December 10, 2008 is “Day Without A Gay” a nationwide strike and economic boycott by all Gays, Lesbians and their allies (whether straight, bisexual or transgendered). LGBT workers, business owners, consumers and taxpayers contribute over $700 billion to the U.S. economy each year, so a nation-wide boycott will send a peaceful and affective message about the need for equality. December 10th was chosen as the date for this national action because it is also International Human Rights Day.

The name “Day Without A Gay” was inspired by the film “A Day Without A Mexican” (I just checked out the trailer, it looks awesome) and the 2006 national strike called “A Day Without Immigrants”, in which people fought for immigrant rights.

So what should you do (or not do) to takepart and join the “Day Without A Gay” movement? Supporters are encouraged not to call in sick to work, but rather are encouraged to call in “gay”–and donate your time to service. For more information and more ways to fight for gay rights, visit http://daywithoutagay.org/

1) Don’t Deport Me Scotty (Let’s Breakthrough)

For the Cinema YouTube Video of the Day, Click here>>

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On Wednesday The New York Times (and many other news outlets) reported on an immigration/borders story that I worry many folks missed. The below paragraph really says it all:

Securing the nation’s borders is so important, Congress says, that Michael Chertoff, the homeland security secretary, must have the power to ignore any laws that stand in the way of building a border fence. Any laws at all. Last week, Mr. Chertoff issued waivers suspending more than 30 laws he said could interfere with “the expeditious construction of barriers” in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. The list included laws protecting the environment, endangered species, migratory birds, the bald eagle, antiquities, farms, deserts, forests, Native American graves and religious freedom. [The New York Times]

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The TakePart Top 10 Weekly Roundup is a compilation of the week’s most notable stories from our entertainment-meets-social-action blogging network. Check out our most popular articles of the week on a variety of subjects, as well as a few TakePart blogger favorites.

Katie:

Dean Karmen Shows Steven Colbert How To Filter Water

St Patricks Day Goes Green with Green Beer: Top 10 Eco Beers

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Nicole:

East Meets West at Dubai Art Fair, But Shadow of Migrant Labor Remains

TakePart’s “I Am Voting For” Campaign Wants You To Vote the Issues

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Giulia:

Simon Cowell Gives Big

Scarlett Johansson Dates For Charity

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Gina:

Top 10 Easter Films

Top 10 Films That Have Helped to Frame the War in Iraq

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Kerry:

Aqua Colbert Massage In a Bottle

Dakota the Mummified Duckbilled Dinosaur Gets Its Rocks Off

East meets West at Art Dubai, the first annual contemporary art fair to take place in this dynamic city, where cultural partnerships and a stimulating dialogue on contemporary art are being fostered and enriched. The fair began on March 19th and will continue to run through March 22nd. Almost 70 galleries in 30 different countries are participating, including those in the Middle East, North America, South America, Africa and Australia. The UAE has already received much attention for being the future second home of the Louvre, and Dubai specifically for its chic cosmopolitan nightlife, glitzy hotels, and opulent skyscrapers.

On the margins of this cultural courting, however, are some headlining South Asian artists who feature themes in their work reminiscent of the UAE’s longstanding issues regarding migrant labor conditions and abuse.

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