Washington DC residents awoke this morning to the sight of a giant AIDS ribbon hanging from the North Portico of the White House in observance of World AIDS Day. Established in 1988, the event occurs every December 1st to focus attention and raise awareness of the global AIDS epidemic.  While loathe to give the previous administration props for anything, the practice of hanging the ribbon actually began under former President George Bush in 2007.

Last Wednesday the White House issued a presidential Proclamation marking World AIDS Day, and held a press conference yesterday observing the event.

We here at Inside, Looking Out would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving! While it has been a difficult year for many, myself included, the new year is finally around the bend, hopefully bringing better and brighter times for us all.

It will be light posting over the holiday weekend, so I’ll leave you in good “Muppet” hands. The internet sensation guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

I’d like to take this time to wish all my readers a happy and prosperous Thanksgiving. I know we have a lot to be thankful for this year, our health, our families and friends, and honestly, employment, but for many these are difficult times. To them I wish the very best in the hope that better times are ahead.

While it is a joyful day, I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the horrible events and terrible loss of life in Mumbai, India over the last several hours. Our thoughts go out to them.

And finally, it was exactly 30 years ago today that Harvey Milk and George Moscone were assassinated by City Supervisor Dan White here in San Francisco. The anniversary of Harvey’s death is especially poignant due to the release of the film Milk yesterday. Please check it out over the long break. You won’t regret it.

Below is a NO on Prop 8 ad I somehow missed during the campaign. The audio is from one of Harvey Milk’s speeches. It’s pretty darn moving, and appropriate on this day of thanks, and much needed hope.

Gus Van Sant’s film Milk, based on the life of Harvey Milk, premiered tonight at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco. Harvey Milk was the first openly gay man elected to political office, but was later assassinated along with San Francisco mayor George Moscone in 1977. The movie stars Sean Penn as Harvey Milk, Josh Brolin, James Franco and Emile Hirsch and was filmed on location here in San Francisco. It is slated for limited release this Thanksgiving and nationwide a few weeks after.

While we are kicking ourselves now for not attending the premiere, but we did get some brief video of Sean Penn as he walked down the red carpet. Apologies in advance for the poor audio.

Here is the amazing trailer for the film.

The film is receiving substantial Oscar buzz, particularly Penn’s performance. Be sure to check it out.