Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Candi and Randy Show tonight - Holiday Happenings



On The Candi and Randy Show tonight we talk "Holiday Happenings" - music you love/hate to hear, do you shop early or late, favorite things to do, least favorite things about the holidays, traditions/memories, etc...

9pmEST/6pmPST tonight

Hit the link to tune in.

Or call in to listen or comment at 818-495-6931 - we love callers.

Strong political ad by Ron Paul against Newt Gingrich



Strongest argument against Newt I've seen yet.

This is a pretty good heads up as to the kinds of material out there ready to be used against Newt.

Attack on gay teen results in 90 day sentence



According to the Columbus Dispatch, a 15-year-old Ross County boy will serve 90 days in a juvenile detention center for the assault of a gay student that gained national attention after a cell phone video of the attack went viral on the Internet.

Levi Sever, 15, was sentenced yesterday after previously pleading guilty to a delinquency count of assault before Juvenile Court Judge Richard Ward. Sever was also ordered to undergo mental health counseling during his detention.

Sever has not attended school since the attack, but school officials have declined to discuss the discipline he received.

Zach Huston, 15, was assaulted on Oct. 17 in a classroom at Unioto High School, with the youth and his mother both saying he was targeted because he is gay. Huston and his mother both have stated school officials did not respond appropriately to their reports about bullying due to his sexual orientation.

Ellen's iPhone commercial with Siri

Sacha Harding, Britain's Manliest Man, bares all for Elton John's charity


Rugby star - and Britain's "Manliest Man" - Sacha Harding recently stripped down for a photo shoot and interview for the U.K. magazine Gay Times to support Elton John’s AIDS foundation.

“AIDS is such a devastating disease for so many people around the world and I was honored to get this opportunity to try and do my part to help raise awareness of the disease and ultimately save lives," Harding says.

Last year Harding, who plays with Bedford Blues, was also voted "Britain’s manliest man" after winning a nationwide competition organized by men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge.

Harding says he is happy to help a cause he believes in. “I know I’m going to get some stick from the lads at Bedford but it’s all good fun and the whole campaign has a very serious message which needs promoting,” he says.

Rugby star, "manliest man," LGBT ally, and activist - what's not to like?

Hottie of the day (year?): Ryan Gosling


Some folks were upset with People Magazine's choice of Bradley Cooper as "Sexiest Man Alive" this year instead of Ryan Gosling. 

People Magazine may have been trying to compensate for that by declaring Ryan "Mr. Hot Shots of 2011."

I can definitely see the attraction.

Josh Charles from TV's "The Good Wife" joins Americans for Marriage Equality



(from HRC)

"The SantaLand Diaries" to benefit Nevada's Golden Rainbow



Very funny play about being a Santa and elf for children at shopping malls during the holiday season.

Adapted for the stage by Joe Mantello and directed by City Life Magazine’s “Best of the Valley” Best Local Theater Director Christopher Kenney, “The Santaland Diaries” is David Sedaris’ send-up of his brief, misguided career as a Macy’s elf. The show skewers our sentimental love of all things Christmas – the happy children, the spritely elves, the gifts, the good cheer.

A portion of ticket sales the first weekend will benefit the Golden Rainbow Project here in Nevada, which offers support to those with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The play runs from December 1-11, 2011 at the Onyx Theatre in Las Vegas.

"It Gets Better" from the Premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty



My first marriage ceremony with Michael was in Ontario,Canada, in the city of Toronto. And it was not only the emotional experience we thought it would be, but I'll never forget the respect we were afforded.

We were married in Toronto shortly after marriage equality became a reality in Ontario in 2003. I was on tour with CHICAGO the Musical, and Michael had never been to Canada, so we planned that he would come visit during that time. With the new marriage law, I asked Michael to marry me thinking this might be the only time we would ever have a legal marriage ceremony and license. Even if it weren't valid in the US, we would know we did "something" legal.

It was my job to get the marriage license forms from City Hall as Michael wasn't in town yet. When I picked them up, no one blinked or acted in any way that seemed disrespectful. As a matter of fact, I was struck by - even at the early date in marriage equality's existence in Canada - that no one even hinted at "you know, this is new for us." The clerk at City Hall was warm and congratulated me on my upcoming ceremony.

We were married by Senior Justice Lauren Marshall in her chambers. The way things worked, you needed to find someone who could and would officiate the ceremony. Somehow I was led to Justice Marshall and I clearly remember how happy and supportive she was to be a part of our special day.

My second marriage in Palm Springs was just as wonderful. But I'll always remember how people in another country treated Michael and I with such respect and support at a time when marriage equality was still so new.

And I'll value how Canada was an early leader for the world in terms of marriage equality.

Chris Meloni may join next season of TRUE BLOOD?


Word is Chris Meloni, formerly of Law & Order: SVU may be joining True Blood.

TVLine has learned exclusively that the former Law & Order: SVU front man is circling what my sources are calling a “major role” in the show’s upcoming fifth season.

If a deal comes to pass, this would be a major casting coup for True Blood. It would also mark a high-profile return to the small screen for Meloni following his sudden departure from SVU last spring.
(source)

GOP nominees will have to face NH marriage equality issue


Republican presidential candidates are joining New Hampshire’s intensifying same-sex marriage debate -- whether they like it or not.

State lawmakers plan to take up a measure to repeal the law allowing same-sex couples to wed and a vote is expected at some point in January -- the same month New Hampshire holds the nation’s first Republican presidential primary contest.

