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PHILADELPHIA: #LGBTMedia13

The view toward Philadelphia City Hall and the iconic William Penn statue. I arrived in the city last night for the fourth annual Haas Convening—follow #LGBTMedia13—a conference gathering the nation's leading LGBT journalists, editors, writers and bloggers for an update on research and political/policy developments around immigration, transgender specific issues,labor issues and international LGBT concerns.

The convening is underwritten by the San Francisco-based Evelyn and Walter Haas Jr. Fund and the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association. The host is Bilerico's Bil Browning, who previews this year's theme:

This year's convening is focusing on coalition building. We'll have presentations on immigration reform, international issues, the aging queer community, transgender-specific issues, and the labor movement. Philadelphia Mayor Nutter will address the group during lunch on Saturday while Cleve Jones and David Mixner will do a Q&A session at Friday night's reception and dinner.

Previous convenings were held in Houston, San Francisco and New York City. Bil has done a fantastic job planning this year's event. I'm on this year's advisory committee and have helped with invitations and programming over the last two months. I'll be speaking—between the occasional cough or sneeze—and am moderating a panel on Saturday.

All of the conference sessions on Saturday will be on the record and freely available. Feel free to submit questions via Twitter or Facebook using #LGBTmedia13.

Key West: Go-Go Boy Hotness!

PHOTOS: Troy Petenbrink

A sampling of the stripper hotness in gay and fabulous Key West, Florida during last week's Pride Celebration. These images were lensed by travel writer Troy Petenbrink from the Island House's "Hot Naked Sunday" ...

And from the "Mr. Pride 2012" contest at the Bourbon St. Pub....

Super-ab and bubble-tastic Casper and Justin are among the resident hotties at Bourbon Street. But if you're looking for more beef on the menu ...

A few more AFTER THE JUMP ......

Key West Morning: Royal Poinciana

One of the most beautiful sights across fabulous Key West, Florida are the ubiquitous Royal Poinciana or "Flamboyant" trees. They are native to tropical regions and characterized by a flamboyant display of vivid red, vermilion, orange and/or yellow flowers.

Gorgeous. The downside: The trees are in bloom in June and July ... and many of the locals say it's a chore to remove the flowers.

Key West Morning: Poolside at the Lighthouse Court Hotel

Slept in this morning and had brunch by the pool at the Lighthouse Court Hotel. It's located in the historic Old Town of gay and fabulous Key West, Florida. It's a quiet, relaxing and romantic property featuring a gorgeous pool and tropical gardens. The hotel has attracted an upscale mixed crowd of gays, young couples and families over Key West's Pride weekend.

It's been perfect pool weather over the last weekend down here in Key West. High 80s and very humid. The pool patio is usually quiet during the day, except for the early morning during the free continental breakfast. There's also a bar and cafe to the right.

The Lighthouse Court Hotel is ridiculously convenient at the intersection of Truman Avenue/US1 and Whitehead Avenue. It's adjacent to the Key West Lighthouse, directly across the street from the Ernest Hemingway House and only one block from Duval Street. The Southernmost Point of the United States is only 4 blocks away. The gay bars on Duval Street are only two or three blocks away.

Depending on your tastes, you can opt for a room or cottage on the first level facing Whitehead ...

A room on the patio or garden in the rear, or, something similar on an upper level.

The management at the Lighthouse Court Hotel has been gracious enough to present me with a fantastic location: The corner unit on the ground level—the same location as the Key West adverts! The lighthouse is only a few steps from my side window. The Hemingway House is directly in front. It also features a porch and two comfy wicker chairs. Nice to people watch and enjoy a late night drink or convo.

It's a spacious room featuring a California King bed, free wifi and a refrigerator. There are dozens of free cable channels on the 26" flat screen television. Very comfortable and very relaxing.

Key West Morning: Sunset Pier at the Gulf of Mexico

The brilliant morning view from the Sunset Pier at the Gulf of Mexico in Key West, Florida.

PHOTO: Welcome to Key West

A view toward the Atlantic Ocean on the drive into fabulous and gay Key West, Florida. It's a sweltering a 85+ degrees with 85+ percent humidity. 

Arrived last night for a five-day press trip courtesy of the Key West Business Guild. Haven't had much time to explore or take photos but that will happen soon. Running off now to find  some sunscreen ... and Latvian hotness Olav!

PHOTOS: Ethiopian 767 Lands on Bole Road in Addis Ababa?

If you're driving to Bole International Airport or the Millenium Conference Center in Addis Ababa, you'll definitely encounter this "767" touching down in traffic. The London Cafe is across Bole Road from the conference center. The bar is enshrouded in a gigantic, inflatable replica of an Ethiopian Airlines 767.

It's a tourist attraction and advertising for the airline. Fun concept ...

But notice the armed soldiers and street beggars outside. Those are the realities of life in Ethiopia.

Bole Road is the major commercial strip that connects Bole International Airport and the Millenium Conference Hall to downtown Addis Ababa. The mountains that surround Addis Ababa are in the background.

Jet Lag

Light posting today. Fighting a bad case of jet lag and a nasty cold (decompression?) ... plus on a digital deadline.

PHOTOS: Nile River and Lake Tana

The Nile River in Southern Sudan seen from above. One of its branches is the Blue Nile River which originates at Lake Tana, Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Highlands are in the background.

Addis Ababa Afternoon: Oil Libya

The most common petrol stations in Addis Ababa are Total and Oil Libya. This station was about one block south of the hotel on Gambia Street.

Petrol is relatively very expensive in Ethiopia. The price of petrol is approx 16 to 20 Birr per liter. There are 17 Birr per dollar, so the price of gas is about $4 to $5 a gallon. The same as what we pay in the States ... but the average income in Ethiopia is less than $1000 USD annually.

Another Oil Libya about three blocks away on Cameroon Street.