and judge. Vote for Miami's Tiffany to be a contestant on the show. You can vote for Tiffany "Fantasia" Phillips (The Palace, Twist) on the Logo webiste at www.rupaulsdragrace.com

Gay Pride Miami Beach coming in 2009! - April 17th - 19th 2009
The City of Miami Beach has put together a team of people, lead by Mayor Matti Bower, to plan for a Miami Beach Gay Pride April 17th to 19th 2009. On Saturday April 18th, Ocean Drive will be closed to traffic for a parade followed by a dance party on the beach.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi to Marry
The first high-profile couple to take advantage of California's big Supreme Court decision yesterday, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi announced they're getting married during the taping of Ellen's show yesterday. The show will air today. www.tmz.com

Bernadette Peters' first book "Broadway Barks"
On May 12th, 2008, Bernadette Peters hosted a launch party for her first book, "Broadway Barks". A long time advocate for pet adoption, Peters and fellow actress Mary Tyler Moore started the organization Broadway Barks! Each year they hold a star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, benefiting New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. www.broadwayworld.com

Seeking Asylum Based on Sexual Orientation - May 27th 7pm
On Tuesday, May 27th at 7pm The Miami Beach Branch Library will host a seminar on seeking asylum in the United States based on sexual orientation. The seminar will be at the Miami Beach Branch Library, 227 22nd Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139. For more information, please call 305.535.4219.

North American Gay Volleyball Champoinships in Miami this weekend
This weekend, the North American Gay Volleyball Champoinships are in Miami Beach playing at the Miami Beach Convention Center May 21st to May 25th. For more information, go to www.nagva.org

Sizzle Miami - May 22nd - 26th
Over the past six years, Sizzle Miami has grown to become America's most celbrated black gay event. There are evnets over the five days including a Booze Cruise, Quuens of Comedy Show, Sizzle Beach, Haulover Beach Party, Crown & Sexy Affiar and the Stripp Off. For full information, go to www.sizzlemiami.com

New York's Vlada coming to Mid-Town Miami!
Vlada Lounge Miami will be coming to Mid-Town Miami at 3215 NE 2nd Avenue. They are planning for a July 4th weekend Grand Opening.
www.vladabar.com

Miami Council says gay bar will bring “bad element” to Design District
Vlada Von Shats is on the brink of opening the Miami Design District's first full-time gay bar: her eponymous New York lounge, Vlada, is slated to open its second location here in south Florida, at a spot on the corner of 32nd and NE 2nd Ave. But after leasing the space and paying for all the necessary permits, the city commission has denied her request to open for business, based on worries that the lounge will bring a "bad element" to the neighborhood. www.expressgaynews.com

SoBe Social Club Goes to the Dogs
On Tuesday, May 20th, from 9:00 PM to midnight, The Oasis Pool at The Raleigh Hotel is going to the dogs, literally. It’s the latest promotion from Edison Farrow, the well-known creator of The Sobe Social Club. Farrow promotes very popular weekly events and parties at all Sobe’s hotspots. Next week, he has arranged for his ever so famous "Martini Tuesdays" to help benefit animals in need. He’s calling the event "Mutts and Martinis." Volunteers of The Greater Miami Humane Society will be accepting voluntary donations at the door. www.edgemiami.com

"Mutts and Martinis" and "Halo Happy Hour"
Should you experience a brutal, post-weekend hangover, consider catching Martini Tuesdays next week, when the usual weekly cocktail confab transforms into Mutts & Martinis for a Humane Society of Greater Miami fundraiser from 9 p.m.-midnight at the Raleigh Hotel's Oasis Pool Bar, 1775 Collins Ave. Dogs (and their owners) are welcome and The Humane Society will be taking donations at the door. Speaking of Martini Tuesdays, its mastermind, Edison Farrow, has joined forces with Jason Tamanini and Halo, 1625 Michigan Ave., to create Halo Happy Hour, from 4-9 p.m. Fridays, featuring half-price drinks, free hors d'oeuvres, music and mingling. It's about time this city realized the proper time for happy hour isn't 11 p.m. www.miamiherald.com

CNN / The Insider's Thomas Roberts featured in The Advocate
In 2006 a blog announced to the world that Thomas Roberts is gay, and the then CNN anchor instantly became the poster boy for a very rare breed: the out news anchor. But as Sean Kennedy reports, the success of Roberts and other out anchors and on-air talent may finally shatter their industry’s glass ceiling for gays -- and usher in the future of broadcast news. www.advocate.com

A Four Letter Word (R) *** Light fare's quite fulfilling
Is love just another four-letter word? That's the question that haunts Casper Andreas' well-crafted, deceptively light 'n' fluffy romantic comedy. www.miamiherald.com

Dan Renzi new Editor in Chief at Expess Gay News
Dan Renzi has just been hired as Editor in Chief for the Express Gay News. Dan is known from his days on MTV's Real World and Road Rules. He has also worked as a writer for the New York Post and the Miami New Times. www.expressgaynews.com
You can read his blog "How's your day, Dan?" here: www.danrenzi.typepad.com/

Miami gay Judge David Young up for Emmy Award
Young, 49, says he was "absolutely flabbergasted" at his nomination. After all, he says, he's a TV rookie - his show launched last September. "There are so many others who've been doing it much longer and have such a good reputation that I never thought that the new kid on the block would be able to compete." He wants to walk the red carpet with his partner, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Scott Bernstein. www.miamiherald.com

Madonna to end tour at Dolphin Stadium
Madonna's Sticky and Sweet tour is coming to South Florida, promoters announced Thursday. The tour will wrap up Nov. 26, a Saturday, with a show at Dolphin Stadium. That's nearly two months after the North American leg of the tour kicks off Oct. 3 in East Rutherford, N.J. It is Madonna's first major tour since 2006. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. May 31. They are priced at $70, $120, $195 and $390. www.miamiherald.com
Tickets are available at www.livenation.com

Pacific Time set to re-open in Design District
For nearly 15 years, Jonathan Eismann's Pacific Time on Lincoln Road was a favorite hangout for locals, celebrities, restaurateurs, rock stars and fashionistas. Pacific Time was internationally recognized for its food and service, and for the quintessential sexy, laid back ambiance that epitomized South Beach style.
Pacific Time plans to open at 35 NE 40th Street in the Design District next week. For reservations, call 305.722.7369.

The Girlie Brunch - Sundays 11am to 4pm
The Girlie Brunch just launched a few weeks ago at Gem Lounge 671 Washington Avenue South Beach. It is a fun drag show with great food. Please support Pussila, Geraldine, FernanDcute, DJ Troy Landon and your host Andres.
Entrees range from $9 to $13 and include coffee, orange juice and a mimosa. For reservations, call 305.674.0977 www.thegirliebrunch.com

"Mutts and Martinis" special 'dog friendly' Martini Tuesdays - May 20th
Save the date for a special "Mutts and Martinis" Martini Tuesdays on Tuesday, May 20th. This will be a night to bring your best canine friend along for a night on the town. This event will benefit the Humane Society of Miami.

Aqua Girl - May 14th - 18th
Something for everyone, held in a variety of locations on Miami Beach, this year’s Aqua Girl line-up includes a night of comedy with national comic, four unique evenings of dance parties; a women’s art exhibit, a dining event, a wet and wild pool party; a delectable women’s jazz brunch, first annual mega beach party, a girls rock concert and more. Having so much fun, never did so much good. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.aquagirl.org

Cut! Filming in Florida just got less attractive
Without $25 million in production subsidies, Florida will find it tough to lure movies and TV shows to shoot here. www.miamiherald.org

Aquagirl Tea Dance for EVERYBODY at Opium (Amnesia)! - Sunday, May 18th
This will be their first co-ed party, that's right an event that everyone will enjoy. They are taking you back to the legendary "South Beach Tea Dance" that we all know and love. Aquagirl is inviting all gay gentlemen friends to show them how the girls can party with the best of them! They even have their own superstar DJs and entertainment including our hometown girl, Tracy Young to tear up the turntables spinning some classics and the latest House music. DJ Kidd Maddony & chart topping Diva, Joi Cardwell. Tickets only $20! Opium Garden 136 Collins Avenue Miami Beach 1pm to 7pm.
To purchase tickets, go to www.aquagirl.org