The impending focus on marriage equality carries risk for several of White House contenders -- including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and former businessman Herman Cain -- whose inconsistencies on the topic are well documented.

The Republican candidates’ increasingly vocal support for "traditional marriage" also threatens to alienate a growing number of younger Republicans and independents here who support legal recognition of same-sex couples. That note of divisiveness could bode poorly for the eventual Republican challenger to Obama in the general election.

Romney was the Massachusetts governor when his state legalized same-sex marriage. The Romney administration, as directed by the courts, granted nearly 200 same-sex marriage requests for gay and lesbian couples in 2005.

This past June, he said during a debate that he favors a federal constitutional amendment banning the practice. That’s been his position at least since the beginning of his 2008 presidential bid, when he was the only major Republican candidate to support such an amendment.

But as a Massachusetts Senate candidate back in 1994, Romney told a Boston-area newspaper that same-sex marriage is "a state issue as you know -- the authorization of marriage on a same-sex basis falls under state jurisdiction."

Herman Cain told the Christian Broadcasting Network that federal legislation is necessary to protect traditional marriage. That seemed to be a direct contradiction from his statement of just six days earlier, when he told "Meet the Press" host David Gregory that states should be allowed to make up their own minds.

"I wouldn’t seek a constitutional ban for same sex marriage, but I am pro traditional marriage," Cain told Gregory.

In Rick Perry’s case, the Texas governor says he supports the New Hampshire repeal. But in July he said that New York’s move to legalize same-sex marriage was "fine by me." A week later, facing social conservative criticism, he walked back the comments.

"It’s fine with me that the state is using their sovereign right to decide an issue. Obviously gay marriage is not fine with me," he said then.

While I think most conservatives won't worry over the flip flops, come the general election these positions could come back to haunt the eventual GOP nominee in terms of some all important independent voters.

Time will tell.

Ethan Zohn: "Keep Moving Forward"


I met Ethan two years ago as I was ending my own cancer journey.

Not to be flip, but the label "survivor" is more than appropriate for this guy. He beat his cancer once, and I have no doubt his heart and spirit will win again.

I think it's important for people in the public eye like Ethan to make these kinds of PSAs so those coping with challenges like cancer can put a "face" on strength and victory.

Go Ethan!

And thank you.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

D.C. Architecture Firm Creates Gingerbread Las Vegas


An architecture firm located in Downtown D.C. created "Gingertown: Elf Vegas", a gingerbread representation of Sin City, for public viewing.

David M. Schwarz Architects created Elf Vegas out of sprinkles, jelly beans, and tons of other candies.

The exhibit, which is on display until Friday, December 2, in the lobby of the building at 1050 Connecticut Avenue in Northwest, will eventually be broken down and donated to local charities.

Check out more photos here.

Keeping The Beat: a teacher talks about schools and music education



In many ways, my "life" began in elementary school music classes. Without music classes, I would have never begun singing, which led to dancing, which led to acting, which led to my whole career. Arts programs - like music classes - not only help develop the artistic side of children but it gives kids confidence to own their own expression.

As schools face difficult budget cuts, arts programs across the country are now in danger. Losing them could deprive students of a valuable experience that they may not have a chance to have later. Many universities are facing their own budget problems, and it’s not easy for an accredited online college to lead a music class

Jay Chung, a Philadelphia music teacher, recently stood with President Obama and Vice President Biden and called on Congress to pass the American Jobs Act. The Jobs Act would help hire more teachers and improve school facilities across the country, among other things.

Watch Jay's story and see first-hand why the American Jobs Act is so important to schoolchildren in Pennsylvania.

United World Music Chart - is your favorite song on the chart?

Click pic to view larger
Alltime Track Chart based on the evaluation of all weekly charts of the United World Chart.

Some of these surprise me - #4 "Macarena"?  #3 "I Do It For You"?

Others make perfect sense - Elton's "Candle In The Wind", Whitney's "I Will Always Love You" and "You're The One That I Want"...  I get those.

Here's a link to the whole chart.

Thoughts?

Music video: "Vampire" - Jaymes Vaughan



Jaymes Vaughan, current lead singer and MC of the Chippendales in Las Vegas, released his first single "Vampire" and here's the music video.

Pretty impressive for a first release.

And of course, he's not bad to look at either.

:)

Barechested Matthew Morrison on the beach


Alrighty then!  Good morning!

Who knew he had that body under all those GLEE sweaters?

He's looking like Chippendales material here.

Video: Flying jetpack man versus jets



Yves "Jetman" Rossy, the world`s first jet-powered man, jumped off a helicopter with his rigid wing equipped with four jet engines.

Adjusting his trajectory and altitude by his body movements alone, he then performed aerobatic figures above the Swiss Alps in the company of two L-39C Albatros planes from the Breitling Jet Team, the world`s largest professional civilian aerobatics team performing on jets.

Dr. Conrad Murray sentenced to four years for death of Michael Jackson

From CNN: Conrad Murray was sentenced Tuesday to four years behind bars in the death of Michael Jackson.

Murray was convicted three weeks ago after a trial in which prosecutors successfully argued that Murray's reckless use of the surgical anesthetic propofol to help Jackson sleep, without proper monitoring equipment, led to the singer's death.

Gov. Brownback apologizes to teenager for overreacting


Last week, 18 year old Kansas high schooler Emma Sullivan met Governor Sam Brownback on a field trip. After her visit, Emma tweeted of her time with the anti-gay, anti-Palestinian, anti-evolution, anti-stem-cell-research governor:

"just made mean comments at gov brownback and told him he sucked, in person #heblowsalot"

Apparently, Emma Sullivan didn't actually tell Gov. Brownback that he "sucked, in person." Still, she thinks he sucks. So -- how did Gov. Brownback respond to this teenager's assault on his non-sucktitude? His staff contacted her school's principal. Emma was told to write a letter to the governor apologizing for voicing her opinions.

