Today, the University of South Florida - USF (my Alma Mater) will be playing football against Florida State University - FSU for the first time EVER! It is exciting because USF is a fairly new team ... it did not exist while I was there. My younger sis went to FSU, so today is a bit of an in-home rivalry (well...maybe a little more than usual...) Update: USF beat FSU with the score of 17 to 7 ..... BOOOYA! (My sis wasn't too happy ...)

Mr. S., mom, sis, the kid and my cuz will be going to a family BBQ at the Ruiz family home ... It is becoming a new tradition. They have had one about every 3 months with my family and their family. Lots of food and chatter....

Sunday, the Grand Dame of South Beach, Henrietta, will be celebrating her 51st year of being on the Beach. She is full of life, great stories and tid bits of history. The party begins at midnight at Twist in Bar 5. She will be catering it herself (she spent the week prepping and cooking). Mr and Mrs Astor are sure to be called out as official escorts. I hope everyone gets a power nap in the afternoon ... Henrietta can outlast almost anyone.

Enjoy the weekend!

We're off to see the Wizard....

The Wizard of Oz is being shown as a special event at the Regal Cinemas for it's 70th Anniversary. We are planning to get a group to go see the High Definition Screening of this classic film.

Our friend, Kendall, has never seen the entire film. Mr. S told him he had to give back his "Gay Card" ... I in turn told Mr. S he would have to turn his card in because he has never seen The Sound of Music.

I'm thinking The Mrs Astor needs to get the "must see" list going again and we will have to have movie nights. Then, if you attend all the screenings, you will receive your official "Gay Card" (or "Gay Friendly Card" for others).

The Screening is on Wednesday, September 23, 2009

7:00 PM, $10.00 General Admission

We will be going to the Regal South Beach Cinema on Lincoln Rd and Alton.

Note: I am threatening Mr. S with me borrowing Stephanie's "Wizard of Oz" doll collection and using then during the film ... don't think I will really do it, but it's great to see the expression on his face when I mention it.

Lights, Camera, Dinner!

Tonight, Mr S. and I are going to the home of Judge David Young and his partner, Judge Scott Bernstein. It is a potluck dinner with the members of the committee for the Miami Recognition Dinner. We will also be filming a video with the members to show at the event (and maybe other events) to talk about the Gay and Lesbian Task Force (The Task Force).

Judge Young is a great supporter of all our local events and has hosted for us before. He is very witty and sometimes a little risque, but always gracious and welcoming.

Mr. S will be making his Grandma's bread pudding with the Whiskey Sauce. I'll have to keep an eye on him ... they might kidnap him after they get a taste of it. It is the recipe that got my mom liking him.....

Have a blessed day!

Judy Shepard - Book signing

Judy Shepard will be discussing and signing "The Meaning of Matthew" (Hudson Street Press, $25.95) on Monday, September 14, 7pm at Books & Books, Miami Beach.

This is being presented in collaboration with Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Today, the name Matthew Shepard is synonymous with gay rights, but before his grisly murder in 1998, Matthew was simply Judy Shepard's son. For the first time in book form, Judy Shepard speaks about her loss, sharing memories of Matthew, their life as a typical American family, and the pivotal event in the small college town that changed everything. The Meaning of Matthew follows the Shepard family in the days immediately after the crime, when Judy and her husband traveled to see their incapacitated son, kept alive by life support machines; how the Shepards learned of the incredible response from strangers all across America who held candlelit vigils and memorial services for their child; and finally, how they struggled to navigate the legal system as Matthew's murderers were on trial. Heart-wrenchingly honest, Judy Shepard confides with readers about how she handled the crippling loss of her child, why she became a gay rights activist, and the challenges and rewards of raising a gay child in America today. The Meaning of Matthew not only captures the historical significance and complicated civil rights issues surrounding one young man's life and death, but it also chronicles one ordinary woman's struggle to cope with the unthinkable. About the Author JUDY SHEPARD is cofounder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, which is dedicated to social justice, diversity awareness and education, and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. Shepard speaks across the country on behalf of the foundation.