A FOUR LETTER WORD opens Friday in Fort Lauderdale!
Certain four letter words take on a twist in the witty, modern-day, gay romantic comedy A Four Letter Word, directed by Casper Andreas (Slutty Summer, Mormor's Visit). Produced on location in New York, and starring two high-profile gay actors, Jesse Archer and Charlie David, the film takes a fresh, honest, and hopelessly hilarious approach to modern day romance. Because not everything is what it seems. Not even a gay cliche. Being true to oneself is the only real therapy in this fun, sexy, seemingly frivolous tale of New York City boys and those who love them.
Opening Friday, May 9th Gateway Cinemas 1820 East Sunrise Blvd FTL. For more information, please visit www.afourletterwordmovie.com

Paul Jacober's t-shirts are hot, cool and oh-so-chic
Miami graphic designer Paul Jacober’s line of t-shirts have a chic, vintage vibe to them. His 'Florida' series is inspired by Miami Beach and Davie. His ‘Nevermind The Roses’ line focuses on popular British imagery. Click the link to check out the 'cool shirts'. www.the411mag.com

SoFla hottie Mike Verdugo on HGTV's Designstar starting June 8th!
Michael, a bilingual police officer in Hollywood, Florida, spent his teens working alongside his father in a kitchen design business. A few years later, Michael, or “Mikey V” as he is know to his friends, found a creative outlet for his building and design passion by “flipping” homes that he renovated and redesigned in his spare time. The venture was so successful that he runs his own home staging company when he’s not out on patrol.
HGTV’s top-rated series, HGTV Design Star, returns for a third season on Sunday, June 8, at 9 p.m. ET/PT and runs through Sunday, August 3. www.hgtv.com/designstar

Aniston to Paparazzi: I'm Not Your Friend, Buddy!
Jennifer Aniston got accosted at a Florida Marlins game Thursday night by an overzealous photog who got a little too close for comfort. Hands off Mayer's woman!
Aniston was filming a scene at the game with Owen Wilson for their upcoming movie "Marley & Me." CBS4 in Miami tells that after they were done filming, a photog got too close to Aniston and wouldn't back off. Cops warned him several times to keep his distance, but he wouldn't listen -- so officers moved in. www.tmz.com

"Chat Noir Club" Mondays at Dream
The "Chat Noir Club" is an amazing new burlesque cabaret review Monday nights at Dream Nightclub 1532 Washington Avenue. Circ X 's dancers, singers, drag queens and acrobats perform in this outrageous, edgy show every Monday from 10pm to midnight!

Clubland revival: New blood on lower Washington Avenue
A dozen years ago, a night on the town in South Beach meant dressing to kill and heading for Washington Avenue. The area between Fifth and Eighth streets was ground zero for South Beach's international nightlife explosion. Bash and Living Room drew supermodels, European high-rollers and stars including Madonna and Sylvester Stallone. www.miamiherald.com

"Don't Fall in Love with a Homo"
Jonny "The Gay Pimp" McGovern’s latest video, "Don't Fall in Love with a Homo", is finished and debuts on-line today! www.gaypimp.com

Chat Noir: The Cabaret Culture Returns to South Beach
Chat Noir Club is a bohemian culture cabaret show featuring everything from song and dance laced with comedy, to more exotic displays of exhibitionism such as contortionists, fire acts and even dramatic theatre set to music. www.southbeach-usa.com SEE PHOTOS

Justin Timberlake chows down at Epicure
Justin Timberlake was spied at Epicure on Alton Road in Miami Beach on Tuesday afternoon with three regular guys (as in, no one appeared to be the pop star's bodyguard). They were sitting at a table near the back, eating lunch. www.miamiherald.com

SAVE Champions of Equality Awards Reception - Wednesday, May 7th
On Wednesday, May 7th SAVE Dade will be holding their annual SAVE Champions of Equality Awards Reception honoring the City Of North Miami City Council and SAVE's Founders. Please join them for a special fundraising evening celebrating SAVE's 15th Year Anniversary. Cocktails, hors d' oeuvres, awards reception & silent auction 6pm to 8:30pm. At the ICON Brickell Condominium Sales Center 501 Brickell Avenue, Miami. Tickets are $100. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.savedade.org

"Star Trek" icon Nichelle Nichols talks about her role in gay film
Actress Nichelle Nichols instantly became a television icon when she signed aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise 40 years ago as communications officer Lt. Uhura on "Star Trek." The first African-American woman cast as a lead character in a network television series has since devoted her career to roles that break down societal barriers and promote understanding. www.expressgaynews.com

George Slover | 1965-2008 : Maitre d' "lived his life onstage"
In the gilded universe of South Beach dining -- where success depends as much on image and buzz as food and service -- George Slover sparkled like $200 champagne. www.miamiherald.com/gay

George Slover - October 21 1965 to April 29 2008
George B. Slover was born on 10-21-65 and passed on 4-29-08 at the Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton, Arkansas with his mother Cecelia at his side. He was a long time resident of South Beach and was most recently employed employed by the Mandarin Oriental Group in Singapore. His illustrious career also included Operating Partner of O-R-O as well as successful stints at Barton G. The Restaurant, China Grill, Delano, Hudson Hotel, and Kiss Steakhouse. George was also well known as the first ever Maitre D'Hotel at the Ritz Carlton South Beach. He was the Spirit of Hospitality in South Beach and was loved and respected by all who knew him and will continue to be the Spirit of Hospitality on his next adventure.
There will be a memorial:
Saturday, May 3rd 3pm to 6pm
Clarke's Miami Beach 840 1st Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139 305.538.9885
At the request of George's family, for those who wish to give a donation in his name, do so to Bay Point Schools (email jasonfclarke@hotmail.com) or Make-a-Wish Foundation of South Florida, www.wish.org.
RSVP to Laura Cullen: laurac@clarkesmiamibeach.com

Jim Carrey and Rodrigo Santoro Play Gay in I Love You Phillip Morris
Last week Towleroad.com reported that Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, and Rodrigo Santoro had been spotted doing some "research" at Edison Farrow's popular gay Martini Tuesdays at Halo Lounge in Miami Beach.
Here's your first look at Carrey and Santoro flaunting their Versace in the film I Love You Phillip Morris, which just began shooting in Miami. www.towleroad.com

Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor at Martini Tuesdays at Halo
In town filming I Love You Phillip Morris, based on the true story of a Texan convict who fell in love with his celly, Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor and Rodrigo Santoro were spotted doing some field research at Edison Farrow's Martini Tuesdays party at Halo, the gay bar off Lincoln Road, where they were hanging out at a table, drinking champagne (water for Carrey). Said McGregor, "Jim's character is a con artist and an escape artist, who escapes from prison to be with me. It's an incredible story." If you live here on South Beach that story is more typical than incredible, but we'll take it. www.MiamiHerald.com
E! on Line: www.eonline.com
Perez Hilton: www.perezhilton.com
Towleroad: www.towleroad.com
OhLaLaMag: www.ohlalamag.com


Actors Research Man4Man Love at SOBE Gay Bar
Actors Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor & Rodrigo Santoro were apparently boning up for their upcoming roles in the Brokeback Prison flick I Love You Phillip Morris being filmed in Miami. The threesome was seen sharing a table & a bottle of Champaign and enjoying each other’s company Tuesday night at Halo Lounge, a popular South Beach gay bar.
Party Promoter extraordinaire Edison Farrow is accustomed to having celebrity visitors drop in for a drink or two at Martini Tuesdays, his roaming gay party. The weekly Miami Beach soirée has attracted the likes of Sandra Bernhard, Janice Dickinson and Rupert Everett. www.GaySoFla.com

Lance Bass Birthday Party Sunday Night at Gansevoort Hotel Rooftop
On Sunday night from 9pm to midnight, Lance Bass will be celebrating his birthday on the Gansevoort Hotel's fabulous rooftop lounge 2377 Collins Avenue. RSVP to SuperMarketMia@aol.com

For a price, South Beach clubs make you a VIP
It's Sunday night at the Shore Club hotel's Skybar, and a couple of guys from Indianapolis are living the South Beach dream. They're up in the VIP section with their hot blonde dates, a bottle of hip-hop's over-invoked Cristal and another of Grey Goose on their table.
They're spending more than $1,400 for the bottle service that guarantees admission to the VIP rooms of most South Beach clubs. The lure of those roped-off enclaves can be intoxicatingly strong. One problem: when the bill comes, the high living can end in clubland sticker shock. Add alcohol, and disputes over the bill can turn ugly. www.miamiherald.com

Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - April 25th - May 4th
The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, a critically acclaimed event, is based in the world-renowned historic South Beach neighborhood and screens films and videos in locations throughout Miami-Dade county and Ft. Lauderdale. The 10th annual edition will run April 25 - May 4th, 2008. Additionally, our Screening Series, which runs June - February, provides additional screenings, educational and social opportunities throughout the year. www.mglff.com

Miami Beach Real Estate Up in Smoke: Gansevoort South Beach Burns
The Gansevoort South Hotel rooftop is hot! So hot that is was on fire (yes, literally) on Thursday! www.southbeachrealestateblog.com

Dubai firm buys half of Fontainebleau
A Dubai firm has bought half the Fontainebleau resort for $375 million, putting Miami Beach's most iconic hotel partly into the hands of an oil-rich Middle Eastern government. Nakheel Hotels, whose parent company is managed by the Dubai emirate, will partner with developer Jeffrey Soffer as he prepares to reopen the Fontainebleau this fall following two years of renovations at the 1,500-room complex. www.miamiherald.com

Antique Haven closing sale
After a nine year run on 72nd Street and Biscayne, Antique Haven will be closing. Everything must go! Antiques, mid century furniture, artwork, jewelry, rugs, pottery, porcelain, display cases.
Antique Heaven Inc. 7235 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, Fl 33138

Perez Hilton calls Florida blogger a defamer
Perez Hilton claims that a Florida blogger slandered him by claiming the online gossip columnist solicited sexual favors in exchange for help promoting the man's nascent web site. In an April 8 Los Angeles Superior Court complaint, Hilton (real name: Mario Lavandeira) alleges that Jonathan Lewandowski recently told reporters that he was manipulated into sending sexually explicit videos to Lavandeira, and that the pair had sex and dated. Lavandeira, 30, charges that these claims are false, adding that Lewandowski (who uses the handle Jonathan Jaxson when blogging) has also invaded his privacy by posting his cell phone number online. www.thesmokinggun.com

PlanetOut agrees to sell magazine business for $6 million
Gay and lesbian media portal PlanetOut Inc. agreed to sell its magazine and book publishing business to Here Networks for $6 million in cash. PlanetOut publishes magazines like Out and Advocate, but wants to return its focus to its web sites gay.com and planetout.com, which have been contributing a smaller percentage of its revenue recently. www.sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com

First steps taken towards statewide gay rights bill
With the support of both Democrats and Republicans, a Florida Senate committee approved a bill this morning to prohibit discrimination against gay men and lesbians in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
"Today's vote is truly historic," said Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. "This demonstrates that Florida lawmakers are finally beginning to understand the need for a statewide law prohibiting discrimination faced by the GLBT community." www.miamiherald.com/gay

Mark's South Beach restaurant closes
After eight years as one of South Beach's top restaurants, chef and owner Mark Militello has closed Mark's South Beach in Hotel Nash. www.chefmark.com

Elephant Paints Self Portrait
www.youtube.com

Out Magazine Names 50 Most Powerful Gays and Lesbians in America
www.out.com

8 Club Mansion bouncers held in beatings
Nearly a dozen bouncers inside South Beach's Club Mansion viciously beat three University of Delaware students over a disputed bill early Friday, according to Miami Beach police. Fort Lauderdale lawyer Kevin "Bo" Dennis plans to file a lawsuit this week on the three men's behalf, claiming that they were bloodied in a back room of Club Mansion, 1235 Washington Ave. The young men had cuts and black eyes. www.miamiherald.com

Magicians Kevin and Caruso will leave you spellbound
Kevin and Caruso have been delivering cutting edge magic shows in Miami that not only break the mold of traditional entertainment, but offer a window into the genius of two creative masterminds. Together they combine a "magical" blend of comedy,Vegas-style costumes, impeccable choreography, and of course, illusions that will leave you awe-struck. www.the411mag.com

MODEL CASTING CALL: Jay McCarroll Fashion Show
Jay McCarroll, winner of Project Runway Season 1, is coming to Miami for a screening of his documentary "Eleven Minutes," about his show in New York Fashion Week. The screening will be followed by a party on the Dorset Hotel rooftop deck, featuring a fashion show of Jay's latest line.
CASTING DATE: Saturday, April 19, from 12-5 PM
LOCATION: Maxine Hotel 1756 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
Casting models models models:
Women: at least 5'8", sizes 2 to 4
Men: 5' 10" to 6' 2", sizes 40R to 42L, lean trim body types
Agency affiliation helpful but not necessary. There is no pay. All products, makeup, hairstyling, everything is being donated. There will, however, be heavy media exposure.
SEE FULL INFORMATION

12th Annual "A Night of Hope" - Thursday, April 17th
Join HELP Inc for the 12th Annual A Night of Hope on Thursday, April 17th from 6pm to 9pm. The event will be held at the Romero Britto Gallery 818 Lincoln Road. Tickets are $40 in advance and $55 at the door. HELP Inc is South Florida's only full service free legal clinic for indigent persons living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, go to www.helpinclaw.com

20th Annual AIDS Walk Miami - Sunday, April 20th
This AIDS Walk is one of oldest and largest in the country, and benefits Care Resource, South Floridas oldest and largest HIV/AIDS community organization serving both Fort Lauderdale and Miami-Dade. The course is 3.1 miles (5K) starting and ending outside the Miami Beach Convention Center. Registration begins at 8:00am. As participants come to the end of the walk at the Botanical Gardens, a celebration, sponsored by TBA is held to thank all the walkers. www.aidswalkmiami.com

Margaret Cho com­es to Miami for her "Beautiful" tour
Fresh off the Australian leg of her hilarious new tour, “Beautiful,” the controversial comedienne gabs about her latest gig, why her heart belongs to homos, her passion for Perez Hilton, and when she’s returning to a TV near you. MARGARET CHO "Beautiful" Saturday, April 12th 8pm The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater www.the411mag.com

Jim Carey Movie Casting Gay Men - Wednesday, April 16th 11am - 3pm
Lori Wyman is currently casting "I Love You Phillip Morris" starring Jim Carrey and Ewan Mcgregor. They are looking for good looking physically fit men for a gay club and gym scene. The men are supposed to be gay or OK with kissing another man on camera.
If you are interested in attending the casting, please call or just show up at the office Wednesday 11am to 3pm.
Lori Wyman Casting
16499 NE 19th Avenue Suite 203
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
305.354.3901
SEE INFORMATION

Save the Date! Edison's Birthday Bash! - Tuesday, April 15th
Please join us on Tuesday, April 15th for a Martini Tuesdays Special Event as Martini Tuesdays "Kingpin" Edison Farrow celebrates his birthday at Dream Nightclub 1532 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach. DJ FR8-0 will be spinning a wide variety of fun dance hits upstairs in the VIP Room. DJ Le Brion will be spinning progressive House music in the Main Room. There will be a fashion show by Underdog Denim with models provided by David Barton Gym. Complimentary vodka drinks 9pm to 10pm. There is no cover charge for this event.
SEE FULL INFORMATION

Your guide to the Pride in the Sun festival
Pride South Florida’s Pride in the Sun festival, which will be held in Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, promises to be one of the largest Pride celebrations on the East Coast, attracting thousands with dance tents, more than 250 vendors, Florida’s largest displa­y of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and nationally recognized entertainers.
The gates open at noon on Saturday and Sunday, and the festival continues through 7 p.m. each day. Admission is $8 or $5 for students with valid ID. The following is a guide to the festival’s events. For more information, go to www.expressgaynews.com

GLAAD Media Awards Coming to South Florida April 12th
For the third consecutive year, the GLAAD Media Awards honoring LGBT images in Spanish-language media will be held in South Florida on Saturday, April 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Actor Wilson Cruz will receive the group’s Visibilidad Award at this year’s event. The Visibilidad Award is presented to an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Spanish-language media professional who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights for our community. The ‘Hollywood Red Carpet’ style awards program and dinner will also feature a live performance by Canadian R & B singer-songwriter and actress Deborah Cox. www.gaysofla.com