Now, Brownback has apologized for overreacting, LJ World reports:

Said Brownback: “My staff overreacted to this tweet, and for that I apologize. Freedom of speech is among our most treasured freedoms. I enjoyed speaking to the more than 100 students who participated in the Youth in Government Program at the Kansas Capitol. They are our future. I also want to thank the thousands of Kansas educators who remind us daily of our liberties, as well as the values of civility and decorum. Again, I apologize for our over-reaction.”

The paper adds:

Sullivan said she landed in the principal’s office for nearly an hour and was told she had embarrassed her school and district. Principal Krawitz told her to write a letter of apology. At first Sullivan said that she would but that she wasn’t sorry. Then she refused to apologize, and the Shawnee Mission school district earlier Monday issued a statement saying she didn’t have to.



“The district acknowledges a student’s right to freedom of speech and expression is constitutionally protected,” the district’s statement said, adding, “The issue has resulted in many teachable moments concerning the use of social media.”
(via Towleroad)

Miley Cyrus - a self-proclaimed "stoner"?

Miley Cyrus is a self-proclaimed "stoner?"

The Hannah Montana star turned 19 on Nov. 23, and celebrated with a birthday party thrown by pal Kelly Osbourne at Beacher's Madhouse at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

In a video of the private bash obtained by The Daily, Cyrus seemingly admits to being a fan of smoking marijuana.

"This is amazing," she says of a cake baked to look like known pot-smoker Bob Marley, which Osbourne presented to her friend. "You know you're a stoner when your friends make you a 'Bob Miley' cake. You know you smoke way too much f––ing weed."

Osbourne then takes the mic and tells the birthday girl, "I thought salvia was your problem, Miley."

While celebrating her 18th birthday last year, Cyrus was seen smoking salvia, a legal herb with hallucinogenic effects, from a bong at a party.

A rep for Cyrus responded Monday to the latest incident, saying, "This is so ridiculous. The cake was a joke, and Miley was being sarcastic."

And Osbourne Tweeted about it – concurring it was a joke: "let me make something very clear after @MileyCyrus salvia incident we started calling her bob miley as a JOKE!" she wrote.
(via People)

National Review: Herman Cain "reassessing" whether to stay in GOP race


Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee declared on Fox News that White’s charge was “the most damaging allegation that has been made, to date” about Cain.

Fox host Sean Hannity, a prominent Cain booster, said the renewed scandal “chipped away at his likability” and “created doubt in people’s mind whether or not, quote, another shoe will drop.”

Iowa talk-radio host Steve Deace told POLITICO Tuesday morning that an equivocal, defensive statement Cain’s attorney issued Monday would be a “kill-shot to his campaign.”

“I think it just accelerates the rate of decline for Herman Cain. His handling of the previous allegations was embarrassing. Even more embarrassing is his lack of knowledge on virtually any issue other than his 9-9-9 plan,” said Deace, who told POLITICO earlier this month that Cain had made “inappropriate” comments to women on the staff of his show. “The statement from his lawyer is the likely kill-shot to his campaign. For an ordained Baptist minister to assert through his attorney that what happens in his private sex life doesn’t matter is preposterous.”

More at Politico

Monday, November 28, 2011

Controversial Film Director Ken Russell Dies At 84



The acclaimed, eccentric and polarizing British film director of Tommy, Women in Love and Altered States Ken Russell has died, after a series of strokes, at the age of 84.

He told NPR in 1991: "My films assault people, but that's because the images are potent. I don't have any gratuitous scenes in my films. They're actually integral to the plot."

Russell relished controversy, says his longtime producer Daniel Ireland.

"He lived for it," Ireland says. "Ken sort of celebrated being bad."

"He was very, very smart in picking actors. If you look all through his career — Glenda Jackson, Vanessa Redgrave — [he cast them] all at the beginnings of their careers."

Russell had an eye not just for strong actors who could handle his strong subjects, but material that shared his flamboyant sensibility.

He enjoyed one of his rare critical successes in 1975 with his adaptation of the Who's Tommy, a rock opera about bad acid trips and child molestation.

I love the "over the top" quality Russell brought to TOMMY. Ann Margret was fantastic in the movie, as was the entire cast.

British woman arrested for racist rant



From Raw Story: A 34-year-old woman has been arrested by the British Transport Police after a video surfaced of her berating ethic minorities during a tram ride, according to BBC News. (warning - explicit language)

In a video uploaded to YouTube on Sunday, the woman can be seen swearing at several passengers for not being British.

“None of you are fucking English,” she says while holding a young boy on her lap. “Get back to your own fucking [country.]… Britain is nothing now, Britain is fuckall.”

“You ain’t British, you’re black,” she shouted at one passenger who confronted her about her swearing.

Within 48 hours, the video received more than 350,000 views on YouTube.

British police arrested the woman on suspicion of a "racially-aggravated offense."

I believe in free speech, but is there good justification for THIS kind of speech?

Justin Bieber and Usher at The Today Show


For some reason, Justin is looking like Hilary Swank in "Boys Don't Cry" to me here.

Chippendales do Cyber Monday

Click pic to view larger
Even the Chippendales is offering a Cyber Monday offer - click here for the deal.

(now you know I wanted to post the cute pic, right?)

