Doubly Proud

This weekend the US celebrates its 232nd birthday and the (Atlanta) GLBT community celebrates its 37th (ish) annual pride. That means I'm double proud this weekend. Much like the beginnings of our country, the gay rights movement started with a few, dedicated activists who wouldn't tolerate unfair treatment from those in charge. For our founding fathers, the tyrant was the United Kingdon; for the early gay and lesbain movement it was the United States (the very country founded on the belief that "all men are created equal."). July 4th and Pride are both a time for us to reflect on the past and just how far we have come. It is also a time to look to the future and see just how far we have to go - both as a country and an individual minority within that country. This weekend as you watch the rainbow colors explode in the sky, spend a minute thinking about how proud you are to be an American, and much more pride you will feel when all her citizens are equal.

Stepping off my soapbox.

Let's party! This weekend will provide you with numerous options from parades, to artsts, celebrations, music and, of course, festival food! Check back tomorrow for Hot Gay Joe's Pride Picks - my list of the must-do events this weekend.

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

A Coke and a Penley

Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet artist Steve Penley at the new World of Coca-Cola (WOCC). He was there to celebrate his new-installed exhibit on the WOCC Pop Culture Gallery. His work replaces the Andy Warhol exhibit that has been there since the new World opened last year (more about that later). The exhibit is mostly Steve's take on the contour bottle in his signature style. There is also a piece that was commissioned for the new World of Coca-Cola's first anniversary that hangs in the gallery (see picture above).

This weekend there will be special events celebrating the first anniversary of the new WOCC, so if you and your family aren't part the more than 1.2 million visitors since the site opened last Memorial Day weekend in Pemberton Place, then this might just be your chance to go. Penley will also be there on Saturday and Sunday to sign autographs.

Boil me some meat!

Today we celebrate the eradication of snakes from Ireland, food coloring used in rivers and beers and three years of knowing Alex. You guessed it - St. Patrick's Day. When everyone has a little Irish in them (if they're lucky), and alcoholism is acceptable (in and around the Chicagoland area). In honor (or honour) of the day, I thought I would share my grandma's recipe for corned beef and cabbage. I'll be celebrating tonight with my family (our meat is in the crock pot as I type), so if you feel so inclined, corned beef is on sale at Kroger and the recipe is here!