George Michael Announces Summer U.S. Tour
Calling it a "rounding off" of the first phase of his career, George Michael says he'll tour the U.S. in June for the first time in nearly two decades as a prelude to phase two, which may or may not include television production, an autobiography, and producing more music, which he says he'll likely give away for free. www.towleroad.com

A Boy the Bullies Love to Beat Up, Repeatedly
All lank and bone, the boy stands at the corner with his younger sister, waiting for the yellow bus that takes them to their respective schools. He is Billy Wolfe, high school sophomore, struggling. Moments earlier he left the sanctuary that is his home, passing those framed photographs of himself as a carefree child, back when he was 5. And now he is at the bus stop, wearing a baseball cap, vulnerable at 15. www.nytimes.com

Ex-boyfriend kills gay bar's owner, hangs self, police say
Michael Brown, owner of H.G. Roosters, a bar that has been a gathering spot for the city's gay community for more than two decades, was beaten and stabbed to death by a former boyfriend who was found dead in his apartment with him Friday evening, police have determined.
Police were dispatched to Brown's 3705 S. Flagler Drive condominium about 5 p.m. Friday because the affable bar owner had not shown up to work. They found a blood-spattered apartment in disarray and Brown's body in the bedroom. Brown, 50, died of blunt trauma to the head and multiple stab wounds, an autopsy showed. www.palmbeachpost.com

Inside Miami Beach bribery scandal
A controversial Miami Beach developer, having paid more than $110,000 in bribes to city building inspectors to get his projects expedited, spent the past year wearing a wire to help law officers make a public corruption case against three men he paid off, prosecutors said Wednesday. www.miamiherald.com

Weston Senator Wants To End Florida's Gay Adoption Ban
Hoping to reverse a three decades old ban on adoptions by gay and lesbian couples because of their sexual orientation, state Senator Nan Rich of Weston has introduced a new bill that would instruct judges to consider the child's best when placing them in permanent homes. Florida is just one of three states that ban gay and lesbian couples from adopting children; the other two are Mississippi and Utah. www.cbs4.com

PrideFest of the Palm Beaches will be this weekend in park
The PrideFest of the Palm Beaches is set for noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Bryant Park, at Golfview and Lake avenues along the Intracoastal Waterway.
The 15th annual event will be a celebration for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. The event generally attracts more than 10,000 people, according to Compass, which organizes the festival. www.sun-sentinel.com

Winter Music Conference - March 25th - March 29th
Winter Music Conference, in its 23rd year, is regarded as the singular networking event in the dance music industry, attracting professionals from over 62 different countries. With its high concentration of top international artists, DJs and industry professionals, WMC permeates the international press and is thereby one of the most publicized events in the business. Every aspect of the industry is represented including the top technological innovators, artists, DJs, producers, radio and video programmers, retailers, distributors, audio manufacturers and many more. www.wintermusicconference.com

Florida's Gay political clout growing
From mounting a major offensive against Fort Lauderdale's mayor to winning county protections for transgender residents, South Florida's gay community wants politicians to know: We're here. Get used to it.
Buoyed by rising numbers, gay and bisexual activists have racked up a few recent political victories and now some political candidates hoping for a November win are actively courting them.
A few openly gay candidates are vying for several local, county and state seats, including one who could become the state's first openly gay state legislator. www.miamiherald.com

Crunch buys SoBe Sports Club
We hear that Crunch just bought the gym formerly known as Gridiron, Ironworks and most recently SoBe Sports Club.

New York's Vlada Lounge coming to Miami?
Rumor has it that the owner of the Vlada Lounge 311 W. 51st Street in New York's Hell's Kitchen is here in South Beach preparing for the opening of Vlada South Beach. She is planning for an April opening. www.vladabar.com

True Colors Tour comes to Bank Atlantic Center
Tickets are now on sale for the True Colors tour starring Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, Rosie O'Donnell, Deborah Cox, The Clicks and hosted by Carson Kressley. The concert will be at the Sinatra Theater in the Bank Atlantic Center in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, June 19th at 6:30pm. www.ticketmaster.com

Lambda Legal to represent lesbian in suit against Jackson Memorial
Lambda Legal, a national organization that advocates for gay rights, announced last week that it had sent a letter of intent to sue to Jackson Memorial Hospital, the largest hospital in Miami Dade County, for discriminating against a lesbian couple and their family during a medical emergency last year. Lisa Pond, a 39-year-old social worker from Washington state died in the hospital’s intensive care unit after suffering a brain aneurism about an hour after boarding a cruise ship at the Port of Miami sponsored by Rosie O’Donnell. www.expressgaynews.com

Ultimate Knights for MEN
For the first time in history, there is now a business opportunity exclusively for gay men. Ultimate Knights for MEN is a ground-breaking party-plan company that works in a similar manner to Mary Kay, Avon and other in-home party sales companies. Their Ultimate mission is to empower gay men while providing them a safe & fun environment to "tell all" as well as creating a discreet & confidential space in which gay men can share and laugh about "coming out", romance, sex, passion, career, relationships, breakups, life and much more.
Ultimate Knights Parties provide a discreet, safe, clean, fun environment to see, touch, smell and taste the most innovative sensual & sexual products available today. The perfect "Guy's Night In" allows men to see what the "buzz" is all about and purchase these products in the utmost privacy. Just like Ultimate Nights for Women, UK for MEN provides an opportunity for gay men to own their own businesses in a fun, exciting, explosive growth industry as well as the ability to laugh, learn, inform, enjoy and most of all, earn multiple streams of income. For further information, please feel free to contact Dennis Carman at 786.897.5558. www.ultimateknightsparty.com/dennis

Vigil for slain teen raises calls for action against gay hate crimes
As police continue to investigate two possible hate crimes against gay people, mourners, community leaders and activists united Thursday at an emotional vigil to honor the life of a 17-year-old gay teenage youth at the spot where he was killed last week. www.sun-sentinel.com

Shelly Novak Awards - Results and Video
Missed the Shelly Novak Awards? See the video here: Watch-The-Video

Beating of gay Fort Lauderdale diner possible hate crime
An early-morning breakfast in Fort Lauderdale turned into an onslaught of slurs and a beating for a gay Fort Lauderdale couple, who said they were the victims of a hate crime. The police department, which has its own liaison to the gay community, was investigating the episode as a possible hate crime. The restaurant called to apologize, according to the couple. www.miamiherald.com

The Palace Food Bar was sold
The Ocean Drive bar and restaurant Palace Food Bar has been sold. The new owner, Tom Donell, is gay and owns gay bars in Michigan. He plans to renovate and improve the business.

First Annual Equality Florida Bar Crawl - Saturday, March 15th
For the first time in history, all of South Beach’s seven day-a-week gay bars will work together on the First Annual 2008 Equality Florida Bar Crawl, which will raise funds for Equality Florida, the only statewide LGBT rights organization working to change state law. The 7 hour, four bar event is part of a weekend long celebration ending with a major donor VIP reception on board the luxurious Aqua Yacht. The crawl will begin at Palace at 8 p.m. and continue on to Halo at 10 p.m. then Score at midnight and then wrap up at TWIST at 2 a.m. Each venue will provide complimentary Absolut Mandarin and Absolut Citron cocktails for the first hour and a half. That’s six hours of free cocktails! Tickets are currently on sale for $25 in advance and $30 at the door. 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Equality Florida. To pruchase tickets, visit www.eqfl.org/tickets

Bill Clinton hosts Hillary Clinton Fundraiser - Sunday, March 16th 8:30pm
You are cordially invited to a reception with President William Jefferson Clinton in honor of Hillary Rodham Clinton in support of her Presidential Campaign on Sunday, March 16th 8:30pm at the home of Irene & Chris Korge 10355 SW 67th Ave Pinecrest, FL. Minimum Contribution: $250 per person. Host: Contribute $2,300 per person or raise $2,500. Please make personal checks payable to “Hillary Clinton for President”. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Courtney Whitney at (786) 375-0037 or e-mail cwhitney@hillaryclinton.com or RSVP online at www.contribute.hillaryclinton.com