My thoughts on "Hair" from A Very Gaga Thanksgiving



So while I enjoy a lot of Lady Gaga, I may not be the biggest 'little monster' out here.

BUT - I loved this and I really encourage you to listen to her message here, and the lyrics.

When I hear some members of the LGBT community criticize the more "out there" gays and lesbians - whether it's their dress, their demeanor, or their hair - I cringe.

Somedays, I think one of the best parts of being gay is that those of us that are openly gay accept that we may be 'different.' In doing so, we acknowledge how truly different we ALL are. And that makes the world a better place.

I don't want a world where a Nazi regime encourages assimilation. Different colors, races, spices, flavors - and yes, hair - make this the interesting, brilliant, fantastic world it is.

And we're all just making our way through this bright, colorful world. The brighter it is, the clearer we can see which way to go.

Forward.

Progress at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre



Things are really moving along in the building of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Australia. Take a look at the pics.

The hope is to open sometime mid-2012. However, funds are still being raised to make that goal. To find out how to make a difference, go to oliviaappeal.com.

Homemade Implants - Frances Dilorinzo



Ok, I laughed out loud...

Joe Jonas - stache and shades in Mexico


I'm buying the look.  I like the shades and mustache.

Maybe I just like the 70s....?

New Herman Cain accuser steps forward - alleges 13 year affair


Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Atlanta reporter Dale Russell sat down with Ginger White, who had an amazing story to tell - she alleges a 13 year affair with Herman Cain while he was married.

“It was pretty simple,” White said. “It wasn't complicated. I was aware that he was married. And I was also aware I was involved in a very inappropriate situation, relationship.”

Russell also talks to Herman Cain, who denies the affair. Cain’s attorney, Lin Wood, released the following statement to just moments ago:

"Mr. Cain has been informed today that your television station plans to broadcast a story this evening in which a female will make an accusation that she engaged in a 13-year long physical relationship with Mr. Cain. This is not an accusation of harassment in the workplace – this is not an accusation of an assault - which are subject matters of legitimate inquiry to a political candidate.

Rather, this appears to be an accusation of private, alleged consensual conduct between adults - a subject matter which is not a proper subject of inquiry by the media or the public. No individual, whether a private citizen, a candidate for public office or a public official, should be questioned about his or her private sexual life. The public's right to know and the media's right to report has boundaries and most certainly those boundaries end outside of one's bedroom door.

Mr. Cain has alerted his wife to this new accusation and discussed it with her. He has no obligation to discuss these types of accusations publicly with the media and he will not do so even if his principled position is viewed unfavorably by members of the media."

This time, Herman Cain isn't waiting an accusers press conference to make news of the latest accusation made against him, going to CNN on Monday afternoon to announce: "This individual is going to accuse me of an affair for an extended period of time." Cain added, "We will respond" when specifics are known.

Stocks soar on Black Friday sales figures


A strong start to the U.S. shopping season and new hope for a far-reaching solution to Europe's debt crisis sent stocks sharply higher. The Dow Jones industrial average jumped 291 points, or 2.6 percent, to 11,523.

Retail stocks jumped Monday after a record number of shoppers bought gifts over Thanksgiving weekend, a make-or-break time for many retailers. For the past six years, Black Friday has been the biggest retail sales day of the year.

European markets also soared as leaders there discussed new approaches for containing the region's debt troubles. Investors hope the recent spike in borrowing costs for European countries will spur the region's leaders to take decisive action.

Top Marine acknowledges smooth repeal of DADT

Since the lifting two months ago of a longstanding U.S. ban on gays serving openly in the military, U.S. Marines across the globe have adapted smoothly and embraced the change, says their top officer, Gen. James F. Amos, who previously had argued against repealing the ban during wartime.

"I'm very pleased with how it has gone," Amos said in an Associated Press interview during a week-long trip that included four days in Afghanistan.

A Defense Department spokeswoman, Cynthia O. Smith, said implementation of the repeal of the gay ban is proceeding smoothly across the military.

"We attribute this success to our comprehensive pre-repeal training program, combined with the continued close monitoring and enforcement of standards by our military leaders at all levels," Smith said.

Broadway: Gypsy of the Year 2011

Called "the season's most dazzling talent show," Gypsy of the Year is easily the biggest party in town with appearances by dozens of Broadway and Off-Broadway's most popular shows and performers.

This year, a rollicking opening number will feature a reunion of the original cast of Grease in a special 40-year anniversary tribute. Among the stars returning to the stage from one of the most popular musicals in Broadway history are Barry Bostwick (Danny), Carole Demas (Sandy), Adrienne Barbeau (Betty Rizzo), Alan Paul (Teen Angel/Johnny Casino) and Walter Bobbie (Roger).

Also joining the opening number reunion are original cast members Don Billett (Vince Fontaine), James Canning (Doody), Daniel Douglas (Burger Palace Boy), Katie Hanley (Marty), Tom Harris (Eugene Florczyk), Ilene Kristen (Patty Simcox), Joy Rinaldi (Pink Lady) and Mews Small (Frenchy).

Gypsy of the Year is the culmination of six weeks of intensive fundraising by Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies. It's also a sensational display of the most talented singers and dancers in the chorus of shows (known as "gypsies"). Awards are presented to the top fundraisers and for the best presentation during the two shows.

Last year, Gypsy of the Year raised $3,776,720, pushing the competition's 22-year total to $44,136,720.  I was thrilled to be a part of the opening number last year that honored Carol Channing.



If you are in NYC on December 5 or 6, go see this amazing theatrical experience.

