"I am only here tonight because I've benefited from what they and so many others have done," said Cooper, who came out last summer, referring to activists like Russo and Larry Kramer.The Louis Vuitton newsman said that "being gay is certainly one of the greatest blessings" of his life, adding that "it opened my head and heart in ways that I never could have predicted."Past winners have included Suze Orman, Rosie O'Donnell, Elton John and Tom Ford.Film director Bret Ratner received the ignoble Ally Award, a little over a year after he used a pejorative term for gays at a news conference promoting his stint producing the Oscars.
Louis Vuitton, Prada, BMW, international sailors, yachts, champagne and celebrities -- these are a few of the things that make The America's Cup one of the most prestigious yacht races in the world. But here in San Francisco, the focus has been on city politics, the bird population and the disappointing news about pier 29.Would all this be happening if the fine citizens and businesses of San Francisco understood what an honor it is to have the races here in the Bay? With past locations such as Valencia Spain; Auckland, New Zealand; Fremantle, Australia and currently Naples, Italy, San Franciscans should be honored and excited about hosting the America's Cup in 2013.
What San Francisco should be doing is focusing on how we can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime international event and set politics and fears aside. True, due to the current economical situation in Europe, many of the great countries that once participated in the races are Outlet Louis Vuitton not able to do so this time.But, there are quite a few great yacht clubs that will be participating in the America's Cup races. Those include: Italy's Prada's Luna Rossa; The Royal Swedish Yacht Club sponsored by Artemis; The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club sponsored by three-time Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie (BAR); The China Team; Emirates Team New Zealand; Energy Team France; Green Comm Racing team representing Real Club Nautico de Valencia, Spain and Team Korea.