Jimmy Kimmel is F---king Ben Affleck!
www.youtube.com

Memorial to honor gay victims of hate
Scott Hall didn't think much about gay rights, even after a stranger cracked him across the head with a baseball bat 25 years ago outside a gay bar in Melbourne. www.miamiherald.com

Rocker Boys in the rough
A skinny young man stares numbly at the ground. The camera catches him in a contemplative moment wearing an ill-fitting dress that falls off one shoulder and a pair of killer high heels. Another waiflike tough smokes a cigarette in what looks like a seedy motel room. He too looks as if he is lost in thought, but this time it seems like he's in the midst of a fresh post-coital memory. The cigarettes, the long hair, the long lanky limbs, the barely there waists, the tattoos and the wood-paneled walls all comprise a world of male sexuality in photographer Melissa Rodwell's current show, "The Boys Collection." www.expressgaynews.com

MDGLCC Monthly Business Networker - Wednesday, March 12th 6pm
MDGLCC Monthly Business Networker will meet on Wednesday, March 12th at Mamushka's Made in Havana Arts Café 31 NW 36th Street from 6pm to 9pm. Beverages by Finlandia Vodka, Barefoot Wines and Southern Comfort provided. Hors d'oeuvres will be home-made by Mamushka's Cafe and entertainment by the Gold Coast Society Dance Band. A $20.00 suggested donation with proceeds going to the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival's Cultural Challenge Matching Grant. For more information, call 305.573.4000 or visit www.gogaymiami.com

Gay teen shot dead while dressed as woman in Fort Lauderdale
The shooting death of a gay teenage boy who was dressed in women's clothing is being investigated as a possible hate crime, while detectives try to determine whether he was targeted because of his sexual orientation. Simmie Williams Jr., 17, was attacked on the 1000 block of Sistrunk Boulevard by two young men who wore dark clothing and might live in the neighborhood, police said. www.sun-sentinel.com

Gay man bequeaths $65 million to LGBT groups
Ric Weiland, one of Microsoft's first five employees, has left tens of millions of dollars of his estate to a fund to benefit eleven LGBT charities, PageOneQ has learned. The bequest includes multi-million dollar gifts to Seattle's Pride Foundation, Lambda Legal, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. www.pageoneq.com

Gay festival is fun - but hosts mean business
Winter Party is a day at the beach, but National Gay and Lesbian Task Force organizers want everyone to know that the big, weeklong festival has a serious side, too. www.miamiherald.com

New Gay Miami/LA Based Reality Show
Ne'er-do-well socialite Fabian Basabe, last seen on TV in "Filthy Rich: Cattle Drive," is trying his hand at another reality show. He told me at the Sunset Tower's W magazine party that he's shooting a pilot called "The Mean Boys." "The concept is we're opening a lounge in L.A., and we decide who we're going to invite and who we're not," he said. Flanked by his wife, La Perla heiress Martina, Basabe introduced me to his co-stars: South Beach publicist Nick D'Annunzio and Jose Ortiz, who writes for Ocean Drive magazine. "Jose is the first lady of Miami," said Basabe. "I tell everyone that." www.nydailynews.com

Frank Ciliberti Art Show at Circa 28 - Saturday, March 8th 7pm
Artist (and Twist bartender) Frank Ciliberti will be showing his artwork at Circa 28. The opening for his show "SOMETHING_YOU_DON'T_KNOW_ABOUT_ME" will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 7pm. Circa 28 2826 North Miami Avenue, Miami. To view his work and for more information, go to www.FrankCiliberti.com

The Barber of Seville free performance in Flamingo Park - Saturday, March 2nd
The City of Miami Beach’s Arts in the Parks program, together with Miami Lyric Opera, presents the comedic opera "The Barber of Seville" ("Il Barberiere di Siviglia") on Saturday, March 2nd 6pm at Flamingo Park, Meridian Avenue and 12th Street, Miami Beach. Open to the public and admission is free. www.miamibeachfl.gov

2008 Winter Party Festival - February 27th - March 3rd
The ocean will be your backdrop as DJ Joe Gauthreaux takes you on a fantastic musical journey at the 15th Annual Winter Party Beach Party on Sunday, March 2nd. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force invites you to join us and over 10,000 people from around the globe -- for the 2008 Winter Party Festival, February 27 to March 3, 2008, in Miami Beach. For tickets or more information, go to www.winterparty.com

Domestic-partner rights plan passes first Dade hurdle
Plans to create domestic-partnership rights in Miami-Dade County passed a first test Tuesday, winning a preliminary 8-4 vote by the County Commission. The `no' votes came from Commissioners José‚ "Pepe'' Diaz, Joe Martinez, Dorrin Rolle and Javier Souto. Commissioner Natacha Seijas was at the meeting but not on the dais for the vote. www.miamiherald.com

Cocktail Party with Nicole Henry at Van Dyke - Friday, February 29th
On Friday February 29th from 7:30pm to 11pm, local jazz legend Nicole Henry will perform at Lincoln Road's popular Van Dyke Cafe as a Winter Party Festival sanctioned event. Nicole will perform Jazz, and R&B with her Jazz trio. This event is the After Party for the Winter Party Runway Fashion Show at Euclid Circle on Lincoln Road. There is no cover charge for this event.
Van Dyke Cafe 846 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach www.winterparty.com

Martini Tuesdays 7 Year Anniversary at Cameo
And from newcomer to old-timer - in the most complimentary of ways -- congratulations to Edison Farrow, whose Martini Tuesdays party, the city's only nomadic weekly event for gay professionals, celebrates its seventh anniversary on Tuesday at Cameo featuring free Absolut from 9 -10 p.m., an underwear fashion show, Melissa Rodwell's awesome photo exhibit, The Boys Collection (which will have its own fete from 7-10 p.m. March 8 at the Independent Gallery at District Lab, 175 NW 22nd St.), and DJ Daisy D. If you're new in town or just haven't been feeling very shaken or stirred on Tuesday nights these past seven years, check out www.sobesocialclub.com. www.miamiherald.com

1,000 march in Oxnard in tribute to slain gay teen
The Goths in their black T-shirts were there. So were the punks with fluorescent hair and multiple piercings. There were even a few adolescent boys carrying skateboards among the nearly 1,000 Oxnard youth and other supporters who turned out Saturday for a hastily organized peace march to pay tribute to Lawrence King, 15, the Oxnard student shot to death in a classroom last week. "Larry, Larry, Larry!" the crowd chanted before marchers clasped hands in a moment of silence for the fallen student. www.latimes.com

"Two Fathers"
Terrence has two fathers. English subtitles) www.youtube.com

Miami Beach Mayor Bower creates gay-business development committee
Miami Beach Mayor Matti H. Bower’s first initiative of 2008 is to create a Gay Business Development Ad Hoc Committee to address a variety of issues critical to the future and welfare of Miami Beach's gay business and residential communities. www.miamiherald.com/gay

Gay 15 year old student declared brain dead
An Oxnard junior high student who was shot in the head by a classmate earlier this week was declared brain dead Wednesday, and the 14-year-old male suspect now faces a first-degree murder charge, authorities said. The teenager sometimes wore feminine clothing and makeup, and proclaimed he was gay, students said. "He would come to school in high-heeled boots, makeup, jewelry and painted nails -- the whole thing," said Michael Sweeney, 13, an eighth-grader. "That was freaking the guys out." www.latimes.com

SAVE THE DATE! Martini Tuesdays 7 Year Anniversary! - Tuesday, February 26th!
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 26th 9pm to 5am! The Martini Tuesdays 7 Year Anniversary will be an amazing event with a Photography Exhibit by Melissa Rodwell and an Underwear Fashion Show to be photographed that night for a 411 Magazine editorial spread. DJ Daisy D will be spinning! SEE FLYER AND DETAILS

The 15th Annual Shelley Novak Awards - Monday, February 25th
Every year, South Beach drag diva Shelley Novak brings local celebrities, fashionistas, and club kids together to celebrate the wonderful world of drag. This year’s Shelley Novak Awards will be co-hosted by infamous drag superstar, Adora, and will include over eight different award categories ranging from Most Comedic to Best New Comer. The awards show, which last about two hours, will include over-the-top performances by South Florida’s most talented drag superstars. The 15th Annual Shelley Novak Awards will take place for the first time at Score 727 Lincoln Road. The party starts at 10pm, the show begins at midnight.