Monday, December 5, 4:30 pm
Tuesday, December 6, 2 pm
New Amsterdam Theatre
214 West 42nd Street, NYC

Click here for more info.

Mitt Romney vs Mitt Romney



You know, when you flip flop as much as he has in front of cameras, this is what you get.

Holiday CD: Vanessa Williams Holiday Collection


Easily one of my favorite CDs for Christmas - Vanessa Williams' Christmas Collection is the perfect thing to put you in the mood for the holidays.

With a perfect balance of traditional versions of carols blended with soulful, gospel tinged interpretations, Vanessa brings the Christmas spirit to your holiday library.  This is a real singer.

GLEE's Darren Criss gets ready for Broadway - "How To Succeed in Business..."



Darren Criss, breakout star of Fox's Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning smash hit television show "GLEE", will make his Broadway debut as J. Pierrepont Finch in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING, performing a strictly limited three week engagement from January 3, through January 22, 2012.

He will replace Daniel Radcliffe, who will play his final performance on Sunday, January 1, 2012.

Tickets for Mr. Criss' engagement in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING are now on sale. Go behind the scenes of his recent photo shoot!

Congressman Barney Frank will not seek reelection


From CNN: Massachusetts congressman Barney Frank, a prominent 16-term liberal Democrat and arch-enemy of political conservatives nationwide, will announce Monday he does not intend to seek re-election in 2012, according to a statement from Frank's office.

The Massachusetts Democrat is one of four openly gay members of Congress. The other three are Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and David Cicilline (D-R.I.) Baldwin is leaving her seat to pursue a run for U.S. Senate, but gay candidate Mark Pocan is seeking to replace her.

Frank, 71, was first elected in 1980 and serves as the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee. When Democrats held control of the House during the 111th Congress, he led the way as a chairman of the committee for the passage of major financial reform legislation known as Dodd-Frank.

Reactions from across the political spectrum:

President Barack Obama: "This country has never had a Congressman like Barney Frank, and the House of Representatives will not be the same without him. For over 30 years, Barney has been a fierce advocate for the people of Massachusetts and Americans everywhere who needed a voice. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of families and businesses and helped make housing more affordable. He has stood up for the rights of LGBT Americans and fought to end discrimination against them. And it is only thanks to his leadership that we were able to pass the most sweeping financial reform in history designed to protect consumers and prevent the kind of excessive risk-taking that led to the financial crisis from ever happening again."

Human Rights Campaign: “Barney Frank has exemplified true leadership over his more than 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. As the first openly gay Member of Congress, Barney defied stereotypes and kicked doors open for LGBT Americans. Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act would never have happened without his leadership.”

Freedom To Marry: “As a public servant, Barney Frank has been an inspiration and a giant in an age where we've had few, and losing him as a leader in Congress and in public debate will be a painful blow for the country. Barney's excellence in shaping legislation and unparalleled voice in battling many of the wrong turns the country has taken have made extraordinary contributions to the history of our times."

Ever feel like this...?

Sunday, November 27, 2011

The Candi and Randy Show tonight - "30 Things To Do with a Naked Man"


Tonight we'll be chatting about 30+ things to do with a naked man.  Any thoughts?

Click here to listen or call in at (818) 495-6931

Lab pups get first taste of freedom in US

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy


Thank you Beagle Freedom Project.

And happy holidays to these deserving pups!

Dogs rule.

Tweet of the day: Dogs rule


Dogs rule.

Holiday CD of the day: "Holiday Spirits" from Straight No Chaser


Love these guys and their music.  Long before GLEE introduced the world to the "Warblers" - we had Straight No Chaser.

If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses… think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. As original member Randy Stine comments, “We take the music very seriously; we just don’t take ourselves too seriously.” In the process, they are reinventing the idea of a cappella on the modern pop landscape.

The group originally came together in the fall of 1996 at IU, basically as "10 guys who happened to be good friends who also liked to sing." Choosing the members carefully for personality as well as vocal talent -- Stine, Mechling, Jerome Collins, David Roberts and Walter Chase remain from the original lineup -- SNC set itself apart from other a cappella groups with its contemporary repertoire and dynamic approach, quickly headlining concerts both in Bloomington and on road dates.

They have a great sound AND a sense of humor that really entertains - see their live version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" below - viewed over 13 million times on youtube.

Check out their CDs here.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

John Denver: A Rocky Mountain High Concert Celebration



A heartfelt tribute to John Denver: the man, the myth and the music at the First Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado.

Hosted by Olivia Newton John with performances by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Oates, Lee Ann Womack, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and many more.

HDNet Concerts is pleased to present John Denver: A Rocky Mountain High Concert Celebration on November 27th, 2011, only on HDNet.

Black Friday 2011 sales hit record


Retail sales on Black Friday climbed 6.6% this year to an estimated $11.4 billion, according to ShopperTrak, which counts foot traffic at malls and stores. Last year, sales climbed just 0.3% to $10.7 billion, which was a record one-day sales amount at the time, according to the company.

"This is the largest year-over-year gain in ShopperTrak's National Retail Sales Estimate for Black Friday since the 8.3 percent increase we saw between 2007 and 2006," said ShopperTrak founder Bill Martin. "Still, it's just one day. It remains to be seen whether consumers will sustain this behavior through the holiday shopping season."

However, sales have been strong throughout the entire month of November with retailers rolling out holiday deals earlier than ever. In the two weeks leading up to the week of Black Friday, retail sales were up 3.6% and 3.8%, respectively, ShopperTrak reported.