NOTE: I visited the site in Wyoming while I was at the Episcopal Youth Event a few years back. The youth actually held a memorial service there also.

Books and Books, 927 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

305-532-3222

THE CAFÉ at Books & Books305.695.8898

Store & Café Hours:Sun.-Thurs. 10am-11pmFri.-Sat. 10am-Midnight

Posted Pictures

FYI: I have posted in my Facebook page pictures from the Petshop Boys concert and the 3rd Annual 9-11 Walk and Vigil for Peace. Enjoy!

My Facebook is: Luis A. Rodriguez

Who let the bugs out!

Saturday, I will be spending time with the Church Youth moving all our stuff from one Public Storage Unit to a more accessable Public Storage Unit that is closer to us. This will involve purging items that have outlived their usefullness to us, but will be given to those who can use them. Then, feeding all the youth that are coming to assist .....

Will be staying at a friend's condo this Sunday to Wednesday with Mr. S while the apartment building is being tented. It was planned for last week, but everyone needs to find accomodations for at least 2 days, empty out the food, take out the plants ... and if needed, find a place that will take pets. (There are many dog owners in the building and they have been grumbling since the notice was given last month.)

We'll make the best of it. Maybe invite some people over for dinner or some cocktails so they can enjoy the view or maybe the pool... we'll play that by ear.

Hmm? Maybe a poker or game night?....

Have a good week!

TV Appearance - Father Cutie

Ruhama Buni Canellis, Father Alberto Cutie and Canellis's Son

TV appearance - On Friday, Sept. 11, at 4 p.m., on CBS stations, the Oprah Winfrey Show is scheduled to air an interview with Fr. Alberto Cutié, Lay Pastor at Church of the Resurrection, Biscayne Park, about his move from the Roman Catholic Church into the Episcopal Church.

Note: Father Alberto did marry Ms. Canellis in a private ceremony at the Ancient Spanish Monastery of St. Bernard, Miami, FL (an Episcopal Church). He is currently working as a "lay pastor". He will still have to "jump through some hoops" to be re-ordained as priest in the Episcopal Church.

Petshop Boys

Tomorrow, Mr S and I will be dressing up and going to the Fillmore at the Jackie Gleason (Miami, Beach) to see Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe perform. They are popularly known as the duo "The Petshop Boys".

I have seen them once before at the Jackie Gleason Theater before the transformation to the Fillmore. I think this one will have better sound, as the the theater is now a more intimate setting and set more for concerts than for stage plays and musicals. I am sure they will not disappoint.

I'm sure we will have a great time. Enjoy the day!

Update: Mr and Mrs Astor will also be attending the concert .... Hmm?

Pre-concert Happy Hour?

Labor Day Weekend 2009

This weekend is supposed to mark the end of the summer, but being in Southeast Florida, that means little to us. I do not recall one Labor Day when we have not had a bit of rain. We are in the middle of "The H-word" season and have been fortunate so far.

I have lots of things on my schedule, but will filter out some. Friday, I will be joining a group from the Task Force for lunch at the Taste Bakery just off Lincoln Road. After, I will assist Mr. S. with a project and then we will most likely hit Twist for Happy Hour.

Saturday will be our in house Labor Day ... laundry, cleaning ... Mr. S. might have to work that day. Maybe a movie ... we'll see. Have to get things cleared as they will be tenting Mr S's apartment building for 2 days next week.

Sunday, weather permitting, we are invited by Alan and Darren to a pool party at the Tides. We will play the rest of the afternoon by ear ... one never knows what direction the guests and the hosts will take after a few adult beverages and some instigating by the pool.

Monday Mr S has to work and I will most likely assist if needed. Tiffany (and special guests) will be hosting a party at the Palace for her 5th anniversary as a performer. I remember her first few performances at the Laundry Bar ... she's grown and come a long way.

The rest of the week I will be involved in meetings, getting ready for meetings, or just getting stuff done. It is all going to go by quickly from here .... Miami Recognition Dinner, Happening #25, Bill's 60th b-day, family events, Diocesan Convention .... I don't think I have a free Saturday until November.... But then, I do like being involved...

Have a fun and safe weekend!