The 15th Annual Shelley Novak Awards - Monday, February 25th
It's that time of the year again for local drag glitterati to get awarded for all of their glamorous work. It’s time for the 15th annual Shelley Novak Awards! www.the411mag.com

South Beach Food and Wine Festival - February 21st - 24th
The Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. Hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU), the festival benefits the Teaching Restaurant and the Southern Wine & Spirits Beverage Management Center, both located at FIU. Now in its seventh year, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival began as a one-day festival known as the Florida Extravaganza held at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus. For six years, the Florida Extravaganza showcased wines from national and international wineries paired with food from local restaurants and chefs working with students of FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. For tickets or more information, go to www.sobewineandfoodfest.com

Miami Oscar Party at Hotel Victor - Sunday, February 24th
Join us on the Red Carpet Sunday, February 24th at 6:30pm, and experience the Oscars in Celebrity Style. Come celebrate at Miami’s ONLY Oscar Night Party officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, presented by Hotel Victor, and benefiting The Miami Beach Cinematheque. 6:30pm: Red Carpet arrivals and cocktails. 8pm: Live telecast of the 80th annual Academy Awards on WPLG-Channel 10 with Master of Ceremonies Laurie Jennings. For tickets or more information, go to www.tix.com

In Florida: Is you neighbor anti-gay?
Type in your county and street and you can find out in a second which, if any of your neighbors believe they can protect heterosexual unions by forbidding committed gay couples from enjoying the legal and societal benefits of marriage. Never mind that gay marriage is already illegal under Florida law. You can search by name, too, which has allowed inquiring minds to find out which public officials have signed the petition. www.abcactionnews.com

Winter Party seeks volunteers
The 2008 Festival will span six days and include over 20 different events. None of this would be possible without the time and energy of hundreds of volunteers. Your participation will help put smiles on thousands of faces and raise vital funds for the LGBT community on both the local and national levels. To volunteer, go to the Winter Party Volunteer page. Complete and submit the online application and a member of our Executive Committee will be in touch with you soon. Volunteers receive a free ticket to the Beach Party as well as a free ticket to Blast Off!, our Thursday night dance event. Winter Party Volunteer

ACLU sues Fla. school over "rainbow ban"
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Jan. 31 against a rural Florida school district for allegedly denying students the right to wear or display rainbow-colored T-shirts or stickers, pink triangles or any message that supports gay rights — even if it just appears on the cover of a notebook. www.expressgaynews.com

John McCain Flip Flops on Gay Marriage
www.youtube.com

Andres Morochz hospitalized after accident left him immobile
On December 31st, 2007, while welcoming the New Year with his family in Ecuador, Andres dove into a pool and broke two vertebrae on his neck. Andres is only 33 years old and is now laying in his bed at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. He can't move his arms, fingers or legs.
His friends, coworkers and family are trying to collect money to cover the high medical costs. By donating, $10, $20 or more you will be making a difference is his life.
Below is a link with his story, please feel free to make your donation and forward this to all your friends. www.andresmorochz.com

Colin Farrell to be best man on gay brother's big day
Actor Colin Farrell is to be best man at his brother's civil partnership ceremony. Eamon Farrell, 35, is planning to marry his 23-year-old boyfriend Steven Mannion after a proposing to him in New York last year. www.pinknews.co.uk

Miami Beach Coldwell Banker Festival of the Arts 2008
The Miami Beach Coldwell Banker Festival of the Arts 2008, to be held February 9th & 10th at Ocean Terrace (East of Collins from 73rd to 75th Street) will be an enriching cultural arts experience with captivating activities for the whole family to enjoy! Admission is free. This signature community event for residents and visitors of the City of Miami Beach showcases the artwork of 150 artists from across the nation on exhibit with their paintings, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, and photographs. The artwork is juried and prestigious cash prizes are awarded. www.miamibeachfl.gov

Gay internet dating thief pleads not guilty
The last time Travelboy79 logged on to his Manhunt.com Internet account was more than two weeks ago. His enticing profile depicts a tall and lean headless torso flexing for the camera in the buff. "Lets have some fun," reads the header. "Just a normal 28 yr old looking for a guy to have some fun with. Maybe even have a date." Boasting a 6-foot-three athletic frame, green eyes, dark blond hair, and a penchant for being a top, the posting is likely to spark much interest among online cruising aficionados. But Travelboy79 is not available for action. He’s in the Broward County jail. www.expressgaynews.com

SAVE Dade helps pass Citizens Bill of Rights for transgender and sexual orientation
On Tuesday, voters in the City of Miami voted in favor of including a Citizens' Bill of Rights in the Miami City Charter, with about 80% of the vote. Among other provisions, the Bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.
SAVE Executive Director Heddy Pena said, "SAVE was pleased to help craft the inclusive language of this law. Discrimination in any form weakens communities; protecting people's rights strengthens communities. We are delighted that our hard work paid off once again, and that Miami-Dade now joins Miami Beach and other progressive communities nationwide in safeguarding the rights of transgender citizens." www.savedade.org

Spiegelworld, a burlesque, old-style circus
The circus has come to town — well, sort of. This winter, a magical tent appeared on Miami Beach’s Collins Park, but it wasn’t your normal circus tent. This tent, the Spiegeltent, is a throwback to the opulent tents constructed of canvas, cut glass, teak, mirrors, billowing velvet and brocade that served as the venues for traveling gypsies and burlesque shows that traveled from village to village across Europe in the last century. www.expressgaynews.com

Stunning model has sex change
With her long blonde hair and green eyes Katherine Dalton had a body most women would die for. She worked as a top model and starred in pop videos. Yet Katherine has now spent £30,000 on a sex-change operation after feeling trapped for years as a gay man in a woman's body. And in another amazing twist the ex-model, now known as Adrian, is dressing again as a woman at night - as she launches a new career as a drag act. www.sundaymirror.co.uk

Brian Antoni book signing "South Beach: The Novel" - Tuesday, February 12th 8pm
Brian spent the last twenty years researching South Beach: The Novel, working – at times -- as a doorman and bathroom attendant at South Beach ’s hippest clubs. He traveled illegally to Cuba to study the plight of refugees, interviewed numerous Holocaust survivors and visited Auswitch. To learn about the fashion business, he rented his house out for photo shoots. Bruce Weber shot part of an infamous Abercrombie and Fitch catalog at his house, in a photo story entitled "Can You Find Love in a House of Lust?" Helmut Newton shot porn star Vanessa Del Rio in his Florida Room in an advertisement for Taschen Books.
Books and Books 933 Lincoln Road www.brianantoni.com

Seeking real people for gay insurance ad
Nationwide Insurance has some representatives currently in Miami who are casting for their GLBT advertising campaign. If you are picked to be in one of their ads, the pay would be up to $1000. They are not looking for models, they are looking for real people of all types. So if you are intersted, feel free to contact Michael Lehman at 610.659.9272, or at michael.lehman@comcast.net

Foreman resigns as director of Task Force
Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force for the past five years, announced this week he is stepping down from his job in April to become head of the gay and lesbian program division of a San Francisco foundation that supports liberal social causes. www.washblade.com

Hump Wednesdays returns to Fort Lauderdale
The infamous Hump Wednesdays returns on Wednesday, January 30th. China White has been converted into JetSet and will be returning with Hump's staff DJ Chaos spins, Mizz Cori hosts, Rebecca Glasscock at the door, VIP hosted by Jordan Bailey, there's never a cover, open bar 'til midnight. www.jumponmarkslist.com

Silence the Hate '08 Fundraiser - Wednesday, January 30th 7-10pm
You are invited to Silence the Hate '08 a fundraiser for Gay American Heroes on Wednesday, January 30th at Halo 1625 Michigan Avenue from 7pm to 10pm. Join hosts Judge David Young, Chip Arndt and Scott Hall for this special event. Casual dress, drink spEcials, hors d'oeuvres. $40 donation. SEE FLYER

Book Signing John Leake's Entertaining Shades - Monday, January 28th
Join author John Leake for his book signing on Monday, January 28th at 6pm at Books & Books in Coral Gables and hear his brief and entertaining talk about his recently published book.
"Entering Hades" is the true story of an author, freelance journalist, and international serial killer. After murdering 11 women in three different countries on two different continents (and reporting on the crimes before he himself fell under suspicion) he was finally arrested on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, in February 1992. www.enteringhades.com