Online sales have also proven to be strong, with many big-box retailers and department stores offering deals online earlier this year.

More at CNN.

Walmart "pepper spray" customer turns herself in


A southern California woman turned herself in to authorities as the person who pepper sprayed video-game shoppers in a Walmart during Black Friday's shopping frenzy, Los Angeles police said Saturday.

The woman has not been charged because detectives are continuing their investigation into the incident that required firefighters to treat 10 people for exposure to pepper spray, authorities said.

"We have her identity and we know who she is and where she is at. When appropriate action needs to be taken, we know where to find her," said Officer Bruce Borihanh, a police spokesman. "She's a suspect, but she's not booked or anything, so we're not releasing her name.

The pepper-spraying incident, which occurred in a Walmart in the nearby Los Angeles neighborhood of Porter Ranch, occurred Thursday night.

Black Friday shopping was marked by violence in at least seven states, including California.

At the Walmart in Porter Ranch, the pepper-spraying incident occurred when a woman doused fellow shoppers with the spray as people were grabbing for Xbox video game consoles, police said.

The suspect was able to pay for her purchases and leave the store before police arrived, authorities said.

One witness to the incident, Juan Castro, said he and other shoppers were hunting for "deals," when a woman began using pepper spray. He was trying to buy a Wii video game at $20, marked down from a typical $60, he said.

"I don't know if she felt threatened or she felt she had to do that to get what she wanted," Castro told CNN on Friday.

Violent incidents also occurred in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, New York, Alabama and Connecticut, with most of the reported incidents happening at or near Walmart stores.

"If they enforced bank regulation like they do park rules..."

Sunday Song: "Every Time It Snows"



One of my favorite 'new' holiday songs, from two of my favorite singers, Olivia Newton-John & Jon Secada.

Happy Holidays!

David Drake in "A Very Tawny Christmas"


Just in time for the holidays, Obie Award winning actor/writer/director David Drake announces his latest theatrical creation!

"Tawny Heatherton" will make her cabaret debut on December 23rd at the Crown & Anchor in Provincetown. Spread the word! We're gonna have a BLAST! — with John Thomas and Tawny Heatherton.

This is a "not to be missed" event! Make sure you attend! You'll be able to say "I was there when..."

And please remember I told you so.

:)

George Michael's condition apparently worsens


George Michael was transported from his hotel in Vienna to Vienna AKH general hospital last night. The AKH is the largest hospital in Europe.

He is reportedly in intensive care as a result of heart problems believed to be caused by the shortage of oxygen caused by his pneumonia.

Head doctor from the nearby Otto Wagner Hospital, Norbert Vetter, said that the reason a person with a lung problem was being treated in the cardiac unit probably lay in the fact that if there was a lung problem - and not enough oxygen being taken into the body - then that could affect the heart especially if the heart had already been damaged in some way. He added in the worst case the heart could cease to function.

A spokesman from his management would only confirm that his condition is "bad."

UPDATE 11/27/11: George Michael's partner, Fadi Fawaz, who is keeping a bedside vigil, said George is not going to die and is getting better by the day.  “He is improving every day."

Fadi spoke Sunday from Vienna, Austria.


“There is nothing to be concerned about. He is doing fine. We are very happy. He is doing extremely well and coming back from everything. We are very pleased.  All I can say is he is really improving, everything is going right. He is doing very well.”

Morning Joe - November 26, 2011

The 12 Gays of Christmas



Stay with it, it's gets better and better the farther along it goes....

Friday, November 25, 2011

Dogs Rule



From Mark Salling of GLEE.

Dogs rule.

Almost Naked Workout Tip of the Week



From Andrew Christian's Almost Naked Blog.

Thank you Andrew. I feel better already.

Recipe: What to make for those upcoming holiday parties?


From a favorite blog of mine, Cheftainment: a terrific "quick and easy" recipe for Garlic & Roasted Red Pepper Hummus.

So easy, and very tasty.  So good, people will think you bought it from an expensive specialty food store - only better.

Whatever happened to Michele Bachmann?



This is just so well done - I love it.

From the folks who bring you "The Campaign in 100 seconds."

For your viewing pleasure.

Does this seem fair or ethical?

Click pic to view larger

DVD: "The Green"


Reminiscent of Doubt and The Children’s Hour, this fall’s must-see gay film - "The Green" - is now on DVD.

Penned by out Verizon pitchman Paul Marcarelli, out director Steven Williford’s earnest drama stars the arresting Jason Butler Harner as a gay teacher accused of inappropriate behavior with a male student.

Cheyenne Jackson’s terrific as the boyfriend, as is Julia Ormond as their lesbian lawyer.

For more info visit TheGreenTheMovie.com.

Documentary: 30 Years From Here



30 Years From Here examines the trials and tribulations the AIDS pandemic has created over the past 30 years.

The documentary looks at how this nondiscriminatory disease has affected many lives over many years. Hear personal accounts from people who were there in the beginning and have seen both the sorrow over lives lost and the hope generated by advances in medical research.

Activists, medical experts, and people who were on the ground describe their stories from the war on AIDS.

Interviewees include playwright Terrence McNally; activist and ACT UP found Larry Kramer; Marjorie Hill, CEO of Gay Men’s Health Crisis; physician Frank Spinelli; director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell; author, actor and activist David Drake; and radio talk show host Larry Flick.

For more info, got to heretv.com

Boycott The Salvation Army - help a charity without prejudice

As the holidays approach, the Salvation Army bell ringers are out in front of stores dunning shoppers for donations. If you care about gay rights, you'll skip their bucket in favor of a charity that doesn't actively discriminate against the LGBT community.