Seeking real people for gay insurance ad
Nationwide Insurance has some representatives currently in Miami who are casting for their GLBT advertising campaign. If you are picked to be in one of their ads, the pay would be up to $1000. They are not looking for models, they are looking for real people of all types. So if you are intersted, feel free to contact Michael Lehman at 610.659.9272, or at michael.lehman@comcast.net

High school won’t allow lecture by transgendered performer
As an adjunct to his show at the Arsht Center in Miami Jan. 25 and 26, female-to-male transgender performance artist Scott Turner Schofield will be leading a series of workshops in three Miami-Dade High Schools and at Pridelines Youth Services. Schofield’s work deals with finding one’s true identity and expressing one’s truth to the world. He thinks the message can make a positive difference in the lives of teenagers, who are constantly in the throes of identity crises. The administrators at North Miami Beach High School, Dr. Michael M. Krop High and Homestead High saw it that way too, and they allowed Schofield to speak at the schools. But at Coral Reef High in west Kendall, school leaders thought Schofield’s presentation was inappropriate for students. www.expressgaynews.com

New Bacteria Strain Is Striking Gay Men
A new, highly drug-resistant strain of the “flesh-eating” MRSA bacteria is being spread among gay men in San Francisco and Boston, researchers reported on Monday. In a study published online by the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, the bacteria seemed to be spread most easily through anal intercourse but also through casual skin-to-skin contact and touching contaminated surfaces. www.nytimes.com

Same-sex marriage ban may not make ballot
A proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Florida may not make it to voters this year, after organizers -- who proclaimed a month ago they had gotten it on the November ballot -- found out Monday they haven't collected enough signatures after all. A counting glitch -- which has the state pointing fingers at Miami-Dade County -- has resulted in Florida4Marriage.org falling 22,000 voter signatures short of the 611,000 needed to place the amendment on the ballot. www.miamiherald.com

Janet Jackson's new music video "Feedback"
www.youtube.com

Winter Party seeks volunteers for 2008
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force is looking for enthusiastic people to assist with the upcoming Winter Party Festival, taking place from February 27 to March 3. More than 400 volunteers are needed to assist with all aspects of this six-day celebration, including serving as greeters and bartenders, staffing the Welcome Center, working behind the scenes at receptions and fashion events, monitoring shuttle buses and setting up and striking more than 20 events. The volunteer shifts cover a wide range of events from dance parties to picnics and include exhibits on LGBT history and civil rights, an event for LGBTQ youth, a dinner for the transgender community and the Under One Sun Pool Party, among others.
No experience is necessary and volunteers who complete their tasks will receive a free ticket to the15th Annual Winter Party Beach Party, a $95 value. Those volunteering at the Beach Party can select alternative benefits. Additionally, all volunteers will be invited to a post-Festival appreciation party in late March or early April. For more information, go to www.winterparty.com

Coliseum Nightclub Closed
Brett Tannenbaum, one of Coliseum's owners has officially confirmed rumors that one of the most successful and longest running Gay nightclubs in South Florida history has closed. Mark's List regrets to announce that last Monday night's New Years Eve Party at Coliseum was the last. www.jumponmarkslist.com

"The Supper Club" New Friday Night for Women
Lynn Bove and Icandee Productions have just announced their newest event - The Supper Club, which will begin Friday, January 25th. Enjoy an evening of fine dining, live entertainment and dancing overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay. This event will take lace at Bleu Moon 1717 N. Bayshore Drive (Inside The Grand) Miami, FL 33132. For more information, go to www.icandeeproductions.com

"Becoming A Man In 127 EASY Steps" - Friday, January 25th
The Carnival Center & Tigertail Productions present the East Coast Premier ~ "Becoming A Man In 127 EASY Steps," starring Scott Turner Schofield on Friday, January 25th, at 8:00 P.M. in the Studio Theater at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts, 14th Street and Biscayne Blvd. For more information, go to www.tigertail.org

New H.I.V. Cases Drop but Rise in Young Gay Men
The number of new H.I.V. infections in men under 30 who have sex with men has increased sharply in New York City in the last five years, particularly among blacks and Hispanics, even as AIDS deaths and overall H.I.V. infection rates in the city have steadily declined.
New figures from the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene show that the annual number of new infections among black and Hispanic men who have sex with men rose 34 percent between 2001 and 2006, and rose for all men under 30 who have sex with men by 32 percent. www.nytimes.com

Upper East Side Green Market
Starting Saturday January 12th 9am to 3pm, there will be a Green Market in Legion Park at Biscayne Boulevard and 66th Street. More than 20 venors will be selling fresh fruits and vegtables, cut flowers, orchids, plants and trees, local honey, imported ethnic products, fresh baked bread, handmade soaps. The Green Market will continue every Saturday through March 15th.

Ethel Merman's Ghost Haunts Musical Theatre Fan in The Eleven O'Clock Number
Directed by Kevin Dean, the limited engagement will run December 31st through February 24th. The play, according to press notes, is described as "a metaphysical comedy about a die hard musical comedy nut whose life is turned upside down when Ethel Merman's ghost moves in with him and begins granting his every wish." The Eleven O'Clock Number was the winner of the Best New Play Award at Stage 3 in Sonora, CA and was first runner-up in the New Orleans Saints and Sinners New Play Competition.Rising Action Theatre is located at 840 E. Oakland Park Boulevard in Oakland Park, FL. For ticket information visit www.risingactiontheatre.com

Art Deco Weekend - January 18th - 20th
Art Deco Weekend 2008 will celebrate and explore the world of the Broadway theater throughout the 1930s and 40s. Anything Goes: Art Deco Taps Its Toes will feature films of the era's great musical comedies, lectures on the history of the New York theater, and a panel discussion by three of New York's biggest producers, looking at the state of the art today. This year's festival, the 31st annual event, will also include music and dance performances, classic cars, the "Arf" Deco dog parade, a Friday evening parade, art and antique vendors, and classic street food. www.mdpl.com

Global Gay Ski Weeks
Gay ski weeks have become a hugely successful part of the queer calendar and there are now a whole host of events to choose from that are taking place all over the globe! It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or if you can carve your way gracefully down the most challenging of black runs, there’s something for all levels of skier. www.rainbownetwork.com

Top 10 state and local gay stories of 2007
The Express dubbed 2006 "the Year of the Closet" — and among those who were found hiding behind the tie rack were a conservative Republican politician, Mark Foley, and a right-wing preacher, Ted Haggard. Well, in 2007, the closet was out and the bathroom was in for people who wanted to hide their sexuality. In fact, it was the year of public officials hiding their gay sexual proclivities from the public by having clandestine sex — in public. www.expressgaynews.com

Sugar Daddy Sundays - Downtown’s Coming Out
For seven years, Edison Farrow has been hosting his SoBe Social Club parties like Martini Tuesdays and Simple Life at Buck15, bringing the gays (and the straight girls who love them) to the nightclubs of South Beach. His success is partially marked by his insistence to march to his own beat -- literally. "It's tragic, the gay music they play at gay clubs," he says. "Gays used to be trendsetters, and we got stuck in this time warp 15 years ago and never got out of it. Now the music sounds like pots and pans. I hate gay-club music." www.miaminewtimes.com

South Beach's Mario de Armas is a new designer on TLC's Trading Spaces
See the trailer for his show. www.tlc.discovery.com

South Beach Comedy Festival - January 16th - 19th
Laughter will be as plentiful as the sand on South Beach when the third annual SOUTH BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL returns. The four day culturally diverse Festival takes place Wednesday, January 16th through Saturday, January 19th. Now in its third year, the SOUTH BEACH COMEDY FESTIVAL delivers another bold line-up featuring today’s top performers including one of the hottest stand-up acts pimp extraordinaire Katt Williams. The Festival will also feature Kathy Griffin, Dave Attell, Louis CK, Billy Eichner, Susie Essman, Raul González. In addition, the festival will feature another strong line-up of up and coming comedians nightly on its outdoor, free stage on Lincoln Road. For tickets or more information, go to www.southbeachcomedyfestival.com

Art Deco Weekend - Volunteers Needed!
A festival of this scale can only happen through the work of a committed core of volunteers. There are a wide variety of positions available, and the minimum commitment is just a single three to four hour shift. (However, many of our volunteers love to work throughout the festival, because it's a lot of fun!)
Like to join us, or simply need more information? Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kevin Doran, at 305-868-8433, or by email at volunteer@mdpl.org. Alternately, you can also call our office at 305-672-2014.