The Salvation Army has a history of active discrimination against gays and lesbians. Many LGBT people are rejected by the evangelical church charity because they're "sexually impure."

On its webpage, the group claims that "the services of The Salvation Army are available to all who qualify, without regard to sexual orientation." While the words are nice, their actions speak volumes. They blatantly ignore the position statement and deny LGBT people services unless they renounce their sexuality, end same-sex relationships, or, in some cases, attend services "open to all who confess Christ as Savior and who accept and abide by The Salvation Army's doctrine and discipline." In other words, if you're gay or lesbian, you don't qualify.

The organization also has a record of actively lobbying governments worldwide for anti-gay policies - including an attempt to make consensual gay sex illegal. (Yes, you're paying lobbyists with those donations.)

Instead of donating to the Salvation Army, choose a different charity that will help everyone without prejudice. Find a local secular charity - or here are some national organizations that provide help to anyone who needs it:

Goodwill (disabled and unemployed)
The Red Cross (medical and emergency relief)
Doctors Without Borders (medical and emergency relief)
Habitat for Humanity (homelessness and housing)

And if you are here in the Las Vegas area, my personal charity of choice, The Saint Therese Center, helps hundred of HIV/AIDS affected people every year - without judgement. I highly recommend you check them out and send your charity dollars there.

Occupy Black Friday


Instead of the "big box" major chain stores, spend you money at smaller, local stores and support your own community.

We hear a lot about how "this" or "that" affects the small business owner.  Republicans especially love to talk about helping the small business owner.  This time, they are right.  Time to put our wallets where our mouth is and do so.  If you plan to spend today - go to a local small business and keep your dollars in the community.

Australia: "It's time"



Beautiful.

Just beautiful.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

What if: "a world without Facebook"

How Pop-Up Turkey Timers Work



Turkey is done when it reaches 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius). If you didn't have a pop-up timer, you could use a meat thermometer to figure out the temperature of the meat. But the pop-up timer, which often comes with a turkey that you buy at the grocery store, can be more fun because it is binary -- there's no trouble reading a pop-up timer because the answer is either "Yes" or "No"!
A pop-up timer found in a turkey or chicken normally has four parts:
•The outer case (typically white or light blue)
•The little stick that pops up (typically red)
•A spring
•A blob of soft metal similar to solder

On the left is a pop-up timer before cooking, and on the right is the same timer after it has popped up.

The soft metal (shown in gray in the diagram) is solid at room temperature and turns to a liquid (melts) at about 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius). When the metal turns to a liquid, it frees the end of the red stick that had been trapped in the metal. The spring pops the red stick up and you know the turkey is done!

I just love the screams

Morning Joe - November 24, 2011

Tweet of the day: JoeMyGod


Literally laughed out loud at this.  Knowing Joe's humor, you know exactly where this is going.

Martha Stewart pepper sprays a turkey



Remember, pepper spray is a food product, essentially...

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Miss Piggy vs Chelsea Handler



No guesses who wins this one...

:)

Holiday season in Los Angeles

Click pic to view larger

Live models in the Andrew Christian window...

Got to love Los Angeles.

The Candi and Randy Show - Reva Rice from STARLIGHT EXPRESS, FOSSE, CHICAGO and VEGAS THE SHOW

Reva Rice, currently starring in "Vegas The Show" will be talking about her Broadway career in FOSSE, CHICAGO, and STARLIGHT EXPRESS, her new role in VEGAS THE SHOW, her new CD and being nominated for a Broadway World Award for Lead Actress in Las Vegas. 9pmEST/6pmPST. Call in and talk to Reva!

9pmEST/6pmPST - November 23, 2011

Click here to listen or call in (818)495-6931

What do people think about Romney's ad taking President Obama out of context?



Mitt Romney recently released an ad that he and his campaign admit takes President Obama out of context. As a matter of fact, they seem pretty proud of themselves.

But voters and pundits don't seem to agree. The ad doesn't seem to help him, and in many quarters seems to have hurt his credibility in that he feels the need to twist things to make a point.

Things that make you go "hmmm..."

Thanksgiving wishes from me to you

"Beautiful" from the upcoming NBC series SMASH



Katherine McPhee sings "Beautiful" in this advance video from the upcoming NBC series SMASH about the journey of a cast and creative team bringing a production to Broadway.

Love the scenes on a real Broadway stage and in rehearsal rooms where I've actually auditioned.

The more I see about the project, the more I think I'll like it. I'm hoping the series gets close to the reality of what it's like to pursue a career on Broadway.

We'll see...

Wall Street's recession vs cost of securing Occupy Protests


The Associated Press has a story where it estimates the costs of police securing for the various ongoing protest occupations across the country. The AP roughly estimates that these occupations over two months in eighteen major cities cost taxpayers $13 million. Right-wing media outlets are already using this number to claim that the protests are too costly to maintain.

However, context is neccessary to put this number into perspective.

• The 2004 Republican National Committee protests, which lasted for a single week and took place in a single location, cost $50 million to secure.
• A small tea party rally in November 2010 that attracted only a few dozen people cost $14,000, paid for by official congressional money.
• The recession caused by Wall Street’s misdeeds destroyed $50 trillion of wealth globally by 2009, $20 trillion of that wealth in the United States alone.

Additionally, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cost $13 million every 40 minutes this year, and the multibillionaire magnate Koch Brothers increase their wealth by $13 million every eleven hours.

None of this invalidates a discussion about the costs of securing the protests, but it does put it in context.

Additionally, if the Associated Press wants to probe the costs of the demonstrations, it might also ask why police are using such expensive and heavy-handed tactics against demonstrators.

Video of the day: Couple makes out during news report of Spain elections



Check out the background at the :31 second mark.

Bravo!

(via joemygod)

Yes, Virginia, there are mean people like this out in the world...



Anti-gay Maggie Gallagher shows you how to defend your anti-gay, anti-equality views at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Can you believe she took the time to make this video?

Can you believe she let someone cut her hair like that?

Morning Joe - November 23, 2011

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Latest from Chippendales - November 2011



Great behind the scenes video of what it's like at Chippendales at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino.

Fox News viewers less informed about current events, poll shows

Fairleigh Dickinson University recently questioned 612 adults in New Jersey about how they get their news, offering as options traditional outlets like newspapers and local and national television news, or blogs, websites and even Comedy Central's "The Daily Show."

They then asked a series of factual questions about the major events of the last year, from the "Arab Spring" to the Republican race for president.

For example, respondents were first asked whether, opposition groups in Egypt had been successful in bringing down the Mubarak regime.

Among NPR listeners, 68% correctly said they had been; only 49% of Fox News viewers answered correctly.

In fact, the survey found, Fox viewers were 18 percentage points less likely to answer correctly than those who watched no news at all.

"The results show us that there is something about watching Fox News that leads people to do worse on these questions than those who don't watch any news at all," said Dan Cassino, a political science professor at Fairleigh Dickinson.

Those who watched Sunday public affairs shows tended to be the best informed on current events, the survey found. Readers of national newspapers also were more likely to respond correctly.

Jamey Rodemeyer's bullies will not be charged after his suicide

Police closed the Jamey Rodemeyer case today without prosecuting any of his bullies, saying they lacked proof he'd been harassed.

Rodemeyer killed himself in September after facing bullying that he "could never escape,” he said in posts on the Internet. But Amherst Police Chief John Askey said that despite the 14-year-old's complaints online about bullying, there wasn't enough evidence of what happened, and it couldn't be pinned to any single student.

"In most cases, you need a victim and a complaint," Askey told the Buffalo News, noting that he isn't satisfied with the outcome.

After their son's death, Rodemeyer's parents shared a story on the Today show of how their daughter had gone to a school dance to take her mind off the death of her brother only to be met with taunts of "better off dead." The superintendent identified the student responsible for the chants and issued a suspension, taking the punishment "to the fullest extent allowed under education law."

That appears to be where the punishment will stop in the Rodemeyer case. The superintendent said he planned more education about the effects of bullying.

More at the Advocate.com

FOX News' Megyn Kelly defends use of pepper spray at UC Davis, essentially

Last night, Fox News hosts Megyn Kelly and Bill O’Reilly attempted to defend a UC Davis police officer’s use of pepper spray against nonviolent protesters.

“I don’t think we have the right to Monday-morning quarterback the police,” O’Reilly said, “particularly at a place like UC Davis, which is a fairly liberal campus.” He didn’t explain why the abuse of violent force might be more necessary or justified against liberal students.

Kelly went even further in dismissing the suffering of students attacked by the pepper spray, speculating that it’s not that harmful because “it’s like a derivative of actual pepper. It’s a food product, essentially.”

That statement has created a new viral phrase all of the Twitter world. Here are a few of the best ones:

"Mustard gas: it's a hot dog condiment, essentially!"

"Unemployment: it's free vacation, essentially."

"Prison: it's free room and board, essentially!"

"Stonings: They're microdermabrasion, basically."

"Waterboarding: It's a really high-powered shower, essentially!"

"Beheadings: They're really close haircuts, essentially!"

"Yellow cake uranium is a dessert, essentially"

"Rape, it's just surprise sex, essentially."

Romney says "Let Us Just Raise Your Taxes Some More"

* accurate according to the Romney standard of accuracy


From ThinkProgress: Yesterday, Mitt Romney released his first campaign ad, which quotes President Obama saying “if we keep talking about the economy, we’re going to lose.”

But those weren’t Obama’s words; he was quoting a strategist for Sen. John McCain in 2008.

In response, the Romney campaign has defended this blatantly dishonest campaign tactic as “not out of bounds.”

Thus, ThinkProgress has created this completely in-bounds “advertisement” quoting Romney, in his own words.

Kinda funny, isn't it? Now - how do you think Mitt Romney feels knowing some people may hear him quoting others out of context, and think these are his thoughts?

Things that make you "hmmm..."

But remember - Mitt Romney's team says this is "not out of bounds."

Sarah Palin got in trouble for not making "non-candidacy" announcement on FOX News


Roger Ailes - FOX News chief apparently felt he didn't get his money's worth from Sarah Palin, the former half-term governor of Alaska.

Ailes wasn't mad that she chose not to run. Apparently he was livid that Palin made the October 5 announcement on Mark Levin's conservative talk-radio program, robbing Fox News of an exclusive and a possible ratings bonanza.

From NY Magazine: Ailes was so mad, he considered pulling her off the air entirely until her $1 million annual contract expires in 2013. After the announcement, he called Fox's executive vice-president Bill Shine into a meeting. Shine is the network's principal point of contact with Palin. Ailes told him she had made a big mistake. "I paid her for two years to make this announcement on my network," Ailes pointedly told Shine.

The next decision for Palin is which GOP candidate she intends to endorse. Folks in FOX New circles say, if she wants to keep her contract intact, she would be wise to make the announcement on FOX.