Is Florida marriage-ban vote designed to turn out GOP voters?
A proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage is headed directly to the November ballot — setting the stage for a vigorous battle between gay rights advocates and opponents. www.sun-sentinel.com

Boy Bar sold and under O'Zone management
The Boy Bar, on Normandy Island, has been sold. The former mangement of O'Zone has taken over the space and are will open on Thursday, December 27th with a new look and a new schedule of events. They plan to be open Thursday through Sunday.
Boy Bar 1220 Normandy Drive, Miami Beach FL 33141 305.864.BOYS

Gay-marriage ban will be on ballot
Florida voters, who have been asked in the past eight years to approve smaller class sizes, ban smoking in restaurants and allow slot machines in South Florida, will decide in the fall of 2008 whether to put Florida's ban on same-sex marriage in the state Constitution. The hot-button issue appears likely to spark an emotional debate from both sides and could likely prompt increased voter turnout during a year when Florida will once again become a battleground state in the presidential election. www.miamiherald.com

New Friday for Women at The Office
Pandora and Ultra Events present "The Weekly Gossip" Fridays at The Office 2701 Collins Avenue. 21 and over. Doors open at 10pm. For more information, go to www.pandoraultra.com

Will West Hollywood's The Abbey be coming to Miami?
The Abbey's owner David Cooley intends to build Abbeys in cities across the country, and has spent much of the past year scouting locations including San Diego, Phoenix, Miami, New York City, Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Las Vegas; the plan is for the first new Abbey to open in Chicago within a year. www.popnography.com

Job Opportunities at SAVE Dade
Next year during the presidential election, Florida will face a statewide constitutional amendment that would define marriage as between one man and one woman and also ban civil unions and domestic partnership registries which means it will also take away all domestic partner benefits currently received by some in our community. If Election Day were today, our polls tell us voters would pass the initiative by at least 10 percentage points.
SAVE Dade, the organization fighting for equal rights for LGBT people in Miami-Dade County , www.savedade.org, is currently searching for full-time, experienced staff to support its operations and its campaign. They are looking for an experienced Field Director, Field Organizer and Associate Director. Please see the job descriptions attached. For a full job description, go to www.savedade.com

Liza Minnelli Collapses
Liza Minnelli collapsed on stage during a performance in Sweden and was rushed back to the United States for medical treatment, a concert spokesman said Thursday. www.365gay.com

Winter Party Festival Entertainment Casting Call
Winter Party Festival invites you to become a part of the cast of performers. They are seeking local, national and international talent to fill positions as hot go go boys, yummy go go girls, fierce drag queens and kings, professional dancers, specialty acts such as stilt walkers and puppeteers to be visual entertainment at our signature dance events. There is no monetary compensation except free tickets to the dance events. Travel and lodging will not be provided. Some costumes will be provided.
Please send your contact information, photo, a full body picture, short video submission of your specialty work. Please send your information to damientwo@aol.com. Subject line "WPF Entertainment Casting Call". You can also apply by mail to The Task Force, Attn: WPF Director of Programming, 3510 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 206, Miami , Florida 33137. For more information, go to www.winterparty.com

Jodie Foster comes out, finally
After guarding her private life fiercely for 15 years, Hollywood actress Jodie Foster has publicly acknowledged her lesbian partner. The Oscar-winning actress thanked "my beautiful Cydney" after winning an award at the Women in Entertainment Power 100 breakfast in Los Angeles. She went on to praise Cydney Bernard, saying the film producer "sticks with me through all the rotten and the bliss". www.entertainment.timesonline.co.uk

Tommy Hilfiger coming store to South Beach
Look for the opening of a Tommy Hilfiger store coming to 616 Collins Avenue in South Beach. They are hoping for a Spring 2008 opening.

Ring in the new year at one of South Florida’s gay parties
Whether your thing is rock ‘n roll, disco, magic or a fund-raising party, South Florida is full of places to pop the cork and leap into the leap year of 2008 in style.
Read full article for a list of Miami and Fort Lauderdale options for NYE. www.expressgaynews.com

Rockstar Fridays is done! Sugar Daddy Sundays coming December 23rd!
Rockstar Fridays has ended in order to start a new night in an amazing location in Wynwood. This will be Edison Farrow and SoBe Social Club's first weekly party in Miami. We are crossing the bridge!
Sugar Daddy Sundays will be at Circa 28, a venue with 3 rooms. There is a Lounge on the first floor, a Dance Room upstairs and a Patio Bar. The space is set up similar to Jade Lounge. Look out for the Grand Opening on Sunday, December 23rd!

Ricky Martin Outed by Hollywood Skincare Guru Ole Henriksen?
Hollywood skincare guru Ole Henriksen's comments about Ricky Martin have been receiving international attention. In an interview with E's Ted Casablanca, Henriksen perhaps broke the client confidentiality rule when asked who he'd take on a romantic getaway (aside from his partner). Said Henriksen: "I’d go for Stig Tøfting [former Danish soccer player], but since he’s straight, I’d say my client Ricky Martin." www.towleroad.com

Miami Gay Men's Chorus Holiday Concert - December 14th - 16th
The Miami Gay Men's Chorus will present their annual holiday show "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" at the Colony Theater on Friday Decemeber 14th at 8pm, Saturday December 15th at 8pm and Sunday Decemeber 16th at 3pm. For tickets or more information, go to www.miamigaychorus.org

Sex And The City - movie trailer
www.youtube.com

Changes at Palace Food Bar on Ocean Drive
Rocky's Italian Ices has closed. It seems that they just packed up and ripped everything out (including the sinks from the walls) overnight leaving town with a trail of bounced checks and back rent due. They even stiffed employees for two or three weeks pay!
Also, Segafredo has taken over the kitchen at the Palace as of this week complete with an entire new menu including pizza. www.myspace.com/palacefoodbar

In Macho Argentina, a New Beacon for Gay Tourists
Home to the sexy tango and strapping meat-eaters, this South American capital has long been thought of as a bastion of macho attitudes. But a new hotel here is adding to the city’s growing image as a bastion of gay-friendliness. The Axel Hotel, a Spanish import that opened in November, has come to symbolize Buenos Aires’s increasingly aggressive effort to court gay dollars and euros. It is Latin America’s first luxury hotel built exclusively with gay customers in mind. www.nytimes.com

Unity on the Bay’s Annual Holiday Concert - December 14th
Awaken Your Holiday Spirit with Unity on the Bay’s Annual Holiday Concert on Friday, December 14th at 7:30pm at Unity on the Bay 411 NE 21st Street Miami, FL 33137 305.573.9191 two blocks east of Biscayne Blvd. Parking on 22nd Street. Admission: Love Offering (Donation).
New Times Magazine named Unity on the Bay Choir “Best Choir in Miami” for 2007. Our music ministry will be joined by Voces de Luz (Unity on the Bay Spanish Choir), The Universal Truth Center Mass Choir, and Voices of Intention from Unity of the Palm Beaches. This will be an unforgettable experience of festive holiday musical selections from the following genres: Traditional, Contemporary, Gospel, Spiritual, Classical. And for the first time ever, the Unity on the Bay Choir performs the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's Messiah.

MDGLCC Monthly Business Networker
MDGLCC Monthly Business Networker will be held at Chamber Member Napapijri 1008 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach 305.695.7301 on Friday, December 14th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and drinks during this special evening, plus Chamber Members get 20% off store merchandise, and, the Miami Gay Men's Chorus will preview their Holiday Concert at the Colony Theatre right down the block. A suggested donation of $10 per person is requested. All proceeds will benefit the Miami Gay Men's Chorus! For more information, call (305) 573-4000. For more information, go to www.gogaymiami.com

State high court rejects gay student's suit
Four years after Jeffrey Woodard was kicked out of Jupiter Christian School for being gay, the Florida Supreme Court slammed the door shut on his legal battle with the religious institution. In a one-paragraph ruling that baffled and disappointed